Wabasha County, Minnesota - Chapter 94: Early Settlers - Continued, 1884 (part 5 of 6)

F. Ferris, train dispatcher, and A. A. S. for Chippewa Valley and Wabasha divisions of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company's lines. Mr. Ferris is a native of Elmira, New York, and commenced his work as a railway telegraph operator and agent on the line of the Northern Central, between Baltimore and Elmira, in 1867. He came west in 1870, and was on the line of the North Missouri, now known as the Wabasli road. In 1882 he came into Wisconsin, for the purpose of farming on lands owned by him a short distance from the city of Eau Claire, but finding his health insufficient for such work he accepted a situation as assistant in the office of W. R. Sill, of Eau CMire, chief engineer of the Chippeway Yalley branch of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railway, then in process of construction. Upon the completion of the road Mr. Ferris came to this city, November, 1882, to accept the position now occupied in the general office of this division of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railway. Mr. Ferris was married September 15, 1876, to Miss Van Buskirk, of Chicago. They have one child, William Emil Ferris, born in this city July 28, 1883.

Rev. Patrick B. Murray, Catholic priest of the Highland church, was born in Ireland in 1823. He received a good primary education in Ireland and emigrated to America in 1844. He afterward attended several prominent educational institutions both in the United States and Canada. His iirst mission was at Mackinaw, Michigan, about the year 1855. While stationed here he learned to speak the Indian dialect. Soon after the Mormon settlement on Beaver island was broken up he took charge of a Catholic mission on the island and became familiar with the true history of the famous King Strang and the Mormon church at that point. He has also presided over the Sheboygan, Michigan, church, and more recently was pastor of the Kalamazoo Catholic society, in the same state. Owing to ill health, requiring a change of climate, he came to Highland in the spring of 1883.

David Walker, liveryman, Lake City, was born in Montgomery county, New York, May 1, 1825. His father, Simon Walker, was a farmer and reared his son to the same industry, affording him the advantages of a few months each winter in a subscription school. Mr. Walker occupied his time in farming in the old Empire State till 1865, when he came to Minnesota and settled on a farm in Goodhue county, which he impi-oved and occupied till 1880, when he sold out and removed to Lake City, and embarked in the livery business in V. R. Lee's, on stand on Washington street. Mr. Walker was married in 1856, to Miss Julia Herrington, of Madison county. New York, and has two children, Hattie, who still resides with her parents, and Nettie, now Mrs. D. H. Williams, residing at Crookston, Minnesota. Mr. Walker is a member of the I.O.O.F., the Encampment and of the Equitable Aid Union. He is one of Lake City's worthy though unassuming citizens.

Rev. Thomas B. Killiam, pastor Methodist Episcopal church. Lake City, is a native of the State of Delaware, and was born Mai-ch 17, 1837. He was educated principally in high schools of Wilmington, and licensed to preach in 1859. In 1860 he was admitted to the Philadelphia conference on trial, and in 1864 was ordained elder and received into full connection. He remained in the Philadelphia conference till its division in 1868, when he was assigned to the new created (Wilmington) conference. In 1880 he came west and joined the west Wisconsin conference, and in 1881 was transferred to the Minnesota conference and stationed at Lake City. The Methodist Episcopal church of this city has been on the ascendancy during his three years' pastoral charge of the same. He was married in 1866, to Miss Maria C. Hitch, of Delaware, and has four children, one son and three daughters.

6, 1852, and is a son of Jacob Horner, a prominent physician. At the age of fifteen he entered the state university at Bloomington, Indiana, where he diligently pursued his preparatory course four years. At the age of twenty-one he entered the Yale Theological

Seminary, at New Haven, Coanecticut, from which lie graduated in May, 1876. lie soon after entered upon his ministerial labors at Bloomfield, Iowa, where he was ordained October 9, 1876. "While on this charge he was married to Miss Orpha Morgan, on May 10, 1877, and who died May 27, 1878, while he was in charge of the church at Keosauqua, Iowa. Soon after this sad event in his life ill health compelled him to resign the ministry till the spring of 1880, when he went to Coral, Michigan, and resumed his clerical labors. After two years spent in the work here and Otsego, Michigan, he came to Lake City in May, 1882, and so acceptably supplied the pulpit of the Congregational church in this city up till the winter of 1884 that he was unanimously called by his congregation. His second marriage was on September 22, 1881, to Miss Kate Gertrude Clarke, a daughter of Robert L. Clai-ke, Esq., private secretary of Gov. Sherman, of Iowa. Mr. Horner has two children, Charles Sumner, by his deceased wife, and Hazel May, by his present wife.

Joseph Meeeitt Underwood, of the Jewell Nursery Co., was born in Wayne county, New York, November 10, 18-45, and is a sou of Daniel and Chloe (Durfee) Underwood, natives of the State of New York. In 1854 his parents removed to Illinois, and settled on a farm near Morris in Gi-undy county, where he passed from childhood to manhood under the influences of good educational as well industrial advantages. He came to Lake City in 1868 with his brother-in-law. Dr. P. A. Jewell, who about that time started in the nursery business, which was superintended by Mr. Underwood up to the time of the doctor's death, in 1878, when it became the property of the superintendent. In this business enterprise Mr. Underwood has demonstrated a higher order of intelligence and executive ability than is usually found among the business men of the time. To hira is largely due the credit of building up to its present prosperous standing the "Jewell Nursery," and to his strict business principles and honest integrity is due his high standing among his fellow men. He was married May 4, 1871, at Winona, Minnesota, to Miss Anna B. Sargeant, a daughter of M. Wheeler Sargeant, prominently connected with and well known in the early settlement of Winona, She was born in Hampton, New York, December 9, 1847. They have but one child living, Eoy, born August 15, 1867. Mr. Underwood's parents sold their farm in Illinois in 1873, and came to Lake City, where the former died in 1881, aged seventy-nine years. The latter.

Hon Sloan M. Emery, also of the Jewell Nursery Co., is another of the self-made men of this new and prosperous state. He was born at Columbus, Texas, in 1848, and within nine weeks both of his parents died of yellow fever, leaving him an orphan in infancy. Soon after his bereavement he was taken to Mississippi by a relative, and, some years subsequently, to Pennsylvania. His next move was to Memphis, Tennessee, where he remained till his twentieth year. Up to this time his educational interests had not received the desired attention, although the study of the lower bran-ches had been pursued with due diligence as opportunity afforded. At that time he entered the collegiate institute at Yalparaiso, Indiana, and there completed a three years' course. He was married there in 1870, to Miss Julia H. Haas, a daughter of Samuel G. Haas, Esq., well known in that state. In 1871 he came to Minnesota, permanently locating in Lake City, and the next year entered the private banking-house of Joel Fletcher. He was a moving spirit in the organization of the Lake City bank in the fall oi 1873, was its first vice-president, one of the board of directors, and is the only one (except J. W. Ray) of the original incorporators now connected with it. In 1879 he resigned the vice-presidency and associated himself with J. M. LTnderwood in the nursei-y, farming and live-stock business. For a more particular account of this entei'prise reference may be had to the history of the Jewell Nursery in another chapter. Mr. Emery, although comparative!}' a young man and by no means an early settler, has evinced to his friends and associates, and the general public, that high order of intelligence and executive ability which has won for him the seat which he now fills in the state legislature. On him this honor was conferred in the fall of 1882, from this (twenty-third) district. Mr. and Mrs. Emery are members of the Presbyterian church.

John Coleman Doughty, of the Jewell Nursery Co., Lake City, was born in Rockaway, Long Island, July 4, 1846, and is a son of Samuel Doughty, a banker of Lake City, whose personal history appears elsewhere in this work. As the parents of J. Coleman entered on a pioneer life in Minnesota when he was scarcely nine j-ears old, his educational advantages were not very flattering ; this disadvantage, however, compensated for by a two years' course at Oberlin College, and one year at Bryant & Stratton's Business Col- lege. He first started in business for himself as a contractor in bridge building, which he followed about five years. He then bought into the hardware business with E. Hacket, at Lake City, whom he in time bought out, and continued the business alone till May, 1882, when he associated with himself in trade Mr. W. H. Hobbs, a worthy young man of this city. Mr. Doughty had built up and conducted a prosperous trade, and the addition of the new man to the business was the addition of still more life and activity, so that when they sold out to Anson Pierce, on February i, 1884, it was said to be one of the best mercantile houses in the city. On February 26, 1884, Mr. Doughty, with Mr. J. M. Underwood and S. M. Emery, organized and had incorporated the Jewell Nursery Company, each taking one-third of its stock. A history of this enterprise will be found in the chapter on Lake City. Mr. Doughty was married, March 21, 1869, to Miss Mary C. Herron, a native of Crawfordsville, Indiana, who died in 1874. His second marriage was on September 17, 1878, with Miss Mary F. Brill, who was born in Fillmore county, Minnesota, July 12, 1855. He has three children, Mary and Katie by his first wife, and Jesse E. bj' his present one. He is a member of the Masonic fraternities of this city.

Ma.jor L. S. Van Vliet. The Van Vliets in America are all descendants of four brothers Van Vliet, who came from Holland about two hundred and fitly years since, and settled in New York and New England. Major Van Vliet is a scion of the New England branch, and was born in Chittenden county, Vermont, May 26, 1830. When he was nine years of age the family removed to Racine county, Wisconsin, which was thenceforth his home until he removed to this city, in 1867. Young Van Vliet's education was received in the schools of his native and adopted states, principally in Vermont, to which he returned for that purpose, taking an academic course. He was engaged in farming and stock raising until the second year of the war, when he was commissioned captain U. S. Vols., by President Lincoln, and assigned to duty with the army of the Tennessee as adjutant quartermaster, in which capacity he rendered efficient service to the department, and received promotion as well as honorable mention in the dispatches and reports. He was in charge of Gen. Grant's ammunition train, when the unsuccessful movement around the rear of Vicksburg was made, and was at Holly Springs, then occupied by about sixteen hundred Union soldiers, when raided by Van Dorn. Here he succeeded in eluding the vigilance of the rebel general, and also in saving the hinds of the department, then in his hands. Of the sixteen hundred troops all were captured save Maj. Van Vliet and two other officers. His principal service, however, was as adjutant quartermaster, at Memphis, Tennessee, in charge of river transportation, which responsible, onerous post he held for three years, furnishing transportation to Gen. Grant's army in its successful movement down the river against Yicksburg, and actively engaged in the important movements along the Mississippi. His efficient services were recognized at Washington, .and he was four times honorably mentioned in the quartermaster's reports to the secretary of war. Declining the recommendations proffered him for appointment to the regular army, Maj. Van Vliet remained at Memphis until the summer of 1866, when he was mustered out of the United States service, and returned to Wisconsin. The following year (1867) he removed with his ftimily to this city, and three years later (1870) organized the First National Bank, became its cashier, and so continues. His financial standing and ability are fully recognized, and his influence in local affairs is evidenced in the history of county and city events. September 23, 1856, L. S. Van Vliet was married, at Racine, Wisconsin, to Miss M. L. Russell, also a native of Vermont, born May 2, 1834. Their children are: Mattie S., wife ofE. A. Patton, M.D., of Minneapolis ; Jennie A. and Jessie S. attending Lake City High School, the former a member of the present senior class. The major has never lost his taste for fine stock. He is still an enthusiastic horseman, and owns some of the best bred trotting stock in the Northwest.

Charles Wise, dealer in farm machinery. Lake City, was born in Baden, Germany, January 28, 1843, and is the son of Charles and Magdalena (Lehman) Wise, who were also natives of Baden. In 1851 he, with his mother and other members of the family, came to America, and joined his father, who had preceded them in 1847. One year was spent in Bradford county, Pennsylvania, after which they removed to Tioga county. New York, and thence to Minnesota, disembarking at Read's Landing, on April 26, 1S56. The family at this time consisted of father, mother, five brothers and one married sister. After prospecting a short time a location was made on government land in the town of West Albany, where they entered upon the arduous task of making a farm under all the disadvantages of a new and unsettled country. As the word "tailure" is rarely ever written on the page of a German's history, so it was in this case, and tlie words "abundant success" may be used to signify what was accomplished in eleven years' faithful labor by this industrious family ; a fixrm of nearly six hundred acres was paid for, and thoi'oughly improved. In 1867 this farm was sold, and they removed to Lake township, where a large amount of land was bought, and where some of the family now live. The father died in 1877, and the mother in 1869. Charles, with two of his brothers, removed to Lake City, and purchased a brewery of John Minges in 1870, and in 1876 became the sole owner ; sold out a few years later, and with liis brother Ed. , in the spring of 188i embarked in the sale of farm machinery. For the pui-pose of carrying on this business they built a two-story brick-veneered store and salesroom, with iron front, in size 20x60 feet, on Center, between Main and High streets, and opened up to the farmers a first-class stock of the best implements made. Besides his interest in Lake City, Mr. Wise owns in the town of Lake two hundred and eighty acres of land, eighty acres in "West Albany, and three quarter-sections in this state, out of the county. He was married November 28, ^869, to Miss Katie Kaspere, also a native of Germany. In 1873 he visited the Baden, and spent several months reviewing the scenes of his childhood. He has afamily of five whose names, in the order of their birth, are : Ferdinand, Joseph, Charles, Katie and Martin.

Martin Johns (deceased) was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, July 9, 1826, and was reared on a farm, where he received a common-school education. Early in life he entered the boot and shoe house of his brother-in-law as an apprentice, and with him completed the trade. He was married in 1853, to Miss Mary A. Frantz, and in 1857 came to Minnesota, landing at Lake City on April 9. He soon after engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes, and later opened up a store for the purpose of dealing more largely in that branch of merchandise. This he continued up till a short time before his death, which occurred July 17, 1866. Mrs. Johns was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and is the daughter of Jacob Frantz, who was born on his father's fai-m, and was the son and only child of John Frantz, of whom he inherited a large estate in lands and mills. He was the father of ten children, six of whom are still living, and died early in life. Mr. Johns left, besides his widow, three sons, who are worthily jierj^etuating their father's good name. The eldest, Horace Frantz Johns, is now in this city, and is the junior member of the manufacturing firm of Neal,

Johns & Co. ; William is mercliandising in Hastings, Minnesota, and Walter is engaged in business in St. Paul. Mrs. Johns' second marriage was on August 8, 1872, to Mr. A. W. Detmars, who died in this city November 6, 1882. He was a native of the State of New York, and was born in 1822. Much of his life was spent as a traveling salesman, though his latter years were passed in this city. During his residence here he was an enthusiastic supporter of all measures or enterprises which had in view tlie building up and advancement ot the city's prosperity. Mrs. Detmars still resides in this her adopted city, in her pleasant and elegant residence on Lyon avenue, and is an active member of the Episcopal church.

John R. Goodenough, broom manufacturer, mason and stonecutter. Lake City, is a native of McHenry county, Illinois. He is the son of Stillman and Angeline (Wood) Goodenough, and was born April 5, 1839. His parents were natives of the State of New York, and were married in Illinois, where the former had settled in 1833. In 1848 the family removed to Dodge county, AViseonsin, where the mother died in 1852. The father, after spending over three years in the war of the rebellion as a member of the 19th Wis. Vol. Inf., and participating in all the severe marches and trying campaigns and battles of that brave regiment, returned to his home, and some years later removed to Washington county, Kansas, where he "still lives actively engaged in stock raising and dealing in real estate. He is a son of Christopher Goodenough, one of eleven brothers who secreted themselves on shipboard and took their departure from the unbearable tyranny of despotic Russia prior to the American revolution, five of them taking an active jjart in that war on the colonial side. From those brothers, it is believed, descended all bearing that name in this country', many of whom have distinguished themselves and are prominently connected with our American institutions as disciples of Blackstone, doctors, medicine and divinity, as well as jjoliticians. Our subject, John R., came to Lake City in August, 1861, and the same fall established a broom factory. His was the first machine ever brought to this city, and his broom handles could be obtained at no nearer point than Milwaukee. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Co. G, 8th Minn. Vol. Inf , in which he served as a faithful soldier three years (see 8th Minn.), when he was honorably discharged, and returned to Lake City. Here he at once resumed the manufacture of brooms, but the following spring was burnt out, and then removed to Florence, a little farther up the lake, and some time later returned to Lake City. Besides his broom business, he also devotes much of his time to masonwork and stonecutting, giving especial attention to country contracts. He is a thorough mechanic, and master of all his trades. He was married in Lake City, in 1S66, to Elizabeth Xorthfield, a native of Cambridgje, England, who came to America witli her parents, John W. and Susan (Littlechild) Northfield, in infancy. Three promising children bless this home, whose names in the order of their biith are: Ada A., Olive R. and Effie. Mr. Goodenough and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and he is a substantial member of the republican party.

Epheaim Wildes (deceased) was one of the earliest settlers in Greenfield. He was born in Phippsburg, Maine, in 1794, and died in Cook's Yalley in April, 1860. Judith Blaisdell, to whom he was married at Bath, was born in the same state in 1800. For many years they dwelt in Bath, and Mr. Wildes commanded a schooner engaged in the coasting trade. In 1854 he came to Greenfield, and took up the northeast quarter of section 34. Next year he moved to section 30, where he put up the first framed house in the township. He was the father of nine children, the eldest, Ephraim Madison, being fatally shot here in a claim dispute. Esther (Norton) resides In Maine. Zina died in New Orleans, and Silas in California. Asa was shot in some border trouble in Nevada. Annie (Mrs. S. A. Kempe) dwells in Eed Wing, and Francis H. in Aurora county, Nevada ; Merinda (Steele), at Maiden Rock, Wisconsin. A sketch of the youngest is hereunto appended.

Andkew J. Wildes was born in -Bath, Maine, July 23, 1840. He was very early taken upon summer voyages by his father, and received most of his education in the schools of Greenfield and Wabasha after coming here. On January 4, 1862, he entered the United States army, in Co. G, 5th Minn. Vols., and served in the western army; was a ]5articipator in the battles at second Corinth and luka. Was discharged on account of illness in September, 1863, and returned home. Having recovered his health in the northern climate, he re-enlisted in December of the latter year as a recruit in the 1st Minn, regt., and served in garrison duty on the Potomac till the close ot the war. Since his return home he has been employed as a carpenter and laborer. He is a member of the I.O.G.T., and in religious faith is inclined toward the Episcopals. Republicanism represents his political ideas. August 22, 1872, A. J. Wildes and Miss Hattie Swift were made one in the bonds of wedlock. They have three children, christened Katy May, Charles Francis and William Henry. Mrs. Wildes was born in Burrville, Jefferson county, New York.

SA>tuEL H. Bell, collector, Lake City, is the able representative of the McCormick Harvester Company. Like many other citizens of Lake City, he is a native of Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, born in Milroy township, April 18, 18-11. His father, George Bell, was of English descent, and Rosannah Mitchell, the wife and mother, descended from Scotch people, and were born in Pennsylvania. George Bell served the United States as a soldier in the war of 1812, and afterward settled on a farm in Milroy. Here the early life ot Samuel was passed, and, after a rudimentary course in the common schools he spent two years in Tuscarora Academy. In November, 1864, he became a resident of Lake City, and spent eight years as clerk in a store. He then entered the service of the Champion Eeaping Machine Company, in the sale of machineiy, and was so successful that his services were sought by other similar manufacturers. After seven years of toil in the interest of the Champion, he was employed in his present capacity ot collector, and is constantly traveling over a large portion of this state and Wisconsin. December 19, 1867, he was united in marriage to Miss jinna Bryant, step-daughter of Elijah Porter, whose biography is found in this work. Sereno Biyant, Mrs. Bell's father (now deceased), came of the same stock as the poet W. C. Bryant. One child, a daughter, was given to Mr. and Mrs. Bell May 24, 1869, and christened Maggie May. The family attends the Presbyterian church, and in political matters Mr. Bell affiliates with the democracy.

Wilson W. Cassidy, lumberman, Read's Landing, is one of the self-made men of Wabasha county. John Cassidy, his father, was a native of Ireland, and his mother, Jane Blair, was born in Pennsylvania. Wilson W. Cassidy was born in March, 1832, at Bellfont, Center county, in his mother's native state. When he was ten years old his parents moved to Lee county, Iowa, where he was brought u]) on a farm, and received a common-school education. At eighteen he was apprenticed to a carpenter, and followed this trade two years. In the fall of 1854 he went to Menomonee, Wisconsinj and entered the employ of Knapp, Stout & Co., heavy lumber manufacturers of that state, and has ever since been engaged witli them. His first two years were spent as a common hand in the woods and on the river, but his sterling character and executive ability were not long con- cealed from his employers. In the fall of 1857 lie was placed in charge of their retail lumber-yard at Read's Landing, where his headquarters still remain. The lumber-yard was closed long ago, and Mr. Cassidy now has charge of the rafting on the Chippewa and Mississippi rivers of the immense lumber fleets of the "Knapp, Stout & Co. Company " ; is also engaged in forwarding supplies up the rivers. By his industry and successful business management, Mr. Cassidy has made himself indispensable to the company's business, and has also secured for himself a fine home at Read's, beside one hundred and thirty acres of farming land in Pepin township. On Decembers, 1S57, he was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Kyle, a native of New Brunswick, of Irish descent. All save the eldest of their four children are now at home. They were christened : George K., Mabel and William. Jennie (now Mrs. Edward Bivins) resides at Stephen, Minnesota. While he has taken no part in the administration of public affairs, Mr. Cassidy has always been a faithful and consistent republican.

Joseph Ley, farmer, Watopa, is a native of Luxemburg, Germany, born July 1, 1850. Peter and Mary Ley, his parents, came to America in 1852, and after a residence of thi-ee years in Illinois came to Glasgow, this county. Here Mrs. Ley died Februarj' 24, 1856, and the father afterward mai-ried Catharine Fisch, under whose care our subject was broiight up. He attended school a very little after he was eleven years of age, and assisted his father on the farm. The latter now resides at Brownsville, Houston county this state. In 1871 Joseph Le}' and Eliza Shearts were united in marriage. Mrs. Ley is a native of Bohemia, and of about the same age as her husband. Their children were christened Mary, Frank, Joseph, John, Peter and Bertha. In 1871 Mr. Ley purchased a farm of eighty acres in tiie town of Pepin, which he tilled till 1S77. He then sold and bought his present farm, embracing one-fourth of section IS. All are communicants in Highland Catholic church. Mr. Ley affiliates with the democratic party in politics.

John IvENN'teDY, one of Watopa's representative farmers, has gained that position by his energy and enterprise. He was born in the parish of Drumailey, County Leitrim, Ireland, April 30, 1836. He received a fair common-school education, and assisted his father in the management of a fiirm and store. When only eighteen year^ old he left home and kindred and set out for the poor man's asylum, America. The first vessel on which he took passage from Liverpool, the Guiding Star, was wrecked on the Irish coast and drifted into the harbor of Belfast. He then went on board the American and landed at New York three mouths after the first outset from Liverpool, January 16, 1854. For some time lie was employed in a brickyard near New York city, and subsequently took charge of a farm at Fall River, Massachusetts, several years. He visited Minnesota in the summer of 1856 and returned to Fall Eiver. On October 20, this year, he was married to Miss Ann Flanagan, who was born in County Monahan, Ireland, and is about her husband's age. In July, 1860, he took up permanent residence in Minnesota, having already acquired landed interests in Watopa. He took up the northwest quarter of section 7, where he still resides, and also purchased an adjoining claim. He now has three hundred and sixt}' acres, of which one hundred and eighty acres have been cleared by him of grub and trees. In 1883 his crops were : wheat, fifteen hundred bushels ; barley, six hundred and thirtj^-three ; oats, nine hundred and eighteen. Mr. Kennedy's executive ability was soon recognized by his fellow citizens, and nearly every year since his residence here he has been chosen to fill some town office. He was supervisor in 1867-8-9, and was chairman of the board in 1872-3-4-5, and in 1879-80-81. He has also served as justice of the peace, and has been clerk of his school district nearly ever since its organization. He is recognized as one of the leading democratic politicians of the county. The Roman Catholic church claims the whole family. There are seven children. The eldest, John F., is preparing for the priesthood in St. Francis Seminary at Milwaukee. The next two, James Edward and Constantine, are in mercantile business at Durban, Dakota. The rest, at home, are christened, in order of birth, Sarah M., William Joseph, Matthias and Ellen Elizabeth. Mr. Kennedy served a year in the United States army, entering Co. D, 3d Minn, regt., in October, 1864. He served in Sherman's march to the sea, but was in no active engagements.

Peter Puetz, Watopa, farmer, is the eldest son of Peter and Katrina (Schulters) Puetz, all born in the village of Bruch, Luxemburg, Germany ; this subject on February 27, 1826. In 1856 the family set sail from Antwerp on the barque Livei-pool, and landed in New York after a voyage of fifty-five days. After a short residence at Kenosha, Wisconsin, they proceeded to Dubuque county, Iowa, and came thence to Watopa in 1863. This subject made a purchase on section 19, where he now resides and tills a farm of two hundred and ninety -five acres, of which two hundred acres are improved. He began his career as a farmer with a quarter-section, and his parents dwelt with him till their death ; the father January 24, 1868, and the mother on August 13, same year. Two other sons, Hubert and Matthias, settled near by and are now deceased, their families still dwelling there. All are Roman Catholics. Peter Puetz always adheres to the democratic party. His only public service has been in the capacitvy of school treasurer, which office he has filled for the past two years. He was married in 1861, the bride being Miss Margaret Henkels, who was born October 28, 1842, in the village of Buse, Luxemburg, and came to America when three years old. Her parents now reside in Dubuque county, Iowa. Six children were given to Mr. and Mrs. Puetz, and christened in the same order : Peter, Margaret, Matthias, Angeline, John and Mary. Petei-, the eldest, now twenty-one years old, is several inches over six feet in height.

Peter Schilling, Watopa, farmer, is a native of Germany, Ballendorf, Prussia, being the place, and November 11. 1843, the time, of his birth. His earl}' life was that of a German farmer's son, and he left school at the age of twelve. When seventeen years old he set out alone for America, and was two months between Antwerp and New York on the sailing vessel Elizabeth Hamilton. The first winter was spent on a stock farm neai- BuflPalo, and next spring went to Sauk county, Wisconsin, engaging in farm labor. In 1866 he came to Minnesota, and during the following winter purchased one-fourth of section 30, where his home has been ever since. He now owns one-half of the section, and the same spirit of enterprise that prompted him to set out for a strange continent in youth still actuates him. He has cleared one hundred and eighty acres of his land of its natural growth of grubs, and is engaged in grainraising. He has been four times elected town supervisor, serving as chairman in 1882-3. His political afliliations are with the democratic party, and all the members of the family are included in the Highland Catholic church. In 1867 he married Elizabeth Howe, a sister of George Howe, whose parentage and nativity are elsewhere given in this work. Their children are christened in order ot birth, as follows : Mary, John, Margaret, Peter, Anthony, Jacob and Matthias.

in her native land, and the father on the way to America on shipboard. With his brothers, Mr. Enright, in his twentieth year, ari-ived at "Wabasha, April 5, 1854. Some years had been previously spent in Westchester and Chenango counties, New York. His first claim in Minnesota was near the site of Tepeeotah, in Greenfield townships, where he was engaged for some time in supplying steamboats with wood. He subsequently spent some years in the mines and cattle ranches of Montana, Colorado and Kansas. Returning to Watopa in 1870, he settled on his present farm of four hundred acres, his residence being on section 27, in Indian Creek valley. He is chiefly engaged in grain raising. Is a life-long democrat, and all his family are communicants in the Roman Catholic church. In 1S70 Mr. EnrighJ; married Maria Fitzgerald, born Quigley, in County Tipperary, Ireland, in 1839. By her first marriage, Mrs. Enright has two sons, James, now in Washington Territory, and Thomas, in Kellogg. Mr. Enright's children are John A., Stephen W., Joseph E. and Ellen M., all at home.

Nels Peter Bdrman, farmer, Watopa, is among the most enlightened and progressive citizens of the township. He has been town clerk four years, and also served as constable. He was born in the northern part of Sweden, January 5, 1849, and was reared on a farm there, receiving the common-school education of that country. He came to the United States when nineteen years old, and was employed for some years in mining and railroad construction in Wisconsin and Michigan. He became a resident of Watopa in 1873, and next year purchased the farm on which he resides, on section 29. He has two hundred and eighty' acres of land, and is chiefly engaged in grain raising. He is a firm adherent of republican political principles, and a Lutheran. In 1875 he married Maria Charlotte Johnson, who was born in southern Sweden, six years later than her husband. Two sons, each christened Charles, have been taken from them by death. Those living ai-e : Johanna Elizabeth and Charles Oscar.

John F. Rose, farmer, was among the early settlers of Glasgow township, having settled on the eastern border, in Cook's valley, in 1857. He was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, November 12, 1823, and was reared there. His parents were George and Nancy Rose. He assisted his father on the farm and as clerk in a store till he reached maturity. January 8, 1843, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary, daughter of Edmund and Mary (Moser) Johnson. Mrs.

Kose was born July 16, 1S23. Both ai-e members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Eose served some years as a member of the Glasgow town board, and was elected county treasurer bv the republicans in 1S62, and re-elected in 1S64. serving four successive years. There are five children of this family ; mention of the eldest is given below ; Xannie M.. the second, dwells in San Francisco, California; Clara J., at Kellogg. William J. was bom June 12, 1S53, in the same locality as his father ; attended school at "Wabasha, and has taught three terms ; is now engaged in farming ; married Sarah A. Metzgar, May 5. IS 74, and has five children, christened Mary Jane, Edith May, Floyd, Minnesota and Alice. Mary Alice, the youngest, is tlie wife of Horace Higgins. whose home is at Tower City, Dakota.

Jrsrrs G. Rose, eldest son of above subject, was bom at SenecavUle, Guernsey county, Ohio, February 7, 1846. Since eleven yeai-s of age most of his life has been passed on Minnesota farms. Besides a fair common-school training here, he spent sis months in Eastman's business colleges at Poughkeepsie and Chicago. August 27. 1S64. he entered the Union ai-my, being then in his nineteenth year, and served till the close of the civil war, as a recruit in Co. C, ith Minn. Vols. He bore a part in Sherman's mai'ch to the sea and to Richmond, but was in no heavy engagements. He participated in several skirmishes, and witnessed the burning of Columbia, South Carolina. He was discharged in June. 1S65, and retumed to Minnesota. September 23. 1"^73, he married Mary A., daughter of Daniel Metzgar, whose history is elsewhere given in this work. Two sons and a like number of daughters have blessed this union, and are called Chft'ord Homer, William Clyde, Mattie May and Xannie Maud. Mr. Eose has always upheld the principles of the republican party, and subscribes to the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church.

James P. Davis, M.D., Kellogg, is a son of John and Maria Davis, all bom in Monmouthshire, England ; our subject in July, 1S43. AVTien the latter was about two years of age his parents settled near Pomeroy. Ohio, where they died within a few years. Yoimg Davies received instniction in public and private schools and an academy ; he also spent three years in the schools of Covington. Kentucky, and Cincinnati. Tlie completion of his eighteenth year found him engaged in active warfare in the service of the United States, 4th Ya. Inf. He served in West Virginia in 1861-2, partici- pating in the battles of Cliarlestown and Bnsh Creek, besides some skirmishing with bushwhackers. From January, 1863, to March, 186Jr, he was in the army of the Tennessee, and was an actor at the attack on Haynes Bluff, Yazoo River c-ampaign, siege and capture of Vicksburg, campaign against Jackson,' Mississippi (July, 1863j, campaign to relieve Chattanooga and Mission Ridge, and the skirmish with Forrest's cavalr}- near Tuscnmbia, Alabama. He served in the Shenandoah valley in 18f>4, taking part in the battle of Piedmont in June. On account of poor health he was so«^>n after discharged. From the fall of 1S64 to the close of the civil war he was employed on a United States picket boat on the Mississippi. After the struggle was ended he went to St. Louis and pursued a course of medical study in the Missouri Medical College, from which institution he graduated. In the spring and summer of 1873, he traveled through this state in search of health, and settled at Kellogg in 1875, continuing a good practice to the present time. He is a member of the county and state medical societies. Was reared, in the Presbyterian church, and is a supjK>rter of the Christian faith. He is married, and has one son. William F., now in biuiiness at St. Paul.

Michael Qogley Cdeceased) was an early resident of Greenfield, settling in 1856 on section 2-t, where he died seventeen years later, at the age of sixty-six. His wife died in 1873. This couple was bom in the town of Xanagh, Comity Tipperary, Ireland, as were all their children, ilrs. Qnigley's maiden name being Judith O'Donoghue. After his marriage, Mr. Quigley served J. J. Kilkelly as steward for his estate, near the city of IXanagh, twentytwo years. The family came to America in 1853, and lived in the State of Xew York until coming here. All were reared in and adhered to the Roman Catholic church. Following are the names and residence of the children in the order of their birth : Ellen (Mrs. John Starr), Watopa : John. Idaho ; Martin and ilichael H., Greenfield ; Philip, Cameron Junction, Missouri ; Maria (Airs. John Enright). Watopa ; Jeremiah and Edward, Denver, Colorado ; Cornelius J ., see below.

AIicHAZL H. QriGLET, farmer, is now about forty -eight years of age. and was therefore twenty when he c-ame to Greenfield, He now occnpies his fathers first claim, with some additions, his domain embracing three hundred and forty acres. About sixty acre« are nnder the plow, and he is largely engaged in raising horses and grade cattle. In early life he was employed on the river, and spent a year in 1864-5 in Colorado. On February 22, 1860, he espoused for life Catharine, daughter of Thomas Ryan, now resident with Mr. Quigley. This lady is a native of the State of Illinois. Eight children have been given her, and christened as follows : Maria Teresa, Philip Henry, Thomas Edward, Katy, John, Michael, Ellen and Julia. Mr. Quigley is a believer in education, and four of his children are now in school at Wabasha. He was elected the first collector in the town, and was town clerk in 1860-1-2 and part of 1 864 ; was several years chairman of the town board, and has served for the last ten years as assessor. During the war Mr. Quigley was elected captain of Co. E, 7th Minn, state militia, but did not go into active service.

Cornelius F. Quiglev came to this county when eight years old and has dwelt here continuously since. He now occupies a tine stock farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 14, Greenfield. For three years he owned and tilled a farm in "Watopa, and then settled on his present location. He received a fair common-school education during the winter intervals of farm work, and is an intelligent and progressive citizen. In 1879 and 1880 he was elected a member of the town board. Like his brother, above sketched, he works in the interests of the democratic party in political contests. In August, 1870, he was united in marriage to Miss Ellen, daughter of Timothy Enright, one of the pioneers of this township. Mrs. Quigley was born at Norwich, New York, in ISoO. They have lost four children, Edward, William and Neal dying with diphtheria in June, 1881, and Kitty died at two years of age. The living ones are christened Michael, John, Julia, Irene and Cornelius.

Philip Quigley, above mentioned, served through the war of the rebellion in Co. G, 3d Minn. Vols., entering as private, and rising to the rank of first lieutenant. His brother Edward also served three years in the same company.

John Gage, farmer, Watopa, is one of those men who were born to lead. His paternal grandparents were Benjamin Gage and Susannah Johnson, of old New England families. His father was christened James Shepard, and married Nancy Currier, of similar lineage. While the latter couple was living at Enfield, New Hampshire, on February 10, 1825, John Gage was born to them. Tliey subsequently removed to Waterloo, New York, where James Gage still lives, aged eighty-six years. The latter was a farmer, and also a heavy railroad contractor. Finding that his son - the subject of this paragraph - had no taste for school, he placed him at the early age of twelve years in charge of a gang of ten men on railroad construction. He was found equal to this task, and became his father's most valuable assistant. After attaining his majority young Gage went into the Alleghany mountains, and spent six years in lumbering operations. Here his all was swept away by fire, and he decided to go west. In the summer of 1855 he came to Minnesota, and located in the fall of that year on the site of his present home in the beautiful Whitewater River valley, on section 36, Watopa. Since his i-esidence here he has carried through some heavy railroad work. One piece, a siiort distance above La Crosse, contains some of the most diflicult work expended in the construction of the Chicago & St. Paul railroad. Another severe piece of work carried through by Mr. Gage on this line is a short distance below Lake City. When the narrow-gauge railway, following the Zumbro valley, was built in 1S77-S, Mr. Gage fulfilled some large contracts in its construction, and suffered heavy losses thereby. He has about one thousand acres lying along the Whitewater river, and is now giving his attention to farming and stock-raising. In 18S3 he pi'oduced three thousand bushels of wheat and four hundred tons of hay. In 1873 he manufactured brick for the construction of his elegant residence, and next year erected it, personally supervising the laying of every brick. It>has hollow brick walls, including the partitions, from cellar floor to garret. Ever}' room, from cellar to garret, has communication with a chimney. In completing the cellar floor thirty barrels of cement were used, witii two feet in depth of cobblestones. The walls of the cellars are lined with brick, and the whole edifice contains one hundred and thirty-two thousand five hundred of these cubes. They are of superior qualit}', and the massive walls of the mansion present a fine appearance. Mr. Gage has been active in political affairs, and his power is still strongly felt among his fellowcitizens, although approaching age has compelled him to retire. In the fall of 1869 he was elected by the rei^ublicans to the state legislature, and served with dignity and discretion through the following winter session. In the spring of 1860 a malicious charge of theft was brought against him by enemies, but his vindication on trial was complete. While his case was pending the spring election came on, and he was elected justice of the peace by thirty-four out of forty-four votes. The case was _ tlierefore taken to Minueiska for trial, with the result above noted. Mr. Gage has been several times chosen a member of the town board of sujjervisors, and has served in various town offices: In religious matters his sympathies are with Universalism. On November 5, lS-±6, he was wedded to Miss Eleanor Probasco, who is still his intelligent helpmeet and adviser. Mrs. Gage was born January 15, 1826, in Sanderston, New Jersey. Her parents, Joseph and Maria (Quick) Probasco, were also natives of that state. Three sons, Warren Claude, Wells Eugene and Albert Guy, the yoimgest of the family, still dwell with their ]:)arents ; Eleanor Amanda, the eldest, now Mrs. John Mannings, lives in Chicago ; Edward is in Fargo, and Charles A. and Hattie Maria (Mrs. Frank Towne) are in Elsbury, Dakota.

Aaeon Fox, postmaster at Minneiska, the subject of our sketch, is a son of Abner and Delana Fox, and was born at Mentor, Ohio, in 1833. After receiving a common-school education he removed to Lake county, Illinois. At the end of four years he felt a hungering and thirsting for a better education. Acting upon his impulses, he took a three years' course at Kirtland Seminary, one of the best seminaries in Ohio at that time. After this we find him on the farm in Lake county again till 1856, when he came to Minneiska. For some time he traded with the Indians, dealing principally in furs, but tiring of this, he dealt in wheat, and at present is postmaster, and also deals in groceries ; lias ser\ed as assessor and constable several terms. He is a member of the Masonic order. His politics are republican. Married Mary Jane Hawkins, of Illinois, and have two children : Jessie F., now Mrs. George H. Bagley, living in Missouri, and Ernest, living at Ojata, Minnesota.

D. H. Ingalls, hardware, Minneiska, son of Daniel and Mercey, was born in Kingsborough, Massachusetts, in 1820. His parents were natives of the same state. He received his education in the common schools and at Peperill Academy, attending the latter several terms. During the spring of 18i2 he came to Lake county, Illinois, and engaged in merchandise, remaining till 1859, when he removed to Plainview. Here he opened up a farm, but at the end of a year became tired of farming and sold out, removing to different parts of Kansas and Illinois during the next year ; but like all eastern nien who once see the west, was dissatisfied with anything but the far west, so in 1861 he removed to Minneiska. Here he opened up a lumber-yard, and at different times bought wheat and transacted other business, until Snallyhe opened up a store con.' sisting.of hardware and furniture, which he still owns. During the early part of the rebellion he was drafted, but on account of constitutional disability was given a life certificate of dismissal. For the last sixteen years he has held the offices of town clerk and justice of the peace during most of the time. His politics are republican. In 1879 he was married to Mary F. Ray, of Massachusetts, a lady of refinement and a high order of intelligence.

William H. Ingall^ farmer, was born at Nashua, New Hampshire, April 23, 1834. When nine years of age he came with his parents to northern Illinois. After attending the common schools for some time, he became a student of Salem Acadeni}'. But in a short time he left school, removing to Jacksonville, Iowa, about the year 1856. At the end of two years removed to this state, opening u]) a farm near Plaiuview, where he resided twelve years. At this juncture he made another move, going to Murray county, where he again opened up a large farm, living there till 1SS2, when he came to Minneiska. He married Caroline Walker, of Illinois. Tiiey have six children: Arsa F., now at Windom, Minnesota; Ida C, now Mrs. Geo. Darling, living in Missouri ; William D., a teacher in Otter Tail county ; and Alma A., Mabel I. and Leroy, at home. He is a member of the Masonic order. In politics a republican.

H. S. SuMNEK, bookkeeper, son of Timothy and Mary Sumner, was born at Killingly, Connecticut, in 1852. His early life was tliat of a farmer boy, working on the farm summers, and attending district school winters, till eighteen years of age. At this time he visited Providence, Rhode Island, and on becoming engaged in business, remained till ISSI, when he became possessed of the idea, "Go west, young man" ; so he came west as far as Winona, Minnesota. Since then he has lived in different portions of the state, and has made one short stay in Rhode Island. At present he is in the employ of D. F. Brooks & Co. In politics he is a straight re])ublican. Is a member of the I.O.G.T.

William McKinney, bookkeeper, Minneiska, was born in 1859. His iiarents' names were Chai-les and Caroline McKinney, and were living at Redtield, Oswego county, New York, at that time. His education M'as received at the common schools. In 1877 went to New York city, remaining nine months, then came to Minneiska. Since that time has resided in Plaiuview, Fergus Falls, and other portions of the state, but at present is in the employ of Brooks

Bros., as head bookkeeper. In religion he leans toward the Congregational church. Married Mattie A. Burchard, of Plainview. Have one child, Nellie. Mr. McKinney is a man well fitted for the important position which he now fills.

John Wear, proprietor of Trout Glen Farm, Mount Pleasant, is a son of English parents, Robert and Mary (Lawton) Wear, and was bom in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, January 6, 1837. When he was seven years old his father moved to Schellsburg, Wisconsin, and engaged in mining. In 1850 he bought a farm in Jo Daviess county, Illinois, and from that time the life of our subject has been passed on a farm. His only educational tiicilities outside of selfculture were supplied by six months in the common school after he was tliirteen years old. On reaching the age of fifteep he left the home farm, where his parents still reside, and has ever since cared for himself. In 1854 he came to Wacouta, on Lake Pepin, and soon after took up land on section 32, in the town of Florence, about four miles west of his present home. This claim was tilled by him until 1868, when he went to Lake City. For two years he engaged in the flour and feed trade there. He settled on his present farm (the northwest quarter of section 1) in 1877. Until quite recently he has engaged almost exclusively in grain-raising, but is now turning his attention to breeding Jersey cattle and sheep. At this writing (March, ISSi) he is preparing to erect a private creamery on the large spring near his door. This spring supplies abundant water for driving churn, grindstone, etc., and is inhabited by trout. In the summer of 1883 the butter-producing powers of a three-fourths grade Jersey cow on Mr. Wear's farm was tested by a committee consisting of the editor of the Lake City " Sentinel " and the county superintendent of schools. For a week these gentlemen visited Trout Glen Farm each day, and weighed the milk, cream and butter from this animal. At the end of that period the butter produced at fourteen sittings on the miiking-stool was found to weigh twentyseven and one-fourth pounds. The weight of the milk was two hundred and ninety-three pounds. This is related as an example of the results easily attainable in Minnesota, with good water, pasturage and the right kind of cows. Mr. Wear is a member of the Masonic lodge and chapter at Lake City ; is a consistent republican, and both himself and wife joined a Presbyterian church in Goodhue county, and still cherish the faith of that sect. During his residence in Florence Mr. Wear served as town supervisor. His marriage occurred in 1S57, the bride being Miss Emily, daughter of Joseph Saunders and Eliza (Owen) Pingrej, of Yermont and New York. Mrs. Wear was born near Madison, Indiana, in 1838. No children having been given this couple, they adopted a daughter, christened Minnie.

EoYAL MoEEY. farmer. Lake City, is a native of Orange county, Yermont, and was born in 1823. His parents, Joshua and Lucinda (Pennock) Morey, were representative New England families, and descendants of Scotch ancestors. They were principally farmers, though some of their scions have chosen tlie professions. Mr. Morey (our subject) was reared a farmer, and has made it his life business. He was married in his native state, January 1, 1S50, to Miss Jennette Ellen Felton, a daughter of Amos Felton, born in Orange county, Yermont, in 1828. In 1861 they came to Minnesota, landing at Lake City on October 4, and at once settled on a farm in the town of Chester. Here they resided three years, during which time their home was fi-equently visited by marauding bands of Indians, who delighted in terrorizing Mrs. Morey and her defenseless children, as well as appropriating to their own use every article of food in the house. He then removed to Lake City, for the purpose of educating his children, whose names in the order ot their birth are: Charles Anson (whose sketch follows); Edith E., wife of Joseph B. Peterson, of Sioux Falls, Dakota; Bertha C, now Mrs. John A. Leonard, of Lake City ; Florence M., a graduate of the State Normal, and engaged in teaching; and Jennette E., at home. Mr. Morey and wife are now i-esiding on their farm, within and adjoining the city limits, and enjoying the blessings of an honorable family, and an industrious and well spent life.

Charles Anson Moret was born August 9, 1851, and lived the life of a farmer boy until nineteen years of age, when he was engaged to teach the school at Gopher prairie, near Lake City. So successful was he in this new field of operations, that the next year (1871) he came to Winona, and entered the State Normal School to ])repare himself more thoroughly for that work. He graduated at the head of his class, May 22, 1872, and was at once selected by the authorities of the school, and instructed to proceed with his preparations to take charge of the new department of natural sciences about to be established in the school. Accordingh', in September of that year, he entered the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston, as a special student in the scientific departments.

In the next two years he passed through the entire laboratory course of that advanced and practical institution. During the latter part of the last year he worked in company with Prof A. Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone. At the close of the year he read a paper before the society of arts and sciences of the institute, describing and illustrating his improvements upon the phonantograph, an important acoustical instrument. The paper was published in the "American Journal of Science," and the improvements upon the familiar piece of apparatus have been generally adopted. He was, in the spring of 1874, elected professor of natural, science in the State Normal School at Winona, and at once entered upon his duties. Under his direction laboratories, were established, and the new experimental method of teaching the sciences put in full operation. A large amount of valuable apparatus was made on the spot by himself, and by pupils under his direction. Upon the resignation of Prof. William F. Phelps in 1876, Mr. Morey was appointed principal of the school. Under his administration the curriculum, took many decided steps in advance. The course ot study was rearranged upon the basis of a year instead of a term. The advanced course and the professional course for graduates of colleges and high schools were established. By his economical management of the aHairs of the school, the authorities were enabled to supply the funds necessary- to fit up and furnish the extensive museum and art gallery of the institution, which was done under his direction. He had, however, since a boy, determined to eventually make the law his profession, and had employed his leisure accordingly. In 1879 he resigned the principalship, was admitted to the bar, and immediately entered upon the practice of law at Winona, as a member of the firm of Berry & Morey. He was married November 28, 1877, to Kate Louise Berry, daughter of Gen. C. H. Berry. They have two children, Janette and Charles Berry. Mr. Morey is a member of the school board, a director of the Merchants Bank, of the board of trade, and is secretary of the Winona Building and Loan Association, and politically atfiliates with the republican party.

Chaptek Xcvii

The following pages consist of materials that have been delayed from various causes and consequently could not be placed in the position originally intended. Much of the matter, it will be seen, is of a highly important and interesting nature. - [Ed.

The township of Plainviewis a complete geograpliical township, bounded on the north by the townships of Oakwood and Highland, on the east by Winona county, on the south by Olmsted county and on the west by the township of Elgin. The first settlements in this township were made in 1854 by two families of Norwegians, named respectively Halgerson and Olson. These people occupied dugouts on the claims which they made in the northeastern part of the township. The Halgersons are still residents of the township, while the Nelsons (or Olsons) now own farms in the adjoining town of Highland, all highly esteemed and well-to-do farmers. Early the following spring there came several enterprising Yankees, and located claims near the central part of the township. The leading spirits of the new comers were CI. A. T. Sharp, E. B. Eddy, Wm. Boatman, Mr. Geising, Mr. Todd, Mr. Lock, A. P. Foster and Benjamin Lawrence. The first five named gentlemen were the founders of the short-lived town of Greenville. When the first pioneers arrived upon Greenwood prairie they found themselves in the very heart of a veritable paradise of luxuriant verdure, carpeting a gently undulating prairie soil, dotted here and there by small groves of oak, and all spread out beneath a clear sky and a dry and invigorating atmosphere. Is it any wonder that they were charmed with the scene which gave assurance that the dreams of their ante-pioneer days were about to be realized? They were content to pitch their tents here and begin the work of building homes and carving out fortunes. How well they have succeeded a ride over Greenwood prairie today will enable you to judge, - beautiful farms of many, broad acres stretch away on every hand, pleasant and commodious farm-buildings are found, frequently sequestered by groves of stately - trees, and a cheerful greeting meets you whithersoever you turn. A thrifty town stands in the midst of all this world of agricultural wealth, good feeling pervades the entire community and the combined effect of all this will convince the most skeptical that the lives of the old pioneers of Plainview were cast in pleasant places and success has attended their labors.

The spring of 1S56 saw a large number of new families establishing themselves in various parts of the township. In the southeast settled the Smiths, Hiram and Milton ; the Sylvesters, George, Charles and Caleb ; George S. Evans, Solomon Fox, Johnathan Ingalls, Hiram Lindsey, Isaac Bancroft, Senica Carewell and Edwin Ball. The summer of 1S57 Woodland postoffice was established at the house of George W. Sylvester, on the S.E. J of Sec. 25, with Mr. Sylvester as postmaster.

In northeast Plainview we find the Mellendies, Thomas Smith, the Carpenters ; in the vicinity of Plainview the Halls, Thompsons, Smiths and Browns, T. A. Thompson, Wilcox, Blackwell, Rittenhouse, Chapman, Wile}-, Yale, Ackley, Bigham, Ormsby ; and farther south, where S. L. McCarty settled in 1855, there located in the spring of 1856 John Hitchcock, Samuel Bowen, Ruben Brooks, Mr. Griffin, T. Mills, Huslow Struck, Tyem, Ames, Weather, Brc/wn, Churchill, Perry. The gentlemen were chiefly from the eastern states, a few from Wisconsin, and one or two from Iowa ; all were restless palefaces, with good, true Yankee blood flowing in their veins. A volume might be written describing the makeshifts to which the}' were obliged to resort during the first few weeks or months of their sojourn here tor habitations. Some of these pioneer families used their wagon-boxes for houses, and others dwelt under boards that were leaned against a ridgepole. He who was so fortunate as to own a domicile that bore any resemblance in shape and a]ipointments to a house, was frequently called upon to extend the hospitality characteristic of the pioneer, to dozens of people, and sometimes entire families, beneath his humble roof. But with all these inconveniences, the hearts of these people were bouyant with hope and bright prospects, and in these days they look back to those early times and say, that "those were the happiest days of all." The sunshine in their souls kept them warm, despite the blasts of the northern winter that besieged their shanty homes, and shot his icy arrows through a thousand unchinked crevices ; despite the rough food, insufficient in quantity, and despite attenuated wardrobes.

The soil for the most part is ver^- rich and free from stone ; it is not so heavy as that found in the adjacent timber regions, but is qnite as productive, easier to till, and apparently as inexhaustible. Natural growths of scrub-oak were interspersed, but the ax of the pioneer was called into requisition only to provide fuel. The surface is gently undulating, approaching to the level in the northeast and slightly broken in the southeast along the White Water river, which' enters the township from Elgin on section 30, and flows east for about three miles, then takes a southerly course, passing out through section 33, and again in the eastern part, where a diminutive branch of the White Water flows through a bluffy vale.

The Products

Wheat was the chief product of this fertile region for a score of years. Upon this important cereal the prosperity of the farmer chiefly depended, and he gave no attention to other branches of husbandry, until the wheat-producing qualities of the soil wei'e impaired by excessive cropping, and a series of unfavorable seasons conspired to greatly reduce the large yields, upon which he had for so many years safely relied. From thirty and forty bushels to the acre to five and ten, despite the most skillful husbandry, was the result. But the dauntless spirit of the old pioneer was not subdued by these discouragements, and Jie sought relief in stock-raising, which, during the last few years, has developed into no insignificant proportions. The raising of corn for the fattening of hogs perhaps receives tlie largest share of attention, but fine grades of cattle and blooded horses are also specialties. Dairying is a branch of farm industry that is coming rapidly into favor among the farmers of this section, and several fine herds of Jerseys and Shorthorns are to be found. The Greenwood Creamery, located at Plainview, and successfully operated bj' Hon. A. Y. Felton, is a prosperous enterprise, that leads and encourages the dairy interests of this prairie. Grain raising has not been wholly abandoned, but large quantities of wheat, oats and barley, as well as corn, are produced every year, and wheat culture may be said to hold at least the second place in agricultural industry today.

The First Habitations

and was the conjoint product of A. P. Foster, A. T. Sharpe and Mr. Eddy, all of whom contributed to the fund of muscle and money required in its construction. Mrs. Eddy, being the only woman of this party, was installed as housekeeper over this first palace of the prairie. Mrs. Wm. Boatman and Mrs. Eddy were the first white ladies who came to Greenwood praiiie, coming in the same party. During the summer of 1855, Mr. Sharpe t<iok charge of the aflfairs of the new town, Greenville, afterward called Greenwood, which was located about two miles east of the present village of Plainview. Mr. Sharpe was a gentleman of good address, and was full of ambitious notions concerning this new pioneer burg, which was promptly platted by its proprietors, and its lots put upon the market. All fair and rational means were employed to attract settlers to this new Eldorado, that these enterprising people could devise. Eastern capitalists were besought to invest their money here, and letters filled with glowing descriptions of the country, and setting forth the advantages which the new town offered, were sent them. And not infi-equently did these zealous town boomers overstep the bounds of strict veracity, and sometimes resorted to tricks to deceive the incredulous. As a sample we will here mention an incident that has been rendered historical by the clever pen of Dr. N. F. Teft't, of Plainview, himself one of the early settlers in Wabasha county, and a witness of all that he has related in the form of a drama which was produced at the "old settlers' meeting,"' February 13, ] 884, and may be properly styled

The Dry Well

One of the most serious problems which the citizens of Greenville had to solve was the procuring of water. There was no kindly stream nearer than the Whitewater, four miles south. Of lakes there were none, not even a good old-fashioned mud-hole, and the water supply must be found in the bosom of mother earth, if at all. Consequently the digging of a well for the use ot the town was at once undertaken. A depth of eighteen or twenty feet had been reached without indication of water, when the arrival of an eastern capitalist was announced by mail a day in advance. What was to be done with the well and the earth which had been taken from it and heaped into a telltale mound near by. A happy thought came to the wily Sharpe, and he caused the well to be supplied with watei from the river before the arrival of the capitalist. When the latter came Mr. Sharpe took him in tow and escorted him over the town site, pointing out the interesting features of the new town and expatiating upon its admirable location and advantages. Tlie unsophisticated stranger was advised of a proposed railroad line that had been surveyed through the village all the way from Dubuque on section lines, indicated the spot where in a few months was to be erected a "female brick seminary," loftily declared the existence of a beautiful lake near the Melendy place, and spoke in tones of assurance of the fine supply of water which the new well aiibrded, into the depths of which the visitor was invited to look that he might dispel any doubt previously entertained on that score. It happened that the water which the cunning citizens had put into the well had leaked out and the deception was thus uncovered ; the well was dry.

The lack of water was not the only drawback that Greenwood had. A far more serious menace to her success was found in the fact that she was located within the half-breed tract, whicil included all that portion of Plainview township lying northeast of a line drawn from the northwest corner of the township southeast to a point near the center of the N.E. i of the N. W. J of Sec. 24.

The title to all lands contained in this reservation was in question for years, and was not determined until the fate of Greenville was forever sealed.

in her palmiest day was never more than a "four corners"; a hotel, a store, a blacksmith-shop and a schoolliouse were the sum total of her business and public places. Today there is' but one building standing that once contributed to her fated glory, and that one building is used on the T. G. Bolton place for a sheep-shed. T. J. Wadleigh, furniture dealer of Plainview, was the last one to abandon her and transfer his business to her rival. The first school in the township was established b}' the citizens of Greenville, in the fall of 1856. The boards for the schoolhouse were prepared by Mr. Boatman, its builder, with a whip-saw. Miss Annie M. White (now Mrs. Furlong, of Rochester, Minnesota) was the first teacher.

Sioux Half-Breed Tract

A portion of the township of Plainview, as heretofore mentioned, was embraced in the half-breed reservation. That portion was the northern and eastern. The questionable title which those who settled on this Indian territory obtained of their lands occasioned them much uneasiness and trouble. The Indians were ultimatelyinduced to relinquish their claims to this tract, in lieu of which the United States government granted them certain valuable land-script, each Indian receiving enough of this script to enable him to locate therewith four hundred and eighty acres of land, regardless of squatters' rights. This script was not assignable, but Yankee wit found a way to circumvent the law, and for a valuable consideration prevailed upon the dusky owners of the script to invest their white brother with the power of attorney, requisite to enable him to buy the script in the owner's name, and also to transfer the title to the land thus acquired to others. Tliis scheme proved successful, and those possessing the necessary means soon secured control of large tracts of land, and, in some instances for a reasonable and in others for an exorbitant consideration, perfected the squatter-claimants' title. These titles thus acquired were afterward disputed, and resulted in a closely-contested suit, in which A. P. Foster was made defendant. The titles were, however, confirmed by the supreme court, and the matter forever put at rest thereby. While tlie matter of title was thus in abeyance, it had a tendency to delay improvements, and the development of the country affected was temporarily suspended.

The organization of the township of Plainview was effected in ISoS. The first town-meeting was held in Plainview, May 11, of that year. Prior to this there had been an imperfect attempt at organization under the territorial government as early as 1856, during which year we find that John W. Burnham exercised the functions of a justice of the peace. His ofRcial docket, which is still extant, contains records of judicial proceedings in several cases. The first election in the township resulted in the selection of the following-named persons: John Yale, chairman board of supervisors ; Hiram Smith and J. P. Robbins, supervisoi-s ; S. H. Gaylord, town clerk ; John W. Burnham and H. H. Butts, justices of the peace ; David Ackley and Wm. F. Collins, constables ; James Brown, assessor ; Benjamin Lawrence, overseer of the poor. The number of ballots cast at this election was seventy-eight.

The First Eoad

On March 26, the board of supervisors convened to consider the matter of public highways. Up to this time the travel had been unconfined in its selection of routes, save that here and there might be found the restraining fence of some exclusive settler, and wagonroads threaded the prairie in all directions, regardless of sectionlines. A survey' had been duly made ot a road from the townshipline in the west, at the section-stake between sections six and seven, due east through the township. This survey was adopted by the board, and the first road ordered to be opened thereon.

The roads that now traverse the township are chiefly located on section-lines, and are kept in excellent condition. Those mainly traveled are known as the Wabasha road, and the extension east and west of Broadway, the main street of Plain view village.

The custom of fencing farms in vogue in the east was introduced by the early settlers, and put those occupying prairie land to a large expense to haul the rails necessary from the timber lands often many miles distant, but the more sensible practice of requiring each farmer to fence in his stock rather than his crops, resulted in the sjieedy disappearance of fences, which are almost wholly unnecessary in a country exclusively devoted to grain-raising. Tlie introduction of stock-raising on an extensive scale, is, however, calling for the restoration offences. The old Virginia rail fence has had its day, however, and wire is being successfully substituted.

The Inhabitants

are chiefly Yankees, with a small percentage of German and Irish interspersed. There is a strong tendency toward independent and atheistic notions in religious matters, while the prevailing religious sentiment (so called) is Protestant. A few Catholic families are, however, to be found, and a Catholic society is in process of crystallization in the village of Plainview. There is a manifest disposition on the part of the majority of the people to cultivate and foster a wholesome and practical literary taste. With this end in view the children are given the advantages ofiered by good

Outside of the village there are seven school districts bearing the following numbers: 59, 61, 62, 62^, 63, 11 and 95. Each has a suitable school-building, and much care is exercised in the selection of good and competent instructors. The village school district No. 60, is provided with an able corps of instructors, and the high school connected therewith receives each year many pupils from the neighboring rural districts.

is the incubus that haunts the sweet dream of prosperity that otherwise were a bright reality for Plainview. In a moment of generosity she issued her bond to the amount of iifty thousand dollars to aid the Plainview & Eyota Eailroad Company to construct their road from Eyota to Plainview. This was in the spring of 1878, March 30. Prior to their issue, in accordance with a permissive act of the legislature, a petition had been circulated among the taxpayers of the township, and the signatures ot a majoiity thereof had been thus obtained. This by the terms of the said act was sufficient authority to warrant the boai-d of supervisors to issue the bonds. The opposition to this move made itself apparent at the spring election for the year 1878, and two tickets were put into the tield on that issue, the one composed of men pledged to issue the bonds, and the other of men pledged to the opposite course. The election resulted in the choice of the bond men. The village of Plainview surrendered its corporate existence, in order to enable the voters residing therein to vote upon this issue, and has never been reincorporated. The validity of the bonds issued in this manner were called in question, and a test case reached the highest tribunal of the state, where the act authorizing the proceedings jirelimiuary to the issuing of the bonds, was pronounced unconstitutional, and the town was enjoined from levying a tax for the collection of the funds for payment of said bonds or the interest thereon. The bonds were held by nonresidents, who at once brought suit against the township to recover the interest as it became due, in the district court of the United States. This tribunal pronounced the bonds valid, and issued a mandamus to compel the town authorities to levy the requisite tax therefor. Between these two conflicting forces the town is in a dilemma, and the people know not in which direction their best interests lie. They, however, are daily assured by the arrival and departure of trains, that the railroad for which the bonds were issued has been constructed, and is being operated in accordance with the terras of contract made with the Plainview & Eyota company.

The Elgin Cyclone Of 1883

which swept with such a destructive force over tlie fair and fertile fields of the sister town in the west, and all but annihilated the thrift}' little rural village of Elgin, exhausted its dying powers in doing some slight damage to the property of Plainview farmers in

An informal meeting of old settlers of the southern part of Wabasha county was held in Plainview on February 6, 1877, which resulted in the organization of the Old Settlers' Association. H. P. Willson was elected chairman, and S. B. Evans secretary. On February 28, they held what they were pleased to designate their first regular meeting at Schoolhouse Hall in Plainview, adopted a constitution and by-laws, and elected the following officers, viz : Dr. N. S. Tefft, president ; George Farrer, of Elgin, vice-jiresident ; T. A. Thompson, secretary; E. B. Eddy, treasurer.

Secret Societies

Jllmtrtvus Lodge, No. 63, was chartered October 23, 1867, the following being charter members : F. A. Wells, H. A. Wells, James Lynch, Augustus Smith, S. N. AVright, E. C. Gearey, 1. B. Pope, D. McCarty, A. Clawson, C. G. Dawley and F. Trace. The first officers were : F. A. Wells, W.M. ; H. A. Wells, S.W. ; James

Lynch, J.W. ; Augustus Smith, Treas. ; E. S. Case, Sec. ; E. C. Gearey, S.D. ; I. B. Pope, J.D. ; Jas. McHench, S.S. ; C. 0. Landon, J.S. ; D. Van Wert, Tyler. The Masters since organization have been : F. A. Wells, E. C. Geary, D. D. Brown, E. S. Case, Augustus Smith, Jas. McHench, H. A. Wells, H. R. Gearey and J. F. Pope. The present officers are : J. F. Pope, W.M. ; G. R. Hall, S.W. ; Wm. S. Baxter, J.W. ; C. O. Landon, Treas. ; L. D. Colby, Sec; H. D. Wedge, S.D.; Fred. Wahler, J.D.; F. F. Fedder, S.S. ; Geo. C. Landon, J.S. ; E. B. DePuy, Tyler. The present membership is seventy-six, and nights of meeting first and third Fridays of each month, in the hall over F. J. CornwelFs store.

Plainvieio Chapter, No. 36, was organized October 18, 1882, with the following charter members: H. C. Woodruif, Augustus Smith. C. E. Daniels, F. A. Wells, Jas. W. McCarty, D. McCarty, Ezra Fellar, T. L. Meachum, Robt. Wahler, and the following as first ofiicers: H. C. Woodruff, M.E.H.P.; Aug. Smith, E.K.; C.

E. Daniels, E.S.; Milton Smith, Treas.; E. C. Gearey, Sec; H. D. Wedge, C.H.; D. McCarty, R.A.C.; F. A. Wells, P.S.; E. R. Cornwell, M. of 1st Veil ; Jas. McCarty, M. of 2d Veil ; F. L. Meachum, M. of 3d Veil ; Robt. Vickery, Sentinel. The following have been elected to fill the office of high priest : H. C. Woodrufl:' and F. A. Wells. The present officers are : F. A. Wells, H.P.; D. McCarty, K.; H. R. Gearey, S.; Milton Smith, Treas.; S. A. Foster, Sec;

Chaptee Xcviil

Owing. to the roughness of its contour, this section was not as early settled as the rest of the county. In fact, some portions of this township have not been cleared of their native growth of shrubs and opened to cultivation until within the past ten years. Indian Creek valley extends across the town from east to west, the stream entering on section 31 and leaving on 2J:. North of this is Snake creek, whose head is near the west side of the town, flowing about due east, and joining the Zumbro on section 12. The Whitewater river crosses the southeastern portion, and thus the town is composed of alternate ridges and valleys. The ridge between the Whitewater and Indian creek is quite broad, and is known as " Hoosier Eidge." Those on either side of Snake creek are narrow, and have no distinctive appellation. Nearly all the people are Irish, these people wholly occupying Snake Creek valley, and the ridges on either side and at its head. They are industrious, and have cleared and made fertile what seemed unpromising to the prospector. In the southwestern portion are several German families, who are making ' ' the wilderness to blossom as the rose." Among the earliest residents were Frank and Jolin Gage, who settled in the Whitewater valley in 1855. During the samej'ear Nels AVestling and Andrew Johnson, Swedes, located in the valley of Indian creek. In the following year came Olaf Paulson, James and Daniel Gow, John Feddelson, and George and William Christie. Daniel Gow, a bachelor, still lives on his claim, alone, in a hole in the ground, covered with loose boards. Perhaps it is not proper to say he lives alone, as his chickens inhabit tlie den with him. Of those above mentioned, besides Gow, Westling, Johnson and John Gage still reside here. In 1857 John Hickey and John Keating settled on Snake creek. In 1858 Dr. L. D. Holmes settled on Indian creek, and J. B. Haines became his neighbor next year. These were eastern people, and a spirit of enterprise and advancement came with them. In 1859 a log schoolhouse was put up through the efforts of those last above named, and a school taught by Mrs. William Welds. The husband of the latter was a preacher of the Baptist denomination, and he held religious services in J. B. Haines' house as early as May or June, 1860. In December of this year Rev. D. B. Gleason, a Methodist, preached at the same place, and about this time Mr. Haines attempted to organize a Sunday school, but found so little cooperation that he was compelled to give it up. Eev. Harvey Webb succeeded Mr. Gleason as pastor of the Read's Landing circuitin 1S61, and held services here. This was about the last attempt at preaching in the town. An eiibrt was made, not long ago, to organize a sabbath school in the same locality, but was abandoned. In this connection it may be noted that neither church edifice nor saloon have ever been opened in the town. Were the question of licensing a saloon submitted to a vote of the people, it would no doubt receive a large majority.

The earliest effort to educate the youth of the town was inaugurated in the fail of 1858. A log tenement-house on the farm of John Gage had been vacated, and Mrs. Timothy Young proposed to open school in it. She proceeded to scrub out the house, in preparation for this use of it, and fell dead while thus engaged. Tliis was undoubtedly the first death to occur in the town, and was caused by heart-disease. The school was, however, conducted, Josiah Porter being the teacher.

There are now five districts, with the same number ot sclioolhouses. The best and largest is that in district No. 34, the first regularly organized district. This is a neat)}'- painted frame building, in Snake Creek valley, on section 11. AVhen the first building was put up there were few pupils, but the number on tlie school register at one time reached ninetj-. The first house stood partly on land now included in the right of way of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railway, on the southeast quarter of section 11, Creek valley. The second was erected on the present site, and was burned in June, 1878. The first teacher employed in this district was Dora O'Jfeil, but when it was found that she was a Protestant the people decided that she was not capable of teaching their children. Miss S^^lvia Tiifany then took the little flock in charge, and managed its instruction with satisfaction to the patrons.

Cupid kept away from the locality for some time, according to the memories of early inhabitants. The first residents of the town to be united in marriage were William Ryan and Margaret Hickej. This wedding was celebrated at Wabasha, February 16, 1863.

On September 7, 1856, a son was born to John and Eleanor Gage. He was christened Burton Wallace, and died January 25, 1859. During the latter year a daughter was born to Charles Simpson, but is now deceased. These are the earliest births of which any knowledge can be found.

Tiie political town of Watopa was organized May 11, 1858. The earliest records of election and public acts have been destroyed, but this much has been learned in regard to that election from early settlers : The Indian name, Watopa, was adopted, after considerable discussion of other titles. The supervisors chosen were William Abbott, cliairman, John Gage and Henry Wagner. Charles Simpson was made town clerk, Daniel Seymour, justice of the peace, and John Grain, constable. The affidavit and bond of Justice Seymour's first case was filed July 28, 1858. Suit was brought by Philip Smith to recover possession of a horse, valued at one hundred dollars, unlawfully held by Valentine Jacob. After due trial, the case was decided in favor of the plaintiff, and costs of eight dollars and seventyfour cents assessed against defendant. To cover this, the constable levied on three thousand brick in possession of Jacob ; but after being twice advertised for sale no buyers appeared, and the brick were not utilized in satisfying just demands of the minions of the law.

A good deal of amusement was created in the spring of 1860, by a suit brought against John Gage for stealing col-n. Before the case came to trial. Gage was elected justice of the peace, and offered to go on with the trial. To this neither the law nor the mind of the plaintiff's attorney would assent, and the case was therefore taken to Minneiska for trial. The judgment of his fellow-citizens in electing him justice was there justified by his acquittal. At another time, Gage's enemies sought to annoy him by bringing suit against him, during high water, on Sand prairie. The defendant proceeded quietly to secure possession of all the boats in the neighborhood, and proceeded to the scene of trial. Of course the case went in his favor, by default of his opponents.

1859 the town officers elected were : supervisors, Garrett Fitzgerald, George A. La^'es and John Keating ; town clerk, William Abbott ; assessor, John Hickey ; collector, George C. Curtis ; overseer of poor, Alois Holtzer.

Thereafter, the fourth name is that of the clerk, in every case the chairman of supervisors being given first. John B. Mullins has been treasurer for the last ten years, and assessor for many years, still holding the latter office.

At the presidential election in November, 1S60, the republican electors received thirty-two votes, and the democratic twenty. Twelve years later, when U. S. Grant was made president of the United States, his electors received twenty-two votes in Watopa, while his opponent had forty-three. In ISSO the democratic electors had a majority of twenty out of one hundred and fourteen ballots. When a state governor was chosen, in 1883, the republican candidate received twenty-two votes, to his opponent's seventy-one. On most of the county officers the vote stood twenty-eight to si.\tyfive, the latter figures illustrating the political sentiment of the town.

turned out, which was probably about all then in town, but next year the number was raised to forty-one. Since then the number of voters has largely increased.

The population of the town in 1860 was three hundred and seven. Ten years later it increased to four hundred and sixty. Probably the number is little more at this time than in 1870. In the last census Watopa and Minneiska were taken together, reaching one thousand and twenty-three. The last-named town included three hundred and ninety-four in 1870, and has grown some since, so it is probable that Watopa about held its own.

The number of acres of farming-land assessed in Watopa in 1860, was 6,420, valued at $25,776. Personal property was assessed $755, and the total basis of taxation thus became $26,531. At the last assessment the number of acres taxed had more than trebled, reaching 21,775. Their average valuation was $5.58, making an aggregate of $121,576, nearly five times that of 1860. Personal property in 1883 was rated $19,215, and taxes were therefore assessed on $140,791 of property.

During the war of the rebellion, the number of able-bodied men in the town was very small, and one man was drafted three times. No tax for bounties was ever raised. A subscription was made for this purpose, but much of it was never paid. As other towns were offering large bounties for volunteers, many citizens of Watopa, who enlisted in the United States service, were credited to other towns.

When the question of issuing state bonds to the amount of five million dollars, to assist railroad construction, was submitted to the people in April, 1858, this town was in a precinct with part of Winona county. Only one vote favoring the proposition was cast in the precinct.

The following circumstances are related as showing the experiences of Minnesota pioneers : As late as 1859, flour was difficult to procure in the spring and eai'ly summer, after the long winter had exhausted the supply brought by boats in the previous fall. On one occasion Mrs. J. B. Haines and Charles Jencks set out for Minnesota City to procure flour, and had notliing for lunch on the way save some green cucumbers. At noon they turned out the oxen to feed, and sat down by a spring to eat their lunch. On reaching their destination, they succeeded in securing fifty pounds of flour, which was to feed several families in the valley. Wiien Mr. Haines had raised a crop of wheat, he engaged men to thresh it. The dinner provided for the hungry workmen was devoid of bread or pastry, because their materials could not be procured, yet seemed a feast to them. Butter and cream were plenty, and also tea and coffee. Trout, which was easily caught in Indian creek at that time, furnished the flesh, and squash the vegetable portion. For dessert, sweetened stewed pumpkin was supplied, sugar being easily obtainable. Des])ite the hardships then endured, people declare they were happier in the pioneer times than in these days of form and etiquette.

Weaver Village

Weaver village was laid out in 1871. William Weaver and a man by the name of Dodge were the proprietors. The town was named after the former gentleman, and stands on sections 29 and 30 of Minneiska township.

In the summer of 1851 Andrew Olson emigrated to this section with his family, took a claim and erected a house, the first in this vicinity. Soon after two brothers, George and Christopher Abbott, and in 1857 William Weaver arrived from New York State and opened up a farm, on the north side of which a part of the town now stands. As soon as the village was laid out a postofhce was established, with W. H. Hopkins as postmaster. At present writing Weaver contains a store, hotel, butcher-shop, blacksmith-shop and two warehouses.

The store is a handsome brick block, 44x65 feet, and is owned by W. H. Hopkins, who keeps a stock of general merchandise and farm machinery. The hotel is a large brick structure, and was erected by William Weaver, at a cost of nine thousand dollars. In 1880 he sold out, and is at present engaged in farming near Casselton, Dakota. Mr. James White is now keeping the hotel. The warehouses are in charge of Brooks Bros., of Minneiska, well known throughout the state as dealers in wheat and lumber. The present school was built in 1872, and answers the double purpose of schoolhouse and church, the Methodists and Norwegian Lutherans, alternating in their services. The population of Weaver is now about one hundred.

Michael Callohan, telegraph operator. Weaver, was born at Sandy Ci-eek, New York, in 1858. His parents, John and Mary Callohan, were natives of Ireland, and emigrated to America in 1837, settling where our subject was born. When a young man he tried living in several towns, among which were Rochester, in New York, and Niagara Falls, but finally concluded to visit St. Paul, which he did in 1S80. Liking the west so well led him to locate in Winona for a year, and again he moved, this time to Weaver, where he now resides, being in the employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad, as agent and operator. Mr. Callohan is a member of the Catholic church, and also of the Winona State Military Guards. He married Eliza Hitchcock, of Weaver. They have one child, Mary Agnes.