Wabasha County, Minnesota - Chapter 91: The Pioneers of Wabasha County, 1884 (part 2 of 3)

Alvin Kinney, the genial proprietor of the Franklin House, Mazeppa, was born in Otselic, Shenango county. New York State, in December, 1831. He received some schooling at the district school, and commenced early in lite making his own way in the world by working on a farm by the month. The season of 1854 found him in Sangamon county, Illinois, where, in the fall of that year, he hired out to Edwards & Felt, at twenty dollars a month and board, to feed stock through the winter, with the understanding that when the cattle were shipped the following spring, if he desired he could go along as far as Albany at the same pay. Tlie corn for the stock was bought of neighboring farmers, and lie had to haul it and feed one hundi-ed head daily. When the stock was shipped in the spring he went through to Albany, and from there he returned as far as Dtica, from which place he proceeded to his home, where he hired out on a farm at which he continued for a couple of years. At about that time a great emigration was going on, and mostly to Minnesota. He had had no thought of Minnesota, as it had been his intention to return to Illinois ; but, being in company of several of his acquaintances one Friday evening, who were to start on the following Monday, he became enthused and decided that night to accompany them. Accordingly, the next morning, he acquainted his father of his determination, who remarked that he thought it might be a good idea. The company came by rail to Dunlieth, Iowa, and from there by steamboat to Eed Wing, and from there to Mazeppa he came on foot, arriving at Mazeppa in the spring of 1856. Here he pre-empted a C[uarter-section of land, proving up his claim, and subsequently bought up the claim of another man. In the fall of 1856 he went to Winona to take out his patent on his claim, but found the expenses greater than he had calculated on. An acquaintance, named Jost. Smith, was along with him, and when their business was completed they took passage bj' boat to Eed Wing. On arriving thei-e in the evening, they both discovered that they were without money ; this situation required the exercise of financial ability, so they resolved themselves into a committee to provide ways and means. They were too much American to beg, and too good to steal, so tlie committee soon decided that their only chance was to either walk all night or sleep out. But, it being late in the fall and too cold for that, it was not to be thought of. The night was dark, but on hunting around they found an old shed, with nothing in it but a cutter. Here they took up their lodging, one sitting for awhile in the cutter while the other walked up and down to keep warm. At the first intimation of appi'oaching day they started on foot for home, but had gone only about seven miles when Mr. Kinney discovered in his overcoat pocket seventy-five cents, which, had it been found the evening before, would have been suflicient to procure comfortable lodgings. In those days prairie fires occurred every year, burning over the surface of the whole country and leaving it perfectly black, giving it a desolate and somber appearance. On going to Eed Wing on foot, shortly after one of these fires, he saw in the distance some strange object that appeared to be moving, but which he could not make out. He had not long to wait, however, as he soon discovered that the strange object was a party of Indians moving with their families and household goods. Here he witnessed for the first time what appeared to him the most crude yet novel mode of transportation ; two poles, fifteen or twenty feet in length, were fastened one on each side of a pony by one end, while the other end dragged on the ground. On these poles, behind the pony, was piled the truck, which he partly carried and partly dragged on the ground. Here, he thought, was displayed the inventive faculty which indicates progression. In 1873 he traded farm property for the Franklin House, which he has continued to run. He has been deputy sheriii two terms. In April, 1857, he was married to Miss Adeline Hutcliins, tlien of Mazeppa, but formerly of Shenango county, New York State. They lost their only child.

H. C. Wilcox, captain and joint owner with W. P. Dugan of the steamer Lion, carrying passengers, freight and mails between this port and Alma, Wisconsin. The Lion was built here by Capt. Wilcox, in the winter of 1876-7, and started running upon the opening of navigation in the spring of 1877. She is a small, trimbuilt sternwheeler, 110 feet over all, 16 feet beam and three feet hold. Her wheel is 13^ feet in diameter, with 11 feet buckets ; her engines, 52-inch stroke, Scinch diameter, and she easily attains a speed of ten to twelve miles an hour against the ordinary Mississippi current, and can make from fifteen to eighteen miles an hour down stream. She cost complete about five thousand dollars, and is under regular contract with the United States government to carry mails from this city to Alma, Wisconsin, and also delivers a special mail at the ofiices of the Mississippi and Beef Slough Logging Company, at the mouth of the Beef Slough, across the river, and a few miles down stream from this point. She makes three round trips daily, Sundays excepted, between this place and Alma, and triweekly night trips to the mouth of the Chippewa river, towing rafts. Her crew consists of Capt. Wilcox, Henry Lashpell, pilot; Wm. Worthington, engineer, and two hands. Capt. H. C. Wilcox is a native of Jefl:erson county, New York, a practical engineer and miller by trade, having acquired his knowledge of these industries under his father's direction, who was engaged in the milling business at the old home in Jefiierson county. Leaving home

Mr. Wilcox came west, and was employed as a railroad engineer on the line of the Illinois Central, before coming to this place in 1856. From 1860-3 he was in charge of the milling establishment of W. W. Prindle at this place. Since 1863 the captain has been principally engaged in river business ; as engineer until 1876, when he put the little steamer Comet into the carrying trade between this port and Alma, to be followed by the larger and better Lion, which he built the following winter, as before noted. Capt. Wilcox married Adelaide Goodell, December 11, 1855, at Lawrence, Michigan. They have six children, all living at home. Helen, July 20, 1858; Hattie, June i, 1864; Francis M., September 10, 1871; Carrie, August 15, 1873 ; Harrie, July 24, 1878 ; Albert, December 29, 1880. The captain resides at the corner of Second and Lafayette streets, on the same property purchased by him in 1862, and which has been the family residence for over twenty-one years. He has just completed and taken possession of his new house, a very comtortable and substantial frame dwelling, two stories in height, the main building 24x32 feet, with a wing 16x20, and a one-story addition, 16x20.

M. Kennedy, manufocturer and dealer in boots and shoes, also in hats, caps and gloves, on Main street, one door west from corner of Pembroke street, Herschy's block. This business was established l^y Mr. Kennedy in 1856, and with the exception of one year, 1861, has been continued to the present, a period altogether of twenty-six years. The house gives employment to two persons. Mr. Kennedy is a native of St. Andrews, Province of Quebec, Dominion of Canada. He learned his trade as shoemaker in his native town, and came direct from the Dominion to Wabasha in 1856. M. Kennedy is one of the pillars of the Congregational church in this city, a member of the board of trustees, and for seventeen years has been superintendent of its Sunday-school. He is unmarried, and one of the most universally respected men in the city.

J. H. Evans, county commissioner for district No. 4, embracing townships of Greenfield, Glasgow, and the city of AVabaslia ; is of Welsh descent, a native of Cambria county, Pennsylvania, and had learned the trade of compositor before coming to Wabasha, in April, 1856, at which time he was eighteen years of age. He had also acquired a knowledge of the plasterer's trade, and after coming to this city followed that and type-setting for some years, his last winter at the case being 1865. His first contracts were taken at nineteen years of age, the second year that he spent in this city. In 1857 he commenced work as a mason with his brother-in-law, N". B. Lutz, and was in partnership with liim until that gentleman removed to Lake City, in 1864. Since then Mr. Evans has been actively engaged in working at his trade, contracting for the erection of buildings, either alone or in company with others, superintending his farms, attending to county business, and in such other occupations as his personal inclinations or the public business demanded. He owns a farm of three hundred acres in sections 3 and 4, township 110 and 111, and ranges 10 and 11, and an undivided half in a tract of one hundred and sixty acres, owned by the stock lirm of Evans & Penny. His residence on Second street, just north of the public school building, was erected by him in 1862 and has been the home of the family for the past twenty-one years. His official services rendered the city and county have extended through the greater part of the past twenty years, since his first election as alderman in 1862. He has been mayor of the city three years of that time, alderman of his ward four years, and is now serving his seventh year as county commissioner for his district. October 29, 1860, Mr. Evans married Miss Sara Duhamel, a resident of this city since 1857. Their children- are : Maggie, born June 30, 1864 ; Mamie, born January 12, 1866 ; Harry, born November 15, 1869 ; William, born December 18, 1871 ; Fannie, born March 3, 1877.

E. E. Steaens, city recorder and justice of the peace, was elected to these offices in the spring of 1880, and is now serving his second term in each. He is a native of Canada, removed early to the State of New York with his father's family, and was in mercantile business there prior to coming to this city in 1856. Here he took up the trade of stonemason and followed it nearly twenty-five years, until his election to the offices above cited. In September, 1850, he was married in Franklin county. New York, to Miss M. M. Townsend, still living. They have two children, Ernest E., born August 25, 1859, and Charles, born July 22, 1873.

Eenest Stearns, son of K. E. Stearns, was born in Wabasha August 26, 1860, and has spent his life in his native town, growing uj) in the schools and business of the town where he was born. In 1877 he began learning the business of photography, and in 1878 commenced for himself In a shoi't time he had the business of the city and vicinity all to himself. This was a consequence of good work and accommodating methods always practiced by Mr. Stearns.

In 1883 he opened and has now in operation oae of the most complete photographing establishments in the state. His apparatus, scenery and accessories are of the latest and most improved kind. The establishment is located in the second stoiy of the Hirschy building, a cut of which appears in this work.

John N. Muedooh, attorney-at-law, otfice in the editorial rooms of the "Wabasha "Herald"; practice established in this city in 1857. John JST. Murdoch was born at Winchendon, Massachusetts, September 23, 1831. Graduated from Brown University, Providence, Khode Island, in the class of 1852, and took his parchments two years later from the Albany Law School, Albany, New York. He cast his first ballot in 1852, voting for John P. Hale, free-soil candidate for president, and three years later was a member ot the convention which met at St. Anthony, Minnesota, in March, 1855, to organize the republican party in the territory of Minnesota, and has voted the republican ticket ever since. Having completed his law studies Mr. Murdoch came west, and was in St. Paul one year, then removed to Ked Wing, and two years later, 1857, located in this city. From 1865 to 1867 he was absent from the county, traveling in the south, and from 1873 to 1876 was with his family in Kansas. With the exception of these years, Wabasha has been his home since his location here in 1857. For the last twelve years Mr. Murdoch has been more or less connected with the press of the city, having had charge of the editorial columns of the "Herald" from 1871 to 1873, when that paper was owned by Sharpe & Palmer, and again from April, 1881, to date, August, 1883, at which time he appears to be solidly seated in the editorial chair. Mr. Murdoch was the first city attorney for the city of Wabasha ; he headed the electoral ticket of the state in 1864 (as elector at large) for Lincoln and Johnson, and was the city postmaster from 1869 to 1873. September 17, 1855, Mr. Murdoch married Miss Cynthia A. Baldwin, of Auburn, New York. They have four children : Mary E., born December 20, 1856; Wm. L., born in this city August 12, 1858, now and for the past eight years with the Samuel Clippie's Wooden ware Co., of St. Louis. Emily T., born April 1, 1861, and who gi-aduated A. B. from Wellesley College, Massachusetts, class of '83. The first native of Wabasha county, so far as known, to take a full collegiate course and receive a degree. John W., born Jun6-22, 1869, and now in school in this city.

sash, doors, blinds and carpenters' material. Business of selling lumber was established here in 1861, and the planing-mill (a small aflair at that time) was built in the summer of 1865. In the spring of 1867 additional machinery was put in and the manufacture of sash, doors and blinds begun. The maimfactory has been practically rebuilt since its establishment, through additions and improvements. As it now stands, on the corner of Second and Arch streets, it is a substantial two-story frame, 76 X 48 feet, with a brick engine and boiler house 32 X 36 feet. It is well supplied with all necessary machinery for a manufactory of the kind. Its business is principally filling orders, little stock work being done, the demand for work leaving no opportunity for stocking up. The planing-mill turns out about fifty thousand feet of dressed lumber every week, and the manufactory works up the same amount every twelve mouths. The engine has a capacity of about fifty-horsepower. The lumber yards occupy ten lots on blocks 13 and 18 of the original town site of Wabasha ; there is closed shedroom for one hundred and fifty thousand feet of dressed lumber, and the annual sales are from four million five hundred thousand feet, stocked from the mills of the Empire Lumber Company, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, who are largely the principals of the business. The oflice of the company is on the corner of Second and Walnut streets. Lumber is fioated down the Chippewa and Mississippi rivers to the yards of the company at this point, and shipments are made by rail over the lines of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad and branches, upon tracks from the lines of that road running into the yards, and affording excellent opportunities for shipment. The force of the establishment here is one superintendent, one bookkeeper, six hands in the manufactory, fifteen in the yards, and three

Mrs. Elizabeth Giix, widow of W. Gill, is the principal resident partner. Wm. Y. Gill, under whom the yards were originally established, a little over twenty-two years since, was a native of Pennsylvania. He came to Wabasha county in 1856, and worked for a time there in a sawmill belonging to Knapp, Stout & Co., of which he had charge the following season, 1857. In 185S he ran a sawmill in this place for Jarvas Williams, and in the season of 1859 was at Eau Claire in the service of Daniel Shaw, with whom he remained two or three summers, spending his winters in this place, usually clerking. Mr. Gill married Miss Elizabeth Hoggard, of this city, in 1860, and with her removed to Eau Claire. During the summer of 1861, while in the employ of Daniel Shaw & Co., lumbermen, in charge of their large saw, he made a contract with Ingram & Kennedy, lumbermen of Eau Claire, to open a lumber yard in this city, they to supply the lumber, he to manage their business. Accordingly, in the early fall of 1861 Mr. Gill returned to Wabasha, opened the yard, afterward built the planing-mill and factory, and conducted business here until his death, which occurred March 13, 1876, at San Diego, California, to which place he had gone to recuperate his health. He was a man of most methodical business habits, universally respected, and his loss was severely felt by the business circles of the city. He left behind him a family of two sons, one daughter and his widow, all of whom are still residents of this cit}'.

S. L. Campbell, attorn ey-at-law ; office corner of Main and Alleghaney streets, Post-office building. Mr. Camjibell established business in this city in the spring ot 1856, and is the oldest practicing attorney in the county. He is a native of Chenango county. New York, was brought up on the old home farm, and followed farming until his removal to this state (then territory), in 1855. During his intervals of leisure from farm labor he pursued his legal studies, making himself familiar with the principles of law, leaving a knowledge of its practice to be acquired in the courts. He was admitted to practice at Red Wing, in this state, by the then chief justice of the territory (Welch), in the fall of 1855. When Wabasha county became organized for judicial purposes in the following spring, Mr. Campbell was appointed clerk of the United States district court for the first district, and held that office until the state was admitted to the union in 1858. From the date of the establishment of his law-office here, more than twenty-seven years since, Mr. Campbell has continued steadily in the practice of his profession. During these years his only law partner was E. M. Birdsey, Esq., with whom he was associated in business from 1867 to 1872, when Mr. Birdsey's health compelled him to relinquish practice, and he soon afterward died. Mr. Campbell has served the bar of the county as clerk of court and county attorney, the city as mayor, the representative district as representative in 1862, and again from 1875 to 1879.

and Seventh streets, in what is known as WeHman's survey of the citj' of Wabasha, tlie hotel property embraces four lots (7, 8, 9, 10) in block 125, facing two hundred feet on Seventh street, and having a depth of one hundred and fifty feet along Campbell. The hotel building fronts ninety feet on Seventh, sixty-eight feet on Campbell, is two stories in heiglit, contains thirty-five rooms, twenty of them guests' rooms, and is thoroughly fitted throughout for the comfort and convenience of the traveling public. The hotel fronts southward toward the main line of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad, from the depot of which it is distant about one and a half blocks. A double piazza runs along both fronts, and from the south one are entrances into the office, hall, ladies' reception-room and bar. The ladies' reception-room and parlors on the east form a pleasant suite of three rooms, ten feet by eighteen feet, twent^'-four feet by eighteen feet, and seventeen feet by seventeen feet, respectively, equivalent to a single room twenty-five by thirtysix feet, and infinitely more pleasant. The dining-room in the rear of the office and bar is eighteen by thirty-five feet, and the adjoining kitchens are respectively eighteen by twenty feet and thirteen by twenty -four feet. A hall at the rear of the reception-room and offices communicates with the main hall and the dining-room, so that guests have access to all parts of the house, independent of the more public rooms. Double hallways, above and below, aflbrd fi'ee circulation of air, all rooms being open to the sunlight, leaving nothing in this direction to be desired. Ko sample rooms for commei'- cial travelers are found in the hotel, which stands too remote from the business center of town to make them necessary, but two commodious rooms for this purpose are provided in a central location in the city, to which the proprietor runs a free can-iage, for the accommodation of his guests. The present staff of servants is nine, three men and six women. The hotel is new, having been built during the late summer, the proprietor taking possession August 15, 18S3. L. M. Gregg, proprietor of Merchants Hotel, is a native of New York, and has been a resident of this county since May 22, 1856. He was five years a resident of this city, and then removed to his farm on Greenwood prairie, on Sec. 24, T. 109, K. 12, where he purchased a tract of two hundred and sixty acres, since increased to four hundred, and on which he now has forty head of cattle, one hundred hogs and fifty head of Cotswold sheep, it being his intention to convert his farm into a stock ranch. Before remov- ing to liis farm in 1861 Mr. Gregg was elected county treasiirer and held that oiiice during 1857-8-9. Wliile a resident of the fiirrn he served as county c(;nimissioner for the second district fi'om 1867 to 1876. Tlie following year, 1877, he was elected sherifi', and on assuming ofKce returned to this city, which was his residence until the expiration of his second term, December 31, 1S81, when he removed to Lake City and opened a hotel there, which he still manages. On the completion of his hotel here he returned to Wabasha, which is likely to become his permanent residence. January 14, 1S65, Mr. Gregg married Miss W. Holtzer ; they have four children : Bertha L., born July 21, 1866 ; Maud A., born February 14, 1869 ; Margaret, born March 10, 1873 ; James L., August 10, 1876.

Wm. S. Jackson (deceased), one of the pioneer business men of Wabasha, was born near Brownville, Fayette county, Pennsylvania, June 13, 1832, and when he was thirteen years of age removed with his fathers family to Millington, Illinois, and spent the next five years of his lite upon the fiirm there, assuming charge of the same at fifteen years of age. At about eighteen years of age he commenced clerking in Millington, and followed that business some four or five years, several of his winters while on the farm and in the store having been spent at a school near Richmond, Indiana. He completed his education, so far as attending school was concerned, by a course at Jones' Business College, St. Louis, which he finished in the spring of 1856. The same season he came to Minnesota ; was for a few months in Red Wing ; then located, late in the fall, in this city, which was his home until his decease, February 8, 1882. He immediately entered the mercantile house of Campbell, Gambice & Pendletons as clerk, and continued with them until the house went down in the financial crash of 1857, when he was ajjpointed one of the assignees of the suspended firm, and in that capacity settled up the business. The following year, 1858, he entered into partnership with S. S. Kepler, in general merchandise business, and was associated with that gentleman until he removed to Eau Claire in 1876. During the twenty-six years of Mr. Jackson's residence he acquired a considerable estate in city property and farming lands. He was one of the organizers of the Congregational church of this cit}' - a warm supporter of all church institutions, and the efficient clerk of the church from the date of its organization to the time of his death. He was a man of warm, generous impulses, greatl}' beloved in the community, by whom, as well as by the church, his loss was deeply felt. He left one child, Fred. Jackson, born in this city August 16, 1861. Young Jackson entered the preparatory department of Carleton College, Northfield, Minnesota, in 1877 ; the classical course in 1879, and would have graduated in the class of 1883, B.S., had not his studies been intermitted by ill health. Mr. Jackson is now completing his course there under special arrangement with the faculty of that institute.

W. J. Aexold, coroner of "Wabasha county since 1868 ; office with the county attorney, over Schwirtz' drygoods house on Main street. Mr. Arnold was born at Smithfield, Ehode Island, August 14, 1810 ; was educated at the academy in bis native town, and came west as far as Steuben county, New York, in 183.5, clerking and teaching school there until 1839. He then started a grocery and provision store in Corning, New York ; was burned out twice, and passed through the usual experiences of a young business man under two misfortunes of that kind before coming to the Mississippi in 1856, just after his second misfortune of that kind. He visited Wabasha in August, 1856, and immediately engaged to take charge of the general merchandising business of H. S. Allen & Co., of Chippewa Falls, which they had established here. He remained in their employ until they were wiped out in the financial .crash of 1858. In 1859-60 he was member of the state legislature for this representative district, and upon the election of Mr. Lincoln to the presidency was appointed postmaster here, holding office during the two terms for which Mr. Lincoln was elected, and on the termination of his services with the postal department was elected county coroner, which office he continues to hold. He was iustice of the peace from 1872 to 1876, also from 1879 to 1883. October 26, 1841, Mr. Arnold man-ied Miss Harriet N.Kress, of Covington, Tioga county, Pennsylvania. They have three sons, John K., born July 20, 1842 ; Ealph E., born December 1, 1844 ; William F., born April 21, 1850.

HEKiiAJSf Amerland, farmer ; lands lying in sections 3 and 4, I'ange 10, township 110, and aggregate two hundred acres. Mr. Amerland has resided in Wabasha county on his present farm almost thirty years, having taken his claim of eighty acres as a homestead in 1854. This claim was proved \\p in 1858 ; forty acres were added by scrip title, and rest since acquired. The crop for 1883 was : Corn, 10 acres, yield per acre, - bushels ; oats, 14 acres, yield per acre, 40 bushels ; wheat, 12 acres, j'ield per acre, IS bushels ; barley, 10 acres, yield per acre, 35 bushels ; grass, 30 acres, yield per acre,

2 tons ; stock, 95 head. Mr. Amerland was born in Hanover, Germany, May 14, 1S22 ; married Miss Catharine Budke. of his native place, January 2, 1852, and the following year, 1853, came to America. That winter was spent in St. Louis, and in the following June a settlement was made in the farm, which has now been the family home for over twenty-nine years. The children, all born in this county, are : Henry, born November S, 1855, graduated from "Wabasha High School in 1873, and now banking atMinto, Dakota ; Anna, born April 8, 1857; Lonisa, born June 23, 1859; Sophia, born March 23, 1864 ; Eduard, born January 9, 1870 ; John, bom April 25, 1872 ; Clara, born February IS, 1875. Three of the children are in attendance at the Wabasha city school, the farm lying partly within the city limits.

W. S. Piers, bookkeeper for the Knapp, Stout & Co. Company, is a native of Nova Scotia. He was educated in the Grammar School at Halifax, in that province, and at nineteen years of age came into Allamakee county, Iowa, his father's family settling there in 1851, on a farm eight miles back from the river. "W. S. Piers' first visit was made to this county in 1854, and two years later he located on his farm, the N.W. J of Sec. 4, T. Ill, E. 11 W. of the principal meridian, and was there until 1862, when he enlisted in the 1st regt. Minn. Rangers, for the Indian campaign on the frontiers, and was there until mustered out in 1864, when he entered the service of Kna].ip, Stout & Co. April 19, 1857, Mr. Piers married Mary Shurtliff, of this county, whose family came here in 1856. They have seven children, five living at home. William T., born in Wabasha, January 4, 1860, and now bookkeeper for H. J. Oneil, of Winona ; L. E., born August 23, 1864, and now in the employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railway at Wabasha ; Alice, born September 12, 1867; Albert J., born December 20, 1869; Walter B., born February 19, 1872 ; Blanche, born November 26, 1874 ; Jennie, born May 20, 1880.

Charles Hoenbogen, furniture, hardware, farmers' tools, etc.; store on the south side of Water street, corner Main. His store fronts fifty feet on Water street, sixty-eighty on Main street, and is a two-story brick, erected in 1871. Mr. Hornberger established his furniture business in 1868 on Second street, and came to his present location in 1879. He is a native of Saxony, born in 1827, learned his trade there, and came to America in 1853. Was in New York State, Indiana and Kentucky until 1856, when he came to Read's

Landing, and finding no work at his own trade as cabinetmaker, worked as carpenter and builder until 1868, when he opened a furniture store. He was married here in 1861, to Miss Gertrude Anding. There children are : Frank, born October 15, 1864 ; Alfred, born October 31, 1866 ; Clara, born November 15, 1868 ; Harry, born February li, 1871.

LuDwiG Trodtman, Jr., druggist. Mr. Troutman pursued his studies in this citj until he went to St. Louis to complete his course and perfect himself in a knowledge of the German language. Returning from St. Louis he entered the La Crosse Business College, from which he graduated in 1880. The same year he entered the drug-house of J. J. Stone, M.D., of Wabasha, with whom he remained until the drug-house was destroyed by fire, when he went into partnershi]) with the doctor in the same line of trade in Argyle, Wisconsin, and was there until opening business here for himself in 1882. Before entering the drug-house of Dr. Stone, young Troutman, who from his boyliood had evidenced a taste for the business of dispensing medicines, had been famiharizing himself with the nature of drugs, spending much f>f his time in the drug-house of Seeley & La Eue, of this place. It is now his indention to take a course in pharmacy at the St. Louis College, having completed the ft)ur years' preliminary service in a drug-house required in that institution.

LudwigTkodtivlan, lunch-house and bakery, on Water street, has been in business in this place a little over twenty-six years, and at the present location twenty-five. His business during the prosperous 3'ears of the city was quite extensive, and consisted mainly in supplying the stewards of the river craft. Of late years trade is more local. Mr. Troutman was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, October 10, 1831 ; learned his trade in Aftblterbach, his native city, and came to America in 1851, landing in New York September 3 of that year. The next two years were spent in Pennsylvania; from 1853 to 1856 he was in St. Louis following his trade, and in the latter year came to Read's Landing, establishing himself in business here, May 1, 1857. The winter of 1856-7 was spent in St. Louis, at which time he married Miss Mary Hess, of that city. They have one child, Liidwig, Jr. , born January 6, 1860, now in the drug business in this place.

in tlie spring- of the year 1856. He transferred tlie field of Ids labors from Minneiska, July 3, 1861, to his present location. The opportunity was aiforded him at the commencement of the settlement by J. Y. Blackwell, who offered, if he would come and pre-empt a quartersection, to provide all the money, and give him half the property so obtained; but this he saw fit to decline. He was born in Hamilton, Madison county, New York, on July 16, 1830, and received an academic education atFredonia, Mayville and Panama. His parents, Jeremiah and Sarah (Sweet) Tefft, were descendants of the early Ehode Island families, Commodore Perry (of revolutionary fame) and his father being classmates at Newport. Mr. Teff"t commenced reading medicine in 1848 with Dr. James Fenner, of Sherman, Chautauqua county, New York, whence the family moved with the doctor in embryo, at about five years of age. He attended two full courses of lectures, 1851 and 1852, in Cincinnati, graduated, and after a four years' practice at Sherman, pushed westward across the Mississippi, and located at Minneiska, Wabasha county, sixteen miles from his present home. Here he officiated in the 'triple capacity of doctor, postmaster, and justice of the peace. Dr. Tefft held the office of county physician of Wabasha county during 1882, and some time previous for three successiv-e years. He became a member of the first state legislature of Minnesota by election in the fall of 1857, again in 1861, and in 1871 was returned to the senate. He is a member of the state medical association, and has a reputation for miles around as an operative surgeon, equaled by few and excelled by none. In politics the doctor was originally democi-atic, with a strong tincture of free-soilism, so that he naturally became a republican when that party sprang into existence, and in this respect his sentiments remain unchanged. During his whole life he has been conKpicuous as an enterprising and influential citizen. A genius of a mechanical turn, he invented the first automatic binder that made all the motions in binding grain by machinery, and his thoroughly practical idea of the application of permanent magnates as a motive power, he gives to others of more leisure and opportunities of development. As a member of the I.O.O.F., the doctor has passed all the chairs, and at the meeting of the grand lodge of the State of Minnesota, June 5, 1883, was unanimously elected deputy grand master of the state. As a gentleman of culture, though a man of extremes in his likes and dislikes, he is at once aflfable and unostentatious, and universally admired both in and out of his profession for his ability and genially courteous bearing. He is a strong believer in the doctrine of evolution, and, as a Freethinker, does not scruple on any and all occasions to express his disbelief in orthodoxy. One son, the only child born to Dr. Tefft by his wife, formerly Miss Hattie S. Gibbs, of Plain view, to whom he was married November 10, 1866, now sleeps in Plainview cemetery in a unique miniature vault, surmounted by a marble slab bearing the inscription: To Little Clyde, only son of K S. and H. S. Teti't, died August 17, 1870. This loss to the doctor was a severe blow, and one difficult to overcome, for to the little one he was passionately devoted.

S. Oakey Seymoue, second cousin of Horatio Seymour, exgovernor of the State of New York, and fii-st cousin of A. Oakey Hall, ex-mayor of the city of New York, is numbered among the early settlers of Minnesota State. He was born December 22, 1823, in Otsego, and attended school for some time in company with A. Oakey Hall in Bleecker street. New York city. For four j'ears after this he clerked in the first store opened at Huntley Station, Illinois, and subsequently from 1844 to 1852 he was engaged for himself in the wholesale and retail grocery business in New Orleans. In the fall of 1856 he settled in Minneiska, and in 1879, in company with his brother Daniel, bought of. one Eddy what is now known as Plainview Bank. Prior to this, in 1872, on May 25, he married Helen M. Watson, and has now four children, two girls and two boys. He was at one time reputed to be in very comfortable circumstances, but Dame Fortune turned the tide, so that he is left now with only a farm of one hundred and twenty acres. In 1861 he enlisted at Fort Snelling in Co. I, 1st Minn. Vols. He served in twenty-two battles, among them First Bull Kun, in which he was wounded. Ball's Bluff, Yorktown and others. He lives in the enjoyment of only a trivial pension for his services.

A. B. W. Norton, known in Plainview and countrj^ around as Squire Norton, from his protracted service as justice of the peace, was born October 30, 1818, in the town of Guilford, Chenango county, of Connecticut parents, being descended from grandparents of old revolutionary fame. He enjoyed the privileges of a common school education, and started in business at the age of fourteen years. At Richford, Tioga county, New York, in the county clerk's office, he commenced assisting his former teacher in transcribing the records. Following this he experienced a series of changes for ten years, and then went to Brooklyn, New York, as clerk in the employ of Free- man & Co., and from there, after a sliort term, to Sussex county. New Jersey, at tlie solicitation of liis uncle, to spend Christmas. In 1846 he was for a time in Pleasant Valley, in the same state, and then through the instrumentality of his friend Fisher, a New York bookkeeper, when clerking in that city. In 1847 he, with his brother, settled in Woodstock, McHenry county, Illinois, and continued here in business for ten years. On July -4, 1857, he came, in company withWm. Kimberly, to Plainview, Wabasha county, Minnesota, and settled on a quarter-section (160 acres) of land, in what is known as section 6. His two children, daughters by his wife whom he lost in Woodstock, followed him about a year after, and one is now keeping house for her father, and the other, married to E. A. Pomeroy, resides opposite on property presented to her by the judge. In 1860 Mr. Norton was elected as town clerk against William Stone, and he immediately set about straightening the records. In 1859 he built the iirst substantial building in the village, that now occupied as a hardware store bj' C. C. Corner & Son, who purchased from one Hunt on the corner of Broadwa}^ and Washington street. In 1868, by appointment of the board of supervisors, he again served as town clerk and as justice of the peace, was elected next year, which oiEce he has held with credit to the present time. During Lincoln's administration, by Postmaster-General Blair, he was appointed postmaster of Plainview, Minnesota, April IS, 1864, and continued to hold the position nntil 1868. Prior to this he was for some time deputy-postmaster. The squire is a man much liked for his impartial administration of justice and genei-al square dealing. Thomas A. Thompson, well known as a public speaker and instructor in grange work, was one of the first settlers of Plainview, Wabash county, Minnesota. In company with J. Y. Blackwell, David Ackley, A. P. Foster and others he commenced the settlement, and in November, 1856, built for a residence the house now occupied by DeWitt Clarke. His father, at the age of twenty-one years, after learning the blacksmithing, though reared a farmer in Connecticut, started on foot in the winter of 1802 and so proceeded across the State of New York, a tramp without means. He at length reached Buffalo, then only a hamlet, and thence to a place, since called Vernon, in Trumbull countj', Ohio, where he staked out a claim in the wilderness and at once began the execution of his life-task. In addition to farming, the exercise of his skill as an artificer was the ready passport to favor with the Indians who had gunlocks to repair, knives to mend, and other ii-onwork which the blacksmith could perform, in exchange for which he received turkeys, venison, bear meat and skins, which he disposed of with advantage to neighboring whites. At the end of a year the young man married Miss Sally King Bates, who with her parents had recently arrived strangers from the Connecticut valley, and as a product of this union there were two daughters and six sons, the youngest being the one above referred to. Young Thompson's schooling did not advance him beyond the rudiments, so he began in early life a system of self-instruction, aided by a few months' preparation in an academy of a neighboring town, to which he made daily pilgrimages several miles on foot. For several yeai-s subsequent his time was divided between teaching, study and farmwork ; at the end of which time he was commissioned a magistrate by the governor of the state. About this time Mr. Thompson married Miss Eliza P. Eddy, who by the kindest sympathy gave culture and breadth to the refinement that made home and its surroundings bright with the sunshine of contentment and the serene atmosphere of domestic peace. At length, his wife's health failing, he sold the homestead and moved in 1856. To the table-land west of the Mississippi, where tlie beautiful village of Plainview has since sprung into existence, he wended his way. The year following, 1857, Mr. Thompson was elected to the territorial legislature, for Minnesota had not yet become a state. Afterward he accepted the office of superintendent of schools for Wabasha county, in which he served three successive terms, resigning at last to enter upon new duties as lecturer of the national grange, having previously served as master of the Minnesota state grange and performing the duties without salary. In this new capacity he visited all the states east of the Eocky Mountains, except a few in the south and New England. Twenty-seven years ago his cabin stood upon the treeless prairie, with not a house in sight and no village near ; his present residence, a plain, homelike structure, stands in the town of Plainview not many yards from the railway station and terminus of the line. About Park Home, as it is called, there is a semblance of the forest trees in pleasing variety and luxuriant gi-owth. The}' were planted by Mr. Thompson, at whose hands they have received tender care. Here he contemplates rest from the wearisome toil of years with calm enjoyment of the fruits of his labors.

born in Lebanon, Madison county, in 1821. He dwelt here with his parents till eighteen years of age, and received in the common schools the rudiments of an education. He early became imbued with the idea that the practice of medicine opened to a man wide opportunities for benevolence, and possessing a natural aptitude and love for the profession, he entered the oftice of Dr. V. H. Yan Vleck, at Hamilton, in his native county, to perfect himself by combined study and practice for his chosen profession. Having no means he was compelled to pay his way while studying by waiting upon his preceptor, working in the harvest field, and performing any odd service that came to his hand. Though to many his lot seemed hard, the young student was happy in the consciousness of doing his best, and in the preparation for a noble profession and useful life. No doubt his happiest days were those spent in this mannei*. So closely did he apply himself that he was licensed to practice at the end of two years' study, with Dr. Van Vleck. His license was issued by the Botanical Medical Society of New York, and when the Physio- Medical College of Cincinnati was founded by this society he received his diploma. He had at this time been practicing medicine four years, having begun when about twenty-three years old, at West Burlington, Otsego county. Here he continued to practice till 1856, when he removed to Mazeppa. For two or three years during the war he dwelt on a farm in Chester, and with this exception his home has been in this village since his arrival here. He has a pleasant home on First street, facing the river, where himself and faithful helpmeet dwell ia contentment, and the love and respect of their neighbors. Their marriage occurred on Christmas day, 1850. Mrs. Lont was christened Melissa A., and is a sister of W. D. Angell, whose parentage is elsewhere shown in this work. To his worthy wife Dr. Lont owes and ascribes much of his success in life. The trials and triumphs of their journey have been equally shared, and all important moves, financial or otherwise, have been made after mutual consultation. They adopted and reared to maturity an orphan boy, "Willis A., born Kogers, now Lont, who is at j^resent employed in a mill at Prague, this state. This worthy couple is now furnishing a home to Harry E. Jamieson, who will probably remain with his foster-parents to be the stay of their old age. Dr. Lont is a man of decided character, and has made some enemies by his firm stand in defense and advocacy of principles he deems right. Nothing which does not seem to him likely to promote the welfare of liis fellow-men can receive his sanction or support. Nothing could conduce more to his enjoyment than to see the rest of the world happy. He is a staunch temperance advocate, having imbibed a hatred of the curse of intemperance at his mother's knee. In theology he is a modern Spiritualist, believing and teaching that all men will occupy in the next world the state for which their education and occupations in this have fitted them. In early life he denied and vehemently combated the idea that slavery was a divinelyappointed institution. He helped to organize the liberty party in New York State, and continued there to labor for freedom until the republican party succeeded it. For twenty years he has enjoyed the realization of his political hopes and desires in the triumph of the latter. He has been active in promoting the welfare of his own neighborhood, and has been many times honored by his fellowcitizens in filling positions of responsibility. From 1861 to 1S64 he served as supervisor in Chester, and was instrumental in relieving that town of a drail. He has been two years chairman of the Mazeppa town board, four years callage justice, and served six years in the latter -capacity in Chester and Mazeppa townships. In his practice he enjoys the most amicable relations with neighboring physicians, whom he often meets in council. He has been twice elected president of the Wabasha County Medical Society. While his library is not a very extensive one, it contains standard works of all schools. Anything new of undoubted authority is at once secured by him, and he is thus able to keep up witli the times.

Rev. Eobeet Clifford (deceased) delivered the first sermon in Lake City in the fall of 1850. Born at Spoondon, Derbyshire, England, in 1801. He was early apprenticed to a dyer in the city of Derby. He soon became imbued with religious zeal, and began to preach the doctrine of the Disciples. He came to America in 1838, and settled at Philadelphia. For sixteen years he continued to preach in that neighborhood and in New York, and came to the site of this city in 1855. After coming to this country he joined the Wesley^ Methodist church. He died here in 1862, and his widow, ?iee Rebecka Wayne, passed away two years later. Of five children, but three are now alive. The eldest, a son, died in Philadelphia. The second, Robert, resides in Lake City, and also the youngest, Mrs. Jane W. Helt, a widow. The third, Mrs. John A. Jackson, dwells in Mount Pleasant. Mrs. John R. Graham died here.

in Winster, England, September 16, 1823, and came with his parents to the United States when lit'teen j-ears of age. He received but little schooling, and was apprenticed when seventeen to a blacksmith. On reaching his majority he came west and settled in the town of Porter, Rock county, Wisconsin. Here he built a smithy, and therein worked for ten years. He came to Minnesota in 1864, and bought a farm in Mount Pleasant, this county. His winters were spent in the wagon and carriage works, where he is now employed, and in 1867 he sold the farm and bought a home in the city, and has dwelt here steadily since. For the last five years he has had chai'ge of the engine. Mr. Clifford is a full degree member of the I.O.O.F. He is a thorough republican, and in religious Mth is found with the Methodists. In February, 1 845, he was married at Philadelphia, the bride being Miss Margaret Helt, who died in July, 1875, leaving seven children. The eldest, Robert Wayne, served three years in the Union army before he was twenty years old, and is now in business in St. Paul. The others are resident as follows: Joseph D., Detroit, Michigan; Nettie (Mrs. Frank Devoi*), Minneapolis ; Mary A. (married James Cliff, now deceased), Mazeppa; Maggie (Hiram Johnson), Minneapolis; Fannie (Jefferson Rosle), Mazeppa ; Naomi T. (Frank Toung), Sparta, Wisconsin. Mr. Clifford was married the second time, to Miss Susan Mills, a native of Virginia, to whom a son was born six years ago.

Cakl Christian Stauff, M.D., Lake City, one of the first settlers in the county, was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, in 1815 ; graduated at Rostock Allopathic Medical School in 1836 ; began practice at Wismar, and in 1840 married Wilhomina Hochman ; in 1853 he crossed the Atlantic in the bark Humboldt, and after prospecting for a year he made his home in Cook's Valley, Minnesota, for twelve years, farming ; disposing of his property, he moved to Wabasha and engaged in the drug business, which he continued several years. In October, 1875, he removed his business to Lake City, taking his youngest son as partner, where a good business and office practice is continued. Three sons and two daughters were given him, all of whom are married. The eldest son, C. J. Stauff, is at present clerk of district court, wliich office he has held for the past twenty years. F. E. Stauff, second son, resides at Wharpaton, Richland county, Dakota Territory, being county auditor of said county. Was count}' auditor of Wabasha count}' two years, also Cass county, Minnesota, six years, after which time he engaged in mercantile business four years at St. Paul. In 1S64 he enlisted in the defense of the Union in Co. C, 4th Minn. Vols. F. H. Stauff, junior partner, residing at Lake City, is credited as being the lirst white child born in the county. Was born August 31, 1855. After leaving school he chose medicine as a business, which he continued for some time ; he then was engaged in the wholesale drug house of Wm. H. Torbert, of Dubuque, Iowa. The opportunity thus afforded him to familiarize himself with the complicated knowfedge of his business has fitted him for his now responsible occupation, being one of the proprietors of one of the finest drug establishments of any town of its size in the west. Was married September 5, 1883, to Miss Helen S. Brown, of Minneiska. Eliza, eldest daughter, married to Wm. E. Hayes, resides at Argyle, Marshall county, Minnesota. Clara, youngest, married Capt. Homer Durand, and resides at Toledo, Ohio. Mr. Stauff and wife enjoy the best of health and are proud of their success in rearing a family that is a comfort to them in their declining years.

AocsTrs W. Stowman, farmer, Glasgow, is a native of Xew Jersey. Beaumont Stowman and Anna Willett were born, reared and married in Philadelphia. They settled on a farm in Harmony, Warren county. New Jersey, where this subject was born to them in May, 1830. His education was supplied b}' the rate-schools of that day and- locality, and when eighteen years of age he went to work in a flourmill. In 1856 he came to Minnesota and took up and made improvements on the land he now occupies, the northeast quarter of section 2-1. Leaving the land in care of relatives, he returned to Indiana, where his home had been for some time. Here he took a life-partner, March 20, 1860, in the person of Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Squire and Susie Morrison, all of Kentucky birth. In 1861 Mr. Stowman took up his permanent residence here. For four years he was employed as a miller on AYest Indian creek, in Highland township. He now has a finely-cultivated farm, on which he has erected a comfortable brick dwelling, and is prepared to enjoy life. In February, 1865, he entered the 1st Minn. Heavy Art. as a recruit, and did garrison duty at Chattanooga, Tennessee. His religious faith is represented by the Methodist church, and his political ideas by the democracy. Four children have come to bless his home, and were christened Dora Belle, May, Charles P. and Minnesota.

born on Long Island, New York, in 1826. His parents were also natives of the same state ; the former, Samuel Doughty, died soon after our subject's birth, and the latter, Elizabeth (Nelson) Doughty, with two of her sons, Edward and Asa B., and a daughter, Alice, and her husband, Henry Coleman, in 1837 emigrated to Illinois, and settled in Bloomington, McLean county. Here Mr. Coleman established liimself in the manufacture of plows and other farm machinery, and with him our subject learned the trade. In 1855 Mr. Doughty made a prospecting tour to Lake City, and seeing the natural advantages of the place, bought jjroperty, and returned to Illinois to make arrangements for a final settlement here, which he did in July, 1S57. The prevailing malarious influences of the climate in Illinois had so impaired his health, that he remained comparatively inactive for nearly four years after his arrival here. He then embarked in the grain and commission business, and after a few years' experience in the fluctuations and uncertainties of commerce turned his attention to the business of his trade, and engaged in the manuture of wagons, plows and harrows, built up a large trade and conducted a prosperous business till 1880. In the fall of this year the Lake City Flourmill passed into his possession ; this he formed into a joint-stock company, and remodeled it throughout, put in the new roller process and entire new machinery, making it a complete merchant mill, with a capacity of one hundred and twenty-five barrels per day. The oflicers are : A. B. Doughty, president ; R. White, vice-president ; directors, G. F. Benson, A. Basey, G. M. Dwelle, J. Dobner, C. A. Hubbard, E. Hackett and L. H. Buck ; Mr. Henry Selover, superintendent and secretary. Mr. Doughty was married in 18i9, to Miss Ellen McClung, a native of Virginia, who came to Illinois in a very earl}^ day. She died in 1862, leaving Mr. Doughty with two children : Lillie, now Mrs. Wm. C. Water, of Sioux Falls, Dakota, and Lulu, now Mrs. B. Y. McNairy, of Campbell, Minnesota. His second marriage was in 1864, with Miss Sue Johns, a native of Pennsylvania. By this marriage he has had no children, though their home is made pleasant by the presence of Miss Anna Seilheimer, who is a distant relative of his wife, and has found a home with them for several years.

Rodman Burchaed, the subject of this sketch, was born in Paris, Oneida county. New York, December 26, ISOS. He removed from there to Wethersfield, Wyoming county, in the same state, in the year 1845, where he resided but a short time, going from there to

Michigan with the intention of making it his liome. He was soon taken sick with the fever, then so prevalent in some parts of that state, and, concluding that it was too sicklj for him there, went back to Gainsville, New York, where he was married to Esther A. Davis, December 23, 1S4-7. In the year 1S54: he purchased a farm in Virginia, intending to move his family there the following season. But having had a presentiment (as he thought) that all might not be well in the future in a slave state like Virginia, he sold the farm and decided to go west. He landed at Wabasha, in the fall of 1855. Having heard of Greenwood prairie, he hired a team to take his family and goods to the village of Greenville, which was then located two miles and a half east of this place, where he formed a partnership with the Richards Bros, in the mercantile business, opening a general store in a log house, living upstairs and keeping hotel at the same time. Trade increased so rapidly that they were soon obliged to erect a larger building for the store, leaving the log house to be used for the dwelling. Here he lived for many years. His wife died June 10, 1866, leaving the husband one son and three daughters. After the death of his wife he moved to Plainview where he kept his family together and was married to Miss Maggie Crossen, April 13, 1871, who, with the four children mentioned, and her own little son, now about eight years old, survive him. Mr. Burchard died February 6, 1883, being seventy-four years, one month and twelve days old. He was a man of strong will, good judgment and great perseverance, and withal a kind neighbor. Being well-known in this community he leaves many friends to mourn his death. [The above is an extract from the minutes of the Old Settlers' Association.]

Hon. Alonzo P. Foster, son of a Vermont farmer of Scotch descent, was born in Orange, Orange county, Vermont, May 5, 1816. Lemuel Foster, his father, died when the subject of the present sketch was but four years old, and the cares incident to the rearing of a family of ten children were devolved upon the mother, Cloe (Powers) Foster, a member of the Leland family of this country, which has extant a genealogical record. The mother was very much attached to the old Orange county farm and continued to reside thereon until her death, keeping her large family together as best she could. The education of young Foster would have been sadly neglected had he not been studiously inclined, and taken, undirected, upon himself the task of mastering not only the common brandies of study, but also those usually taught in high schools. He remained at home in charge of the old farm for several years, and until after the death of both mother and wife. He was married to Miss Harriet Thompson, of Orange county, in 1844, by whom he had one child, the present Mrs. T. G. Bolton, of Plainview. The death of his wife occurred in 1851, and his mother departed this life in 1854. He next became manager for one year of the Troy Conference Academj-, of West Poultney, Vermont, over which his cousin, Kev. Jason F. Watkins, presided. The following spring he came to Minnesota, arriving on Greenwood praivie a few days after the Eddy party came. He located on the S.E. J Sec. 11 in Plainview. Despite vigorous efforts put forth to drive him from this claim, which was a portion of the Half-breed Tract, he continued to hold it until enabled to perfect his title. He disposed of -this farm in 1864. In 1866 he gathered together a considerable fund and removed ta Winona, investing in real estate, which afterward he platted as an addition to the city of Winona under the name of Foster's addition. He re-established his home in Plainview in 1878, and now owns a large farm on section 36, in Oakwood, besides the small place in Foster's addition to Plainview village. He makes a specialty of Jersey cattle and Norman -Percheron horses. Mr. Foster was a member of the state legislature in 1857. . Russell W. Carpentee, dealer in farming implements, Plainview, and brother of George W. Carpenter, of Highland township, was born in Crawford coimty, Pennsylvania, September 16, 1836. From 1847 till he came to Minnesota was with his father and brothers in McHenry county, Illinois. In 1855 the family came to Greenwood prairie, where Russell was among the unfortunates who selected a claim on the Indian reservation, and which he abandoned, the same now being known as the Pat Mahon farm. From the fall of 1857 to 1874 he resided in Dubuque, Iowa; since which time he has continued to reside in Wabasha county, engaging in agricultural pursuits until 1881, where he became interested in the farming implement trade, and has continued to follow it since. He enlisted in the 21st Iowa Vols., but owing to physical unsoundness was rejected by the surgeon. He is a member of Plainview Lodge, I.O.O.F. June 6, 1867, he espoused Susan, daughter of Jacob Brant, of Epworth, Iowa, by whom he has had two children, viz : Edward A. and Minnie E.

Steuben county, New York, August 11, 1828. His parents were Eli and Cuissan Ann Pickett. His father was a native of the same county. When eighteen he accompanied his brother, Eli C. Pickett, to Dodge county, Wisconsin. Here he continued to reside with his brother until the spring of 1855, when he came to Minnesota, and located on section 9, Plainview, eighty acres of which claim now constitute the farm, on which he has since continued to reside. He came in company with Mr. Washburn, Mr. Miner and Mr. Jack WiUiams. In 1858 he went back to Wisconsin, and spent the winter ; on his return in the spring he brought back a three-year-old colt, which is now a hale old horse of twenty-nine years. His next trip to Wisconsin was of a matrimonial character, and resulted in his espousing Susanna Allen, February 9, 1861. She was the daughter of Caleb Allen, a farmer and mason, of Lowell, Dodge county, Wisconsin, now of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, and was born in Washington county, New York, November 17, 1842. The children of this marriage are : Frank B., employed in Wyant's photograph gallery, Plainview; Benjamin E. and Anna.

George D. Sandfoed, merchant, is a son of J. H. Sandford, mentioned in this work, and was born in Topsham, Maine, June 14, 1850. He was brought to Mazeppa with his father's family in the fall of 1855, and has dwelt here ever since. His life was passed on a farm till twenty-one years old, and his education was fur-* nished by the common schools, of whose advantages he made the best use. His natural abilities and energies have made him a successful business man. In 1871 he went to Lake City, where he spent three years in learning and following the wagonmaker's trade. In 1874 he built a wagon-shop near the mill in Mazeppa, which he operated five years and then sold, the advent of the railroad spoiling the location. He has dealt considerable in real estate, and is now the owner of a farm near the village, which he rents. On April 25, 1881, he was deputized as postmaster, and has kept the postoffice ever since. The following year he opened a stock of groceries and boots and shoes in the postoffice building, and does considerable trade in those commodities. He was elected town clerk in 1882, and is now fulfilling the duties of the same office. He is a republican, and a member of the masonic order. He has been twice married, and was robbed of his first mate by death in July, 1875. Jennie Dickey was the lady's name before her marriage to Mr. Sandford, which occurred October 22, 1874. On Christmas day,

1879, he was united in marriage with Miss Alice, daughter of J. B. Miller. They have a son, born December 5, 1880, and christened Frank Burnett.

Gen. Seth L. McCAim', of Plainview, "Wabasha county, is a staunch old pioneer farmer with a career. His father, William McCarty, was a farmer, residing in Muncy, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, where Seth was born June 9, 1808. Here he acquired the rudiments of an education in the common school and continued to reside until his twenty-first year. During two years of this time he worked for John Grouse, cabinetmaker, of Muncy, learning that trade, which he followed in Towanda, Bradford county, Pennsylvania, until the spring of 1832, when he went to !Newmarket, Canada, and opened a cabinetshop. He continued in business there until the breaking out of the patriot war in 1837. This war at once furnished him the opportunity that his military nature souglit, and he soon found a place on Gen. McKenzie's staff, and was immediately employed to bear dispatches to divers members of the Dominion parliament conceraed in the revolt. On his good stout war-horse he performed this task, that required not a little nerve and energy. Frequently the enemy crowded him in close pursuit, on one occasion forcing him to ride a distance of fifty -two miles in six hours, and on another sixty-eight miles in eight hours. He was next transferred to Gen. Van Rensselaer's staff, and served under him until the winter of 1837-S, when he was sent to the support of Gen. McClellan, of the western division, and remained with him until the war closed. Gen. McCarty led the forces that stormed and captured Windsor, opposite Detroit, and it was after this battle, in which he displayed great bravery and military genius, that he was raised from the rank of colonel to that of brigadier-general. With the close of this war terminated the active military life of Gen. McCarty. He soon after resigned his commission and removed to Detroit, Michigan, and the following year to Port Huron, in the same state, where he continued to reside" until 1855, when he came to Minnesota and located on the S.E. i of Sec. 21, in Plainview township. Here he has since continued to pursue the even life of a farmer. On one occasion only has the peace been sufficiently disturbed to rouse the old warlike nature in his breast and drive him to the front, and that was during the Indian outbreak which occurred in Minnesota in 1862, though he held a commission as major in the state militia from 1860. Two years after his settlement in Minnesota a postoffice was established at his house under tlie name of Independence, of which office he was postmaster until it was discontinued in 1862. Gen. McCartj' was the first settler in southwest Plainview. He has always affiliated with the democratic party, and is a member of the masonic fraternity. He was married in York county, Canada, to Eebecca Mc- Causland, daughter of James and Anna McCausland, in 1835. They have three children now living, viz : James, a farmer of Plainview township ; David, farmer, residing in Winona county ; and Mary Ann (Mrs. Samuel Loy) of Spokane county, Washington Territory. Rhodeeick W. Deinkwaltek, farmer, Zumbro, is among the earl}' settlers of Mazeppa, that part in which he resides having been set off quite recently. In 18.56 he built a sawmill on the main Zumbro near where the bridge now crosses the same, a mile above the mouth of the north branch. He was a pioneer in the town of Fox Lake, Wisconsin, where he settled in 18-12, and was one of the first supervisors of that town, as well as of Mazeppa, being elected in 1858. He is a republican in politics. Himself and wife have been forty years members of the Methodist Episcopal church. They were married October 1, 1838. Mrs. Drinkwalter's name was Mary Lord, and she was born in Connecticut. Her parents were Andrew and Mary Loj-d, born in the same state. Mr. Drinkwalter was born in Pike, Bradford county, Pennsylvania, October 30, 1814. He received a common-school education, and was always accustomed to farm life. His mother, Betsey Pratt, was born in the same town as he. His father, Stephen K., was a native of Connecticut. He became a resident here in 1856, and secured one-fourth of section 13, where he lives. Has since acquired eighty acres more, and one luindred and five on the river, where his sawmill stood. His eldest child was born July 30, 1839, and christened Pratt. He was jnarried April 5, 1883, to Lena Scholer, born August 25, 1863, in Glasgow, this county. He has one hundred and sixty acres adjoining his father's land, and dwells in the same house with him. Cordelia was born September 12, 1814. and married George Hall, as elsewhere noted. Robert Hall (deceased) was born in Dows, Lincolnshire, England, April 1, 1801. His wife, Charlotte, was born Spencer in 1804, in Ednum Parish, same county. They were married October 2, 1826. In 1851 they left England and settled on a farm in Onondaga county, New York. Came to Zumbro in May, 1856, and took claim on section 12, where liis widow and son now reside. Mr. Hall died August 2, 1S65. He and wife were Episcopalians. Mrs. Hall is very active at this writing, and appears good for twenty years of life yet. Of their twelve children only two are living now. The first death in the town occurred in this family, taking Sophia, a twentyyear-old daughter. Emma J. married J. L. Bent (now deceased) and resides at Zumbro Falls. George, the eldest living child, was born in Dows, October 22, 1833. He was nearly eighteen when he came to America, and attended one term of school in New York. He came to Minnesota with his parents. He was married February 1, 1862, to Cordelia Drinkwalter, whose parentage elsewhere appears. They have seven children living, born as follows : Maria C, April 1.5, 1864; Henrietta, October 22, 1866; Effie S., May 12, 1868; Frederick P., September 16, 1870 ; Wallace Ft., November 11, 1874 ; Prosper Pt., January 4, 1880 ; Jessie, May 23, 1883. Four children have died.

Ira a. Fifield, farmer and fruit-grower, Mazeppa. Among the earliest residents of Mazeppa was the father of this subject, Joseph Fifield, now residing in Lyon county, this state. Mary Nicholls married Joseph Fifield, and gave birth to a son on November 4, 1835, and that son grew to be the substantial citizen of whom this page shall now speak. Ira A. Fifield became a citizen of Mazeppa in June, 1856, coming here with bis father. He made claim to one hundred and twenty acres of land on section 29, where he now dwells. His estate at present includes over two hundred aci-es, ot which he has cleared and tills eighty. He pays a good deal of attention to the growth of small fruits, and does considerable trade in supplying others with choice plants. He has never taken any part in public affairs, but has always adhered to the republican party. Has no taith in religion. Beginning witli nothing save his hands, he has become independent by his own labor and the faithful assistance of his helpmeet. The latter, Emma, born Ruber, was espoused by Mr. Fifield in 1867. Her father is among the foremost citizens of the adjoining town of Oronoco, Olmsted county. Mr. Fifield served from January 28 to September 27, 1865, in Co. G, 1st Minn. Heavy Ai-t., being stationed at Chattanooga, Tennessee. Children, have been given to him and christened as follows : Nellie L., October 18, 1868 ; Clara May, April 25, 1870 ; Ella Grace, December 11, 1871 ; Celia Ann, December 17, 1873 ; George F., October 10, 1875; James S., June 30, 1877; Charies E., June 27, 1879; Abram W., June 3, 1883.

Maria (Gardner) Harrison, of Pennsylvania, and was born in Schoolcraft, Michigan, April 2, 1848. The father (now deceased) settled with his family at Center Point, near Lake City, in July, 1852. He erected the first hotel building there, where he died in July, 1863. The subject of this sketch attended the common school there till the death of his father. He then came to Mazeppa, and attended one term here. Farming has always been his vocation. July 27, 1867, he married Phrebe Ann Youngs, daughter of John Youngs, elsewhere mentioned. Mr. Harrison is tilling rented land. He is a member of Mazeppa Lodge, LO.O.F., and is a republican.

Garret A. Cook, postmaster at Cook's Valley, is a grandson of Garret Albertson, a continental soldier during the American revolution. In the town of Hardwick, Warren county, New Jersey, January 2, 1818, the subject of this sketch was born to Abram H. and Ann Galicia (Albertson) Cook, themselves natives of the same commonwealth. Until fifteen years old Garret A. Cook remained on his father's farm, receiving the limited benefits of the common school of the time. He was apprenticed to a saddler and harnessmaker, and pursued such occupation for twelve years. He went to Virginia in 1852, and thence came to Minnesota in 1855, locating on section 30, Greenfield. His home has ever since remained there. By his thrift he has acquired three hundred and forty acres of real estate, and is passing his old age in peace and plenty. He was elected clerk of the first school district organized here, in November, 1857, and still fills the same position ; has been postmaster for the past twenty-two years ; was justice of the peace four years here, and eight years in New Jersey ; afliliates with the republican party. Himself and wife are communicants in the Methodist Episcopal church, and were instrumental in the building of Cook's Valley church for that society. Mr. Cook was made a mason in Virginia and served as secretary of the same lodge in which George Washington was initiated. In 1841 Mr. Cook was united in marriage to Miss Mary, daughter of Jeremy and Lana Mackey, all of New Jersey. They have since become the parents of six children. Abram and Elizabeth (Mrs. Herman Graflf) are resident at Hancock, Minnesota. Lytle O., Anneta, Irwin and Viola still dwell with their parents. Abram entered the United States army, and served till the close of the civil war in the 3d Minn. regt. Lytle is now conducting the village school at Kellogg. While resident at Alexandria, Virginia, Mr. Cook fell into an unguarded railway cut, which caused a permanent injury of his left limb.

John Heney Weheenbeeg, farmer, Greenfield, was born in Hanover, Germany, April 10, 1835. Up to fourteen years of age he attended school and assisted his parents in their farm labors. He was then apprenticed to a cabinetmaker and soon became master of the trade. When seventeen years old he left his native land and made his way to St. Louis, Missouri, where he was employed at cabinetwork. In 1856 he came to Minnesota and took up onefourth of section 20, Greenfield, which he still retains. He now has half a section and resides on 29 in a handsome brick house. His wedding was the first celebrated in the township and occurred March 28, 1858, the bride being Miss Anna Frye, daughter of another pioneer mentioned elsewhere. Mr. Wehrenberg has always been a republican, and all the family were baptised in the Lutheran church. The children, in the order of their age, were christened Herman G., Lena L., Emma C, Augusta M., Henry J., Edward, Minnie, Charles and Eliza. Mr. Wehrenberg joined the Union army in February, 1865, and served nine months in the 1st Minn. Heavy Art., stationed at Chattanooga. He is now quite extensively engaged in stock raising, and has, among other animals, forty head of cattle.

Henry Feye, retired farmer, is one of the pioneers of Greenfield, having located in 1856 on section 29, where he now dwells with his daughter. He was born in Hanover in 1799, and emigrated direct to Minneseta in the spring of 1856. In 1827 he married Mary Koenig, now deceased. The family includes two daughters, the eldest, Mrs. Henry Graner, residing near by ; the other, Mrs. J. H. Wehrenberg, is spoken of above. All are Lutherans.

EwiN Alexander, carpenter and builder. Lake City, was born in Richmond, Maine, August 25, 1885. His parents, Ewin Alexander and Sarah Melcher, were born in Brunswick, same state. The early life of this subject was passed on the farm, and his education was supplied by the common school. At eighteen he began carpenterwork and has followed it nearly ever since. Many fine buildings in this county, including the county-house and the new Lake City schoolhouse, are of his construction. He became a resident of Lake City in 1856. Two years were subsequently spent in Mississippi and he returned m 1860. September 18, 1861, he entered the 1st Minn. regt. Vols., Co. I, and served in the army of the Potomac. He was a participant inthebattles ot BairsBluti", the Peninsula campaign, West Point, Fair Oaks, Savage Station, White Oak Swamp,

Malvern Hill and Antietam. He was discharged in 1863, and soon went on board the merchant vessel General Grant as ship's carpenter. After sailing from Boston to San Francisco, he then went on the Seaman's Bride to Baker's Island where the vessel was wrecked in the spring of 1865, and the crew was left for fifty-five days on Ihis barren coral island until picked up by tlie packet schooiier Odd- Fellow. Arriving at San Francisco Mr. Alexander set out for Boston in the Wild Hunter, which was out one hundred and forty-four days on the voyage around Cape Horn to Boston. In the fall of 1866 our subject returned to Lake City, which has been his home since. December 7, 1870, he espoused in marriage Miss Frances C, eldest daughter of F. G. Slocum, of this city. Their cliildren are bright and promising, christened Helen, Kate, Sarah and Anna. Mr. Alexander is a member of the Masonic order and of the A.O.U.W. His religion is "Peace on earth, goodwill toman," and his voting has always been with flie republican party.

George Patton, retired merchant, Lake City (see portrait), is the only child of George Patton, a successful teacher of twenty-eight years' experience, and Jane (Humphreys) Patton, natives of Strabane, Ireland, of Irish and English ancestry. In the city of Philadelphia, on August 24, 1802, was born the subi'ect of this page. When he was nine years of age, the family then residing at Williamsport, his mother was drowned in a stage coach which was swept away by a swollen stream on the way to Pennsborough. The youthful George was only prevented from sharing his mother's journey and fate by a mere childish accident. Just as they were about to start, he fell down and soiled his clothing, for which he was compelled to forego the trip. When in his fifteenth year, our subject began his mercantile career, entering a store in Lewistown, Pennsylvania. After serving one employer five years and another nine, he engaged in business for himself at Allen ville, Miffiin county, in 1831. By the industry and shrewd business management of fifteen years h^re, he secured financial independence, and resolved to locate in Cincinnati, where his children, six sons and one daughter, might be properly educated. For nine years his only business was their care and intellectual advancement. Their mother, Eliza, daughter of James Kellogg, one of the substantial citizens of Lewistown and Mr. Patton's employer for nine years, was a woman worthy of such a husband, and ably seconded his efibrts. The loss of health prompted Mr. Patton in 1855 to travel in the west. A tour of some weeks' duration through Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota territory, satisfied him of the healthful climate and flattering material prospects of this section. JSTow, in his eighty-second year, his general health is good, and his long life is no doubt to be largely attributed to our invigorating climate, together with a clear conscience and regular, temperate habits. He left Ohio in May, 1855, on his prospecting trip, and removed his familj' to Winona in July of the same year. Here he bought lots and contemplated a permanent residence. In the following winter his attention was called to the site of Lake City by its projectors, and after a survey of the adjacent country, he became convinced of its natural advantages and decided to purchase an interest in the town, which he did, and removed his family hither the following May. At that time boats did not land here, but Mr. Patton persuaded the captain of the War Eagle to put otf^his household effects, cow, etc., on the shore. The boat arrived after dark, and they were obliged to make their way as best they could to a shanty near by. A severe storm was in progress at the time, and on reaching the cabin its floor was found to be soaked with the rain ; but here they were compelled to arrange their bedding and set up a stove and prepare supper. Mr. Patton at once set about preparations to build, and during tliis season completed his present residence, corner of High street and Lyon avenue, and occupied it in N'ovember. All the material had to be freighted trom Eead's Landing, and much of it was purchased in Dubuque, the lumber being brought in a raft from the St. Croix river. The latter was dried in a kiln, erected for the especial purpose. Stones for the foundation were rolled down the bluffs, and Mr. Patton was obliged to mix mortar and wait on the mason, in order to fit the house for a shelter before winter came on. Only one carpenter and one mason could be found, and day-laborers were unheai-d of at that time. In the spring of 1857, Mr. Patton built a store and opened for trade in April, 1859, continuing in mercantile business till January 1, 1881. Associated with him were his sons, Hiram and Augustus. The eldest son, James E., is a prosperous merchant and manufacturer in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he has dwelt nearly thirt}' years. George K., the second, is in successful medical practice here. Nathan, the fourth, is now dealing in general merchandise at Tower City, Dakota. Augustus M. , died February, 1869, aged twentj'-nine years, at Lake City, leaving a widow and two sons. The onlv daughter, Eliza J., married Rev. Silas

Hazlett, and is now deceased. December 31, 1878, was celebrated the golden wedding of George Patton and Eliza Kellogg, at their elegant home, where they were surrounded with the friends of a quarter century, as well as many later ones. At the family reunion in the evening were present all the living descendants of Mr. and Mrs. Patton, except Dr. E. A. Patton, of Cincinnati, including a great-grandchild, Eliza McLean. '

George Randolph Patton was born in Allen ville, Mifflin coiinty, Pennsylvania, August 16, 1834. His parentage is American ; the ancestors of his father (who is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) being Irish, and those of his mother (who is a native of New Haven, Connecticut) English, who settled in Connecticut in 1687. His parents, yet in vigorous health, celebrated in Lake City, Minnesota, their golden wedding, December 31, 1878. The subject of this sketch removed with his parents to Cincinnati, Ohio, in April, 1845. He spent four years in the old Cincinnati College, now merged into Herron's Classical Seminary, and subsequently graduated A.B. at the Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, after pursuing its four years' course of study. During his first college year he carried forward at the same time the studies of both the freshman and sophomore classes, entering the junior on a grade of ninety-seven and twothirds at the end of the first year. One of his achievements in the university was a literal translation, in book form, of the odes, satires and epistles of Horace ; also the "Greek Antiquities " of Thucydides, "Plato Contra Atheos,"and the "Prometheus" of ^schylus. During the last year of his college course he pursued the study of Hebrew in the Associated Reformed Theological Seminary, with the view of the ministry. After studying theology one year in the Western Theological Seminary, then located in Cincinnati, he turned his attention to medicine ; entered the office of Prof. George Mendenhall, and graduated M.D., in the Miami Medical College, Cincinnati, in February, 1855. From February, 1854, to his graduation, he served as the outdoor physician of the citj^ dispensary, affording a wide scope of clinical observation. He established himself in practice in Cincinnati in 1855, occupying an office with Prof. J. F. White, of the Miami Medical College, until 1856 ; after that, until March, 1857, he was associated in the same office with Prof. E. Williams, the celebrated oculist, professor of ophthalmology in the Miami school. He then opened an office in his own residence, corner of Fourth and John streets ; removed to No. 241

West Seventh street, in 1860 ; to 360 West Eighth street in 1867, and remained there till 1872, when ill-health, superinduced chiefly by overwork and an unfortunate post-mortem wound, compelling the relinquishment of a large and lucrative practice, he retired to Lake City, Minnesota. His contributions to the public press and medical literature have been voluminous. Among those of note upon medical topics may be mentioned an article on "Elephantiasis Arabica," in the Cincinnati Medical Ohserver, March, 1856; the following in the Cincinnati Lancet and Observe!': "Contributions onHelminthology," June, 1862, January, 1863, and February, 1864 ; "Phlegmasia Dolens," June, 1863; "Hemorrhagic Diathesis," December, 1867; "Antagonism of Aropia and Morphia,*' June, 1869; "A New Instrument for Urethritis," December, 1869; and in the Philadelphia Medical and Surgical Reporter^ February, 1870; articles on the "Treatment of Urethritis," in the Cincinnati Lancet and Observer^ 1870; "Hepatitis," /Sirf., March, 1870; on "Insomnia," in the Cincinnati Medical Repertonj^ February, 1870 ; "Hypodermic Injections and Treatment by Atomization," in Mediical and Surgical Reporter^ March, 1870. He is the inventor of a large number of surgical appliances, the most noted of which is known as "Patton's reverse-flow fenestrated injecting canula and catheter " ; also an apparatus for Colle's fracture of the radius, an instrument for deep-seated hemorrhage, etc. In 1857 he was lecturer on materia medica and therapeutics in the Miami Medical College, Cincinnati ; in 1856 was elected physician of Lick Pun Lunatic Asylum, declined ; was physician and surgeon to Saint John's Hospital during 1855 and 1856 ; surgeon of the Seminary Hospital, 1862 ; surgeon of the United States Marine Hospital in 1863; the surgeon-in-chief of the Greenup Street Military Hospital during the war ; city physician of Cincinnati from 1858 to 1865, and for a number of years consulting physician of the city dispensary. In 1867 he was proffered the professorship of anatomy in the Cincinnati Dental College. From time to time since graduation, he has spent, in the aggregate, over three years in special studies, under specialists, in the colleges and hospitals of New York and Philadelphia. He is a member of, and has held many offices in, various medical associations. During the Crimean war he received a surgeon's commission in the Russian army for three years, but had it canceled at his own request, on account of the war terminating as he was about to sail for Europe. He has performed about all the capital operations in surgery. The degree of M.D. ad eundem was conferred upon liim by the Medical College of Ohio, Cincinnati, in 1858; and the degree ot M.A. by the Miami University in 1857. Among his published addresses may be noted the " Medical Pendulum," delivered before the Alumni Association of the Miami Medical College, Cincinnati, at the annual meeting February 28, 1876. He is a very fluent and eff'ective speaker, and has never used at any time either notes or manuscript. March 26, 1857, he married Frances Mary, daughter ot A. W. Patterson, Esq., of Cincinnati, and has had two children, Edward A. and Ella Eliza. The former is now M.D. ; graduated in the Miami Medical College, Cincinnati, Ohio-

Dr. E. a. Patton, of Minneapolis, was formerly a physician of Lake City, in partnership with his father, G. R. Patton. He is a gentleman of superior education and attainments and is now the professor of physiology in the Minnesota College Hospital of Minneapolis. His wife, Mattie S., is a daughter of Maj. L. S. Van Vliet, whose sketch may be found elsewhere in this volume.

Harrison Gillett, the great engine-boiler builder and machinist, of Lake City, was born in Coopertown, New York, in 1824, and at the early age of twelve years had developed considerable taste for machineiy, especially such as was propelled by steam power. At that age he began running an engine at Syracuse, New York, and two years later went into a machine-shop to learn the art of building. This he completed, and to this day has kept pace with the development of steam machinery and in many ways taken decidedly advanced steps in the science. In 1856 he came to Minnesota and located in Lake City, and at once, in company with 8tarr, Gaylord & Thompson, built a mill - his connection with this firm, however, was soon severed, he drifting into his old business and also starting a foundry. He run the first heat in this city on July 10, 1869, and erected his large machine-shop at the corner of Main and Dwelle sti'eets in 1870. This building is a massive stone structure in size, 38x120, walls eighteen inches thick, on a substantial foundation, two feet in thickness, fifty feet of the front, two stories high, the entire building covered with an iron roof. The interior is arranged into apartments to suit the convenience of the different branches of work carried on, each room being supplied with new and improved machinery for the moulding and making of any article, from a wheelbarrow to a complete steam threshing-machine, capable of being conveyed to the field by its own motive power. In this immense establishment is a thirty-horsepower engine, which not only propels the vast machinery within its own walls, but also furnishes the power for two grain elevators. During the threshing season of 1882 Mr. Gillette had in the field thirteen full-equipped steam threshers, through which was run about five hundred thousand bushels of grain, earning the sum of fourteen thousand three hundred dollars. Suflice it to say that Mr. Gillett is a natural machinist in every sense, and his sons are men of the same stamp. He was married December 31, 18-16, to Miss Mary L. Bayard, of the State of New York, who has borne to him eight children; six of whom are still living, whose names in the order of their birth are Frank H., Frances L. James H., Fred H., Addie L., and Asa D.

John Fletcher, Lake City, was born in Madison county. New York, February 18, 1831, and is the ninth child of Isaac and Nancy (Bi-own) Fletcher, who i-eared a family of ten to manhood and womanhood, save the first child, a daughter, who died at the age of sixteen years. They were natives of Vermont and York State respectively, and died in Madison county. New York. John's early years were spent on the farm, and his education was completed with three terms at Hamilton Academy. For seven years his time was principally employed in teaching school. In 1856 he made a trip to Minnesota, having been employed to place the machinery in a mill at Mazeppa. At this time he placed the buhrs in the first flouring-mill in this county. The same season he made a claim to a quarter-section of government land in Goodhue county. In 1860 he became a permanent resident of this county, settling with his family on a farm in Mazeppa, and three years later removed to Lake City where he for several years conducted a hotel. In 1870 he engaged in the grain trade and in 1880 removed his headquarters to Cass county, Dakota, though he continued to reside here. January' 6, 1858, Mr. Fletcher was united in marriage to Sallie B. Hawks, who was born in Georgetown, Madison county. New York, whither her parents - Horace and Hannah (Bardwell) Hawks - removed from Massachusetts in the earliest period of Georgetown's settlement. To Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher two children were given, one of whom, Phila L., is now in attendance at the city schools. The other died in childhood.

1833, in Madison county, New York ; enjoyed the advantages of a common school through youth, to which was added one year's academic training. The eight years previous to 1856 were spent in a store, and in this year he came to Mazeppa, this county, and embarked in a mercantile business. After conducting a pioneer store one year he returned east, where he remained until 1859, when he again came to this county. Then followed a two years' residence in Mazeppa, after which he permanently located in Lake City, and at once engaged in the grain and commission business as a member of the lii-m of Arasbry & Fletcher. This firm conducted a prosperous business in this city up till the time of the construction of railroads through the interior, which materially cut off their trade from the rural towns. This firm also were agents for the St. Louis and St. Paul line of steamboats on the Mississippi river, and was for many years agent for the Northwestern Express Company, as well as for the American Express Company after it had absorbed the former. After the completion of the railroad to this city, they built an elevator near the company's depot, where Mr. Fletcher is still engaged in the grain trade. He was married at Lake City, April 26, 1859, to Miss Mate E. Amsbry, the only daughter of his business partner, Mr. William H. Amsbry. She is a native of Shenango county. New York. To them were born two children, but one of whom is living, a daughter, Jessie C, now eight years of age.