Wabasha County, Minnesota - Chapter 93: Early Settlkrs, 1884 (part 2 of 2)

L. TowNSEND, dental surgeon ; office corner Main and Alleghaney streets, upstairs. Business established in this city in 1865, in an office across the street, and removed to present location in 1883. Dr. Townsend is a native of Plattsbui'g, New York ; studied for his profession in the office of Bigsby & Howard, in his native place, and concluding his preparatory studies, established himself in practice there in 1859, removing to this city i.n 1865, and establishing a practice here which has been increasingly successful for a period of eighteen years. The doctor was married in 1848, to Miss May Reynolds. They have one child, E. L. Townsend, who studied for his profession in his father's office ; at nineteen years of age commenced practice in Lake City ; continued there for live years, then went to Philadelphia, taking a partial course in medicine in Jefferson Medical College and a full course in dental surgery at Pennsylvania College, graduating B.D.S. in 1877, and returned to Lake City ; resumed practice until the fall of 1880, when, his health failing him, he discontinued office work for two years. Returning to Wabasha in 1883, he spent the following winter in the home office, and in the summer of 1883 took a trip into California to test the effect of that climate upon his health. Dr. L. Townsend, during the eighteen years of his practice in this city, has fitted five young men for the dental profession, besides a number of others wlio have taken only a partial course. P. H. Robinson, who is now the doctor's assistant, has just completed his studies in the office here, and taken a working interest in its business. It is his intention to take a full course in dental surgery by way of completing his preparation. Dr. Townsend, in

March, 1882, pnrcliased a tract of forty acres of land witliin the corporate limits of the city, on the south, wliich lie was converting into a fruit farm, when, July 19, 1883, one of the most terrific storms of wind and rain, accompanied by lightning, that ever visited this region broke over the city. A bolt of lightning came crashing through the roof of the doctor's house, at the southwest corner, passing clean through to the basement, and fii'ing the house all along its passage. The shock partially stunned the doctor and his wife, and they were onl}' fullj' aroused by the light from their burning dwelling in time to effect their escape with the loss of home and contents.

John H. Lewis, plumber and dealer in pumj^s ; shop on Second street, just west of Pembroke. This business has been established in this city since 1870, and employs from two to four persons. Mr. Lewis was born in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, Jfovember 5, 1825 ; bred to the tin and coppersmith's trade, at which he spent his time working in his native state and in Ohio until 1856, when he came to this section of the northwest, and settled at Xorth Pepin in Wisconsin. Remaining there three years, he removed to Wabasha in 1859, and, with the exception of two years spent in the western part of the county, this city has- since been his home. Mr. Lewis was in the service of the United States during the late war as a private in the 1st Minn. Heavy Art. In 1870, continued confinement at the tinner's bench having rendered outdoor work a necessity, lie took up his present business, and has now prosecuted it thirteen years. Mr. Lewis was married September 21, 1848, at Zanesville, Ohio, to Elizabeth, daughter of Rev. James Gurley, of the North Ohio conference of the Methodist Episcopal church. Their children are : Lucy, Arthur, Ida, ]\Iarshall, Clara.

S. HiESCHY & Sox, general merchants, Herschy's Block, corner Main and Pembroke streets. This business, established April 1, 1882, occupies the corner storeroom of the block, which was erected by S. Hirschy in 1874. The block fronts fifty feet on Main street and one hundred and ten feet on Pembroke. It is a substantial two-story and basement brick and stone structure, the side walls of the first seventy feet along Pembroke street rising forty-six feet above the water-table. The second story of this portion of the block is finished and furnished as a public hall. This hall is 50x70 feet, and has a seating capacity of five hundred, the ceilings being twenty-one feet between joists. The storeroom occupied by Hirschy & Son fronts tweuty-five feet on Main street, seventy feet on Pembroke, with entrances on both. They carry a full stock of general merchandise, employ live clerks, and keep one wagon for the delivery of goods. The business of the firm is managed by C. C. Hirscliy, the " Son " ot the firm. C. C. Hirschy was born in this city March 20, 1859 ; was educated here and in St. Paul, finishing his course in the business college in that city in 1S80. He then entered the engineer department uf tlio St. Paul it Manitoba railway, and was there until the fall of 18S2, when he returned to this city and assumed charge of the business he is now so successfully managing.

Samuel Hirschy, agriculturist and dealer in real estate, and senior member of tlie firm of Hirschy & Son, is a native of Canton Vaud, Switzerland. After leaving school, in liis seventeenth year, he was bred a tanner, served a term in the army, and at twenty-four years of age came to America and settled in Dayton, Ohio, in 1852. Worked at his trade in that city five years, during which time he married Miss Margaret Felker, and then in 1857 removed to Wabasha. Here he invested his means in a tract of timbered land, oak, intending to engage in tanning business. The oak-bark was found utterly useless for that purpose, and for some years he was engaged in cutting and hauling wood, and such other work as he could find profitable. In 1863 he commenced moving buildings, and finding that business profitable, followed it until 1874-, when, his health broken by hard labor, he returned to Europe, and spent five months traveling over the continent and the British islands. In 1870 he bought the property on which he now resides, a tract of seventy acres in the southeast quarter of the city, which he is rapidly converting into a fruit farm. June 7, 1882, liis dwelling was destroyed by fire, and he has since erected the comfortable home the family now occupy. A substantial frame, two stories in height, solid stone foundations, full basement, 28x36 feet, with an addition 16x2ifeet, one story high. Mr. liirschy has devoted some attention to the raising of blooded Jersey cattle, of which he has twelve head thoroughbred, besides some other grades. He is also quite a successful bee-cnlturist ; has thirty-eight stands in a flourishing condition, and is now building a winter storeroom of stone capable ot holding one hundred hives. His grapes, of which he has about fifteen hundred vines in bearing, are in good thrifty condition, as are also his fruit-trees and strawberrj-vines. His eldest son, Louis, born in Ohio, is now farming in the southwestern portion of the state. C. C, as before mentioned, was born in this city, and tlie remaining child, a daughter - now at home - Clara, was born on the home place December 17, 1870.

Samuel, son of John and Jane Robinson, was born in Ballymana, Ireland, in 1828. He was raised on the farm, and received a common school education. In 1847 he came to Sullivan county, New York, where he remained till 1S57, when he removed to Will counts', Illinois, and in 1859 he came to this township, settling on section 36. He owns ninety acres of land. In polities he is a thorough democrat. He married Elizabeth Bailey, her ])arents being natives of Ireland. They have five children : Andrew, Thomas, John, Eobert and Phebe.

Henry C. Brant, son of Adam and Rebecca Brant, was boi*n February 4, 182-i. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, and his mother of Virginia. He is a native of Ohio. He was educated at the common schools, and his youth was spent mostly on the farm. In the fall of 1857 he came to Fillmore county, this state, remaining there till 1859 ; then came to this county, settling in Gillford township, pursuing farming till 1877, when he removed to

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Ohio, and after five years came to this township (Zumbro), settling on section 25. He has twenty acres of land. During the winter of 1864 he enlisted in the 8th Minn., and accompanied Gen. Sully on his Indian expedition to the Yellowstone river. The next fall he was mustered out at St. Paul. He has been justice of the piece, town clerk, assessor, town treasurer, etc., for several years oft' and on. In politics he is republican, but not radical. He married Calista Martin, her parents are natives of New Jersey. Their living children are : Edgar F. and Louisa A., Chai-les being deceased.

Chaeles Early, Chester, was born inKiltabrid, County Leitr m, Ireland, August 15, 1826, and was reared on a farm there, attending a common school till fifteen years old. In November, 1852, he landed in New York city, where he remained till June, 1856. He then went to Whiteside county, Illinois, and came thence to Chester in April, 1859. He entered the northeast quarter of section 10 as a homestead, and has dwelt thereon ever since, and has since acquired by purchase one-fourth of section 16. Mr. Early is reckoned among our most intelligent and progi'essive citizens. He is a member of Belle Chester Roman Catholic church, and a democrat. He was married in New York, January 7, 1855, to Jane Darcy, who was born in the same parish as himself They have lost five children, and now have one son, born November 25, 1862, and christened Charles Edward.

Enos B. Rai-mond, grain-buyer, was born in Orwell, Vermont, January 28, 1836. His grandfather, Joseph Raymond, was the first settler in the town of AVarren, Vermont ; was the son of a revolutionary soldier. Ira, son of Joseph Raymond, married Laura Martin and settled on a farm in Orwell. The subject of this sketch was reared here. His education was completed at Brandon Academy. At eighteen he set out for the boundless west. After spending a winter at Omro, Wisconsin, he started with some landowners for a trip through Iowa. After reaching the latter state he changed his mind and took the stage for St. Paul. Thence he made his way to Stillwater, and engaged as clerk in a store, remaining three years. He then sjjent two years at Lake City, buying wheat for Van Kirk & McGeogh. After traveling ten years for a Milwaukee wholesale grocery house, he returned to Minnesota, and dwelt at Lake City and Mazeppa. Since 1877 he has remained in the latter place, buying grain for P. Robinson. In August, 1866, he was married here to Miss Cornelia L., daughter of Frederick Ormsby. Mrs. Eaymond was born in Long Grove, Cook county, Illinois. They have one son, Charles Eddy, born April S, 1872. Mr. Eaymond is an enthusiastic democrat. He has never taken any active part in public affairs, although he is active in fostering schools and the general welfare. While not a member of any sect, he is a believer in divine authority.

O. P. Caheuth, farmer, was born in Jefferson county, New Tork, September S, 1829. He was one of eight children born to William and Eleanor Patter son-Carruth, natives of Springfield, Massachusetts, and Fort Anne, New York, respectively. The subject of our sketch was raised in Jefferson county, and when twenty-one years of age he went to Auburn, New York, where he spent six years in a boot and shoe establishment. October 27, 1859, he was married to Mary Veeder, a native of that county, and a daughter to Dr. Veeder, one of the old residents of this township. Immediately after his marriage he located on his present farm in Mount Pleasant. His wife died March 19, 1879. She was the mother of four children, two of whom are living: Fred. H., who is running a flourishing newspaper at Estilline, Dakota, and Ellen B. January 3, 1880, he wedded Sarah L. Eastman-Gorton, of Athens, Vermont. Mr. Carruth is a member of Lake City lodge. No. 22, I.O.O.F. In politics he is republican, and since 1876 has been chairman of the board of supervisors.

Heney S. Smith, farmer, is a grandson of Joel Smith, who served in the colonial army during the revolution. Asaph, son of Joel Smith, was born in Vermont, and married a native of the same state, viz : Miss Abigail Couch. This couple dwelt on a farm in Poultney, Rutland county, Vermont, where was born on March 14, 1824, the person whose name heads this sketch. The latter was reared on this farm, and was a pupil in the common school adjacent. Arriving at maturity, he settled down on a farm of his own. In 1853 he married Jane S. Franklin, sister of G. B. Franklin, elsewhere mentioned. In 1859 he removed to this county, and settled on the farm he now occupies. The homestead of one hundred and sixty acres lies on section 32, Chester, and twelve acres of timber near by, on section 30. One hundred acres of this is now under the plow, and almost wholly tilled by its owner's individual labor. Mr. Smith is a hard worker, although his right hand is crippled. This is the effect of an attack of black erysipelas, which he suffered in 1875.

His eyesight was also injured by this malady. The firstborn of tliis family, christened Charley, died when eight months old. The next, Volney L., was born May 30, 1856, and is now keeping books at Red "Wing ; Altie A., 1861, married George Westphall, and resides in Mazeppa; Minnie H., telegraph operator on Midland railway.

Nelson B. Smith, farmer, has dwelt since the spring of 1856 on section 29, Chester, where he has four hundred and forty acres of land ; his real property also includes twenty acres on section 30. His father. Squire Van Smith, was a native ot Connecticut, and married Charlotte Ann Glover, of the same state. After serving in the war of 1812, he settled on a farm in Brooktield, Fairfield county, where was born the subject of this sketch, January 17, 1823. He was reared on the farm there, and completed his education by attending Newtown Academy one term. After teaching school four terms in Connecticut, he removed to New York in 1846, and taught one term there. During this year he met and won for his wife Miss Margery A. Mix, a native of that state. Next year he bought and began tilling a farm there. In the summer of 1855 he visited Minnesota, and selected a claim south of Mazeppa. Returning to New Toi-k, his claim was "jumped,'' so when he came on with his family next spring he settled on his present location. He has always been a republican ; has been assessor two terms and collector one. He is not a believer in the gospel as now taught by any sect. In January, 1862, Mr. Smith enlisted in the 2d independent company of U. S. Sharpshooters, and was with the army of the Potomac from that time till the close of the war. The only engagements he missed were those of the first Bull's Run and Ball's Bluff. He was never in ambulance or in hospital. The only wound he received was in his haversack, a ball piercing a can of meat that was to serve as his rations. Tims his stomach was affected. In Februai-y, 1864, he re-enlisted, and received one month's furlough. Mr. Smith was robbed of his life partner by death on May 4, 1881. Their two children still reside with the father. Joseph Ladelle, born in January, 1850, is unmarried. Lottie Ann, born June, 1857, married John McCabe, who assists in tilling the farm.

Henry Roff, farmer. Lake City, was born May 26, 1828, in Yates county. New York, and is the ninth child of Henry and Clementine (Brown) Roff, who became the parents of eleven children. In 1837 they removed to Crawford county, Pennsylvania, where the father died in 1841 and the mother in 1845. The early youth of our subject was spent on the farm, where he enjoyed but a limited means of gaining an education. He was married in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, September 28, 1852, to Miss Clarrisa Hotchkiss, a native of Crawford county, Pennsylvania, born January 28, 1S37. Early in the spring of 1856 Mr. Roif decided to seek on the fertile prairies of Minnesota a better reward for his labor and investment than the sterile soil of the east then yielded, and at the same time secure for himself a home in a state where land in value was within his reach. He came by railroad to Chicago, bringing with him his team and wagon ; at that point he loaded his effects, with his wife and two children, in the wagon and drove through to Olmsted county, Minnesota, three hundred and fifty miles, arriving there in May. He at once pre-empted a quarter-section of government land in Ej'ota township, on which he made final proof and paid for the same fall. Fearing the severity of a Minnesota winter on the prairie, he i-emoved to Winona late in the fall, where he put in a profitable winter in the wood business, notwithstanding the deep snow and intense cold witnessed here during the winter of 1857. The next spring he concluded not to return to his farm, but came to Lake City, landing here on May 1. The next day he began to build a house, into which he moved six days later. That spring he started in the butcher business, opening the first meat-mai-ket in Lake City. In 1864: he sold out the market, and with his family went to Montana, where he' engaged in mining two years, and again ]-eturned to Lake City a wiser if not a richer man. Butchering was again resumed and followed till 1876, when, on account of liis own and his daughter's ill health, he sold out his entire business and took his family to New Mexico. On his return to Lake City lie purchased a small f\irm near the city limits. and engaged in farming. In the spring of 1880 he bought a farm of two hundred and forty in Gilford township, on which his son now resides. He is a member of the three Masonic orders of this city. His children's names in the order of their birth are : Ellen, now Mrs. Frank Bouton ; Henry L., on the farm ; Mary L., wife of Henry Nelson, of Red Wing ; Clara B., Minnie C. and Julia.

William A. Helt (deceased) was a son of Lewis and Elizabeth Helt, of German and American birth respectively. He was born in the city of Philadelphia March 30, 1832, and was reared there, receiving a good education. When eighteen years old he began an apprenticeship at fine shoemaking. For several years he kept a ladies' custom shop in Philadelphia, where he was married April 2,

Eakly Settleks

1854, to Miss Jane W. , daughter of Kobert Clifford, elsewhere mentioned in this volume. In 1857 this couple came to Lake City, and returned to Philadelphia two years later. Here Mr. Helt joined the Cnited States army, in 1863, in Co. G, llSth Penn. Vols. The principal engagement in which he took part was that of Antietam. He was sometime confined by illness in hospital, and himself took charge for several months of a smallpox hospital. He was discharged in September, 1865, and returned to Lake City, whither his wife had preceded him. The hardships and sickness endured in the army sowed the seeds of disease in his constitution, and from its effects he was forced to give up the ghost November 22, 1880. The only child given him, a daughter, christened Pebecka Jane, preceded him to the other shore October 19, 1876. He was able to do little after the close of the war, on account of physical disability, and but for a pension from a generous government his widow would be but illy provided for. Mrs. Helt is blessed with considerable poetic genius, and has contributed many valuable productions to the local press. Both these people were always communicants in the Methodist church of Lake City.

Daniel Metzgae, farmer. Cook's Valley, is a great-grandson of Geoi-ge Metzgar, who emigrated from Holland to Pennsylvania before the revolution. George, son of the latter, was reared and died in the same locality. His son, Jonas, served in the war of 1812; married Mary Merwine, and dwelt on a farm in Hamilton, Nortliampton county, Pennsylvania. Here was born the person whose name begins this paragraph, November 8, 1822. He was reared on a farm in Cayuga and Tompkins counties, New York. Besides attending the excellent common schools of that region, he spent two terms in Groton Academy. He engaged in teaching two years, and afterward spent two years in a Florida sawmill. Returning to New York he engaged in farming. February 19, 1852, he was married to Mary J. Albertson, who was born in Smithfield, Pennsylvania. Her parents were John and Mary (Cregg) Albertson, natives of New Jersey. In 1857 he took up his present residence, on section 30, Greenfield, and became a fixture of the town, and a worthy citizen. He became postmaster at Cook's Valley when that office was established in 1859, and held the ofiice three years, thus demonstrating democratic appreciation of republican talent and integrity. Mr. Metzgar's first ballot was for abolition of slavery, and he has ever since adhered to the principles espoused by republicans. He was tliree times elected chairman of tlie town board of su]3ervisors, and served a term as assessor. He is a believer in the final holiness and happiness of all mankind. On October 28, 1862, death took away the faithful sharer of his cares and delights. Mrs. Metzgar was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and her place has never been filled. Five children survive her, all residents of this town. Their names in order of birth are: William A., Mary A. (wife of J. G. Kose), Sarah A. (William J. Rose), Ida May and Fannie Jane.

Chaeles Foerest (deceased) was among those who came to Wabasha in an early day. He was born at Peter Head, a city in the north of Scotland, April 2i, 1835. In early life he entered upon an apprenticeship to the trade of boot and shoe maker, serving the usual time. In 1856 he left the land of his birth and the home of his childhood, with all the ties of kindred and friends, and the dearest of all, the one who was to be his bosom fi-iend and companion through life, and after a few uneventful weeks on the ocean, and a year spent at his trade in Montreal, Canada, he landed from a river steamer at Wabasha, Minnesota, late in the summer of 1857. There he decided to stay and make a strike for a home, entering at once upon the business of his trade, which he prosecuted with vigor nearly four years, when, notwithstanding the financial embarrassment following the crisis of 1857, and the prevailing diseases incident to those who were then living on the Mississippi bottoms, in both of which Mr. Forrest suffered severely, Jie had secured the means not only to send for the one above referred to, but also to provide for her on her arrival, a rude, though happy home. She reached Wabasha on the evening of A])ril 22, 1861, and the next day Charles Forrest and Margaret Tough were united in marriage. She is a native of Aberdeen, Scotland, and was born May 31, 1834. They at once repaired to a farm he had previously bought in West Albany township, and built a small frame house, the first erected in that settlement. Mrs. Forrest now declares that the succeeding years were the happiest of her life. The pioneers had but little, and, being all on an equahty, shared cheerfully with each other, even to a cup of salt. Some years later Mr. Forrest came to Lake City, and, after selling his farm, built a store and embarked in merchandising in the boot and shoe line, conducting the business till the time of his death, May 21, 1879. Though he left no fortune to his family, he left them with a home and the heritage of an imsullied name. He was a deacon in the Baptist church, and consistent, pious Christian gentleman. His widow and one son are also members of the Baptist church. His children, who are all residing with their mother in Lake City, are James, Charles G., Jennette H., Maggie J., Jennie E., William W. and Katie E., and enjoy the esteem and respect of their fellow citizens.

Thomas Heath Megeoth, Lake City, was born at Hallowell, on the Kennebec river, in the State of Maine, in 1S08. His father, John Megroth, was a native of Needham, Massachusetts, and died of camp fever in the war of 1812. His mother, Elizabeth (Heath) Megroth, was a native of Southampton, England, who came to America in early life and died at a good old age in West Manchester, Massachusetts. The first fifteen years of our subject's early life was spent on a farm, after which he began an apprenticeship to the hatter's trade. This, however, was not congenial to his health, and after two years' trial was abandoned and his attention turned to the carpenter's trade. This he found suited to his taste and made it his life business. In 1849 a trip to California was decided upon, and in April of that year he, with a party of twenty-five, left Boston for the "golden gate." They went vi» the river route from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Independence, Missouri, where they fitted out with teams and wagons. On reaching Salt Lake City they tarried fifteen days for the purpose of recuperation, as well as preparing for the remaining nine hundred miles' trip before them. This was done by selling their wagons and packing their outfit, provisions, etc., on the backs of mules. In this way the journey was resumed and its end finally i-eached. Tlie most part of seven years was spent by Mr. Megroth engaged in mining and working at his trade on the Pacific slope, though severe sickness compelled him to make a trip to the Sandwich Islands, and to this alone he now owes his life. In 1856 he returned, -via the isthmus, to the bosom of his family, in Maine, with a large supply of experience and a good portion of the precious metal. The following April, 1857, he emigrated with his family to Minnesota and settled permanently in Lake City, and has since then devoted himself to his trade. He was married in 1835, to Miss Elizabeth N. Freeman, who is also a native of the State of Maine. She has shared his joys and sorrows for almost half a century, at this writing, February 26, 1884-, and is now his constant though feeble companion down the shadowy side of life. To them were born two sons, Edward J., now enjoying a good property and unblemished reputation in tliis city, and Thomas Wesley, who died very suddenly at Chicago, Illinois, while there attending college. Mr. and Mrs. Megroth have for many years been exemplary members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

John O'Brien, fjirmer and stock-raiser, Lake City. Mr. O'Brien .s but another illustration of what industry, pluck and perseverance will accomplish. He was born in St. Lawrence count}', Xew York, in 1837, and is a son of John and Jane O'Brien, both natives of Ireland, and, although of the same name, no relation. They were married in St. Lawrence county, New York, and there settled down on a farm and became the parents of nine children, eight of whom are still living, six near the old home and two in this county. The father died in ISSO, and the mother still resides on the old farm. Mr. O'Brien received a common school education as well as a thorough training in the principles of economy and thrift during his early youth on the farm. In the spring of 1857 he came to Lake City and at once went to work at his trade (that of mason), following it three years. He then bought a farm of one hundred and sixty acres of government land, in the township of Lake, was married the same year to Miss Hannah Mahony, and engaged in farming. After a ten years' residence on this farm he purchased a smaller one in Lake City and removed to town, where his wife died in February, 1S71. His second marriage was in July, 1871, to Mrs. Sarah Failing, formerly Miss Sarah Munger, a native of Syracuse, New York. He has six children living, whose names in the order of their birth are : Mary J., wife of John Steel, of La Crosse, Wisconsin ; J. Sylvester, M. Frank and James R., on the farm in Mount Pleasant, and Catharine B. by his former wife, and George A. by his present. Mr. O'Brien now owns, besides a small farm within the city limits, a fine farm of six hundred and twenty acres in Lake and Mount Pleasant townships. In religion they are of the Catholic faith. Politically he is independent, supporting the man rather than the party.

Alexander Selover, carpenter. Lake City, was born near the cit}' of Brunswick, New Jersey, March 27,' 1833. John Selover, his grandfather, entered the colonial army in the revolutionary war, was made a prisoner and confined six years on the prison ship Jersey, in New York bay. The family is descended from the early German settlers of New Jersey, and Lewis and Prudence (Obert) .Selover, parents of this subject, were born in that state. His life was spent on a farm till he was eighteen years old, when he went to his trade.

In the fall of 1856 he went to Illinois, where he spent the ensuing winter. Early in the next spring he set out for Minnesota, and landed at Read's April 17. He walked over the bluifs to this point and soon made a claim near Lone Mound, in Mount Pleasant township, as now known. This land he retained till 1S67, renting it a portion of the time. He then took up his permanent residence in Lake City, where he has a half-block and comfortable residence. His domain also includes eighty acres of land near the city in Wisconsin. Many of the best buildings in the country adjacent to the city are Mr. Selover's handiwork. In 1S64- he enlisted as a recruit in Co. A, 1st Heavy Art., which was stationed most of the time till the close of the war at Chattanooga. More fortunate than many, Mr. Selover's mess were able to purchase food during a forty days' stress, caused by a cuting oif of supplies, when most of the garrison was placed on quarter-rations. In 1862 Mr. Selover espoused Miss Ellen, daughter of Dr. Veeder, one of the pioneers of Mount Pleasant, all of New York birth. Three children have been added to the family. Louisa, the eldest, is now in her graduate year at the Winona Normal School ; Mary Dora and Frank Marshall are at home. Mr. Selover is a member of the Baptist church and a consistent temperance worker.

Peter Selover, carpenter, dates his birth November 10, 1830, at the same place as his brother, above. His early life was passed on his father's farm, and at seventeen years of age he was apprenticed to a carpenter and builder, whom he served three years. In 1857 lie went to Flatbush, Long Island, and participated in the construction of many buildings there. In 1859 he was united in wedlock to Euphemia Vincent, who died in 1866. Of her five children two are living, Mary L. , employed in Appleton's bookbindery at Williamsburg, New York, and Lewis Henry, at Clifton, Minnesota. Mr. Selover is connected with the Temple of Honor, the Congregational church, and the republican party. In October, 1868, he married Jennie Howard Duryea, who is the mother of six children, christened as follows, all at home : George H., Arthur W., Jennie H., Martha E., KateL. and Laura. In 1878 the family removed to Lake City, where the head has since been actively employed in building operations. A younger brother,

Henry Selover, superintendent of the Lake City flouring-mill, was born January 19, 1839, and came to Lake City in 1858. He began here as a clerk for H. F. Williamson, then conducting a large bi;siness here. In 1862 he enlisted in the Sth Minn. Vol. Inf.; was with his regiment till the close of the war. After his return from the army he engaged in the grain warehouse of Bessey, Kellog & Co. till 1872, when he took an interest in the Lake City mill. He was married in ISJi to Miss Emma Doughty, daughter of J. J. Doughty, and has three children, Edgar D., IS'elson R. and John A. Mr. Selover is a mason and a member of the A.O.U.W.

Lake City has an early religious history, the minister having preceded the city surveyor. Key. Silas Hazlett, from Oxford, Ohio, an ordained clergyman of the Presbyterian church, having landed on the ground from the steamer Galena, on its way to St. Paul, on April IS, 1856, remained over Sabbath, which was on the 20th, and preached to a congregation of some twelve persons, taking in about the entire population of the place at that time. The subject of the sermon was, " Christ offers salvation to all men on the ground of appropriating faith," John v, 40. Rev. Silas Hazlett was born in Mitflin county, Pennsylvania, on May 12, 1824. He was the son of "William and Ann Hazlett, who had eleven children. He was of Irish descent on the father's and Scotch on the mother's side, the grandparents on both sides emigrating, the one from the north of Ireland, the other, or the Wilsons, from Scotland. Both families settled in the Kishacoquiblaz valley, near the Juniata river, in Mifflin county, then a dense forest, where they devoted their lives to farming. The parents on the mother's side had educated two of their sons for the work of the gospel ministry, one of whom is still living here, Samuel Wilson, D.D., and it was the desire of the mother of S. Hazlett to continue the line of the covenant in her own branch of the family, and so gave two of her sons to the same work. John, the eldest of four sons, and Silas, the youngest, wore sent to Jefferson College, Pennsylvania, and the Presbyterian Theological Seminary at Pittsburgh, from which institutions they were both graduated. Silas was licensed to preach by the presbytery of Oxford and synod of Cincinnati in the year 1850, in the month of October, and was joined in marriage to Eliza Jane Patton by Rev. N. L. Rice, D.D., at Cincinnati, Ohio, on January 14, 1851, she being a member of said Rice's church. Shortly after his marriage Silas was called to supply the churches of Harmony and College Corner upon the resignation of John Scot, D.D., called to the presidency of the female college at Oxford. Over these churches he continued to preside until March 1, 1856. He had one child, who was born in Cincinnati, and is now the wife of J. B. McLean, of Lake City, son of Gen. McLean, of Frontenac. Mrs. Hazlett was a faithful helper to her husband, engaging heartily in all the work of the church ; but her health was long feeble, and on March 3, 1865, she was called from a peaceful deathbed to join the home of the redeemed. Silas Hazlett also taught the first school in Lake City, in the winter of 18.56, in a frame building now standing on Main street, between Marrian and Center streets, at present occupied as a private dwelling. The school was held in the second story of the building, entered from the outside, the first floor being used as a carpenter-shop, the noise of the hammer often interfering sadly with the recitations above. This same room was also used for church service on the sabbath during the winter of 1856, the preacliing alternating between Rev. Mr. Sterry of the Congregational church and the above. The first couple joined in marriage was Gustave W. Hathaway to Miss Abbie J. Langley, November 14, 1857, by the Rev. Silas Hazlett, of Lake City. Silas Hazlett was again joined in marriage to Mrs. Sarah Jane Greer on May i, 1869. Mrs. Greer was the widow of James Greer. Mrs. Greer had three children, Allen J., now of the law firm of Martin & Greer, of this city ; Charles W., bookkeeper, of the firm of Knapp, Stout efeCo., residing at and in charge of the company's books at Cedar Falls, Wisconsin ; and Mollie G, at home and teacher in tlie public school of Lake Citj'.

Alonzo T. Gcernset, druggist and bookseller, Lake City, established business here in August, 1857. He was born in Tioga county, Pennsylvania, December 21, 1829, and is the son of Joseph W. and Ann (Brewstei-) Guernsey, natives of Chenango county, New York. His father served in the war of 1812, in the capacity of captain's clerk, though then only twelve years of age. His mother is a direct descendant of the Brewsters who came over on the Mayflower. Mr. Guernsey was reared on the farm, dividing his time between labor and school ; he finished his education with an academic course at Wellsborough, while his father was serving Tioga county as sheriff. At the age of twenty years Mr. Guernsey began for himself as a clerk, and four years later became the partner of his employer. They carried on a general merchandise business till 1857, when he sold out and came to Lake City, arriving here July 25. At that time Lake City was but a mere hamlet, and needed but small enterprises ; so Mr. Guernsey began a drug business in a small way, and has kept pace with the city's growth till the present 65 ( time. In 1867 he associated with himself Mr. E. J. Megroth, and the company did a prosperous business till 1880. In that year Mr. Guernsey again became tlie sole owner of the store, and continued to prosper till the great fire of 1882 swept away his entire property. He immediately opened up again on an adjoining lot, and is now enjoying a good trade. He was married in 1868, on November 1, to Miss M. Rowcna Stevens, a native of Michigan, though reared in Massachusetts. To them were born two sons. The eldest, Porter B., was drowned while skating on Lake Pepin December 13, 1878, in the sixteenth year of his age. His remaining son, Alonzo J., was born May 2, 1872. The family are members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Guernsey is a member of the I.O.O.F., the American Legion of Honor, and the A.O.U.W.

C. F. Young & Beothek, clotiiiers. Lake City. The success of this firm is an example of the results of energy and perseverance. In 1865 C. F. Young opened a general store here, and afterward began to deal exclusively in clothing. In 1873 he built a large store on the site of the firm's present building - corner of Center and Main streets. In September, 1877, his brother, Henry H., bought a share in business, and in the spring of 1884, Charles Koch became a partner. In the great fire of Api'il, 1882, the building and stock were completely consumed, inflicting a loss of $45,000, of which $20,000 was made good by insurance. In the summer of 1883 their present handsome structure was erected, at a cost of about $8,000. It is 48x85 feet in dimension, two stories high, with basement under all, walls of solid masonry and fire-proof roof. It is the finest store in the city, and in it is displayed the largest and most varied stock of goods in their line to be found here. A wing, 22 X 20, is used exclusively as a tailor-sliop. A large stock of ready-made goods is carried, with a profusion of both gents' and ladies' furnishings, Butterick's patterns, etc. Including tailors, from sixteen to eighteen people are employed by Messrs. Young to assist them in their business. Charles F. Young, the founder of this establishment, came to this country from Germany when a mere youth. With an elder brother he arrived in Chicago in 1855, and was left there while the former sought a location in the west. Becoming tired of waiting for tidings of his brother, young Charles shipped on board a Lake Michigan sailing vessel. A very stormy voyage ensued, and the vessel narrowly escaped wreck after beating about four days. The young voyager, becoming very ill, was put ofl^' at White River,

Michigan, then an unsettled country, and remained there eighteen months before hearing from his brother. The latter had settled at Read's Landing, and found the whereabouts of his charge through friends in Chicago. Coming to Head's, our subject was employed as clerk by a merchant there. After a year s]:)ent there and another in St. Louis in this manner, he attended a term of school at Wabasha, and this constituted his educational advantages in this country, save those furnished hy his every-day business. In 1862 he volunteered in a company raisetl to go to the relief of settlers on the western border, and spent the winter on the frontier. lu 1868 he began business for himself by opening a general store at Read's, and in 1S65 opened a branch here, to which he removed the whole stock a year later. Henry H. Young came from Wurtemberg to Read's Landing in February, 1864, and spent a year as general chore-boy in a hotel there. During the winter of 186^5 he attended a private school for three months, and tlius prepared a foundation for hisknowledge of English. In the spring he entered his brother's store at Read's, and assumed charge of that establishment on the removal of the proprietor to Lake City. He remained in his brother's employ until he became a partner as above noted. The winter of 1869-70 was spent by him in Br3'ant & Stratton's business college at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. On account of too close application to business he was compelled to take a rest in 1876, and returned from a trip to California with renewed vigor. Mr. Young was married in 1872, to Miss Anna L. Schauble, a native of his own province. Three children have been given to this union, of whom two are now living, viz : Henry G. and Albert Frederick. Mr. Young served four years as treasurer of Lake City, and refused to serve longer on account of business demands. In national and state affairs he affiliates with the republican party. He has taken all the degrees of Freemasonry to K. T., passed all the chairs of Odd-Fellowship, and is a useful member in the Sons of Herman and Knights of Honoi*.

Anson Peeece, county commissioner, Lake City, is a son of Chauncey and Mahala (Conger) Pierce, of Connecticut and Vermont. The paternal progenitors of Mr. Pierce emigrated to this country from England in the seventeenth century. The town of Charlotte, Chittenden county, Vermont, is the place of Anson Pierce's birth, and May 6, 1828, the time. His early life was spent on the farm of his father, and he received a limited common school training. Nature had done much for him, and by ]5roper care and culture of his talents he became fitted for the trusts imposed upon him by his fellow citizens. When sixteen years old he was apprenticed to the carpenter's trade, which he followed many years. On becoming of age, he went to Chicago, where he was employed several years in building. In 1857 he became a resident of Lake City, and continued here at his trade for fifteen years. For six years he kept a hardware store, and was burned out in the great fire of April 22, 18S2. He was several years supervisor under the township organization, and alderman under the city government ; has served two terms as county commissioner, which responsible position he now fills. In the fall of 1873 he was elected county treasurer, and re-elected in 1875, holding the trust for four consecutive years. His allegiance has always been given to republican principles. In religious ideas he is a Freethinker. Lovina E. Lyon, to whom Mr. Piei-ce was wedded in 1862, is of Scotch descent, born in Vermont, as wed-e her parents, Asa Lyon and Katie Benson. Mr. and Mrs. Pierce are now in the midst of pleasant and useful lives, and enjoy the esteem of the whole commimity. Of their offspring four are now living, all at present in Lake City. Alice H. , the eldest, married Samuel P. Fox, who died in Pennsylvania. Frank resides in the city, and celebrated his wooden wedding January 18, 1884. Charles and Grace reside with their parents. February 4, 1884, Mr. Pierce and two sons bought the extensive hardware business of J. Cole Doughty & Co., and are now continuing the same under the firm name of Anson Pierce & Co.

W. H. CA5n*BELL is a native of Mississippi, and resided there until he was eight years of age, when he came north with his father's family. He first came to Wabasha in 1857, and before the war broke out had returned to the south to visit his mother's people. He was there impressed into the rebel service, and was in the army of the confederates nearly a year, when he succeeded in eftecting his escape to the north, and returned to Wabasha in 1863. He subsequently went into trade here, and has conducted business as a general merchant four years. In 1872 he was elected auditor of the county, and held that office until 1881, having been four times elected and once appointed to fill a vacancy. He is a member of the firm of Z. C. Goss & Co., but takes no active part in the management of business. In connection with J. J. Stone, M.D., he is farming on a tract of Sixteen hundred acres, on the line of the ^rorthern Pacific railway, forty miles above Crookston. They have now eight hundred acres under cultivation - seven hundred in wheat, and one hundred in oats. Last year's wheat crop of three hundred and fift}' acres averaged a yiekl of twenty bushels to acre. Mr. Campbell has also a valuable tract of sixty acres on what is known as West Wabasha. Mr. Campbell was married October 12, 1S69, to Miss Alma A. Downer, of this city. They have but one child living, Susie D., born September, 1870. Mrs. Campbell and Mrs. J. H. Mullen were the daughters and only children of John B. Downer, for many years a prominent business man of this city. Mr. Downer was born in Stowe, Vermont, July 8, 1811, and was married April 8, 1834, to Miss Caroline H. Tinker, who was born at Morristown, Vermont, April 7, 1815. The daughters were both born at Jay, New York, Marion B., January 29, 1849, and Alma A., March 11, 1851. Mr. and Mrs. Downer were very happy in their married life of forty-eight years and a half, and in their deaths they were not divided, Mr. Downer dying October 19, 1882, her husband surviving her only a few hours.

Hon. John F. Pope, lawyer, and ex-judge of probate for Wabasha county, was the tourth child and third son in a family of nine children born to Ralph and Mary (Richardson) Pope, of Orange, Orange county, Vermont. Judge Pope was born October 7, 1836. His earl}' life was spent on a farm. Young Pope had the advantages of the country school, but when he had reached the age of sixteen years had made a sorry record as a student, his highest ambition being to escape school duties and evade punishment for his frequent violations of the rules of school government. Fortunately he had a bi-other of scholarly acquirements, who opened a select school in the village of Orange the winter that our subject was sixteen, and in this school he became a conscript pupil, by order of a stern father. Finding himself obliged to attend school, his pride soon awakened him to a sense of shame for the great ignorance which he possessed when compared with his more studious schoolmates. There was no escape from the student life, and he could discover but one way to ameliorate his humiliating condition, and that was by hard study. Once fully resolved on this jjoint, his really brilliant mind began to display its superior powers, and within two years he was in advance of those of his age and leading his classes. He taught school some and worked on the farm until he had reached his twenty-fifth year, and then came west and learned the mason trade, and also blacksmithing ; these vocations he followed for many years in

Beaver, Winona county. Having acquired some skill as a debater by attending lyceum in Vermont, he was frequently solicited to display liis oratorical abilities as a pettifogger in Beaver and vicinity. His first appearance before a court was not such as tended to encourage his aspirations in that direction, he was pitted against a browbeating ]iettifogger, who knew enough to discover that Mr. Pope knew nothing of the business in hand, and the latter lost his case and felt very much crestfallen. A second encounter of this kind aroused his ire and grit, and though defeated he resolved to and did procure suitable law-books, and was well prepared to meet his pugilistic opponent, when for the third time he had occasion to appear before Justice H. B. Knowles and plead a case against Mr. Oliver Porter, the browbeating pettifogger above mentioned. The latter undertook to employ his usual tactics, and by physical force silence young Pope, but found his mild-mannered opponent of former suits was ablaze with wrath and bursting with rage. He had risen to his feet, and stretching his tall form to its greatest height, he threatened with fierce language both lawyer and court, and menaced that tribunal of justice with utter annihilation unless he should be permitted to conduct his case according to the rules of practice. The eftect was excellent, and from that time forth no one ever attempted to browbeat the new aspirant for forensic honors. It was more than eight years after this little episode occurred before Mr. Pope applied for admission to the bar. October 17, 1873, he passed a creditable examination and was admitted to practice by the circuit court of Winona county. The following year he came to Plainview and opened a law ofiice. The spring of 1875 he formed a copartnership with Hon. H. P. Wilson, and the following fall was elected probate judge for Wabasha county, and was re-elected to the same position in 1877. His copartnership with Mr. Wilson was dissolved in 1876, since which time Mr. Pope has continued to practice law without a partner. He is a member of the Masonic chapter and has thrice been elected master of the blue lodge of Plainview. He was married December 11, 1S64-, to Sarah L. Welch, daughter of Samuel and Louiza AVelch, of Winona county, by whom he has one child now living, Frank, born March 6, ISSO. Henry Albert Stevens, barber. Lake City, is a son of F. R. and Angeline Stevens, early residents of this county. Both his parents were born in the village of Osen-obruch, Prussia, and the father died at Wabasha, March 29, 1862, the mother surviving him over eight years, passing away December 28, 1870. They reared three sons and two daughters. Fred K. and Jolin are resident at Uclen, near Crookston, Minnesota. Eliza (Mrs. Joseph Buisson) and Angeline (Andrew Wheeler), dwell at Wabasha. Henry Stevens was born at Petersburg, Eensselaer county, New York, June 3, 1851, and came with his parents to Wabasha in 1858, arriving April 29. His father's death occurred when he was but eleven years old, and upon him devolved largely the care of his mother and sisters. When about fourteen years of age he began to learn his trade, and subsequently worked several years for a liveryman. He was married January 22, 1875, to Miss Mamie Thoney, a native of Switzerland. The same year he came to Lake City and opened the barber-shop he now operates, on Washington street. He now employs two assistants, and in addition a large millinery business is carried on by Mrs. Stevens in the handsome store over the shop. The largest business in both these lines in the city is conducted here. Mr. Stevens was reared under Episcopal tutelage, and affiliates in politics with the democi-atic party, frequently taking part in its conventions. One child was given him, Jul}' 15, 1877, and christened Harry Arthur.

Maecus Caeson, farmer. Lake City, was born in Wyoming county, New York, in 1836, and is the son of Stephen and Julina (Grover) Carson, natives of Otsego county, in the same state. His paternal grandfather was born in England, and his grandmother on the same side was a native of Germany, both having come to America in early childhood with their parents, who settled in the Mohawk valley. ' His grandparents on his mother's side were of New England stock, several generations back. Mi-. Cai'son, like his father and grandfather, was reared and educated on a farm, and like his worthy progenitors, has made farming the business of life. In 1S58 he came to Minnesota and pre-emjited a piece of land, which he paid for, and the same season returned to his home in York State. This land was some years later traded for eastern property, and Mr. Carson remained east till 1872, when he came to Minnesota with his family, and permanently located in Lake City, where he now resides, though still engaged in farming. The care of his fine one hundred and sixty-acre farm in Gillford township furnishes him employment during summer, and his forty acres of timber in Wisconsin gives him ample employment through the winter months. He was married in 1863, to Miss Laura C. Humphrey, of this city, and they have two children living, Grace E. and Alice L. Mr. and Mrs. Carson are members of the Congregational church. At the outbreak of the war of the rebellion in 1861, Mr. Carson enlisted as a private in the 9tli N. T. Vol. Inf., and on organization was elected first lieutenant, which commission he held when discharged on account of disability.

Maecus a. Humphrey, Lake City, is one of seventeen children born to Theophilus and Cynthia (Hayden) Humphrey. The subject of this sketch was born in 1808, at Canton, Connecticut, the native state of his parents. He followed farming till the approach of age prevented. When thirty years old he married Sina Fitch Chipman, born in New York, daughter of Lemuel and Laura (Meade) Chipman, of Vermont birth. Mr. Humphrey became a resident of Lake City in 1868, engaging in the loan and real-estate business. He is a deacon in the Congregational church, of which himself and wife have been members forty years, and is a republican from principle. During his residence in New York, where he went when nine years old, he served his town acceptably for several terms as assessor, and was six years an efficient member of the Lake City school board. Of his six childi-en, three are living, as follows : Louisa F. (Mrs. C. D. Warren), Lake City; Marcus C, Marshall, Minnesota; Laura (IVIarcus Carson), Lake City. The others died at ages noted below : Alta, twenty-eight; Theophilus C, twenty -two; Nina A., twentyone.

Charles M. Colby, Lake City, is a son of Ford Colby, oTie of the pioneers of this state. This subject was born in Eaton, Compton county, Province of Quebec, June 29, 1844, and was therefore about fourteen years old when he came with his parents to this state. His youth was spent on a farm there and here, and his intellect trained in the common schools. Notwithstanding his limited educational opportunities, Mr. Colby is a gentleman of more than ordinary acquirements. For many years he owned and tilled a farm in the town of Lake, which he sold in 1883. For some time his winters were spent in mercantile pursuits in the city, and in 1881 he removed thither. For six years he was employed as drygoods salesman by C. F. Rogers, and subsequently by C. F. Young. He was two years clerk in the Merchant's Hotel. He has always been a republican, and is a member of the Odd-Fellows lodge and encampment here. January 19, 1881, he was united in marriage to Miss Alice, daughter of John Disney, one of the pioneers of Gillford

John Disney (deceased) settled in Gillford in 1857, on the farm still owned by his widow. Thomas and Catharine Disney, his parents, emigrated from Ireland to New York city, where John was born March 17, 1S03. Here the mother died in March, 1805, aged forty-four, and his father returning to his native land, and died there December, 1815, at the age of fifty-nine. This subject lived with a sister at Richmond, New York, till ten years old, when he ran away and joined the American army as a drummer. After knocking about the world for some time, he settled in this county as above related. In the fall of 1 878 he bought a residence in Lake Citj', where he continued to dwell till his death, which occurred October 27, 1880. June 9, 1823, he was married to Lois Clark, who died March 15, 1848, leaving four children. Robert, John and William reside in Gillford. Mary is tlie wife of Edwin Brown, at Joliet, Elinois. On June 23, 1849, Mr. Disney was a second time married to Mary Sweetman nee Wall, who bore him four clnldren. By her first marriage Mrs. Disney had one daughter, Henrietta, now Mrs. Daniel Edwards, Lake City. The others are : Kate (Mrs. Albert Field), Zumbro Falls; Lois (Byron Miller), Mexico, New York ; Charles, attorney, Hudson, Wisconsin ; Alice (Colby), Lake City. Mr. Disney was a member of the Methodist church, and always supported republican principles.

John C. Schmidt, brewer, Lake City. Lake City brewery, now owned and operated by John C. Schmidt & Co., was first started in 1861 by John Mingus in a small frame building, where the present one now stands, on the corner of Gardner and Center streets. He was succeeded by the Wise Brothers, who built the present stone structure, in size 24x75 feet, and twenty feet high. Mr. Schmidt purchased this property in 1876, and in 1877 associated with him his present partner, Mr. Fred Lange. They are now doing a prosperous business ; have a first-class outfit, with a capacity of twelve hundred barrels per year. Mr. Schmidt was born in Schweren, Mecklenberg, Germany, in 1833, and was reared on a farm. He was married October 15, 1855, to Miss Julia Lange, a native of the same place. On April 28, 1857, he with his wife and two children sailed from the city of Hamburg on the ship Bremen for America, and landed in New York on June 9. On the 11th of the next April they first set their feet on Minnesota soil at Read's Landing. Mr.

Schmidt at once made a claim to one hundred and sixty acres of government land in the township of West Albany, and with his ax and an ox team began to make a home for his family. His land, being covered with a growth of oak timber and grubs, required the incessant labor of years to clear and fit it for use, but his strong arms and determined will were equal to the task, and Mr. Schmidt in time had (what he could not have made for himself in his native land) a good farm. This farm was finall}' sold, and a prairie farm of a one hundred and sixty acres was purchased in the town of Lake. This he still retains. Mr. Schmidt gave the writer a little of his early ex]ieriences in Minnesota, and after repeated solicitations, consented that the following incident pass into history : "Of course," said he, " we could not i-aise all we needed on a new and unimproved farm, and not having money to buy my bread tlie first year, I took a job of cutting and putting up hay for a man near Read's Landing. Not understanding English very well, and the tricks of trade still less, I agreed to take my pay in groceries; supposing that included flour. When the work was done I called for my pay, and the wily merchant inquired what I would have. I named over the articles, including flour. He gave me all but the flour, saying that article was cash, and he must have cash for it, so I took my groceries and went home to find my family without bread. Of course I could not remain under such circumstances, so I went back to the river and secured a job with a raftsman on a keelboat, and in a few days had the price of one hundred pounds of flo.ur, which I purchased, and carried from Read's Landing to my humble home on my back, a distance of fourteen miles." Such fidelity and devotion to a family is meritorious, and commands their lasting respect and esteem. Mrs. Schmidt also nobly did her part in their struggles to make a home and rear their famih', and is now suitably rewarded with comfort and ])lenty. They have six children living, whose names in the order of their birth are : Mary (now the wife of Lewis Hagen), Edward, August, Julia, Clara and Ida.

Loyal D. Colby, farmer, of Plainview, and son of Jonathan Colby, also a Plainview farmer, was born in Orange county, Vermont, on April 20, 1836. In 1855 he accompanied his father to California. They went thither via the isthmus of Panama, and spent two years in the mines known as Garrotte No. 2, near Big Oak Flats. In the spring of 1858 they started from Vermont with eight horses, which they drove nearly the entire distance to Wabasha county. In 1863 he bought eighty acres on section 16, in Plain view, but did not take up his residence thereon until after his marriage, which occurred January 1, 1867, the lady being the daughter of Smith P. Avery, a wealthy farmer of Orange county, Vermont ; the ceremony took place at her Vermont home. The children of this marriage are: Lula B., Gardner A., Carl W., Esther J. and Eolla W. P. Mr. Colby is a member of the Plainview Methodist Episcopal church, the masonic fraternity and the grange, and is independent in politics. His home is still on section 16, just east of the village, where he has one hundred and sixty acres of fine land.

Colin Sinclair, lumber dealer. Lake City, is one of the largest dealers in this line in Wabasha county. His stock, which is full and complete at all times, consists of lumber - in every form and of any class desired, and always at the lowest possible price - shingles, lath, and manufactured doors, sash and blinds ; also hair, cement and lime ; wood also forms an important part of his trade. He also has one-fourth interest in the planing-mill. Mi'. Sinclair has been here in this business since 1872, and has by careful and fair dealing built up a prosperous trade. He is also extensively interested in Minneapolis real estate, besides eighty acres of western land, and many lots in Lake City. He was boi-n of Scotch parents, near Kingston, Canada, January 6, 1846. While he was yet in childhood his parents moved over the lake to New York State, and settled in Brownsville, where they remained a short time, and then went to Watertown, New York. While here his mother died, and the father and family removed to Massachusetts, where they remained till 1859, when they came to Minnesota and located in Lake City. In 1862 our subject, though only sixteen years of age, possessed the manhood and courage to enlist in the cause of his country against an unjust rebellion, as a member of Co. G, 8th Minn. Vol. Inf. He followed the fortunes of war for nearly three years, taking a part in the border warfare on the frontier against the savages, who were attempting to devastate the pioneer Minnesota settlements. After peace was restored, and the array disbanded, Mr. Sinclair returned to his home in Lake City, and soon after was employed in the Minnesota pineries in the interest of large lumbering firms, and so continued till his settlement in business here. He was married at Eedwood Falls, July 14, 1876, to Mrs. Mary M. Oliver (formerly Miss Whaley), a native of New York. The name of their only child is Earl C. Mrs. Sinclair's eldest two children are Cora and'AVilliam Oliver.