Washington County, Minnesota - Chapter 61, 1881

Spiritualistic Association - Incidents

The town of Grant, prior to 1864, was known by the name of Greenfield, which name it re¬ ceived at the date of its organization in 1858, by Socrates Nelson, then one of the commissioners appointed by the state for the organization and naming of the several towns of which the county was composed. The name of Greenfield was given in honor of the town which was his former home in Massachusetts. It was found at a sub¬ sequent date that another town in the Btate had received the same name, which was contrary to an act passed by the legislature. The other town having the precedence, this one was changed to Grant, in honor of General U. S. Grant. Mr. Jesse II. Soule has the honor of proposing the name. The town is a full congressional town¬ ship of thirty-six full sections, the surface of which is quite rolling, and a large portion is cov¬ ered with timber composed of burr and white oak, with here and there small growth of tama¬ rack. There are, however, many beautiful farms in all parts of the town which have been reclaimed from the forests, and are now in a fine state of cultivation, with the best of improvements, which is especially the case with the eastern and southern portions of the town. The drainage of the town is good. On the east 'White Bear lake occupies portions of six sections, or about twelve hundred acres of surface, and is noted as a sum¬ mer resort. It is a large, beautiful sheet of water, shared about equally between Grant, and White Bear of Ramsey county. This beautiful lake i3 sought after by tourists and excursionists from all parts of the country. Many people from the sultry south make their homes during the summer months on the shores of this lake.

Pine lake, to the north-east, is a small lake about a mile in length. Other lakes, such as Deep, Long, Ben's and Stone Quarry, together with Brown '8 creek in the north-east, furnish splendid drainage to the town. The water from the creek is utilized by having the course of the stream turned into McKusick's lake,.from which the city of Stillwater receives its supply of water.

The soil of a large portion of the town is of a loamy nature with a clayey subsoil, while some portions are Bandy. The first settlement in the town was made in 1849, by Albion Masterman and William Rutherford, who made their claims and settled on them about the same time. Next came James Rutherford the following year. Following these in 1852, came Thomas P. Ramsden, who erected a house and rented it to Mr. George Bennett, who is now living in the town of Marine. We have no record of other accessions until the fall- of 1854, when Joseph Taylor and family settled in section 6. The fol¬ lowing spring Jesse II. Soule located on section 2. In 1865, their number was increased by Mr. John Shaughnessy and family, and R. Minouge in 1856. The first white child born in the town was Castinia O. Rutherford, June 26th, 1850; the second was W. J. Masterman, February 28th, 1851; the first marriage was at the house of Al¬ bion Masterman, the happy couple was W. Mid¬ dleton and lady from Woodbury town; were mar¬ ried by Rev. W. T. Boutwell, September, 1850. The next was W. Price to F. Wamsley July, 1855. The first death was James M. Rutherford, son of James and Elizabeth, July 24th, 1851. The first public religious services held in the town was in the school-house in district number 10, (the date does not appear) by Rev. Mr. Hamlin, of the Free Will Baptist, persuasion. His labors met with some returns to the Master; be performed the first rite of baptism at Ben's Lake to Mrs. Mor-- ris Masterman. The first house erected in the town was by Albion Masterman; the first white woman that came to reside in the town was Mrs. Albion Masterman.

Oug Animation

The meeting for the organization of the town of Greenfield was called at the house of Thomas Ramsden, October 20th, 1858. Joseph Cram warf chosen moderatar, and Jesse II. Soule, clerk pro tem. An organization of the new town was ef¬ fected by the election of the following officers, thirteen votes being cast, viz: Albion Masterman, chairman, James Rutherford and Joseph Cram, supervisors; Jesse H. Soule, clerk; R. S. Thornton, assessor; Daniel Getty, collector; O.L. Kingman, overseer of poor; Jacob H. Cram and S. R. Web¬ ster, constables; Albion Masterman and Jesse II. Soule, justices of the peace; overseer of roads, Thomas Ramsden, of number one; J. B. Taft, of number two, and S. R. Webster, of number three.

The next annual election was held at the house of Reuben S. Thornton, April 5th, 1859. on mo¬ tion, the town was reorganized into four road districts, with divisions of the town into four equal parts. Number one comprised the south¬ east, number two the south-west portion, num¬ ber three the north-eastern and number four the north-western portion. The following was the

The third annual town meeting was held at the house of Jesse II. Soule, April 13th, 1860. It was voted to raise one hundred dollars for town expenses. A\\ Rutherford was elected pound master, he giving his yard for pound that year. The following was the result of the election: Al¬ bion Masterman, chairman of the board; AV. Rutherford and John B. Taft, supervisors.

The next annual town meeting was called at the house of R. S. Thornton. April 2d, 1861. It was voted to raise one hundred dollars for school purposes and fifty dollars for town purposes. The following was the result of the election: Albion Masterman, chairman of the board; Jacob II. Cram and AV. Rutherford, supervisors.

The next annual meeting was called at the school-house, in sub-district number one, April 1st, 1662. The following was the result of the election: George AValker, chairman of bo^rd; Al¬ bion Masterman and AAr. Rutherford, supervisors. The next annual town meeting was called at the house of James Rutherford, April 7th, 1863. A tax of $100 was voted for current expenses. The following was the result of the election: A. Masterman, chairman of board; AV. Rutherford and Daniel Getty, supervisors. The next annual town meeting was called April 5th, 1864, at school-house numlier 10. The following resolu¬ tion was read and adopted.

"Resolved that we assess a tax 6f $1,200 to pay bounties to volunteers or drafted men for this town, and that the supervisors be instructed to procure men enough to fill our quota, by pur¬ chase or otherwise, and return to the county the amount of tax necessary for such purpose. Not to exceed the above named sum."

The following was the result of the election: Albion Masterman, chairman of board; B.^J. Masterman and AV. Rutherford, supervisors. The annual town meeting was called at the house of William Rutherford, April 4th, 1865. On mo¬ tion it was voted that those in favor of issuing the bonds of the town, to those persons who ad¬ vanced money to clear the town of the draft un¬ der call of December 19th, 1864, be requested to deposit a ballot with the words "for bonds" writ¬ ten thereon; and those opposed to the issuing such Itonds to deposit a ballot with the words "against bonds" written thereon." The results were eight for and five against. The amount of $1 ,200 was voted for town expenses and bonds. The following was the result of the election: Jacob II. Cram, chairman of board; John B. Taft and John Shaughnessy, supervisors. The annual town meeting was called at the schoolhouse of district number eleven, April 3d, 1866. It was voted to raise $1 ,200 for current expenses and bonds. The following officers were elected: James Rutherford, chairman of ltoard; B. J. Masterman and Alexander Rutherford, super¬ visors. A special town meeting was called at school-house, number eleven, to consider the mat¬ ter of voting funds to pay soldier bounty bonds. After due consideration it was voted to raise $1,200 for said purpose. The annual town meet¬ ing was called at the house of James Rutherford, April 2d, 1867. It was voted to raise $1,000, or so much of it as shall be ordered by the super¬ visors to pay soldiers bounty bonds; officers elected were James Rutherford, chairman of board; Alex. Rutherford and B. J. Masterman, supervisors. The annual town meeting of April 7th, 1868, was held in school-house district number ten, resulted in the election of James Rutherford, chairman; B. J. Masterman and AV. Rutherford, supervis¬ ors. The annual town meeting was called at the school-house district number ten, April 6th, I860. The results were as follows, viz: James Ruther¬ ford, chairman; Albion Masterman and AV- Ruth¬ erford, supervisors.

The next annual town meeting was called at the house of James Rutherford, April 6th, 1870, with the following results, viz: B. J. Masterman, chairman; James Rutherford and Fred Lohmann, supervisors.

The next annual town meeting was called at school-house number eleven, March 14th, 1871. A tax of one hundred dollars was voted for cur¬ rent expenses. The results of the election were as follows: James Rutherford, chairman, Charles II. Taft and D. P. Kallahan, supervisors.

At a meeting of the town board held at the clerk's office, March 18th, 1871, it was voted to divide the town into five road districts, with the following territory, viz: District number one, to embrace sections 31,32,33,34,35, 36; number two, sections 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30. 19, 20, 23, 24;

The annual town meeting was held March 12th, 1872. at school-house number eleven. A tax of one hundred dollars was voted for current ex¬ penses. The result of the election was as fol¬ lows: James Rutherford, chairman; D. P. Kallahan and Fred Lohmann, supervisors.

The annual town meeting was called at the school-house in district number eleven, March 11th, 1873. It was voted to raise one hundred and fifty dollars for current expenses. The fol¬ lowing was the result of the election, viz: B. J. Masterman, chairman, S. R. Webster and Frank Pfiffer, supervisors.

The next annual town meeting was call at the school-house in district number II, March 11th, 1874; a tax of $100 was voted for current expen¬ ses, with the following as the result of the elec¬ tion: A. Masterman, chairman; W. Rutherford and Roger Minogue, supervisors.

The annual town meeting was called at the school-house in district number 11, March 9th, 1876; a tax of $100 was voted for current expen¬ ses. The following officers wero elected: Albion Masterman, chairman; Roger Minogue and W. Rutherford, supervisors.

The annual town meeting was held in the school-house in district number 11, March 14th, 1876; a tax of $100 was voted for current expen¬ ses; the following was the result of the election: J. B. Taft, chairman: John M. Keene and Fred. Lohmann, supervsiors.

The annual town meeting was called at the school-house in district number 11, March 13th, 1877; the following was the result of the election: J. B. Taft, chairman; John M. Keene and Henry Westing, supervisors.

The annual town meeting was called at the Bchool-house in district number 11, March 12th, 1878; a tax of $160 was voted for current ex¬ penses; the result of the election was: J. B. Taft, chairman; Henry Westing and Frank Pfiffer, su¬ pervisors.

The next annual town meeting was called at the school-house in district number 11, March 11th, 1879; a tax of one mill on each dollar of taxable property for current expenses was voted;

The annual town meeting of March 9th, 1880, was held in the school-house in district number 11; a tax of $200 was voted for current expenses; the result of the election was: Albion Masterman, chairman; W. S. Soule and Otto Steindorft, super¬ visors.

At the date of the last meeting seven road dis¬ tricts had been organized; at the organization of the town, Jesse II. Soule was elected town clerk, which he held until 1878, when J. M. Keene was elected, and has held it since.

School8

With the enterprising settlers of Grant town came the desire for knowledge, and with this de¬ sire means were taken to provide for the educa¬ tion of the children. The first school district or¬ ganization was effected in 1855, which comprised the north half of the town, the then town of Greenfield and the south half of Oneka town.

The first school-house built was in 1856, on section one. Prior to this in order to secure the apportionment of school money, a rude structure was erected, which was hardly a protection against rain or storm, and n school of about twenty schol¬ ars was collected under the .tutorship of Joseph Cram. The following winter a comfortable build¬ ing was provided. In 1859 this house was de¬ stroyed by fire. An incident will show the enter¬ prise which characterized those early settlers. A neighbor came to Mr. J. II. Soule, the next even¬ ing, which was Friday, and says our school house is burned, but the windows, doors and books have been saved. With this material as a commence¬ ment, and the knowledge of the fact that the dis¬ trict was already badly in debt, he soon formed a plan by which to secure at once a comfortable place in which to continue the school. Spending a portion of the night in forming his plans he was ready for action at an early hour the following morning. Going to his nearest neighbor he says, we must have a new building at once.

But the neighbors saw a large mountain in the way of such an enterprise. After some explana¬ tion he got his promise to go at once to the swamp and cut and draw a load of tamarack logs, and so on to six or seven he extorted the same promise, so that before night they had on the ground suf-

Orient timber to erect quite a building. Monday morning found them busy hewing and planing for the new house. The next Monday morning found the teacher with his pupils located in their pleasant new quarters. This building answered its purpose for six or seven years, when a new framehouse was erected on a new site, on section two. In 1877, on account of the re-districting of the town, it was thought best to erect a new house on another site, which was accomplished the same year. The first officers of this district were: J. II. Soule, clerk; George Bennett, Garret Organ and Jacob Cram, trustees.

School district number eleven was organized in the fall of 1859 by the election of the following officers: Daniel Getty, clerk; Roger Minogue, di¬ rector, and John Shanglmessy treasurer. Their first school-house was erected in the summer of 1800, on section fifteen. George Keller as teacher opened the school with eight pupils, but was suc¬ ceeded before the term was completed by Miss Lydia Lowell.

This school-house hks been used as the town hall for several years, and shows the effects of usage. By a full vote of the district it was de¬ cided to erect a new house this present summer, ready for the coming winter term.

School district number fifty-four was organ¬ ized in October, 1872, by the election of the fol¬ lowing officers: John Smith, clerk; Fred Schlee, director; and Joseph Taylor, treasurer. The district for their first school-house purchased a building which had been used as a dwelling, and fitted it up for a school-house. Said house is lo¬ cated on section six. The school was opened with twenty scholars under the care of Miss O'Mara as instructress.

School district number sixty was organized in 1874 by the election of the following officers: Fred Lohmann, director; Herman Lohmann, treas¬ urer; and Charles Taft, clerk. Their first schoolhouse was erected on section thirty-five, and the first schoolj with an attendance of ten pupils, was taught by Theodore Wier.

With pride may the people of Grant town refer to the position they took during those dark days of the rebellion. Many were found among them who would give their lives to the pro¬ tection of home and country, while those that remained at home rendered what assistance they could with means to assist in maintaining those who went to the front. Special meetings of the town were called, and large sums voted to pur¬ chase volunteers from time to time until the sum of 14,500 of town bonds was used to assist in the suppression of the rebellion. The last bond was redeemed in 1870. Though most of the bonds were held by her own citizens, still some found their way far from home, even to the state of Maine. One pleasant incident, spoken of by many of those who were among the volunteers that returned, was the pleasant party given by Mr. W. Rutherford and family to the returned volunteers.

An association was formed in 1868, under the statutes of Minnesota, known as the "Spirit¬ ualistic Association," with the following officers: J. II. Soule, president; George Walker, secretary and treasurer; George Walker, William Souleand B. J. Masterman, trustees. Exercises were held every Sunday, which were well attended during the warm weather. The services of several emi¬ nent lecturers were secured, among whom was J. K. Bailey, J. L. Potter, Prof. R. G. Eccles, l)r. Stewart, Mrs. Swain and others. With the ap¬ proach of winter the interest declined and has never been renewed to any extent, though no formal disbandment has ever taken place, and it may still be said to exist.

The German Protestant Lutheran church was organized May 13th, 1872, with the following officers : Christian Ilarbke, president ; William Ileifort, secretary; W. Ileifort, II. Godman and II. Madans, trustees. The society erected a house of worship the same year, 20x28 feet. Their first preacher was Rev. Siegrist, with seven members at organization which was increased to twenty. In connection they have a burial ground with here and there a marble slab indicating that some of their loved ones have passed on before. There is also located in section 2, what is known as the neighborhood burial ground.

The first public highway that traversed the town of Grant, was the Rum river road, which enters the town on section 24 from the east, pass¬ ing almost directly west through section 17, when it turns north-west, keeping near the shore of white Bear Lake, passes out from section 7. The first road laid out by township authority, was a road beginning on the line between James Rutherford and Thomas Ramsden, going south passes out of the town in the south-east corner, and was declared a legal road March 21st, 1861, Jesse H. Soule, surveyor. The town is crossed by the St. Paul and Duluth railroad, entering from the east on section 24, it runs to section 20, when it leaves to the north-west passing around the north shore of White Bear lake. Said road was built in 1872. A tract of land was laid out and platted on section 20, known as Wilson, about the same date, but never had any improve¬ ments made or town built, only on paper.

An incident in the history of the town in con¬ nection with its first surveys may be of interest. As early as 1854, Joseph Taylor, coming into the country to settle, brought with him a surveyor from St. Paul to locate his lines and corner posts, but by some error on the part of the surveyor the work was all wrong, as the sequel will show. In the course of time other parties in locating their lands took his lines and stakes as starting points, made their lines incorrect in proportion as his were wrong. The public highways were laid out on those lines, houses were built by new settlers on what they supposed to be their own land. But, as the lands were taken up to the east, it became apparent that there must be some great mistake. Jesse II. Soule was called upon to survey a forty acre lot on the town line for Charles Perry. They found an error of quite a large piece in favor of a certain forty. Mr. Frank Campbell seeing an opportunity to secure a fine piece of land, with seven or eight acres cleared, purchased the forty. Some dispute arose be¬ tween Campbell and his brother-in-law, John Smith, in regard to the correctness of the survey. Campbell said: "I have purchased the forty, and will have it surveyed," which he did, and proved true what he had said. Thus things continued until 1880, when by a correct survey it was found that to make the lines correct it would necessi¬ tate a removal of the lines three and three-tenths rods west, and fourteen rods south. By this cor¬ rection it was found that but two houses on the section were on their proper land.

In the history of every town, county, or state, a chapter of romance or tragedy might be writ¬ ten. Such was the history of Grant in 1874. First on the list of tragic deaths was that of P. Rathlesberger, a German. lie with his wife and John Widmer, a son-in-law, and wife, were living together, but not pleasantly, it would seem. Both men were what would be termed "hen-pecked," being often driven to desperation by the fault¬ finding of the "strong minded frau." He, Rath¬ lesberger, had often said he would hang himself. April 16th was a more than usual trying day to the simple-hearted old man. Being a carpenter by trade, he had been called upon to make a coffin. By mistake, he had cut one side too short, which angered the wife. She in return poured upon him the vials of her wrath to such an extent that he could endure it no longer; he left the house in his desperation, and proceeded to carry out his often talked of revenge, by hang¬ ing himself to a tree in the marsh, not far from the house. Several days elapsed before the body was found. When asked by the neighbors where he was, his wife would say he had gone out to hang himself, little thinking that such was the fact.

The next case was that of a man by the name of Blair, once a prominent citizen of St. Paul, but by the use of strong drink had become so de¬ graded that life to him had become a curse. He was at this time engaged as hand on the railroad track. While at work, May 25th, same year, he was sent tyack for something; on the way, he sat down on the track; an engine came suddenly around a curve; the engineer saw him, but too late to stop; he threw himself in front of the engine, and was crushed to death.

The following winter, one James Taylor, in the employ of Mr. Schneider, of Ramsey county, was crossing the lake; when near the east side it was supposed he must have stepped into an air hole, and was drowned.

In the early settlement of this town the heavy timber surrounding the lake and extending north¬ ward was infested with the timber wolf. The settlers often had narrow escapes from the hun¬ gry marauders. The old settlers to this day en- joy relating their amusing incidents of when they or some neighbor was obliged to' seek refuge in some friendly tree just above the grasp of the hungry pack that were on his track.

Carl Eggert *a native of Germany, was born July 3d, 1841. Here he was reared by his parents and attended the schools until a lad of fourteen years. During the spring of 1872, he emigrated to America, landing at New York; then he pro¬ ceeded westward to Minnesota, and settled at Stillwater, working in the saw-mill for Schulcnberg and Boeckeler. In 1876, he purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Grant township, on which he has since resided, making many improvements. His wife was Miss Dora Iteier, a native of Germany, married in 1868. They have three children living: Dora, Ida and Emma.

William Elliott was born in Ireland in May, 1825, and lived at his birth-place five years, then came with his parents to New Brunswick. On attaining his majority, he removed to Maine and gave his attention to lumbering until 1850, then came to St. Paul. Minnesota, and here also engaged in lumbering on the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers as pilot several years. In 1862, he purchased his present farm, and in 1876 left the river and removed to it, having since divided his attention between farming and lumbering. Mr. Elliott has been twice married ;his present wife was Miss Mary Crawford, of Belfast, Ireland, mar¬ ried in 1855. They have eight children; Daniel D., James B., William J., Tlieo. II., Martha It., Mary E., Eliza Y. and_ an adopted daughter, Mary A. Ileary.

Joseph N. Fairbanks was born at Phillips, Franklin county, Maine, in 1829. ^Ile engaged in tilling the soil until the spring of 1868, when he came to Minnesota and purchased the farm on which he now lives, and has since been a farmer. In 1862, he enlisted in Company D, Twenty-eighth Maine Infantry, and was dis¬ charged in 1863. He married Miss L. S. Dill, of Maine, in 1854; she has borne him three children: I. Herbert, O. Willis and O. Elbridge.

Silas P. Holden is a native of Franklin county, Maine, born in 1831. At the age of twelve, he was thrown on his own resources, on account of the death of his father. His educational advan¬ tages were somewhat limited as he began working as soon as able. In 1865, he came westward to Minnesota and settled in Grant township, where about four years later he purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres, and has since l>een able to add sixty acres more; lists built a comfor¬ table home and made all the improvements since his purchase. He married in 1873, Miss Melvinia, daughter of J. Norris Masterman. They sire the parents of four children; the living are: William A., Edmund and John Emmons.

John M. Keene, is a native of Maine, born Novemlier 27th, 1840. During the late war, he en¬ listed in Company C, Sixteenth Maine, in 1862; at the battle of Gettysburg, he was taken prison¬ er and held one month, and was discharged in 1865. Returning to Maine, he devoted his time to agricultural pursuits, and in 1870, came to Minnesota, settling in Grant township. He now has an improved farm of one hundred and forty eight acres, with good buildings. His parents came west in 1879, and are living with him. Ilis wife was Miss Lena A. Fairbanks, married 1871. Their only child is Edward O., Leslie E. died in 1872.

John Kempf was born at Darmstadt, Germany, January 21st, 1816. lie came to America in 1853, locating in Clinton county, Indiana, where he fol¬ lowed the milling business twelve years; thence to Hudson, Wisconsin, making it his home until the spring of 1876, then moved to his present farm, and has since been engaged in agricultural pursuits, having eighty acres under cultivation. His marriage with Elizabeth Ileartman took place June 8th, 1843. They have had thirteen children, only six of whom are living; all are mar¬ ried except the youngest son, who still lives with his parents.

Frederick Lamb, a native of Prussia, was born 1825. Here he was reared under the parental guidance and received his education; at the age of sixteen he entered the Prussian army, serving three years, and later, traveled through Switzer¬ land, France, England and Italy, for Herr Von Weiss, who was a prominent manufacturer in Germany. During the war of 1848, Mr. Lamb came to America, coming to Menominee, Michi¬ gan, via Chicago. After a stay of about one year, he returned to Chicago, thence to Stillwater,

Minnesota, in 1849. Changing about for some time after this, he finally located at Stillwater, in 1852, remaining until he purchased a farm in Grant township, in 1866. His present farm of one hundred and thirty-one acres was purchased in 1876, where he has since lived. His wife was Miss Lena Laroche, married 1851. Frederick, their oldest son received fatal injuries while work¬ ing in the saw-mill of Isaac Staples, at Stillwater, from which he died the following day, Septem¬ ber 27th, 1872; William is married, and resides with his father; Lizzie, at the age of three years, was so severely burned, that death followed soon; Emma, Lizzie and Mary still remain.

Henry Mardans,a native of Germany, was bom 1833. He attended school until fourteen years of age, then worked for others until the age of twen¬ ty-four, then came to America, proceeding direct¬ ly to Toledo, Ohio, where he remained during the winter with his sisters. In 1858 he came to Still¬ water, Minnesota, and worked for Schulenberg and Boeckeler. His present farm in Grant town¬ ship, consists of two hundred and twenty acres, which he has purchased from time to time, locating on it first in 1862. He and Miss Mary Logrien were married in 1862 and have four child¬ ren living: Emma, Joseph, Lizzie .and Clara.

Albion Masterman was born in Franklin coun¬ ty, Maine, 1823. After attaining his majority he came west via the lakes and Chicago to La Salle, thence to St. Louis; making only a brief stay he went to Quincy, and in 1845 became a resident of Stillwater, Minnesota, where he devoted his time to lumbering for three years. In 1850 he moved with his family to his farm, where he has since lived, having held the office of county commis¬ sioner two years, chairman of town board ten years, and assessor five years. His wife was Miss Eliza Middleton of Ireland, married in 1848. Their children are, Eliza A., William J., Emeline, Stillman and Albion 1). Mrs. Masterman was the first white woman who came to this town, they being the first white settlers. -

Benjamin J. Masterman was born in Franklin county, Maine, 1824. He came to Washington county, Minnesota, in 1855, living with Mr. Al¬ bion Masterman four years, and worked at his trade, that of carpentering. He moved to his farm in 1859, and has since been engaged in agri¬ culture and in the pursuit of his trade. Married in 1844, his wife dying four years later, leaving one daughter, now the wife of James Middleton. His second wife was Abbie Marston, now de¬ ceased. In 1858 he remarried to Miss Catherine Middleton, a native of Ireland, who has borne him four children; the living are, Orion B., James and Jane.

J. Norris Masterman was bom in Maine, 1821, where he grew to manhood's estate. His educa¬ tional advantages were somewhat limited. During his youth he made manifest a passion for hunting and sallied forth on many an expedition; among other game that fell to the crack of his trusty rifle was a monstrous bear, measuring six feet in length, and four and one-half feet in height; also some very large moose. In 1855 he came west and settled in Grant township, where he has since resided. At the age of twenty-eight years he married Miss Louisa Thorn, who has borne him seven children, four of whom are married.

Osborne Russell was born at Ilallowell, Maine, 1847, and lived at or near his birth-place until 1855, then moved with his parents to Carthage, Franklin county. In 1869 came to Minnesota, and lumbered on the upper Mississippi river, then purchased his present farm in Grant township, and has since lived here, giving his attention to the improvement of his farm, lie married Miss Clara Webster, in 1875, and they have two chil¬ dren to gladden their home, Eva and Irving.

James Rutherford was born in the parish of Elsdon, Northumberland county, England, 1812. When six years old, he accompanied his parents to America, arriving at the port of New York, coming thence via Quebec and the St. Lawrence river to Ogdensburg, New York. Remaining with his parents until twenty years old, he then began working on a farm for ten dollars per month. In 1833, he was called upon to assume control of a deceased uncle's farm, where he re¬ mained until 1849. Coming to Minnesota at that time he purchased one hundred and seventy-five acres at his present location, then returned to New York for his family, and the next spring settled at his country home. His marriage with Miss Elizabeth Smith occurred in 1836. Their living children are: D. Q*, Ann E., Charles A. and Harriet N.

county, New York, in 1823. At the early age of eleven years he began life's battle by working on a farm until reaching sixteen years old; then be¬ gan in the lumbering business for $13 per month, and continued six years. In 1845 he started west and walked along the shore of Luke Michiigan from Michigan City to Chicago, a distance of sixty-five miles; thened to Galena and' on up the Mississippi to Stillwater. Here he worked in the saw-mills about one year, and afterward speculated in the horse trade between Illinois and New York. Finally he purchased his present farm in 1848 and located thereon in 1849. In addition to this farm he has several others, making a total of seven hundred acres. At Jackson, Michigan, in 1849, he married Miss Christiana J. Holcomb. They have seven chil¬ dren, four sons and three daughters. Cassey O., the oldest daughter, was the first white child bom in Grant township.

Jesse II. Soule was born at Avon, Franklin county, Maine, 1823. He came west in 1854, coming by boat from Galena, Illinois, to St. Paul, having a narrow escape. During the trip the boat was wrecked, and with difficulty reached an island where it sank almost immediately. All on board were obliged to remain on the island forty-eight hours, when they were rescued by a passing boat, the "War Eagle." In 1855, Mr. Soule pre-empted one hundred and fifty acres in Grant township, there being at that time only six families in the township. He built a shanty, using only eight dollars worth of lumber, and for one of the posts used a standing burr-oak tree. When he and his family took possession of their western home, they had only one month's supply of provisions and fifty-eight cents. Little by lit¬ tle he gained a foothold and by industry and econ¬ omy gradually became independent. In 1878, he presented the farm to his two sons, reserving seventeen acres for himself, on which he has erected good buildings, and where he intends making the home of his old age. He has been thrice married, his first wife living three and onehalf years, leaving one daughter at her death. His second wife left two sons, twins, Osmer and Winfield. In 1871, he married Rachel Michener, who has borne him three children, Alice, Olive and Reuel. At the organization of the town of Grant, in 1856, Mr. Soule was elected town clerk, and held the olllce twenty-two years; was mem¬ ber of the legislature in 1861; has also been county commissioner, superintendent of schools, assessor and justice of the peace, having held the last named since the organization of the town.

Frederick W. Springborn was born in the prov¬ ince of Braudenliorg, Germany, 1822. He came to America in 1851, and located on a farm at Martinsville, New York, and in 1865, came to Minnesota, purchasing sixty acres in Grant township, where he has since resided. His wife was Wilhelmine L. C. Wolff, married 1848. They are the parents of thirteen children, nine of whom are living.

C. Frederick Springborn, son of Frederick W. Spiingbom, was born at Martinsville, New York, 1854. When a lad of eleven years, lie came to Minnesota with his parents, and lived with themon the farm until purchasing his present home, to which he moved in 1878. April 4th, 1880, he married Miss Bertha Boelter of Oakdale.

Otto Steindorf, a native of Germany, was bom May 1st, 1849. When three years of age he ac¬ companied his mother and sister to America, his father having come one year previous. They lo¬ cated at a village near Buffalo, New York. In 1867 Mr. Steindorf migrated to Minnesota, where he has since engaged in tilling the soil, purchasing his farm in 1879 from II. C. Book. His marriage with Augusta Ileuer of New York, occurred in 1871. Their children are, Otto II., Edward R. and Amanda.

Alinon S tore r was born on July 4th, 1844, in Franklin county, Maine. Here he was reared by his parents and educated, and in the fall of 1868 came to Grant township. In 1871 he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, situated about four and one-half miles from Granite Falls, Minnesota, where he intends making his future home. During the spring of 1877 he settled on the McKusick farm of two hundred and twenty acres, where he has since remained, working by shares. He married Miss Ellen Middleton in 1875, who has borne him one son and one daugh¬ ter, Chares E. and Mary Belle.

Charles II. Taft was born at Deering, Hills¬ borough county, New Hampshire, 1815. He ac¬ companied his parents to Franklin county, Maine, when eleven years old, remaining until reaching his majority, then went to Old Cambridge, Mas- sachusetts, and engaged in brick-making for six years. After a brief visit at Charleston, South Carolina, he returned and was married to Miss Sarah, daughter of Colonel Newman, 1840. Lo¬ cating on their farm in Franklin county, Maine, they remained thirteen years, then went to Cali¬ fornia and spent three and one-half years in brick-making. He returned to Maine and sold his old homestead, then came to visit Minnesota, purchasing, while here, his present farm. He lo¬ cated on his farm in 1877, and has one hundred and sixty acres under cultivation. Ilia only son, Charles B., died in 1872.

John B. Taft was born at Weld, Franklin county, Maine, 1825, and remained with his parents until reaching man's estate, then engaged in railroading, which he followed until 1867. Coming direct to Stillwater during the spring, he purchased eighty acres, and after living ou it eight years sold to S. R. Webster. The next fall he purchased his present farm, which, in addition to other lands, makes a total of four hundred and twenty acres. In 1865 he married Miss Orpha Newman, of Maine. They have an adopted son and daughter, Alice and Franklin Newman, chil¬ dren of Mrs. Taft's brother.

Samuel R. Webster was born at Weld, Frank¬ lin county, Maine, 1823. He lived at, or near his birth-place until 1855, then came west to Min¬ nesota, being detained at Chicago by the heaviest snow storm ever known in that region, finally ar¬ riving at Stillwater. Soon after, he pre-empted One hundred and sixty acres, disposing of it, he purchased of J. B. Taft his present farm in Grant township during the spring of 1866. Ilis winters are devoted chiefly to hunting, be having secured one hundred and thirty mink in one sea¬ son. His wife was Miss Hannah Masterman, married 1845. They have eight children living, and two others have passed away.

William II. Wells, was bom at De Forest, Dane county, Wisconsin, 1852, where he lived until the age of twenty years, then acquired a knowl¬ edge of engineering. Was engineer in one of the Blue mills at Eau Claire, Wisconsin, for Capt. Sherman one year and continued in the business until 1880. Previously he purchased one hun¬ dred and sixty acres of land from F. W. Lolimann, and the same year, 1878, he married Miss Ida Lohmann.

Fred. Wolf was bom July 25th, 1847, and is a native of Holstein, Germany. In company with his parents and one sister, he immigrated to Ame¬ rica, landing at the port of New York. They came farther westward, settled at Stillwater, Min¬ nesota for a short time, then moved to their home¬ stead in Grant township in 1866. Mr. Wolf pur¬ chased his father's farm in 1878, and has since lived here, his parents living with him. In 1871, he married Miss Sophia Dagon, a native of Ger¬ many: Christina, John, Emma, Anna and Mena, are their their children.