Houston County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches (2 of 9 so headed), 1882

Rev. Alehbert P.Bunce is a native of Columbia county, Wisconsin, born in the town of Wyocena, in the year 1855. He is a son of Edwin S. Bunce, now in charge of the M. E. church at Witoka, Winona county. The subject of this sketch entered the Galesville University, Wisconsin, at the age of sixteen years, graduating in the class of 1875, after which he taught in the same one year. Then, after a residence of a short time in Minneapolis, he became converted and was licensed to preach. His first ministry was at La Crescent, where he assisted his father about a year, then was admitted to the M. E. Conference on trial, and sent to Granger, Fillmore county, remaining one year. On the 13th of September, 1879, Mr. Bunce was united in marriage with Miss Florence Barnard, of Florenceville, Iowa. They came to Caledonia the same fall, since which time Mr. Bunce has been pastor of the Methodist Church at this place, and and also has charge of a congregation at Portland Prairie. They have one child, Flora Pearl.

J. W. Cook, deceased, was a well known resident of Caledonia, having been an active politician and uniformly successful in every campaign until that of the election immediately preceding his death. This sad event occurred on Friday, the 23d of January, 1880, deliberately shooting himself, with fatal result, in the presence of his wife, or while she was in an adjoining room. He was a warm hearted and generous man, and had many noble qualities and a large number of friends. At the time of his death he was laboring under a hal- - lucination, leading him to believe that there were active conspiracies at work to compass his destruction. He was born in Massachusetts in 1838, and came to Caledonia in 1862. He was for six years Register of Deeds, and J udge of Provate for eight years, giving general satisfaction during his entire official life.

Frank A. BiiAiR is a son of Alexander and Sarah A. Blair, and was born in Vermont in 1847. In 1854, the family came to La Crosse, Wisconsin, where our subject was married in 1871, to Miss Emma Carlin. In 1875, they came to Caledonia, and Mr. Blair started in the lumber business. The company name is now Trask & Blair, Mr. Trask having entered the firm about two years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Blair are the parents of four

Da vtd L. Buell, a resident of this county since the spring of 1856, is a native of Colchester, New London county, Connecticut, where his birth occurred the 26th of May, 1831. He resided there until 1848, then went to Andover, Massachusetts, and attended the Phillips Academy until 1851. From this time until coming west his attention was given to teaching school and the study of law. He was united in marriage with Miss Harriet Bushnell, of Middlesex county, Connecticut, on the 10th of February, 1856, the oeremony taking place in Plymouth, Litchfield county. Mr. Buell spent his first summer in this county at Yucatan, and in December came to Caledonia, where he has since resided. He was admitted to the bar in 1863, and practiced law till 1870; was the first President of the Village Council, holding the office two years, that of Trustee three terms, and at present fills the latter position; also held the offices of Deputy Sheriff, Register of Deeds, and County Attorney. He was a member of the lower branch of the State Legislature in 1863, and of the Senate in 1866, '70, '71, '72, and 79. In 1871, he was a candidate for Lieutenant-Governor, and in 1875, ran against J. S. Pillsbury for Governor, receiving 35,275 votes to 47,073 for his opponent, which, considering the republican majority of the State, was a very flattering tribute to his merit. He is probably the largest land owner in Houston county, and has upwards of 1,000 acres under cultivation. Mr. and Mrs. Buell have four children living, three having died in infancy.

A. H. Belding is a native of Bock county, Wisconsin, born in the year 1838. He spent his early life in Janesville, and when fifteen years of age moved to Black Earth, Dane county, where he was engaged in teaching school. He came to Caledonia in 1859, and on the 12th of August, 1860, was married to Miss Frances A. Harper, of St. Louis. Mr. Belding enlisted in the army in 1864, and served one year. For the past fifteen years he has been engaged in mercantile pursuits in connection with teaching school; was principal of the graded schools from 1878 to 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Belding are the parents of four children living, and three are deceased.

John Bouquet was born in Luxemburg, Germany, in 1855. He came to America in 1862, with his father, Frank Bouquet, wno located a farm in this place and still resides here. Miss

Josephine Pallen became the wife of our subjeot on the 19th of October, 1880. In July, 1881, he took possession of the Wilber house, of which he is still proprietor.

William D. Belden is a native of South Hadley Falls, Massachusetts, born on the 13th of December, 1850, and came west with the family in 1854. After receiving a common school education he spent one year in the Caledonia College, and was afterward employed as principal of the graded schools. Then, after spending a year at the State University, he returned to this place in 1872, and revived the then suspended Collegiate institution, making it an independent school called the Caledonia Academy. This he conducted until the spring of 1880, when he moved to the mining regions of Colorado, remaining during the summer. On his return in the fall, he purchased the drug store of C. B. Cois, and now keeps the largest stock of drugs in the county; besides stationery, toilet articles, clocks, and jewelry. He was appointed County Superintendent of Schools, in 1876, but by reason of a special act of the legislature, changing the method of filling the office, he never served.

James J. Belden, father of the subject of our last sketch,is a native of Wethersfield, Connecticut, and dates his birth the 13th of September, 1822. At the age of fifteen years he removed to Meriden, and two years later to Hartford, where he learned the tinners' trade which has sinoe been his occupation. In 1849, he removed to South Hadley Falls, and on the 10th of January, 1850, was married to Miss Austis F. Dunbar, who has borne him three children, two of whom are living. In 1854 he came to this place. In 1855, he was appointed County Treasurer, and in 1856, Clerk of the District Court under Judge Welch, holding the office until the first election, in 1858, when he was elected to the position and re-elected in 1861. Since then he has been deputy Clerk of the Court for many years. He has also served as a member of the village board of trustees, and was a member of the school board for a number of years.

Andrew B. Clark was born on the 27th of November, 1853, in North Dumfries, Ontario, where he was reared on a farm. He went to Gait, Waterloo county, and learned the blacksmith trade, at which he was employed until removing to Detroit, Michigan, in 1874. On the 15th of April, 1878, he was married to Miss Eva K Holmes, who has borne him one child. He came the same year, from Lansing, Iowa, (having resided there six months), to Caledonia, where he has has since devoted his time to his trade, and since April, 1881, has carried on a shop of his own.

William M. Oollkran was born in Oxford, Bock county, Wisconsin, on the 11th of September, 1857. In 1865, his parents removed to Brownsville, where William attended the public schools, and afterward, the Commercial College of La Crosse, Wisconsin. For some years Mr. Colleran taught school and worked on a farm, until January, 1881, when he received the appointment of Deputy Treasurer, the duties of which office he discharges with much ability.

Ons E. Comstook was born in Chautauqua county, New York, on the 18th of February, 1848. In 1856, he came to Minnesota with his parents, who located in Yucatan, our subject remaining there till 1867. He then went to Missouri, and after a residence of about six years, returned to this State and located in Caledonia, which has since been his home. In September, 1879, Mrs. Armina M. Hall, a native of England, became his wife, the ceremony taking place in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Mr. Comstook was Deputy County Auditor eight months, and in 1876 was appointed Postmaster, which office he has since retained. In February, 1879, he purchased the "Journal" office, and in 1880, associated himself with F. B. Gregg, as assistant editor. James Ostrander succeeded Mr. Gregg in the business, having entered in July, 1881. Mr. Comstook was also Clerk of the Probate court for three years.

Wells E. Dunbab is one of the old settlers of Houston county. He was born in Suffield, Connecticut, on the 7th of July, 1837. After attending the common school he entered the Suffield Literary Institute, remaining until sixteen years of age. On the 9th of April, 1854, in company with some friends he arrived in Brownsville, Minnesota, and a year and a half later his parents followed him He soon took up the occupation of surveyor, and subsequently became County Surveyor of Houston county, and was also engaged in real estate and insurance business. Under President Johnson's regime and Grant's first term he was Postmaster at Caledonia. About 1865, he was married to Miss Alioe C. Dunbar, a second cousin, who also resided in Caledonia. In 1879, Mr. Dunbar, represented his district in the State Legislature, being elected on the democratic ticket.

George C. Dbowlby is a native of Oneida county, New York, where his birth occurred on the 29th of September, 1837. The family removed to Calumet county, Wisconsin, when George was quite young, he remaining with his parents until the age of fourteen, when he was bound to one of his neighbors. Two years later this family came to Belle Creek, Goodhue county, which was ' the home of our subject until twenty-one years old, when he left the family and returned to Wisconsin, remaining two years. In the fall of 1859, he came to Caledonia, and two years after returned to Belle Creek and rented the farm on which he had previously lived, but remained only one season. He then came again to this place, and with the exception of seven months service in the First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, was engaged in farming until 1875, sinoe which time he has given his attention to the livery business. For a number of years Mr. Drowley run a stage to Brownsville, daily, and to Newburg, Fillmore county, tri-weekly, on both of which he carried the U. S. mail, but since the completion of the Narrow Gauge railroad he has discontinued his stage route and confined himself to the livery business. He has been twice married, first to Miss Jane Brown, who bore him three children, only one of whom is living, William G. His present wife was Mrs. Schofield, whose maiden name was Jessie Kerr. Of four children, the result of this union, but two are living, George and Vernie M.

Edward P. Dortval, a native of New York City, was born on the 14th of November, 1840. He attended the graded schools in his native city, and afterwards moved to Evansville, Indiana; spent three years in the college at that place, after which he went to New Orleans and entered the office of a Notary Public. In 1860, Mr. Dorival came to Caledonia, and for two years was clerk in the County Treasurer's office, then elected County Auditor, holding the office two years, since which time he has been in the mercantile business. For the past nine years he has been Chairman of the board of County Commissioners. The maiden name of his wife was Lucy A. Damson. They have six children.

James W. Edin, a native of Sweden, was born in Stockholm in 1857. In 1871, he came to America and located in Lansing, Iowa, at which place and Dubuque he was engaged at the tailor trade. In the fall of 1878, he came to Caledonia, and has

Arthur J. Flynn is a native of the city of Waterford, Ireland, where his birth occurred on the 27th of July, 1845. He and his twin brother, John A., were left orphans at an early age. His father was a cooper by trade, and departed this life three months before the birth of our subject, and his mother died two years and ten months afterwards. The boys were taken in custody by their grand-parents, John and Catharine White, who zealously oared for them, and with whom Arthur J. came to America, arriving in New York on the 1st of May, 1850. They came direct to Chicago where Arthur attended school until the removal of the family to Minnesota, in September, 1856. His grand-parents and uncles, Thomas White, Michael White, and John Hurley, located in the town of Union, in this county, where our subject resided, engaged in farm work in summer and attending school during the winter months. In the winter of 1861-62, he taught the school in his district, giving universal satisfaction. On the 27th of September, 1862, he enlisted in Company A, of the First Minnesota Mounted Rangers, under Captain E. M. Wilson, serving until the expiration of his term on the 20th of October, 1863. In March of the following year he went to Chicago, where he learned the tinner's trade and continued in that vocation till December, 1868. On the 26th of December in the latter year, he was married to Miss Mary J. Murphy, whose father, Pierce Murphy, settled in the town of Sheldon in 1858, and is now a resident of this village. In January, 1879, he moved to Lanesboro, Fillmore county, and engaged in the mercantile business in company with E. Kevin. After Lanesboro was incorporated he was elected Recorder, and twice reelected without opposition. In October, 1871, he was nominated by the Democratic County Convention for County Commissioner, but the district being largely republican he was defeated. In May, 1874, he disposed of his business to his partner, and removed to Caledonia, where he has since successfully conducted the hardware, stove, and tin trade. He was elected village Trustee in April, 1877, and the following April, elected village Clerk, and re-elected at each succeeding election to the present time. In October, 1879, he was elected Judge of Probate on the democratic ticket,

MahiiON Farmin, one of the oldest settlers of Houston county, was born in Dodge county, Wisconsin, on the 20th of June, 1840. He resided with his parents in that State till May, 1857, when the whole family moved to this county, settling on a farm near the village of Houston, where they have ever since resided. When but a little over twenty-one years of age Mahlon's young heart prompted him to join the ranks of the Union army in defense of his country, and on the 27th of January, 1862, he enlisted in Company D, of the Second Wisconsin Cavalry; participated in the battle of Prairie Grove, Arkansas, as well as in several minor engagements, and was honorably discharged in the spring of 1865. Mr. Fannin's health was materially and permanently injured in the service of his country, still, unlike thousands less deserving, he has never sought the solace of the pension list. Returning to his home near Houston, in July, 1866, he married Miss Josephine Swenson. This happy union has been blessed with five children, three of whom are living. Mr. Farmin, in the early days of the history of this county, endeared himself to his new neighbors, and has, almost ever since the close of the war, been honored with positions of trust and responsibility by the people of his town. In the fall of 1880, without his seeking, he was nominated and elected to the office of Register of Deeds, when he removed with his family to the village of Caledonia. In all the varied aspects of life Mr. Farmin has proved himself a true man, a kind husband and father^ a sterling, unselfish citizen, and a competent and faithful officer.

Walter Goergkn is a son of Philip Goergen, a German custom officer, and dates his birth in 1848, in Luxemburg. Coming to America in 1864, he came directly to Caledonia and was employed for several years at farming. Then removed to Black Hammer and remained two years, during which time he was a member of the board of Supervisors, and Clerk of the school district On the 25th of May, 1873, he was united in marriage, in the latter place, with Miss Isabella O. Hamery. Mr. Goergen returned to this place in 1874, was elected Sheriff in the fall of 1878, and re-elected in 1880; has also held the office of Assessor. He has a family of four children.

in Germany, where he learned the shoemakers trade. At the age of twenty years he came to America, and was employed at his trade in Buffalo, New York, two years, then in Cleveland, Ohio, and other places in that State about four years. Then, after a residence of one year in Indianapolis, Indiana, came to Caledonia in 1855. Mr. Hainz's was the first, and for several years the only shoe shop in the place. He now carries a stock of about $1,500, and employs three men in his custom department. He has been twice married, first to Miss Wilhelmina Rau, by whom he had three children. His present wife was Mrs.

William H. Harries, a native of Montgomery county, Ohio, was born on the 15th of January, 1843. He attended the public schools, and on the 18th of April, 1861, enlisted in Company B, of the Second Wisconsin volunteer infantry, u Iron Brigade." He was severely wounded in the left breast, at Antietam, on the 17th of September, 1862, and thereafter promoted to First Lieutenant; and on the death of the Captain at Spottsylvania Court House, assumed command of his company. He was discharged on the 30th of June, 1864, but soon after re-enlisted in General Hancock's corps. Was commissioned Captain on the 21st of December, 1864, and served until mustered out on the 17th of April, 1866. He then went to Ann Arbor, Michigan, and entered the law school of the Michigan State University, where he graduated in the spring of 1868, and was admitted to the bar in May of the same year. Then came to Hokah and engaged in the active practice of his profession, but removed to Caledonia the same fall and has resided here every since. He was united in marriage with Miss Austis L. Dunbar, daughter of Hon. William F. Dunbar, one of the early settlers of Houston county, the ceremony taking place on the 15th of September, 1870. She died on the 7th of June, 1881, leaving five children. Mr. Harries was County Attorney four years, and has held other responsible offices.

Periander A. Kroshus, son of Andrew P. and Thurine Kroshus, early settlers of Spring Grove, was born on the 15th of February, 1855, in the latter town. He is the eldest of six children, and his advantages for obtaining an education were very limited. Until the spring of 1878, he assisted in the farm labor; then came to Caledonia, and has been employed in the various county offices. He assisted in completing the only abstract of titles in the county. Mr. Kroshus filled the position of jailor for eighteen months, and is now Deputy Sheriff and Deputy Clerk of the District Court. Previous to the last election for county officers he was a candidate before the republican convention, and had next to the highest number of votes on an informal ballot, but withdrew in favor of the successful candidate. He is a courteous young man, and has proved himself a painstaking officer, having become thoroughly acquainted with county affairs, the land titles, and all the intricacies of taxation.

Gudbrand J. Lomen, the third of five children born to Jorgen G. and Elizabeth (nee Brandt) Lomen, was born near Decorah, Winneshiek county, Iowa, January 28th, 1854. When eight years old he lost his father. The family in the meantime having moved to Decorah, he enjoyed the benefits of her graded schools, and, when thirteen years of age, was enrolled as a student in the Norwegian Lutheran College, where he spent six years. After reading law for one year in the office of Messrs. Willett & Wellington, in his native town, he entered the Law Department of the Iowa State University, graduating with "Class '75," and obtaining the degree of L. L. £. and admission to the bar. He soon after removed to La Crosse, Wisconsin, remaining six months in the office of T. J. Widvey, Esq., thence to Hokah, Minnesota, and finally to this place, where, in the summer of 1876, he formed a law partnership with W. H. Harries. In the fall of 1877, he was elected to the office of Clerk of the District Court, and in the fall of 1881, re-elected without opposition. On the 27th of May, 1878, at the house of the bride's parents in Manistee, Michigan, he was united in marriage Miss Julia E. M. Joys, the issue of this marriage being two children.

John P. Lommen was the first child born in Houston county, his birth dating at Spring Grove, on the 12th of December, 1852. He is a son of Peter J. Lommen, who still resides in the latter place. In 1874, Mr. Lommen, our subject, went to Lanesboro' and engaged in a mercantile house. He was married on the 29th of October, 1875, to Miss Sarah Temanson. who has borne him two children. After a residence of but one /ear in the latter place he came to Caledonia, and in company with O. B. Olsen, started a mercantile establisment. In March, 1880, Mr. Olsen retired and Mr. Lommen

Eliakim Lajxin, deceased, was one of the pioneers of Houston county, and a native of Massachusetts, where his birth occurred the 24th of March, 1800. He removed to Pennsylvania, when a young man, and was there united in marriage with Miss Almira Grover, on the 16th of September, 1823. Then, after living in New York and Ohio, engaged in the lumber business, Mr. Laflin came to Michigan in about the year 1838, and five years later to Bock Island county, Illinois. In 1852, he removed to Allamakee county, Iowa, and the following year to Houston county, locating in Winnebago township. In 1859, he came to Caledonia, where he died on the 21st of May.

Amasa Mason dates his birth the 21st of June, 1828, at Carrol], Chautauqua county, New York, where he learned the trade of moulder. He afterward was employed on the Erie Canal about three years. In 1856, he came to Caledonia, resided in section thirty-sis until 1865, when he removed to Fillmore county and engaged in farming six years. Then, after a residence of six years in Elliot, just north of the State line, engaged in the hotel business, he returned to this place and lived near his old farm in section thirty-six until the fall of 1881, when he came to Caledonia. Mrs. Mason's maiden name was Eliza J. Wheaton. She has borne him nine children, six of whom are living; Emma, May, Effa, Myrta, Minnie, and Alfred.

Eugene Marshall is a native of Massachusetts, born in North Bridgewater, now known as Brockton, on the 10th of July 1832. He was reared on a farm, and in 1852, came to Sheboygan county, Wisconsin ; remained six months and came to Caledonia in April, 1853. There were no families within the present corporate limits of Caledonia when he came to the place. He located a farm in section thirty -one, Mayville, but resided in Caledonia. He was the first County Surveyor of Houston county, holding the office several years and continuing the business until 1861. He then enlisted in Brackets Battalion, served four years, , and returned to Caledonia. In November, 1866, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Williams, who has borne him four children. They removed to Hancock county, Iowa, in about 1868, and while there Mr. Marshall filled the office of County Surveyor, four years, Superintendent of schools two years, and for four years acted in the capacity of deputy in the office of the County Treasurer. In December, 1880, he returned to Caledonia and has since occupied the position of cashier in the Caledonia Bank.

Milton B. Metcalf was born in East Granby, Hartford county, Connecticut, on the 19th of August, 1833. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, and at the age of seventeen years -went to South Hadley Falls, Massachusetts; remained two years and went to Boston, where he learned the trade of a bookbinder. In the spring of 1854, he came to Caledonia, took a claim in section twentythree but made his home with his brother. Mr. Metcalf was married to Miss Ruth C. Wheaton, who died in December, 1859. He enlisted in the First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry and served four months, since which time he has lived in the village, at the same time carrying on his farm. He was engaged in the freighting business before the railroad was completed to Caledonia. The maiden name of his present wife was Alice C. McLaren, daughter of Alexander McLaren, one of the pioneers of Brownsville, the ceremony taking place on the 5th of April, 1868, They have two children, Alexander M. and Elizabeth C.

George McMichael, a native of Scotland, was was born in the year 1834. He came to Canada when sixteen years of age, and to Brownsville, Minnesota, in 1860. There he engaged in stock and wheat buying until 1863, when he moved to Wabasha, but returned to Brownsville in April, 1864, and followed his former occupation there until 1869, when he removed to Spring Grove, and in September, 1881, came to Caledonia, and has since had charge of the elevator at this place. He was married to Miss Emma Trembley on the 11th of February, 1864. They have one son, George R., born on the 12th of May, 1867.

George Nye, M. D., was born in La Porte, Indiana, on the 12th of March, 1845. He has been in the practice of medicine constantly since 1868. After graduating he became a member of the National Eclectic Association. He commenced practice in Papillion, Sarpy county, Nebraska, where he formed the acquaintance of;Miss Hose L. Maryatt, a graduate of Milton College, Wisconsin, who became his wife soon after. In 1874, he came to New Albin, Iowa, where he resided and practiced his profession till February, 1877. He removed to Riceford, Houston county, and thence to Caledonia in December, 1879. They have had four children, two of whom are living, Jennie May, aged six years, and Charles Jesse,aged two years.

James O'Brien, County Attorney of Houston county, was born in the county of Wicklow, Ireland, in 1837, and came to America with his parents at the age of twelve years. They settled in Clark county, Ohio, where he attended school for a time, when he successively went to college at Somerset, Ohio; Bardstown, Kentucky; and St. Louis, graduating at the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, in 1859. He then commenced the study of law in the office of Major Daniel Mace, Ex-Member of Congress, at La Fayette, where he continued until the breaking out of the Rebellion io 1861. He then returned to Notre Dame, where he became professor of Greek and Latin, and in 1863, Governor Morton tendered him the commission of Major in the Thirty -fifth Indiana Regiment. This .he declined in favor of a friend. He was then appointed recruiting officer to various Irish Regiments in Illinois and Indiana. About the close of the war he returned to his favorite occupation, teaching classics, at Sinsinawa Mound College, Grant county, Wisconsin, where he continued until he resumed the study of law in Dubuque, where he was admitted to practice in 1867. In 1866, he married the daughter of Captain Lyons, at Galena, Illinois. After his admission, he formed a law partnership with L. H. Cady, which continued until his removal to Lansing, Iowa, in 1868. In the summer of 1870, he settled in Caledonia, where he has since continued to reside. In 1873, Mr. O'Brien was elected County Attorney, to fill a vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Judge John H. Smith, and reelected in 1874, 76, and '80. He was a compromise candidate for District Judge in the convention which nominated Judge Farmer in place of Page. Mr. and Mrs. O'Brien have had nine chilchildren, eight of whom are living.

James Ohtrander was born in Chenango county, New York, on the 11th of June, 1840. In early childhood he came with his parents to Michigan, thence to La Crosse, where his father was foreman of the old "National Democrat" office. In 1856, James entered as an apprentice, remaining until the family removed to Hokah in 1857. There Mr. Ostrander purchased the paper, changing its name to the "Hokah Chief," and James was employed in the office till August, 1862. He then enlisted in Company K, of the Sixth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and served till August, 1865, when the regiment was mustered out at Fort Snelling. After returning to Hokah he clerked in his father's store until the building of the Southern Minnesota railroad, when he entered the employ of the company and was the first brakeman on the road. He remained with them one year, returned to Hokah and entered the first store in the place, owned by John Sume; was afterward Deputy Sheriff and Turnkey for two years. He then went to Albert Lea and was engaged in the "Standard" office. On the 31st of December, 1875, Miss Katie E. Latham, of that%place, became his wife. She has borne him two children, both of whom are living. Since July, 1881, Mr. Ostrander has been a resident of Caledonia, and editor of the "Journal."

Ellino K. Roverud, County Auditor, and a resident of Houston county since the spring of 1867, is a native of Norway, born on the 2d of November, 1852. He came to America with his parents when about fourteen years of age, and settled in Spring Grove, He attended the Normal School at Winona for two years, and graduated in 1876; then went to Iowa and entered the college at Decorah, remaining one year. For two years Mr. Roverud was principal of the schools at Spring Grove, in which place he was married to Miss Martha Blexrud, daughter of one of the old settlers, the ceremony dating the 12th of November, 1879. In the fall of 1880, he was elected County Auditor, and moved to Caledonia. They have one child, a daughter.

John F. Russell is a son of James and Sally (Pratt) Russell, his birth dating at Oswegatchie, St. Lawrence county, New York, the 27th of June, 1840. His grandfather, William Russell, was a Captain in the English navy, who, during the Revolution, repeatedly tendered his resignation, but its acceptance was sternly refused. His sympathy was with the Americans, and consequently he deserted from the British forces and came to lend his assistance in establishing the Independence of America, taking an active part in the final successful struggle. The father of our subject was an ordained minister of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, and, aside from his pastoral duties, worked at his trade, that of carpenter and builder, which employment he followed until his death, which occurred in his thirty-seventh year.

His widow, with seven young children, was, (besides the grief of the untimely loss of a kind husband and father) left in very limited circumetances, wherefore the subject of this sketch was obliged to share an orphan's lot among strangers, dependent upon his own exertions for a livelihood and acquirement of a common school education. At the outbreak of the Rebellion, Mr. Russell enlisted in Company G, of the Sixteenth New York Volunteer Infantry, under the first call for troops, and was in all the principal engagements of the army of the Potomac during the first two years of the war; was wounded four times and captured once. He was discharged in 1863, with the rank of Sergeant, but was afterwards in the government employ as Clerk in the commissary department; then as night overseer of the government bakery at Alexandria, Virginia, and finally in the Construction Corps, engaged in bridge building. He was at City Point, Virginia, at the time of the explosion of the Union barge. uGen. Mead," and escaped death by having, only a moment previous, taken shelter from the sun in the shade of a pile of oat sacks. Mr. Russell was made a mason in Alexandria Lodge (the lodge room in which George Washington once presided. ) Subsequently he became a member of Lebanon Lodge No. 7, Washington, D. C, which is still his Masonic home. Since 1865, when he came to this county,he has become associated with, and assisted in the organization of lodges of this and other orders, both in Houston and Winona counties. He was employed in the railroad shops at Hokah, as car builder, and later as general superintendent of all departments in the shops, which position he held until 1875, when he was nominated and elected County Treasurer, to which office he has twice been re-elected with overwhelming majorities; was also Democratic nominee for State Treasurer in 1881.

In May, 1867, he was joined in marriage with Miss Alida Swenson, a native of Sweden, who emigrated and settled with her parents in this county nearly thirty years ago. The fruits of this union are four sons and three daughters.

James H. Royce, a native of New York, was born in Eagle Harbor, on the 22d of March, 1844. His father was a wagon-maker, and James was employed with him for some time, the family moving to Walworth county, Wisconsin, when our Htibject was five years old, where he remained until 1863. He was married in the latter place on the 12th of September, 1863, to Miss Maria Clark. They moved to Waukon, Iowa, where Mr. Royce was dealing in live stock until 1875, then to Cresco, two years, engaged in selling farm machinery. In 1877, he came to Houston county, locating in Spring Grove, and again devoted his time to the stock business, which he has since continued, coming to Caledonia in the fall of 1881. Mrs. Royce died on the 12th of April, 1881, leaving four children; Origin, Anna, James H., and Charles.

Henry M. Rollins is a native of Bristol, New Hampshire, where his birth occurred on the 4th of February, 1844. He came with his parents to Caledonia when a child, and has always made it his home. On the 24th of December, 1866, he was married to Miss Ellen L. Evans. They moved to his farm in section thirty- five, remaining till 1878, when Mr. Rollins entered the Post-office as clerk. In August, 1880. he received an appointment in the railway mail service as route agent, which position he still fills, running from La Crosse, Wisconsin, to Dell Rapids, Dakota. Mr. and Mrs. Rollins are the parents of three children, Fred. H., George L., and Charles A.

Aba David Spbaoue, one of the early settlers and the founder of the first permanent mercantile establishment in Caledonia, is a son of David and Anna (Cunningham) Sprague. He is of Scotch Irish extraction, his grandfather emigrating from the old country, and settling in New England before the Revolution. His father moved from Massachusetts to the state of New York when a young man, and there, in Richfield, Otsego county, Ara D. was born, on the 29th of January, 1824. When he was eleven years old the family moved to Exeter, in the same county. David Sprague was a farmer, and the son worked at home until twenty years of age, supplementing a common school education with three terms at a select school. Receiving kind blessings from his father, with about twenty-five dollars from sundry earnings during his boyhood, he left the home fireside in 1845, to enter on the campaign of life in earnest. Investing his all in patent medicines; he commenced peddling, his field being the western part of New York, Pennsylvania, and a few of the Western States. He continued in this business three years, meeting with uniform success. In 1850, Mr. Sprague pushed westward and commenced selling notions at wholesale, having sup- plied himself with a wagon drawn by a four horse team; bat was soon taken with one of the most severe attacks of Inflammatory Rheumatism, with which he was laid up for two years, expending every dollar of his own means and about six hundred of borrowed money for medical assistance, but at last succeeded in regaining his health. In these embarassing circumstances he went to Chicago, and through his acquaintance with business men there he was enabled to resume his former occupation, which he continued until the autumn of 1854, when he located in Caledonia. Here he purchased four lots and a house and commenced trading on a small scale, in a log cabin. In 1857, he boilt a frame store, enlarged his stock, and was, during the financial crisis of those years, about the only merchant within the limits of the county, continuing in the general mercantile business until a few years ago, when he changed his stock to hardware, his nephews conducting the one in the former line. In June, 1857, he was joined in marriage with Miss Ella Williams, who was born in Adams county, Illinois, the 26th of March, 1838. The issue of their marriage is four children, Anna Catherine, Arthur De Witt, Ellsworth Ara, and Robert David, all of whom are at home. In June, 1875, Mr. Sprague opened a bank here in company with J. C. Easton, of Chatfield, they being the only bankers in the county. He was one of the organizers of the Chicago, Milwaukee and Western Railroad Company (narrow guage) and it is freely admitted that it is due to his energy and means that Caledonia to-day has a railroad. He is the largest real estate owner and tax payer in the county, owning thirty-eight improved farms, besides wild lands in this and other counties. The aggregate amounts to over thirty thousand acres, and the taxes are about five thousand dollars per annum. Though well advanced in years, Mr. Sprague is still enjoying fair health and activity, and remains, as usual, the manager-in-chief of all his business, from the minor to the greatest transactions. It is rfbt uncommon to see him around with a pitchfork or shovel, assisting his hired man in manual labor.

Thomas R, Stewart, a son of Edwin H. Stewart, the oldest living settler in Caledonia, is a native of South Hadley Falls, Massachusetts, born on the 6th of December, 1841. He came here in 1853, with his parents, and has always made it his home. In November, 1862, he enlisted in Company G, of the First Minnesota Mounted Rangers; served till the 28th of November, 1863, and in February, 1865, re-enlisted in the Twenty-third Illinois Regiment, serving till the following August, when he returned to Caledonia. In September, 1866, he was married to Miss Ruth H. Prentiss,a native of Roscoe, Illinois; for several years after returning to this place, Mr. Stewart was engaged in farming, but has resided in the village for the past few years, engaged in house-painting. He has given considerable attention to drawing during the past year, and has developed a rare degree of artistic talent. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart are the parents of five children.

Peter Steenstbup was born in 1841, in Germany, where he learned the watchmaker's trade. In 1862, he came to America, and three weeks after arriving in Chicago, enlisted in the Eighty-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Company I, and served three years. After receiving his discharge he came to Moe, Douglas county, and took a homestead on which he lived six years; then went to St. Paul and was engaged at his trade. Mr. Steenstrup married Miss Paulina Anderson in 1870. She has borne him four children. In 1871, they removed to Fillmore county, thence to Spring Grove, Houston county, where he was engaged in the jewelry business till 1877. Then came to Caledonia, and has since continued in the same occupation.

P. J. Smalley, a native of Erie county, New York, was born on the 25th of December, 1842. In 1846, he came with his parents to Wisconsin, and settled in Sheboygan, remaining eleven years, then removed to Manitowoc county. In May, 1861, he enlisted in Company C, of the Fourth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and in August, 1863, was commissioned Quartermaster in the Ninetyninth U.S. Infantry (colored), serving till May, 1866. In 1865, he was married at New Orleans to Miss Emma G. Winburn, of that place. After receiving his discharge, he returned to Manitowoc, and continued the study of law, which he had commenced before entering the army, being admitted to the bar in 1868. Mr. Smalley then went to New Orleans, and later to St. Louis, where he practiced his profession two yearp, after which he returned to Manitowoc and engaged in manufacturing for three years. He afterward devoted his attention to law, coming to Caledonia in 1875. He entered into a partnership with James O'Brien, which continued until the fall of 1878. He has, with slight assistance, made a complete abstract of titles to the county, upon a system devised hy himself, to satisfy the idea of a lawyer, of what such a work should be. The sole ownership of the "Argus," and its editorial management, fell upon him in the fall of 1880, by the dissolution of the firm of H. D. Smalley & Co. It has trebled its circulation under his direction. Seven of the eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Smalley are iiving.

James Smith, the first settler of Spring Grove, and also an early settler in this place, dates his birth on the 20th of April, 1831. He was reared on a farm, and when quite young learned the printing business at which he was engaged in various places. On the 26th of January, 1854, he was united in wedlock with Miss Elizabeth Landrum, who was born in Grant county, Kentucky, on the 21st of June, 1835, and removed to Jo Daviess county ,Illinois,in 1843, where the marriage took place. The following April they came to Spring Grove, making a claim in section eleven. The first few years Mr. Smith spent a portion of each at Lansing, Iowa, engaged in printing. In 1859, they removed to Caledonia and resided till 1862, when he enlisted in the Minnesota Mounted Rangers, and served thirteen months; re-enlisted in the Twenty-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, serving till the close of the war. He then returned to this village and engaged in the real estate business for about two years, then, in company with P. P. Wall and others, purchased the "Houston County Journal," which had a few months previously been removed from Hokah. Messrs. Smith and Wall conducted its publication for the company a short time, then bought the interests of the others and continued it alone two years, when Mr. Smith sold his interest and has since given his attention to his several farms and money loaning. In 1876, he made a trip to Dakota where he invested quite extensively in real estate, to which his son devotes his attention. Mr. Smith has held the office of County Commissioner and several local offices. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been blessed with three children, George M., Frank H., and Sarah B.

Joseph Vossen, a resident of this county since July, 1858, was born in Cologne, Germany, on the 23d of June, 1840. He came to Caledonia direct from the "Old Country," and with the exception of two years in the township, has always lived in the village. In 1865, he opened a liquor and grocery store which he continued till 1873. Mr. Vossen was Town Clerk in 1867 and '68, and when the village was incorporated, in 1870, was elected Trustee and has held the office most of the time since. He was also elected Clerk of the Court in 1870, re-elected in 1874, and since 1878 has been Deputy Clerk of the District court. In April, 1880, he was re-elected Trustee, and also elected village Justice. In May of the same year he visited his native country by way of Paris and other European cities.

Mr. Vossen was one of the original incorporators of the Caledonia and Mississippi Railway Company in 1874. In 1877, he was nominated by the Democratic party for Judge of Probate, but defeated in the election by J. W. Cook, the Republican candidate, by 272, against a Republican majority of nearly 500 voters. In 1878, he was elected Secretary of the Caledonia and Mississippi Railway Company, filling the position until the railroad passed into the hands of the Chicago, Clinton, Dubuque and Minnesota Railroad Company in 1879. He was nominated by the Democratic party for County Treasurer in 1881, but defeated by H. Snure, the Republican candidate, by 318 votes against a Republican majority of 354.

Owen J. Weida was born on the 13th of September, 1841, at Allen town, Lehigh county, Pennsylvania. His father was a butcher, and Owen worked with him till the capture of Fort Sumpter, which aroused him to enlist in the First Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, in which he served three months, then re-enlisted in the Forty -seventh Regiment, and served till the close of the war. He then was engaged at various places till 1867, when he came to Caledonia. In 1870, he commenced the butcher business, shipping some live stock. His business has increased very rapidly, and now he ships about one hundred carloads of stock annually, and slaughters about four beeves a week. Mr. Weida has been twice married, first to Miss Helen R. Bass. His present wife was Miss Jennie Sweet, who has borne him two children, David O. and Livingston.

Benjamin B. Webster is a native of Alexandria, Grafton county, New Hampshire, and dates his birth the 22d of April, 1841. At the age of eleven years he removed with his parents to Chautauqua county, New York, and the following year his father came to Caledonia and made a claim in section twenty-four. . On the 25th of December,

1864, Mr. Webster married Miss Sallie A. Wheaton. They resided on the old homestead till afterhis father's death, wliich occurred on the 26th of October, 1873. Our subject still owns the farm, but has made his home in the village since 1878. His mother's maiden name was Johanna Lock; she has had three children, Benjamin being the only one now living. He has seven children. Mr. Webster has conducted a billiard hall for the past few years.

Hudson Wheaton is a native of Carroll, Chautauqua county, New York, born on the 16th of February, 1840. He came to Caledonia in 1859, and learned the carpenter trade, which has since been his occupation, and since 1866, he has been doing business on his own account. Miss Fanny E. Bean became his wife on the 14th of July, 1867. She has borne him two children, Herbert E. and Jesse T.

Sp afford Wiluams, one of the early settlers of Houston county and now the popular proprietor of the Barnes House, is a native of Madison county, New York, where his birth occurred the 18th of August, 1829. When seven years of age he moved with his parents to Jefferson county, remaining there till coming to Minnesota in 1854, and locating in Money Creek, where he took a claim of one hundred and sixty acres. He afterward added to his farm until the whole aggregated four-hundred and fifty acres. He was married to Miss Martha J. Downing, a native of Weare, New Hampshire, on the 30th of January, 1850. In July, 1874, he purchased his present hotel and has since made it a popular resort for the traveling public. Mr. Williams sold a part of his lands at Money Creek before coming here, and has since disposed of the remainder. Of three children born to this union but one is living, Fred B., now in Janesville, Minnesota. One died in infancy, and another at the age of five years.

George B. Winship was born in Saco, Maine, in 1847. When he was three years old his parents came to La Crosse, Wisconsin, and in January, 1857, to La Crescent. George attended school until the age of thirteen years, since which time a printing office has been his only school. In 1860, the "La Crescent Plaindealer" newspaper was established, in which office he worked as an apprentice. In 1863, when but sixteen years of age, he enlisted in the Second Minnesota Cavalry and served two years and three months, until the close of the war. In 1868 and '69, he published, in

Winnipeg, Manitoba, a paper called the "Northwester." The following year he was engaged in a store at Fort Pembina. In the spring of 1871, he built the first house on the Turtle Biver, a tributary of the Bed Biver, about fourteen miles from Grand Forks, where he resided two years. He afterward was engaged in the printing business in St. Paul for three years, and in 1877, came to Caleponia and started the "Courier," one of the best papers ever printed in the county, and published the same until May, 1879. He then returned to Grand Forks and established the "Herald," which is now one of the leading papers of the Northwest. His friends here will be pleased to learn of his extraordinary success. "The Herald" is published daily and weekly, and aside from this, Mr. Winship owns about six-hundred and forty acres of land lying along the railroad fifteen miles from the city.

Thomas W. Burns is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Beading in the year 1859. During hisearly childhood his parents moved to Lancaster, where he entered the navy when seventeen years old, serving three years. In 1851, he went to California, remained two years and came back as far as Benton, La Fayette county, Wisconsin, and soon after came to this place, buying land of Balph Young, the first settler here. He left his property in charge of James Price and returned to Benton, where he married Miss Macha M. Damron, daughter of James T. Damron, the ceremony taking place the 27th of January, 1856. They moved here the following spring, Mr. Burns adding to his former residence a commodious building for hotel purposes,*which, for many years, was crowded with guests, passing to and from Brownsville, where the land office was located. He subsequently bought more land, and in 1868, sold his first farm and soon after purchased property in the village, where he has since lived. He has been engaged in the real estate business since leaving the farm. His children are Juliana Elizabeth, wife of Nicholas Vance, a merchant at Minnesota Lake; Evangeline Page, Frances Viola, Lucy E., attending school at Bockford, Illinois, and Macha A., who died in infancy. Mrs. Burns' parents were Virginians, who came to Wisconsin about the time it was organized as a Territory. Her father died the 25th of September, 1862, and her mother resides with one of her children.

of April, 1854, and bought land in sections three and ten. Two years later he deeded it to his father and was engaged in the real estate business, giving some attention to surveying. When only seventeen years old he was Deputy Surveyor, and was twice elected County Surveyor. On the 20th of April, 1864, he married Miss Alice C. Dunbar, of this place, They have heen blessed with two children. Mr. Dunbar was Postmaster from 1864 to '70, Town Clerk two years, and Representative in the Legislature in 1878 and '79. He has been engaged in the insurance business for the past eight years.

Oliver Dunbar, another pioneer, is a native of Westerly, Rhode Island, where he was born the 27th of December, 1807. He was united in marriage on the 23d of October, 1831, with Miss Mary Ann Mather, the nuptials being celebrated at Suffield, Connecticut. Mr. Dunbar came here in the spring of 1854, and was joined by his wife in the fall. His first investment in real estate after coming was a farm about two miles northwest of the present village, which he owned several years. Soon after coming he purchased the then partially completed hotel since known as the Barnes House, which he finished, and also built a barn, the first frame barn in the county. In the spring of 1865, they moved to the village, and during the summer built and moved to their present house. Their children were Rollin, Wells E., Thomas J., Mary A., now Mrs. B. G. Hicks, Katie, now Mrs. N. Newbury, Horace, Francis H., Mary A., who died in Connecticut at the age of five years, and Bertha A., who also died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Dunbar celebrated their golden wedding in October, 1881.

Michael MoGinnis is a native of county Sligo, Ireland. He was married to Miss Bridget Brown about seven years before coming to America. They located in Wilmington in November, 1855, coming to his present home in Caledonia in 1869. Before coming to Minnesota, Mr. McGinnis had charge of large farms in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Of four children born to them, two are living, a son in the hotel business in Lanesboro', and a daughter, now Mrs. Thomas Redden.

Wyman Trask was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, the 31st of May, 1817. He received an academic education, and afterward read law in Herkimer county, New York, with Judge Gray, five years after which he was admitted to the bar. At the age of twenty-five years he was married to Miss Frances Sheldon, who has borne him eight children, six of whom are living. In 1848, he moved to Noble county, Indiana, and in 1855, to this State, locating in Brownsville. Two years later he came to Caledonia and built his present home. Until 1866, he was actively engaged in his profession ; but in the winter of the latter year, on returning from court, ne was caught in a storm and obliged to remain out over night. He took a severe cold, from the effects of which he has never fully recovered, although his mind is as active as ever. He has for many years been Court Commissioner.

James F. Bingham, one of the early settlers of this place, was born in Westport, Essex county, New York, on the 3d of February. 1839. His parents removed to Chautauqua county when the subject of this sketch was quite young. After attaining manhood, he engaged in farming and lumbering. He came to Caledonia in 1856, but did not purchase land until 1866, when he located his present farm in section twenty -six. On the 13th of June of the latter year, Miss Mary Wheaton became his wife. They have one child, Clarence, who was born on the 2d of October, 1869.

William H. Bunce, a native of England, was born on the 11th of January, 1820. When he was a child his parents came to America, and located in New York City, where William learned the trade of a cigar-maker. At the age of twenty years he removed to Suffield, Hartford county, Connecticut, where for fifteen years he was engaged at his trade. He was married in the latter place to Miss Adelia Mather, the ceremony taking place on the 28th of May, 1843. Mr. Bunce first came to Caledonia in April, 1855, and was employed as agent for eastern parties interested in real estate in this locality. He was County Treasurer at an early day, selling the first land in the county for unpaid taxes, in the year 1859. In 1865, he sold his interest here and returned to Connecticut, remaining in New Haven till 1872, when he returned to Caledonia and purchased land in section twenty-four, which has since been his home. He has a fine farm of one hundred and ten acres.

29th of August, 1833. He resided with his parents until coming to Caledonia in 1855. In 1861, Mr. Huyck purchased his present farm in section twenty-seven, but did not move to it till 1865. In the latter year he was married to Miss Sarah Chamberlin, who for many years was a teacher in this and the adjoining counties.

John J. Kaeder, a native of Prussia, was born on the 25th of March, 1815. He learned the tailor trade in his uative country, at which he was engaged for some time before coming to America. He was married to Margaret Kier in 1835. They came to America in 1845, remained two years in New York and removed to Milwaukee. Mrs. Kaeder died leaving four children; William, who is a Professor in St. Vincent College, Order of St. Benedict, at Westmoreland, Pennsylvania, Bertha, who lives at La Crosse, Wisconsin, Antoin E., now in Carver county, and George G., in Pierce county. His present wife was Miss Mary Lang, whom he married in 1852. They came to Brownsville in 1854, and Mr. Kaeder invested quite extensively in real estate. While there he served as Justice of the Peace several terms and filled other local offiees. Since 1861, he has been a resident of Caledonia, where he owns one hundred and twenty acres in section one. Of three children born of the latter marriage, two are living, Joseph A. and Mary K.

Charles W. Metcalf dates his birth in Southampton, Massachusetts, on the 21st of May, 1829. His father died when Charles was quite young, and the family resided with his mother's brother. In 1853, Mr. Metcalf married Miss Sarah M Stewart, the event occurring on the 25th of September. They came to Caledonia the following year and took a claim in section twenty-four which they have since made their home. Four children were born to this union; Lewis B., Fannie E., Flora L., and Charles L. Mrs. Stewart died on the 20th of July, 1881.

George Mitchell is a native of Scotland, born in the parish of Gartly, Aberdeenshire, on the 28th of February, 1825. His father, John Mitchell, and his grandfather, Christopher Mitchell, were both born on the same farm. George remained at home until twenty- six years old. He was married to Miss Ann Smith on the 8th of February, 1849. They came to America in 1851, and located in Somers, Kenosha county, Wisconsin, remaining three years. Then coming to Houston county, they settled in section twenty-three, Black Hammer township, where Mr. Mitchell held the offices of Justice of the Peace, Supervisor, and Assessor. He came to Caledonia in 1867, and has a fine farm, through which Beaver Creek flows, affording good water for domestic use. His home is well protected from the rigor of Minnesota winters by the bluffs on either side, the scenery is beautiful and the Rtream affords fine fishing. Mr. Mitchell is quite extensively engaged in stock raising, making blooded stock a specialty. His children were James A., now in Dakota, Jessie, wife of William Mitchell, of Preston; George S., who lives with his parents; Maria J., wife of Fallis Knox, and Mary J., who died on the 19th of July, 1860.

Thomas Messerall is a native of Allegany county, New York, where his birth occurred the 9th of April, 1824. In about 1832, his parents moved to Pennsylvania, where they resided on a farm. It was a custom of Mr. Messerall' s to spend about two months of the fall and winter, hunting, and when Thomas became old enough he accompanied him, thus affording themselves much sport, and many times they were well repaid for the time by money received for the skins and carcasses of their game. He was married at the age of twenty-two years to Miss Rose Daniels, of Pennsylvania. They moved to Illinois, remaining a few years, and in 1853, came to Caledonia, locating a farm in section six. He at once put up a shanty which he occupied two years, then erected his present residence, the old one being used for a schoolhouse for a time, and now serves him for a barn. Mrs. Messerall died in August, 1856, leaving five children. In 1863, he married Miss Agnes Kelly, who came from Scotland to Boston with her parents in 1851, and thence to Yucatan, in 1861. When Mr. Messerall came to this place there were quite a number of Indians in the neighborhood, but, save the food they so often begged, they were not troublesome.

Charles McCarthy is a native of Ireland, born on the 15th of August, 1839. He came to America with his parents when quite young, and located in New Hampshire, but afterward removed to Vermont, where he was employed in the woolen mills. He came to Holt, Fillmore county, in 1855, and devoted his time there to agricultural pursuits till 1866. In the latter year he was married to Miss Margaret Byan, daughter of Michael Ryan, one of the early settlers of Sheldon, the event occurring on the 6th of March. He then came to

Caledonia and purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land in section thirty-five, and has since made it his home. Of nine children who have been born to them, six are living; Mary A., Julia, James, Nellie, Maggie, and Annie.

Jambs Pbice is a native of England, born in the year 1831. His parents came to Canada when he was quite young. At the age of seventeen years James moved to Oneida county, New York, where he was engaged in farming until coming to Caledonia in 1855. He has since made this place his home, purchasing a farm in 1862. Mr. Price was united in marriage with Miss Sarah J. Spencer on the 19th of September, 1861. Their children are Ida AM Mary E., and Minnie H.

Gkrshom Pope is a native of Burlington, Otsego county, New York, and was born on the 27th of August, 1810. His father was a farmer, and Gershom was reared to that occupation and has followed it through life. At the age of twentyone years he removed to Carroll, Chautauqua county, where he was married to Miss Maria Taylor, on the 23d of August, 1840. In 1854, they removed to this county, locating in Wilmington, where Mr. Pope owns a fine farm on which he resided over twenty years. They came to Caledonia in 1877, and have since lived here. Mr. and Mrs. Pope have been blessed with two daughters, Emily J., now married to Ed. Stewart, and Lucy, now Mrs. Charles Wheaton.

Jedediah Pope is also a native of Burlington, Otsego county, New York, born on the 6th of November, 1808. He went to Carroll, Chautauqua county, in 1831, and engaged in farming and lumbering. There he married Miss Roxanna Campbell on the 5th of October, 1834. In 1854, they came to Caledonia, located on section thirty-six, and for some time lived in a log shanty 15x19 feet. There were two other families beside their own in the house, making in all nineteen persons. Mr. Pope formerly had three hundred and twenty acres, but has divided it among his sons, retaining but one hundred and eighty. Of thirteen children born to him, six are living; John E., now living in May ville, Jedediah, who makes his home with his parents, was born at their old home in Carroll, on the 15th of September, 1838, and marked Miss Lucy S. Rice on the 11th of June, 1873, and has one child, Blanche C, the third is Mary, wife of James B. Davidson, of Lake Benton, Minnesota, Prentice A., now in Winona, Roxanna, wife of William Pendergast, and Laura, wife of Frank Barker, of La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Reuben Rollins was born in Sanbornton, Belknap county, New Hampshire, on the 10th of February, 1809. He received an academic education, and taught school a number of years. Coming to Caledonia in 1855, he located on section thirty -five, and has taught in the public schools for several years. He has held the office of Justice of the Peace for the past twelve years, also been Supervisor and a member of the school board. Mr. Rollins has been married three times; first to Miss Laura Sleeper, and afterward to her sister Lavinia, who bore him three children, Samuel S., Joshua, and Henry. His present wife was Mrs. Evans, whose maiden name was Rosilla D. Copp. Mr. Rollins' second son, Joshua, was married to Miss Emma J. Reynolds, and lives in section thirty -six.

Edwin H. Stewart is a native of Brimfield, Massachusetts, born on the 11th of June, 1807. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, and also worked in the paper mills of his native place. He came to Caledonia in September, 1853, and his is the only family now living here who came during that year. Mr. Stewart has served the town in various positions with general satisfaction. He has been twice married; first to Miss Louisa Wetherell, who bore him one child. His present wife was Mrs. Hancock, whose maiden name was Lucy A. Brainerd. Their children are Edwin E.. now located in section thirty-six; Thomas R, living in the village; and Lucy L., wife of Dr. Gates, of Winona.

Philip Schwebach dates his birth in Luxemburg, Germany, on the 8th of March, 1849. He came to America with his parents in 1866, and to Caledonia in 1871 . He owns a farm of one hundred and eighty acres in section twenty -six; has held the office of Assessor, also Director and Treasurer of school district number thirty-nine. Mr. Sohwebach was joined in wedlock on the 18th of January, 1875, with Miss Catherine Wagner. The union has been blessed with four children, Peter, Mary, Catherine, and Susan.