Waseca County, Minnesota - Chapter 21: Janesville Township and Village, 1887

Chapter 21: Janesville Township and Village

[IE township of Janesville is in the northwestern corner of the county, antl embraces all of congressional township 108 north, range 2i west. It contains the least amount of tillable land of any in Waseca County, a large proportion of its surface being covered by the waters of Lake El^'sian, a beautiful sheet some five miles long, and in some places a mile and a half wide. The land is fertile and productive, yielding a rich return to the enterprising husbandman. The soil is the rich, dark mold characteristic of this portion of the State and apparently inexhaustible. The Chicago & Northwestern Railroad crosses the town from east to west, affording ample facilities for the transportation of produce and of travel. Janesville Village, a flourishing place, lies within its bordei's and is the trade center of the precinct. The several small creeks and streamlets that flow into the lakes afford ample drainage to the countr\', and the large amount of timber, primeval in its source, that still covers a great portion of its surface, supplies an almost inexhaustible amount of fuel, both for home consumption and for sale abroad.

Early Settlement

The land of Janesville Township lay basking beneath the blazing sun of summer or clothed with the snowy mantle of winter, in pristine beauty and loveliness, until the year 1855. Roamed over by parties of the redmen of the north, in search of the game that abounded in its forests or the fish in its lakes, its soil lay unfilled by the hand of the white man until the year spoken of, when the tide of emigration that at that time flowed over this fair land, came this way and seekers after locations finding that the land was fair to look upon began to take up claims and make a home.

Probably the first to make a settlement here was John Douglas, who in the summer of 1855 made a claim and opened up a little farm. Fi'om this he removed to Elysian, and from there to Nebraska. With him came a man by the name of Hughes.

Early in 1855 John Davis and Alfred Holstein came to this part of the county and located claims, Davis on part of section 28, and Holstein on portion of section 27. These two men were traders and sold goods, especially whiskey, to the Indians then on the reservation. Davis is said to have been a peculiarly truthful man, never exaggerating anything, and in telling a story, even if it reflected upon himself, he would tell it just as it was. He was a great hunter, and approached in that line the Indians, - a genuine backwoodsman. He lived here for some yeai'S until his folks sent him tickets to come home with, they having sent him money several times before for that purpose, which he spent for drink, and he finally left here for one of the Carolinas.

Alfred Holstein was a partner of John Davis, and they were engaged in a store in Janesville. Holstein was deemed a straightforward, honest man, and was well liked by all the settlers. But in their log store buildina: they sold goods to the Indians, trusting many of them, expecting to get their pay when the annuities were paid from the paymaster, which they did for several times ; but an order was issued that only authorized traders on the reservation should have their money held back this way, and the non-payment of this debt broke the firm up. Sometime after this the government gave the Indians a lot of horses, and Holstein in company with a man from Missouri, to get even with the Indians, put up a scheme and stole the horses, some forty or fifty head, and made off south safely and disposed of them. But through the influence of his friend, he was induced to help steal some more, and was caught, and languished in prison for the offense.

Jerry Hogan came from the State of Kentucky in the year 1855, and made a settlement on section 21. He lived here for many years, but a few summers ago he was found dead in his house, having died from heart disease wiiile alone.

James, Thomas and John Hogan, also came at the same time, all of whom are still resident in Waseca County, Thomas in Alton, and James in Janesville. John returned to Kentucky, but after a time retui'ned here and is now a citizen of this town.

John, James and Patrick McCue came to tiiis locality in 1855, and " stuck their stakes." James died in 1885, and Patrick is a resident of Parker's Prairie, this State. John removed to Missouri, and has grown quite wealthy. He was a very peculiar and wliimsical man, always wanting to be addressed as Mr. McCue, and gave them all to understand that he was not poor, Init a wealthy farmer.

in this township on section 29, in the year 1855, where he resided until his death, which occurred August 30, 1870. October 4, 1862, he enlisted in Company B, First Minnesota Mounted Rangers, and did excellent service in the Sibley campaign against the Sioux Indians, until the expiration of his term of service, and was discharged November 9, 1863. He was united in marriage with Mrs. Mary Crawford, the widow of W. II. Crawford, one of the earl}' settlers of this township, who was murdered in Texas. Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham were the parents of two children : James and Maud. Mrs. Cunningham resides on the farm made by Mr. Cunningham in early days.

Early in January, 1856, W. G. Allyn came to this part of Waseca, and took up a claim on section 24. He is now a resident of the village of Janesville. and owner of some four additions to the town site thereof.

W. G. Allyn is a native of Martinsburgh, Lewis County, N". Y., born June 13, 1822, and is the son of Henry and Elizabeth (Greene) Allyn. In 1851 the family removed to Otsego, Columbia County, Wis., where W. G. remained until the fall of 1855, when he started from there with a team and drove to Faribault, Rice Count}', this State, arriving there December 2, being some three weeks on the road. Making his home for a time with a Mr. Haines, who lived about four miles south of that town, he got up a house on his claim on section 24, m this county, where he removed in January, 1856. This house was of rough logs, and the roof composed of the covering of his two wagons, with a quilt hung up for a door. Neither had it any windows, or any floor other than mother earth. He remained on the original claim some eighteen years, and then purchased 120 acres of land adjoining the town site of Janesville, on sections 33 and 34, and there laid out a portion of it into what is known as Allyn's first addition to the town of Janesville. Since that time he has laid out three more additions. Of late years he has attended to his farm, and the sale of his lots, but for one year was in business in the village. He was united in marriage with Laura A. Williams, and they have three children : William Henry, George W. and Fannie J. Mr. and Mrs. AUyn are active members of the Methodist Church, having been members of the same for over forty years.

With them came William and Martin Stanke, who also took up claims, and lived here some time. They afterward removed to Blue Earth County where they are living now.

These all settled at the old town of Janesville, and were the first real settlers of that place when the town was started. It is told of Martin Stanke, that, during the war, he enlisted in the service, but could not learn to march or keep step, even if tried in an awkward squad of two or three, and after trying for some time he was discharged as incompetent for a soldier.

In 1856 J. AV. Ilosmer, the present commodore of the Lake Elysian fleet, made a settlement at the old village of Janesville, then but a town on paper, and became half owner thereof.

J. W. Hosmer came to this county in 1856, and located in what is now the town of Iosco, opening a store there, where he remained but a short time, when he came to this town and purchased the half interest in the old town site of Janesville as mentioned. He there built a large sawmill, which was of great utilitv to the settlers. He afterward was engaged in the mercantile trade at that point, and traded some with the Indians, of whom there were ])lenty around here in those days. After the new village was laid out and the business removed there

Mr. Hosmer remained on the old place and ran the mill until it was burned, and then devoted his attention to bee culture, producing one season some nine tons of honey. He is now engaged, principally, in stock-raising and during the summer months in runninohis steamboat on the lovely waters of Lake Elysian, or hauling sand from its banks in his sand-barge, from whence he derives his nickname of " Commodoi-e." He is a native of Genesee County, N. Y., born May 19, 1824-, and is the son of Elisha and Clarissa (Rowley) Hosmer. About the year 1826, the famih' removed to Chautauqua County, N. Y., where J. W. was raised, and wiiere he lived until he was some eighteen years of age, when he went to Wisconsin and remained there until coming here.

W. G. Mathes came to Okaman in 1856. He was one of the owners of the town site of that village and resided there for some years, when he moved to Minneapolis, where his death occurred some years afterward.

N. E. Strong, now of California, came here from Iosco in 1856. He remained here for some time, interested in the sawmill at Janesville, and was identified with the official life of the county, and the business interests of Waseca, before he left the county.

Thomas McHugo was among the hardy pioneers of the year 1856, he having come from the State of Ohio to a new-found home in Minnesota. He is still a resident of the township, living just east of the village of Janesville.

CtBsar DeRegan, a Frenchman, made his appearance here in 1856, and located a claim on what was afterward the site of old Janesville. He laid out a town site, part of it on the ice of Lake Elysian, which was sold to non-residents, and taxes were paid on those " water lots " for some years. It was at his house that the polls for the southern part of the township were fixed at the first election on the organization of the town. DeRegan left here shortiv after the starting of the

W. H. Crawford came to Waseca County in 1856 and settled on the west bank of Lake Elysian, where he remained two years, when he removed to Texas. At that time the feeling against Northerners was quite strong, and upon some one examining Mr. Crawford's mail and finding therein a Waseca County paper which advocated Ilepublican principles, the self-styled vigilance committee called upon Mr. Crawford, without warning, and killed him in sight of his wife without compunction, nor had she anj"^ recourse, lie was a native of Bath, Me., and in 1852 was united in marriage with Mary Furfey. They were the parents of three children : William, John and Jennie. After his death Mrs. Crawford returned to Wilton, where she remained one year, and then returned to her people in Maine. In 1866 she returned to Waseca County and was united in marriage with John Cunningham, an early settler of this township, whose history has already been given. She is still living on the Cunningliam homestead, where her husband died in 1870.

Shortly after these came quite a number of others, prominent among which were the following: William Wind, now dead ; John Bradish. who occujtied the position of count}' attorney in an early day, and is still a resident of Janesville; Eichard Dreever, who afterward removed to Iosco Township, where he died in 1885, and George Dreever, still a resident of the town.

Thomas Cahill came to this township in 1857, and settled where he now lives. He was born in Ireland in November, 1825, and remained in his native land until 1847, when he came to America. On arriving here he first settled in Kentucky, but from there moved to Webster County, Iowa, where he purchased a farm, but only remained a short time, when he came to this locality, and on April 9, 1857, took up a claim on section 27, and where he now owns on that and adjoining sections 795 acres of most magniticent land, all located near Lake Elysian, well sup]ilied with timber, and is one of the best adapted for stock farming of any in the count3\ In March, 1855, he was united in marriage with Mary Harney, at New Albany. She was born in Ireland, August 15, 1831. They have had a famil}' of five children, one of whom is dead. Those living are: John, born June 22, 1859 ; Bridget, June 8, 1861 ; William K., November 6, 1862, and Thomas Edward, June 8, 1864. The family are members of the Catholic Church.

John Hrown .settled here about the year 1857. In a drunken frolic at Elysian, whither he had gone, he killed a man and was sent to the ])enitentiary, and having served out his term, is now a resident of St. Paul.

B. S. Hall, a son-in-law of John Buckhout, came to Okaman in 1857 with that, gentleman, and was concerned in the planting of that village. He resided at the village for some years, and then went to St. Paul.

George H. Bisliop, also an owner of the town of Okaman, settled at the village in 1857. He entered the army during the late war, and died at the siege of Yicksburg in 1863.

Nicholas Allen made a settlement here in 1857. He was an Irishman by birth. He finally started for California, and it was rumored perished with his family during the horrible massacre at Mountain Meadow, but it is believed that the report is not true.

J. W. Crawfoi'd, G. M. Bernard and Charles Colestock came here during the year 1857. Crawford settled on section 10, but removed from this county in a very early day ; Bernard did not remain long, nor did Colestock.

Among others who located here in 1857 were : E.. Brown, Alexander Johnston, John Buckhoiit, Frank Johnson, Gottlieb Grams, James Heming, James and David Colledge and Patrick Hackett.

John Buckhout, an old conductor on the New York ife Erie Railroad, came to what was afterward Okaman, and put up a saw and grist mill, which became quite famous afterward as one of the best gristmills in the county. When he died, October 21, 1881, the mill ceased running and is now idle.

Gottlieb Grams came to this township in the fall of 1857, and made a settlement on section 8, where he still resides. He is a native of Prussia, Germany, born September 7, 1828. He was reared in that country, and there received his education. When he had attained the age of manhood, he was called upon to serve in the army, and during the two years and a half that he spent thus, saw some active service. In 1853 he immigrated to America, locating at first in Milwaukee, Wis. He resided there for some four years, and then came to this county. He has a fine farm of 173 acres of land ; the fine brick residence where he lives is upon the banks of Lake Lily. His home is a most pleasant one. October 16, 1855, Mr. Grams and Louisa Wandrie were united in marriage. She is a native of Prussia, also a daughter of one of the old settlers of this township, and was born in 1843. They have a family of four children, born as follows : Charles, born June 22, 1863; Ottila, born July 4, 1865; Eliza, born March 15, 1868,

Organic

The most of the territory now embraced within the limits of the township of Janesville was included in that of Empire, organized in March, 1857, and it continued to form a part of that precinct for about a year. In May, 1857, however, that portion of the town lying west of the lake was organized into a separate precinct, under the name of Elysian. On the 5th of April, 1858, the county commissioners, however, organized the present township and gave it the name of Okaman. At this time the board appointed two polling places, on account, no doubt, of the distance from one settlement in the town to the other, and the rivalry between the two parts of the town. The one at Okaman, at the house of H. Tattle, where Alexander Johnston, G.H. Bishop and W. N. Buckhout presided as judges of election ; the one at Janesville, at the residence of Caesar De- Regan. Here the judges were R. Brown, John Cunningham and C. DeRegan. By some misunderstanding the two rival towns, both of which then expected to become large places, each elected a full set of officers, but this being declared illegal, those chosen in the north half of the town never qualified. The first oflicers of the township were ; John Davis, chairman, and Thomas Cahill and Gottlieb Grams, supervisors ; M. S. Green, clerk; J. W. Hosmer, treasurer; Richard Dreever and John Bradish, justices of the peace ; James Heming and Alfred Holstein, constables. Richard Dreever, when he attempted to try his first suit, became disgusted, and resigning his oflBce, J. W. Hosmer was appointed justice in his place.

C. Hover is a native of Chemung County, N. Y., born February 21, 1831. He lived in that State until 1864, when he came to Minnesota," locating on section 29, Janesville Township, this county, where he stiU resides. His place is on the west bank of that beautiful sheet of water, Lake Elysian, across whose pellucid waters the view extends from his house. The buildings on his farm are commodious and even elegant, and are among the finest in the county. October 21, 1852, Mr. Hover and Maria English were united in the bonds of matrimony. She is a native of Bradford County, Pa., born April 5, 1833. They are the parents of one son, N. D., who was born October 10, 1854, and who, on the 1st of January, 1873, took unto himself a wife in the person of Anna IVIorse, and they have a family of four children : Cora I., born December 12, 1875 ; Clarence I., born March 16, 1877; Earl C, born August 25, 1879, and WiUiam D., April 30, 1881. N. D. Hover lives on section 28, this township.

Joseph Warner is a native of Northamptonshire, England, born February 9, 1847. He came to the shores of America with his parents in 1855, and they settled in Coluifibia. Wis., where he remained until 1865. That 3'ear the family removed to Le Sueur County, this State, where he made his home until 1873, the date of his coming to Waseca County. He purchased the farm on section 4, where he still resides, at that time, The same year, in July, he was married to Evaline Swann, who was born in 1851, and who died in 1879, leaving two children : Blanche, born January 19, 1876, and Thomas, born July 23, 1878. Mr. Warner's father, Thomas, was born in England in 1812, and died in Le Sueur County, this State, in 1872 ; his mother, Martha, is now living with her son. She is also a native of England, born in 1812. Joseph Warner's place comprises some 216 acres of land in this and Le Sueur counties, and on it he has a fine sugar bush of some three hundred trees.

Wis., December 31, 1857. He hved there until 1872, when he came to Minnesota, locating in Watonwan County, and remained there about four years. He then went to Le Sueur and engaged in the drug business, which he continued for about two years. In 1887 he came to Waseca County, locating in Janesville Township. On July 23, 1877, he was united in marriage with Nellie Jewison, a native of the Badger State, born December 19, I860. They have two children : Myrette Ella, born August 9, 1879, and Grace E., born October 19, 1882. Mr. and Mr. Talmadge are both members of the Episcopal Church.

A. Willis, one of the old settlers, was born in Connecticut, August 15, 1816, where he lived for manj'^ years. For twenty-two years he worked in a woolen factory in the State of New York, after which he came to Illinois, where he lived for several years. He then came to Waseca County, Minn., locating in Janesville Township, taking a claim on section 8. Here he remained and made improvements, then moved his family to the homestead, where he now lives. In 1836 he was united in marriage with Hulda Treat, who died in 1842. June 5, 1847, he was united in marriage with Hannah Allen, a native of Otsego County, N. Y., born April 22, 1824. They are the parents of ten children: Emily A., born October 24, 1848; Annette, born March 6, 1851, died in June, 1854 ; Ellen, born March 10, 1852, died August 31, 1880; Eliza, born November 24, 1853; Mary J., born February 14, 1856 ; Edward, born April 20, 1857 ; Anna E., born May 19, 1860; John A., born January 12, 1862, and Frank and Fred., twins, born September 20, 1863. When Mr. Willis came to the county they had their household goods shipped from Illinois, but as railroads were things of the East instead of the West, by some means or another all these goods were lost.

April 20, 1857, while his parents were on their journey from Illinois to this place. Coming to Waseca, an infant in arms, he has been reared and educated among the familiar scenes that first awakened his childish ideas. Here he attended the rough log schoolhouse, around whose hallowed walls fond memory throws so many halcyon thoughts. Here on the 26th of December, 1880, he and Emma Record took upon themselves the marital vows. Here have been born to the couple : Bessie May, born October 11, 1881 ; Arthur Adrian, born March 23, 1883 ; Herbert Allen, December 19, 1884, and John Sherwood, January 13, 1887. Here with his young family growing up around him, in the quiet and beautiful modern cottage which he has erected near his father, on the same piece of land, he lives happ}^ and contented. The farm, which he has brought to a high state of cultivation, lies on the banks of beautiful Lake Willis, a charming situation, and most excellent land.* Mrs. Willis is a member of the Baptist Church, and a sincere Christian woman.

Floj'd Martin came to this part of Waseca County in 1862, and carried on the cooper ti-ade, until October, 1886, when he retired from that business and purchasing a farm on section 29, near the site of the old village of Janesville, took up the " trade " of farmer. He is a native of Antwerp, Jefferson County, N. Y., born June 30, 1843. He was united in marriage, January 13, 1878, with Maggie Haubrles, a native of Kenosha County, Wis., born July 28, 1855, and a daughter of Hubert Haubrles, one of the early settlers of the county. They are the parents of two children : Hubert, born January 9, 1879, and George E., born September 29, 1885. Mr. Martin is the son of John Preston Martin and his wife. The former was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., December 10, 1818. Mrs. Martin's father, Hubert Haubries, was born in Germany, June 18, 1831, and came to this county in an early day, and reared a family of fifteen children, all of whom are living.

Thomas Savage came to the township of Janesville in the year 1866, and settled where he now lives, on section 15. He was born in Leeds, Yorkshire, England, December 9, 1841, and remained in his native land until 1855, when he came to the United States, locating for the time near Oconomowoc, Wis., where he remained until coming to this county. He has a fine farm of 160 acres of land, on sections 10, 11, 14 and 15. His residence stands upon the east bank of the beautiful Lake Elysian. In Mapleton, Wis., November 11, 1868, he and Elizabeth Hicks were united in marriage. She is a native of Devonshire, England, born October 11, 1844, and came to this country, with her parents, when but a small child. They have been the parents of four children, all living : Thomas H., born October 3, 1869 ; Mary E., November 19, 1872; William W., August 24, 1874, and Emma Alice, October 17, 1876. When Mr. Savage settled hei-e this land was extremely wild, but with his own hands he has cleared it up and now has a fine farm, one that is always productive. Mrs. Savage, who is quite artistic in her tastes, gave considerable attention to painting in her younger days, and distinguished herself in that line, and from an inspection of her work one is compelled to regret her neglect of its pursuit, as artists of her ability are far from plentiful.

S. F. Shephard came to Waseca County in 1874, and settling in the village of Janesville, entered into the grain business, which he continued for the succeeding ten years, when he purchased the interest of A. W. Jennison, in the firm of Miner & Jennison, general merchants, of Janesville, and in company with F. H. Miner, carried on that business until 1886, when he sold out to his partner, and removed to the farm where he now resides, on section 36, just across the line in Blue Earth County, the road lying between his place and this county. He is a native of New Hampshire, born among its granite hills, November 23, 1837. In 1860 he went to the Eocky Mountains, where he re- nicained some eleven years. "While there he Avas engaged in mining and stock-raising, and, in 1868, was the first to winter cattle in the Wind Eiver Valle3',Wyo. T. Coming back he located at "Worthington, Minn., in 1871, where he was one of the very first settlers. He ran a feed store there until 1874, when he came to Waseca County. August 2, 1876, he was united in marriage with Helen Comstock, a native of Chautauqua County, N. Y. They are tlie parents of five children : Helen, George, John, May and an infant. Mr. Shephard is a member of Janesville Lodge, No. 12-4, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons ; Waseca Chapter, No. 26, Eoyal Arch Masons, and Mankato Commandery, No. 4, Knights Templar.

William Jewison is a native of Yorkshire, England, born January 1, 1846. In 1848 the family immigrated to America, and settled at Mapleton, Waukesha County, Wis., where William was reared and educated, also attending- theschoolsat Ajipleton and Horicon, in that State, fitting himself for a teacher, which profession he followed for some years. In 1865, he went to the Lake Superior regions, where he remained some tliree years, and in 1868 came to this county. Wlien he was but nine years of age, he had the misfortune to lose a leg, but notwithstanding that, has labored so diligently that he has acquired a fine property, and an excellent home. November 14, 1870, he was united in marriage with Ellen Hughes, of Mapleton, where she was born, April 18, 1848. They are tlie parents of five children : Olive, who died when quite young ; Grace S., born September 12, 1872; Pearl, born July 4, 1879. died January 2, 1883 ; Fannie M., born October 12, 1883, and William, born January 2, 1886. G. W. Fanglit was born in Indiana. April 28, 1821. He remained in that State until 1863, when he came to Minnesota, settling in this county. He has a beautiful place on the west bank of crystal Lake Elysian, where he devotes his time to the cultivation of sorghum^cane, and the manufacture of syrup from the same ; the quality of the latter being extremely fine, and in which he takes a just pride. January 28, 1842, he was united in marriage witii Miss Lloyd, a native of Kentucky, born September 19, 1828. They were the parents of eleven children : Eliza J., born November 14. 1844 ; Taylor, ]\Iarcli 18, 1847, died December 21, 1847 ; Aurelius, December 8, 1848, died June 4, 1886 ; Elijah, May 27, 1851, died June 11, 1851 ; Mary E., May 20, 1852 ; John H., Marcli 15, 1855 ; George W., July 12, 1858 ; Lenora, February 11, 1861, died December 14,1881; Abraham L., born October 1, 1863; Laura F., December 19, 1865, and Isabel, September 28. 1869. William Burnett is a native of the Dominion of Canada, born in 1842. He is the son of Henr\' and Annie Burnett. When he had attained the age of fifteen years he thought to start in the world for himself, commenced farming and has followed that line of occupation ever since. In 1862 he was united in marriage with Charlotte Raven, wlio was also a native of Canada, and they were the parents of four cliildren. In 1865 tiiey came to Waseca County and located in tiie old village of Janesville, where they lived about three years, when, in 1869, he j)urchased the farm on section 31, wiiere he now resides. After the death of his wife in 1882, he returned to his Canada home, where he spent two years, and then returned to this place, and took up his residence on his homestead, where he has a pleasant place.

During the year 1854 a government surveyoi'. tlien employed in his vocation in this portion of the State, laid out the plat of a town on section 28 for Father La Valdo, a French Catholic priest, which the owner called Beopolis. This was on the north half of what was afterward the town site of old Janesville. According to the custom of the day Father La Valdo advertised his town in Eastern pajjcrs to some extent and sold some lots, but the place never had an inhabitant, except wild animals. Like many others in that time of mad speculation in real estate that helped bring on the financial crisis of 1857, it was but a town on paper, and was a prototype of those so graphically drawn by Dickens, and which were the theme of many writers of that day.

In lS5t), Ctesav DeRegan, a Frenchman, who at that time came here, laid out a town site upon the ground occupied by the old village of Janesville, and upon the waters of Lake Elysian, which, at first, he called St. Cjesar's but changed the name afterward to New Albany. Shortlj^ after this J. W. Hosmer came here and purchased a half interest in the town site, and in a short time a new name, Janesville, was given it by Mr. Ilosmer, after the town of the same name in Wisconsin, from which he had come. The village was located upon the west half of section 28, in a beautiful situation on the banks of Lake Elysian. Here quite a village sprang into existence and flourished for years.

Previous to the time when Mr. Hosmer took hold of the place, but one building was upon the town site, and that was but a pole shant}' placed there by the owner to hold the claim, and in which he lived. In 1858 Mr. Hosmer built a store building and a residence. This was the pioneer business house of the town. In the winter of 1861-2 Mr. Homer and N. E. Strong put up a steam saw mill, which was the only one " for many miles around," and settlers came often from tift}^ to seventy-five miles after lumber.

As an instance of the lack of sawmills it is told that, on the opening of the Winnebago reservation in 1863 or 1864, a man hastened there, staked out his claim, and leaving his family in his wagon-box upon the ground, covered only by its canvas, tent-like covering, started off for lumber to put up a cabin. He first went to Mankato, then on up to Faribault, and from thence to other places, but could not even hear of any lumber to be had, and when finally he did reach Hosmer

& Strong's mill, he had been nearly two weeks on the hunt, and had not secured a single board. He filled up his wagon and started for his claim, which he found all right, and his family patiently awaiting his return.

This mill was a very large one for the time and the country, being 32x60 feet in size, and two stories in height, besides the basement. They had finished the upper floor for a hall, and in it were held the first religious services in the village. These were conducted by a man by the name of W. G. Alexander. On the day in question, there being a large sugar camp in operation run by Mr. Alexander, and the saj) running freely, the dishes and troughs soon filled, and as it was necessary to gather it or lose a large amount of the sugar-making sap, the settlers, I'ather than have him sustain the loss of his sugar, to induce him to work on Sunday told him that they would not go to church until they had collected the sweet, and although he was a man very rigid in his religious ideas, he was compelled tosuspend the service until that was accomplished or have no congregation ; so making a merit of the necessity, he gracefully gave in, and the sap was gathered When that was finished, all filed into th( Iniildinir and tlie church service held, with a full attendance. So strict was Mr. Alexander in his ideas of the observance of the Sabbath, that a story was current that he had shut up his bees in their hives on that day, that they might not violate the commandment against working.

The first store in the village was ])ut up by J. W. Hosmer, as has been already related. Shortly after this, a merchant of Waterville, by the name of Tidball, put in a branch store of the general character usual in new settlements, where the " store " sold nearly every thing from a needle to a crowbar, sugar, calico, whiskey, quinine, etcetera, particularly the latter. "Elder" Perkins was the manager of this enii)orium. Davis & Holstein were the next merchants, deal- ing largely with the Indians as already related. Several saloons were started, and at one time this branch had as many as eighteen representatives in existence.

Besides the sawmill spoken of, another was erected west of the bridge just over the hill. by a man by the name of Waterburv. This was afterward bought by James Cummins and his brother, who ran it for some time. It was destroyed by fire, as was the Hosmer mill.

J. W. Hosmer was the postmaster here for many years, but in 1867 J. O. Chandlei- held that office, and in 1869 removed it to the new village that has just spi-ung into existence.

In 1869 and 1870, the whole of the little hamlet removed to the present village of Janesville, the presence of the railroad at that )>oint drawing trade there, and the old site is left in loneliness now.

The now extinct village that bore the name of Okaman was laid out on the northeast quarter of section 1. The site of the town was laid out by W. P. Mathes, B. S. Hall, S. M. Cooley, F. E. Koberts and G. H. Bishop, in May 1857. F. E. and James Roberts laid out an addition to the town site the same month. ]\Iuch was expected of the new town at that time, but it, alas, has passed away, and is numbered with the things that were.

Elysian

A small part of the village of Elysian lies on a portion of the northwest quarter of section 2. Nearl}"- all the town lies in La Sueur Count}', but little of it lying in Waseca. A histoi'v of that village will be found in the annals of the county in wliicb it lies.

or the new town of Janesville, is situated on the east half of section 3.3 and the west half of section .34, and was laid out originally by J. W. Sprague, general managei' of the Winona & St.Peter Railroad, inAugust, 1869, S. H. Mott being the surve^'or. Nine additions to the town plat have been made since by J. W. Sprague, W. G. Allyn, Adna Carpenter E. II. Gosper and George French. This is official and taken from the records of tlie county.

On the foundation of this town, at the time of the building- of the railroad througli here, most of the business men of the old town moved to this point.

The first building was erected by H. D. Baldwin, inAugust, 1869, the first load of lumber for which was hauled by J. AV. Cummins. Tliis building, in an unfinished condition, was used as a boarding-house and a hotel by the " Judge" for a year or two, when it was purchased by Frank Johnson, who finished it, made considerable additions and improvements, and after its remodeling opened it as a hotel with the name of the Jolmson House displayed, a name that it bore until it was destro\'ed b^ lire in 1887. Mr. Johnson leased the building afterward to James Fisher, who was landlord until succeeded by B. II. Hanaford. W. W. Day was the next host of this hostelry, and was succeeded by John Church, the genial proprietor of the DeGraff House, who was the occupant of the old hotel at the time of its destruction.

J. O. Chandler came to the new town in the fall of 1869, and, putting up a building, removed his stock of goods from the old town and adding to it opened the first store in the town. This stock was of the miscellaneous character that is known by the name of general merchandise. The second was put up by A. W. Jennison and F. H. Miner. D. J. Dodge & Co., J. D Andrews and Denzil Vai's were among the pioneer busi-

All, or nearly all, of the buildings in the old village were removed to the new one during the winter of 1869-70, and when spring had come, in the latter year, the place had already put on the looks of a thriving village, and promised a good healthy gro-\vth. From that time on it has gradually increased both in size and business importance, until to-day it ranks only second to the city of Waseca, in the county. In 1885, by the census then taken, it had a population of 1,051, and has probably added another hundred to that since that time.

With the spring of 1870 building commenced, and rapidly, as if by magic, edifices of all kinds sprang into being ; although lots were, by the good judgment of the proprietors kept at reasonable figures, still the town had a " boom," to use a current expression.

Dr. K. O. Craig was the first physician in the village of Janesville. Dr. M. J. Taylor is the present leading physician, R. O. Craig no longer practicing his profession.

John Bradish was the pioneer attorney of the town. This profession is represented at present by A. J. O'Grady and L. D. Rogers, both of whom are mentioned in the chapter devoted to bench and bar of the county, in this volume.

The present business interests of the town of Janesville are represented by the following firms, who nearly, if not quite all, are doing a flourishing business : J. F. Cordry & Co., F. H. Miner, Chase & Day and Finley Bros., in general merchandise ; Bailey & Watkins and F. L. Hagen, hardware; Craig *fe Chandler and Emerson & Emerson, drugs ; J. G. Smith and W. Merrill, jewelry ; il. D. Cameron, furniture ; E. Dieudonne, J. A. Tyrholm and Carpenter & Morrill, dealers in agricultural implements, etc. ; F. M. Long and the Laird-Norton Co., lumber ; Gutfleisch & Britton, clothing and gents' furnishing goods and custom tailoring ; H. J. Cummins, grocery ; E. H. Gosper, meat market ; F. A. Selover and J. F. Gilday, restaurant.

F. H. Miner came to this county in the fall of 1 863, and for the first four years was a citizen of New Richland, but at the expiration removed to the then new village of Waseca, where he was engaged in the wheat trade and the sale of agricultural machinery for some two years. On the laying out of the new village of Janesville, he came hither, and entering into partnership with A. W. Jennison, put up the second store building in the town, and put in a general stock of merchandise, under the firm name of Jennison & Miner. They remained together for fourteen \^ears, when Jennison sold his interest to S. F. Shephard, and the firm of Miner & Shephard carried on the business for two 3'ears, since which time Mr. Miner has been carrying on the business alone.

Mr. Miner is a native of the State of New York, born in 1810. When quite young the family removed to Vermont, where they resided but about two years, and then moved to Wisconsin, where he remained until 1863, when he came to Minnesota as above mentioned. He married Addie Wookey in 1869.

Charles Gutfleisch, of the firm of Gutfleisch & Britton, is a native of Germany, born in 1856. When about seventeen years of age he emigrated to America, and came direct to the city of Waseca, where he worked at the tailor's trade from 1872 until 1878, when he removed to the village of Janesville and opened a tailor shop for himself, being one of the sufl'erei's by the fire of 1887. He shortly afterward formed a partnership with R. L. H. Britton, and they erected the brick building where they carr^f on the clothing and men's furnishing goods trade, Mr. Gutfleisch having charge of the merchant tailoring department.

R. L. H. Britten came to this county November 18, 1871, witli his father, who located on section 16, Alton Township. He remained with him until the spring of 1886, when he came to the village of Janesville and engaged in the sale of agricultural implements, which business he continued until the spring of 1887, when the present firm of Gutfleisch & Britton was formed. Mr. Britton is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, born February 24, 1854. When he was about a year old the family removed to Kentucky, on Hunter's Bottom, opposite Madison, Ind., where they lived five years, and then returned to Hamilton County, Ohio, whei-e they resided until coming here. His mother died there February 13, 1879. She was a native of Long Island, born in February 18(19. His father is a native of New Jersey, born January 20, 1803, now living in Alton.

James Cummins was born in Bristol, Kenoslia County, Wis., March 5, 1840. He remained in that locality until 1857, when he came here, and for a time was backward and forward between this and Blue Earth counties. In 1858 he had a government contract to break 100 acres of land on the reservation for the Indians, part in each county. He then came to the old town of Janesville, and for a time worked in Hosmer & Strong's sawmill, and later, with his brother, bought another mill, just west of the former, and ran that for a while. He has been entensively engaged in railroad contract work, getting out timber and ties, and other work. In 1876 he came to the new village of Janesville and entered in the meat-market business. Later he ran a hardware store, but is now in the grocery trade witli its accompaniments. June 19, 1862, he was united in marriage with Miss H. J. Coddington.

Henry Chase came to the county of Waseca in the year 1863, and settled in the town of Freedom, on section 33. On the starting of the village of Janesville he came liere and for a time ran a dray line, and later opened a livery stable which he carried on for a time. He then sold out and went East, but in 1875 returned here, and in company with J. E. Cordrey, went into the general merchandise trade. In 1SS4 he sold out his interest there to Chandler & Craig, and the same season, in partnership with Fred. Williams, opened another store in the same line. In the fall of 1887 the present firm of Chase & Day was formed. Mr. Chase is a native of Vermont, born in 1842, and is the son of Jacob and Mary (Morse) Chase, both born in Vermont. He remained with his parents until 1862, when he enlisted in Company E, Ninth Vermont Infantry under Col. Stannard, but in the first engage ment, at Winchester, Va., he was taken prisoner, and after four montlis in Libby prison, was released on parole. He received his discharge in Februar\% 1863, and the same year came to Minnesota.

W. W. Day came to Waseca County in 1878, settling in the village of Janesville, buying out the livery business of Hubbard tt Cummins, and five years later the stable of Chandler Bros., combining the two into one. This he ran until March, 1887, when he sold out the same, together with his dray line, to J. C. and P. J. Murphy, and, building a neat brick building on the west side of the main street, formed the copartnership with Henry Chase, and under the firm name of Chase A: Day opened a general merchandise stoi-e. Mr. Day is a native of Michigan, born in July, 1856, and is the son of W. C. and Alma L. Day. He remained with them until coming to Minnesota. March 19, 1875, he was united in marriage with Lois J. Lobdell, a native of Buffalo, N. Y. They have two children : Arthur and Mabel.

E. H. Gosper came to the county of Waseca in 1869, and located in the then new village of Janesville, where for a time he had charge of a lumber yard and a sawmill in. the old village. In connection with these businesses he had charge of the sale of the town lots here, and had the control of them until 1873. In 1872 he opened a general merchandise store and continued in that line until 18S2. In 1883 he opened the meatmarket which he is at present running. E. H. Gosper is a native of the State of New York, born in 1842. He is the owner of a farm, which he carries on in connection with his other business.

Josejjh Davidson came to Waseca County in 1862, locating in Byron Township. Later he enlisted in the First Minnesota Heavy Artillery, Battery D, and served in the war under General Thomas, until September, 1865, when he received his discharge at Chattanooga, Tenn. He then returned to "Waseca County. When the village of Janesville started, in 1869, he came to this place and helped to erect some of the first buildings. Joseph Davidson is the son of James and Ella Davidson. He was born in the State of New York in 1834, and there he remained with his parents until twenty-one years of age, when he went to Green Lake County, Wis., and worked at carpentering, being a contractor and builder. There he remained until he came to Waseca County in 1862.

James C. Murphy is a native of Dodge County, Wis., born July 14, 1861. When he was some four years of age, in 1865, his parents, Patrick and Ellen (Campbell) Murph}^ came to Waseca County and they purchasetl a farm on sections 21 and 22, Alton Township, where they still reside. There James was reared and educated. He taught school for some three winters in district No. 66, working on the farm in the summers. In the spring of 1887 he and his brother, Patrick J., purchased the livery business of W. W. Day, of Janes ville, and are now running the same, James having chai'ge. James C. Murphy and Margeret L. Callahan were united in mari'iage. May 25, 1887. She was born near Montello, Marquette County, Wis., and came with her jiarents to St. Mary, this county, where they now live.

with his parents to this county in November, 1865, and now resides with them on the farm in Alton Township, although engaged with his brother James in the livery business.

The first bank in the village was established b}^ Hill Bros, in 1879, and continued by them for about three years. It was then purchased by O. P. Smith, who managed it until 1884, when it passed into the hands of Jennison Bros. & Co. The latter firm were burned out in the great fire of April 12, 1887, and for a time carried on their banking business at the office of the mill. They are now the occupants of a neat and tasty brick building, erected by themselves in the summer of 1887, on the east side of Main street. It is quite commodious and fitted up with counter, safes, etc., in excellent shape. John W. Jennison is cashier.

A. W. Jennison, one of the firm of Jennison Bros., bankers, millers, etc., is a native of the State of Vermont; born in 1839, and is the son of Jason H. and Lydia (Gage) Jennson. He remained in the Green Mountain State until 1860 when he came west and located in Green Lake County, Wis., where he purchased a farm and operated that until 1866, when he removed into the village of Kingston and entered into mercantile trade. In 1868 his store was burned out, he meeting with a loss of some $5,000. The fall of that year he came to the village of Waseca, where he remained until October, 1869, when he removed to the rising village of Janesville, and, in company with F. H. Miner, put up a store building, the second in the place, and putting in a stock of merchandise, continued a member of the firm of Jennison & Miner until 1883, when he sold out. Previous to this, however, he had taken charge of the lumber yard of Laird, Norton & Co., and had the management of that until 1886. In 1883 he purchased ft,n interest in the Banner flouring mill, and since that time has devoted his time to the mill and banking business as already related.

1873 by the firm of Stokes, Kimball & Co., who operated it for some time, when it passed into the hands of Stokes Bros. & Co. In 1886, the latter tirm disjjosed of it to Jennison Bros., the present owners.

The Diadem flouring mill was removed to Janes vi lie from Taopi, Mower Count\', this State, by Ilarn, Snyder & Co., about the year 1877, and rebuilt in a substantial manner. After operating it here for about two years, misfortune overtook them, and failing in business, the mill was allowed to stand idle for about three years, when it came into the possession of Hillyer & Tillotson, who ran it for some eighteen months, and then disposed of it to J. S. Sutcliffe, who is now in Minneapolis engaged in the grain commission business. December, 1886, it was purchased by the present owners, Jenuison Bros., who now oi)erate both mills. These two manufacturing enterprises ' under one management are turning out about 4.50 barrels of flour per day, which they ship to eastern markets. They are both fully equipped with roller machinery; with all the necessary adjuncts that go to make up firstclass mills, and are a credit to the business enterprise of the able firm of Jennison Bros.

J. M. Gordon, the miller of the Banner flouring mill, came to Waseca County with his parents in 1867. They settled about half a mile .south of the village of Janesville on section 5, where they still live. J. M. remained at home with them until he was al)out fifteen years of age, when he went to Dodge County, this State, where he worked on a farm. Later he was employed in a brickyard at Mankato, but in October, 1881, came into the Banner mill, then operated by Stokes Bros., where he has since remained, taking charge of the same as head miller and superintendent in October, 1886. He is the son of William and Mary Gordon ; was born June 6, 1860, and was married October 1, 1881, to Eudora Clark, a daughter of Joel and Lavina Clark. Mr. and Mrs.

A gristmiU was put up at this place in 1876-7 by Waterbury & Wagoner, who ran it for a time, when A. Carpenter purchased the interest of Mr. Waterbury. The new firm of Carpenter & Wagoner repaired it and remodeled it and operated it for a short time, when it became the property of A. Carpenter, who managed it a little while by himself, but in 1880 it was destroyed by fire. It is said to have been a very fine little mill and well equipped with excellent machinery.

About the year 1872 Hurd Bros., erected a sawmill at this point and ran it for a time. One of the proprietors being killed by an accident it was sold to II. P. Packard, now of Redfield, D. T., who added a stave factory to it. It was afterward sold to Jennison Bros., and finally swept out of existence by fire. On its site Mills Gilmore erected a sawmill and wood-bending works. He sold it to Kichard Ash, the present owner.

Hosmer, Gosper & Packard at one time ran a mill for the manufacture of broomhandles, oak staves and clothes pins, but they discontinued the business, and the buildings went to rack and ruin.

A barrel and tub factory was put up by L. V. B. Welch, who ran it for awhile, when he was succeeded in the business by S. C. L. Moore, but in the course of time it became again the property of Mr. Welch, who finally closed it up. The building is now useil as the cooper shop connected with the rtourmills.

The upright part of the elevator was erected by the Winona <k St. Peter Pailroad Company, on their reaching this point in 1869. This was added to, in 1874:, by the then owners, Shabut et Lewis, of Mankato. Shephard ife Sanborn purchased it next and operated it until S. F. Shephard bought out Lis partner and ran it alone. The next firm was Jennison Bros. & Co., who operated it for about four years, but in May, 1886, Jen-

P. M. Enright came to this county in 1874, and settled in the village of Janesville, where he still lives, engaging in the wheat business for G. W. Van Dusen & Co., of Rochester City, Minn., and has been in that line of trade ever since. He was born in Montreal, Canada, December 23, 1848, and is the son of Jeremiah and Mary (Sullivan) Enright. He lived with his parents, working on a farm until 1870, when he came to the United States, locating at that time at Fort Wayne, Ind., where he worked for the railroad company for about two years. From there he removed to Columbus, Wis., at which place he was in the grain business for about a year and a half, and then came to Janesville. February 3, 1876, he was united in marriage with Miss A. W. Ilofelman. They are the parents of five children: Hattie, Barney, Minna, Amy and John. He held the office of street commissioner of Janesville for two years, and is now a member of the board of education.

The De Graff House, the only hotel in the village, was built during the summer of 1887. John Church, who was running the Johnson House at the time of the fire, put up the present fine structure, which deserves more than a passing notice. It is a brick veneered building having a handsome portico in front, and is finished in a tasty manner, both inside and outside. It contains a large and commodious reception room and office, sample rooms, dining room, Avash room, ])arlor and twenty bedrooms, and will be well furnished throughout as soon as Mr. Church, the genial and efficient landlord, can get the furniture into the new building.

The postoffice was removed to this village from the old town in the fall of 1869 by J. O. Chandler, who was the postmaster at that time. The following year he was succeeded bv J. W. Vars, who held it for a time, Avhen he was followed by D. A. Randall. In 1873 Clarence E. Graham was made the postmaster, which he ran in connection with the Argus until October 24, 1881, when he was succeeded by J. A. Henry. J. W. Tefft is the present incumbent of the office, but it is under the management of Mr. Henry, who is the able editor of the Argus.

The first schoolhouse was erected in 1871 at a cost of $2,800, and it is still used for educational purposes. This structure was sufficient for the needs of the village until 1877, when another was built. This is now used by the Good Templars as a hall of meeting. The present brick schoolhouse was erected in 1885, at a total cost of about $7,000; in this are four schoolrooms and a library. All three of these structures are on one block. Prof. Wheaton, from Caledonia, Houston County, with a corps of four teachers. Misses Co}^, Sackitt, Baker and Ilaginau preside over the elevation of the youthful minds.

The first church building in the village was erected by the Free Will Baptist Society in 1870, and is still in use by the same congregation. The church cost some $3,000. Rev. Mr. McElroy is the present pastor.

The Roman Catholic congregation erected a fine church edifice here in 1876, at an expenditure of about $6,000. At that time Rev. Father Herman had charge of the parish, and continued here until 1879. Rev. Father P. J. O'Niel, the present pastor, is a native of the north of Ireland, born in 18.58, and is the son of Francis and Ellen (Higgins) O'Neil, natives of that country. He received his education in the seminary in Langford, remaining there the years of 1877 and 1878, in classic studies, and in All Hallows foreign missionary college, where he remained for five years. He then came to America, locating at Minneapolis, this State, where for one year he acted as assistant to Kev. Father James McGuh'ick, and then was appointed to his present charge, coming to Janesville in August, 1885.

A large building 45x100 feet in size, was erected in 1878, and is used as a town hall. It is a fine building of brick, and cost in the neighborhood of $5,000.

and A. W. Jennison, trustees ; H. D. Baldwin, justice of the peace. This election was held at the hotel of the last named individual. At the first meeting of the village board, at the office of E. O. Craig, William Huse was chosen town clerk, H. D. Cameron, treasurer, and Henry Chase, marshal. The present officers are as follows : E. Dieudonne, president; D. J. Dodge, treasurer ; W. H. Kidney, recorder ; Paul Avers, marshal ; M. J. Gordon, commissioner, and George A. AVilson, justice.

On Tuesday evening, April 12, 1887, a large share of the beautiful village of Janesville was laid waste by fire, which has no parallel in the history of the count3^ 8ays the Argus of April 18: "In the short space of two hours, the homes and property of over one hundi'ed people were swept away, leaving a scene of distressing desolation.

"At five minutes past nine, the sound of the Banner mill whistle and the ringing of bells was heard, bringing people out, all centering in one direction - toward the rear of the Northwestern Hotel, whei-e a vast sheet of fire and smoke were pouring from the toj) of the building. The fire was located in the loft, which was pretty well filled with hay, and it was only a few moments ere it had spi'ead, with almost lightning rapidity, to adjoining buildings, the Northwestern Hotel, Kleeman's building, Tom Moonan's building, occupied by Mr. Gorman, and the Johnson House.

" Efforts to stay the progress of the fire were useless. Everything on that side of the street was doomed. The flames spread over the block, reaching theu' fiery tongues in every direction. On the north from the Johnson House and across the street, is located Emerson's drug store. For a short time it seemed as if this too must succumb, but b}' dint of haril work it was saved, and with it the block. From the south the flames communicated to the McCabe building, burning with it Tyrholm's machinery, from thence to

Dieiidonne's store and \varehouse, where sad havoc was made. Machinery of all kinds was drawn into the street, only to be licked up by the devouring flames. Ilogan's saloon next succumbed, followed by Charles Gvitfleisch's building and the lumber yards. In the meantime, barns and outhouses were in flames, to which no attention was paid. The liver}' stable barn was saved, but how, and by what means, seems to be a miracle. Fortunately for tliat and the elevator, the direction of the wind favored them.

" But ere this, the flames had leaped across the street and were wrapping ever^'thing in their deadly embrace. The first to feel its efl'ects was F. L. Hagen's large hardware store. To the north. Chandler & Craig's building, occupied by Haggerty & Fitzgerald, and south, Powell Ayer's grocery, occupied by W. G. AUyn, went quicklj'. South of Allyn's came C. Guior's saloon, the postofBce and Argus office, Kruger's saloon, Hallack's building, occupied 1)\' Chas. Hohen as a harness shop, the bank, and Britton's office. From Chandler & Craig's building the flames leaped and struggled and roared, in a vain endeavor to penetrate the brick hardware. Several times the windows were on fire, the flames reaching inside, but as man}' times they were extinguished. They reached over tlie building almost from the Johnson House, setting fire to Miner's store and Gilday's saloon. But here was stationed a large bucket

" To the rear of these buildings were several ice houses. Dodge's large warehouse, and several outbuildings that went up. Peters' wagon and blacksmith shop was saved, by earnest and persistent work. The town well was located here, and by this means the building was saved.

" Too much praise cannot be accorded the women of the town, for their heroic and energetic efforts in saving goods and material. They were out in force and labored like Trojans.

" The origin of the fire is unknown. It was discovered in the loft of the barn, as previously stated, but just what was the cause, no one knows. A small bonfire had been kindled during the day in the vicinity of the barn, but it was stated positively that it was thoroughly extinguished."

But what was a great, and to some extent an irreparable loss, has been the gain of the community, for on nearly all of the lots left vacant by the fire have risen brick buildings, that give a look of substantiality to the village that, together with its beauty of location and bright business outlook, will attract those seeking a home, to this place.