Rice County, Minnesota - Chapter 54: Genekal Description Early Settlement -, 1882

Chapter 54: Genekal Description Early Settlement -

This is one of the banner subdivisions of Riee county, being one of the river and railroad (owns. The Chicago, Milwaukee ct St, Paul railroad enters on the eastern boundary of section two, and crossing in a southwesterly direction leaves through section thirty-one and enters Cannon City township. The Cannon River divides the town, winding its tortuous course almost j^arallel with the railroad, running in a northeasterly direction. The town is bounded on the north by Dakota county, on the south by Cannon City township, on the east by Northtield, and on the west by Forest and Webster. It embraces 40 sections, in all 25,()00 acres, and takes in all of township 111, range 20, with the exception of the northeast corner section, and also includes sections thirty-one to thirty -five inclusive, of township 112, same range. This makes it the second township in size in the county.

The township is well watered by miraerous streams, among them Heath Creek, Spring Creek, and others of more or less importance. The Cannon River has been mentioned heretofore. Aside from these rivers and streams there are several small lakes nestling among the hills, among which are Macklewain, Spring, Albers, and Hart. The surface is rather more broken than that of a majority of the towns in the county, and is mostly timber land. Along the northern line and in the northern part the timber is interspersed with spots of prairie, which have been converted into the most valuable farming land in the county. In the southern part, and in fact in many parts of the township, are interspersed pieces of prairie land. The prairie in the southern part is called Little Prairie and makes the richest farming land in the townsliip, containing liOO or 700 acres. Portions of it was originally covered with hazel lirush. Along the river the surface is usually broken and hilly, and there is found an aljundance of limestone which is very fine for either lime or building jJurpos(>s, but as you retreat from the stream the surface is more of a rolling nature. Sjirings are not uncommon in the town.

One peculiar physical feature is what is known as "Hogs Back," which is a narrow ridge, composed of sand and coarse gravel; it is about 20 to 40 feet high and 100 feet through at the base. This commences in section twenty-one, aud extends in a southwesterly direction f(U' a mile or mcire. The supposition is, and it must, we presume, ever remain a theory, that at some ancient date a flood of water piled up the mound and then receded, leavit as an everlasting memento of its prowess. We will venture no theory in regard to it - it is tliere - and an explanation of it we leave to the archaeologist.

The auspicious epoch of the first arrival in this townsliip dates back further than most of the subdivisions of Rice county, aud it may be said that from the first advent of the "early settler" until its fertile farms were all the homes of thrifty farmers, the tide of incomers was constant and irrepressible. Of course in this sketch it is not possible, nor is it the intention, to carry the settlement of the townshij) in detail up to the present day, but we have used o\ir utmost endeavors to chronicle the interesting incidents of early settlement, and the most notable arrivals. The first exploration of this township, with a view to securing homes, occurred in 1852, in the fall. Although this is disputed by a few who claim there is a mistake in the date, we are led to believe, from a personal interview with one of the first explorers, that the date is correct, the jiarties contesting not having made their appearance until two or more years after the t ne referred to.

Albon and John Hoyt, two brothers, were the first to make their way to the town, and their first trip through was in the fall of 1852, although they did not take claims until some time later. They had been stop,, 'ng on the Mississippi River for a short time, and having heard considerable about the Cannon River Valley, they decided to take their earthly possessions on their backs and see what the reports concerning a "land flowing with milk and honey" were based on. They started with the intention of going as far as Faribault, and return. Their first night was spent in camp on th; A'ormilli.iu River, and the nest night at Waterford, from there passing over the territority of Bridgewater and reaching Faribault. Here they met Alexander Faribault, who told them that they had just passed over the finest country in the Territory of Minnesota, and they decided to look more closely on their return. They returned by the same route as they came, but failed to find claims that suited them. Mr. A. Hoyt says that ' 'Although one upon the land at that time was 'monarch of all he surveyed,' it was a more difficult matter to select farms than would be imagined. The country was beautiful and impressive! I could gaze all about me, on the beautiful hills covered with a mass of green verdure swaying in the gentle breeze, that dipped silently down to the level of the many trickling streams, and say, here is the place of my choice; but, upon gazing to the right or left I saw another that lured me on by its fascinating beauty. And I followed! The mania had seized me and almost before I knew it I had reached my old stamping ground on the Mississippi." The brothers remained on the Mississippi UDtil the 10th of March, 1853, when they again started for the Cannon River valley, this time determined to stay. They brought with them a couple of barrels of flour, 200 pounds of sugar, axes, etc. A man by the name of Irish brought them in by team, and the greater portion of the distance they were obliged to cut their way through the timber. In due time they arrived at Faribault and pushed on to Cannon City where they camped and began to look for claims in earnest. Albon Hoyt finally took a claim on section eleven, in Bridgewater; John, his brother, took a place west of him, adjoining the site of Dundas village, and Irish made up his mind to secure the townsite of Dundas, which he did.

John and Albon commenced at once the erection of a log cabin near where Slee's farm residence now is, the size of which was 12x11. They put up the sides of poplar logs and then Albon Hoyt and Iri.sa left John on the ground with provisions, etc., to finish the cabin while they returned to the shores of the Mississippi to attend to their improvements there. AVhile they were gone, and before John had roofed the cabin, a snow storm came up, and John, in laying in the cold and wet became very sick with fever and ague; so bad, indeed, that he became delirious and was in a very dangerous condition as he had no means of starting a fire. In this condition he was discovered by the Indians, and they, thinking him drunk began sporting with him, saying, "Miunewankon seetya do," (whisky bad very J, and the band finally went into camp near by. It did not take long, however, for them to discover that he was not drunk, but very sick, and two Indians came to him one day saying, "Puck-a-chee Habo tee-pee," which meant "go to Faribault's home." After a time he was taken to Faribault by the Indians, and there staid at Bush's house until he recovered, the "medicine man" making him potions which worked a speedy cure.

In a short time a Mr. Closseu came through Faribault with five yoke of oxen, and he and John move'd together, back to the Hoyt farms in Bridgewater. Here they finished the cabin begun by John and Albon, and broke ten acres on John's place, this being the first farrow turned in the township. In June, Clossen yoked his oxen and took John to the Mississippi, where Albon and Irish were, and here he remained until fully recovered. In the meantime Irish had taken the claim where Dundas now is, with the water power, and intended to get a friend from Ohio to go in partnership with him in the erection of a saw-mOl.

In June, Albon Hoyt, Irish, and a man named Bliss, came to the farms to make improvements, and Albon planted two acres to potatoes, etc., by just raising the sod and putting his germ underneath. After planting he did not touch or cultivate them until harvest. When harvest time came

In Septemher, 1853, Albon and John both returned to Bridgewiiter, this time with the intention of remaining, and found that during their short absence another pioneer had made his arrival. This was Mahlon Lockwood, who had arrived with his wife and several children, and located jnst south of Dundas near the Archibald farm; and, as he brought a cow and a yoke of oxen, he was a valuable acquisition to the meagre settlement. He had already put up a little board shanty-, the material for which he had brought with him, but this, it is said, would not keep the sun out, so the entire party at once commenced work on, and soon finished, a substantial log house for the protection of the Lockwood family, and all began to make preparations for the winter, which they knew would be long and severe. Nor were they wrong, as the long, dreary, and bitterly cold months that followed proved, and some of the settlers say they have hauled rails for fuel when their faces were actually coated with a veil of ice and their finger frozen stiff.

The Indians were plenty in the neighborhood! and the timber abounded with all kinds of game; deer, elk, and bear were the main articles of food, and a good hunter in those days could always be a high liver. The settlers made many fast and useful friends among the Indians, all of them having learned their "lingo" were almost as much at home among them as though they were whites. They were not troublesome in regard to thieving, if treated well, and the following incident will serve to show the confidence felt in them. An old Indian came one day to Albon Hoyt's cabin and wanted to borrow his rifle, saying he could not kill deer with his shotgun, and that if tlie "white man" would only allow him to take the rifle three weeks, he would return it at the end of that time in as good order as it was at the time of his getting it. Albon allowed him to take it, and the Indian disappeared. For three weeks nothing was seen of Indian or gun, but on the day that the three weeks expired, the Indian and rifle appeared at the door, with a handsome present of game that compensated him. Many incidents like this occurred, and the old settlers came to believe, in the words of Mr. Hoyt, that "if treated right they are considerable better than the average white."'

This carries the settlers through a hard winter, and brings them uito the siiring of 1854, with Albon and John Hoyt and the Lockwood family. Irish had gone to the Mississippi, intending to return during the summer. Hopes jan high among them, for they were confident of a good crop, and all had succeeded in getting more or less land ready for seeding,in fact all the available laud was sown until their seed was exhausted. A good crop was the result, although the acreage sown was comparatively very small.

In the meantime the settlement had commenced in v.-uious parts (jf the county. Northfield and vicinity had received a numlter of settlers,"aud the entire settlement north of Faribault was known as "Alexandria," after Jonathan Alexander, who was an early pioneer ncarNorthfleld. Other portions of this townhad also begun making evolutions toward civilization, as in the same year, (1854) we find that Kdmund Larkius, Job Chester, Joseph Drake, and Daniel Bundy, all made their appearance and began opening farms in the eastern part of the town. This settlement, however, properly beloufred to the Northfield section, as they were divided from Dundas by the heavy timber ridge, and it was not until several years after the settlement began that a road was cut and graded through the timber strip.

C. 0. Stetson, from Philadelphia, came in the month of July, 185-t, on his way to California, but as he ueared the Cannon Valley he heard so much of its beautiful scenery, its excellent farming land, and the unsurpassed advantages of the country, he determiued to secure a farm, which he did on section twenty -four, where he still lives. He came in company with Morris B. Stiles, with a team they had bought in St. Paul. Stiles took a claim adjoining Stetson on section twenty-four, this section being on what was then known as the Indian trail, a north and south stage line from Fort Snelling to Faribault; and a short time after their arrival the Hastings stages passed through their farms; this being an east and west line. The former of these received its name of "Indian Trail" from the number of Indians that were constantly passing over it to and from the agency at Fort Snelliug, and after the agency was removed from there, this was the established treadway of the Indians in visiting one another, until the Sioux outbreak in 1862, since which time they have almost entirely disaj)peared from this as well as most of

Stetson and Stiles at once put up a log shanty and commenced keeping "batch," the former of the two earning a wide reputation as a "cookist," as the stage drivers called him. They were not troubled with Indians, except as beggars, and although they would not "steal for the sake of stealing," as is claimed by some, victuals and anything like licjuor for medicinal purposes had to be carefully guarded or locked up.

C. C. Stetson kept several cows and made excellent butter which he used to treat his visitors with, and on one occasion left the house unlocked, with his milk pans arrayed in order about the pantry. His pans had been leaking and he had driven j)ine ])lugs into the holes to remedy it. During his absence .somebody called at the house and pulled out all the plugs, and upon his return he found his floor bathed in milk and he was so much butter behind. Mr. Stetson also started a blacksmith shop soon after he got here, which was the first shop in this part of the country, and did a good business shoeing horses on the stage lines. The shop is still in full blast at Mr. Stetson's farm on section twenty-four.

Morris Stiles' place finally went into the hands of Mr. P. Oleson, an early settler who still lives on the farm. The latter gentleman, in company with Captain John Hanson, came in 18.54.

In June, 1854, the eastern part of the township received its first settlers in the persons of the Drake brothers, Charles B., J. R., and A. W. Daniel Bundy came about the same time, and all located in school district number two. Tliey all put up log cabins in which they lived for a number of years.

Everything ran along very smoothly during the summer and in November, 1854, Mr. H. M. Matteson, a New- Yorker, arrived with a livery from St. Paul, prospecting for a chance to settle and make a speculation. He was favorably imiiressed with the location, liut did not settle or take any land at the time, driving back to St. Paul and returning the following year; arriving in the spring of 1855, he jumped the claim that Mr. Irish had selected and paid him for improvements. This was the claim where Dundas is, including the water-power, and he then commenced laying plans lor throwing a dam across the river and erecting a saw-mill. His next move was to get out timber for a mill, but before it was fairly begun he sold his entire interest and 740 acres of land to the Archibalds, in June, 1857. Mr. Mattesou, after selling his property here, removed to Faribault where he still lives and is a prominent man.

This year, 1855, yielded the most bountiful harvest to the pioneers of Bridgewater of any year before or since. Wheat yielded from 40 to 45 busiieLs per acre, and the average price received was $1.50 per bushel.

James Babb, of New Hampshire, had become one of the settlement in April, 1854, with his wife, and was located southwest of Dundas, adjoining the place now known as the Archibald farm. He afterwards, in company with another early pioneer, commenced the erection of a saw-mill.

James Smith was another who came this year and remained for several years. He was afterwards Town Clerk for a number of years in Faribault, and was finally killed by Indians on his way to California.

In the spring of 1855, Jacob Emery made his appearance, and after looking about for a short time decided to locate on Little Pi-airie, south of Dundas, and he out his way three miles through the heavy timber to get to the place that suited him. He finally reached it and was so well satisfied that he still remains on the farm, in sections twenty-one and twenty-eight.

Then the settlement commenced very rapidly and in June and July of that year one could look in any direction and see the white-winged prairie schooners. Many came and found temporary homes, who in the hard times that followed sold for little or nothing and left the country. Among those who came to stay were the Donaldson brothers, James, John, Isaac, and Robert, who idl settled in the timber in the southern part of the town. Three of these, James, John, and Robert, are still in the township, and Isaac is now Register of Deeds of Rice county.

The Sheppards and Macklewains came and settled in the southern jjart, the latter naming the little lake in section thirty-two, but have since quietly folded their tents and departed.

Events And Incidents

'J'hc first religious services in the ti)wu were hold in Edmund Larkius' liouse in 1855, I>y Rev. Mr. Cressey, of the Baptist faith. The siiiuo rovorcnd geutlemau also held services in .T. R. Drake's private house to an audience of about thirty persons, in 1856.

The first death in BriJgewater occurred in the fall of 1854. in the departure of Jesse, a child of Edmund and .Jane Larkius, who lived in the Stetson settlement. A son of tliese parents was among the first births, and occured in the spring of 1855, with not a physician, nor even a woman present to assist the mother. The child was christened Bruce, and is now a young man residing in the township.

A. W. Drake deeded a cemetery ground to Northfield, and liis father was the first to find his last resting place in it. Joseph Drake died in April, 1857, at the age of 03 years. Another early death was the demise of Mrs. Owen, in Dundas, in 1855, early in the spring.

The earliest marriage, undoubtedly, in the township, was celebrated in 1855, when Miss Mary M. Drake and Daniel Bundy were united in the bonds of wedlock.

The first Post-office established in the town was known as the Fountain Grove Post-otEce, and was opened in the winter of 1855-56, in the northeastern part of the town. The olliee was removed to Northfield within one year.

Edmund Larkins was one of the arrivals in 1854, and he brought a number of head of young stock with him, settling in section twenty-four. One day in the spring of 1855, a numljer of emigrant wagons passed his house while his stock was grazing in the hollow near C. C. Stetson's cabin and when Larkins came to look for his cattle they were nowhere to be seen. He became frantic and rushed down to Stetson's, and without stopping to explain or say a word took one of the horsja, tbey being the only ones in the neighborhood, and started in hot pursuit of the white covered wagons, which had about three hours start of him. He rushed on, goading the horse almost to death, and finally, at night, overtook them, and found they had seen nothin" of his cattle. He had been on a wild goose chase from his home to near St. Paul, and camping out of doors that night, the following day made his a])j)earance at home with his arm over the horses withers, limping in a most singular and pitiful gait. Here he found his cattle_ quietly grazing within a few rods of where he had got the horse. To pay for his folly he carried a pillow to sit on for several weeks, and felt that another trip like that would necessitate buckling a strap around his waist to keep him from splitting in two, as it was said the ride made his legs an inch or so longer, but we will not vouch for the latter statement.

A terrible murder was committed in the town of Bridgewater on the 30th of June, 1867. The criminal was Alfred Hoyt; the victim being Josiah Stamford, who had a farm adjoining Hoyt's. There had been some trouble about the trespassing of the cattle, and the parties met in the woods and had some words, when Hoyt felled his neighbor to the ground by a blow from an axe and then cut oil' his head. He then went to the house and made, a murderous assault upon Mrs. Stamford with the axe, but she lieing a muscular woman defended herself until her daughters and nous coming to the rescue, secured him by tying, and then, he announced that he had killed the old man, and on repairing to the pot it was found to be too true. The man was at once placed in the hands of tl e officers of the lav/, and upon trial was judged insane and accordingly committed to the insane asylum.

In .June. 1867, the papers had an article hea<led, "Female Monster." The facts of the ease were that Mathilda Kergin, living a mile and a half from Dundas, was brought before Justice Perkins on the 13th of June, 1867, charged with brutal jiunishment of a boy that lived in her family by the name of Franklin Pierce Adams, a lad of eleven years of age. The boy's mother was dead and he was l)0und out to the Kergins. He was horribly whipped with more than one hundred and fifty stripes, many of them cutting through the skin. It seems that he had gone some distance to do a certain piece of work, which detained him longer than this sweet-tempered female thought necessary, and she met him and knocked him down, and with a cruel switch thrashed him in an unmerciful manner, and what is most astonishing, two full-grown men sat there and let her do it, without remonstrance or interference. She was

Political

Tlie first town meeting ot Bridgewater, for the purpose of organizing the township, was held on the 11th of May, 1858, at the house of Fernando Thompson in the village of Dundas. The meeting was called to order and 0. C. Stetson was chosen chairman, pro Urn., and Benjamin Lockerby, moderator. They next proceeded to ballot for officers, which resulted as follows: Supervisors, Benjamin Lockerby, Chairman, Jacob Emery, and J. A. Upham; Clerk. C. C. Stetson; Assessor, Eoyal Esterbrook ; Collector, Fernando Thompson ; Overseer of the Poor, James Gates; Justices of the P(^ace, Geo. Barton, David Hatfield, and W. B. Taylor receiving the same number of votes, neither were declared elected; Constable, Charles B. Drake and Fernando Thompson were a tie. The whole number of votes cast at tliis election was fifty-nine.

During the war this township did its part, furnishing men as fast almost as they were called for. and at the time of the organization of the First Minnesota Regiment three men went into it from Archibald brother's store. A special town meeting was held in 1864, at which the sum of $1,500 was voted to pay a bounty to volunteers, and bonds were issued at 7 per cent, to pay the same. The sum of $25 was paid to each man. The judges appointed were J. R. Drake, H. Drought, and D. Hatfield. At a session some time afterward an additional appropriation of 8900 was made, there being at that time four volunteers needed.

The management of the town has been efficient and able, and no events have transjaired to interrupt tlie usual tranquility of town government; the management of the finances of the town have alsobeea commendable.

The officers elected for 1882 are as follows: Sujjervisors, J. W. Huckius, Chairman, J. W. Koss, and A. Wescott; Clerk,' J. M. Oliver: Treasurer, H. M. Baboock ; Justices of the Peace, William Tew and J. W. Ennis; Assessor, W. B.Henderson.

The general history of the rise, progress, and present condition of the schools in the town ot Bridgewater is almost, in its salient points, a duplicate of tliat of almost every other township in the county we might mention; it will, however, be of interest to the residents of the various districts.

The educational interests of the township are divided into six district schools and one graded. The districts are all in good financial condition, and the schools well attended. The total amount of school property in town is about .'$11),000.

DisTKiOT No. 2. - This should probably have been district No. 1, as the schoolhouse was the first put up in the county. In the spring of 1856, it was decided to build a schoolhouse, and Charles Wheeler and others, during the night, quietly appropriated timber from section sixteen. In the daytime they hauled it away, and put up their schoolhouse, the size of which was about 20x.30 feet, upon the southeast corner of section twelve.

The first school was called to order soon after by Miss Martha Kelley, now Mrs. A. Dodge, of Northfield. School was continued in this building two terms each year until 1880, when the old bouse was burned, and then the present building was erected at a cost of $1,700. This is the best district schoolhouse in the township, being heated with furnace and furnished with the latest improvements.

District No. 11. - The first school held was in a log house, the organization being eflected in the latter part of the fifties. The stone schoolhouse now in use by the district for school purposes is one of the best in the township; it is located in the southern part of section thirty-five. The present school board consists of Messrs. John Cheney, J. J. Chester, and E. McKibbie. The school has about twenty-four pupils.

District No. 13. - The first school was taught in the latter part of 1856, or early in 1857, by Miss Lockerby, in McKinley"s house, when the district may be said to have been organized. The first winter school was taught by .James Ecles, with about twenty scholars. The present site of the schoolliouse is in the southwestern part of section twenty-four.

District No. 15. - The first school in the district was taught in 1857, when the district was organized, in a log building owned by Bmith Alexander, and the following year a log schoolhouse was put up on the same site. This building served the purpose until 1865, when it was destroyed by fire, but the following year it was replaced by the building now in use. The location of the school is the northwestern corner of section twenty-eight.

to order in 1857, by Peter Scuriugton in a house a liouse on section eight. The history of the early organiziition and growth of this district seems to be iihuost forgotten, ;is tlioso who live in the same who have been interviewed, are very conllieting in their statements. The location of the present schoolhouse is the northern part of section six.

DisTiiTCT No. 01. - The organization of this district was effected in 187-1, and it is, therefore, the youngest district in the township. The first school was held in the present schoollionse in 1874, with forty-flve scholars in attendance. Miss Lucy Cowan being the teacher. Their neat and substantial schoolhouse was erected in 1874, at a cost of about $(500: the school board at that time being composed of Messrs Tew, Gurran, and Donaldson. The present members of the board are William Tew, Henry Piatt, and W. S. Partlow. The school is located in the southwestern part of section nine.

This is the only village in the township of Bridgewater, and is the third in size and importance in the county. It is situated on the Cannon River, near the center of tlie town, its village plat extending into sections ten, eleven, and fifteen. The Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad connects the village with the outside world, passing through it in a southwesterly direction.

The location of tliis thriving village is all that could be desired. As we contemplate the changes of a quarter of a century past we can scarcely comprehend or realize that the results of time's wonder-working hand are the achievements of a period so brief as to be within the remembrance, almost, of the present generation.

Let us turn back, as it were, the leaves of time's great book to but a quarter of a century ago, and the stranger would have gazed upon a landscape of wondroiis beauty; selected by Dakota as his camping ground, with that singular ajipreciation of the beautiful which nature made an instinct with the savage. These noble forests wei'e as green then as now, the prairie flowers blot}med as thickly and diffused their fragrance as bountifully. Wo are in the haunt of the red man, with scarcely a trace of civilization, and literally a wilderness. But what a contrast! Then all was as nature had formed it, with its variegated hues of vegetation; in winter a dreary barren waste, in summer a perfect paradise of tiowers. Now many traces of the primitive are obliterated ; in place of the tall prairie grass and tangled \mderbrush, we behold the rich waving fields of golden grain. In place of the dusky warriors' cal)ins are the elegant and substantial dwellings, and the ''iron horse," swifter than the nimble deer, treads the pathway so recently the trail of the red man.

In point of location, Dundas is all that could be desired. The Cannon River at this point furnishes one of the most valuable water-powers in the State, and with the a.ssi8tauce of relial)le railroad connection with eastern markets, its future is assured. The Minnesota Central railroad has already surveyed and graded a line through the place and by fall the lomotive will be pushing its way through the village on this line.

The immediate surroundings of the village are timber lands, but within a mile from the limits you emerge from the timber and before you lie the richest prairie and farming lands in the State; dotted with well built and costly farm houses, indicating the thrift and prosjjerify of the farmers from which the village receives its support. The main part of the village, and where most of the residences are, is upon the east side of the river, up(m the level table land extending from the low hills to the river. A majority of the business houses iind the Dundas mills are on the west side of the river, while the old stone mill and the coojjer shops are on the island which separates the river at this point, and which is connected to the main land by substantial iron liridges sjianning the divided river.

E.^KLY Settlement. - As stated in the article on the early settlement of the township, the land where the village now stands was pre-empted in 18.52, by Irish; and he broke a few acres and then left, when H. M. Matteson came in the spring of 18.55, and jumped the claim, paid Irish for his improvements, and commenced to get out timber for a mill. In June, 1857, J. S. and George N. Archibald arrived and purchased of Mr. Matteson the town site, and at once laid out the town. They threw a stone dam across the river and commenced the erection of the old stone mill.

In the fall of 1856, a saw-mill was erected by a Mr. Veeley, about 80 rods above the Archibald mill site, on the river, and shortly after the completion of it the firm became -Tames Bafib i: Veeley. A small dam was thrown across the river, which secured a three foot head of water. The mill was equipped with a circular saw, aud was purchased by the Archibalds a short time after their arrival, aud used to timber the new grist-mill. After this was set in motion the work on the stone mill progressed rapidly, and in the same year it was completed and in motion. The rhill contained four run of stones and was at that time considered the best mill in the State. It was two stories high with a stone basement, and still stands on the island opposite the present fine mills. Flonrmade by the old mill was taken to St Paul and Minneapolis by team, and won the reputation of being the best made in the State.

The first store started in Dundas was built and stocked by J. S. & G. N. Archibald in 1858. The store stood one block south of the bridge, and was known far and near as the "Dundas Cash Store." The first frame residence in town was put up by the same gentlemen at the same time and is now occupied by the widow of J. S. Archibald.

The next store, and really the first substantial one, was opened in 1859 by E. G. & J. J. Ault, with about a 93,000 stock, in the building now occupied as the shoe shop of Mr. Richert. In 1861, George Kirkpatrick purchased the Archibald Brothers' store and stocked it up. This occupied the building now used as a residence by Ed. Coppin. The Ault brothers afterward put up a substantial stoue building.

In 1858, the Post-office was established, and Herman Jenkins was first ajjpointed to handle the mails. He was called the traveling Post-master, because he would go to Northfield, get the mail, and then deliver it to the few inhabitants in the ])lace. In 1859, the people of Northfield raised a bonus aud secured a daily stage mail on the line from Northfield to Faribault. This was continued until the railroad was constructed through the place in 1804. The Post-office has in the meantime passed into numerous hands, and finally J. M. Oliver, the present accommodating and efficient Postmaster was appointed, and has since retained the office.

Hotels. - In 1858, the first hotel was put up in Dundas by H. Jenldns. It stood where the Archibald Company barn now is. It was not a very gorgeously furnished establishment, bnt it served the purpose until it was burned to the ground some years later.

Events Of Intebest

The first house or bifilding ever erected on the town site of Dundas was put up in the spring and summer of 1855, by the owner at that time, H. M. Matteson. It stood on the west side of the river near the Blerchants" Hotel; built of logs, size 16x20 feet, and for those days a good and substantial house. Mr. Matteson afterward told Mr. Archibald, the owner, that he would buy the old house and lot back, and board it up so as to "preserve it for future reference," but Mr. Archibald stated that the house was in the center of the street and had to be torn down.

Among the first, and we are inclined to believe the first death to occur in Dundas, was a daughter of Wm. and Mary B. Taylor, named Calista, aged twelve years, of diphtheria. This occurred in October, 1856. A daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Taylor was born on the 4th of January, 1856, and was the first birth. The child was christened Clara E., and still lives with her mother in Dundas.

William B. Taylor was drowned in April, 1866. The bridge over the Cannon River had been washed out, and he, as well as other employes in the mill, were obliged to go to and from their work in boats. One day, as he, in company with the miUer, Thomas Handy, and two others were crossing, the boat was capsized, and they were left struggling in the water. Two of the occupants were saved, but Taylor and Handy were swallowed by the greedy torrent and both met watery graves. Wm. B. Taylor left a wife and six children, and Thomas Handy a wife and three chil'^ien.

Village Okganization

The present officers are:' Council, C. Runnels, President, P. K. Empey, Henry Carrol, A. Woolery, and Wm. B. Henderson; Recorder, A. Hedre'n; Treasurer, J. W. Huckins; .Justice of the Peace, Edward Strange; Marshal, John C. King. The council rent a building east of the iron bridge for a Village Hall, and have made an addition to the same for a lock-up.

Du.1Das Graded Schools

This organization for educational purposes embraces the village of Dundasand the immediately sTirrounding territory, and in its management, both financially and educationally, has been one of the most prudent and efficient institutions in the county.

The first school in Dundas was taught in 18.58, in a building erected for a meat market, standing where Hoyuck's bakery now is, and had in attendance fifteen children. The teacher was Miss Mary Hutchison, now Mrs. Drought. It was at this time organized as district No. -t, and a house erected soon after. The records commence on the 30th of May, 18f>5, the first record being a letter from the Clerk of tlie district to County Superintendent Buekham, stating that "if a teachi r is not secured ft>r the summer term our 80 or 40 childrea must run wild until fall." In ISGCi, an appropriation of S600 was made to furnish an addition to the schoolhouse. On the 12th of May, 18(i8, the district was organized into a graded school and .$4,000 in bonds voted to erect a school buildiug, the site selected being Maple Grove. Accordingly, in 1869, W. C. Cleland took the contract and finished one half the present building at a cost, when furnished, of about )j!5,0()0. In 18SI, the requirements of the school demanded an increase, and the same contractor finished the othc r , half of the building at a cost of 82,000, making the total cost about .§7,000. The schools are now in good condition, employing three teachers with an attendance of about 2.50 jjupjls.

A. O. U. W. -An Ancient Order of United Workmen was instituted in Dundas on the 27tlu)f February, 1878, with twenty-four charter members. The prime movers in this, or those through whose instrumentality it was organized, were H. E. Lawrence, E. G. Ault, A. Hedreen, and C. W. Brown.

The first officers elected were: Blaster Workman, A. Hedreen; Recorder, H. E. Lawrence; Ti-easnrer, R. R, Hiitchin.son; Financier, .1. M. Oliver. The present officers are as follows : Master Workman, J. P. Hummel; Recorder, C. Runnels; Treasurer, A. F. Thielbar; Financier, J. M. Oliver. The order now has twenty-one members in good standing, and is in the most prosperous and nourishing condition.

The religious and God-fearing people of Dundas are divided into four denominations, and they have already erected three substantial and neat buildings, and another is now in process of erection. Speaking financially, the churches in this place are in as good condition as is usual in a town of this size, and one may get an inference from that as to their standing. Below we give a condensed notice of the organization and principal proceedings of each.

Episcopal. - The fii-st service was held in Archibald's hall in 1864, by Bishop Whipple. Their church was erected in 1868, by W. C. Clel.aud, contractor, at a cost of ij7,000, and dedicated with Bishop Wiiipple officiating. Rev. W. J. Gould was the first regular pastor and remained for seven years, after which Rev. Humphrey presiiled for two years, and since that time they have had no regular preacher. As above stated their church was built in 1868 at a cost of $7,000, and iu 1874, a neat parsonage was erected at a cost of aljout iJS.SOO. Tliis was all ])ut up at the expense of, and donated to the society by, J. S. Archibald, with a very little aid from a few others. Mr. .Archibald, at the time of his death, in 1875, lieqneathed the sum of S15,000 to the churcli, making his total donations foot up to .f 25,000.

German Lutheran. - The fii-st service held by this denomination was in the summer of 1866, in the old schoolliouse cm the cast side of the river, by Rev. Shultz. Shortly afterward the organization was effected, ha\ing at first about twelve members. Services were held at various places until 1881, wheu they commenced the erection of a church edifice on Second street, on the east side of the river. The building is not completed as yet. Among the jjastors to officiate in this denomination are Eeverends Shultz and Sipler. The pulpit is now supplied by the Lutheran minister of Faribault.

Peesbyterian. - This society formally organized in the year 1865. with Eev. J. I. Smith officiating, and had about twenty members. In 1867, they commenced the erection of a church which was finished the following year at a cost of about $1,200, and this is the building now in use by the society. The pastors have been : Reverends Breck, J. H. Hunter, W. S. Wilson, James IMc- Lain, W. E. Donaldson, and J. C. Garver, the latter being the present pastor. The church was dedicated on the 17th of July, 1868.

Methodist. - There was at one time a strong organization of this denomination here, but at present there is not much interest felt or shown in it. They erected a church and a parsonage. The former was finally sold and is now used by Mr. Phillip Empey as a livery stable; the parsonage was destroyed by fire the 2d of March, 1879.

As all the industries of this nature in the township are centered at Dundas, they will all be treated under one head, and a review of the various manufacturing establishments of the village and township will be appropos to thisoccason, as they are the nucleus to the now prosperous village- The first we will allude to will be the manufacturing enterprise known as the

Dundas ELOtTRiNG Mills, which have ever been the magnet around which have clustered the various business interests of wh.ich the town is possessed. These mills, in their past years of usefulness, have achieved a reputation perhaps second ti) none other .similar institution in the State. Accumulation of Imsiness and an increased demand for the productionsof the establishment from time to time, rendering an increase of capacity necessary, have been the means of forcing alti rations which have made its capacity without equal in this part of the State.

The mills are located on the west bank of the Cannon River, within the limits of the village, and consist of the main building, the old stone mill, and several warehouses.

In 1857, J. S. and G N. Archibald, natives of Canada, came to Dundas and put up the old stone mill upon the island, building a stone dam across the river and securing a good water-jjower. Four run of stones were placed in the mill and operations commenced the same year. The crops failing that year and the following one the mill was not operated to its full capacity until 1859, when a small merchant bolt was jjut in, and in this condition the mill was run until 1870. Shortly after building and commencing operations, the firm was dissolved; G. N. going out and J. S. continuing until 1870, when it became J. S. & E. T. Archibald; and at that time the frame portion of the present main building was erected, size 35x70 feet, five stories high, with a basement, and to this has been added a stone wing 36x80 feet, joining the frame on the north.

In 1866, the original dam, built in 1857, was washed away, and the year following rebuilt. In 1871, the mill was enlarged to an eight run mill, and in 1879, it was entirely remodeled and converted into a roller mill. Thirty-five sets of rollers were put in, and two burrs, making a capacity of 500 barrels per day.

The power by which the mill is run is both steam and water; having nine feet of water fall, and a 150 horse-power steam engine - making the propelling force of the mill efficient and permanent. The steam power was added at the reconstruction of the mill in 1879, a substantial stone engine house being erected at that time. About same time a side trai^k was laid from the main line of the raih'oad to the mill door.

The present firm is E. T. Archibald & Co., en personnel E. T. and Cyril Archibald. The originator and startor of the enterprise, J. S. Archibald, died in 1875, leaving many earnest and warm friends to moUrn his loss. His widow, Mrs. C. C. Archibald, still lives in l^undas, much esteemed by all.

Cooperage. - In connection with the mill is the cooper business. The shops are located on the island, one on each side of the street. Their capacity is only limited by the number of barrels in demand per day. and this branch of industry is certainly as important a factor and as beneficial to Dundas as any it contains. It employs as a . rule about thirty men. When started they were operated in connection with and under the management of the Diuidas mills, but of late years it

Star Flodkixg Mills. - To get at the foundation of this mill's establishment, one must go back in date to 1869, when the firm of Drought & Hutchinson purchased the ground north of the bridge, on the west side of the river, for a saw-mill. Thoy at once put up a steam saw-mill with a perpendicular, and a circular saw. This was run by them four years and then sold to Jacobs & Dittis, who run it until it was biirned, two years later. In 1877, the site was purchased by James Pcppin, who commenced the erection of the mill which is both a flour and saw-mill. Three run of stones were put in and an 80 horse-power steam engine. In 1880, the firm became Newell ct Peppin, and the mill was remodeled and rollers put in in addition to the burrs, making the capacity about l.'iO barrels. The saw-mill in connection is ecpiipped with a circular saw, and has been piling up saw-dust to the present time. The flouring mill was only operated for about one year, the proprietors having become involved in" debt. The mill is a large tliree story and abasement building, and tba entire outfit is estimated at having cost about S30,000.

Cochran Mill. - A small custom mill was erected in 1878 by Robert Cochran, on section twenty -two, and was run by steam. For a short time it did a good l:)usiness, but was finally, in the fall of 1880, destroyed by fire.

Hoover Saw -Mill. - This enterprise was originally established in Cannon City by J. M. Hoover, but after running there a short time was moved to his farm on section thirty-two. It is run by steam, and does good work. Mr. Hoover is still proprietor of it.

The First Saw-Mill. - In the fall of 18,50, a saw-mill was erected by a Mr. Veeley, a short distance from the present location of the Dundas mills. It was run a short time by Babb & Veeley, and finally, in 1857, was purcha.sed by J. S. and G. N. Archibald. It was run by water-power, atlam having been built which gave them tlircc feet fall of water. This was the first institution of a manfacturing nature started in this entire section of country. A description of the mill is given elsewhere.

of the affable depot agent Mr. J. W. Cameron. 'V\io shipments from Dundas in A])ril, 1882, amounted to '2,230.2:i0 ])()nnds, composed of the following items: Flour, 1,. 5.58.780 pounds; mill feed, 009,700 pounds; merchandise, 56,770 pounds; potatoes, 5,270 pounds. The freight received during this month amounted to 2,405,792 pounds.

The shipmcuts during May were as follows: Fhiur, 1,141,400 pounds; mill feed, 640,100 pounds; potatoes, 11,860 pounds, and merchandise, 48,690 pounds. The total shipments for the month were 2,642,910 pounds. Received during the month, 2,40;J,305 pounds.

During the mouth of June the shipments were as follows: Flour, 2,630,050 pounds: mill feed, 431,200 pounds; merchandise, 4,320 pounds, and two car loads of wood. Total shipments for June, 2,546,570 pounds Total receipts, 2,563,810 pounds. The express business amounts to about $S0(l per year.

Cyhil Aki^hibald was born in Stormont county, province of Ontario, Canada, in 1837. His father was a merchant and physician, and Cyril remained in his native place, engaged in farming and mercantile pursuits, in a limited way, until Augustjl880, when he removed to this place. The following year he became a member of the firm of E. T. Archil)ald & Co., proprietors of the Dundas Flouring Mills, and is still one of the well known firm. He was united in marriage in January, 1881, to Miss Gertrude, daughter of John R. Wood, of Stormout county, Canada, and one child has lieen the result of the uni(.)n, a V)oy named Heber.

J. J. Ahlt is a native of Aultsville, Ontario, Canada, born in 1834,and came to Dundas in 1859. Aftar being engaged in various pursuits, he left the place, but returned again in 1874, and has ever since been in the employ of E. T. Archibald &Co., as cashier and book-keeper.

Edgar G. .\rLT was born in Canada in 1838. .\ultville claimed him as a resident until twenty years old. He attended school at Potsdam Academy, and finally completed his education at Fort Edward, New York. He came to Dundas, Minnesota, in 1859, and engaged in mercantile pursuits, which business he has followed most of the time since. He built a large stone store in 1868, and in 1881, a large brick and stone store

Simon Babrigak was born in Canada in 1822, and reared on a farm. In 1S49, he removed to New York, where lie engaged in agricultural pursuits until 18G3, then came to Minnesota, located in Bridgewater in section nineteen, where he has a farm of three hundred acres, most of which is imjjroved. He was married in Canada, and has had a family of nine children, eight of whom c^re living.

W. H. Bennett was born in Albany, New York, on the 7th of February, 1815, and grew to manhood in bis native place. In 1837, he came to Wisconsin and settled on a farm near Milwaukee, and there married Miss Mary Bunday, on the 13th of September, 1849. She was born in Wayne county. New York, on the 15th of January, 1829. but had lived in Wisconsin many years. In March, 1855, he came to Rice county and located in Bridgewater, near what was then the village of Northfield. He now owns sixty-six acres of land, having sold the remainder of bis claim for the Northfield Fair Grounds. He has four children, two having died; those living are: Elizabeth D., Ida M., Ella B., and Sarah S.

L. R. Babcock was born in New York in 1820, and lived there until nine years of age. He then removed with bis parents to Indiana, where he was engaged as an engineer, and spent his time in the manner of a "Wandering Jew." He came to Dnndas iu 18(i9, and found employment as a cooper, which business he now follows. Mr. Babcock was married iu Indiana, and the union has been blessed witli eight children.

F. Creiman was b(U-n in Germany iu 1837, where he remained until eighteen years old, then emigrated to America. He has been in Dundas seven years, engaged in the hotel business. Mr Creiman's family consists of a wife and two children,

G. W. Cameron was liorn iu Canada in 1839, where he attended school and was reared on a farm. When he was twenty-two yerrs of age he came to Vermont, engaged in farming two years, tlien removed to Wisconsin, where he learned telegraphy. Iu 18(i5, lie came to Northfield, Minnesota. *wherc he engaged as telegraph operator, coming to Dundas in 18(17, and has since been the agent of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad. He was married in Northfield iu 18(58, to

Miss C. P. White, a native of Vermont. They have been blessed with three children; Belle, nine years of age; Jennie, seven; and Georgia, two.

Job Chester, a native of England, was born in 1818, and lived in his native country until fourteen years old, then came witli his parents to America. They remained in Philadelphia one year, then moved to Ohio, where Job finished his education. He was employed as porter in a wholesale store in Cleveland for five years, then removed to St. Louis and engaged in the same business two years. While in the latter city he married Miss Anne Jeffries, a native of Canada, the ceremony taking place in 1844. He came to Racine couuty, Wisconsin, engaged in farming and remained there eight years, then moved to Bridgewater, Rice county, and staked out the first claim in this township, locating it on section twenty-five. He is the father of five children, one of whom is dead,

William C. Clel.^nd was born iu Ireland in 1823, and received his education in his native country. When twenty-four years of age he came to Canada, where he worked at the carpenter trade, contracting, etc. In 186(5, he returned to Ireland, remained eight months, then came to Dundas, where he has since been engaged in farming, and also works at his trade. He has built the greater portion of the best buildings in the village.

Joseph Clute was born iu Germany in 1837, and remained there until 1854, when he emigrated to America. He was educated in his native country and reared to agricultural pursuits. In 1858, he removed to Minnesota and located in Bridgewater, in section six, where he still resides. He was married in 1863, to Miss Sophia Gronewald, also a native of Germany. The union has been blessed with six children. Mr. Clute was drafted into the army in 1805, and served six months in the Second Minnesota Infantry. He has beeu a member of the Board of Supervisors two years, and one of the school l)oard eight yuars.

\V. S. CuRREN was born in Wisconsin in 1842, and removed with his parents to Blinnesota when fourteen years old, completing his education in this State. In 1862, he was married; reuioVed to his farm in Bridgewater, section eight, in 1868, and has one hundred and seven acres of land, nearly all improved. Mr. and Mrs. Curren have had eight

W. H. Emery was born iu New York iu 1841, and at the age of fourteen years removed to Minnesota with his pareuts, who settled in Bridgewater. W. H. attended school in New York and finished his education here, also taught one term of school. He was joined in matrimony in 1865, with Miss Eunice Bardwell, a native of Pennsylvania, who has borne him three children. He has a farm of ninety acres in section twenty-one which is well improved. Mr. Emery has been elected to the offices of Constable, Supervisor, and Assessor. He served through the Indian war of 1862, with Gen. Sibley. He and his wife are members of the Methodist church.

Mrs. MAiti.i EjirEY, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kausey Morgan, was born iu Canada on the 2ith of June, 1816. She was married to Mr. Nicholas W. Em23ey on the 15th of September, 1834, in the eastern part of Canada. In 1840, they moved to Hancock county, IlliuoLs, where they remained about eight yeai-s, then returned to their former home in Canada and resided on a farm nine years. In October, 1856, they made their way to Minnesota,and after sojourning in Northfleld several weeks located on a pre-emption in Steele county, and afterward lived in Goodhue county four years. In 1870, their farm in the latter place was traded for the one on which Mrs. Empey now resides. Her husband died on the 17th of November, 1872, leaving many friends to mourn his loss. The marriage was blessed with ten children of whom five are now living, Samantha, Alice, Almeda, Phillip, and Nellie. Mrs. Empey is a firm believer and an earnest worker in the church of the Latter Da}' Saints, being respected and loved by all who know her.

Philii' K. Empey was born in Canada in 18r)7, and removed with his parents to the United States when two years of age. Tliey first settled in Steele and afterward in Goodhue county engaged at farming. .-V few years later he came to Dundas with his parents and engaged iu the livery business. He has been a jiromhient man in public enterprises and has held several offices, being at present a member of the Village Council. He and his mother reside together.

was married iu 1830 to Miss Eliza Portman, also a native of New York. In 1855, he removed to Minnesota, locating in this township, in section twenty-eight, whei'e he may still be foiuid. His wife died on the 6th of September, 1868, leaving nine children, and ho was again married in 1880, to Mi.ss Etta Hoover. Mr. Emery was a member of the first board of Sujjervisors of the town and was very active in organizing schools. He and his wife are members of the Methodist church.

A. Feink is a native of Germany, born in 1826. He attended school and lived on a farm. In 1853, he emigrated to America, direct to Minnesota, and located in St. Paul where he was engaged in lumbering two years, then removed to Dakota county and pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres of land. In 1860, he sold his farm and at the first call for troops enlisted and served three months, then came to Northfield where he engaged in a hotel. In 1872, he again went to Dakota county where he farmed three years, and in tlie fall of 1878, came to Dundas where he has since kept a hotel. He was married in August, 1866, to Miss Augusta Fox, also a native of Germany. They have four children, all of whom are girls.

G. A. Gatzke was born in Prussia iu 1840, and received his education there, also learning the miller's trade. In 1864, he came to America and directly to Wisconsin where, in 1862, he married Miss Amelia Johu.sou, also a native of Prussia. In 1872, he came to Bridgewater, Rice county, and has since beeu foreman in the Dundas mills. Mr. and Mrs. Gatzke have had five children, four of whom are living. They are members of the Lutheran church.

Alio GiltjAndees was born in New York iu 1844, where he attonded school and was reared to agricultural pursuits. He served in the Army of the Potomac one year in the One hundred and sixty-ninth New York Volunteer Infantry. In 1864, he removed to Minnesota and resided for four years in Dakota county, then came to this township and located in section eighteen. In 1867, Miss Elizabeth Moore, a native of New York, became his wife. They have one child, Jennie, eleven years of age. They are members of tlie Me'ihodist church.

Peter Grau is a native of Germany, born in 1832; was educated and learned the tailors trade in his native country. In May, 1851, he emigrated to America and located in New York {'itv where be followed his trade sixteen years. In 1864, Miss Martha Baker, also a native of Germany, became his wife. He enlisted in the Seventh New York Infantry, served one year, and after receiving his discharge came to Minnesota, locating in Forest township. Rice county, and two years later removed to Dundas where he is at work in the Archibald mill. Mr. and Mrs. Grau have had six children, tour of whom are living. They are members of the Presbyterian church.

James Garrity was born in Ireland in 1832, where he remained until nineteen years old. He served one year in the British army and emigrated to America in 18.56, coming directly to this place. In July, 1859, he was united in marriage and the union has been blessed with three children.

J. G. H.iTFiELD was born in Ohio in 1836, and removed with his parents to Indiana when two years of age where he was educated. He was married in 1859, to Miss Mary H. Donaldson who was born in Pennsylvania in 1836. In 1864, they came to Minnesota, located on a farm in Bridgewater in section twenty-nine, where he still resides, the farm containing eighty acres, all well improved. They have been blessed with five children, four of whom are living. He is a member of the .school l)()ard.

.1. J. Hummel was born in Germany on the 23d of July. 1854, lived in his native land with his parents until fourteen years of age, when, in the fall of 1868, he went to Algiers, Africa, where he had relatives, and engaged in the brewing business. Tliis occupation receive his attention until July, 1873, when he again removed, this time to America. He came directly to where his parents resided in Cottage Grove, Minnesota, and for a little over a year devoted his time to agricultural pursuits. His next move was to Faribault, where he remained until 1881, witli the exception of one year spent at the German-English Normal School at Galena, Illinois. In 1881, he made a prospecting tour to California, and ujion his return to Minnesota decided to move his family to the Pacific coast whicli he did, but soon returned to this State and took \i\> his abode in Dundas, and in March, 1882, became an active partner in the firm of Hummel Bros, of the Dundas meat market. His wife was formerly Josephine C. Degen, of Faribault, wliom ho married on the 29th of November, 1877. One child has blessed the union, a boy named Charles 1).

J. P. Hummel, a brother of the subject of our last sketch, is just two years his senior, having been born on the 23d of July, 1852. He came to America in 1869, with his mother, brothers and sisters, his father having died in Germany. They settled in Rochester, New York, where J. P. learned the butcher trade. In June, 1871, he removed to Washington county, Minnesota, and engaged at his trade and farming until 1875, when he removed to Dundas and still follows butchering. He was married in Wisconsin in 1876, to Miss Elizabeth Hartman, a native of the latter State. They have four children.

J. G. Hergott was born in France in 1848, and when twenty years of age went to Africa, serving in the French army. He next went to Italy and was in the army seven months, then to Germany, where he served through the Prussian war, was taken prisoner at Metz and held for seven months, after which he returned to France. Mr. Hergott emigrated to America in 1872, and after traveling over a large portion of the United States, located in Dundas, where he has since been engaged in the milling business. He was married in Chicago in 1876, and the issue of the union is two children.

Andrew J. Hbdrebn was born in Sweden on the 16th of December, 1846, and came to America in 1866, landing in New York on the 4th of July. The most of his younger days were spent in school, completing common branches and taking a flve-year collegiate course. He cama direct to Otisco, Waseca county, Minne- .sota, and taught one term of school, thence to Faribault where he was engaged at surveying, and subsequently learned the cooper's trade. In 1872, he came to Dundas and has since been engaged at his trade, being the first foreman of the Co-operative Coopers Association of this place. He is also a member of tlie Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is now Rec(jrder of the village, and has held several other offices of trust. Ou the Isfc of August, 1869, he was married to Miss Lizzie O. Edsall, of Waseca county, and they have four children; Lillie, Charles, Guy, and Harry.

J. W. Hdokins was born in Delaware, Ripley county, Indiana, in 1838. When sev'^teen years old he removed to Ohio, where he finished his education, then came to Miunesota, and thence to Indiana, where he engaged ia clerking. In 1861, be returned to Cannon City, Minnesota, where mercantile pursuits claimoil his attention until 18{)2, when be came to Minneapolis anil engaged in the same business. Four years later he removed to Cannon City, and from tliore to Dnnchis, where he deals in general merchandise and lumber. He was married in Michigan in 18M1), to Miss Annie Graham, a native of Ohio. They were ble.ssed with two children.

K. B. Hutchinson was born in Montreal, Canada, in 1838. When fourteen years old he removed with bis parents to Buffalo, New York, remained five years, then went to Ohio, and one year later to Minnesota. He received his education in Canada and Buff'alo. In 18fi'2, he enlisted in tlie Sixth Minnesota Infantry, was with Gen. Sibley in the Indian massacre, at first as a private, then promoted to the various higher offices and mustered out as Captain in 18(>5. He returned to Minnesota, and in 1877, came to Dundas, where he has since been engaged in mercantile business. He was married in 1866, to Miss Susan Patterson, a native of Canada. They have five childien.

Albon Hoyt, one of the fii'st settlers of this township, is a native of New York, born in Franklin county in 1824, and remained there until twenty-five years old. He then came to St. Paul, and in three years to Bridgewater, locating on section eleven. He has a fine farm of one hundred and eighty acres under good cultivation, situated between Dundas and Northfleld.

Is.\.^c Hendeeson was born in Dundas county, Ontario, Canada, in 1834, where he received his education and was reared as a farmer. In 186.5, be came to Bice county and located in Biidgewater, in section twenty-two. He was nuirried to Miss Mary Hobbs, who was also Ijoru in Canada. They have five chaldren and are members of the -\dvent church.

WiLLi.\M Henderson was born in Canada in 1842, and reared on a farm, receiving a common school education. He was married in 1864, to Miss Isabell Van Alstine, and the next year they came to Wisconsin, where Mr. Henderson engaged on the railr(}ad two years. After removing to Minnesota he followed (he same employment, and afterward engaged in farming. In 1872, they came to Bridgewater and he has since been engaged in farming, owning a house and lot ill Dundas, and taking charge of the Archibald land.

Hebman Hoyuck was born in Gernianj- in 1844, where he received his education and learned the baker's trade. In 1870, he emigrated to America, worked at his trade two years in New York City, then removed to Chicago and followed the same business eight years. He was united in marriage in 187(i, and his wife is also a native of Germany. In 1880, they removed to this county and located in l^uudas, where he has a bakery and restaurant. Mr. and Mrs. Hoyuck have three children.

Thom.\s Ingram was born in Irel.and in 1830. When twenty years old he married Miss Olivia Wightman, and the next year they came to America, remained in Canada one year, then came to New York. He was engaged in boating two years, and afterward in farming for eleven years. In 1866, he removed to his present farm in Bridgewater, Kice county. Mr. and Mrs. Ingram have had si.x children, five of whom are living.

H. C. KoMOLL was born in Germany in 1824. In 18.55, he was united in marriage with Miss Caroline Johnson, and one year later emigrated to America, He had previously learned the shoemaker's trade, at which he worked four years in Canada, then removed to Dundas, Minnesota, where he worked at his trade for several years. He then engaged in hotel keeping and also carries on a farm Mr. .ind Mrs. KomoU have been blessed with three children, two of whom are liying.

S. LucKERT was lioru in Germany in 1843. He was educated in his native country and learned the shoemaker's trade. In 1858, he emigrated with his parents to America, located in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, and worked at his trade. In 1865, he was united in marriage with Miss Catharine Wagner, also a native of Germany. In 186li, tliev removed to Minnesota, engaged in farming four years, then came to Dundas and was in the boot and shoe business several years. In 1876, he opened a saloon and restaurant, and is now erecting a brick building, two stories high with a basement, which he intends occupying. He is the father of seven children, three boys and four girls.

W. S. Mattison was born in Minnesota in 1857, and received his education in Dakota county, where his father was a farmer. He came to Dundas in 1878, and has since been foreman in the cooj)er shop.

J. C. NoTEMAN was born in New York, where he remained until sixteen years of age, then came to Wisconsin, and in 1861, enlisted in the Eighth Wisconsin Infantry, served three years, then, after his discharge re-eulisted and served till the close of the war. He then removed to Michigan and worked in a drug store two years, and in 187G, came to Duudas, where he buys wheat for the Archibald Mills. He has a wife and one child.

J. M. Oliver was , Born in Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, in 1852, and lived in his native State until 1860, when he came to Rice county, Minnesota. He attended school in Pennsylvania and finished his education at the Shattuck school in Faribault, after which he taught in Dundas. In the fall of 1872, engaged in a store and has been in that business mo.st of the time since. He was ajjpointed Postmaster in 1877, and still holds tliat position. He is Town Clerk, elected in 1878, and has been re-elected every year since, and in 1876, was Chairman of the board of Supervisors.

Peter H. Olson, one of the first to locate in this township, was boru in Norway in 1824, where he received his education and lived on a farm. He came to America in 1848, located in Wisconsin, where he remained until 1853, then came to Bridgewater, engaged in farming till 1861, then went to California and worked in the mines. He returned to Minnesota in eight years and located in this township, in section twenty-four. He was married in Northfleld in 1870, to Miss Carrie Sable, a native of Norway, who has born him five children, one of whom, Lewis Henry, died in 1882, aged three years.

H. B. PoE was born in Kentucky in 1882, and remained in his native State until 1844, when he removed with his parents to Indiana. In 1855, Mr. Poo removed to Bridgewater, and located on section thirty where he has a farm containing eighty acres of improved land. He served one year during the war. He has been a member of the school hoard several terms and is always an active worker in the advancement of education. He was married two years after coming to this place to Miss Eliza McHee. The result of the union is six children.

Julius Kkvier was born in New York in 1840, where he attended school and became skilled in agricultural pursuits. He was united in marriage with Miss Ann Perry, a native of Canada, and in 1865. he came to Minnesota, remaining but six months. In two years they removed toJ\Iinnesota and located on a farm in Bridgewater. He has eight brothers all living in this State. Mr. and Mrs. Bevier have had twelve children, nine of whom are living. He is a member of the board of Supervisors.

J. W. Boss was born in Sussex county. New Jersey, in 1836, and at the age of six years removed with his parents to Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, where he was educated and reared as a farmer. In 1856, he came to Minnesota and worked as a carpenter in this county for six years, then engaged in farming in Northfield township. In 1862, Miss Frances E. Durland became his wife, and they removed to Bridgewater in 1873, locating on secti(m twenty-six. They have a family of nine children. Mr. Boss has been Assessor one year and a member of the board of Supervisors five years.

Charles Eunnels was born in Vermont in 1846, and moved with his parents to Ohio in 1850, remained there five years then came to Iowa where he learned the cooper's trade. In 1867, he came to Minnesota, located in Winona, but removed to Bridgewater in 1873, where he has since worked at his trade. He was married in 1874, to Miss Sarah J. McMurtin, a native of Pennsylvania, who has borne him three children. Mr. Runnels has been Marshal of Dundas one year and is at present Chairman of the Village Council.

J. Sc^hultz is a native of Germany born in 1848. His native country claimed him as a resident until 1864, when he came to America and located in Minnesota. He was married in Rochester in 1872, and the issue of the union is five children, four of whom are living. In 1880, Mr. Schultz came to Dundas and has since been head engineer in Archibald's mill.

M. H. SouTHWORTH was boru in Eaymondville, St. Lawrence county. New York, in 1850, and in 1862, removed with his parents to Wisconsin where he was reared as a farmer. In 1866, he came to Dundas and engaged at work in the Archibald mill where he still is emjiloyed.

FivED Shandorf was born in France in 1842, and removed with his parents to America whea two years old. They located in New York, where lie received his education and was raised on a farm. He was married in 1868, to Miss Susau Deshan, also a native of France. Tlie same year they came to Dundas, where Mr. Shandorf nas engaged in farming until 1875, then engaged as a butcher, and iu 1879, commenced to deal in general merchandise, which business he still follows. He occupies a double brick store, and is building a large frame warehouse. He has been Councilman three terms. They were blessed with five children, only one of whom is living; three died of diphtheria inside of three weeks, and the other of the same disease.

Edw.\rd Stkange was born near Danville, Hendricks county, Indiana, on the 4th of January, 1842. In Octoljer, 1855, his parents came to Goodhue county, Minnesota, when- Edward attended school and learned the wagon maker trade of his father, with whom he was afterward in partnership for two years in Cannon Falls. In ISlil!, the family moved to Millersburg, where the father and his son James engaged in business, Ed. working at the carpenter trade most of the time. He was married in November, 1807, and moved to Dundas the following year. He immediately opened a wagon shop, the first of the kind in the place, and continued in the business until 1881, when he was elected village Justice.

C. C. Stetson was bom in Maine in 1823, where he remained until twenty-one years old, finished his education and learned the blacksmith and machinist trade. He went to Massachusetts and worked at his trade one year, then to Providence, Rhode Island, where he remained two years, thence to New Orleans, and sis months later to Texas. In the spring of 1850 Mr. Stetson went to California, remained there three years engaged in mining and at his trade, then returned to Maine, and in 1854, came to Bridgewater. Three years after coming hero be married Miss Amelia Howe, a native of Ohio. Of five children bom of this union four are living, one dying in infancy. Mr. Stetson was the first Town Clerk in this place and lias since held many other local offices. They are nicmbcrs of the (,'ongregational church.

William Tew Wi'.s born in New York in 1841, and removed with his parents to Wisconsin two years later. In the latter State he was educated and reared as a farmer. In 18G4, he was married, and the result of the union is two children. Three years after they came to Minnesota and preempted a claim in Bridgewater in section nine, where he still resides. He has been a member of the board of Supervisors three terms. Mrs. Tew died in 1881, at the age of thirty-five years.

H. F. Thielbar, a native of Germany, was born in 1834, reared to farming pursuits, and received his education in his native country. In 1853, he emigrated to America, located in New York City, where he engaged in the grocery business until 1857, then came to this county, where he carried on a farm. He was married at Dundas in 18()1, to Miss Loesia Buckoern, also a native of Germany. In 1863, he enlisted in the army, served one year, then returned to his farm and in 1867, came to Dundas, where he engaged in clerking. In 1872, he commenced business for himself, and has since carried a stock of general merchandise. He has been Councilman one term and a member of the school board several terms. Mr. and Mrs. Thielbar have had eleven children, all of whom are living at home.

A. WooLEET was born in Cani-.da in 1844, came to the United States with his parents and located in Minnesota, In 18G(>, Mr. Woolery came to - Dundas and engaged in the Archibald Mill, where he is now foreman. Ho was married since coming to this place.