Rice County, Minnesota - Chapter 59: General Description Early Settlement, 1882

Chapter 59: General Description Early Settlement

Wells townshi]) is one of the ceutral townships of Rice county, and is next to the smallest in size. It contains the full congressional township, with the exception of two hucI one-half sections in the southeastern part, that have of late years been annexed to the city of Faribault. This leaves the town an area of 22,440 acres, of which a considerable portion is covered with water. It is bounded on the north by Forest; east l)y Cannon City township and city of Faribault; south by Warsaw; and west by Shieldsvillc.

It is amply supplied with water by lakes, ponds, rivers, and brooks, and if any town in Rice county can bo said to be noted for its beautiful lakes and streams this is the one. French Lake covers more land than any other, embracing 1,0(14 acres in sections seven, eight, seventeen, and eighteen, in the western part of the town, and extending a short distance into the town of Shieldsville. Roberds' Lake is the next in size; a beautiful sbeet of water, and is connected to French Lake by a stream called the '-lulet;" from the southeastern shore also Hows a smaU stream connecting it to the Cannon River. This, it will be seen, makes the two lakes a "chain." Roberds' Lake covers an area of about 700 acres, in sections fifteen, sixteen, twenty -one, and twenty-two, in the exact geograpliical center of the towuslii]). The tloor of the lake is made up of a sand bed, making the limpid water pure and clear as crystal, while the shore is formed of Ijold promontories and rocks, broken here and there with level stretches of pebbly beach. The lake is well stocked with tish, and is much frequented by pleasure seekers from near and far, while a daily "bus" connects it to the busy little metropolis of Faribault. It received its name in honor of William Roberds.

The township contains several other lakes of less importance. Mazaska Lake enters the town from the northwe-st (juarter and covers about one-third of section six. Dudley's Lake is a small body of water in the northwestern part of the town, lying mostly in section eight. Wells Lake is formed by the Cannon River in sections thirty-three and thirty-four, and was named in honor of James Wells, after whom the town was also named- Peterson's Lake is located in sections thirty and thirty-one. There are a number of other small bodies of water in various parts of the town, sometimes called lakes, but more properly known as ponds. Cannon River enters Wells from the south, traversing section thirty-three, forming Wells Lake, and after passing through thirty-four and thirty-five, leaves the township and enters the city of Faribault. Several small streams flow into this as it makes its way through, and help to swell the torrent. The streams at many points furnish unexcelled water power, and this is made use of to a limited extent.

Originally this township was a timber territory, and covered with a heavy growth of the most sturdy varieties. Secti(ms thirty-five and thirtysix were the only jjortions of it that could, strictly speaking, bo called prairie laud; here and there, however, throughout the town, might be found small natural meadows and partial -'clearings" covered with brush and hazel. For the greater part, the timlier has now been cut down, and many tine fields and farms mark what was but a quarter of a century ago, a trackless wilderness. The soD is variable, in some places a tendency to clayeyness being visible, and in others a rich dark loam. The whole is very productive, and it is doubtful if there is another locality in the State where the

Fruit, in connection with other agricultural products, has also received considerable attention, and ifc has not been without success. Mr. Asa Bell. '6 is one who has proven iu a practical way that the theory of the impossibility of successful fruit culture in this country is a fallacy, and he has as abundant te.stimony a fine orchard of .500 thrifty apple trees, - undoubtedly as flue as any in the State, and of which the far-famed New York apple growers might well be proud.

A sketch of this township, published iu 1871. states that it had 19,829 acres of taxable lands, 80 acres of unsiild University land, a little over 320 acres of unsold school land, about 200 acres of government laud, and 160 acres of railroad laud. A majority of the population are of foreign origin, and consists of Canadian, Belgian, French, and Irish, although the American element is stronger than either of these, and nearly equal to them all. The population in 1860 was 461 ; iu 1865, 624, and at the last census, in 1880, 1,100. The unsold land mentioned is now about all in the hands of actual settlers.

In ] 870, the amount of real and personal property as given to the census-taker was as follows: Beal estate, .$268,1.50; personal personal $108,485; total, 8370,635. The total assessed value of Wells for the same year, real and personal, was $164,- 343. For the year 1882, the total assessed valuation amounted to §220,414, of which .'J42,626 represented the personal, and $177,788, the real property ; showing an increase of valuation in the last ten years of $156,071. In the last report, above mentioned, it states that iu the township there are 389 horses and colts over one year old; 742 cattle over oue year; 357 sheep, and 416 hogs.

As we contemplate the changes of but a little more than a quarter of a century, noting the present condition and ])rosi)erity, in comparison with the trackless and apparently impenetrable wilderness of those days, we can scarcely realiz-^or comprehend how it was possible to make the transformation which we now behold. Insidiously, almost imperc('])libly, has the change been wrought, yet, since tlit^ lirst forward step was taken, has the onward march of progress continued its untiring tread until we find ourselves in the midst of a fertile, civilized, well settled and cultivated land, from which almost all traces of the jjriraitive, which in early days proved so glaring and painful, have vanished.

To get at the original and very first settlement of this town, we must take the reader and retrace the steps of time twenty-nine years, to 1853, when we find Wells without a single inhabitant, escejjt natives of the forest; not a shanty, not a furrow turned, nor a sign of civilization. It was iu this shape the first settlers found it, and the' quietude was scarcely disturbed by the arrivals of that year, there being very few and easily noted.

Mark Wells is probably the oldest living settler, he being one of the party who first arrived. He is a native of Massachusetts, and made his way to Minnesota as best he could. He selected a claim on section thirty-five, and put up a small log cabin, plastering it with mud and clay. In this he made himself at home, and being a single man, in company with several others kept bachelor's hall until 1858, when he was married and moved to Faribault, where he now lives.

About the same time that Mark arrived, a man named Standish, of the same State, became his neighbor, and took a claim adjoining him in section thirty-five. He remained until 1856, when he returned to his native State.

This, it will be remembered, all occurred in 1853, and the three settlers mentioned secured places adjoining each other in the south-eastern part of the township, this being the most inviting, because it was prairie laud, and almost the only locality that was prairie in the township. With these few the settlement of the township "stood at a standstill" until 1855, and probably the fact that the remainder of the town was timber land, had some intluence in keeping the influx at bay for the year 1854. In 1855, the settlement began to spread, and other parts of the town received the initiatory member of society.

William Eoberds, a native of North Carolina, came in from Indiana and commenced a settlement near the center of the town, taking a claim in section twenty-two, on the banks u? the lake which now bears his name. He put up a small log shanty the same year, erected a saw-mill, and became a very prominent man. He made this his

John Wesley Cowiiii, auutiveof Kcutncky, liaviug sto])peil fcira time in Indiuna, soon swelled the Roberds' settlement by taking a claim in section twenty-two. He cleared some land and erected a log hut, and remains in the same section yet.

Thomas B. Owings al.so helped iill the s<'ttl(>- meut, and took a claim north of Ivoberds" Lake. He has since moved to the Koberds' settlement, and taken a claim in section twenty-two.

In the meantime a settlement had been commenced north of Roberds' Lake. John H. Passon, a native of the Buckeye State, made his appearance and settled (m section ten. He was a millwright by trade, and erected a uumlier of mills in Rice county; he is now living in section fifteen.

The same year we find the following natives of the Emerald Isle crowding into the northern part to make a neighhorho. d near the Oliioan. This party consisted of James Byrnes, Michael Brazil, Thomas and Timothy Casey, and Patrick O'Brien.

John L. Squier, of the Empire State, swelled the settlement in the southi'rn part of the town by taking a farm from the prairie land of section thirty-four, where he may still be found.

Thomas Kirk had taken land on sections fourteen and twenty-three, where he made his home until the grim messenger called him hence in October, 1868. The deceased was father of the first child born in the town.

Samuel J. Keller, a native of the good old Buckeye State, having stojjjjed for a time in Indiana, drifted in and dropped anchor on the only quarter left in section twenty-two, in the Roberds' settlement. He remained a few years and then retraced his steps to Indiana.

year in th(^ person of William McCalla, a native of Ireland, who, after remaining a few years remov(>d to California, where he still remains.

Tsaac Anderson, from Ohio, madi' his apjiearance and proceeded to enlarge the settlement in the northern part of the town by taking a farm from section nine, which had already rceived one settler.

Two brothers, .John and Thomas Johnson, arrived in the summer of this year and both took farms in the northern settlement; John on section three, where he died in 1863; and his brother on section eleven where he remained until 1861, when he went to Vermont.

This is about the list of arrivals for the year 18-i5, and it will be seen that from the three settlements started in the township, one in the south, one in the center, and one in the north, the incomers had branched in every direction until ev.-ry portion of the townshij) had received one or more settlers, who had gone directly to work, putting up shanties and opening land for cultivation. The following year the immigration commenced and continued with a rush until all tlie government land within the borders had been secured. We sliall endeavor to give most of these arrivals, although to give them all would be almost imjjossible.

S. P. Case, originally, from Ohio, but directly from Grant county, Indiana, arrived in 18.56, and planted his stakes in .section three. He has since changed his location, now living on section twentyseven.

Peter Dunn drifted in and anchored near Mr. Case, in section four, where his moorings are still intact. He was a native of the land of the Shamrock, having stopped for a time in Vermont.

Robert Dudley, of the same nationality, marched iu and stationed himself over the farm lying south of the one secured by Peter Duun, in the same section, and here he still stands guard.

Andrew Eredrickson came about the same time and declared himself at home on a farm iu section three, in the same neighborhood, where he still lives.

In 1857, John Murray, a native of the Emerald Isle put in an aijpearanee and secured a tract of laud. He is now in section one, and is a prominent man in tlie township.

Barnard Mehagnoui, a native of Belgium, also arrived aljout tlie same time and pre-empted a farm m section twenty-uine where he may yet be found. The following year, 1858, he was joined liy a number of his countrymen, named Duchennes, who settled a short distance north of him, and about these have gathered quite a Belgian! settlement.

In 1859, we note the arrivals of many others, among whom may be mentioned John and Owen Varley, who took claims in section eleven, where the former still remains. The latter, Owen Varley, paid the debt of mortality in July, 1877.

W. H. Pease was a pioneer in Minnesota, arriving from New York State in 1855. He finally secured the place he now occupies in section twenty-one.

A. C. Judd, another promiiieut man in Wells, and a native of the Empire State, arrived in 1860, and located on his present place in section thirtythree.

E. A. Orne, of Boston; Joseph Sescoult, of Canada; and C. Mcillier, of Wisconsin, have since arrived at various times and settled in the township, where they are now influential men.

Joseph Ducreyi, a Frenchman, was another early settler in the county, and a prominent man. He originally took a claim in Wheatland in 1856, but finally found his way to the shores of the lake bearing the memorial name in honor of bis nativity, in section seventeen, where he now lives.

Charles T. Wiuans, a native of New York State, came to Minnesota in 185(5, and located in Warsaw. In 1860, after having been engaged for several years in mercantile bu.siness in Faribault, he moved to section fifteen in Wells.

Asa Bebee, a native of Monroe county, New York, having stopped for a time in Illinois, was another early settler in this vicinity. He first located in Warsaw, Init now lives in section twenty-six in Wells township. His original slab shanty which li'> first erected, 16x16 feet, makes quite a contrast to his present elegant residence, which is among the finest in the county. He is a prominent and influential man in the county, as well as in the townshiji.

Tames G. Scott, another prominent man, came til this county in 1854, and settled first in Faribault, where he was engaged in various pursuits. He is now a resident of Wells township.

James Wells, or, as he was always known, "Bully" Wells, having been a prominent and conspicuous figure in the settlement of Wells, which town received its name in honor of him, a few words as to a sketch of his life will not only be interesting to the residents of Wells but to the entire county. James Wells was the true name of the subject of this sketch, but he won the nickname of Bully Wells, and insisted on being known by it. He was born in New Jersey in 1804, and when a boy ran away from home, going to sea on an American war vessel, serving as a cabin boy. He finally enlisted in the U. S. army, and served for fifteen years, coming to Fort Snelling in 1819 with Col. Leavenworth. When his time as a soldier e spired he started a little trading post at Little Kapids, or whatisuowChaska, and remained at this point for some time. On the 12th of September, 1836, he was married to Jane, a sister of the wife of Alexander Faribault, and a daughter of Duncan Graham. The marriage took place at the house of Oliver Cratte, at Fort Snelling, the ceremony being performed by the Indian Agent at the fort, Taliaferro. The same year he came southwest and started a small trading post at the point where Okaman, Waseca county, now is, and remained here for about one year, when he again removed, this time to locate at the foot of Lake Pepin, on the Mississippi River, where he carried on a trading business until he came to Wells township. Having made up his mind while passing through to take land in the vicinity of the Cannon Lake, as soon as it came into market, in 1853, he made his way to the lake and started a trading post on section thirly-foui-, at the foot of Cannon Lake, in Wells township. Here he di;^ a profitable business for a short time, but gradually turned his attention to farming, and continued in it until the close of the Sioux war in 1863, when he was

Bully Wells was a man of good impulses, rough spoken, Imt with a heart that always l)eat for distress and a hand that never failed to offer relief. A frieuil iu the truest sense of tlie word to a friend, and a bitter enemy to a foe. liniuii scd in. pm-r.

The first blacksmith shop o]jened in tlie tnwnship was erected in IS.'SS by William Roberds, in section twenty-two, on the shore of Roberds' Lake. The shop was operated liy his nephew. Freeman Koberds, for about three years, when it was discontinued, the manipulator moving to Faribault, where he now carries on a like business.

E.\RLY Births. - The first birth iu the township ot Wells took place on section twenty- three, in October, 1855, and ushered into existence Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas and May Kirk. The father of the child died iu October, 18()8, and the girl is now a teacher in the |iublic schools of Warsaw.

The ue-tt event of this kind brought into the light John, a son of T. B. and Elizabeth Owens, on the 22d of May, 1856. This child, however, died on the 11 li of December, 186-1.

On the 1th of February, 1857, a son was born to Isaac and Lydia Anderson, who was christened Elias, and who now lives in Faribault a grown man.

Four days later, on tlie 8th of February, John C, a son of Peter and Margaret O'Brien was born. He is now teaching school in Pope county, Minnesota.

Within a month after the arrival above mentioned, a daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Peter Dunn. The child was named Maria, and is now married and living in the township of Shieldsville.

Leonora, a daughter of John H. and Minerva Passon, was born on the 19th of May. 1857. In 1877, she married Mr. Julius Ripley, and now makes her home with her parents.

Marri.ages in an Early Day. - -One of the earliest marriages to occur in the township of Wells was the union of Martha Roberds and J. S. Mc- Cartney, by E. J. Crump, Esq., at the residence of the bride's father, William Robei'ds, iu section twenty-two. The happy couple now reside iu Liucoln county, having been blessed with an even

In October, 1856, Joseph Byrne anil Alice O'Brien were made one in the bonds of matrimony and commenced housekeeping in his log house on his farm in section four. The l)ride was called away by the grim voice of death in December, 186-1. and the husband still occupies the old homestead.

Political

Pursuant to notice the first township meeting was held on the 11th of May, 1858, in the log schoolhou.so in section fourteen, and organized the township by the election of the following oilicers: Supervisors, Thomas Kirk, Chairman, William McCalla, and Patrick O'Brien: Collector, J. W. Cowan; Clerk, S. P. Case; Assessor, T. B. Owens; Ctmstables, William Kolierds and Timothy Casey; Overseer of the Poor, S. C. Duuham.

At the twenty-fourth annual meeting of the town, on the 1-lth of March, 1882, the following officers were placed in charge of town afl'airs: Supervisors, Heniy Greenwood, Chairman; Philip McKenna, and Jacob Gutzler; Clerk, A. J. Swanson; Treasurer, A. B. Cowan; Assessor, William Hassinger; Justice of the Peace, O. P. Burgess.

The government of the town has been tranquil and even. The funds and expenditures have been managed in a frugal but efficient manner, and on a whole, the interests of the public in town matters have been taken care of in a way that is ctimmendable.

In 1878, the township purchased a building, the original cost of which was $500, of school district No. 18, to be used for a town hall. It is located on section twenty-two.

Industrial Enterprises

Roberds' Lake Mills. - Thes? mills were originally started in 1855. by William Roberds, who erected a saw-mill at the outlet of the lake bearing his name, on section twenty-two. It was run by water power, and was equipped with an oldfashioned perpendicular saw. In 1856, a run of stones for feed was placed in the mill, and in 1858, the firm became Roberds & Spear. A circular saw was put in and this firm continued the mill in this shape until 1862, when they sold it to Beb.^e & Wood, who ran the establishment with water as the motor until 1865, when the supply of water failed and they hired a steam engine to saw up the logs on hand. In 18fi6, Charles Wood sold his interest to Mr. Tennoy. and the firm of Bebee & Tenney at once erected a flour-mill, put in one run of stones with all the necessary machinery for a first-class mill, and it was continued under this firm until 18G9, when the partnership of Nutting it Carufel took hold of the property and run it until 1871. This year it was purchased by James G. Scott, the present proprietor. He put in a steam engine of forty horse-power, to run when the water was low, and constructed another sawmill with two circular saws and an excellent run of machinery. In 1872, Mr. Scott remodeled the Hour-mill, and it now has two run of stones for flour, one run for feed, two sets of rolls for middlings, three sets of bolting cIk sts for flour, one for buckwheat and rye, twj purifiers, and the necessary cleaning machinery, and equipments for mercliant and custom grinding. Altogether, the mill is justly the pride of the township, and although not having the capacity of some mills in the county, in quality of work it equals them, and gives perfect satisfaction to its patrons.

Melbokne Mii^ri. - In 1856, Mr. Graham laid the foundation for tliis mill by putting up a sawmill on the Cannon River in the northwestern part of section thirty-five. He threw a log dam across the river and started the mill, throwing sawdust with a circular saw. In 18.58, he added a run of stones for flour and feed, and as such he continued it until 1859, when he bought a small saw and grist mill of "Bully" Wells, which he made into an addition to his mill. In 1860, the dam got restless and started down the river with a freshet, when Mr. Graham tore down the old mill. He soon after erected another on the same stream, ecpiipped with two run of stones. In 18G1, he turned this over to G. P. Pettitt,who in 18G2, sold the property to Henry Melborne, and in a short time the establishment was destroyed -by fire.

CiiAPPius' Sorghum AIit^l. - This mill was established in 1870 by J. C. Ohappius on his farm in section seventeen. It has been operated every season since its establishment, making about 1,500 gallons per season. The location of the mill is in the western part of the town just east of French Lake.

Wells townsliijo is divided for educational purposes into seven districts, and if equally distrib- -.ited Would give in the township an area of about five square miles to each district. The districts are all in good condition and well attended. District No. 18 was the first organized in the township, and has the finest and most commodious school building of any of the districts. Below is given a short sketch of the organization, growth, and development of each.

District No. 18. - The first .school was called to order in this district immediately after its organization, in 1856. by Miss Sarah Owens. This same year a schoolhouse was rolled together, of logs, on Thomas Kirk's land in section fourteen, and in this building school was held until 1861, when the location of the schoolhouse was changed, and the district erected a small slab shanty in section twenty-two, where the Park now is, and used this until 1865. The shanty was then disposed of and a neat school building erected at a cost of .$500. In 1878. this structure was sold to the township for a public hall, and their present handsome brick edifice was erected near the lake, in section twenty-two, at a cost of $1,500.

District No. 39. - Efl'ected an organization in 1858, and a log house was rolled together this year for school purposes in section nine. The first school was held in this building immediately after its completion, by Isiah Eoberds. Their original building was used until it was burned in 1865, when one term of school was taught in .Toseph Byrne's house while another log schoolhouse was rolled together. In 1877, this house was dispensed with and tlieir present neat schoolhouse put up in the northern part of section nine.

District No. 57. - This district commenced its existence in 1860, when it was organized and a log house erected in the northeastern part of section nineteen. Isiah Eoberds was the first instructor in the district, holding school in the newly erected log cabin. In 1868, they dispensed with the old log house, and erected the. building now in use, in the eastern part of section nineteen ; Miss Nellie Canley first called the school to order in this house.

District No. 73. - The district under this number effected an organization one year later than the last mentioned, in 1861, and the following year commenced the erection of a log house in section fourteen, completing it in 1863. Tliis school building answered the purpose until 1873, when the present neat schoolhouse was built on the old site in the northwestern part of section fourteen.

Miss Bridget Fitzgerald first called the school to order in the new house. The territory now embraced by tliis district was formerly a part of district No. 18.

District No. 77. - Effected an organization in 1861, comprised of the territory now embraced in district No. 100, in addition to its present limits. Tlie same year that organization took place, all the farmers iu the neighborhood turned out, furnished logs and put up a log sohooUionse in the northeast quarter of .section tliirty-four. Iu 1871, the district was divided by tlie taking oil' of district No. 100, the eastern part retaining the original number of seventy-seven. A new schoolhouse was erected at this time, jnst over the line into tlie southeast corner of section twenty-seven. This schoolhouse is used very frequently by different denominations for religions services.

District No. 79. - The district under this number includes as a part of its territory a portion of the western part of Cannon City township and the northeastern part of Wells. The district was organized in 1861, and the first .school was kept iu John Murray's claim shanty, with Miss .lulia Grady as teacher. In 1865, they erected a school budding of logs iu section one, and the following year moved it to the eastern part»of section two, where it remained in use until 1876, when the present handsome brick house was erected in the northeastern corner of section twelve.

District No. 100. - The territory now comprising this district was embraced in the the organization of district seventy-seven in 1861, and remained as such imtil 1874, when it was .set off and organized as No. 100. Miss Sarah Passou was the first teacher. In 187.5, the present schoolhouse was erected in the nortliwestern jjart of section thirty-three, at a cost of about .S'iOO. Mi.s3 Sarah Owens first called the school to order in the present house, and remained for five terms teaching the young idea how to shoot

Theclo.se p oximity of this to^vuhhip to the city of Faribault, relieves the necessity or need of h)cal organization. wliich. as a raatt;'r of course, would be small, and makes it convenient for the inhabitants to attend in the city, where the different societi s are strong, and where many of the farmers of Wells are members. We find, however, notwithstanding this fact, several organizations here, and below give a short sketch of them, severally.

The first religious services in the town were held in the little log schoolhouse in section fourteen, late in 18.")7, by the (!ongregationalists. Rev. Mr. .\rmsby presiding. The same year the M(>thodist Episcopal denomination organized, with Kev. Mr. Day as their minister. They held services for a short time regularly, when it was suspended, to be revived during the war, when they held meetings in the new schoolhouse in section twenty-two. This organization has been rather idle for a number of years.

About the same time, if not a little before the organization of the above mentioned society, the Episcopalians got together and held services in the same schoolhouse alternately with the Methodists. In 1875, the Episcopal society commenced the erection of a church in the northern part of section twenty-two. They raised tlie frame, boarded it, put up a belfry, hung a bell and then suspended the organization. Meetings of various denominations ai'e now held in this edifice. Services of the Episcopalians are also held here irregularly. A Sunday school was kept up here for a number of years after building.

German Methodist meetings were held for the benefit of the followers of this faith, in William Bruun's house on section twenty-one, in 1874, Rev. Emil Uhl being the first minister. Services were held in Mr. Braun's residence until 1878, when Mr. William Bartlett's hou.se was used for four years. In 1882, the society erected a frame church building on section twenty at a cost of about -'?700, where services are now held every other Sunday. A Sunday school has been organized here, which is held every Sunday, with an attendance of about forty scholars, and a good library in connection. Fred Saldswedel is superint .ndent.

Wells Grange. - This fraternal society was instituted in Wells township in January, 1873. It commenced with about thirty charter members, among whom may be mantioaed John McCartney, A. B. Cowan, John H. Pas.sou, T. B. Owens, John W. Cowan, Mary Hassinger, Sarah J. Owens, Elizabeth Kirk, Sarah F. Passon, and Emma 1.. Haukins. Meetings were held once in two weeks in the schoolhouse of district No. 18, and also in the residence of S. D. Benedict. The society grew stronger, and at the last meeting in February, 1876, there were sixty members. They have not disbanded, but at present no meeting" are held.

Catholic Cemetery. - This burial ground was laid out in 1858, and contains ten acres in the southern part of section thirty-five iu the southeasteru part of the town. The bodies of Catholics who were buried in Fariljault have since been removed to this place, and there are now many beautiful and costly tombstones marking the final resting places oi departed friends and believers iu the old Romish church.

Asa Bebee, one of the pioneers of Rice county, was liorn in Monroe county, New York, on the 9th of April, 1829. When sis year.s of age, he removed with his parents to Will county, Illinois, where his father died eight years latei'. He then returned to New York and resided with his' grand-parents three years; attended school there and finished liis ednc ition at the district schools of Illinois. In 18.50, he went by overland route to California, and was engaged in mining twenty-two months, tlien returned home. Miss Blary J. Wood, a native of Monroe county, New York, l)ecarae his wife on the 10th of Novemb-r, 1853; and May 1, 1855, he came to Fariliault, Minnesota, remained till 1860, tlien sold his farm and made a trip to Colorado, Avhere he spent the summer mining, returning in the fall to Illinois. In 1861, he enlisted in the army, but did not serve on account of ill health, and in the fall of the same year came to Faribault. In the fall of 1862. he bought an interest iu Roberd's Lake Mill, and iu August joined a volunteer company going west to meet the Indians. They went to St. Peter and thence to Swan Lake,finding a number of the citizens wounded they conveyed them to St. Peter for medical aid. In thirty days they were relieved by government troops and our subject returned home. The next year he purchased a half interest in a porta))le saw-mill and set it up about three miles north of Faribiuilt. near the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad; conducted it two years, then sold that and also his interest at Robards' Lake. He moved to Faribault, and in 1871 made a trip south to Tennessee, but finding that Miiuiesofa was the best place, he returned and bought land in Wells, section twenty -six, adjoining Faribault on the west, where he now resides. He has oue hundred acres of cleare.l land, an orchard of five hundred trees, and many varieties of small fruits.

William Braun is a native of Germany, born o.i the 29th of July, 1810, and received his education in his native country. In 1866 he married Jliss Louise Malott, and tliree years later emigrated to America. They lauded in New York, then came to this State, and one year later settled in Faribault, where he was engaged on the rail road for three and a half years. He then came to Wells and bought land on section twenty-one. He has six children : Annie, Minnie, Fritz, Willie, Edward, and Lydia. Mr. Braun has been connected with the Methodist church twelve years.

John Bultman, was bom in Germany on the 1st of January, 1828, and attended school until fourteen years of age, then for eight years followed the sea. He came to New York and commenced to learn the baker's trade, working at it three years, after which he was engaged in fishing two years, and at the expiration of that time removed to Fox Lake, Wisconsin, where he carried on a farm. In 185S, he came to Minnesota and bought land in Wells in section twenty-seven, where he remained until 1872, then sold out and bought on section thirty-three, which is still his home. In 1866, he married Miss Mary Sullivan, and their children are; Willie, Charlie, Hannah, Mary J., and George C. In 1881 Mr. Bultman built his present frame house.

Osc.\R F. BuRC4Ess was born in Corltaud county, New York, on the 12th of October, 1819. When eighteen years old he learned the carpenter and joiner trade, at wliich he worked seven years in his native State, and afterward engaged as a millwright for a time. Subsequently, in the spring of the year, he shipped rafts loaded with lumber and boats with vegetables and provisions down the Susquehanna river to Harrisburg, at which business he was engaged nine seasons. In 1865, he came west and settled in Decorah, Iowa, where he worked at his trade until 1873, then came to Faribault, and iu December, 1871, moved to Wells and located in section twenty -six. The next spring he commenced his present business of raising vegetables for Faribault markets, having been in similar business during the last five years of his residence in New York. Mr. Burgess' first wife was Miss Elenor Moore, whom he married in February, 1815. She died in May, 1850, leaving two children, Louisa and Edward, and our subject was again married in February, 1851, to Mi.ss Harriet Maria Nichols, who bore him three chddren, Clarence, Clifford and Herbert, and died the 26th of July, 1881, at the age of fifty-nine years. His present wife was Mrs. M. A. Cobb, whom he raarrieJ the fith of July. 188-J. His oUiost son, Edward, enlisted in the army in February, 18(31, iiud died at Jacksonville, Florida, on the 20th of March, the same year, aged sixteen years and eighteen days. Herbert died the 27th of September, 18(12. aged three years and two months, and Clarence died the 13th of October, 1881, thirty years of age.

Joseph Byrne, one of the early settlors of Rice county, was born in Ireland on the 3d of April, 181(), and reared on a farm. In 18.")1, lie emigrated to America, landed at Quebec, and went from there to Oswego, New York, thence to Buffalo and then to Ohio, where he engaged as a foreman in a stone-quarry. In 185.5, he came to Wells, and staked out a claim in section four, built a log house, which was burned, and in 1875, his second house was destroyed by fire, after which he erected his present frame house. In October, 18.56, he married Miss Alice O'Brien, and tbey have had four children, Mary A., Joseph, Ellie, who died in 18(i9, aged eight years, and John.

Simeon P. Case, one of the pioneers of this township, was born in Ohio on the 9th of September, 1825, and when three years of age removed with his parents to Grant county, Indiana, where he received his education, and when twenty years old learned the carpenter trade. Miss E. J. Owens 1 ecame his wife in 1848, and in 185(;. he came to Minnesota, taking land in Wells, section three. In 1864, he enlisted in the Eleventh Minne- ;ota Volunteer Infantry, Company D., went South and served till June, 18(55, when he received an honorable discharge and returned home. In 18(i9 he removed to Faribault, but in 1876, came again to this township and located on sectit>n twentyseven. He has had nine children, six of whom are living ; Elias P., William L,, Mary C, Martha A., Rose A., and Elroy E.

John Wesley Cowan, one of the early settlers in this town, was born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, on the 25th of March, 1807, and was reared on a farm. In 1833, he removed to Jefferson county, Indiana, where, in 1839, Miss Elizabetli Buchanan became his wife. In 1854, he removed to Des Moines county, Iowa, where he spent the winter, and in the spring of 1855, came to Kice county, and on the 14th of ]\)ay staked out a claim in Wells on section twenty-two. He cleared about twenty acres of land and built a log house, in which he lived seven yoar.^, then sold and purchased the northeast quarter of the same section. He has cleared sixty acres of land, and in 1867, built his present frame house. He was the first Collector for the town. Mi-, and iMrs. Cowan have liad eleven children, six of whom are living, Andrew B., Martha, Elizabeth, Enoch C, Ann, and Lucinda. Andrew B. was born in Jefferson county, Indiana, in 1841, and has always made his home with his parents. He enlisted in .\ugnst, 1862, in the Eighth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, Company B, went West to the frontier, where he remained two years: was then ordered South, and was with the regiment till the clo.se of the war. He was honorably discharged in June, 1865, and immediately returned home. He has lieen Town Treasurer several terms, and has also filled other offices.

Jean Louis Ch.\vee was born in Belgium on the the 27th of December, 1820, and learned the trade of harness making of his fatlier, also worked on the farm. In 1858, he came to America, landed at New York, and from thence moved to Minnesota, locating in Wells on section nineteen, where he still resides on a farm. He first built a log house, then a frame house, and is now making preparations to build one of brick. In 1861, he married Miss M. Mahagnoul, and they have four children, Mary, .Jaines L., Mary Antoinette, and .Terome M. A.

Francis CHArD.A.LAiN Decolette is a native of Canada, born in December, 1827, and was reared on a farm. When twenty years old he emigrated to America, went to Stockbridge, Massachu.setts, then to Douglas, where he engaged in an axe manufactory lor six years, and returned to Canada. In 1857, he came to tliis county and bought land in Wells, section nineteen, built a log hou.se in which he lived till 1874, when it was destroyed by fire. He then erected his present frame house. He was married in July, 1858, to Miss Felicty Duchene, who has borne him nine children, eight of whom are living; Mary, Alexander, Susan, Lucy,' Sherraffin, Lewis, Emma, and Felicty.

Joseph Deokay was born in France, just across the line from Geneva, Switzerland, im the 22d of February, 1830. He was reared on a farm and learned the stone mason trade. On the 7th of December, 1855, he started fi,>r America and after a very stormy passage, arrived at New York on the

28th ot February, 3856, went to Ohio, thence to Kentucky and in a few mouths canK? to St. Paul, Minnesota. He then came to Rice county and located a claim in Wheatland in section thirty-one, where he remained until 1874, then purchased a farm in Wells on section seventeen, where he now resides. Bliss Louisa Brognard became his wife in 1871, and they have one child, Dinah Albertiua.

Daniel Dillon was born in Ireland, in April, 1855, and when eight years old came to America with his father. They landed at Quebec, then came to Ohio, where they remained until the spring of 1857, then to Wisconsin, and in 1860, removed to Minnesota. They located in Wells, where his father bought land on section eleven, but soon sold that and bought on section two. where he remained until his death in July, 1873, his wife dying the previous November. In 1866, Daniel went to La Crosse, Wisconsin, and soon after engaged on a steamboat running on the Mississippi River, and followed that employment for eight years being mate the last four years. In 1870, "he "Inarried Miss Bridget Devyer. Their children are: Mamie, Agnes, Thersa, Maggie, Julia, Rose, and Johnnie. In 1877, he built his brick liouse on the old homestead, and in 1879, added to his land by purchasing in section two.

William Hassinger was born in Germany on the 10th of February, 1836. He attended school until eighteen years of age and then devoted his time to agricultural pursuits. In 1858, he came to America, landed at New York and removed to Wisconsin, settling in Winnebago county, where, in 1864, he married Miss Mary Hart, a native of Enghind. In the spring of 1867, he came to Minnesota and bought a tract of land in Wells, sectitm twelve, where he erected a log house in which he lived until 1881, then built his present frame residence. He has had four children; .Tohn William, who was born in May, 1865, and died in April, 1871 ; Nellie L., Alice A., and Frank G. Mr. Hassinger was Clerk of his school district twelve years and is the present Assessor for the town.

A. C. Jddd was born in Tompkins county, New York, on the 10th of April, 1828, where he attended school and worked on the farm. In 1844, he removed with his parents to Wisconsin, and located in Kenosha county, making his home with them until seventeen years old. In 1849, he bought a farm in Cohimbia county and in 1850, married Miss Lucinda Squier. One year later he sold his farm and purchased one in Marquette county on an Indian reservation, where he remained two years and for the ensuing seven years owned and lived on a farm near by. In 1860, he came to Wells, and has since resided in the township, first on section twenty-eight, then worked a prairie farm, and his present home is on section thirty-tliree. He has seven children; Matilda, Martin, Fred, Asa, George, Nettie, and Eva.

William Klatt is a native of Germany, born the 8th of May, 1838, and attended school until fourteen years old, then worked on the farm. In 1873, he married Miss Wilhelmina Kuster and the next year they emigrated to America, lauded at New York, and came directly to this county, buying a farm in Wells, section sixteen. In 1879, he built his present house. Mr. and Mrs. Klatt have six children; Otto, Annie, Amelia, Helena, William, and Emil.

John Kranske was born in Germauv on the 9th of January, 1842, and reared to agricultural pursuits. In 1869, he came to America and directly to Manitowoc, Wisconsin, where he engaged on vessels in the harbor and at work in a brick yard. In 1870, he married Bliss Wilhelmina Hobenttans, and in 1874, came to Faribault, engaged on the railroad, and remained until 1877. then removed to Wells which is still his home. They have six children; Freddie, Annie, Blinnie, Emma, Eddie, and Willie.

Vincent Lieb is a native ot France, born the 20th of August, 1834, and after attending school learned the shoemaker's trade, working at that until 1852. He then came to America and located near Beloit, Wisconsin, where he engaged in farming one year and then worked at his trade. In 1857, he came to Forest, Rice county, and located a claim, biit in a few months went to Faribault, and subsequently started a shoe shop there. In 1858, he married Bliss Elizabeth Hayward and in 1866, bought a farm in Wells, where he has since resided. BIr. and BIrs. Lieb have had ten children, eight ot whom are living; Mary, George, Frank, .Joseph, Annie, Nellie, Bertha, and Vincent. Two died in infancy.

CoNELns BIahont, a native ot Louisville. Kentucky, was born in April, 1847, and removed witli his parents to Texas in 1854. That State not being suited to their idea for a home they removed to Minnesota and located in Wabasha, where they were among tbe first settlers. In 1857, they oaine to Shieldsville ami in 1863, Oonelus enlisted in tlie army, but was rejected on account of his youth; he again enlisted in 1864, in the First Minnesota Heavy Artillery, Coupany 0, went to the South and served till the 17th of June, 1865, when he receive.! an honorable discharge and returned home. In 1864, he purchased land in Wells, section thirty, and in 1867, married Miss Catharine Burkly, who has borne him five children; William, Daniel, Catharine, Agnes, and Cornelius. In 1880, he erected his present frame house.

B. Mehagnoul was born in Belgium in December, 1829, and there received his education, being reared on a farm. In 1857, he emigrated to America, came directly to Rice county, Minnesota, and bought land in Wells, section thirty. He built a log house and lived there till 1861, then sold out and removed to section twenty-nine. He was joined in marriage in 1861, with Miss Mary Joachim. They have seven children; Mary, Maloney, Julia, Louis, Annie, Emil, and Ellen.

E. McCuLLOUCin was born in Northern Vermont on the 7th of November, 1831, and when quite young removed with his parents to St. Johns province of Quebec, Canada, where they remainetl a few years, then* returned to Vermont. When our subject was twenty years old he learned the cabinet maker's trade at Montpelier, served four years, then went to Monti'eal, Canada, and four years later to Chicago, working at his trade in both places. In 1855, he married Miss Madelia Marpvell, and two years later they removed to Faribault, where Mr. McCullough engaged at carpentering. In 1873, he removed to Wells and settled on a farm which he had purchased a few years previous. He has had eight children, one of whom died in iufifncy. Those living are; John, Margaret, Annie, Willie, James, Henry, and Louisa.

Clement Morow was born in the province of Quebec. Canada, on the 18th of July, 1846. In 1857, he came to Faribault, where he engaged at brick making, mason work, etc. In 1867, he married Miss Mary St. Martin, and they have been bles.sed with two children, Clement and Norman. In 1870. he removed to Wells and located on section thirty-lwo, having cleared about fifty acres.

RicH.\m> MuKPHY is a native of Ireland, and was born the 18th of March, 1827. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, and in 1849, emigrated to America, lauded at New York, from there went to

Albany, and thence to Otsego county, where for two years he was engaged in farming. He then came to Beloit, Wisconsin, followed the same emph)yment imtil 1857, and removed to Jefferson county, making his home there until the spring of 186'2, when he came to Faribault. In 1869, lie bought a farm in this township in section thirtyfive, to which he removed the next year. He has improved the land, set out a grove, which is now a beautiful ornament to the place, and in 1875, built his present frame house. He was married in 1852, to Miss Catharine Fleming, and they have seven children, George W., Frances M., Annie M., Andrew A., James .1., Kichard .!., and Alice M. For several years Mr. Murphy w;is a member of the board of Supervisors besides having held other offices of trust in the place, but for the past two years, because of failing health, he takes no part in outside affairs, his time being occupied with his farm and family interests.

John Mcekat, a native of Ireland, was born in 1819, and reared on a farm. He worked at the carpenter trade in his native country until 1850, then came to America and engaged at the same employment in New York. In 1853, Miss May Ann Callahan became his wife, and in the fall of 1854, he came to Minnesota, spent the winter in Minneapolis, then came to Faribault, and two weeks later to Red Wing, where he engaged lo work on bridges for the government. In the fall he was engaged at the same occupation across the Snake and Kettle rivers, and in the spring of 1856 returned to Faribault, was employed on the Catholic church, and the next fall removed to Wells and pre-empted land in section one. He built a claim shanty of logs, engaged in clearing the land, and in 1863, erected his present dwelling. He has had ten children, eight of whom are living, Josie, James M., Nellie S., John F., Lucy A., Mary F., Alice L., and Willie P. Those dead are Mary, who died in 1866, twelve years of age, and Julia M., who died in infancy, in 1868.

Caristian Meillier was born in France on the 12th of .July, 1831, attended school and was reared on a farm. In 1854, he emigrated to America, located in Springfield, Massachusetts, and in one year moved to Bridgeport, Connecticut, where he remained but six months, then came to Dodge cimnty, Wisconsin, and engaged in farming. In 1860,Miss Margaret Des Lurzes became his wife. In October, 1861, he enlisted in the Tenth Wisconsin

Yoluntser Infiiutry, Company B, went south to Kentucky and Tennossee, where they were first under Buell and then Boseorans. From the hitter State he went to Alabama, and thence to Atlanta, Georgia, where he joined Sherman, and remained till October, 1804, when he was honorably discharged at Milwaukee. In January, 1855, he came to Faribault and in February to Wells, where he bought a farm of eighty acres on section fourteen. He now has one hundred and eighty acres of land, eighty in timber and the balance well cultivated, with good buildings. He has had a family of four children, Fabian, Helene, Jules, who died iu infancy, and Mathilde.

Edw.vkd a. Okne was born in Carroll county. New Hampshire, on the 28th of March, 184-3, and reared on a farm. When sixteen years old he learned the shoemaker's trade, at which he worked one year, anil went to Salem, Massachusetts,where he engaged in driving team, thence to Chelsea and then back to the former place. From there he went to Canada, engaged in the hardware business two years, tijen removed to Boston and in a short time came to Faribault and has since been engaged iu moving buildings, hiring the work done in the city while he resides on a farm in this township, in section twenty-six. In 1881, he bought a piece of land on section twenty-seven rud now has a farm of two hundred and eighty acres. He has been twice riarried; first to Miss Melviua White, on the 15th of June, 1863. They had three children; Kual Edward, Fred D., and Wiufield Scott. Mrs. Orne died the 22d of February, 1869, thirty-eight years of age. His present wife was formerly Miss Elbina Whitehouse, whom he married in 1870. They have four children; Mabel, Herbert F., William H., and Walter. Mr. Orne has taken a great interest iu town affairs and has held many local offices.

John H. Passon, one of the pioneers of Rice county, was born in Darke county, Ohio, on the 9th of July, 1830. He attended school until eighteen years old, then learned the millwright trade, serving three years and the last as foreman. He afterward engaged iu business for himself and in 1851, Miss Minerva A. French became his wife. In 1855, he came to this State and located in Wells in section twenty-three, soon sold that claim however, and took another in section ten, and immediately began to work at his trade. In August, 1862, Mr. Passon enlisted in the Eighth Minnesota

Volunteer Infantry, Company B, -went to the frontier and engaged in one battle and several skirmishes. In 1864, the regiment was ordered to Clifton, Tennes.see, from whence they went to Washington by way of Cincinnati and thence to North Carolina and participated in the battle of Kinston, remaining till the close of the war. Our subject was discharged at Charlotte, North Carolina, and mustered out at Fort Snelling in July, 1845, then returned home. In 1866, he sold his former farm and bought in section fourteen, and ten years later built his present brick residence. In 1874, he was elected president of the Grange Mill comjiany and went to Faribault to build the mill. Mr. Passon has filled many local offices and represented his district in the Legislature. He has had five children, three of whom are living: Sarah F., Lenora, and Amy E. Arthur W., died in Indiana in 1855, three years of age, and Adaline M., in 1865, at the age of five years.

W. H. Pease is a native of Madison county, New York, where he was reared on a farm, He was employed on the Erie canal eleven years and in 1855, came to Minnesota, locating in Deerfield, Steele county, where he remained four years, then came to Faribault and engaged in farming and teaming. In the fall of 1860, he moved to Jackson county and staked out a claim. In 1801, he enlisted iu the Fifth Iowa Cavalry, Company I, went South to Fort Henry and iu June, 1863, received an honorable discharge on account of disability and returned to Faribault. There he engaged in Hill's factory one year and in a saw mill two years, after which he went to Koberds' Lake where he teamed for a time. In 1865, he married Miss Martha Davis and they have three children ; Carrie, James, and John. In 1870, he purchased laud in this township in section twenty-one, where he still resides, having built his present frame house in 1874.

WiijMam RtiBERDS, deceased, one of the early settlers in this township, was boin in Ohio in 1794, and reared to agricultural pursuits. In 1828, he removed to Grant county, Indiana, where he was one of the first settlers. He bought a timber farm of the government, cleared the laud, erected buildings, and made his home- there till 1855, when he sold out and removed to Minnesota, located a claim in Wells, and built a saw-mill on the outlet of the lake that now bears his name. In 1856, ho erected a saw-mill, but in 1861, sold botU his mills and devoted his time to farming. Mr. Kobei'ds was twice married; his first wife was Miss Sarah Bennett, whom he married in 1815, and they were blessed with five children, (me of whom is living, and that wife is also dead. His second wife was Mrs. Sarah Cochran, widow of John Cochran, and they were married in 1S2(> The result of the luiion was seven children, five of whom are now living. Mrs. Roberds makes lier home with hor daughter, Mrs. T. B. Owens. Mr. Roberd's death was caused by injuries received from a tree which fell as he and a neighbor were passing. Death ensued two days after the accident.

.Tames Roach, a pioneer of this county, was born in Ireland in 1822, and grew to manhood on a farm. In 1842, he emigrated to America" went from New York City to Albanj', and thence to Builalo, where he remained two years, then went to Ohio and after farming two years, removed to Indiana. In 1854, Miss Catharine Lawler became bis wife. Two years later he came to Minnesota with two horses, a yoke of o.xen, and a wagon, driving the entire distance, and located in Shieldsville, where he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land. He cleared some of the land, but in 1864, sold out and bought in section fourteen in this township; ba.« added to it, and now owns a farm of one hundred and seventythree acres. He has had five children, all sons, but one of whom is living, Thomas.

Patrick Ryan is a native of Ireland, born in 1828, and reared to agricultural pursuits. In 1846, he emigrated to America, lauded at Quebec and went from there to Ogdensburg.New York,two years later to Columbia, Ohio, and thence to Tor_ onto, Canada, in three years. He next removed to Medina, New York, worked on the Erie canal one winter, then came to Wisconsin. In 1856, he married Miss Mary Ryan and in 1857, they came to Minnesota. He purchased two acres in Faribault, but sold it in 1864, and bought a farm in Wells, section fourteen, building his present frame house in 1879. He has had ten children; Johr;, Johanna, James, Mary E., Katie, who was born in June, 1865, and died the 2Uth of April. 1880: Michael, Francis, Agnes, Daniel, Etta and Cora.

James G. Scott, an early settler in this county^ dates liis birth at Trenton, New Jersey, on the 24t!i of October, 1824. His father purchased a fruit farm, on which they remained till in 1836, then went to Ohio, where .Tames learned the cabinet makers' trade. He then went to Wisconsin and worked at the busine.ss in Burlington, remaining till the fall of 1849, thence to Monroe, and in the spring started for California with five wagons and twentyfive horses. They made the trip in five months^ remaining in Salt Lake City two weeks, from there to Sacremento, where oxrr subject lived until 1854, then returned home by way of Norfolk, Virginia, thence to Chicago, and from there to Monroe. He subseqently visited Kansas, Nebraska, and Missouri, and settled in Rice county, Minnesota, on the 19th of June, 1854. He located in Faribault, building the first saw-mill that was built on the west side of the Mississippi in this State, preempted land on the east side of Straight River and commenced to build a saw-mill on the opposite shore, which he run in company with his brother till 1856. They sold out and opened an office for the sale of land warrants and did a general brokerage business. When the land otEce was moved Mr. Scott went to Wisconsin and purchased eight hundred and ninety-six sheep, conveyed them to his farm, and engaged in sheep raising. In 18()2, Miss L. A. Wood became his wife, and the fruits of the union are two children; Mary and Walter. In 1871, he traded his farm for the Roljerds' Lake Mill pro])erty, and the nest year erected a saw-mill. Mr. Scott has been a pioneer in three States, and voted for the admission of Wisconsin, California and Minnesota. He was a County Commissioner for this county from 1871 to 1874.

Friedeicu Selzwedel was born in Germany on the 9th of May, 1831, and his younger days were spent at school and on a farm. In 1859, Miss Minnie Braiin became his wife, and they have tliree children; Willie, Freddie and Anna. In 1868, they came to America and directly to Manitowoc, Wisconsiu.where Mr.Selzwedel was employed on vessels in the harl)or. He then went to Minnesota Lake, from there to Owatonna and thence to Faribault, where he engaged on the railroad. He bought property in the city but in 1873, traded it for land in Wells on section twenty, and erected his present house. He has been a member of the Methodist church fifteen years, and is at present superintendent of the Saljbath school.

Mouroe county with his parents when he was seventeen years old. In 1837, he went to Pennsylvania, bought a farm in Crawford county, where he lived two years, then returned to New York, and in ISi-t, came to Marquette county, Wisconsin. He purchased a farm on which he resided eleven years, then sold out and bought a saw mill at Harrisville, on Montello River, which he disposed of in the spring of 1855, and came to Minnesota, locating in Wells on a claim in section thirty-four, building first a frame house, but in 1872, erected his present frame house. Mr. Squier was first married in 1832, to Miss Eoxanna Howard, who bore him eight children, three of them now living; Lucinda, Chauncey, and John H. She died on the 5th of April, 1850, thirty-eight years of age. His present wife was formerly Miss Abbie J. Scoville. They have six children; Leonard, Emerson, Dennis, Charlie, Elma, and Stella.

Mark Wells is a native of Deerfield, Franklin county, Massachusetts, where his birth occurred the 29th of December, 1829. He was reared to agricnltural pursuits and when twenty-one years old removed to Hampshire county and learned the broom maker's trade. In 1853, he came with a colony to St. Paul, and then on to Faribault, only five of the number reaching that place, the rest becoming disheartened remained in St. Paul. He located on section thirty-five in Wells on what is now known as the Mary Burgett farm, but soon moved to the city and engaged at his trade. He was married on the 15th of November, 1858, to Miss Orpha L. Haskins who has borne him four children, one of whom is dead. In 1863, Mr. Wells enlisted in the Eighth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, Company B, serving two years and eight months.

Clakk T. Winans, one of the pioneers of Rice county, was born in Chemung county. New York, in 1824. He was married to Miss C. A. Winans in 1848, and in 1856, came to Minnesota, settling in Warsaw. In 1857 and '58, he was engaged in business in Faribault. In 1860, he exchanged his farm for timber land in Wells, upon which he now resides.

Nicholas O. Winans was born in Chemling county, New York, on the 30th of August, 1830, and attended a district school. In 1842, the family removed to Illinois and settled in Aurora, where our subject afterward engaged in the hardware business. In 1857, he married Miss Martha Kendal, and the same year sold out and came to Faribault where he engaged iu a provision store. In 1872, he bought a farm on section twenty-six in this township, and immediately began to improve it, building his present house the same year. He has three children; Clarke, Richard, and John.

Theodore F. Winslow was born in Chattaraugus county, New York, on the 24th of December, 1844. In 1861, the family came to Minnesota and located in Freeborn county where the father pre-empted land, built a house and lived until 1873, when he sold and removed to Faribault. In 1878, Theodore bought a tract of land in Wells, section twenty-seven, and moved on it in the fall of that year. He has improved it and built a good house. In 1879, Miss Mary Atkin became his wife and the issue of the union is two children; Minnie M., and Albert L.

Chakles Wood, a pioneer of this county, was born in Randolph, Vermont, on the 1st of August, 1811. His father died at Burlington when Charles was one year and a half old. He began hard manuel labor when very young, and when fourteen years of age learned the cooper's trade. In 1832, Miss Placentia Atherton became his wife. She was a native of Waterbury, Vermont, born the 24th of October, 1810. In August, 1832, they started West, went from Burlington to Whitehall, then to Rochester, New York, where for two years he was engaged in coopering and selling dry goods and notions, thence to Greenfield, Michigan, one year later to Grand Rapids, and then to Crete, Illinois. In two years he removed to Joliet where he operated a sawmill on shares a number of years then returned to Crete. In 1850, Mr. Wood went to California by land, making the trip in four months, but soon returned on account of sickness, and in 1854, came to this State and preempted land in Rice county, at the junction of Cannon and Straight Rivers, and engaged in farming. In 1856, he built the first bridge across Straight River and in the fall one across the Cannon River. He was county Sheriflin 1856, also served two years as Collector and represented his district in the Legislature for the same length of time. In 1860, he bought a farm in Morristown and in 1863, an interest in Roberds" Lake Mill property; sold that in five years and jmrchased lots in town. His children are, Jane, tTauet, Harriet, Viola, Lucia, and Charlie D. His wife died in April, 1876, two children having died before her. Mr. Wood makes his home with his sonin-law, J. Cr. Scott, iu Wells.