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

William H. Amsbey (deceased) was born in New Hampshire in 1817, and was reared on a farm in Shenango county. New York, from the time he was six years of age. In 1836 he was married to Miss Charlotte Coley, and followed agricultural pursuits in Shenango county tiU 1856, when he removed to the new and untried State of Minnesota. He first settled in Mazeppa, in this county, and there bought out and completed the first mill begun in the county. In 1S60 he sold out and removed to Lake City, where he conducted an extensive grain and general commission business. He died in 1881, and is much missed by his friends and fellowcitizens. Mr. Amsbry served this county as commissioner, in its early history, and Lake City as a staunch friend and advisor in later years.

David Ckonin (deceased) was one of the early settlers of Lake City, having come here about 1856. He was born in Ireland, and there married Miss Margaret Walsh in 1843. In 1816 they emi- grated to the United States, and for the following ten years was engaged in railroading in varioiis states both east and west. By this time they has succeeded in saving a little money, and a small family had come to be cared for, hence their removal so far northwest. Here he purchased a small farm of one hundred and twenty acres in the town of Lake. Soon after he had got started at farming came the outbreak of the late war, in which a spirit of patriotism and love of his adopted country caused him to enlist. He became a member of the 8th Minn. Vol. Inf , and was engaged in border warfare with the Indians, when he died at Fort Abercrombie, where his remains now rest. Mrs. Cronin, though aged and feeble, still resides in this city with her four children, whose names in the order of their birth are : Daniel, Mary, Margaret and David. One son, Michael, a promising young man, died (it is supposed) from injuries received by being struck violently on the breast with a plow handle. The mother and children are faithful members of the Catholic church.

William E. Perkins, livery man. Lake City, came to Lake City in September, 1858, and spent his first winter here teaching a school at Central Point, after which for a time he engaged in handling lumber for F. K. Sterrett and Bessey & Willis, after which he spent some time in farming within the present limits of Lake Cit}'. In the fall of 1866 he embarked in the livery business with A. W. Detmars, and so continued about five years. He then bought out Mr. Detmar's interest, and has since conducted the business individually, near the corner of Lyon avenue and Washington street. His business of late years requires about twenty horses, though before the construction of the railroads a larger number were needed. In addition to his livery and 'bus business, Mr. Perkins is also engaged in the purchase and sale of fine and heavy horses, most of them obtained in Illinois and Iowa. Mr. Perkins was born in Watertown, New York, September 16, 1839, and is a son of George B. and Cinthia (Woolley) Perkins. He was married July 23, 1S58, to Miss Anna M. Woodford, a native of .Vermont. To them were born five children, of whom two, George W. and Sidney W., are living, and now in business. The former is agent for the American Express company of this city, and the latter emj^loyed in his uncle George W. Perkin's store at Furgus Falls, Minnesota. Three lovely and aflfectionate daughters once graced the home of Mr. and Mrs. Perkins. Of these, Litha E. (who was their second child) died soon after entering on her third year. L. Nellie and Florence G. were longer spared to their fond parents. The former died of diphtheria February 19,1879, in the twelfth year of her age, and the latter died of the same disease January 1, following, in her tenth year. Mr. and Mrs. Perkins are prominently connected with the Episcopal church, and he is a staunch member of the Masonic fraternity.

Ltmon E. Thoep, Lake City, who became a resident of this county as early as 1856, is a native of Madison county, New York, is a son of Orrin and Lucretia (Patridge) Thorp, and was born June 16, 1883. His early youth was spent on the farm, where his parents gave him the best educational advantages the country school afforded. At about the age of fifteen he started to learn the blacksmith's trade, which he completed, and followed the business in his native state till 1856. December 26, 1866, he married Miss Marion O. Smith, a native of Shenango county, New York, and in the fall of the next year emigrated to Minnesota, settling in Mazeppa township, in Wabasha county, where he pre-empted a quarter-section of land, on which he built a small house, and there resided one year. By this time his wife's health had become so impaired that her physician advised a return to her old eastern home. The next two years was spent there and in the fall of 1859 he returned to Mazeppa, and the next spring built the Franklin House, and kept hotel till August, 1862, when he enlisted in Co. G, 8th Minn. Vol. Inf. His first two years' military service was in border warfare on the frontier, crossing the plains to the Yellowstone, under command of Gen. Sulley. The regiment was then ordered south, where it did gai-rison duty till the close of the war. After some time spent in visiting fi-iends east, he permanently located in Lake City, and engaged in the grain trade, which he followed till his recent connection with the Jewell nursery as traveling salesman. Mrs. Thorp's parents, Joshua and Aui-illa (Franklin) Smith settled in Mazeppa in 1856, where they have since been laid to rest. ilr. Thorp is a member of the Masonic lodge, chapter and commandery of this city, and occupies his own palatial residence in this city.

George W. Sylvester, born A^iril 6, 1828, died September 6, 1876. His father, Caleb Sylvester, was a farmer and survayor, and resided at Phillips, Maine, where the subject of this sketch was born, and received a common school education. In 1844 the Sylvester family removed to Wisconsin, and located on a farm near Platteville, in the vicinity of the lead mines, where the boys found employment.

In 1851 George, in company with bis brother Charles, crossed the plains with an ox-team, and found their way into the gold diggings of California. In ISoi be returned, via the isthmus of Panama, bringing back about two thousand dollars as the fruits of bis three years' toil in the mines. The fall of the following year he came to Minnesota, and located a claim on the S.E. J of Sec. 25, inPlainview township. He spent that winter at bis Wisconsin home, and on March IS, 1856, was married to Miss Matilda Cook, daughter of Henry Cook, a Wisconsin farmer. This lady was born November 5, 1S38, in the township of Waterloo, Province of Quebec. The May following bis marriage found Mr. Sylvester and his bride in possession of their new Minnesota home, and here he spent the remainder of bis life in improving and beautifying his chosen home. Mr. Sylvester was a skillful carpenter, and devoted most of his time to that vocation. In 1860 be erected a large barn which he painted red, and was soon widely known as the "Big Red Barn."' The present residence was not erected until 1875. His family now resides in the village of Plainview, and consists of Mrs. Sylvester and five children, viz: Edwin L., born March 16, 1859, bookkeeper in the Plainview Bank, educated at the Plainview High School ; Hattie A. ; G. Franklyn, telegraph operator at St. Joseph, Minn. ; Electra A., and Nellie M. Mr. Sylvester was from the first prominently identified with the religious work in Plainview, being a member of the Methodist Episcopal church ; he was also a member of both the Masonic and Odd-Fellows fraternities of Plainview, and was at one time on the township board of supervisors, and was more or less prominently identified with county politics. Mr. Sylvester was the first postmaster of the Woodland office.

Patrick McDonough, Mount Pleasant, was born in County Mayo, Ireland, about 1824. When eighteen, he came to the United States and engaged in taUorwork with an elder brother in Sbenango county. New York. He came to Mazeppa in the fall of 1856, and secured some land near that village. In partnership with bis brother he now owns eighty acres in Zumbrota and a like amount in Mount Pleasant, where he lives. He enlisted February 22, 1862, in Co. H, 5th Minn, regt., and served in the western army. He was an actor in tlie battles of Vicksburg, Nashville, Corinth, luka, Jackson, Champion Hills and the Red River expedition. He was hurt by a fall in the night, but served out bis time and was discharged in September, 1865. After the war be spent three years in Swift county, where he took a claim and afterward sold it. Mr. McDonough never married, and resides with a niece, Mrs. Mc- Bride. He is a member of Lake City Catholic church and a democrat.

John Dale (deceased) was born in Perry county, Pennsylvania, October 8, 1806. He was a son of Christopher Dale, also a native of Pennsylvania, of English descent. His mother died when he was an infant. He was reared on a farm and learned the weaver's trade. His wife, Christina, nee Myers, was born in the same neighborhood as himself on December 28, 1804, and they were united in marriage August 1-4, 1827. Mr. Dale owned a fann in his native state, which he tilled. He came thence to Wabasha county in 1865 and bought a farm on section 2-4, Zumbro township. He died December 23, 1882, at the residence ofl his eldest son, Daniel. His wife died July 7, 1877. Six sons and one daughter survive them: Daniel, Jacob M., Samuel, John W., Mary Ellen (Mrs. David Myers), Levi A., and Simon W. The third son resides at Fostoria, Ohio ; the fourth at Zumbro Falls ; the daughter at Wellington, Kansas. Mr. and Mrs. Dale were Dunkards in faith.

Daniel Dale, eldest son of John Dale, was born in Center township, Peny county, Pennsylvania, J,anuary 28, 1830. His early life was passed on the farm, and at nineteen he began work at the carpenter's trade. He subsequently took up cabinetwork, which he woi-ked at more or less till 1859. In 1856 he took up his residence in Zumbro, making claim to one-fourth of section 19. He still retains one half of this claim, on which he lives. His estate includes one hundred and fifty acres, of which twenty are timbered. He has a fine farm and has handsomely improved it. He was married October 18, 1859, to Elizabeth Peterman, a native of Pennsylvania ; her parents were Jacob and Annie (Myers) Peterman, of French and German extraction. Mr. and Mrs. Dale are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. The former has always cast his vote with the republican party. Their first child was christened Ida, and died when four months old. Jenny M., born March 23, 1863, married D. W. Coleman, and dwells at Emma, Dakota. Helen E., October 1, 1866, resides with parents.

Jacob M., second son of John Dale, was born in Center May 17, 1832. He was put out at an early age to live with a Dutch farmer, and learned the language of his foster-parents, so that he now speaks it equally as well as English. At his majority he took up chair making and painting, and followed this occupation many years. He became a citizen of Zumbro in 1856, taking a claim on section 19, June 26. He still dwells on the original claim, and has one hundred and six acres of land. He arrived with nothing, and is now independent. On February 2i, 1859, he was united in marriage to Miss Hannah E. Henry, daughter of James Henry, whose sketch appears elsewhere. Mrs. Dale has always been called Lizzie. She was born in Vernon, Trumbull county, Ohio, October 17, 1S31:. Mr. Dale is a republican and himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. They have two children : John A., born March 2, 1861, resides at Grafton, Dakota; Carrie E., August 8, 1865, now fitting herself for a teacher at Eoch ester.

Levi A., fifth son of John Dale, was born in Center, August 3, lSi5. Reared on farm and received a common school education. Came to Zumbro November 27, 1863. Next year he bought sixtyfive acres on section 24, where his home has been ever since. By industry and perseverance he has made himself independent. Has purchased twenty acres of timber in Mazepjja. He was married November 28, 1869, to Louisa A., daughter of H. C. Brant, whose biography is elsewhere given in this book. They have three children, born as follows: Earl C, March 14, 1876; Roy M., October 26, 1878 ; Hattie May, May 5, 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Dale are members of the Wesleyan Methodist church. The former is a republican, because he considers that correct principles are espoused by the party known by that name. He came to Minnesota without capital, and with the aid of his faithful helpmeet has secured a happy home.

John A. M.vetin, millwright, Mazej^pa, is a grandson of John Martin, of Delaware. His fixther, John Martin, served as a United States marine in the war of 1812, and married Catharine Portman, also native of Delaware. This couple settled in Russelsburg, Warren count}^ Pennsylvania, where was born to them the subject of this mention, on September 11, 1828. He was reared on a farm on the Conewango river, two miles from a school. He had no opportunity to attend school after fourteen years old, being then employed in a sawmill. Having a natural taste for mechanical labor, he soon became skilled in the use of tools. His father was a lumberman, and he had good opportunities for practice. Mrs. Martin was born and reared within half a mile of her husband, and was united to him in marriage October 15, 1852. Her father, E. W. Chase, was a native of New York, and she was christened Mary Jane. After s])ending a short time in Michigan, he arrived in Mazeppa in September, 1856, where his home has been ever since. After working a short time at St. Anthony, he returned for his family. Coming up the Mississippi on the Lady Franklin, the vessel sunk at Prairie du Chien, but they escaped without loss, and arrived in Eed Wing, in December. For a j^ear or two Mr. Martin operated the sawmill here. In the summer of 1857 he built a house on First street, in which he dwelt several years. Next year he bought a farm in Zumbrota township, near this village, and now has ninety acres of land. His present residence on the corner of Broadway and Cherry streets, where he has four lots, was built by him in 1862. He has built or repaired mills at Lodi, Pine Island, Oronoco, Zumbro Falls, Forest Mills, and numerous other points. He is a tirm and enthusiastic democrat, and served as postmaster at Mazeppa throughout Buchanan's administration. His religious sympathies are with the Universalists. He has superintended a great many funerals. He is very fond of hunting, which he has pursued from boyhood, capturing a great many deer. His field has extended from Pennsylvania to Montana, and he visits the latter territory often now. His children were born and christened as follows : October 15, 1851, Emmagene (Mrs. Fred. C. Hollenbeck, Bismarck, Dakota Territory) ; April 15, 1857, Arthur, now at Brainerd, Minnesota; January 18, 1870, Carribelle, home.

Jesse Youngs (deceased) was one of the pioneers of Mazeppa township, taking a claim in the fall of 1856 on section 8, where he died in September, 1865. He was born near Stanton, Connecticut, in 1789, and served through the war of 1812. His flither was a revolutionary soldier. He married Martha McBride, and settled in Livingston county. New York, where he remained till he came here. He had two sons and two daughters. The eldest son, Enoch, came here with his father and took up a claim near by. He enlisted in February, 1862, in the 5th Minn. Yols., and was shot in Texas by guerrillas in 1864. He left a wife and five children. The other son remains on his father's original claim. Matilda J., one of the daughters, married Zerch Cornish and lives near Sleepy Eye. Anna married Charles Sibley, and lives near her brother on the old claim.

York, November 12, 1816. He married Almeda Lovell, born in New York, also the grandchild of a revolutionary soldier, and purchased a farm there on which he lived till the spring of 1857. He then came west and located where he is now. Mr. and Mrs. Youngs are Methodists. They have six children : Benjamin, the eldest, served in the war against the Sious and also at the South. He now resides in Mazeppa. The others reside as follows : George E., Moorhead, this state; Jesse. Mazeppa; Joseph, on father's fai-m ; Henrietta (Mrs. Alvin Sibley), Lake Benton, Minnesota ; Phffibe A. (Mrs. Joseph Harrison), Mazeppa. Mr. Youngs is a faithful republican.

TtJENEE J. Preble, farmer, is a great-grandson of James Preble, an Englishman. Benjamin, son of the latter, married Lydia Tibbetts, both born in Maine. Their son Turner was born in 1807 in Whitesfield, Lincoln county, that state ; he married Temperance Eldredge, of Argyle, Penobscot county, daughter of Richard and Temperance (Wheldin) Eldredge. The subject of this sketch was born in Old Lemon, Hancock county, Maine, March 30, 1842. From 1850 to 1855 his parents resided in McKeaii county, Pennsylvania, and in the spring of the last-named year became a resident of Minnesota. The summer was spent on rented land opposite Hudson, Wisconsin. In the fall of that year Turner Preble settled at Mazeppa. During the following winter he hewed the timbers for the first mill built in that town. He took up government land near the village, which he held till 1865. He then sold and bought the farm on which he resides (section 7, Chester). The subject of this sketch received but a limited education, such as is afforded by the primitive schools of a new country. For some years after attaining his majority he continued to reside with his father and to assist him in ftirm operations. In 1868 he purchased eighty acres of land near his father's (partly in Zumbrota), which he still owns and tills. He is now the owner of two outlots in Mazeppa village, beside a halfinterest in another on which himself and partner are building a gristmill at this writing. In the summer of 1883 he built a house near the millsite, in which he now dwells with his family. In 1868 he married May Lord, a native of New York ; her father, Lewis Lord, was a native of Massachusetts, and his wife Jane, of New York. Their children were born as below: Emma J., January 2, 1870; Lefti, February 19, 1873 ; Alonzo, July 28, 1876 ; George, August 3, 1878. Mr. Preble served a short time as a recruit in the 1st

Samuel H. Doane was born in Jeiferson county, New York, on August 18, 1816. His parents were farmers, and Samuel's early years and youth were spent on a farm. In 1843 he, in company with his brother Daniel, went to Eockland county, in the same state, and worked as farm hands for one of the old German farmers of that vicinity. They remained with him for several years, and induced him to lay aside the old-fashioned one-handled plow and woodentooth harrow, with which he had cultivated his land, after the manner of his parents. In the fall of 1856 Samuel came to Highland township. He labored among farmers for many years, and drew the lumber for the first hotel ever erected in Plainview. He now resides with his brother Daniel, on the latter's farm, which adjoins his own snug little place of forty acres on section 33.

KoBEET M. DoANE was born near Adams Village, Jeflferson county, Xew York, JSTovember 8, 1823. His parents were farmers, and Robert's early life was spent on a farm. At the age of sixteen he found himself possessed of a fair education, obtained in the common schools, and the school at Watertown, New York, which he attended one year. When sixteen years old he was employed by Mr. S. P. Johnson, a wealthy drover of Clayton, New York, as a stock-buyer. Two years later he entered the employment of E. G. Merrick, another prominent business man of Clayton, and continued in his service most of the time as a sailor on the lakes until the year 1853. May 8, 1849, he married Jennette Marshall, who was born in Lisbon, St. Lawi-ence county, New York, May 8, 1823. In 1856 they came to Minnesota, and settled on section 33 in Highland township. Mr. and Mrs. Doane have three children, viz: Mrs. Ettie Moore, of Castleton, Dakota ; Daniel W. and Frederick H. , residing at home. Mr. Doane is a member of the Congregational church, a republican in politics, and has held various positions of public trust, being one of the first board of supervisors in Highland township.

LA-ftTJENCE Tract, farmer, is a native of County Wicklow, L-eland, where he was born January 6, 1822. He was secondof six children born to James and Elizabeth Byrne Tracy, who died in their native land. Previous to his coming to this country (1816) the subject of our sketch spent five years as engineer, and for four years followed that business in Pennsylvania. January 13, 1849, he wedded Ann Foley, of Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania. This marriage has heen blessed with nine children, six of whom are living : Mrs. Veronica McGinn, of Minneapolis ; James A. ; Mrs. Ann McGinn, of Minneapolis ; Ellen, a teacher of this county ; Mrs. Elizabeth Fox ; Maiy F. From Pennsylvania Mr. Tracy went, in 1850, to the copper mines of northern Michigan, where he mined until 1856, when he settled in the town of Pell (now Oakwood), Wabasha county, being one of the early pioneers of that part of the county. In the fall of 1858 he moved to "West Albany, where he has since lived. He and his wife are members of the Catholic church. In politics he is independent, supporting the men and pritK'iples of which his judgment approves. He has been often called to the public service, being a member of the first county board of supervisors ; later was township treasurer four years, and for sixteen years has held the office of assessor. He is a man of intelligence, has at times contributed to the local papers, and is one of the leading citizens of the community.

Capt. John W. Buenham was born in the year 1829, in the State of New Hampshire, and grew up with the usual experiences of a farmer's son in moderate circumstances of that time. His grandfather, of same name, was an officer during the entire revolutionary war and a member of the Society of the Cincinnati. Capt. Burnham is by birthright entitled to membership of this society, but has never claimed the right. After some yeai'S of adult life spent as a farmer, teacher and lumberman, he came to Minnesota in April, 1856, and located by buying for two hundred dollars a settler's claim to the N.W. I of Sec. 3, T. 108 N., Ft. 11 W., land now owned by E. L. Burton and S. H. Gaylord. At the election following in October, 1856, he was elected justice of the peace, and as such held the first court, married the first couple, and approved the bonds of the first postmaster upon Greenwood prairie. For a short time he was engaged in the mercantile business at Greenville, the first town laid out on the prairie ; but the uncertain title of land upon the Sioux half-breed reservation, destroyed the town and sent the occupants to their claims. After much trouble, expense and anxiety, Capt. Burnham secured a title to eighty acres of land, which he had improved by paying four dollars and fifty cents per acre for it. In 1862 he made proof by pre-emption upon one hundred and sixty acres adjoining, which cost ninety dollars, money paid for a soldier's land warrant. In 1858 he was elected a member of the state legis- lature. This body did not convene, and in 1859 lie was re-elected. The following session continued for four months. The finances of the state and the jjeople was at a low ebb. The pay of a member would not procure him board at a first-class hotel in St. Paul. In 1S61 Capt. Burnham was joined with I. O. Seeley, of Mazeppa, and Lawi'ence Traeey, of West Albany, into a board of appraisers of the school lands in the county. In August, 1S62, he enlisted in the arm}', after the call of three hundred thousand men by President Lincoln, and was made a sergeant in Co. C, 10th Inf., commanded by Capt. C. W. Hackett. He with the company were mounted and in service on the Minnesota frontier till February, 1863, when they went into winter quarters at LeSueur till May following. From May to October, 1863, the subject of this sketch was with his company in Sibley's expedition in Dakota, which marched thirteen hundred miles, fought four battles with Indians, and suifered much from hunger, thirst and fatigue. This expedition went north to Devil's lake, and west to the site of Bismarck, present capital of Dakota. In October, 1863, the regiment was sent to St. Louis, Missouri, on duty in the city. In May, 1864, it was sent into Kentucky and thence to Tennessee and Mississippi. Here,for the first time, Mr. Burnham was unable to do soldier's duty from ill health. July 25, 1864, he was commissioned lieutenant in Co. D, 121st U. S. Colored Inf. and was sent on recruiting service into Kentucky and there kept till June, 1865, when this regiment was consolidated with others into 13th regt. U. S. Heavy Art. (colored), Lieut. Burnham being assigned to Co. I. His health being very poor he obtained leave of absence and visited home. While away he was assigned temporarily for duty in 125th TJ. S. Colored Inf., then on duty at the military prison at Louisville, Kentucky. He was immediately recommended for commission in that regiment, and on the day his appointment came - the 13th U. S. Heavy Art. (colored) was being mustered out of service at Louisville - Lieut. Burnham was put in command of a company (H), and in six weeks was promoted. Not long after, Co. H was sent to Jackson. Michigan, for a time, but about New Tear's, 1866, tiie whole regiment was rendezvoused at Cairo, Illinois, where it remained till spring, when it was ordered to Fort Union, New Mexico, by steamboat to Leavenworth, Kansas, and from thence marched. From Fort Union, Cos. H and G marched five hundred miles more to Fort Bliss, Texas, where they remained a year, marching back iu September and October, 1867, over nearly the same route, to Ellsworth, Kansas, the nearest railroad station. From here they traveled by rail to Jefferson Barracks, where the}' intended to await the rest of the regiment ; but the cholera broke out among them, and several died. The rest were mustered out at once, and the remainder of the regiment December 31, 1867, the last volunteer regiment enlisted for the war. Capt. Burnham returned to Plainview, where he still -owned his farm, bought more land and settled in the town of Highland, where he lived eight years. He was three years chairman of the town board of supervisors, and once the unsuccessful republican candidate for state senator. In 1877 he sold his farm in Highland and moved to Plainview, where he lived till October, 1878, when he moved to Wheatland, Cass county, Dakota, where he has since resided. Capt. Burnham was married in 1866, to Ada J. Lawrence, daughter of Benjamin Lawrence, an older settler of Greenwood prairie than himself, and has four children, - one born at Fort Bliss, Texas, two in Highland and one in Plainview. After his marriage his wife accompanied him, and had a share in military life upon the frontier. Capt. Burnham draws no pension, although probably entitled to one, for the exposure and hardships of five years and three months' military service are enough to break down the strongest man.

George H. Burnham, a native of Xew Hampshire, was born May 20, 1837, in the town of Derry, Rockingham county. His parents were George and Eliza (McNeil) Burnham, both natives of the Old Granite State. In 1869 Robert H. Burnham, of Long Meadow, Massachusetts, compiled and published the genealogy of the Burnham family in the United States. The work contains five hundred and forty-six pages, and shows the family to be a very large one. Maj. John Burnham, of the revolutionary army, was a grandfather of the subject of this sketch. George H. Burnham's early life was passed on a farm. In 1856 his brothers, John and "William, came to Minnesota, and the following j-ear George joined them in their pioneer life. He pre-empted that year one hundred and sixty acres on section 17, where he built the customary log cabin, and continued to reside for seven years. In 1864 he sold his pre-emption, and two years later purchased from Mr. Woodward a quarter-section on section 33, where he now has his home. March 3, 1862, he was married to Mary E. Gaylord, a native of Gainesville, New. York. Her parents, Elijah and Huldah (Alvord) Gaylord, were also natives of

New York State. The following are the names of their children now living, viz: George M., born August 17, 186i ; Frank A. (surviving twin). May 21-, 1868 ; William H., July 19, 1871 ; Mary E., July 4, 187-t ; Maggie, April i, 1876 ; John S., November 25, 1878; Charles A. G., November 1, 18S0 ; Elsie I., December 8, 1882. Mr. Burnham has a fair education; attended the Derry Academy, New Hampshire, five terms ; is a member of the Plainview Congregational church, and a republican sprung from the old whig stock.

Adam V. Sigler, capitalist, Lake City, is the ninth child of Adam and Jemima (Van Horn) Sigler. The latter were born in New Jersey, of Dutch descent, and settled in Decatur, Mifflin county, Pennsylvania. Here was born the subject of this sketch, August 20, 181-4, and four children were given to his parents after that. Adam V. Sigler received a limited education in the common schools of Decatur, and began mercantile life at eighteen in a store at Lewistown, in his native county. In 1836 he went into business in partnership with George Patton (elsewhere sketched in this work), at Allenville, same county. After the retirement of his partner, Mr. Sigler continued the business eight years there, and two at Lewistown. Early in the spring of 1856 he became a resident of Lake City, and invested his capital in lots and buildings, which have yielded him a handsome income. His retirement from active life dates at this time, and he is now passing a hale and peaceful old age in the midst of long-time friends and associates. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, and was connected with the Sons of Temperance while a lodge existed here. Politically, began with the whig party and is now republican. In December, 1860, Mr. Sigler took a lifepartner in the person of Miss Matilda E. Guyer, born in Peoria, Illinois. Of six children born to this couple, only one is now alive, born ten years ago, and christened Williani Wilberforce. Two died of scarlet fever, within a space of ten days.

Albert K. Gaylord, Lake City marshal, was reared on a tarm in New York, and received a common-school education, supplemented by several terms at Falley Seminary, in Fulton, same state. His parents. Miner and Elizabeth (Burr) Gaylord, were born, reared and married in Connecticut, and removed to New York. While resident in the town of Butternuts, Otsego county, 1831, a sou was born to them, and christened Albert K. When twenty years old the latter left home, and went to Brooklyn, Jackson county, Michigan, where he was employed in a foundry and maclune-sbop. In the fall of 1S56 he came to Lake City, and next spring brought his famil_y. He built the building known for many years as "Gaylord's Hall," whicii was consumed in 1882, and opened the first furniture store here. He also sold various kinds of agricultural implements, manufactured by his former employers. For some years he was employed at cai'penter work, and in the foundry here. For three years he owned and operated the mill in the "Cooley," south of the city, in partnership with D. M. Smith. He served as marshal in the years 1874-5-6, and was appointed to fill a vacancy in that office in October, 188], holding the position ever since. He was a charter member and first past dictator of the Lake City Knights of Honor, and was also connected with the Good Templars lodge while it existed ; has taken all the degrees in Odd-Fellowship, and is connected with the Masonic lodge and chapter. Mary A. Bancroft, first wife of A. K. Gaylord, was born in New York, and died here in September, 1868, leaving two children, of whom one survives, born March, 1868, and christened Mary E. The maternal grandparents of the latter were of New England birth. In October, 1877, Mr. Gaj'lord was united in marriage to Solura I., widow of Elias Sweet, and she still shares his joys and sorrows.

Joseph Hammons, retired farmer, Zumbro, located in this township in the fall of 1856, making claim to one-fourth of section 33. Here he took great pains in trying to raise fruit, but with little success. He has disposed of his original claim, and now has one hundred and twenty acres in the river valley, including all that part of the village of Hammond south of the river, whicli was platted by Mr. Hammons. For twelve years he kept a grocery here, during six months of which time he was compelled to use crutches on account of sciatic rheumatism. He has given some attention to medicine,- and never emploj'ed a physician. He makes a cough remedy which is sought from far and near on account of its admirable power. Mr. Hammons was born in Osby, New Hampshire, March 28, 1816. The name is probably of French origin. Moses, father of this subject, was born in Maine, and served as a captain in the war of 1812. He married Dorothy Longee, of the same state. When Joseph was but four years old his parents returned to Maine, and his early life was passed in farming and lumbering, earning his own livelihood from a very early age. At nineteen he jjaid his father two hundred dollars for his time, and went to New York and found employment in a flourmill. After this time he got some education by private study and in night-schools. At the age of thirty he married Sabra Ridlon, who was born in Saco, Maine, April 15, 1826. Her parents were Nathanial and Mercy (Smith) Ridlon, born in the same state. But one child has been given to this union, a daughter, born January 29, 1849, and christeTied Victoria. March 19, 1870, she married Eugene Adams, and resides in this township. Mr. Hammons served twelve years as justice of the peace in this township. His political tenets are represented by the old whig party and its successor, the republican. His religious views artmost nearly represented by the Universalists.

Edwaed p. C. Fowlee, farmer, is one of the oldest settlers left in the township. He was born November 5, ISIS, in New London county, Connecticut, and is of remote English ancestry. His parents were Amos and Lydia Backus-Fowler, both natives of Connecticut. Edward was raised on the farnj, and on attaining his majority learned the carpenter's trade, following it there until 1S56, when he located in Mount Pleasant, on the farm he now occupies. He was married September 9, 18i2, in New London county, Connecticut, to Betsy Thomas of that county. To this union has been born six children, viz: John C, Nelson L. (deceased), William T. (deceased), Mrs. Lydia E. Kobinson, of Lyon county. Charles S. and Edward P. C. During his residence here Mr. Fowler has divided his time between his land and his trade, and has a fine farm of two hundred and forty acres. Mrs. Fowler departed this life May 30, 1SS3. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, as is Mr. Fowler, and he belonged to the Grange and the Good Templar lodge, when those societies wei'e in existence in the township. He is a republican, and was the first clerk of the township. He since has been called to the public service at different times, having filled the ofiices of justice of the peace, treasurer, assessor, etc.

EoLAND Feazier Maxwell, retired farmer, is descended from Scotch ancestors. His grandfather, Benjamin Maxwell, was at the battle of Lexington, and served the colonies throughout the revolutionary war. Winslow, son of Benjamin, was born in Massachusetts, and married Joannah Fairman, a native of Vermont. For many years he tilled a fai-m in Heath, Franklin county, in the Bay State, where the subject of this sketch was born, June 11, 1S29. TVhen he was twelve years old, his father removed to Sunderland, and operated a foundry. Frazier Maxwell attended the common schools till eighteen years old, when he took up painting, and followed that occupation till he came west in 1856. At this time he took up a claim one mile southwest of Mazeppa, and tilled it nine years. Pie then sold this and bought one hundred and twenty acres lying on sections 19 and 30, Mazeppa, which he now owns. In 1878 he built the fine residence which he occupies, on Cherry street, Mazeppa, at a cost of two thousand five hundred dollars, and has occupied it ever since. He is now president of the village council, and was several years a member of the town board - part of the time chairman. To his entei-prise and public spirit is largely due the present thriving condition of our village and surroundings. Mr. Maxwell is orthodox on religious questions, and is so regarded by the republicans politically. His marriage took place at Oronoco, May 2, 1868, the bride and subsequent faithful helpmeet being Miss Lottie A. Gould, who was born in Atkinson, Maine. Her parents, Otis K. and Charlotte (Brown) Gould, were natives of the same state. The eldest child of Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell, christened Gertrude, is still with them. Two sons, Frederick and Charles, died - the former at six and latter at two years of age.