Waseca County, Minnesota - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 33 of those read), 1887

Other Official Matters

ROUPED together in this chapter will be found the various matters gathered from the count}' records and various other sources, that fill no special place in history, but which if left untold would mar the completeness of these annals.

Population

In 1860, the county contained but 2,601 people, and by the census of 1870 it had increased to 7,854. In 1880, a close and accurate account made the number of inhabitants in Waseca County 12,385, with the increase in the succeeding five years as above given.

A list is lierewith given of the various town plats that have been recorded from time to time in the books of Waseca County, with the date of filing, names of original proprietors, etc.

McNamara's addition to Waseca - laid out in May, 1872, by Francis McNamara. It was surveyed by F. McNainara, and the plat acknowledged before F. B'oodgood, commissioner for Minnesota, at Milwaukee, Wis.

Matrimonial

The first marriages in Waseca County are not all recorded in the books of the county, and hence some may be missing in this record, but no efforts have been spared to make it complete.

The second was that of James E. Child and Justina Krassin, which took pkice on the 19tli of April, 1856, John Jenkins, justice of the peace, performing the ceremony.

The first marriage recorded upon the books after the organization of Waseca Connty was that of Gottlieb Pfeifer and Magdalina Eemund, on the 17th of October, 1857, Rev. II. Eoth performing the ceremony.

A glance at the foregoing figures shows that the market matrimonial has its rises and depressions the same as the monetary one. The state of the times is more or less reflected in the number of marriages contracted. The Avar caused a large falling off from what it should have been, but in 1864, 1S65 and 1866, when the " boys in blue" " came marching home," then there is a large increase in the number of life partnerships. Some falling off is also noticed in 1873, ownig to the stringency of the money market.

As has alreaily been stated, before its organization Waseca County was a portion of Steele County. The first transfers of land were, therefore, recorded in the books of that county, and were afterward transcribed into "Waseca County books.

The first entry affecting land in this county, was the record of the location of a land warrant by Marcus T. C. Flowers, claiming title to the east half of the northwest quarter and the southw-est quarter of the northwest quarter of section 1, in township 106, north of range 22 west, containing 120 acres. This was dated November 26, 1856. The date of filing for record, unfortunately, is not given.

The first deed was tliat in which George W. Tremper aiul his wife, Matilda S. Tremper. convey, for the consideration of $60(1, the northwest quarter of section 14, township 106, north of range 23, to Henry C. Lowell, of "Wilton. This is acknowledged before Charles L. Lowell, a notary public, on the 30th of March, 1857.

After the county of "Waseca \vas organized, books were procured and records kept at "Wilton, Tarrant Putnam being the first register of deeds.

There are now twenty-seven books of deed records, the register now using No. 1, having run through the alphabet, and then commenced with numbers. There are, also, twenty-two books of mortgages, that bearing the letter V being now in use. The whole number of record books in the office at present is seventy-two.

Ci-Iapter Viii

i|N all countries the men who hold the public offices are more or less looked upon merely as the representatives of the masses. This truism applies equally to the despotic monarchies of the old world as well as to free America, for when they cease to truly represent the people, they cease to exist. In our laml and day where the office holder is merely the servant of the will of the people, wlio will dispute the right of the term i-epresentative, to such as figure in an official capacity? As a people we must give him the respect, in his official relations, that we owe to the will of the people, for he stands there the embodiment of their power. While in this connection it has been attempted to give some slight pen pictures of the many parties who have represented the citizens of Waseca County in official positions, many of them fall short of doing full justice to the subjects, inaccessibility of material being the chief of many reasons, and which should not, therefore, be laid at the door of tlie compilei'.

Congressional

Under this head it is not necessary to enter into detail in this place, as most of the gentlemen who have served the people of this district in the halls of Congress, are mentioned in the historj^ of Steele County.

The first to represent this, tlie 1st Minnesota district, was William Windom, elected in 1860, previous to this the State being represented bj' two members at large. He held this position until 1869, when he was succeeded bj^ Morton S. Wilkinson, then a

This latter gentleman was elected in the fall of 1870, and served as representative in the XLIId Congress. He was reelected his own successor, until 1882, thus having been a member of the XLIId, XLIIId, XLIA^th, XLYth. XLVIth and XLVIIth Congresses. A sketch at length of him is given in the history of Steele County, to which the reader is referred.

J. B. Wakefield was tlie successor to Mr. Dunnell, being elected to represent the 2d Minnesota district in the XLVIIIth Congress, and was re-elected in 1884 by a handsome majority ; served his constituents in the XLIX Congress. He was an old settler of Blue Earth County, and had been lieutenant governor of this State. As a lawyer he is quite an able man, and as a legislator, of considerable talent.

In 1886 the people of this district chose John Lind to represent them in the Lth Congress. Mr. Lind is a resident of New Ulm, Brown County, an early settler of that part of the State, and was at one time connected with the United States land office. He has been quite prominent in politics, and is a representative man.

Legislative

On the adoption of the State constitution in 1857, the counties of Waseca and Steele, then constituting the 15th senatorial district was represented in the fii'st Legislature, which assembled December 2, 1857, by Sen- ator Lewis McKune, and Representatives H. M. Sheetz, G. C. Pettie and Smith Joiinson. lion. Lewis McKune was born in Meriden, Sus(]nehanna County. Pa., July 22, 1821, and was reared and educated among the roclcs and hills of the " Old Keystone State," living there until he had reached the age of twenty -five 3'ears, wlien he started west in search of a home and fortune, and settled for a time in Illinois. Wiien the gold fever broke out in 1849 and '50, he, like many others, at that time, left the homes of civilization and sought tiie golden sands of California. Fortune, in his case, proving propitious, he, in 185-i, returned to Illinois with a fair amount of means, enough to give him a good start in life. In 1856 became to Waseca County, coming all the way from his home in the " Sucker State" by team, lie made a claim on tlie northeast quarter of section 2, and the west half of tlie northwest quai'ter of section 1. Wilton Township. He at once became one of tiie leaders and prominent men of this county, and was elected a member of the constitutional convention that drew up tlie fundamental law of this State. This convention met in July, 1857. In the first State Legislature which assendjled in Decemljer, 1857. Lewis McKune represented this district in the Senate. But it was not to be that he should live long enough to enjov his honors, and tiie competence he liad gained. The civil war breaking out in 1801, he enlisted in the old First Minnesota Infantry, and was commissioned captain of company F, and proceeding to the front, went down in the awful slaughter at Bull liun, July 21, 1861, being killed by a rebel bullet. A better hearted, more liberal, hospitable man it were hard to Hnd, and lie enjoyed the esteem and respect of all who knew him, an<l Jiis loss was a great one to the community.

At the election of 1858, Buell Welch, of this county, was chosen representative. He had this empty honor, for there was no session in the winter of 1858-9, mainh' owing to the protracted session of 1857-8.

The lid Legislature convened December 7, 1859, and adjourned March 12, ISOO. W. F. Pettit represented the 15th district in the Senate, and Amos Coggswell, G. W. Greene, G. T. White and Jesse I. Stewai't, in the House. The last two named were residents of Waseca County, but having held the office of treasurer therein, are mentioned in that connection.

By the apportionment of 1860, Steele, Waseca and Freeborn counties were erected into a district known as the 16th, which was represented in the Hid Legislature by George Watson in the Senate, and James E. Child and W. F. Pettit in the House. Mr. Child is mentioned at length in connection witli the press of this county, with wiiich he has been identified nearl}^ ever since tiie foundation of a paper within its precincts. This Legislature assembled Januaiy 8, 1861, and continued in session until March 8.

Tiie IVth Legislature, which assembled January i. 1802, contained in tlie Senate A. B. Webber, and in the House H. C. Majroon and P. C. Bailey, as representatives. Mr. Bailey was and is a resident of this county, and has served the people in several capacities. A sketch of him is found under the head of State Senator, farther on.

The Vth Legislature assembled January 0, 1863, and adjourned March 6. In that bodv ^f. A. Daily represented this district in the Senate, and Asa AValker and Philo Woodruff in the House.

The YIth Legislature convening January 5, 1861, contained as the representatives of tliis district, F. J. Stevens in the Senate, and Plnlo Woodruff in the Llouse. This session continued until Marcli 4, when it adjourned.

In the Vllth Legislature that came together January 3, 1865, this district was represented by B. A. Lowell in the Senate, and J. L. Gibbs and J. B. Crooker in the House. The session lasted until Marcii 3.

Tliere was no change as to this county under tlie ajiportionnient of 1SG6, and when the IXth Legislature met, January 8, 1867, Au gustus Armstrong from this district was found in the Senate, and William Brisbane, AV. II. Twiford and James E. Smith in the House, the district having been given one additional representative.

Hon. AVilliam Brisbane is a native of the cit}^ of Glasgow, Scotland, born December 11, 1811. His father was a soldier in the British ami}' and was stationed at that ])]ace at the time; but our Mr. Brisbane, liaving been reared at the town of Hawick, calls himself a native of that city, and wishes to l)e termed a Hawick man. He resided in " Bonnie Scotland " until the spring of 1839, when lie sailed for the shores of America, settling at the town of Andes, Delaware Count}', N. Y. At this place he remained some ten years, and while in that section of the country was mixed up in the anti-rent troubles of that time, and suffered tiie ]ienalty of the misdeeds of others. In 1S4'J he started for the West, and located at Alto, Fond du Lac County, Wis., but ten years later, in 18.50, moved to Minnesota and settled in AVilt'on Townshij), AV^aseca County, where he now lives, and where he owns a large and well tilled farm of 252 acres of land on section 23. Janaarv 20, 1832, he was united in nuirriage with Janet Scott, a native of the parish of Alinto, Scotland, born September lo, 1810. They have been the jjarents of twelve childi'en : Isabel, born in Hawick, Scotland, Januarys, IS.^j3 ; Catiierine, l)orn Hawick, October 2G, ISSlr ; Helen, born Hawick, June 21, 1830; James, born Hawick, June 22, 1838; Hannah, born Delaware County, X. Y., August 18, IS-iO ; Janet, Ijoi'u Delaware County, N. Y;, May 5, 1842; Alexander, born Delaware County, N. Y., March 6, 18'41; AVilliam Ilobert, born Delaware Count}^ N. Y., June 5, 184:5 ;Margeret, born Delaware County, N. Y., December 12, 184T ; Mary, born Alto, Wis., May 14, 1849, died February 1(», 1850; John, born Alto, January 29, 1850, and Thonuis, born Alto, July 26, 1853. Mr. Brisbane has twice represented this county in the legislative halls, the first time in this the IXth Assembh'^, and later in the Xlllth, in 1871. He is one of the sterling, thrifty farmers of the county, and a fair representative of the land of Scotia, honest, upright, and of unimpeachable integrity, and drawing to the close of a long life of usefulness and honor.

The Xth Legislature assembled January 7, 1868, and adjourned March 6. Augustus Armstrong still represented the district in the Senate. In the House William R. Kinj'on, J. E. Smith and George A. La Dow represented us. Mr. La Dow is noticed at length in the chapter entitled "Bench and Bar," he having been a prominent attorney of the county.

J. B. Crooker, in the Senate, and Augustus Armstrong, E. Easton and Warren Smith in the House, were the re])resentatives from the 16th district in the Xlth Legislature. This assembly convened January 5, 1869, and adjourned March 5.

Hon. AVarren Smith is the son of Amasa Smith, and was born in Barnstable County, Mass., November 15, 1821. He was reared in the county of his nativity within sound of the wild Atlantic's surf, and at the age of sixteen years commenced to learn the trade of boat builder. Between that and wrecking, a calling much followed on the iron coast of New England, he passed his time until 1856, when he came west to Minnesota, locating at the time in Faribault, where, in company with J. S. Fuller, he engaged in the mercantile business. In the winter of 1856-7 he came to this county, and purchasing the stock of goods of Chamberlain, Bailey & Co., of St. Marj', entered into business at that infant village. He remained here until 1862, when he removed to Wilton, where he, with his partners, carried on the general merchandise business until 1870, when he removed to Waseca, his present residence. In 1862 Mr. Smith was appointed assistant sutler of the Tenth Minnesota Infantry, then engaged in the Sibley expedition against the Indians, and, after the successful termination of that campaign, he returned to liis home in Wilton, and the peaceful paths of commerce. In the fall of 1868 he was elected to the Legislature, and occupied a seat in the lower house of the Xlth Assembly. In 1870, on the retirement of Mr. Comee from the office of county auditor, Mr. Smith was appointed by the county board of commissioners to fill out tlie unexpired term, which he did. In the fall of 1ST3 he was elected to the office of county treasurer, with a inajority of 605 votes out of a total ballot of l,3t*l, and over two other candidates. On the expiration of his term of office he was twice reelected and thus served six years in that responsible position. In 1881 he was elected mayoi- of Waseca, on its incorporation as a city. In 1853 Mr. Smith and Susan E. Johnson, also a native of the Old Bay State, were united in the holy Ijonds of matrimony, and they have been the parents of four children : Minnie M., Mar}' L., (xeorge W. and Charles A. Mr. Smith is one of the prominent, public spirited citizens of Waseca, and considerably interested in everything tliat is conducive to the best interests of iiis adopted home. He is a member of Tuscan Lodge, No. 77, Ancient Fi'ee and Accepted Masons, Waseca Chajjter No. 26, Royal Arcli Masons, and Cyrene Commander\\ No. 9, Knights Tem])lar.

The Xllth Legislature met for the first time on the -1th of Januar\', 1870. J. B. Crooker was in the Senate, and W. C. Young, H. W. Ruhfifson and Dr. A. C. Wedge in tlie House as representatives of this district. Mr. Young was tlie gentleman to whom Waseca County had committed her interests. He is the present judge of the

W. C. Young, in the Senate, and William Brisbane, A. C. Wedge and F. B. Davis in the House, were found as tlie representatives of the 16th district in the Xlllth Legislature, which assembled January 3, 1871, and adjourned Mai'ch 3.

Under the apportionment act of 1871, Waseca Count}' was made a senatorial district by itself, and entitled to a senator and two representatives. In accordance with this, when the XlVth Legislature assembled, January 6, 1872, there were found as representatives of Waseca in that body, James E. Child, in the Senate, and Kelsey Curtis and John Thompson in the House. Kelsey Curtis is still a resident of the county ; John Thompson was an old settler of New liichland Township and is now a resident of Albert Lea.

The XYth Legislature contained within itself, on assembling on January 7, 1873, Senator W. G. AVard, and Representatives John Thompson and J. L. Saufferer.

Hon. John L. SaufFerer was born in AVitrtemberg, Germany, January 20,1821, where he lived until the age of twenty-four yeare, when he sailed for America, landing in New York City. He then went to Lawi'ence County, Ohio, where he remained four years working on a farm. After this he went to Clay County, III, and purchased a farm. In 1851 he returned to Germany and Avas united in marriage to Miss Henrietta Miiller and again sailed for America. Tliey remained on the farm he had purchased about six years, then sold and came to Waseca County, Minn., in 1857, where he still resides on a large farm. They have had born to them twelve children, as follows : George, born October 25, 1852; Henrietta, ijorn November 14, 1853 ; John Carl, born March 19, 1855 ; Maria Anna, born January 26, 1857; Caroline, born April 9, 1859; Matilda, Willhelmina, born Decembei- 1, 18(!0 ; Henry, born October 12, 1862; Amelia J., born

The XVIth Legislature convening January 6, 1874, kept in session until March 6, ^vhen it adjourned. W. G. Ward was still in the Senate, and L. D. Smith and James E. Child were in the House as representatives from Waseca Count\\

L. D. Smith at that time was one of the leading agriculturists of the town of Alton, but IS now a resident of Albert Lea, where he is engaged in the cooper business.

In January, 1875, the XVIIth Legislature convened. Peter McGovern represented AVaseca County in the Senate, and Morris II. Lamb and Joseph Minges in the House. Mr. Minges was a native of Bavaria, born in 1817. lie came to this country in 1847, and to Otisco Township in 1858, where he died Monday, June 21, 188G, of paralysis, at the age of sixt3'-nine.

Hon. Peter McGovern, the present county attorney, is one of the leading lawyers of AVaseca. His large and growing practice is a sufficient index of his success and increasing popularity. He is a native of Watertown, Wis., born October 9, 1845, and is the son of Edward and Rose McGovern. He was reared among the scenes of his nativity', and there received an academical education, thus laying the foundation for his legal studies. Entering the law school at Madison, Wis., he graduated therefrom in 1871, and the following year came to Waseca and commenced the practice of his chosen profession, and has remained here ever since. In the fall of 1874 Mr. McGovern received the nomination of the Democratic party for the ])osition of State senator, to represent this district in the XYIIth Legislature, and was duly elected 1)}' a handsome majority. Mr. McGovern was first elected to the office of county attorne}^ Avhich he now holds, in the fall of 1873, and filled it for the ensuing two years. In 1877 he was again inducted into this office by the will of the people, and held it for another two years. At the election of 1881 he was defeated for the same office by but two votes, but in 1883 he was again elected to fill the place, and reelected in 1886. In 1883 Mr. McGovern and Minnie Gilmore, a native of Canada, were united in marriage. They are the parents of two children : Florence and Ambrose.

Hon. Morris II. Lamb is a native of Medina County, Ohio, born January 2, 1837, and is the son of Morris and Sebrina (Hopkins) Lamb, who were the parents of six children : Lurinda P., Morris II., Francis M., Anna M., Clara A. and Harry P., all of whom are living. Mr. Lamb, the elder, died December 31, 1869 ; his wife in 1859. Morris H., at the age of twenty -one, commenced life for himself as a farmer, and has followed that vocation ever since. In tlie fall of 1854 the whole family moved to Cumberland County, Tenn., where the elder Mr. Lamb was engaged in farming. There they lived until 1861, and they, being of the undeniable Union stripe, Hed from their homes with the other refugees of those daj's, loading three wagons with such of their pereonal effects as they could carry, seeking more congenial quarters. Crossing the Ohio Piver, their haven of safety, they came right on to Minnesota, and in 1S64 to Waseca Countv. August 15, 1861, Morris H. enlisted in company F, Eleventh Minnesota Infantry, under Capt. J. W. Plummer. He remained in the service until July 11, 1S65, when he was discharged at Fort Snelling, and came back to this county, locating on section 36, Alton Township, where he now lives. He carries on, at present, a more extensive dairy farm than any ])arty in Waseca County, commencing this branch of his business in 1880. He has from thirty to forty head of full-blood Jersey cattle, besides a large number of grades. His large barn, built in 1887, is 42x90 feet on the ground, and capable of holding 120 tons of hay, and also contains three silos, holding about 350 tons of green fodder, he being the first in Waseca County to commence the system of ensilage. October 20, 1S70, he and Harriet Old field were united in marriage. She is a native of Steuben County, N. Y., born August 20, 18-14, and a daughter of Samuel and Lucretia (Jaynes) Oldfield. Tiie former raised six children : Mary Ann, Reuben, Tiiomas II., William M., Jessie and Harriet. Mr. Oldfield died in 1S6S; the mother is still living in Williamsport, Pa. Mr. and ilrs. Lamb are the parents of two children : Walter E., born August 12, 1878, and Ina E., Ijorn January 20, ISSl. In 1874 Mr. Lamb was elected to the Legislature on the Democratic ticket, and has served in sevei-al township offices, always with credit and honor.

In the XVII Ith Legislature, that met in 1876, Peter McGovern still represented AVaseca County in the Senate, Robert Earl and Kelsey Curtis in the House.

In 1877 the XlXth Legislature held its session. P. C. Eailey was our representative in tlie Senate ; F. Keenan and Anthony Sampson in the House.

Hon. Phiio C. Baile}' is a native of Onondaga County, N. Y., born October 15, 1S2S. He was reared and educated in the ])lace of liis nativity, where he remained until 1S5(), when he came west to Minnesota, locating first at Faribault, where lie remained until the following j'ear, when he came to Wilton, where he engaged in the hardware business. In 1861 he was elected to the lower house of the State Legislature, and sat in the session of 1862, representing the 16th district. In the fall of 1863 he was elected to the office of county treasurer, which he filled for two years, to the satisfaction of all. When the town of Waseca was started in the summer of 1867, Air. Bailey removed to that place, putting up the building where he now is, and, in company with George W. Watkins, opened the first hardware establishment in the rising young village, and is still the leading merchant in that line. In 1876 he was elected to the State Senate, and served during the session of 1877 and 187S. In June, 1857, P. C. Bailey and Airs Slocum were united in mai-riage, and they Avere the parents of two children : Kate and Gertrude. IMrs. Bailey died September, 1865; and December 27, 1867, Mr. Badey was again married, this time to Lorinda Dodge. The\' are the parents of two children : Fi'eil. and Lena. Mr. Baile}' is prominently identified with the business interests of Waseca, and takes rank with the leading public spirited citizens of the city. He is a member of Tuscan Lodge, No. 77, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; and of Gyrene Commandery, No. 9, Knights Templar, of Owatonna.

Hon. Anthony Sampson was born in Seansvard, Norway, August 21, 1827, and was reared in that country. Novembei' 11, lsl<>, he was united in marriage with Anna Thovsdatter, the officiating clerg\-nian being Rev. Romka, of the Lutheran Church. The bride was a native of Norway, born August 12, 1825. They left their native land May 15, 1853, and on landing in America at once proceeded to Rock County, Wis., where they arrived July 10 the same 3'ear. The}' remained there three years, and finally concluded to remove to Alinnesota. Eight families startetl together, as detailed in the history of New Richland Township, and overcoming all obstacles, reached the above town June 10, 1856, where Mr. Sampson took up a claim on section 14, where he now resides. Mr. and Airs. Samj)S()n are the parents of seven children, the two oldest of whom were born in Norway : So]ihia, born in the 3'ear 1847; Olave, February 14,1852; Carl A., November 22, 1854; Aliana, December 17, 1856 ; Sinna, November 6, 1861 ; Andrew, Alarch 13, 1866, and Julian, December 26, 1867. Air. Sampson's pioneer house, like many others, was built of logs, with a sod roof, and was Init 14x16 feet in size, but he now lias good buildings on bis productive and well tilled farm of 120 acres of land. He represented this county in the Legislature in 18T7, as detailed above.

In tbe XXth Legislature, which assembled January S, 1878, P. C. Bailey was still the senator from this county; and J. O. Chandler and Fenton Keenan were the representatives in the House.

Hon. J. O. Chandler came to Waseca County in 1866. He located in the old town of Janesville, where he entered the mercantile trade. He was appointed postmaster there the ne.xt year (1867) and retained the office until 1870. When the new town of Janesville started, Mr. Chandler was the first to take advantage of the new location, and erected the first store in the town, moving his goods from the old village. He continued in the general merchandise trade for two years after that. In 1873, in company with Dr. K. O. Craig, he put in a complete drug stock, which they have continued since that time. In February, Chandler & Craig purchased the interest of Henry Chase, of the firmofCiiase & Cordrey, general merchants, and since that time have been in that line of trade also. Mr. Chandler was elected to the State Legislature in the fall of 1876, serving that winter and the following fall at the extra session. Mr. Chandler is a native of the State of JMaine, being born in Dexter, Penobscot Count}', September 21, 1837. His parents were John C. and Lucey B. Chandler. At the age of fifteen, Mr. Chandler went into the store of his father and uncle, who were partners in business, and two years later started for himself, running a peddler's wagon, which business he followed for a time. In 1857 he came to Minnesota and located in Pleasant Grove. In 1858 he went west to Idaho, but not liking it there, returned to Minnesota after a year's absence, settling in Winona, where he remained until 1863. Lie then entered the United States service as paymaster's clerk, and served as such until 1865, when he again returned to this State and went on the road as salesman for J. D. Blake & Co., of Rochester. He came to Janesville one year later as already detailed. Since coming here Mr. Chandler has always taken an active interest in whatever would be of any advantage to the village or the interests of the people, and is to-day one of Janesville's most enterprising and substantial men.

January 7, 1879, the XXIst Legislature was convened. In the Senate, S. B. Williams, elected by the Prohibition party, represented Waseca County, and in the House, John Thompson and J. S. Abell. Mr. Williams was an old settler of the county of Steele, and had located at the village of Waseca among the first comers, where he engaged in the lumber business, and afterward in grain-buying. He is now a resident of Steele County. John Thompson, a pioneer of Waseca Count}', having settled here in 1856, was a farmer at the time of his election to the Legislature, living at that time in jSew Richland Township. Lie now resides near Albert Lea.

Hon. John S. Abell is a. native of Oswego County, N. Y., born July 22, ISU. His father died in 1841, and John lived with his grandfather for a few years, when he had to get a living for himself. He remained in the county of his birth until 1856, when he came to Winona Count\% Minn., where he remained about two months and then came to Otisco Township, Waseca County, where he has lived ever since.

Mr. Abell was married in Winona County August 11, 1859, to Miss Hannah Ilarshman, she being a resident of that county. They have had born to them eight children, six girls and two boys, as follows : Marie, Sarah, Permelia, Helena L., Emma and Jennie, the two latter being twins. The boys' names are John H. and Irving O. Sarah was born July 13, 1861; Permelia, born May 20, 1867; Irving O., born January 3, 1S72; Helena L., born April 23, 187-1 ; Emma and Jennie, born July 13, 1876, all of whom are living and at

Mr. Abell's mother's maiden name was Permelia Park, and she was man-ied to Harley O. Abell in October, 1838, and after her husband's death she married Joseph Gallop in 1843, and died in 1847. J. S. Abell has been town clerk for twenty j^ears, chairman supervisors, one year, assessor, two years, and has been elected justice of the peace twice, and now holds the office of justice of the peace, and was representative in the Legislature in 1879, being elected on the Prohibition ticket. He owns 240 acres of land, about all of which is under cultivation, has made the improvements himself, and has a fine grove, which surrounds the buildings, that he started from seeds and slips or cuttings, and some of the trees are now over two feet in diameter. Mr. Abell's brother, Irving L., was born February 23, 1837, and was the first book-keeper in the penitentiary at Stillwater, in 1855, and was afterward clerk in the Stillwater postoffice. He went from tiiere to Michigan and was distributing clerk there about one year, wiien he was transferred to St. Louis and remained there till some time in 1864, when he went to Tennessee, and from there he went to Oakland, CaL, where he engaged in the publishing business for a few years and tlien went to Colfax, Whitman County, W. T., where he is now publishing the Colfax Commoner. His sister Jennie is now in Oakland, CaL, engaged in the poultry business, and is doing well. His brother, William H., came to Minnesota in 1860 and enlisted in First Minnesota Infantry, served four years and six months and died in AVinona in February, 1885. The widow and three children (two boj's and one girl) are still living in Winona.

XXIId Legislature, which met January, 1881. This was the first assembly under the biennial session clause. Senator McCormick came to the village of Waseca in its infancy, and was here engaged in the lumber business. After his term of office had expired he sold out his interests in this count}' and removed to Hayward, Wis.

Hon. Christoph Wagner, of the firm of Wagner Brothers, of New Richland, is a native of Prussia, Germany, and was born on the 7th day of November, 1842. Wlien he was but five years of age, his parents, Jacob and Margaret (Morton) Wagner, emigrated to America, and settled in Sheboygan County, Wis. There he was reared and there received his education, remaining with his parents until 1861, when the dark cloud of war gathering over our fair land, he enlisted in Company A, Ninth Wisconsin Infantry, and served for three years and three months, and was discharged in December, 1864, and then returned totlie Badger State. On the 10th of December, 1867, he was united in marriage with Mary Zieger, while in Wisconsin. In 1869 he came to Waseca County, locating at that time on section 18, New Richland Townsliip, on a farm, where he remained until January, 1885, when he bought out the interests of A. J. Newgard, in t]ieluml)er business. ]Mi'. Wagner was a member of the Legislature during the session of 1881 and the extra one of the same year.

Hon. D. J. Dodge came to Waseca County in 1857 when he was twelve j'ears of age. His })arents, who were Samuel and Mai-iaA. (Zuba) Dodge, came from Tioga County, N. Y., and settled in the town of Wilton. The elder Mr. Dodge remained there until 1862, when, witli the familj', he moved to Steele County, and in 1S64 started for Missouri, but died on the way there. D. J. remained with his father until eighteen years of age, when he went to Rochester, Minn., where he I'emained for a time. Later he went to Wabasha, where he stayed a little while, but soon returned to Steele Count}'. November 1, 18(53, he enlisted in Company C, Second Minnesota Cavalry, and served in the army until November 17, 1865, when he was dischai'ged. After that he returned to Steele County, and in the spring of 18G6 went to learn the tinner's trade at Wilton, serving three j'ears apprenticeship. When the town of Janesville started in 1869, he came here and has been in the hardware business since that time. Mr. Dodge was elected to the Legislature in the fall of 1880, taking his seat in January, 1881, and serving at the extra session that was called the following fall. July 31, 1870, he was united in marriage with Flora L. Long. They are the parents of five children : Edith L., Ethel M., Myra A., Seth Edmund and Ilarley D., deceased.

Under the apportionment act of 1881, Waseca was erected into the 11th district and given one senator and one representative. In January, 1883, the Legislature met, at which time Dr. E. O. Craig, of Janesville, represented the district in the Senate. J. C. White was the member of the lower house.

Dr. R. O. Craig came to the county of Waseca in 1866, and located in the old village of Janesville, where he engaged in the practice of medicine. AVhen the new town first started he came there, in the fall of 1869, and followed his profession for many years. In 1874, in company Avith J. O. Chandler, he started in the drug business, which he still continues. He is a native of New York State, born in 183-1, and is the son of John and Mary (Ballagh) Craig. The Doctor commenced the study of medicine at Ogdensburg, N. Y, when eighteen years of age, and graduated from Albanj' Medical College, in 1855. He entered into practice in the city of Albany, N. Y., and remained there until 1856, when he was appointed assistant surgeon in the United States army and served five years on the Pacific coast. This position he then resigned and went back East. He was later ou commissioned surgeon of the Tenth New York Infantry, serving until the close of the war. In 1882 he was elected to the State Senate and represented this county for four years. He is one of the leading, substantial citizens of his town and county, and is doing his part toward the advancement of Janesville and the community, and merits the confidence reposed in him by his fellow townsmen and the people of the county in general.

J. C. White came to Waseca in 1870 and engaged in the hardware business for about a year, and then sold a part interest to A. C. Krassin, and under the firm name of White & Krassin, they carried on the business until December, 1882, when he disposed of his remaining interest to Thos. Bouchei'. Mr. White has lately been devoting his attention to the manufacture of a patented article of his own invention. Mr. White was born in Ireland in 1837, and was brought to the United States when some four years old hj his parents, who settled in Wisconsin. In Jul\r, 1865, he came to Minnesota and located at Faribault. Shortly after that he removed to Owatonna, but in about a year went to Austin, from whence he came to Waseca. He was married in 1876, to Anna Tropejr, of Watertown, Wis., and the}' are the parents of two children, Anna and May. He was elected to the State Legislature, and served during the term for which he was chosen.

In the XXIVth Assembly of the State Legislature, held in January and Februarv. 1885, E. O. Craig still continued to represent this county in the Senate. M. D. L. CoUester, then a prominent attorney' of the village of Waseca, represented this county in the House. The latter is mentioned in connection with the bar of the county, in the chapter devoted to that profession.

William G. Ward took his seat in the XXVth Legislature, in January, 1887, as the Senator representing the 11th district. In the House, M. W. Eyan was

Hon. W. G. Ward, the present State Senator, is a native of Oneida County, N. Y., born December 27, 1830. He was reared upon a farm, attending a private school in Booneville, from which he graduated. He spent some eight years in the study of Greek and Latin, although mathematics was his favorite study, and in which he was, and is remarkaijiy ])roficient. He held a tutorship in this academy for some years, thus paying for his own tuition, by teaching the^younger scholars. When he had reached the age of seventeen years, he commenced his career as civil engineer, with S. B. Williams, on the Black River canal, remaining witli him, and his successor, D. C. Genney, for five years and three months, and was then dismissed on account of his politics, he being a Whig. He then formed an engagement with the Long Island Railroad, as chief engineer and road-master. In these and other capacities he remained two years, during which time he built two branches of the road, viz.: the Hempstead and thellicks- ''ille. He was then appointed superintendent of car and engine repairs for the whole road, with his office located at Brooklyn, although the shops were at Jamaica Plains. In December, 18.52, Mr. Ward was united in marriage with Martha E. Dodge, and they were the parents of two children : Clarence T., now of Redwood Falls, and Emma L., now Mrs. Hendrickson, of St. Paul. After two years spent by Mr. Ward as superintendent of the repair shops, he left this road and engacred with the Lake Ontario & Auburn Railroad, wliere he was first assistant engineer to his former employer, S. B. Williams. About a year passed here, and then he transferred himself to the Utica & Black River Road, as first assistant engineer, under D. C. Genney, where he remained until 1856. Resigning on account of ill health, he came west, during that 3'ear, and took charo'e of tiie work as chief engineer on what was then known as the Watertowu & Madison Railroad, now a part of the Chicago, Milwauliee 6c St. Paul system. He then had charge of the construction of tiie Oconomowoc ct Columbus Railroad. Soon after this, the crisis of 1857 precipitating everything into linancial ruin, and in 1858 all i-ailroad work stopjiing, Mr. Ward seeing that for a time his business must be suspended, began the study of law with AVood & Blake, of JMadison, where he remained some six months. lie afterward pursued his studies with Geo. B. Smith, ]\[att. Car])enter and others, and was admitted to the bar, Harlow S. Orton being judge and Lucius Fairchild clerk of the court. He then commenced the practice of his profession in JMadison, and was engaged in defending a client who had killed a man in a cranberry marsh, when the tocsin of war was sounded throughout our fair land. Sumter was fired on, and the court adjourned to go to the front. The man was on trial when this occurred, and Mr. Ward's only plan was to get the man pardoned, which he did, thus ending his law practice. Late in 18C1 Mr. Ward was appointed chief clerk in the postoffice at Madison, under E. AV. Keyes, and held that position for three 3'ears. Recruiting men for all the batteries and. regiments sent from Wisconsin next occupied his attention. At the close of the war, in company with Major Blake, he built and operated a sawmill on the Little Wolf River, which fourteen months later they sold to the Wisconsin Manufacturing Co. His wife having died in Jefferson, Wis., in November, 1865, he took his two children, Clarence and Anna, east, where he left them witli relatives, and came back west. On his arrival here he took charge of the construction of the Winona & St. Peter Railroad as chief engineer, and pushed it to a completion in 1868. December 14, 1867, he and Ella C. Trowbridge were united in marriage, and they are the parents of four children : Mattie E., Roscoe Percy, Florence

T. and Earl W. Since his connection with the Winona & St. Peter road, Mr. Ward has made his home in Waseca, he being identified with it from its first inception, being one of the original proprietors and projectors, and having large real estate interests here. Through force of character and great native ability Mr. Ward has pushed himself through adverse circumstances, until he stands to-day one of the leading citizens of this section of the State. In the fall of 1872 Mr. Ward was elected to a seat in the XVth and XVIth Legislatures as State Senator, and in 18S6 was again chosen to fill the same position and is now the incumbent of that office. In 1880 he was the candidate of the Republican party for Congress, but owing to a split in the party he faded of an election, although carrying Waseca County.

Hon. Michael W. Ryan, the present member of the lower house, was born in Northfield, Minn , May 1, 1802, and is the son of Michael Ryan, a native of Tipperary, Ireland. His father was born in 1826. and came to America in 18.51, and worked in several States on various railroads. In 18C3 the family came to Waseca County, and located in Byron Township, where the family now reside. The father was the parent of four children : Alice, born February 9, 1859 ; Thomas, born August 31, 1860; Michael W., born May 1, 1862, and Elizabeth, born September 18, 1865. Michael W. has held the office of township clerk, and in the fail of 1886 was elected to the State Legislature, being the youngest member of the same in the assembly of 1887. He introduced some twelve bills, the most important of which was that compelling insurance companies to pay the full face of their policy in case of loss. He owns a good farm on section 8, in Byron Township.

County Auditors

entered upon its duties January 1, 1860, and held it for three years. Mr. Willis was for some years connected with the office of clerk of the district coui't, and is mentioned in that connection.

John C. Ide was the next to occupy this office, being appointed thereto in January, 1863, on the resignation of Mr. Willis, and entered upon the discharge of his duties at once. Colonel Ide, as he was called, was a New Yorker of New England parentage, and came to Minnesota in an early day. Previous to leaving the East he had been employed in teaching music and giving concerts. He first located in Rice County, which he represented in the Vllth Territorial Legislature, in 1856. In the fall of that year he came to Wilton, having been appointed one of the commissioners to organize this county. During this same year he was the candidate for the office of lieutenant governor on the Republican ticket, which was defeated. On account of his political prominence, he was made part owner of Wilton, and was instrumental in building up that village. He was very unfortunate in his financial affairs, but everywhere respected for his social qualities and accommodating disposition. He was an active and zealous member of the Episcopal Church, and contributed liberally toward the erection of the church of that denomination in Wilton. In the fall of 1866 he died of heart disease while holding the office of auditor.

On the death of Col. J. C. Ide, the board of county commissioners appointed C. C. Coraee to fill the vacancy for the unexpired term. At the following election in November, 1866, he was chosen by the people to fill the same office, and I'eelected his own succesor for several terms, holding it until 1870. He was succeeded by Warren Smith, who was appointed to fill the vacancy caused by the retirement of Mr. Comee, and filled it for the balance of the term.

duties of the office, March 1, 1871. He was reelected in 1873, 1875, 1877 and 1879, thus holding the office for ten years, and was an active and able officer.

Edgar Cronkhite is a son of George and Parraelia Cronkhite, and was born at Glens Falls, N. Y., January 20, 1826. He was fitted for college, after receiving his preliminary schooling at Glens Falls Academy, and entered Williams College as freshman in the fall of 1845. After leaving college he spent the following four years in the city of Washington and in travel in the South. In 1852 he returned home, and later in the year began the study of law in Buffalo and was duly admitted to the bar in that city in the fall of 1853. He then removed to Neenah, Wis., where he was engaged in the practice of his profession, and served as register of deeds in Winnebago County, Wis., at Oshkosh where he also was engaged in practice. He subsequently removed to Kochester, Minn., and hanging out his shingle, practiced law there. During his residence at that place he took part, as lieutenant of a cavalry company-, in the Sibley expedition after the Sioux Indians in 1862, and was adjutant at Forts Snelling and Eidgeley. In 1867 he came toWaseca County, where he has made his residence since. In 1870 he was elected county auditor and served ten years. He has retired from active business, except loaning his money and that of other parties, and is very comfortably fixed on one of his farms near Alma City, in Freedom Township. He is a talented man and a fine speaker, and in his boyhood days took the first prize for declamation at Williams College in 1846. He has delivered many public speeches since coming here, and is among the best known men in the county.

C. E. Crane was the next to fill the office of auditor, being inducted into that office, January 1, 1881. In the fall of 1882 he was reelected and thus served the people of the county for four years.

S. Swenson, the present auditor, is a native of Norwaj'^, born at Fredericksvoern, September 3, 1849. In the spring of 1864 he shipped as sailor on board of a vessel bound for Belfast, Ireland, and afterward made many voyages to various ports on the Atlantic and up the Mediterranean Sea. In 1868 he came to America, and worked as blacksmith and wagonmaker, until he came to Waseca in 1877, where he carried on the latter business until ISSl, when he became deputy auditor, and in 1884 became auditor. In 1882 he was married to Julia Anderson. They have one adopted child, Clara.

Register Of Deeds

At the time when the organization of the county was oi'dered, the governor of the Territory appointed Tarrant Putnam to fiU the office of register of deeds until the election of a successor. He entered upon his duties in March, 1857, and held the office until June following, when he was succeeded by J. W. Crawford, who had been elected at the special election held in the latter month. Mr. Crawford was a Kew Englander, and, shortly' before the late war, left the county and located elsewhere in the State. He enlisted in the army during the late war, and after that settled in Chicago.

January 1, 1858,E. A. Eice took possession of this office, and served the people two years. This gentleman had come to Waseca among the early settlers, and was quite popular. On the organization of the Fifth Minnesota Infantry, early during the late civil war he enlisted, became captain of Company G, of that regiment, and afterward rose to the rank of major in the United States service. He is now the county treasurer of Pipestone County, this State. He is a native of New Hampshire.

H. P. Norton is a native of Yates County, N. Y., born May 26, 1823, removing with his parents the following year to Richford, Tioga County. He remained at home until he had reached the age of twenty-one years, learning the trade of his father, who was a blacksmith. On reaching his majority, he left home and for two years labored at this trade and then started West. Onarrivingat Woodstock, 111., about the Istof June, 1846, he went to work and remained there several years, then removed to Chicago. Being employed at that place and at Michigan City, Ind., in tlie railroad shops, he passed his time until 1856, when he came to Minnesota, arriving at Owatonna in July. He worked at the forge there for Joel Wilson until fall, when he removed to Wilton, and opened a shop on liis own account. In company with a younger brother, who joined him the next year, he ran tliis business until 1859, when he was elected clerk of the district court to fiU the vacancy occasioned by the removal of Thos. L. Paige, who had been elected to that office. After the expiratidn of this term he was appointed postmaster at Wilton, and held it for two years. In 1863 was elected register of deeds and for two years served in that capacity. During the first year he was made agent lor the American Express Company and held that position many years. On leaving his public office he entered the banking house of Baldwin & Kittredge, remaining with tliem, making abstracts of land, until he removed to the village of Waseca, since which he has devoted his attention to real estate. He was married at Woodstock, March 2, 1863, to Anna G. Kimball ; they have one son, Charles N., now agent for American Express Co., at Tracy, Minn. Mr. Norton's father, Amzi, was born in Connecticut, February 12, 1783, h is mother being a native of the same State. They were the parents of ten children, five of whom are living. Mr. Norton was made a Mason in the Woodstock Lodge thirty -nine years ago, and is a prominent member of that fraternity. In 1884 he retired from active business on account of ill health, and is passing his last 3'ears in a quiet way.

On the 1st of January, 1866, Hiram A. Mosher, a one-armed ex-Union soldier, on being duly qualified, entered the office as register of deeds, and serving the people of the county to their satisfaction was reelected several terms, performing the duties of the office until January 1, 1880, when he gave way to a successor.

Chai'les San Galli was the next incumbent of this office, being elected thereto in the fall of 1879. On the 1st of January, 1880, he entered upon the duties of the office, and fulfilling them to the satisfaction of the people, was reelected in 1881, serving in all four years.

Charles San Galli is a native of Prussia, Germany, born July 9, 1822. His parents were Carl and Henrietta (Lubcke) Sau Galli, natives of the same place, and who were the parents of six children : five bo^^s and one girl. Our Mr. San Galli began life for himself when about twenty -two years of age, first in the mercantile business in Prussia, and then came to the United States in the year 1849. On arriving here in the spring of that year he first located in New York City, where he remained for about twelve years, and then returned to his native land. Eight years later he returned to America, settling at Alhimy, N. Y. From there he came to Minnesota and to Waseca County. This was in the year 1869. He located in Woodville Township, where he now lives. In 1859 he was united in marriage with Emily Shephard, a native of Albany, N. Y., who died in February, 1869. They were the parents of four children : Elizabeth, Theodore, Carl and Emily, all of whom are living at home. Mr. San Galli is a Democrat in politics and a

At the beginning of the year 1884 H. A. Mosher again entered this office and served until November 13, the same year, when he died, leaving a vacancy. He was one of the old settlers of Otisco Township, having settled there in 1856. During the late war he enlisted in Company F, Tenth Minnesota Infantry, and bravely gained for himself the name of an excellent soldier, and returning to his family, his empty sleeve showed that he, like others, had been compelled to leave his arm upon tiie field as his offering upon the altar of his country.

On the death of Mr. Mosher the board appointed August F. Kruger to fill the vacancy, although he had not solicited it. His pleasant manners and accommodating disposition being aj^preciated by the people, he was elected his own successor, and is the present incumbent of the office. Mr. Kruger is a native of Germany, born September 20, 1851. He remained at home in the fatherland until he had reached the age of sixteen, when, crossing the ocean, he came to America, first settling in Marquette County, Wis. After remaining there for about a year he removed to Hipon, the same State, where he entered a store as clerk and salesman, and gained his first insight into mercantile affairs. Four years later he went to Eau Claire County, Wis., where he was engaged in the same business, and remained two years. In 1875 he came to Waseca County and located at the village of Janesville, where he entered the store of Chase & Condry. In November, 1884, on the death of H. A. Mosher, while Mr. Kruger was standing behind the counter engaged in business, without any solicitation on his part the board of county commissioners appointed him to the office of register of deeds. In the fall of 1886 he was reelected by the people to the same position. April 10, 1879, he was united in marriage with Miss Emelie Thiese, of New Ulm.

County Tkeasurer

At the first meeting of the board of commissioners, on the 16th of March, 1857, they appointed W. S. Baker to the office of treasurer of the county, who immediately entered upon the duties of the office, not very arduous at that time, as the county treasury was empty as j'et. He, however, held the office until the beginning of 1858. He was a native of the State of Maine, where he was born April 28, 1808. In early life he emigrated to Ohio, and while at Marion, that State, was united in marriage with Clarissa B. Mosher, December 30, 1841. He removed with his family to Dodge County, VV^is., in 1844, and was among the pioneers of that region. In 1856 he moved farther west, coming to Otisco. He was a man in delicate health in some respects, and by some of a hardier nature judged somewhat harslily. He was quite active in public affairs. He died at Waseca, March 6, 1887, in the seventy-ninth year of his age. It has been remarked of him : " It is safe to say that no man or woman ever went hungry from his door, when he had anything to spare."

Jesse I. Stewart, elected at the fall election of 1857, was the next incumbent of the office, and was reelected in the fall of 1859, but havmg been, also, chosen as the member of the lower house of the State Legislature, at the same time, on the 11th of January, 1860, the county commissioners, after declarinir it a violation of the law of the State for a man to hold both these offices, resolved that a vacancy existed in the office of county treasurer, and appointed J. S. Rice to fill the same. Mr. Stewart was one of the prominent men of the early days of this county and lived here for some years. He removed to Rice County from here many years ago, and in 1879 emigrated to the Sinslaw Valley, Ore.

J. S. Rice was a native of Oliio, and came to this county in 1856 or 1857, and settled in what is now New Richland, close to the Otisco line, afterward removing to the vil- lage of Wilton. During the Avar he entered the service of the United States, and after gallantly serving his country, on his discharge moved to the State of Iowa. He held the office of Waseca county treasurer for two years.

He was succeeded by George T. White in March, 1862. In August of the same year he enlisted, but the board of commissioners instead of declaring the office vacant by the books and records of the courthouse, seem to have allowed him to remain treasurer, although absent, doing his work by deput}^. Mr. White was a native of New Hampshire, and came to Minnesota on attaining his majority. He first settled in what is now St. Mary Township, and in the faU of 1859 was chosen to represent this county in the State Legislature, with Jesse I. Stewart. Enlisting in 1862, while county treasurer, he was chosen captain of Company F, Tenth Minnesota Infantry Regiment, and with his company was ordei-ed to the frontier to repel the Indian attacks of that year. The next season he, with a portion of his command, accom[)anieU General Sibley across the plains. Returning in the fall he was ordered South, and was in active service until the battle of Nashville, where he fell, pierced by many balls. His body now lies near his boyhood's happy home, among the granite hills of New Hampshire. A young man of ability and affable manners, he had many friends here among the old settlers.

P. C. Bailey was the next incumbent of the office, entering upon the duties of the same at the beginning of the year 1864, and serving two years. He is stiU a resident of the county, engaged in the hardware business at Waseca, and is mentioned at length in this chapter under the head of Legislative Representation.

With the beginning of the year 1806 George R. Buckman, now a resident of Waseca, entered upon the duties of this office. In 1867 and 1869 he was reelected to the same position. At the election of 1871 the official returns showed that Dr. R. O.. Craig had a majority of three, but on contesting the matter on account of some illegality in some votes, the court decided that G. R. Buckman was duly elected to the office of county treasurer, and he was accordingl', sworn in. He thus served the people eight years in this responsible position, to the entire satisfaction of the people of the county.

George R. Buckman, one of the old settlers of Waseca County, is a native of Crown Point, N. Y., born December 23, 1832, and is the son of Silas and Huldah (Sisson) Buckman. He remained in the place of his birth until he had attained the age of seventeen years, when he went to Manchester, N. H., where his time was employed in working in a stoi'e and attending school alternately, for about four years. In 1855 he came west to Minnesota, locating at first at Winona. In 1S57 he came to Waseca County, and settled at St. Mary, where he worked at the carpenter's trade until May 23, 1861, when he enlisted in Company G, First Minnesota Infantry Regiment, the "Old First,'' as it is familiarly called, and with that famous body of men participated in all the bloody battles, from the first battle of Bull Run to Bristow Station, Va. He was mustered out with the regiment May 5, 1864, and returned to Minnesota. The same year he was nominated for the office of county auditor, but declined to serve. In 1865 he was elected to the position of county treasurer, which he retained for eight j'ears. On the expiration of his last term he entered into the real-estate business at Waseca, whither he had removed on the transfer to that place of the county-seat from Wilton. He was the founder of the People's Bank, of which he is the present cashier. He was united in marriage, March 12, 1867, with Isadore A. Wood, and they have been the parents of three children: Marion, Royal and Harley, who died January 23, 1869.

Mr. Buckraan is a member of Tuscan Lode^e, No. 77, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons ; Waseca Chapter No. 26, Eoyal Arch Masons ; Cyrene Commandery, No. 9, Knights Templar, and of Lewis McKune Post, No. 27, Grand Army of the Eepublic.

Mr. Buckman was succeeded, in 1874, by Warren Smith, who held the office of county treasurer for four years. Mr. Smith is noticed at length under the legislative heading, he havnng served the county in the Xlth Legislature.

Charles McKenna, the present county treasurer, was lirst elected to that office in the fall of 1879, and has held it ever since, being reelected twice. Charles McKenna, the present treasurer, is a native of Canada, having been born in 1837. He is the son of Daniel and Anna (Flanegan) McKenna. Eemaining at home until 1868, Mr. Mc- Kenna struck out for the West, coming to Faribault, Eice County, Minn., where he entered the store of L. Barber, as salesman. After a year's service he, in company with C. L. La Grave, established a business stand of their own, carrying a stock of general merchandise. Six years later he sold out, and coming to the city of Waseca formed the copartnership of Forbes & McKenna, dealers in general merchandise, which after about two years was dissolved, Mr. Mc- Kenna carrying on the business alone. This store he still operates. In the fall of 1879, such was his popularity that he was elected county treasurer, and has been reelected his own successor.

Cleek Of The District Court

At the first court held in Waseca County, in 1857, F. L. Paige acted as the clerk, but only acted a short time when he went back East and H. P. Norton was appointed to this office, and at the fall election of that year, H. P. Norton was duly elected to this office and held it for four years.

N. E. Strong was the next incumbent of the office of clerk of the court, taking possession January 1, 1864. He was reelected and served in all four years. He was one of the early settlers in this county, locating in what was called Plum Valley in 1856. He was a native of Ohio, and is now a resident of the State of California.

S. J. Willis was the successor of Mr. Strong as clerk of the court, serving four years. Mr. Willis came to this county in 1856 and located at Wilton, where he engaged in business. He was a native of Pennsylvania, and is now a resident of Washington, filling some clerical position in one of the departments of the general government.

James B. Hayden was the next to fill this important office. Entering upon its duties with the beginning of the year 1872, he was retained there by an appreciative people until the end of 1879.

J. B. Hayden was born in Ireland November 30, 1840, but left his native home when but two 3'ears of age and came to Canada with his parents, who'were Peter and Anna Hayden, where they remained until 1849. From there they moved to Portage City, Wis., at that time a new country, Mr. Hayden coming from Milwaukee to his new home. He remained in Portage City some two 3'ears, when he removed to Marquette County. J B. Hayden lived with his parents until 1861, when he enlisted in Company H, Seventeenth Wisconsin Infantry, under Col. J. L. Doran, and served for three years, being mustered into service January 2, 1862, and receiving his discharge Ma}' 5, 1865. He was in a number of battles, among others the battle of Atlanta, where he was struck on the wrist by a spent minie ball, which caused the loss of the use of his arm. He still has the bullet in his possession, and retains it as a valuable relic of his arm}' life. On the 7th of June, 1865, Mr. Hayden came to Waseca County, and in July of the same year located in the town of Alton, where he farmed until

January, 1872. He then took charge of the office of clerk of the district court, having been elected to the same the preceding fall, and retained possession for twelve successive years. In 1884 he went to California, but only remained a short time, retui'ning to Waseca. Since May 1, 1885, he has had charge of American Express Company's business.

M. B. Keeley, the present clerk of tlie court, was first elected in the fall of 1879, and has been reelected twice. He is a native of Ireland, born in 1852, who was brought in 1856 by his parents, who located in Canada. In 1866 he came to Rock County, Wis., where he remained until coming to Waseca in 1873, when he engaged in the grocery business which he still continues. He was married May 1, 1876, to Mary A. Delaney. They are the parents of five children : James W., Mary A., Lena C, Emma and Arthur H. All are members of the Catholic Church.

Sheriff

Nathaniel Garland, the first sheriff of Waseca County, was appointed by the Governor to act in that capacity during the organization of the county, in the spring of 1857. At the special election, held in June of that year, he was elected to fill that office, and held it until the close of the year 1859. He, soon after the expiration of his term of office, removed to Iowa, where he engaged in raising sheep, but returned to Wilton in the spring of 1SG4, and engaged in the mercantile business with John Forest. In 1868 he sold out there, and together with J. A. Claghorn, entered into tlie butcher business at the village of Waseca. He was united in marriage in 1863 with Miss L. D. Dodge. July 26, 1880, he was found dead under the waters of Clear Lake, drowned in less than five feet of water.

In 1860 D. L. Wliipple succeeded to the office of sheriff of the county. He was reelected, and served until the beginning of the year 1866. Mr. Whipple was a carpenter by trade, and worked at that both before and after his term in office. He was a prominent member of the Anti-Horse Thief Association, and a very popular man throughout the county. He died here February 4, 1872.

E. M. Broughton, elected in the fall of 1865, entered upon the duties of the office of sheriff with the beginning of 1866, and served the people for two years.

Seth W. Long was chosen by the people, at the election of 1867, to fill the office of sheriff, and was reelected in 1869, 1871, 1873 and 1875, serving in all ten years. He is still a resident of the county.

At the fall election of 1885 A. C. Krassin was chosen by the people of Waseca County to represent them in the office of sheriff, and is the present occupant of that position.

August C. Krassin, the present sheriff, is also one of the hardware firm of Krassin & Boucher, and is a son of Martin Krassin, one of the earliest settlers of this county. August was born in Wisconsin, and when he was but a small child was brought by his parents to this county in June, 1855. They located in what is now the township of St. Mary, where August was reared. In 1880 he came to Waseca City, where he engaged in business with J. C. White, but in 1882 Thomas Boucher purchased the interest of Ml". White and the present firm was formed. They carry all lines of hardware, and are very heavy dealers in agricultural implements.

Judges Of Probate Court

The first to occupy this office was J. A. Canfield, who was elected at the fall election of 1857. He continued to hold this office until 1860, when he made way for a successor.

was maiTied, and came west to Dodge County, Wis., in October of the same year. He there took up a claim, but it was " jumped " by another party, and to avoid trouble, he left that part of the country and settled at Rolling Prairie, in the same State, where he located on eighty acres of school land, which he purchased. This he sold out in the spring of 1856, and came to this county, settling on section 3 of Otisco Township, taking up a claim of 1(30 acres of land. He afterwards purchased some sixty acres moi'e land on sections 3 and 4, August 12, 1862, he enlisted in Company F, Tentii Minnesota Infantry, and did excellent service in defense of his country and his country's flag, participating in all the battles in which his regiment was engaged, and was discharged at Memphis, Tenn., Ma\^ 17, 1865, when he returned to this county. He held the office of judge of the probate court for many years in this county, and died here January 28, 1884. He and his wife, Mary A. Canfield, were the parents of seven children: Nancy B., born July 27, 1846, who was married January 2, 1875, to George W. Soule, of this county ; Henry O., born April 23, 1848, married January 21, 1877, to Josephine L. McKinster, and is a resident of Waseca ; Viola A., born August 2, 1850, married December 25, 1876, to George A. Onn, now in Le Sueur County, Minn. ; John M., born December 10, 1852, married August 26, 1876, to Frances S. Morrison, resides in city of Waseca ; Lillie G., born August 6, 1855, died August 18, 1859; Eunice, born April 13, 1S58, died October 10, 1875, and Ida May, born April 30, 1861. The widow, Mrs. Mary A. Canfield, resides on the old homestead with her daughter,. Ida May, although she rents the farm to a tenant. She is a member of the Methodist Church.

during the years 1S64 and 1865. A slight sketch of this gentleman is given among the early attorneys of this county, further on, in its proper place.

Mr. Enos was succeeded in 1866 by James E. Child, who held the office until the last of 1867, when he, too, " threw off the restraint of official life," and passed the office to liis successor, H. D. Baldwin, who again occupied the office until January 1, 1870, when he, in turn, was succeeded by J. A. Canfield. This second term of Judge Canfield lasted for eight years.

In 1879 and 1880 S. D. Crump filled the position of probate judge. Mr. Crump is one of the leading attorne\^s of the county, a very talented man ; is noticed elsewhere.

Januarj^ 1, 1886, W. C. Young, the present judge of the probate court, entered upon the duties of his office, and fills it to the satisfaction of the people of the county.

Hon. William C. Young came to the county of Waseca in 1866, and purchasing a farm in Woodville Township remained there but a short time, when he removed to the new village of Waseca, where he followed the occupation of contracting and building until January 1, 1876, when being appointed postmaster, he gave much of his time to that office, which he held for ten years. He is a native of Madison County, N. Y., born August 10, 1826, and is the son of Henry and Philena Young. In 1854 he came west, locating at Fitch burg. Wis., where lie was engaged in building, and made that his home until 1861. When the dark cloud of civil war lowered over the heads of this nation, he raised a company of men for the service of the general government, wliich was mustered in as Company E. of the Eighth Wisconsin Infantrv, he receiving a commis- sion as captain. Participating in the fortunes of that gallant regiment, he saw considerable service and was in many of the battles that took place in the southwest. He it was who took the only boat through the bayou and canal in the rear of Vicksburg, that could be so forwarded, the water falling after its passage, not permitting any to follow. In July, 1864, he was commissioned major of his regiment, and in that capacity served until the close of hostilities. He then returned to his Wisconsin home, where he remained until 1866, when he came to Waseca County, as detailed above. In the fall of 1869 he was elected to represent this district in the State Legislature, and occupied a place in that august body in the Xllth Assembly. In the Xllltli Assembly he was in the Senate. In 1S85 he was elected to the office of judge of the probate court, of Waseca County, and is now filling that position. He is a member of Comee Lodge, No. 25, and of Golden Rule Encampment, No. 13, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and of Lewis McKune Post, No. 27, Grand Army of the Republic. July 12, 1816, he was united in marriage with Caroline Kingsley, a native of Chautauqua, N.Y., and a sister of Bishop Kingsley. They are the parents of four children : William Henry, Eugene W. and Mabel A., living, and Luna E., deceased.

County Attorney

At the second meeting of the county commissioners' court, held April 6, 1S5Y, John Bradish was appointed count3f attorney, with the munificent salary of $100 per year. He only held it for one year, when he made way for his successor.

J. E. Child was county attorney in 1859 and 1860, and was succeeded by Hial D. Baldwin. Tlie latter held the office for three years, and then in turn gave way for Mr.

Peter McGovern was the incumbent of the office during the years 1874 and 1875, and was succeeded by M. D. L. Collester, who in 1882 gave way for W. R. Kinder. The latter served two years.

Most of the gentlemen mentioned above are among the attorneys of the county, or have held more important official positions, and are mentioned in connection therewith.

County Surveyors

The first surveyor of the county was H. W. Peck. This gentleman came to Waseca County in 1856, and was appointed one of the commissioners to organize the county, but resigned the same to accept the position of county surveyor, to which office he was appointed March 16, 1857. He held this position until the first of 1858, when he rotated out of office. He shortly afterward returned to Ohio, whence he had come.

H. G. Mosher was the county surveyor from 1864 until the last of the j^ear 1865. Mr. Mosher has been noticed previous to this in this chapter.

At the beginning of the year 1868, C. E. Crane commenced his long term of office as surveyor, which lasted until the first of 1881, when he entered the office of count}' auditor as already mentioned. He was succeeded by O. L. Smith, the present county surveyor.