Meeker County, Minnesota - Chapter 4: Teeritorial and State Officees, 1888 (part 9 of 11)

IpEENRY AMES, one of the large land- IL^jj owners and prominent citizens of Darwin township, has his home upon section 6. He is largely interested in the manufacture of brick and tile, commencing tliat line of business in the autumn of 1882, by buying the Butler brick yard. In the following spring, liaving purchased the place where he now lives', he removed the yard to its present locatit)n. This line of manufacture has been an eminent success in his hands from the verj' start. He has made upon this place over 8,000,000 brick alone from the clay that covered an acre ami a half, and has an abundance of material left. In the fall of 1887 Mr. Ames took some two or three tons of the clay to the Chicago Exposition to test it, and tried it on all the different brick-making machines exhibited, and on his return burned the brick so made, and found that he could make his choice of the machines, suoli was tlie fine qiialit}' of his matei'ial. lie acconlingly purcliased the Kell & Son brick and tile machine, with a capacity of making 4:0,000 per day, and will start making brick and tile in the spring of 1888. He gives employment to twenty-fonr men and from six to eight teams for nearly the whole year. Having some 420 acres of land, Mr. Ames devotes a share of his attention to stock interests, principally in the way of Norman-Percheron horses and short-horn Durham cattle.

Henry Ames was born in Oswego, N. Y., May 4, 184G, and is tiie son of Harlow and Adeline Ames. He was I'cared in that part of the Empii'e State, and received his education in the excellent sclioolsof that commonwealth. In 1SG3, when but seventeen years of age, he enlisted in the United States navy, at the Brooklyn nav\'-yai'd, and served throughout the war, on the flag-ship '"Lancaster," and spent much of the time in the Pacific Ocean, the China Sea, and the Sea of Okhotsk, that vessel cruising there to protect American commerce from the depredations of rebel privateers.

In 18fi7, after spending some time at his boyhood's liome, our subject came West, and located at Fort Dodge, Webster county, Iowa, where lie took up the mason's trade, and remained about ten months, and then came to this county and settled in what is now Dassel township, then Swan Lake, and tiiere made a stay of two years. While there he erected the first frame house in the township of Dassel. In the spring of 1870 Mr. Ames removed to the young village of Litchfield, and for about two years was engaged at his trade, and then moved to Minneapolis, where he followed the same line of work til! fall. He went into the pineries then, and engaged in lumbering that season, returning at its close to tlie"Twin Cities."

Iioturning to Oswego. N. Y., in October, 1872, he was there unilcil in marriage, October 10, with ]\riss Lottie Killan.and the same day started for his home in Da.ssel. Spending the next winter in the saw-mill, in the spring he resumed the mason's trade, in partnership with C. L. Todd, but in the fall commenced to carry on business by hnnself, and continued in that line until the fall of 1882, Avhen he purchased his present place and embarked in tiie brick-making business.

]\Ir. and Mrs. Ames are the parents of three children - Gordon, born August 10, 1S74; Allan, born May 13, 1878, died January 2.), 1879; and Bessie, born December 3, 1881. In his political views Mr. Ames coincides with the democratic party, and supports the candidates of that organization.

AMUEL C. VINCENT, of Kingston township, came to Meeker county in 1809, and settled where he now lives, on section 4, where he is engaged in general farming. He was born in Cortland county, X. Y., May 12, 1816, and is the son of Isaac and Mary (McMuUen) Vincent, native, also, of the Empire State, both of whom died there. The subject of our sketch was one of a family of thirteen children, born to iiis parents. His Ijrothers and sisters were - xVljram, John, Sherwood, Charles, Cornelius, Charlotte, Mercy, Hannah, Sallie, Pollie, Betsey, and Mary. Our subject was reared in the Empire State and there received his schooling, and made it his home until 1869, when he came here, and has since that time been identified with the growth and progress of this county. His early days were spent in the school room and in assisting his father in the labors upon tlieir farm in the town of Truxton, but upon attaining his majority he commenced lumbering and farming, which he followed for some seven yeai's. He ^vas united in marriage, June 22, ISl.'i, with Miss Einilv Stewart, a native of Connecticut, born

November 20, 1820, and daughter of John and Susannah (Stone) Stewart, both of whom emigrated fi'om "the land of steady habits" to New York, in an early day, wlien Mrs. Vincent was but four years of age. She was one of a family of eleven cliihiren, the others being - Curtis P., Frederick A., Charles G., John W., Noble J., David P.. Mathew J., Fannie, Cornelia and Mary A. This marriage took place in the county of Chemung, where he occupied official position at the time. By this union there wei'e born to them four children - Sarah Jane, wife of Tobias Patton, of Kingston ; Orlo J., who married Miss Matilda Martin ; Charles S., Avhose wife was Miss Flora Tolls, both of whom live in the same town ; and Jennie, who is the wife of Charles Murch, living in Todd county. Mr. Vincent is a zealous member of the Methodist Church, a class leader, and quite prominent in Sunday-school work, and an excellent, exemplary Christian gentleman.

"AMES PATTERSON, one of the influential farmers of CoUinwood townshijj, "having his home on section 10, was born in Augusta county, Va., August 13, 1838, and is the son of John and Susan (Cameron) Patterson, both of whom are natives of the same locality. His parents were farmers, and he resided with them, assisting in the laboi's attendant upon that avocation, until he was about nineteen j'ears of age, at which time he moved into Lawrence county, Ohio, where he was employed for about eleven years in the Ironton iron furnaces. From there he emigrated to Tennessee, but, after two years spent in the smelting-works of that region, he came to Minnesota and settled in Dassel township, this county, from which locality he removed to his present farm.

Second Loyal Virginia Cavalry, and proceeded to Parkersburg, W. Va., the rendezvous for organization. He served with his gallant regiment for three years,and participated in many skirmishes and on many a hotly contested field, both in the Shenandoah Valley and around Richmond and Petersburg. He was wounded in the battle of Mill Spring, N. C, and was discharged from the United States service June 30, 1865.

Mr. Patterson was united in marriage, in .January, 1868, with Miss Lucy Lunsford, a native of West Virginia, and daughter of Reuben and Nancy Lunsford. By this union there have been born a family of eleven children, as follows - Alice, born February 14, 1860; Samuel, born October 13, 1870; Christiana, born April 13, 1872; Mar}' Jane, born September 12, 1873; William, born, March 16, 1875; Rachel, born January 20, 1876; Lucinda Catherine, born November 20, 1870; Elizabeth, born February 17, 1882; Napoleon, born January 8, 1885; and James, born December 10, 1887.

IMT FN RY R. WILLIAMS, a prominent and J&^'rlL intelligent farmer residing on section 26, Forest Prairie township, was the third settler to locate east of Clearwater Lake, within the limits of Forest Prairie township, having settled there in the fall of 1867. Mr. Williams was born in Saratoga county, N. Y., on the2-tthof July, 1826, and is a son of Lewis and Martha Williams. Their ])arents were among the earliest settlers at what is now Albany, N. Y. Lewis Williams, the father, followed lumbering in his early days, but the most of his life was devoted to farming. He and his wife were exemplary citizens and were members of the Methodist Church. They had a family of six children, three boys and three girls, all of whom remained in New York State except Henry R.

Our subject, Henry li. Williams, grew to manhood in his native county, receiving a common school education and aiding his father on the farm, and remained in his native State until ISC", when l;e came to Meeker county, and settled in Forest Prairie township, where he has since lived, as above stated. He owns a farm of eighty acres and in connection with general farming he carries on a limited stock raising business. Since his residence here he has taken an active interest in public matters, and has been prominently identified with the official history of his township, having held vai'ious local offices. In political matters he affiliates with the republican party.

Mr. Williams was married on the 27th of Septenil^er, IS-iT, to Miss Rachel Caroline Rouse, a daughter of Grattan and Caroline Rouse, and a native of New York State. Her parents were natives of the Empire State. and were tlie parents of five children, one boy and four girls, as follows - Lida, Elizabeth, Sarah, Richard and Rachel. Mr. and Jlrs Williams have been the parents of nine chddren, one of whom, Sarah Jane, is dead. Those living are Henry C, Richard R., Solomon, Franklin, Elizabeth, Josephine, Martha, and Anna E. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are zealous members and active supporters of the Methodist Church.

BAVID MITCHELL. One of the oldest of the pioneers of Meeker county, and one' of its leading farmers, is the gentlenuui whose name heads this .sketch. He came hereabout July 1, ]85(). and took a claim on the land where he now lives, on section 1.5, Forest City townshi]). On the 160 acres upon which he originally settled he has made

David Mitchell first saw the light in Troy, Waldo county. Me., October 25, 1 832, and is the son of David -and Sarah (Thoni])son) Mitchell. He was reared in the Pine Tree State," receiving his education at Bradley, Penobscot county, in the tlistrict schools of that village. At the age of sixteen years he adopted a seafaring life, and spent four years in the coasting trade and the West India traffic. Abandoning the vicissitudes of the sea, he engaged in milling on the noble Penobscot river, which he followeil for about two years, after which he removed to Minnesota, and settled in Meeker county, as above mentioned.

Mr. Mitchell was here during the tragic scenes of the Indian outbreali and massacre, and was at woi'k on the stockade on the day the Indians made the attack on Forest City. After remaining until after the attack upon the stockade, he removed to Clearwater, where he remained some eighteen months. This and some few months* absence in Coloi'ado, constitute all the time spent by him out-of this county since first settling here. He is one of few of the pioneers of Meeker county that have not been swept off by the scythe of Time, and has always occupied a prominent place in the respect and esteem of his fellow-citizens. Although a republican in principles, and constant in the discharge of his duties as a citizen, he has had no political aspii'ations, and has never filled any other office than that of school director, which he held for seven or eight years.

Mr. Mitchell was united in marriage, March 16, 1851, with Miss Belinda Anderson, a native of Montville, Waldo county, Me., who died May 3, 1884, after a brief illness. She was the mother of seven children - ^'iola M., Mrs.Charles Boone, of Brown count3% Dak. ; George IL, who mai'ried Miss Emma Spaulding, and is living at Forest

City ; Ida, Mrs. Charles H. Atkinson, of Forest City ; Edith, Mrs. Eice Gordon, living at the same place ; Oscar T. and Oro T., twins, now in Dakota ; and Grace, living at home. All the children were born in this county, witli the exception of the two eldest.

kTTO DERSCH, one of Grove City's \^>/ live business men,is engaged in the sale of farm machinery, and in running the meat market and feed store. He is the son of Otto and Elizabeth Dersch, natives of Germany, and was born in Germany while his parents were coming in search of fortune to America. The date of his advent was February 19, 18.50.

The parents settled in Washington county, Minnesota, on reaching tiie United States, where the young Otto received his education in the district schools, until old enough to learn a trade, and there his parents died. He commenced life by leai'ning the blacksmith trade with William Post, with whom he remained two years and nine months, after which he worked nine months in the Monitor Plow Works at Minneapolis. Entering the machine shops of the St. Paul & Duluth Eailroad, Mr. Dersch followed his trade for two years more, after which he ran a locomotive engine for nearly a year. At the expiration of that engagement he came to Afton township, Washington county, and for eighteen months worked at the smith's trade for Getchell & Co., in their sawmill. After that he followed his business on his own account in various places, doing a little farming at times in connection with his craft. Coming then to this county, after farming for a while he removed to Grove City, and, putting up a dwelling and a smithy, followed the trade for three years, during which time he was the partner of Hover Mickelson in the saw-mill. At the close of the third year he sold his interest in the mill, rented his shop, and established his present business, he having for some time back handled agricultural implements. Since then he has added the other branches of the business and is one of the leading business men of the village. He has held the office of city marshal and been a member of the village council, and is in his politics a stanch republican.

Mr. Dersch has been twice married, the first time to Miss Louisa Brauer, November 18, 1873. She was the daughter of John and Louisa Brauer, and a resident of Washington county. She died July 2, 1880, leaving three chddren - Josephine, born June 24, 1874; William, born May 6, 1876, and Hubert, born January 29, 1879. His second marriage occurred January 16, 1881, at which time he wedded Miss Maria Muhly, daughter of Henry and Maria Muhly, who has borne him three children - Arthui', whose birth took place April 23, 1883 ; Lydia, born January 4, 1886, and Adeline, born February 17. 1888.

spHRISTlAN L. HANSON, a successful and enterprising farmer and stockraiser, residing on section 4, Danielson, is one of the pioneers of the township in which he lives. He is a son of Hans and Anna (Arnson) Christianson, and was born on the 7th of November, 1833. His mother died in 1838, and his father, who was born in 1802, married Hannah Nelson in 1839; the father died January 28, 1878. Christian remained on the farm with his father in Denmark until he was twenty-four years of age, Avhen he went to Nakskon, Denmark, a cit}^ of about 5,000 population, where he rented property and engaged in the business of brewing malt-beer, and also keeping a restaurant. In addition to this he rented a small farm adjoining the city, and followed these combined lines of business for eight years, when he sold cut. On tlie 7th of November, 1860, he was married to Miss (lena Hanson, a daughtei' of Ilaiis C. and Christianna Hanson, who was burn December 15, 1833.

On March 28, 18t>6. Mr. Hanson, with his family, started for tiie United States, and, when they were about lialf way across the ocean, cholera broke out on board the ship, and about 300 persons died, Mr. Hanson losino- two of his cliildren and a liired man, from the (h-ead disease. When the vessel got near Neu^ York they were quarantined, and were not allowed to land, until the 28th of May. Upon landing, a man who could talk the Dane language, apjiroached Mr. Hanson, and stated, that he would attend to shipping their goods to Minnesota. The goods were never heard of afterward, and it was a very severe loss to Mr. Hanson, as he had an abundance of household goods. He afterward corresponded with the consuls from Norway and Denmark, but to no avail. From New York the family proceeded to Faribault, Minn., where Mr. Hanson left them, while he traveled about in search of a suitable location. Finally, on the 6th of July, he settled upon a homestead on section 4, in Danielson towmshij). Meeker county, Minn., where he has since lived. He erected the second frame house in the township, hauling his shingles and flooring from St. Cloud. He now owns one of the finest farms in the township, and has splendid building improvements, besides a beautiful grove of four acres of his own planting. ]\Ir. Hanson has taken an active interest in all matters affecting the welfare of the township, and has held a great many local offices of importance, including those of school director, township supervisor, treasurer, road overseer, etc. He has always filled every position, to which his fellow-citizens have called him, with credit to himself and satisfaction to all

The marriage of Mr. and ]\rrs. Hanson lias been blessed with the following named children - Matilda S. (who died April 21, 1866, on board ship) was born ]\ray 5, 1862; Francena D., born August 1, 1S(!3; Arnt Peter (wiio also died on board siiip, April 19, 1866), born February 5, I860 ; Arnt P. H., born November 13, 1866, died June 16, 1868 (the first death in the township) ; Arnold P. E., born December 1, 1868; Tilda Celui, born July 31, 1871 ; William M., born May 24, 1873; and Levi Benjamin, born April 27, 1875.

^M UGUST SALLBERG, one of the most jp>-J^ enterprising and energetic merchants and business men of Dassel, is a native of Sweden, born in the parish of Norungo, Vestagotlilund, Januai'y 13, 1845. He was reared upon a farm in his native land until he was some eighteen years of age, and afteithat followed railroading in the old countr\', but emigrated to America in 1869, and cam& directly to Minnesota and for a time worked on the railroad. Later on, he commenced doina: contract work wdiich he followed until 1871, at which time he entered a clothingstore in St. Cloud, as salesman. He followed the profession of clerk there for over a year, and then went to St. Paul and traveled for a wholesale clothing house of that city, throuo-h northern Iowa and Minnesota. With them he remained five years, and then for three years represented a Chicago clothing firm upon the road. In October, 1880, he purchased the general stock of merchandise of Kudberg Bros., and soon after moved to Dassel and took charge of the business. In February, 1883, the building in wliicii he was, was destroyed by fire, and he immediately put up the handsome briclc building where he is now located, which is 20x120 feet in size, two stories high, and erected at a cost of $10,000. He moved into this fine edifice September 5, following the fire. For a number of years he was largely interested in theDassel elevator, and at another time owned and carried on a lai'ge farm in the neighborhood, but has abandoned all outside speculations, confining himself wholly to his mercantile business.

Mr. Sallberg has been twice married. The first time, December 15, 1875, he was united with Miss Jennie Kline, of St. Paul, who died January 22, 1885, leaving two children - Arthur Julian and Emil Robert. May 3, 1886, Mr. Sallljerg wedded ]\Irs. Joanna Rudberg, the widow of Jonas lludberg, a history of whom appears elsewhere. By this marriage they have one child - Jennie I.

Mr. Sallberg is a Christian gentleman, an active member of the Lutheran Church, and an admh-able citizen and receives the highest meed of respect from all.

PETER E. HANSEN, of Litchfield, a pioneer of Meeker county, and one of the most prominent citizens in this part of the State, is a native of Sweden, born on the 12th of June, 1815. Ilis parents were Plans and Betsy Peterson, both natives of the same country. They came to America in company with about 150 others of the same nationality, and landed in New York on the 4tli of July, 1857. From there tliey pursued their journey westward to Minnesota, coming by way of Dunleith, 111., tiien the terminus of the railway lines, and Dubuque, Iowa. Thej' stopped for about one month at Carver, Minn., where a full outfit of oxen, wagons and other supplies was purchased, and came on, stopping briefly at Glencoe, Hutchinson and Greenleaf, and finally arrived at Larson's Grove, in what is now Litchfield township. Meeker county, Minn. There they remained about two weeks, and the men made exploring trips in search of land. The bulk of the original party that left the old country settled in various other counties in the Northwest, while about fifty found homes in Meeker county, mostly in Swede Grove township. Among the number who were members of the party who found homes in Meeker county, were the following - Bengt Hansen, J. Larson, Nels Larson, Hogan Peterson, Andrew Peterson, Nels Hansen, Ole Nelson, Peter Larson, Andrew Larson, Nils Clemens, Nils Elofson, Andrew Elofson. Peter Elofson, Nils H. Peterson and Peter H. Peterson.

Hans Peterson, the father of Peter E. Hansen, found land that suited him, and took a preemption on section 29, in Swede Grove township, where he began improvements, and where the familj^ lived in quiet, contentment and prosperity until the terrible massacre of 18G2. Something of the disadvantage under which these Swedish j^ioneers labored may be understood when it is stated that not a man in the colony could speak English, and they were totally ignorant of American customs or manners. The Hansen familj^ or rather Hans Peterson's family, moved onto their claim on the 3d of August, 1857, and their first move was to ]iut up a shed, which was constructed of jioles laid from tree to tree, thereby making a framework. Instead of covering this with hay ami matting it down, so as to shed watei-, the father directed that it be covered with brush. Of course, whenever it rained, the family would Ije di'enched and nearly drowned out. When this occurred the father would direct the boys to ]mt on more brush, and it would accordingly be piled on, but to no avail, however. A little later a stable was built, with the framework arranged like a pyramid, into which the family was moved, and which did very well for a time. The most of the trading, botli as to himl)ei'an(l pi'ovisions, atthat time, was done in St. Paul or Miimeapolis, as the trading post at Forest City was then a small aifair, as one old settler puts it, " the whole stock of goods could be loaded on a wheelbarrow." An old second-hand stove had been purchased by Mr. Peterson, but he had been unable to secure but cue leugth of pipe, so after a little perplexing study, a hollow log was substituted and thus the proper lengtli of pi])e was secured. When this got dry and well-seasoned, however, it took fire, thereby creating much excitement and leaving them in the same ]iredicament as before. This was remedied, however, and matters again ran smooth. As cold weather approached, in the fall of 1857, a cellar was dug about forty feet square, but as no framework could be secured, jilanks were laid over the top, and it was covered with gravel and earth. Then the question arose as to how^ the " dug out " sliould be lighted, and finally a little framework was constructed overhead in which were set panes of glass. This did very well for a time, but when snow came and covered it up, the dogs, wliicli the family kept, fell through the window. When it rained the water soaked right through, as the roof was flat, anil it was necessary to keep all the clothes and perishable gooils in barrels to prevent them fi'om being ruined. A short time later, however, they put in plank, and otherwise improved the condition of things, and thus they occupied the " cellar" for about three years, or until in 1S(!(I, when they procured lumber from a saw-mill which hiul been started in what is now Acton township, and with this they completed a house, into which they moved and lived for aixtut two years, in ]oeace and prosperity.

near the cabins of the settlers, and the pioneers were constantly trading back and forth with them. They were always friendly, Ijut occasionally a little troublesome, on account of their begging, and especially their steahng propensities, yet as a rule, if the right course was followed, stolen goods could generally be recovered. Peter Hansen was associated with the Indians a great deal. He was an inveterate hunter in those days, and became noted as a dead shot, and for tiiat matter he has maintained his reputation ;ind skill in that line to tiu; )iresent day. His relations with the Indians were always pleasant and friendly until the time of the outbreak.

On the morning of tlie memorable Sunday that inaugurated the carnival of bloodshed - the 17th day of August, 18G2 - a band of fourteen Indians passed the Peterson claim on their way to the Manannah woods, and it was supposed, from sukscquent developments, that they went to murder a man against whom they had a gi'udge. Failing, however, to find him, they returned, stopping at Ilogan Peterson's, where they learned of the Jones and Riker massacre, and passed near the scene of that slaughter, exchanged a few shots with some settlers who had gathered there, and then made their way southwesterly to the Minnesota Piver.

The news of the Jones and Bakci' murders s]iread among the settlers lilce wildlire. notwithstanding the fact that the country was so sparsely settled. On Monday the word came to get together and prepare for defense or flight, and at Hansen's a few things were piled into the wagon, the oxen hitched up, and they went to a postofiice on section 33, Swede Grove townshiji, where about one hundred families had gathered ; but the fear had seized all, and they at once proceeded to the shores of Lake Ripley, where they camped on the night of tiie 18th of August. Very few slept that night, as every new arrival reported horrible murders and savage atrocities committed by the Indians. The next morning they went to Forest City, where the families were left. P. E. Hansen and his father, accompanied by several others, then stalled out to go back to the farm for jirovisions. When out a short distance they met the remnant of a fleeing party, several of whom had been killed and mutilated, ami then they realized that an Indian outbreak had really been inaugurated, and that the previous killing was not an isolated or single case, but was merely the beginning of a teiTible warfare on the part of the Indians to drive the whites from what they considered their hunting grounds. The party at once returned to Forest City, and a fort was at once built. Provisions were scarce, and it was some time before any one ventured out in search of any. 'Peter Hansen, however, with bis gun, managed to keep his father's and several other families, supplied with wild game. About a week later a party of eight or ten started out for the purpose of burying dead and picking up wounded. They got as far as Peter Loen's, on section 5, Swede Grove township, fifteen miles from Forest City, where they exchanged several shots with Indians, no one being hurt, and then turned and came back. The next day the "company of forty-one" was organized, P. E. Hansen, being among the number. After the return of this expedition to Forest City, they went to work and completed the fort, but not a family Jiioved into it on that nigiit, all sleeping in the huts they had been occupying. During the night the Indians made an attack, and every one scrambled for the fort itnmediatcly after the first volley, some in undress uniform, while others were covered with blankets and bed cjuilts. The Indians withdrew the following morning. After this, for a week or two, every one stayed pretty close to the fort. Provisions were very scarce ; flour was meted out to the various families in equal parts, and was worth almost its weight in gold. About two weeks after the attack the Hansens started one evening for the farm for the purpose of getting provisions. They fastened their oxen, upon reaching the farm, and loaded the wagon witli ])rovisions, after which, as the father thought there was no danger, they went into the bed-room and laid down in order to get some rest. Just as they were about to fall asleep, they were aroused by a frightful crash in the outer room. In an instant they were wide awake, and as visions of j)ainted, blood-thirsty savages flashed through their brains their hair stood on end. A moment later they heard the welcome " meow " of a cat, and the attack was explained, much to their relief. The cat, in its attempt to gain admittance, had broken through the window. They then returned to Forest City, where their provisions were divided with their friends, and therefore the supply did not last over a weeic. In the meantime those coming in brought terrible reports of Indian ravages. Notwithstanding this fact, the father, Hans Peterson, decided to again go to the farm. He yoked the oxen, and, taking an old double-barreled shot gun, started. He found the cattle about the house and salted them, thinking their presence was a pretty safe indication that that there were no Indians about, as they would stampede at sight or smell of a " redskin." He lit a lamp in the house and went to work in earnest, and had loaded the wagon nearly full, Avhen suddenly he heard the cattle running and bellowing. He dashed out and found the cattle on the run, and a few moments later he heard the Indians yelling about the cabin. He kept on in his northeast coui"se, and laid all the next day in the Manannah woods, and at night made his way back to Forest City. There he told the story, and for two weeks no further attempt was made by them to reiU'li tlio fanii. At the end of that time, Peter Hansen, accompanied by several others, again visited the farm by nigiit, and found the liouse ])urned to the ground, and while there were startled by hearing the Indians yelling in the distance. They at once took the back track and arrived in Forest City before da^'-break, having tramped over thirty miles during the night. No further trips were made until in November, when matters had quieted down somewhat. Tlun' then found the cattle all right, but tiie Indians had smashed every thing in tiie wagon and feasted on the sheep, evidently having camped near by for some time. The family remaineil at Forest City for about three years, and then, in 1865, the "Indian war" having closed, they returned to Swede Grove township and settled upon a homestead, wiiicli the father liad taken on section 20. Tiie old folks still live upon the place.

We now take up the personal history of Peter E. Hansen. He remained at home until the 19th of June, 18()7, when he was married to Rachel Halverson. The ceremony was performed at Forest City by 'Squire James B. Atkinson, and the event was heartily celebrated by a large attendance of friends. Their union has been blessed with four children, as follows - Nellie 0., born February 3, 1871 ; Harry A., born February 8, 1873 ; Jennie F., born August 16, 1875 ; and Lillie May, born February 5, 1886. Mr. Hansen has been successful beyond the lot of most men, and is now among the largest land-owners in the State. He is owner, either alone or jointly with a partner, of 78,000 acres of land, situated in Meeker, lienville, Kandiyohi, Stearns, Douglas, Pope Grant, Otter Tail and Wright counties, and besides has large landed interests in the city of Minneapolis and several villages. He is one of the directors and also vice president of the Meeker County Bank, and holds stock in a numl)ei- of local enterprises. In 1880 lie was ap])ointed as agent of the Manitoba Kailway Company to handle their lands, and now has charge of the railroad lands in Meeker, Carver, Wright, and Renville counties, and part of Stearns county. He is also loan agent for the Kelly Brothers, of Minneapolis. Mr. Hansen is recognized as one of the shrewdest and best business men in this part of the State. He has acquired immense property interests, and has always taken an active interest in all matters calculated to benefit the locality in which he lives. Mr. Hansen resides on section 18, Litchfield township, although he carries on business in the village ; and his residence and farm improvements are among the finest to be found anv where in the State.

^ kRRlN WHITNEY. Among the old set- V^l^y tiers of Meeker county, who are still spared to this world, there is none more worthy of mention in a work of this character than the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. He came to this county in March, 1857, with his brother, A. P. Whitney, S. B. Hutchins and others, and settled at Kingston, where he still lives. He helped build the mill |)ut up l)v Whitney, Averill & Hutchins, in 1857 and 1858, which was the first grist-mill in the county, and from the day of his first location here has alwa^'s been identified with the onward progress and develo|mi('nt of this region.

The subject of this biograpliy was Itorn in Somerset county, Me., August 18, 1815, and is tlie son of William and Olive (Parlin) Whitney, who were natives of Connecticut and Massachusetts, respectively. He was reared in Penobscot county, in the " Pine Tree State," and there received the elements of his education. On attaining his majority,

He came to Minnesota in 1857, and as he liad a knowledge of mill-wriojitino', liaving worked at that business a few years, he helped put up the Hennepin Island Mill, tiie first grist-mill at Minneapolis. In 1857 he came to this county as above mentioned, and has been a resident nearly ever since. On his arrival in Meeker county, Mr. Whitney preempted 160 acres of land on section 21, where he now lives. In 1861 he went to California, where he remained until December, 1864, when he returned to this place, which he has brought to a high state of cultivation and finely improved until it is as desirable a piece of property as any in the county.

Mr. Whitne}' and Miss Rebecca Carvill were united in the bonds of mari'iage, March 10, 1879. His life companion and helpmeet, who is a lady of rare accomplishments and intelligence, is a native of Lewistoii, Androscoggin county, Me., born December 23, 1827, and is the daughter of Sewell and Tama (Higgins) Carvill, she being tlie sixth child in their family of thirteen. Of them there are seven, besides her, still surviving - Submit, Mary, Milton, Jefferson, Wesley, Alonzo and Alphonso. The latter was a physician, who came to Kingston in 1867, and made his home here for several yeai's; Jefferson resides in Dassel township, this couiity ; most of the rest still live in New England. Mrs. Whitney having received considerable schooling, learned the trade of coat-making, at which she worked some thirty years. In the spring of 1848 she went to Boston, and in that city followed her trade twenty-nine years, boarding at one place fourteen years. She has in the course of a busy life, with characteristic thrift, accumulated a nice property, owning as she does the East Kingston Mill, which cost her S7,000.

Mr. Whitney is a greenbackei' in his politics and a supporter of the Grange movement. Both he and his estimable wife are held in high esteem wherever known, and theii-many kfc^ leading citizens of the village of Dassel there is none more prominent than the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. He is the son of William and Ehoda (Snow) Proctor, both of whom were natives of Vermont, who had gone with their parents into the wilds of St. Lawrence county, N. Y., the former at the age of twelve years, and the latter at the age of seven. There they attained the years of manhood and womanhood, and were marrietl, and made their home. At the time of the Mexican war, AYilliam Proctor, being impelled by the ardor that dwells in each patriot's breast, enlisted in Company D, Ninth United States Infantry, and was wounded in one of the battles at the gates of the city of Mexico, in 1847, and died shortly after in the general hospital in that ''City of the Montezumas." Mrs. Proctor is now making her home with her son, Edwin F.

The subject of our present sketch was born at Massena, St. Lawrence county, N.Y., in 1840, and made his home in his native town until 1855, when he took Horace Greeley's advice and moved westward, settling at Madison, Wis., where he found employment in a brickyard. In that city he remained until the fall of 186U, when he removed to Marshall, Wis., and attended school that winter. While peacefully pursuing his studies, in the eventful spring of 1861, the tocsin of war rang out, and thousands of hurrying feet j^ressed on to the front of i)attle in defence of their country, and in res- ponse to the call of the General Government for troops to suppress the unholy rebellion. Mr. Proctor, with the spirit of his noble sire, came forward at once, and enlisted in (Jorapany A, Third Wisconsin Infantry, on the 1st of April, 1861, for three-months service, but was not mustered in under this enlistment. On the IStb of April, he enlisted for three years or during the war; and on the 21st of December, 18fi3, he re-enlisted, in Tennessee, as a veteran for three years more, making, until his discharge, a term of service of four years and four months. In the three-months term he had been cor|)oral, but in the spring of 1862 he was made duty sergeant, and in 1864 orderly sergeant. In April, 1865, he was duly commissioned second lieutenant for gallant and meritorious conduct, and in July following, received the rank of first lieutenant. During the first part of his term of service, he served with his regiment with the Armies of the Potomac and of the Shenandoah, and participated in the engagements at Bolivar Heights, Winchester, Cedar Mountain, Antietam, Chancellorville and Beverly Ford. The command (Twelfth Corps) to which he was then attached, was transferred with the Seventh Corps to the WesternArmy, and under General Siierman, he was present with his regiment, in the thickest of-the conflicts that raged around Atlanta, and was actively engaged there, and in the subsequent March to the Sea, under that matchless General, and in the engagements that marked its progress. participated in fourteen general engagements in all, and was slightly wounded in two battles - Chancellorville and Antietam. He took part in the grand review at Washington, in June, 1865, after which he received his discharge and came home, Cincinnatus like, laying the sword down for the plow handle. He came to Minnesota, and took u]) a homestead on section 4, of the town of Dassel, in the month of May, 1869. Upon this place he remained engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1885, when he traded a portion of his estate for his village propertj^, and sold the balance, and is now living a retired life, being unable ])liysically to longer carry on agricultural labor. His exposure while in the army, brought on rheumatism, from which he has never recovered, and for which he now draws a small pension, %V1 per month, from the government.

Mr. Proctor and Miss Emeline P. Frost were united in marriage Januaiy 18, 1864, while he was home on his veteran furlough. The lady is a native of Delaware county, Ohio, and is the daughter of Alva and Permilla Fi'ost. Her parents came to Ohio in 1816, and settled in Delaware county. July 7, 1847, they removed to Dodge county, Wis., where they lived until the death of Mr. Frost, June 29, 1867. His wife came to Minnesota in 1874, and died in this county April 6, 1883.

Mr. and Mrs Proctor are the parents of four children - Justin T., Elwin Z., Delia D., and Elward J. Elwin died July 19, 1881, the rest are living. Mr. Proctor was one of the charter members of Colfax Post No. 133, G. A. K., Department of Minnesota, and its first commander, and is now the quartermaster of that post.

influential, leading citizens of Manannah township, and of Meeker county, is Mr. Campbell, of whom this narrative IS written. He came to the village of Kingston in the year 1866, and entered into the general merchandise trade in connection with Whiting Bros., a Clearwater firm. One year later he purchased the interest of his partners, and for two years pursued the business alone. At the end of that time he removed to the new village of Litchfield, and, purchasing the Lake Eipley House, ran the hotel for two years, after which, disposing of all property in that place, he removed to Manannah, and purcliased an interest with N. C. Hines in the Hour and grist mill. In 1877 he became the sole proprietor, since which time he has added many im]irovements. In 1880 he put in steam engine and boilers, so that he can run eitlier liy steam or water. During 1887 the mill was remodeled, and full sets of rolls jjlaced in it, and it now ranks as one of the best in this part of the State.

O. H. Campbell was born in Hartford, Conn., August 1, ISi-l, and is the son of James and Esther (Griswold) Campbell. The father was a native of Vermont, and had removed to Connecticut, where he became an insurance agent. The mother, who was a representative of the noted Griswold family, was a native of Connecticut.

The subject of our sketch, at the age of seventeen, entered an insurance office in his native city, where he remained until September, 1862, when he enlisted in Company B, Twenty-Second Connecticut Infantry, and served in the Army of the Potomac for some ten months, when he was discharged. During this time the regiment had participated in the siege of Suffolk, Va., the capture of Forts Huger and Nansemond, where it was under fire for two days. This was while it was a part of the Twenty-Second Army Corps and in Abercrombie's Division. It was then sent to West Point, and. under General Gordon, maile the advance on Eichmond and the noted Blackberry roa<l. Gn its return, its time being out, it was ordered home and discharged.

Gn his discharge, after another year spent in tlie insurance l)usincss in Hartford, he came out West, and, after one year spent at Clearwater, came to Meeker county, lie was married April 24, 1867, at Clearwater, to Miss Isa Creath, a native of Washington county. Me., and daughter of John and Margaret (Miars) Creath. By this union there have been born four children, namely - Arthur, born March 8, 1SG8 ; Ernest, born November 9, 1869; Marian, born May 16,1876; and Harry, born August 4, 1879.

Mr. Campbell has been prominentlj^ identified with the official life of the county, having served as chairman of the board of town supervisors, as justice of the peace, and in the fall of 1887 was only defeated by a small majority for the office of State senator.

EORGE W. CLARK, one of the "brave boys in l)lue, " makes his home in Collinwood to\\nship, on section 22, and is a valued citizen. He is a native of Henry count}', Iowa, born December 29, 1843, and is the son of John A. and Sarah (Butler) Clark, whose birthplace was in Ohio. When about four years of age his parents removed to Jo Daviess county. 111., where the father was emplo3'ed in lead-mining until 1852. In April of that year they moved to St. Paul, and for two years the father of our subject was employed in a lumber mill. From there they migrated to Henderson, Sibley county, and in that place made their liome, John Clark being engaged in transporting supplies for Indian Agent Brown until his death, which occurred August 18, 1857.

The subject of tiiis memoir commenced work, on the death of his father, in the office of the Henderson iJemorrat, to learn the printers trade. While peacefully following the art he had chosen, he heeded the call of his country, then in the throes of civil war, -and enlisteil in Company I, Eighth Minnesota Infantry, in August, 1862, and participated in the expedition under General Sully. In the fall of 1864, he was sent South to help suppress the rebellion, and the regiment be- came a part of the famous '23d Army Corjis under General Scoiicld, and was present at many of the conflicts tliat terminated the war. He received an honorable discharge in 1865, and returned iiome, but shortly removed to Meeker county, and made a settlement in Ellswortli township. He made his home there for two years and then purchased 200 acres of land on the section where he now lives, in CoHinwood.

Mr. Clark was married December 15, 187(3, to Miss Sarah Grant, a native of Indiana, born in Jennings county, August 31, 1856. By this union there has been born six children, of whom the following is the record - Willis was born June 2, 1878 ; James was born August 16, 1880; Arthur, born July 7, 1879, and died August 20, following; George K., born April 14, 1882 ; Clara J., born February 20, 1885 ; and Ida F., was born December 7, 1887.

-^\ W. HAWKINSON, of Grove City. A i^ large proportion of the citizens of Meeker county are of foreign birth, and are men who have brought with them to their new home in America the habits of industry and thrift so common in their own country, and with the chances afforded in the United States, have risen by tlieir own efforts to an easy competence. Among these is Mr. Hawkinson, who was born at the home of his parents, William and Ellen Hawkinson, in Sweden, November 16, 1840. He was reared to maniiood in the land of his birth, and there, A))ril 24, 1866, he was united in marriage with Miss Hannah Nelson. Three years later, leaving his family, he came across tlie stormy Atlantic in se;ircli of a home in the free land of America, and coming at once to Minnesota, located at Cottage Grove, about fifteen miles from St. Paul, where he was engaged in wagon-making until December, 1869, and then came to

Litchfield, then a new village, just started, where he was employed in wagon-making and in carpentering until 1870, when, feeling assured of the future, he returned to the old country for his family, with whom he arrived in Litchfield May 15, 1871. He followed his trade until the succeeding November, when he removed to Swede Grove township, where he built him a house on his farm, and lived thei'C for two years, renting the land and working at carpentering. He then commenced farming himself, and at odd times pursued his trade, and in this manner put in his time for five years more. During this time he had erected, for C. E. Lundberg, an elevator of 60,000 bushels capacity, which, when he had finished, he took charge of for the owner, and operated for seven years. The most of this time he made his home upon his farm, driving in and out each morning and evening. B}' this time he had ac(juired some 280 acres of land, but in 1881 he built a house in the village and managed his farm by hired help. In the fall of 1886 he gave up running the elevator, and engaged in the business of selling lumber, farm machinery, wagons, buggies, paints, oils, etc., in company with B. Bresden.

Mr. and Mrs. Hawkinson are the parents of five children - Andrew, Nels, Alfred, Elmer and Minnie. The eldest, Andrew, is a graduate of the Northwestern College at Minneapolis. In politics Mr. Hawkinson is a stanch adherent to the principles of the republican party.

I^REDERICK SPATH, living on section ^IFS^ 10, Dassel township, is one of the leading farmers of that section of the county. He is a native of Wiirtemberg, Germany, born Felu'uary 11. 1825, an<l the son of ^N'illiani an<l Catherine Spath, both of whom are also natives of the German Em]>ire.

Frederick, at the age of sixteen years left the fatherland for America, and on his arrival in Philadeli)hia, Pa., commenced learning the blacksmith trade in that city. He remained there until 1856, at which date he came to Minnesota, and settled in Hennepin county, and opened a blacksmith shop, about seven miles north of Minneapolis. About a year later he removed to Anoka county, among the earliest pioneers of that section, and preempted a farm in the town of Bethel. There he made his lionie until 1864. During the Indian outbreak of 1862, much excitement was felt in that county and most of the settlers left the town. Mrs. Spath kept her children dressed and ready to start at a moment's warning for tliree days and nights, while waiting for news of the appeai'ance of the savages, who never came. The trouble died out and people soon came back to their homes, there as elsewhere. In 1864 Mr.Spath came toKingston,this county, where he opened a blacksmith shop, and continued to follow that calling for two years in that place. In 1866 he removed to the town of Dassel, then known as Swan Lake, and took a homestead of eighty acres of land in section 10, where his family lived nine years. He worked for a while on the construction of the railroad, and on the laying out of the village of Dassel opened a smithy in that place. His family moved into the latter in 1875, where thev all remained until 1881, when he sold out his interests and returned to the farm, which is now increased to 120 acres, more than half of it under a high state of cultivation, and upon which he has erected some fine buildings. On the organization of the town in 1867, he \vas appointed one of the town supervisors, and the followingyear was chairman of the board. He was, also, one of the first village trustees and held that office for three years consecutively.

Catherine Pliipps, a native of Philadelphia. Bj^ this union there have been born six children, namely - William, Jiving in Dakota; Katie, Mrs.John Bunker,of the village of Dassel; Fi"ank P, who is carrying on the blacksmith trade in the same village ; Susan, Mrs. M. Penny, of Dassel township; Fred P. and Sarah, at home.

^1 ILAS W. LEAVITT, one of the lead- "^^^ ing citizens of the village of Litchfield, is a native of Giimanton, N. IL, born in 1848, and is a son of Joseph S. and Hannah (Cotton) Leavitt. He remained at home with his parents until he had attained the age of seventeen years, when he enlisted in August,

1863, in Company A, Fifteenth New Hampsiiii-e Infantry, and with that gallant regiment served one year. He participated in the siege and capture of Port Hudson, and was discharged with the regiment in October,

1864. For the two years following he was compelled to suffer much from a disease of the eyes contracted while in the service. Becoming able to use his eyes he went to Dover, in the same State, where he remained a 3'ear. From there he moved to Boston, and for three years was engaged in clerical labor in that city. Following the advice of Horace Greeley, he then came West, and for some time was prospecting through the country. After looking the State over, Mr. Leavitt decided to locate in Meeker county, and, in 1868, purchased a farm in the town of Greenleaf, where he made his home until the fall of 1871, when, being elected to the office of clerk of the district court, he removed to the village of Litchfield. For twelve successive years he filled that responsible ]iosition with the utmost credit, and declined a fourth re-election. During most of this time he was also engaged in the lumber business in Litchfield. Mr. Leavitt was elected president of the board of education of tlic village, in September. ISSO, :ind still fills that office. (_)n the organization of Com])anj H, First Eegiment, Minnesota National Guards, in February, 1883, he was elected captain, and has served his full term of five 3'ears, but at the solicitation of the company still remains in command. At the close of his time he tendered his resignation, but the company unanimously rejected it, and as a testimony of their appreciation of his services they ]>resented him with a very handsome eold watch aaid chain. On the formation of the creamery association, Mr. Leavitt was elected secretary and general manager of tiiat institution, and has charge of that business at the present.

Our subject was mai'ried in August, 1866, to Miss Mary D. Chapman, a native of "Worcester, Mass., and l)y this union there has been born two children - Grace W., and Marian II.

*,BERT HUTCHINS, a young and enterprising farmer, of Collinwood township, was born in Yanc}' county, N. C, the 27th of May, 1849, and is the son of Jacob and Nancy (Buchanan) llutchins. His father was born in Berks county, N. C, June 19, 181-1, and is the son of AYright and Margaret Hutchins. The mother was born in the same county April 19, 1814. Jacob Hutchins remained in the county of his birth until he was aiKjut thirty years old, engaged in farming, but, in the spring of ISl-f, movetl to West Virginia, and there made his home until 1864, at Avliich date he came to Collinwood and settled on a homestead on section 8. In 1879 he gave the place to his son, with whom he lives. He was inarried in 1835 to Miss Nancy Buchanan, by whom he had fourteen children, namely - Anna, Louisa, Sarah, Mary, Thomas, Margaret, Elizabeth,

Albert was married September 12, 1880, to Miss Theresa Erfurth, who was l)orn in Ohio. May 9, 1859, and is the daughter of Edward and Johanna Ei-furth. They are the parents of three children, all of whom are dead. They were Arthur, born August 5, ISSl, died May 18, 1887 ; Michael, born September 15, 1883, and died May 12, 1887; and Milton, born May 8, 1885, and died May 18, 1887. Albert has made his home with his parents all his life, and for fifteen years has been the main support of his family. His mother died August 19, 1881. Jacob Hutchins Ijuilt the first house in the township, and was the first school treasurer. The farm contains al)out 116 acres of fine land, of which eiglitv are under cultivation. The improvements are of a very fair character, and the whole place evinces that the young farmer understands his business and is in a prosperous condition.

Ft MBROSE WALL, the present audijp'^ tor of Meeker county, is a native of Cayuga county, N. Y., born December 7, 1852,and is the son of Michael and Alice (Dee) Wall. He was reared in the county of his birth, and received his primary education in the common schools of that district, which was sup]Jemented by two tei'ms jiassed at Port Byron Academy. His occupation during all this time was farming, he assisting his father, for a tnne, and afterward working for other parties as opportunit}' served.

In the fall of 1879, Mr. Wall came to Minnesota and located in Stearns county, where he taught school that winter, but the following spring came to Meeker county and purchased a farm on section 26, Manannah townshi]). Here he commenced the avocation of western farmer, for which his train- iiig in the Empire State liad so well fitted him. He maile that place his home, carryon the tillage of the soil \\\ the summer, and "teaching the young idea how to shoot" in the various district schools of tlie county during the winter months. On the initiation of the Farmers' Alliance movement in 1S85, he adopted their views and principles, believing them to be for the best intei'ests of the working classes, and a step in the direction of personal liberty and enfranchisement.

In the fall of 188(3, Mr. Wall was nominated for the office of auditor on the alliance and democratic tickets, and carried ofl" the honors of the campaign with a handsome majority. He is the present secretary of the Meeker County Farmers' Alliance, is independent of party lines, in political faith being of decidedlj' anti-monopolistic tendency, and is a bright and intelligent leader in the new movement, looking to the elevation of the auriculturists and laboring classes.

fOHN CHRISTENSEN, one of the prominent merchants of Grove City, and a member of the firm of Reitan &Christensen, general merchandise dealers, is a native of Norway, and the son of Haider and Karen Marie (Hebgh) Christensen. The date of his birth was January 31, 1834. He remained in the land of his nativity, where he secured his education, until November 2, 1867, when he made his appearance in Meeker countv, having emigrated from his boj'hood's home in search of fortune and a competence. With him came his brother, Carl, who was born January 2(3, 1837.

Carl Christensen married September 17, 1870, Miss Ellen Olava Gronseth, who became the mother of five children - Haider, born July 1, 1871 ; Otto G., born May 15, 1873; Andrew Christian, born June 6, 1875; William Martin, born October 22, 1877 ; and

Carl John Henry, born March 2, 1880. Carl foUowed farming after coming to this country, until December 22, 1879, when he died, since which time John Christensen has taken care of his bereaved family. - John Christensen was totally unacquainted with farm work when he came here, but helj)ed iiis brother for some time on the hitter's place, but its monotony tiring hira, in 1870 he entered the store of Mr. Brown, in Litchfield, as a clerk, with whom he stayed over a year. He then kept a boarding house for the men who were working on the railroad construction. In about 1872 he purchased a farm, adjoining that of his brother, and from that year, until 1875, he was with his brother, they working the farms together. At the expiration of that time he came to Grove City, and was a clerk in the store of W. W. Hobbs, until the death of that gentleman in December, 1876, after which he entered the store of H. O. Peterson, and stayed with that gentleman until April, 1877, when our subject went to the Black Hills, where he remained until the following fall, returning to Grove City in September. Again entering the employ of H. O. Peterson, as clerk in his store, he there continued, both with him and with the succeeding firm of Peterson, Dudley & Nelson, until May, 1S82, when he became a clerk in the store of C. C. Eeitan, and October 1, 1883, became a partner with that gentleman, and the present firm formed.

AMES LANG, one of the old settlei's of ^ Manannah township, and the merchant, postmaster and hotel proprietor of the village of Manannah, is a son of James and Margaret (Leech) Lang, natives of Scotland, who were married in that land of heather and emigrated to the United States about 1822, settling in Vermont. About a year later

The subject of our sketcli was born in La- Prairie county, Canada, December 2(i, 1838, and remained at home with Ins parents until 1857, when at the age of eighteen years he came to tlie " States " with his brother Robert, wlio had been here the year previous, and settled in this counts', where he lived, on section 18, Harvey township, for some years. He went to work putting up a cabin, and breaking up the prairie sod with a yoke of oxen. In the fall of 1857 he built a house upon tlie site of the village, in company with Robert Lang and S. Dickinson, and for two years lived there during the winter months, and upon his farm in the summer. From that time on he made his home upon the homestead until the Indian outbreak in 1862. On that eventful Sunday, Mr. Lang and several other parties started for Forest City with the intention of enlisting, but hearing of the murders in Acton, they suspended action, waiting more definite news. Hearing that some Indians had been seen going toward Manannah, they returned speedily, he remaining until the following Wednesday, when all the settlers left, as it was unsafe to remain. At Kingston he heard of the organization of Captain Whitcomb's company of Home Guards, and with others came and enlisted in that company. AVith them he jiarticipated in all the movements as detailed in the chapter devoted to the massacre in this volume. He it was, who was riding with Mr. Britt, when their horses were stuck in the slough. As he got out of the slough, he was some eighty rods behind the party, and he had to run for his life. When he saw that the teams had gone on and left him, he laid down to pull otf his shoes, and the Indians thinking they ha<l killed him, stopped to get the horee. Starting to run, three savages pursued him on

Mr. Lang remained with this company until it was disbanded and during that winter followed trapping and hunting. In March, 1863, he enlisted m Company C, First Minnesota Mounted Rangers, and served in the West with them until their discharge in the fall of 1863. In August. 186-4, Mr. Lang again enlisted, this time in the Second United States Sharpshooters, which were attached to Colonel Berdan's famous regiment, and joined the Army of the Potomac, in front of Petersburg, Va., and were assigned to the Third Division of the noble Second Corps. He was under lire for the first time in this company at the second battle of Hatchers Run, and served until the close of the war.

On receiving his dischai'ge and pay about which there was some trouble owing to "red tape," our subject returned to Meeker county, where he has made his home ever since. He was married, March 29, 1870. to Miss Juliet Murray, a native of Waukesha county. Wis., and daugiiter of John Murray, of that place. By this union there have been born a family of four children - Lily M., Mary J. and James A., all living, and Lizzie, deceased.

In the spring of 1875 Mr. Lang, in company with A. P. Grey, bought out the store of Hines & Campbell, and for four yeai-s ran it in partnership, but since that time has been carr\'ing it on alone. He was appointed postmaster in 1881, and still holds that office. He has served some six years on the school board, and is regarded as one of the leading citizens and representative men of the county. No man has been more prominently identified with the development of the nortliern part of the county or figures more conspicuously in its history, and both he and his estimable wife merit and receive the highest esteem of all. Through his many years' residence here

Mr. Lang has become well-known to nearly all the old settlers of Meeker county. lie is a man of the strictest honor and integrity, and his word is recognized as being as good as a bond.

X?TaRLOW F. AMES came to Dassel JKL township, with his brother Henry, in January, 1868, and settled on the farm his father had bought, where he remained until his parents came, in the following spring. He is a native of Oswego county, N. Y., born June 4, 1850, and is the son of Harlow and Adeline (Mitchell) Ames. In 1872 he commenced the mason's trade, at which he has worked for a portion of the time ever since. He has now a line farm of 100 acres of land in Dassel township, on section 23, where he carries on agriculture. He was united in marriage, December 31, 1873, with Miss Florence Carr, a native of Washington county, Ind., and daughter of Elisha and Isabel (] )enny ) Carr. Ey this union there have been Ijorn three children - Leroy, Edith and Josie.

Harlow Ames, who is ranked among the most substantial citizens of Dassel township, is the father of the subject of the above sketch. He is a native of Delaware county, Conn., born July 8, 1804, and is the son of Leonard and Minerva (Peck) Ames. His parents removed to Oswego county, N. Y., and settled near the town of Mexico, at an early day, among the pioneers of that region, where they made their home until they passed to their " chamber in the silent realms of death." They were consistent members of the Methodist Church, and the first religious services in that district were held in a sheeppen, a log shanty on the farm of the elder Mr. Ames, which had been fitted up for the purpose.

Harlow remained at home until about fifteen years of age, at which time he commenced to learn the tanner's and the shoemaker's trades, which avocations he followed until above thirty years of age. He then purchased a farm in Oswego county, and remained upon it over thirty years, and then sold out and moved into the village of Mexico, but after a residence of two years, being tired of an inactive life, came to Minnesota in search of a home. Previous to leaving New York he met Edwin Ayres and C. L. Pichardson, who had settled in Meeker county in 1856, and taken up claims on section 14, in Dassel township, from which they had been driven by the Indians. He purchased from them their farm, which contained some 509 acres, with the additions which he made to it, and returned to New York, and sent his two sons out to occupy it. The following spring he followed with his family, and put up the first frame dwelling in the town. He has resided here ever since, and now has one of the finest farms in this part of the county.

Mr. Ames was united in marriage, August 10, 1834, with Miss Martha Hubbard, who died in 1844, leaving four children - Horace, now in Washington Territory; Charlotte, Mrs. Isaac Russell, of Dassel; Edward, a resident of Washington Territory ; and Julia, the wife of W. M. Abbott, of Forest Prairie, this county. Mr. Ames, November 21, 1845, again contracted a matrimonial alliance, this time with Miss Adeline Mitchell, who is the mother of two children - Henry and Harlow F. The former is engaged in the manufacture of brick near Litchfield, and the latter's sketch is given above.

/^HARLES H. BIGELOW, the enterpris- >^y ing dealer in confectionery, books, stationery, and fancy goods in the village of Litchfield, is the son of Harvey and Maria (Van Buskirk) Bigelow, and was born at Rush, Monroe county, N. Y., October 5,

The subject of this sketch was reai'cd amid tiic familiar scenes of his childiiood and received his education in the excellent schools of his native state. At the age of lifteen he commenced to learn the cai-riiige and wagon nudving trade, iind after finisliing that took up carpentering wliich he foHowed for some two years. In I'Vl)i'uary, l>i7<>. he went to Louisville, Ky., where he entered the emi)loy of I>. F. Avery & Sons, one of the large plow manufacturing concerns of tins country. He remained witii tliis lii'iii until 187S, when he came to Litchiield, imd after looking around a little counni^nced farming in the town <;f Greenleaf, on ;i lai'in which he rented of his wife's father. In January, 1880, he came back to the village of Litchiield, and initiated his present business. He has always filled an im])ortant place in the community anil I'eceives the respect and esteem of all. In November, 1883, he became deputy auditoi', and fulfilled the duties of that office until A])ril, 1887. - In 1880 he was village recorder, in 1887 chief of tli(> lire dcpiniment, and is the ])res('nt first lieutenant of the local militia company. In his political views he coincides with the re]>id)lican party, and, religiously, is a member of the Presbyterian Cliurch. of which he is one of the trustees. He is a member of Golden Fleece Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Itabboni Chapter, Iv. A. M., of Melita Comnuinder\\ K, T., and of Fuielity Chapter, East(!rn Stiir.

Mr. Bigelow was united in nuu'riage, September 28, 187C, with Miss Frances K. Wianl, a native of Livingston county, N. Y., and daughter of Edward and Charlotte Wiard. By this union there are three children - Harvey Edward, Frederick, and Lydia Alice.

/^-V P H R A IM A. BRIGGS. Prominent \i!_^ among the successful business men of Meeker county, men who have by their own ability and tact, acquired an ample fortune, stands the subject of this memoii-. His life has been a busy one, and he has not lost his opportunities. He is a native of New Vork, having first seen the light of (Uiy at Coey- UKins, Albany county, Fei^ruary 14, 1837, and is the son of A. N. and Maria (Andrews) P.riggs. He was reared amid the familiar scenes of his childhood, and I'cciiived the I'lidimeiits of his <'ducati()n in the common schools of Cliai'l(.)tteville, Schohari(! county. Ap])roaching the yenrs of manhood, our subject commenced the study of law with Ira Iliirris, of Albany, with whom he r(!- maiued some two years, and with S. T. lliggins one year. He then attended a coui'se (jf lectures at the Law School at Albany, N. Y., under the tuition of such men as Ira Harris, Ainasa J. Parker and Amos Dean. He was admitted to the bar in 1859, and commenced the practice of his profession at Albany, N. Y.

While peacefully |)ursuing the quiet rounds of his profession and duties, traitors in arms inaugurated civil war by threatening the life of our Nation, and on the call of llie president for 75,00(1 threes-months' soldiers, Mr. Ih'iggs with a, noble patriotism, leaving everything, enlisted in the Tenth New York Infantry, and proceeded to the front. The tiiree-nKHiths' term of his service havinir exj)ireil, he re-enlisted in the Fortythird New York Infantry, of which he was commissioned second lieutenant. He was soon detailed for service in the Signal Corps, and, after instruction at Georgetown, was ordered to I'eport to General N. !>. Banks, then commanding in the Shenaiuloah N'alley, and served there through the year lStl2. Receiving his commission in the United States Signal Corps, he was then attached to the headquarters of the Twenty-third Army

Corps, with whom lie remained until the close of the war, altliough later lie was under the immediate command of General J. M. Scliofield. Our subject participated in the Atlanta caui])aign, and in the sanguinary contests at P'ranldin and Nashville, Tenn., and was present at tlie junction of tlie forces of Sherman and Schofiekl, at Goldsboro. Pie was mustered out at the close of hostilities, and returned to his home.

Mr. Briggs was married, November 16, 1866, to Miss Helen F. Hale, a native of Aroostook county. Me., and has resided, ever since, in Meeker county, at the village of Kingston. He engiiged in the mercantile business, but after eight months sold out and returned to New York. Three months later he came back and took up a homestead on section 34, Kingston township. He then purchased the store of F. V. DeCoster, and continued the mercantile business until 1875, since whicii time he has been chiefly employed dealing in real estate.

Mr. and Mrs. JJriggs have a faiiiil}' of iowv children, three of whom are living. Their names are Albert N., Maria T., and T'onnie. The one deceased bore the name of Tlionias A. The subject of whom this is written, was postmaster of Kingston from 1ST4 until 1886; has tilled the offices of justice of the peace and town treasurer, and is a strong adiierent to the principles formulated by the republican party. He is a member of Frank Daggett Post, G. A. R.

OREN NELSON. The subject of this l)ersonal history is one of the most prominent and wealthy farmers and stockraisers in Danielson township, his residence being located on section 4 in that civil subdivision of Meeker county. Mr. Nelson is a son of Nels and Mary Peterson, and was born in Denmark, on the 16th of April, 18,34.

His early life was spent in his native land, where he received the same lessons of industry and economy which are characteristic of the peojile of his nationality. From necessity, in early youth, he imbibed these principles, and they have benefited him all through life. In telling of the way his folks hved in the old country, he says that there were seven children in the family, besides the parents, and that his father worked for twelve cents per day, and supported the family. For some time the father was out of work, and the mother supported the entire family by spinning, earning only three cents per day. BreatI, and, in the summer, onions and occasionally potatoes, were their only food. It was through such hardships as these that Soren spent his early days. In 1863 he came to America, and upon landing in New York, he had just %\M, and %\ of this he paid for his first day's board. The next (hiy he borrowed $20 of a friend and went to Chicago, where he worked at butchering and in a lumber-yard. In the fall he went to Lookout Mountain, in tiie employ of the government. On the 28th of March, 186.5, he was discharged, and returned to Chicago, where he remained until in the following December, when he went to Texas, and was there employed by the government, at Galveston. From there he went to Peoria, III., and spent some time in looking for land, and then returned to Chicago. On the 1st of April, 1866, he came to Minnesota, and bought a quarter section of land in Dodge county, which he sold three months later, and aoain started west, and spent some time in looking for a location. In 1866 he purchased a farm near Grove City, in Swede Grove township, this county, and made that his home for ten years. In 18*76 he removed to where he now lives, on section 4, Danielson township. He now owns a farm of 200 acres on section 4, besides still owning his farm of eighty acres in Swede Grove.

and his farm is one of the most vahiable in the township. He lias met with a number of sei'ioiis reverses, hut by iiis perseverance, enter|)rise and in(Uistry, lie has overcome them all, and is now rated as one of the solid and substantial citizens of the county. In 1877 he lost his crop by the grasshopper depredations. In 1872 his buildings were destroyed by a tornado, he and his wife being seriously injured and rendered insensible when the house was blown over. They both recovered, however.

On the 13th of May, 1867, Soren Nelson was married to Miss Mary Johnson, a daughter of Peter and Anna Johnson. Their marriage has been blessed with three children, as follows - Nels P., born August 12, 1870; William, born Sejitember 22, 1872 ; and Charles, born February 21, 1875. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson are members of the Danish Lutheran Church. Both of them hold the utmost respect and confidence of all their neighbors and acquaintances.

JEREMIAH LEAMING, one of the most prominent and successful farmers in Union Grove township, is a resident of section 3-f. He is a son of George and Juliette Leaming, and is a native of Laramie township, Tippecanoe county, Ind. He left the parental roof when seventeen years old and apprenticed himself to learn the cabinetmaker's trade, remaining as an apprentice for three years, after which he worked as a journeyman for a year. He then came to St. Anthony, and for two years worked at his trade, after whi6h, for a year, he was employeil in a sash and door factory. At the expiration of that time, in company with J. W. Bassett, he opened a wagon, carriage and plow factory, and also ran a blacksmith shop in connection. IIi^ continued this liiisiness until 1857, when he sold out to his partner, and went to Monticello, in Wright county, where he had charge of a lumber yard tor Charles King for nearl}^ two years. In the spring of 1859 he came to Meeker county and bought a claim on section 3-1. in what is now Union Grove township, of a man named Judson Pearson. This is the farm where he stiU lives, and it has been his home ever since with the exception of four years during the Indian troubles, a history of which is given elsewhere. When they first heard the news of the massacre at Acton the family went to Forest City, and two days later to Monticello, in Wright county. The family remained there while Mr. Learning worked at different places as millwright, farm hand, and whatever else turned up. Upon the close of hostilities the family returned to the farm, where they have since lived. Mr. Leaming has a splendid farm of 200 acres, a good share of which is under cultivation, and he devotes his attention to farming and stock-raising.

Mr. Leaming, in some respects has been very unfortunate, and has had to surmount difficulties and misfortunes which would discourage most mankind. He was a heavy loser on account of the redskins, and also by the white men after the trouble was over. The Indians destroyed his grain and his residence was burned during his absence. It was hard to accumulate anything. Wheat was only thirty-five cents a bushel, eggs five cents a dozen, and butter five cents a pound. When the Indians drove him away he was almost penniless, and he was not much better off when he i-eturned. In 1877 the grasshoppers took about all of his crops, and another year he lost nearly all his grain by hail. Notwithstanding the disadvantages with which he had to contend, his energy and enterprise have never flagged, and his

Our subject has taken an active interest in township matters and has been closely identified with the official historj' of the town. He has held numerous local offices, including the following: Assessor, thirteen or fourteen years; supervisor, one year ; school treasurer, three years; and justice of the peace, six years.

On the 31st of March, 1857, Mr. Leaming was married to Phebe AV. Bryant, a daughter of Ambrose and Narcissa (Merrill) Bryant, and their marriage has been blessed with the following children - George A., born March 4, 1859; Ella J., born December 6, 1860; Curtis M., born January 22, 1866 ; Juliette, born February 26, 1868 ; and Clara B., born September 4, 1869. George A. is married to Annie A. Barrie, and lives on section 35. Ella J. married J. B. Tuttle, and they reside on section 20, Union Grove.

Mrs. Leaming was born in Kennebec county. Me. Her father was a blacksmith when a young man, but for a great many years before he left his native State was engaged in the mercantile business. In 1855 he came to "Wright county, Minn., and engaged in farming, but has now retired and resides at Buffalo, Minn.

Mr. Learning's fatlier was a farmer. For a number of years he operated a pottery in connection with ji is farming operations, Ijut later sold that and devoted his entire attention to farming until the time of his death, in 1880. Mr. Learning's mother now lives in Jasper county, Mo.

Mr. Leaming became a Mason when twenty-two years of age, joining, at St. Anthony's, Cataract Lodge, No. 2, A. F. & A. M. He is a man of the strictest integrity, and no one stands higher, or more fully holds the respect of the community, than he. A portrait of Mr. Leaming will be found elsewhere in this volume.

TOHN W. JOHNSON, one of Litchfield's ^ most enterprising dealers in farm macliinery, is a native of Skone, Sweden, born October 24, 1849, and is the son of Ole and Hannah (Ingeman) Johnson, also natives of Sweden. When he was but nine years of age, in 1857, he came to Meeker county with his parents, who were among the very first settlers in Litchfield township, and remained an inmate of the paternal home until he was about twenty years old. In his boyhood davs John became quite an expert hunter and trapper, shooting his first deer when but eleven years of age. The next winter he and his father captured a full grown buck, which he succeeded in fully taming. One winter tiie profits on the furs he got brought about $500.

When he had nearly reached his majorit}', he commenced railroad work on the grade through this county, from Smith Lake to a point tiiree miles west of where Litchfield now stands, as foreman of a gang of men. In 1869 he went to California, and remained on the Pacific slope, in that beautiful land of the sunset, for a year, after which he returned to his paternal home and rested for a short time. He then entered tlie employ of the Northern Pacific Railroad, and remained with them one season. His next venture was in having charge of the " Bonanza farm," of George L. Becker, of St Paul, now Railroad Commissioner, in Stevens county, for two years. Returning to Meeker county, Mr. Johnson then pui'chased a farm of 400 acres of land in the town of Darwin, 300 acres »jf which is under cultivation and has good buildings upon it. He lived thereuntil 1886, when, leasing the place, he removed to Litchfield and entered upon his present business. He is one of the original members of the Swedish Temperance Association, and one of its most active membei"s. Mr. Johnson was elected a member of the villao:e council, on the prohibition ticket, in A))ril,

The subject of this sketch was united in marriage, l\rarch 29, 1874, with Miss Annie Pehrson, also a native of Sweden, born January 14, 1S54, and daughter of Peter AVilson and Bengta (Wilson) Pehrson, wiio were born in Sweden, but came to tJie United States in 1868.

^DWARD H. MURPHY, a leading farm- \^il er of Manaunali township, living on section 34, is a native of Carrick-on-Sui", County Tipperary, Ireland, born July 5, 1830. He remained a resident of his down-trodden and oppressed native land until 1848, when he bade farewell to the Emerald Isle and crossed the sea to America. The first year he spent in Vermont, but with the beginning of the year 1849 he went to the coast and shipped on a United States hydrographic surveying cutter, but not being pleased witii his treatment left them at Boston. He followed railroading for a wliile in the East, but later coming West to Chillicothe, Oiiio, he there carried on the butcher business for four years. The ne.xt six years were spent as foreman of a iiemp warehouse. About the year 1854, he went to Louisiana, Mo., where he remained until the breaking out of the Rebellion. In tiie spring of 1861 Mr. Murphy enlisted in Company D, Henderson's Brigade, Missouri Infantry, for three months. At the e.K])iration of that time he re-enlisted in Company D, First Missouri Infantry, a six-months' regiment, and participated in the siege and battle of Springfield, Mo. After this he enlisted in the First Missouri Infantrv for three 3'ears, or the war. He was then detailed for secret service or espionage, and in that capacity penetrated the rebel lines and traveled throughout tiieir country, often amid their armies, and always incurring the greatest danger, for death by hanging is the mildest penalty awarded a detected spy. Mr. iluri)hy was frequently arrested on sus- ])icion. and had many narrow escapes. A history of his adventures would prove interesting reading and would fill a volume. He was brought by the discharge of his duty into close contact witli nearl\' all the general officers in the Western Army. The war over, he was discharged from the service with strong recommendations from most of the commanders of tiie Armies of the Tennessee, Cumberland and Ohio.

He was strongly persuaded by the mayor and others to remain in St. Louisas detective, but desiring to settle upon a farm, in 1865 came to Meeker county and took up a homestead, where he now lives.

Our subject was married in Chillicothe, Ohio, May 10, 1852, to Miss Margaret Kinsella, a native of County Waterford, Ireland, who is the mother of two children - James, living at Montevideo, and Edward, at iiome.

/^, EORGE B. WALLER, Jr., the engineer V^jl' of the roller flouring mill, at Litchfield, is a native of FrankUn, Morgan county, 111., born August 29, 1854, and is the son of George B. and Mary S. (Chestnut) Waller.

Honorable George B. Waller, Sr., the father of our subject, was born in King and Queen county, A^'a , in 1804, and remained in that State until 1815, when he removed with his parents to Lexington, Ky., where he grew to manhood. He acquired a great proficiency in the machinist's trade, which he had adopted in his youth, and was an able engineer. In 1833 he removed to Alton, 111., and,during that year made a trip, as engineer of the boat Utility, to Fort Snelling. In 183G he removed to Morgan county. 111., where he followed his trade as machinist.

and, while there, was united in marriage with Miss Mary S Chestnut. He occupied a prominent position in tliat part of our country, representing his district in the lower house of the Illinois Legislature, for one term. In 1867 he removed with his family to Minneapolis, where he resided for two years, and came to where Litchfield now stanils in June, 1869. Lie had previously purchased the northeast quar ter of section 11, in Litchfield township, knowing that a town would be located in this vicinity, and, upon the railroad coming here, deeded an undivided one -half interest in 150 acres of his land to the railroad company to plat a town upon, and upon which a part of the original townsite was laid out in Jul}', 1869. He shipped a house, which had been gotten out in Minneapolis, to this point as soon as the trains were running, and put up one of the first houses in the village, and moved his familj' here in November. Here he made his home until his death, which occurred July 18, 1878. He was a member of the Methodist Church, and a devout Christian, and said, while on his dying bed, that he had never uttered an oath in his life. He left, to mourn his loss, his widow and three sons and one daughter. The latter are as follows - John, now grain inspector, at Minneapolis; Lizzie, Mi's. H. M. Miller, of Waverly, 111.; Henry, of Litchfield, and George E., Jr., the subject of this sketch. The mother of the family, after residing here until 1884, returned to Morgan county. 111., where she now lives.

George B., Jr., made his home with his parents until after his fatiier's death, and the removal of his mother from this place. At the age of eighteen years he commenced his apprenticeship to the calling of engineer, which he now follows ; and on the 1st of January, 1888, took charge of the engine of Shaw & Ehler's Eoller Flouring Mill. He is

JOHN JOHNSON, one of the most active and enterprising young business men of the village of Dassel, is engaged in the sale of agricultural machinery, tie is Swedish by birth, and was born in 1853. His parents, Daniel and Bratta Johnson were natives, also, of Sweden, and came to the United States in 1871, with the natural desire to better their condition in life. The family settled on section 2, Collin wood township, where they purchased land of the railroad company. Shortly after they got settled in their new home, and tlie affairs of the farm began to go along swimmingly, the subject of this sketch left the parental roof and found employment with the Northern Pacific Railroad Company, and followed that line of business with varied success, off and on, for a period covering some six or seven years. Growing tired at last of that life Mr. Joimson finally abandoned it, and locatmg in the rising village of Dassel, the second important place in the county, entered into the farm implement business which he still carries on. In connection with this he is, also, the approved agent lor sewing machines, and has a wide reputation in the vicinity for his honorable dealing.

Mr. Johnson was united in marriage, in September, 1876, with Miss Alice Forder, daughter of William and Mary Forder, of CoUinwood. By this marriage there have been born three children - William E., Benjamin F. and John E.

as a eiti/en, and, being elected town clerk in 1882, was re-elected by an approving constituency lor several terms, serving five consecutive years. He is a member of the Cokato iodge, No. 13i, A. F. & A. M.

Puritans, who preferred the wilds of America, its privations, toil and dangers, with freedom to worship God, to comfort and luxury in a land Avhere tyrants ruled. The progenitors of Mrs. Bo wen were driven by religious persecution from England, and fled to Holland. As soon as practicable they returned to England, having decided to leave the Old World and its strife for the New "World across the Atlantic wave. They sailed for Plymouth, Mass., in the vessel following the Mayflower. Mrs. Martha Bowen, daughter of Timothy and Ruth Wells Hatch, was born in Kent, Conn., December 14, 1783. The father of Mrs. Bowen waS' a brave soldier in the Tlevolutionary War. He loved God and freedom, and proved the soundness of his principles by warring against despotism.

As a specimen of the zeal of the family in the cause of liberty - when it was impossible to obtain sufficient firearms for the soldiers, the grandfather. Styles Wells, made a large number of iron flails and sent them to our defenseless soldiers, bidding them, in God's name, use them bravely against the foes of our country. When the war was ended and peace declared, Timothy Hatch, father of Mrs. Bowen, left his home in Connecticut to build up a new home in the almost ])athless wilds of New York. One iumdred and five 3'ears ago there might have been seen in the wilderness of New York a father and his daughter with her wee babe, wending their way on horseback, then the only safe method of traveling in the unsettled country. That father was accompanying his daughter to her husband and the new home prepared for her in "the West" - Central New York! The babe became Mrs. Bowen, the subject of this sketch. In Duanesljurg our pioneer soldier lived until eight children surrounded the festal board. By frugality and industry, sufficient means had been accumulated to gratiiy tlie wish of the ambitious members of the family for a change. To Chenango county, N. Y., to the region afterward named Sherburne, the father removed. In til is town, now noticeable for its beautiful homes, its fine residences and its costly public edifices, one could hardly imagine that not long ago bands of wild Indians roved at will ; that the thick woodland almost shut out the light of the noonday sun and the light of the stars by night.

In a home where God was honored by parents and children, a home of much mature refinement and intellectual culture, in the sunshine of worldly prosperity, Martha Hatch was reared and grew into wonumhood. In the eighteenth year of her age she married Luther Bowen, a gentleman from Litchfield, Conn., whose intelligence, integrity and zeal in every good work made him a fit companion for the noble maiden. Mr. Bowen was for thirty years a merchant and engaged in various avocations which would have absorbed the time and strength of a man less philanthropic and religious; but in the whirl of busy life he found time to assist in laying well the foundations of the society in which his fanuly moved. Nor were his efi'orts bounded by his own town ; with the ever ready help of his wife, assistance was often rendered to pooi\ but promising young men and women to gain an education. The poor, friendless and suffering never called in vain upon his family for help. Six orphans at one time shared the fireside with the eight children of Mr. aiul Mrs. Bowen. Rare was the year when needy ones were not sheltered beneath the roof-tree. The abihty to do good was, by the blessing of God, enlarged and continued down to the death of the honored husband. In all the sad changes and bereavements of her life, Mrs. Bowen maniifested a fortitude founded upon a holy confidence in God. The purity and simplicity of her life was not changed by circumstances, only, as she di-ew nearer her final home, she seemed purified from earthly dross. In May, 1871, Mrs. Bowen came to Litchfield in company with her son, M. D. Bowen, to make this town her home. Her extreme age did not lessen her interest in passing events. Her memory down to tlie last da3's of her life was unimpaired. For seventy-five years Mrs. Bowen was a member of the church, where she was characterized by her energy and liberal zeal. She died in Litchfield, January 19, 1876, in tiie ninety-third year of her age. Her long pilgrimage is ended ; her crown is won.