Waseca County, Minnesota - Chapter 20: Otisco Township, 1887

Chapter 20: Otisco Township

JHE territory embraced in the township of Otisco is designated on the survey plats as township 106 north, range 22 west. It lies upon the eastern line of the county, the second from the south edge. The most of the surface of this portion of the county is moderately rolling, although it sometimes becomes quite hilly. Scattered drift hills and mounds of the morainic belt are largel}'^ predominant througliout a portion, and in part these tracts are pretty well sprinkled with boulders, remains of the glacial period.

The soil, the rich, dark loam of southern Minnesota, yields abundantlj' to a generous cultivation, and some of the finest land in this part of the State is to be found here. "Well drained by the Le Sueur Kiver and its tributaries, ample facilities are also afforded by these streams and the smaller affluents for the purpose of watering stock. Groves of timber dot its surface and follow the course of the rivers and creeks, diversifying the view and adding materially to the wealth and natural resources of Otisco.

In April, 1S55, two brothers, William and George Kobbins by name, came to the little settlement in this county, and took up claims on the east side of the Le Sueur River, opposite tiie site of the village of Wilton, but in this township. These were the first settlers in Otisco. In the summer of 1856 they sold their claims to Watters and Chamberlain. In a short time after this they removed west to the Blue Earth County, where one of them still lives.

Michael Anderson settled in what is now Otisco, in July, 1855. Mr. Anderson was a native of Norway, a fine man, and a leader among his countrymen here. About eight years ago he left here and is now in Clay County.

Burgiff Oleson was the next to make a settlement in the territory now known as Otisco, coming here in the fall of 1855, and settling on section 32, where he preempted 160 acres of land, where he now lives. He has added many improvements to the place in the way of a fine residence, good out-buildings and an excellent barn 46x6-1 feet in size. He is a native of Norway, born February 21, 1828, and came to America in May, 1851. Settling in Dodge County, Wis., at first, he was there married, September 16, 1855, to Julia Anderson, who was born in Norway, March 14-, 1837. They then came to this count}' as above stated. They have lived here ever since, and have been the parents of twelve children : Ole, born July 6, 1856 ; Andrew, born November 19, 1858, died October 7, 1861 ; Christian, born March 6, 1865, died March 12, 1865 ; Julia, born February 4, 1861, died February 6, 1861; Christian, born April 22, 1866, died March 8, 1874. Andrew, born August 29, 1862 ; Sarah, November 9, 1868 ; Julia, September 4, 1870 ; Mary, October 19, 1873 ; Christian, November 4, 1876; Sophia, October 10, 1879, and Julius, June 16, 1883. The first year Mr. Oleson spent in this county, his shanty, which was covered with a hay roof, was burned down a bitter cold day in the middle of that cold winter, and his wife froze her hands severely in going to her neighbor, Michael Anderson's. During the war Mr. Oleson

The next to make a settlement here were Robert and Hugh McDougal, who came here in the fall of ISoo, and took up their claims on the northwest quarter of section 6, where they put up a cabin and kept " bach."

Robert McDougal was born amid the highlands of Scotland, March 26, 1821, but when he was as yet but a small boy, his parents left their native home and settled in Canada, near where the present town of Guelph now stands. In this vast wilderness Robert was reared and inured to the hardships of a pioneer life. In 1854 he and his brother Hugh came to Iowa, and in the fall oi 1855 to this place. Each entered a claim where the present McDougal farm now is, and commenced baching, for they were both unmarried. They, as well as their neighbors, the Robbins boys, had filed their claims without thinking of declaring their intentions of becoming naturalized citizens of the United States, believing that it could as well be done at the time of proving up their claim. But this was not strictly legal, so some parties proceeded to jump their claim, Avitli the result, as is related elsewhere at length, of being compelled to quit, themselves. A few years aftei- this they proved up their claims and Hugh returned to Canada, where he still resides. Robert, packing up his traps, and with a horse and wagon started for the western mountain mines. He spent a year at the mines at the head of the Saskatchawan River, then crossed over the Rocky Mountains into Washington Territory, whei'e lie remained until about 1860. After a short visit here he returned to Canada, where he remained several years. On the 6th of April, 1866, he was united in marriage with Annie McKersie, at Toronto, and immediately afterward came to their farm in this county. They were the parents of nine children : Catherine L., born December

7, 1866 ; Annie R., July 22, 1868, married Frank Erfurth, January 1, 1886, and is the mother of one child, Anna M., born March 10, 1887; Jeannette C, March 26, 1870; William W., August 12, 1872 ; Robert B., June 15, 1874 ; Maggie G., May 6, 1876 ; Bessie C, March 1,1878; Isabella M., November i, 1880, and Hugh P., April 27, 1882. Mr. McDougal gave his name to one of the creeks of this county. On the 15th of Januaiy, 1S87, he was called by death to his reward beyond the grave, and his remains lie buried in Wilton cemetery. His wife has a fine farm of some two hundred acres, about seventy of which are under cultivation.

Ferdinand Turnacliff and his sons, Jackson and Delevan, came to Waseca County in 1855, and settled in this township. All are still residents of the county, living in Wilton Township.

G. Goetzenberger settled on section 21 in this township, in November, 1855, bringing his family with him from Galena, 111. He was a native of Wittemburg, Germany, born in 1814, and came to the United States in 1853. He is now a resident of the city of Waseca.

Austin Abell, a native of New York, came to this township in September, 1855, and made a claim. During the war he was a member of the Eleventh Minnesota Infantry. He took up his claim on section 11, the place now owned by his cousin, John S. Abell. He is now a resident of Winona.

On the 9th of June, 1856, H. A. Mosher landed in Otisco, where he took up a claim. He was afterward identified with the official life of the county, and a sketch of him is given in the chapter relating to the office of register of deeds, which he filled for many years, dying while an incumbent of the same in 1884.

Ebenezer B. Stearns, one of Waseca County's successful farmers, is a native of Eeedsboro, Vt., born October 1, 1812. In February, 1817, the family removed to Onondaga County, ]Sr. Y., wliere he was reared. When he had attained manhood he adopted the trade of carpenter and joiner and built several mills and other buildings while in New York State. In 18-17 he went to Belleville, Canada where he was engaged in erecting a mill. In June, 1853, he came with his father's family to Fond du Lac, Wis., and from there came to Minnesota in 1856, arriving here on the 5th of August. He settled on 160 acres of land on section 29 and lived thei'B for ten years, when he sold his farm to J. B. Chapman, and moved to Lemond Township, Steele County, but after one year's residence there, returned to this town and purchased 210 acres of land, on section 19, where he now lives. He has since added eighty acres to his farm, and now has 290 acres in all. August 2, 1851, he was united in marriage with Emily Garrett, who was born in Albany County, N. Y., September 7, 1829. They have had six children as follows : Susan Ellen, born September 5, 1852, Avho married Frank W. Weed, January 7, 1878, and died October 13, 1883 ; George B., born December 26, 1854, married Jennie R. Weed, July 18, 1877; William H., born May 26, 1859, married Sarah Arraitage, a native of Yorkshire, England, IVCay 14, 1884, born December 17, 1857, and came to the United States in 1882 ; Mary E., born July 9, 1862, married Rev. Melvin R. Baldridge, July 11, 1882 ; Cora Isabel, born April 2, 1865, and Charles Albert, born May 11, 1878. Mr. Stearns has held the office of county commissioner three terms, that of town supervisor for three terms, and justice of the peace three terms. He is a strong Prohibitionist.

the 9th of June. He served for many years as judge of the probate court of this county, but died in Januar}', 1884, and is noticed at length in the chapter relating to State and County Representation.

Silas Grover came to what is now the town of Otisco in 1856, and taking up a claim, settled there and remained a resident for many years. April 12, 1870, in Waseca, he passed over to the land beyond the grave, at the advanced age of seventy-seven j'ears.

W. S. Baker, afterward the first treasurer of the county, settled in Otisco on coming to Waseca County, in 1856. A sketch of liim is given in Chapter VIII.

Harlow Williams and James Wells, two young men and unmarried, came here in 1856 and took up claims, and after proving up the same, sold out and left tiiis county.

Mr. Flowers, the father of Mark D. Flowers, the State adjutant-general, was a settler here in 1856. He resided here but a short time, when he removed to Meriden, Steele County, and later to St. Paul.

Parselus Young came here in 1856 and made a claim, but moved away a few years later. During- the war he enlisted among the " brave boys in blue," and rose to the rank of colonel of a colored regiment.

H. G. Mosher made his first appearance on the stage of Waseca County on the 10th of October, 1856. Mr. Mosher resided here for many years, filling several important public offices, and is mentioned at length in that connection. The first winter after Mi\ Abell brought his family here, H. G. Moshei", his wife and two children lived in the cabin of J. S. Abell, who also liad a wife and two children. This cabin was but 16x20 feet in size and was considerably crowded.

AdamBishman, still residing here, located in Otisco in 1856. He is a native of Germany, born March 27, 1824, and came to this country in 1846.

Zachariah Ilolbrook made a settlement here in 1856. He was a native of western New York. He was one of the few men who although comparatively uneducated was a most excellent financier. He died in this township in March, 1886.

John S. Abell, came to Otisco Township in January, 1857, and made a claim. He, however, went liack to Winona, and came here again in the spring of 1858, and made a permanent settlement. He was a native of New York State, and represented this district in the State Legislature, under which head a sketch of him in detail is given.

On the 10th of May, 1857, a party consisting of S. A. Farrington and wife, his father, mother and sister, Franklin Farrington, Mrs. Lincoln, a widow with five children, Volney DeWitt and wife and Michael Quiggle, a young man, a blacksmith by trade, left Green Lake County, Wis., for the wilds of southern Minnesota. This little comjsany of emigrants were embarked in five wagons drawn l:)y nine yoke of oxen, and drove with them some cows and other cattle. Traveling westward through the western part of the " Badger State," near La Crosse, they fell in with another band of wayfarers, who joined company with them. These latter were Daniel Styles and wife, and their son Elijah and his wife. After a hard and laborious trip they all reached Otisco safely on the 14th of June, and at once commenced to occupy the land. S. A. Farrington settled on section 25, where he resided for many

Franklin Farrington located on section 24 and opened up a farm. He is now a resident of Minneapolis. Their father is still living in Owatonna.

Elijah Styles settled down to a farmer's life on his claim on section 15, and lived here until, during the war, he enlisted among our nation's defenders, and fills a soldier's grave 'neath the green sod of the Sunny South, djang February 16, 1863. Daniel Styles, his father, died in 1879, and his body rests peacefully in the Otisco cemetery.

During the same spring of 1857 Philip Quiggle, the father of Michael, heretofore mentioned, came here from Wisconsin to go to work in the shop of his son, for he, too, was a blacksmith by trade. The next year the shop caught fire and burned to the ground. The old man, who had but limited means, thought it best to g'o to Owatonna to work at his trade, which he did, and the next year moved back to Wisconsin.

Owen Salisbury located here in 1857. He was an old and feeble man, and did not attempt to do any farming, but kept the postoffice at Otisco. About the year 1860 he removed to Warsaw, Minn., where he kept a hotel. Later he moved to Wabasha County, where he died.

Ole Anderson came to Otisco Township at an early day, and preempted 160 acres of land on section 35, and afterward purchased eighty acres more on the same section. He is a native of Norway, born May 16, 1832, and came to the United States, bringing his mother with him, in 1853. He first settled in Wisconsin, whei'e he remained until coming here. In 1863 he was married in New Iiichland Townshi)) to Marj'^ Knutson, who was born in ]Sorway, August 13, 1843, and came to America in 1853. They have been the parents of thirteen children : Ernest, born March 15, IStil, married to Barbara Knutson ; Julia, February 26, 1865, married Bank Evenson ; Knute. born Octol)er 1, 1866; Betsey, July 29, 1868; Ole, February 25, 1870 ; Sarah, February 24, 1872, died in infancy ; Severt, January 7, 1873, died in infancy; Severt, June 11, 1874 ; Nina, May 7, 1876, died aged ten months ; Olena, January 1,1878 ; Elbert, March 23, 1880 ; Clara, July 19, 1882, and Minnie, September 13, 1885. Mr. Anderson and family are members of the Lutheran Church. He is a Republican in politics.

John Peterson came to the town of Otisco in the spring of 1857, where he purchased eighty acres of land and homesteaded forty more. In addition to this he has bought forty acres and now has a farm of 160 acres, all on section 28. He is a native of Sweden, born February 6, 1828, and came to America in 1853. For the first six months after landing he was doing genei^al work in Chicago, and from there he went to Indiana, where he remained until he came to Waseca County, Minn. Our sul)ject was united in marriage in Otisco Township witli Caroline Larson, a native of Sweden, born March 11, 1843, and came to America with her parents in the spring of 1853. Mr. Peterson's parents died in the old country previous to his leaving there ; Mrs. Peterson's parents live in this township. Mr. and ]\[rs. Peterson have been the parents of nine children: Victor Edward, born November 3, I860, and died July 14, 1861 ; Carl L., April 22, 1862; Mary A., October 8, 1865 ; P. Victor, July 22, 1867 ; John August, April 5, 1871; Helena Sophia, March 3, 1874; Oscar Theodore and Otto Herman, June 23, 1876 ; and Lief, August 18, 1879. Mr. Peterson is a Republican in politics, and has held the offices of supervisor, assessor and treasurer, the last two for many years. lie had the misfortune to lose his right arm in a thrashing-machine in October. 1875, but manages to carry on his extensive

John Anderson came to Otisco in the year 1857, and made a settlement on section 16. He is a native of Sweden, born November 6, 1831. He came to the United States in 1853, and settled in Indiana, where, March 29,1855, he was united in marriage with Mary Peterson, by whom he had one child, Albert, born January 10, 1856. The next year after the birth of his son, he came to AVaseca County. In 1863 he went to Rochester, and enlisted in Company D, First Minnesota Heavy Artillery. He was with the regiment until October, 1865, when he was mustered out at Nashville, Tenn., and was discharged at Fort Snelling. December 28, 1881, his wife died, and on the first Sunday in October, 1884, he was again married, this time to Anna Johnson. He belongs to the Lutheran Mission Church.

Moses Johnson came to Otisco in 1857, and bought 120 acres of land on section 27, where he now lives. He was born near Stockholm, Sweden, December 14, 1831, and came to the United States in August, 1855. He at first located at Lafayette, Ind., where he remained until coming to this place. In December, 1860, he was united in marriage with Christina Larson, daughter of Lars Ilogenson, of this township. She was born in Sweden, June 10, 1840. They have been the parents of the following children : Carl Otto, born August 26, 1861 ; Tina, September 15, 1863; Lars Edward, March 1, 1866; John Alfred, September 17, 1869; Emma Matilda, January 26, 1872; Herman Theodore, December 15, 1874, and Oscar Renhalt, June 12, 1880. Mr. Johnson has held the offices of town supervisor and road master. He is a Republican in politics, and in religion a Lutheran. He carries on his farm now, but for some thirteen seasons ran a thrashing machine, which business he has turned over to his eldest son. Otto.

S. S. Goodrich and his two brothers came here in 1857, and in July of that year S. S. was one of the parties engaged in laying out the village of Otisco. They were also connected with the store in the village, but removed from liere to Lyons County, Minn.

A man by the name of Yosberg settled here in 1857, and while here married a Miss Goodrich, and when his father-in-law removed to Lyon County, went with him.

Among the others who came to this township in 1857 was a man by the name of Wyman, who resided here but a few years, when he removed to McLeod County.

William Ashley Jones, a South Carolinian, took up a claim on section 5, at a ver}' early da3% but never made any improvements, and soon removed to Winona.

Two Germans by the name of Michael Wanka and Wilhelm Wilke, came here in 1857, and purchased land on section 16, where they lived some years. They are both now in Olmsted County.

S. S. Griggs was one of the pioneers of the year 1858. He, in connection with Obert, at one time owned the sawmill at Otisco. About the year 1861 he removed to Kasota. He never was a farmer while here, being engaged only in the lumbering business.

John Nelson came to this township in 1858 and settled on section 28, on which he now lives. He is a native of Sweden, born March 6, 1830. He came to the United States in 1853, and remained in Indiana for some years, working among the farmers of that State. From there he came to Cannon Falls, Minn., where he arrived May 25, 1858, and remaining in that place until the 24th of the following October, he then came here, taking up eighty acres of land with a land warrant, to which he has added forty acres more on section 21, purchased of the railroad company. He was married in Sweden, in the year 1852, to Annie Johnson, and they were the parents of one child, Hattie, born April 27, 1853, now the wife of Frank Lombard, living in this town. On the 1st of February, 1854, his wife departing this life, he lived alone until October, 1856, when he and Charlotte Peterson were united in marriage. They have had born to them the following children : P. August, born in 1863 ; Charles, born April 1, 1871, died February 6, 1873; Caroline, born 1873, and William in 1874 .

Joseph Minges made a settlement in this township m 1858, and is still a resident of the same. He is noticed at length in Chapter VIII of this work.

J. D. Andrews came to Waseca Countj^ in 1858, and on the 3d of July of that year settled in Otisco. Some time after this he entered into the drug business at Wilton, buying the E. A. Smith store. In later years he was engaged in the drug business in Duluth, but he came back to this county and was in the same line in Janesville, among the pioneer merchants of the new town of that name. He died at Madison, D. T., June 11, 1887, having removed to that Territory in the fall of 1878.

Edwin S. Weed, who does a general farming and stock-raising business on the eighty acres of land which he owns on section 31, in this township, is a native of Wisconsin, having been born in Fond du Lac County, September 20, 1858, and came to this county with his parents the same year, when but an infant six weeks old. He has remained in this county ever since. Hei'e he was reared, here he was educated, and hei-e, March 16, 1885, he was married to Lida Kellogg, and here their child Jennie Laura was born. Mrs. Weed was born in Jackson County, Iowa, April 18, 1857. Mr. Weed is a Eepublican in politics, and is held in high esteem by his fellow citizens.

160 acres of land on section 11, is a native of Indiana, born January 10, 1857. His parents were both born in Sweden, the father in December, 1830, and the naotlier in January of the same year. When Albert was but two or three years of age the family came to Otisco Township, and here he grew to manliood.. In the year 1878, he was united in marriage with Ida Christine Johnson, who was born in Sweden, July 8, 1859. They are the parents of three children : Joseph Ali)iia, born May 5, 1879 ; Arnst Walford, October 19, 1880, and Johanna Maria, April (i, 1882. They belong to the Lutheran Church, and Mr. Anderson is a Republican in politics.

Moses Plummer (deceased), one of the early settlers of this township, and one of the industrious, intelligent and thrifty farmers who have done so much to develop the resources of the county, was born among the granite hills of New Iliunpshire, in the town of Sanbornton, Belknap County. The date of his birth was December 23, 1817. He was reared in that county, farming part of the time in his native town, and part of the time in the adjoining one of Meredith. On November 11, IS-t-l-, he was united in marriage with Matilda S. Gate, a native of Meredith, N. H. Shortly after their marriage they moved to a farm near Saubornton, where they resided a few years and then removetl to another place near by, where they livoil until 1859. Mr. Plummer then sold out there and moved to Minnesota and located at first in Clinton, Steele County, whore tliey remained that winter, in order to allow their son George to attend school. In March, 1860, they came to Otisco Township, this county, where Mr. Plummer purchased the farm on sections 3 and 4, where Mrs. Plummer now resides, and which contains 180 acres. In 1850 Mr. Plummer was in the town hall at Meredith, N. II., when part of the floor gave way, precipitating a part of the 300 people present into the abyss, killing several and injuring many, among the latter Mr. Plummer, who then received injuries that eventually killed him. For some live years previous to his death he was completely paralyzed and totally helpless, until released from suffering by death on the 20th of September, 1883. Mr. and Mrs. Plummer were the parents of three children : George C, born October 17, 1845, who died March 17, 1865; Charles M., born March 1, 1866, and died November 21, 1866, and Georgia born Januray 20, 1870, now in Owatonna attending scliool. Mr. Plummer's death was sadly mourned b\' not only the family, but a large circle of acquaintances. He was a man of high moral character, and patiently bore sutl'erings which would have shaken the faith of other men. In his day he was an active and influential citizen, and in his affliction the county lost the services of a worthy man.

Knud Hanson was also one of the settlers of the year 1860. He is a native of Norway, born August 24, 1824. He resided in the land of his birth until he was thirty-six years old. March 15, 1860, he was united in marriage with Mary Tollifson, and the 29th of the following July sailed for America and came direct to Otisco Township and settled, as above stated, and bought 160 acres of land on section 35, where he now lives. In 1862 Mr. Hanson enlisted in Company F, Tenth Minnesota Infantry, and participated in the Sibley expedition. During the winter of 1862-3 the}' were stationed at the Winnebago agency, and in the spring started after the Indians, defeating them five times. In October he, with the regiment, went to St. Louis to guard prisoners, and from there to the front, where Mr. Hanson participated in the battles of Guntown, Miss., and Nashville, Tenn. After the last battle he was taken sick, contracting rheumatism, which troubles him much to the present time, and was confined to the hospital until he was discharged, when he came back home. Mr. and Mrs. Hanson had born to them nine children: Hans, married in June, 1882, to Anna Hanson; Peter, Mar^^ Barbara, Annie, CaroHne (deceased,) Matilda, Caroline and Tollef M. Barbara was married December 3, 1886, to Ernest Oleson. Mrs. Hanson died May 22, 1886. Mr. Hanson is a Republican in politics. Halvor Thorson was also a settler of 1860.

Historic Items Organic

At the first organization of the county, in the spring of 1857, all the territory now embraced in the townships of New Richland, Byron anil Vivian, together with the south one-third of what is now AVilton and Otisco, was oro-anized into one civil town under the name of Otisco, but on the 5th of April, 1858, what now constitutes the town was set off and retained the name it bears. The first election was held at the house of Owen Salisbury, and that gentleman, H. G. Mosher and S. S. Griggs were the judges of the election.

Early in the summer of 1856, Watters and Chamberlain, taking advantage of the trouble between the settlers and the proprietors of the town of Wilton, purchased the claims of William and George Robbins, on the east side of the river, and there laid out a town wiiich they christened b}' the above name. This was right opposite the site of Wilton and tiie owners expected it would prove a formidable rival to the prospective town above named. A store and a hotel were erected that summer, the latter part frame and part log. But it never amounted to anj'thing ; the hotel was burned down in 1858, while occupied as a residence of William Murphy, and a fine farm is now found upon the site of this embryo town.

Village Of Otisco

A village of the above name wp.s laid out in July, 1857, by Warren Bundy and S. S. Goodrich, but it never amounted to very much. Although, doubtless, the proprietors indulged in golden di'eams of the prospective importance and business prosperity of the place, its history can be summed up in a few words. Where once they hoped to hear the busy whir of machinery, or the ceaseless hum of commercial activity, now I'esounds only to the low of kine or whistle of the plowboy at his work, and is covered with nodding corn or bending grain. In its infancy it was nothing, and at its prime it had but the sawmill, a store and the postoffice.

The sawmill was erected in the fall of 1857 by Daniel and Gould Grover, two sons of Silas Grover, who ran it but a short time, when it was purchased by Griggs & Obert. After a time it again passed into the hands of Gould Grover, who was killed in the mill, when it became the proi)erty of Eno & Beatty, but they becoming unpopular left it, and the dam going out, the mill fell into decay and went to pieces.

A small store, the stock consisting of groceries, clothing, etc., was started by the Goodriches, at Otisco, in the latter part of 1857. It was but a small affair and did not last any length of time.

Prominent People

resides on section 31, on the farm, part of which he purchased in 1869, and which contains 354 acres, he having sold some six acres to the railroad company. He is a native of Stormont County, Ontario, born June 1, 1842, and was reared in the country of his birth. In 1862, he came to the United States, and for two years remained in Eiga, Monroe County, N. Y. From there he removed to Oil City, Pa., where he was engaged in the blacksmith trade for some two years, when he came west and worked at his trade in Owatonna, for Philip Shuester, but only staved one month, coming to Waseca Village where he opened a blacksmith shop of his own and there lived until April 1, 1871, when he moved on his farm. December 15, 1869, he was united in marriage with Parmelia Smith, in Byron Township. She was born at Oak Grove, Dodge County, Wis., February 1, 1852, and came to Minnesota Avith her parents in 1866. The family settled in Goodhue County, but a year later came to Byron Townsiiip, this county, where the father died in February, 1881 ; the mother lives near Alma City. Mr. and Mrs. Wood have been the parents of the following children : Jessie J., born August 27, 1871 ; Benjamin W., born January 19, 1873; James A., January 13, 1875 ; John W., born October 26, 1881, died November 12, 1883 ; Roger G., born March 28, 1878 ; Edna Jennie Grace, July 1, 1883, and Robert A., December 7, 1885. Mr. Wood is engaged in general farming and stock-raising. He and his wife are members of the Wesleyan Church, and are ardent prohibitionists.

Samuel Leslie, one of the leading farmers of this town, is a native of Essex County, N. Y., born September 9, 1837. He came to Minnesota in November, 1866, and helped plat the city of Waseca in the spring and summer of 1867, and lived in that beautiful city until about 1870, when he moved to Otisco Township, on section 4, where he now resides, and where he has 240 acres of ver}^ fine land. His buildings are first class, and are surrounded with a fine grove and orchard. All this jjrosperity is the result of his own industry, he having settled here on the wild prairie, and by labor and perseverance he has made a beautiful home. He was married September 23, 1860, to Mar}' E. Sisson, and the}' have been the parents of ten children, seven of whom are living : Jennie M., born December 6, 1861, married to C. G. Mosher, February 10, 1886, and has one child, Ruth F., born in December, 1886 ; Frank J., born October 6, 1863; Herbert J.. February 7, 1866; Ptalph B., Apnl 7, 1869; Mark P., June 6, 1871, and Ella, July 12, 1S75.

Joseph T. Dunn, who resides on his highly cultivated farm on section 4 in this township, is a native of Park County, Ind., born November 21, 1855. He is the son of William and Mary J. (Baird) Dunn, both natives of Ireland, the former born March 31, 1823, and died March 20, 1884; the latter born in 1819, and died in September, 1871. When Joseph was but one year old the family came to this county, settling on section 35, Woodville Township, where they were among the earliest settlers. In this county he was reared, and he remained at home with his parents until after the death of his mother, when he commenced life for himself. March 21, 1877, he and Lena Beck were united in marriage, at Owatonna. The following summer he rented a farm in Wilton Township, where he raised one crop, and then bought eighty acres of land in Woodville Township, where he lived until the spring of 1881. He then purchased 120 acres on section 24, Otisco, but five years later he bought the place where he now lives, selling the farm on section 24 to James M. Dunn. Mr. and Mrs. Dunn are the parents of three children : Joseph II.. born January 9, 1878; Anna, December 31, 1879, and Martha, November 2, 1SS3. Mr. Dunn does a general farming and stock-raising business, and owns a fine horse of the Norman Percheron breed.

sided with his parents until he was twentyone years of age, when he moved to Wisconsin, but after five years' residence there he came to Wilton, Minn., where he spent about eighteen months. From there he went to the city of Waseca, where he remained two years and a half. The next three years were spent on his father's farm on section IG, this township. He then removed to Meriden, Steele County, but two years later came back to the farm, which he is now working for his father on shares. He is doing a general farming and stock-raising business, and has a herd of some twelve head of cattle, two horses, besides other stock. He was united in marriage July 20, 1871, in Waseca with Sarah Ellis, who was born November 21, 1852. They have been the parents of three children: Oora A., born April 19, 1872; Edwin II., October 4, 1873, and Erskine A., August 14, 1882. Mr. Robbins has filled the offices of school director and clerk, and constable and road overseer, and is a Prohibitionist.

Asa Robbins, father of H. O. Robbins, was born in the State of New York in 1811. On the 5th of February, 1838, he was married to Hulda A. Chapman. She was born January 9, 1815, and died on the 10th of December, 1885.

William Kugath waS born in Germany, April 27,1857, and came to the United States in 1873. He came to Chicago on first landing, and there he remained for six years, and then came to Waseca County, and worked for different parties inOtisco Townsliip until 1883, when he purchased 160 acres of land on section 12, in this town, where he now lives. His parents came to this country in 1881, and are now keeping house for him. He was a poor man when he came here but lie now has a good farm, well improved and well stocked, and is in good shape financially. He is a Republican in politics and a Lutheran in religion.

Gustaf Johnson was born in Sweden, November 25, 1831, and lived in that country until coming to the United States. He was united in marriage with Johanna Johnson, a native of Sweden, born in 1831. They came direct from their native land to Otisco Township, where Mr. Johnson purchased eighty acres of land on section 2, where he now lives. They are the parents of six children : Christina, born July 6, 1859; Charles, born April 24, 1861; Oscar, born January 28, 1864 ; Hilda, born August 21, 1866; John, born February 5, 1871, and Edwin, born December 15, 1872. All are living in this township except Oscar, who is in Idaho. Mr. Johnson is a member of the Lutheran Church, and a Republican in politics.

Otto Hanson was born in Norway, March 16, 1850, and came to the United States with his parents in 1867. His father died here October 1, 18S5, his mother in 1869, and both are buried in Otisco cemetery. He was married in Wisconsin, March 15, 1874, to Ellen Thompson, when he moved to eighty acres of land on section 24, that he had previously bought. He lived there awhile and then sold it and purchased 360 acres on sections 14 and 23, on which he has put up a fine house and a barn 32x88 -feet in size, with a wing to it 16x24 and granary and other outbuildings. When he came here he was a poor man, having nothing and owing $35 for his passage over the water, but he went to work for a farmer and worked three weeks for $5. He then hired out to work through haying and harvest for $13 per month, and from that on up until he is now in good comfortable circumstances, brought about mainly by his own industry and thrift. He and Mrs. Hanson are the parents of five children : Martin, born July 7, 1875; Helena Sophia, born September 27, 1876; Emil, born May 19, 1878; Mena, born January 16, 1880, and Henry Oscar, born January 13, 1884. lie and his family belong to the Lutheran Church.

United States for the fii-st time, in 184-9. He worked on a farm in New Jerse\', near Haddonfield, for five years, and then returned to" Ireland, but one year Later came back, and came west to "Wisconsin, where he bought a farm of John G. Pease, at La Prairie, south of Janesville. April 31, 1860, he was married at Watertown, Wis., to Sarah Fitzpatrick, and moved to his farm, where he had built a house and sunk a well eighty-one feet deep. He lived there awhile when he sold out and purchased eighty acres of land near Watertown, where he lived for a number of years. He enlisted in the Sixteenth Illinois Infantry and went to the front. While at Chickasaw, Ala., they lost fifty-two men by the close fire of the rebels, but he escaped scot-free. He was discharged in April, 1865, and having no money Capt. Warren of his regiment took his discharge and an order on the paymaster, and let him have the money, jjromising to send liis discharge, which he has failed j'et to do. He came home, arriving there about a week before the assassination of President Lincoln. He remained on his farm in Wisconsin until 1870, when he came to this county, arriving here April IS, and purchased the northwest quarter of section 25, this town. Tliey have had five children born to them : George, born May 3, 1861; William John, born February 20, 1863 ; Mary Ann, born October 8, 1865, died July 29, 1880 ; James, born January 28, 1868, and Patrick Thomas, born March 14, 1870. These were all born in Wisconsin. The family are all members of the Catholic Church, and he is a Democrat politically.

Johnny Larson was born in Sweden, April 2, 1849, and came to the United States with his parents in 1853. They remained for a short time at West Point, Ind., and then removed to Attica, in the same State. From the latter place they moved to this county, where the father purchased some forty acres of land on section 21, this township. Here Johnny Larson lived with his father, working on the farm until he was twenty-one years of age, when he was mai'- ried to Clara Matilda Johnson, and purchased 160 acres of land Avhere he now lives. At that time the place was but little improved, but he now has nearly ninety aci-es under cultivation, with a good house, barn, granar}', etc., and the buildings are surrounded by a fine grove. Mr. and Mrs. Larson have one child, Charles Arvid, born March 14, 1871. Mr. and ]\Irs. Larson are members of the Lutheran Church. He is a Republican.

C. Bauman who has a fine farm of 200 acres on sections 19 and 20. this township, is a native of West Prussia, Germany, born August 12, 1833. He lived in the land of his nativity for many years, and there, July 2, 1860, he was united in marriage with Wilhelmina Tesch, who was born in the same part oT Europe, February 7, 1837. They immigrated to America in 1871, and came at once to Waseca County, and rented a farm for some three years, when he bought his present place. When they came over to this country, many of the passengers had cholera, and some eight3'-five of them died, three of their children, John, Anna and Mary, among them. Mrs. Bauman died June 3, 1885, leaving six children : Otto, born December 2, 1861 ; Frank, born October 4, 1863 ; Carl, born March 4, 1873; Elizabeth, born Jul}' 2, 1876 ; Clara Augusta, born August 2, 1878, and Gustave, born September 2, 1886.

Mrs. Christine Spoonburg, widow, whose maiden name was Johnson, was born in Sweden, February 4:, 1837. She came to America in 1869, with her brother and sister, tlie former of whom lives in Davenport, Iowa, and the latter in Waseca. Christine Johnson was mai-ried to John Spoonburg, in New Richland. He, also, was a native of Sweden, born October 12, 1838, and came to this country in 1869, and purchased eighty acres of land on section 34, where his widow still resides. They had born to them six children: Abbie Althie, born September 17,

John A. Tolin was born in Sweden, April 29, 1859, and came to the United States in 1881, coming directly to Waseca County, on landing on the shores of this great republic. He remained in the city of Waseca, about a week, and then went to St. Peter where he remained two years, and then came to this township and bought eighty acres of land on sections 1 and 2, and built him a house on tlie last named. Mr. Tolin was united in marriage with Hilda Johnson, and they have one child, Hannah. Mr. Tolin carries on his farm and works at the trade of carpenter, when there is a demand for that kind of labor.

Fi'ederick Lundquist was born in Sweden, July 3, 1837, where his parents died. He came to the United States in 1806, and for the first year made his residence in Illinois, after which he came to Otisco Township, this county, and purchased 125 acres of land on section 2, where he now lives. January 3, 1869, he and Sophia Maria Larson were united in marriage, and they are the parents of four children : Ida Melvina, born February 21,1870; Simon Ludwig, January 1, 1872 ; Adla Lyustina, November 3, 1876 ; Hannah Albertina, September 17, 1881. Simon Ludwig died November 4, 1882. When Mr. Lundquist came to America he was a poor man, but by industry and energy he has acquired a fine property, and is on the high road to an easy competency. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, and a Republican.

John Youngberg was born in Sweden, October 5, 1811, and -when, in 1866, he immigrated to America, he came direct to Otisco Township, Waseca County, and worked as a farm hand for different parties until 1868,

27. He has since sold eighty acres of this, but purchased the same amount, and still owns 120 acres, on which he now carries on farming operations. Mr. Youngberg was married to Mary Hanson, who was born in Norway, June 15, 1852, and came to this country with her parents. They have had a family of twelve cliildren : August John, born June 12, 1870, deceased ; Alfred, born April 1, 1871 ; Hulda Christina, born Februar}' 23, 1873 ; Agnes Josephine, born February 19, 1875 ; Carl Oscar, born May 12, 1877 ; Ludwig, born December 13, 1879, deceased ; Otto Larson, born December 19, 1880, deceased ; Lena, born December 13, 1881 ; Samuel, born February 9, 1882, deceased; Tena, born May 10, 1883, deceased ; Theodore, born July 6, 1885, and Victor, born October 9, 1886, deceased. Mr. Youngberg's parents ai'e still living in the old country. Their name is Larson, but Mr. Youngberg changed his name owing to there being so many of the name of Larson in the vicinity, and the confusion in mail and other matters. He has three brothers and one sister in America, August J., in Nebraska, the others in the Black liills, Dakota. Their names are Gabriel, Otto and Mary.

Mrs. Louisa Peterson, widow, whose maiden name was Anderson, was born in Sweden, October 16, 1827. During the year 1856 she was united in marriage with John P. Peterson, a native of that country, born in 1828. In 1857, they, in company with Mrs. Peterson's mother, came to the United States, setthng in Princeton, 111., where they lived for seven j'ears, Mr. Peterson bemg engaged in working on farms for others. They then came to this county and settled on section

28, where he bought eighty acres of land, afterward addinji' 160 acres to it. In December, 1867, their Iiouse was burned down, so they dug a hole in the ground, in which they lived some six years, then built a good house, in which she now lives with two of her children, and carries on her farm, her hus- band having been killed by the cars in Februaiy, 1883, close to his home. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson were the parents of seven children : Andrew Oscar, born in Sweden, January 27, 1857, married and lives in this county ; Mary Louisa, born in Illinois, January 6, 1859, married ; Carl, born in Illinois, October 10, 1861, died in Princetown, July, 1857 ; Frank Victor, born October 2, 1862, married, and lives in Minneapolis ; Emma Sophia, born in Minnesota, October 1, 1865 ; Charles Leander, born December 6, 1867, and Anna Charlotte, born June 10, 1871, married.

Chai'les Gustafson was born in Sweden, April 17, 1845, and came to the United States in 1868. The same year he came to Waseca County and worked for different parties at farm work, which he followed for two or three years, when he purchased 120 acres of land on section .35, in Woodville township, on wbicli he built a house, barn, etc., and where he lived for a time. He then sold part of this and purchased eighty acres in section 2, of this township, where he now lives. His father died in this town in June, 1876, but the mother is still living hei'e. Mrs. Gustafson is also a native of Sweden and they have a family of seven children : Charles Emil, born April 10, 1876 ; Emma Otilla, born April 19, 1877; Alfred Theodore, born December 2, 1878 ; Joseph F., born June 27, 1880 ; Johanna Christine, born February 4, 1882 ; Fi'ank Ludwig, born November 21, 1884, and Oscar Simon, born January 5, 18S7. Mr. Gustafson is a Eepublican in politics and is a member of the Lutheran Church.

Frederick ZeU and his brother Louis have a very fine farm of some 240 acres of land in this township, and although they were poor men when they came here, yet by perseverance and industrj" they have acquired property worth about $8,000. Frederick was born in Prussia, January 12, 1846, and with with his brother came to America in 1872. For a year they remained in New York, and then came to this county, settling in Otisco Township. The}^ are Eepublicans in politics and are members of the Lutheran Church. Louis was married in the faU of 1884, to Otilda Piatt, and they are the parents of one child, Elfrida, born September 15, 1885. The brothers carry on farming and stock-raising on an extensive scale, and they deserve to be ranked among the wealthy farmers of "Waseca County.

Lars Peterson was born in Sweden, September 28, 1S30, and lived in that country until he was some thirty-six years old. April 9, 1855, he was united in marriage with Mary Oleson, and the following children were born to them in their native land : Sophia, born January 14, 1856 ; Alfred, April 23, 1858; Hadvig, May 13, 1860; Christina, March 27, 1802, and Halga, February 7, 1865. In 1866 Mr. Peterson and his family crossed the ocean to America, and all came direct to this place and settled on section 28, where he owns 160 acres of excellent land. Since coming to this country they have been the parents of four children : August, born September 25, 1869 ; Ida, December 10, 1872 ; Leonard, August 4, 1874, and Hildur, December 18, 1875. Sophia, their eldest child, married John Melvin, April 1, 1877, and resides in Swift County, this State. Mr. Peterson is a Kepublican in politics. The family are members of the Lutheran Church, the mission church building of that denomination standing on his farm not ten rods from his dwelling-.