Wright County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches (2 of 2 so headed), 1915 (part 4 of 4)

Frederick M, Cadwell is the oldest living settler in Wright county, having been one of the very first to settle within its present boundaries. He was born in Madison county, New York, March 26, 1828. When he was six years of age the family moved to Calhoun county, Michigan, where he received a good common school education. In 1850 he moved to Racine county, Wisconsin, and there farmed for two years. In August, 1852, he came to Minnesota. Reaching the present site of Monticello by boat, he staked out a claim about two miles above the northern limits of the present city, opposite to Rawlins Island, He built a log cabin, gathered some hay for winter's use, and then went back to St. Anthony, As soon as the water froze over, he came up the river on the ice with a yoke of oxen. That winter he cut wood for the steamboat ''Governor Ramsey.'' In the summer of 1853 he and Herbert McCrory raised the first erop on his claim, after which he sold his claim there and came down and took up another joining MeCrory's, which was on the northern limits of the townsite. In 1855 he sold his claim and moved to Clearwater, where he took another claim. There he built first a cabin of rough logs and later a house of hewn logs. About 1861 he moved to section 14, Albion township. In July, 1863, he moved his family to Wisconsin, and in 1864 enlisted in Co. A, Twenty-second Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. He followed the fortunes of that notable regiment in many an historical engagement. He went first to Nashyille, was in the Atlanta campaign, followed Sherman on his march to the sea, participated in the engagements between Savannah and Raleight, and lay in the hospital at Raleigh for some time, ill with typhoid fever. At that city he was mustered out. Later he participated in the grand review at Washington, and in time returned te Wisconsin, joined his family and once more brought them to Albion township. He became a prominent citizen and served in various township offices. In 1883, Mr. Cadwell gave up farming and moved to Monticello, where he engaged in the furniture and undertaking business. Some fifteen years later he retired, Mr. Cadwell is a member of Sedgwick Post, No, 52, G. A. R. He is a communicant of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Cadwell was married to Esther Elizabeth McCrory, a native of St. Lawrence county, New York, who died in 1877, In the family there were four children, Frances E. is the wife of J. H. Farrell, of Maple Lake. Mina is at home, William is in Duluth, Clara is the wife of Lester Mitchell, of Mentor, Minn,

Horace Webster, one of the most honored of Wright county pioneers, and now the oldest living settler in Clearwater township, was one of the original proprietors of Clearwater village. He was born in Canada East, July 6, 1828, and about 1849 came to what is now Minneapolis, and engaged in lumbering for several years. From there he went to what is now Minnetonka, where he likewise remained for a period. In 1855, Horace Webster, Simon Stevens and John Farwell came to Clearwater village, which Asa White and A. Boyingten had chosen as the site of their proposed '* - l Dorado.'' Here the Messrs. Webster, Stevens and Farwell determined to establish a village of their own. They accordingly made many improvements, and the following year entered the site as ''Clearwater Village'' in the name of Simon Stevens and J. H. Talbott. In 1857, Mr. Webster took a claim of 160 acres in sections 1 and 12, Clearwater township. He broke the land, erected buildings, and engaged in general farming. From the first he was a highly respected and influential citizen, and in time he became one of the leading farmers of the county. On his original homestead, Mr. Webster has continued to reside. Now at the age of eighty-seven he is a remarkable man, sprightly and active, with a keen sense of humor, and all the ripened wisdom that the years have taught him. He can read without glasses, and is well versed in all the topies of the day. His thoughts as he looks back over his useful and well-spent life are pleasant ones. Beginning with a little log cabin on a claim of 160 acres of wild land, he now has 225 acres of fertile soil, provided with a frame house and other suitable buildings. He has served as a member of the town and school boards, and in minor offices. He helped to build the first church at Minneapolis, and the first chureh at Minnetonka, and he has contributed to the building of the Methodist Episcopal, Congregational and Catholic churches in Clearwater, He is not a church member, but attends the Methodist Episcopal services. Mr. Webster was married in October, 1854, to Miranda Pease, who proved a faithful helpmate and a loving wife and mother, She died May 20, 1902, leaving three children: Mary H., George H. aud Fred. Mary H. married Frank Harrington, of Clearwater township and has two children: Charles and Harriett. George H. died in 1903. Fred conducts the home farm. He married May Dean, and they have four children: Clarenee, Grace, Lucey and Lucille, the two last named being twins.

Amasa Ackley, the original proprietor of Buffalo, was born in Plainville, N. Y., in 1810. He was a carriage painter by oceupation. On May 3, 1842, he was married to Mary Calkins, who was born in Cohocton, N. Y., in 1817, In 1856 they came to Minnesota and after residing in Shakopee for a time they came to Wright county, and Mr, Ackley took the land on Buffalo lake which became the townsite. Here they built their house and founded the first home in Buffalo, and it was a refuge for many who came later. Bringing with them the old-time dignity and courtesy of the East, they bore the hardships and privations of those early years with courage and cheerfulness and hailed with pleasure any measures which tended to the improvement and advancement of the town, though quiet and unobtrusive themselves. It would make an interesting page in history if one could recount the adventures, the tragedies and comedies through which they passed in those pioneer times. The Indians at that time used to come into the 'Big Woods,'' as this part of Wright county was then designated, pitch their tepees in any place that suited them, and going into the homes of the settlers, never stopping to rap, asking for whatever they could see that they wanted, or taking it without leave if they got a chance. One time when Mr. and Mrs. Ackley had gone to Monticello, the nearest place where they could get supplies, the Indians got into their house during their absence and had eaten or carried off everything eatable that it contained. Mr. and Mrs. Ackley had one daughter, Ella, who was six years of age when they came to Minnesota. Mr. Ackley died in 1886 and was buried in Buffalo, Mrs. Ackley died in 1913, at the age of 95, at the home of her daughter in Eagle, Idaho. The daughter, Ella, was married on December 4, 1872, to O. H. Bushnell. After his marriage, Mr. Bushnell resided in Buffalo for many years and was always active in its interests in various ways. A hard worker himself, he was never too busy or too tired to help anyone in sickness or in trouble, or any enterprise for the good of the community. As president of the council, member of the county board, member of the school board and a prominent Mason, being for many years master of his lodge, he was a very useful member of society, though always plain and simple in his tastes and in his life. As a friend, a neighbor, a brother and a man, his life was one of service and his influence will long be felt.

George O. Crandall, for many years a representative farmer of Rockford township, was born in Ashtabula, Ohio, May 27, 1852, and there started to attend school. At nine years of age he moved with his parents to Iowa, In 1863 he returned with them to Ohio, and later came with them to Rockford township, where he completed his schooling and worked on the home place. In 1878 he was married, and went with his bride to Pipestone county, this state, where he took a claim. But the grasshoppers came and devastated the crops, and in July of the same year he returned to Roekford, followed in October by his wife. In the spring of 1879 he purchased eighty acres in Rockford township for $450, paying $200 down and 12 per cent interest on the remainder. Of this only four acres had been broken. He broke and cleared the remainder, grubbed out the stumps, secured suitable equipment, erected appropriate buildings, added to his original purchase until he owned 145 acres, and developed a splendid place. Here he carried on general farming until his death, June 15,1909. He was highly respected in every way and became one of the leading men of his community, serving as a member and as chairman of the town board, and as a member of the school board. His fraternal affiliation was with Star Lodge, No. 62, A, F. & A. M. Mr. Crandall was married April 17, 1878, to Emma Sherwin, a school teacher. She was born at Belle Plaine, Scott county, this state, attended the schools of her native town, and at the age of thirteen took up her residence in Monticello, this county, where she completed her education. Then she taught school at Monticello Prairie, Rockford and Stockholm, in this county, and in Blakeley, in Scott county, She has proved a most useful member of Rockford society. She is organist of William Downs Relief Corps and Ancona Chapter, O. E. S., in Minneapolis, and likewise

George 0. Crandall And Family

Mr. and Mrs. Crandall have had six children: Minnie M. died in infancy. Charles owns the old farm at Rockford, for which he paid $10,500 for 105 acres, He married Edith Carnagie. James O. is a stationary engineer at Winnipeg, Canada. He married Elsa Naue, and they have one child, Donald. Grace is the wife of Dr. J. H. Higgins, 3202 Cedar avenue, Minneapolis, and they have one child, Lucille. Winfred conducts a gasoline station and lives at home. Sherwin also lives at home. In 1914, Mrs. Crandall took up her home at 944 Twenty-third avenue N. E., Minneapolis, where she still lives.

James Sturges, one of the most distinguished of the early pioneers, was born in Hope, Hamilton county, N. ¥., November 25, 1833. He came west to Iowa in January, 1856, and to Wright county in November, 1856, as a hunter and trapper. He located in Buffalo in the spring of 1857 and has since made that place his home. The winters 1857, '58 and '59 were spent in hunting and trapping as far west as the center of Polk county. On July 4, 1860, he married Ellen A. Dudley, a native of Vermont and member of the family of Asa W. Dudley, who had moved here mum 1858. To this union two sons were born: A, E. Sturges, February 24, 1862, and James D. Sturges, February 19, 1868, who with their families are still residents of Buffalo.

In 1862, James Sturges with others constructed a log fort on the shore of Buffalo lake for protection against the Indians. He was a constant worker and an expert man with the ax, and during his active years of labor he alone cleared ready for the plough over eighty acres of heavy timber land,

Only July 18, 1863, he was commissioned as Captain ia the Twenty-seventh Regiment of State Militia by Governor Henry A. Swift but resigned this commission on August 27, 1863. On July 25, 1863, he was commissioned as captain of the First Company of Seouts by Gov. Henry A. Swift. He had under his charge seventeen small squads of men, whose duty it was to patrol their disstrict, look out for Indians and protect and persuade the settlers to remain on their claims. He served in this capacity until the Indian scare was over and the seouts discharged, He volunteered and enlisted in Battery E, Third N. Y, Light Artillery in August, 1864, where he served until the close of the war when he was discharged and returned home.

Mr. Sturges has always taken his part among the silent workers for the good of community, and has never sought notoriety or Piblic favor, but when duty has called has faithfully performed the duties that have fallen to his lot and then retired to private citizenship. He has seen the hardships of the early settler and has gone through and had his share in bringing about all the stages of the changes that have been enacted in bringing this part of Minnesota from a wilderness to the splendid land that it now is.

Joel Florida was born at Dummerston, Vermont, January 31, 1817. At the age of nine years he went with his uncle, Thadans Clark, to Clinton, Michigan, where he lived until he was twentytwo. At this time, 1839, he removed to Belvidere, Illinois, where he engaged in farming. In 1844 he was married. He left the farm and became a merchant in Belvidere, the county seat of Boon county. He held the office of sheriff for six years, being elected three times in succession. He retired from business as a merchant and began contracting on the Ilinois Central Railroad, following this three years, In 1855 he came to Minnesota and im company with George F. Ames and G. D. George located the town of Rockford, putting in a dam and building mills in 1857. He was appointed postmaster. The same year he was elected county commissioner and took an active part in county affairs. In 1858 he was elected to the state legislature. In 1860 he moved to Minneapolis, where he made his home. In 1862 he took a prominent part in the Indian war. Governor Ramsey commissioned him to raise a company of citizens of Minneapolis to help in the defence of the frontier. He was wounded in the battle of Acton and carried an Indian ball the remainder of his life. In 1867 he resumed railroad contracting and continued in this until his death in 1877, at his home in Minneapolis. He was a man of dignity and quiet hospitality. He never refused a favor when it was possible to give it. He was a member of the relief committee in Minneapolis during the winters from 1872 to 1877 and did much work among the poor.

Joseph Libby, a pre-territorial pioneer, and one of the founders of the commonwealth, was born in Goldsborough, Maine, January 12, 1805, the son of Joseph Libby, Sr., who served in the War of 1812. He lived in his home town until about twenty-five years of age, when he moved to Washington county, in the same state, and became a lumberman. In 1849, leaving his family in Maine, he came to St. Anthony, now a part of Minneapolis, the trip taking him twenty-five days. First he bought two lots opposite the present site of the Pillsbury Mills. Later he purchased a tract of about 600 acres, lying between the present locations of Como park and the State Fair grounds. Midway boulevard was his north line, and Hamline avenue his east line. His house was erected on Langford avenue. Soon after his arrival he was joined by his family. His adventures and experiences were many, and form a part of the history of the Northwest, He built one of the first sawmills on the Falls of St. Anthony, and helped to cut the lumber in one of the first rafts that came down the river. In 1857 he built a flat boat, 8 by 74 feet, loaded it with supplies, and part of the time being towed and part of the time paddling, ascended the Mississippi river 200 miles. He was the first man to cut a road from the mouth of the Swan river down the St. Louis river to Duluth, where he went for supplies. During the Indian massacre his family took refuge at Ft, Ripley. The Indians destroyed his thirty ox teams and did him other damage. After the war he again resumed his work of trading and lumbering in the Northwest. His declining years were spent on his farm at Hamline, where he died in 1884. Mr. Libby was married in July, 1832, to Priscilla Wilson, who died October 31, 1886, at the age of eightyseven years. They were the parents of nine children. Sarah L. died January 12, 1853, at the age of twenty-two. Lydia H. died May 2, 1854, at the age of twenty-one. Laura A. died March 2, 1888. Helen M. died April 5, 1887, at the age of fifty-seven. Edward G. died October 12, 1902, at the age of sixty-five. Mark W. was born in October, 1836; Sophia was born in May, 1546; William was born July 22, 1848, and Eugene was born December 3, 1850.

William Libby, a well known citizen of Monticello township, was born in Washington county, Maine, July 22, 1848, son of Joseph and Priscilla (Wilson) Libby, the pioneers. He was brought to Minnesota as an infant, and was reared on the home farm, which lies between Como park and the State Fair grounds at Hamline, in this state. He attended the district schools of his neighborhood, the old schoolhouse which stood between Second and Third avenues on Third street, in Minneapolis, the old Central High School of Minneapolis, the old Minneapolis Academy, and the University of Minnesota, being one of the first students in the last named institution. Until 1898 he remained on the home place, with the exception of the seasons whieh he spent in the lumber woods of the northern part of the state. He had a well cultivated place, with the best of buildings and a comfortable home, It was in 1898 that he came to Monticello, and engaged in farming, and has become a substantial citizen. His services on the school board have been highly valued. He was a valued member of the old Valentine Cataract Fire Company of Minneapolis, and was foreman when it was disbanded in 1876. having held that position for ten years. Mr. Libby was married April 19, 1876, to Eliza T. Howe, who died January 29, 1901, at the age of fifty years. They have three children living. Helen E., nurse at Asbury Hospital of Minneapolis; Adalaide and Raymond are at home. Joseph and two others died in infancy.

Slocum Woolley, an early settler, was born in New York state in 1815. He attended the public schools, teok up the study of law, and was admitted to practice. As a youth he moved to Tilinois. and there was married to Maranda Lyon, who was born near Lexington, Kentucky, in 1823, Mr. Woolley, by reason of poor health, never practiced his profession except to try a few cases when insistently urged to do so. Instead, he devoted his life to farming. Ilis splendid law library was destroyed when his Illinois farm home burned, and he made no effort to gather a new one. In the spring of 1864 he came to Minnesota, with his family, and settled on a homestead in MeLeod county. The 160 acres were wild and covered with timber, He and his family cleared and erubbed sixty acres, and there he followed farming for many years. Mr, Woolley at once became a leading man in the community. For several years he was county commissioner, and in many other positions of public honor and private trust he demonstrated his fitness and ability. In 1886 he sold his farm and purchased one in Brown county. His health, however, began to fail, and in the fall of 1898 the family brought him to Howard Lake, this county, where he died in June, 1899. Seven years previous to his death his wife suffered a stroke of paralysis, thus making her an invalid. She died at Sleepy Eye in July, 1901. Mr. and Mrs. Woolley had twelve children: Deborah is the wife of Martin Comer, a farmer of Cottage Grove, Oregon, and they have seven children. Esther A. is on a claim at Antelope, Montana; she is the widow of George W. Troxel, and has two children. Jane is the wife of Ai Larrabee, a farmer of Portland, Oregon, and they have five children. Millard is deceased. J.J. is an attorney at Buffalo, Minn. He married Emma A. Hiatt, and they have two children. Lucy is dead. Mark lives in Howard Lake, this county. He married Katie Means, and has two children. Marsden is an undertaker of Park Rapids, Minn.; he married Georgia Parker, and they have four children. Dora is now the wife of William Senkie, county commissioner of Brown county, this state. Lydia M. has charge of the millinery department in a large department store at Sioux Falls, South Dakota. North lives in Sleepy Eye, this state; he married Louella Larkelson and they have four children, West is an attorney at Waterloo, Iowa. He married Lydia Plumer and they have one child.

August Hafften was born in Ontario in 1855, came with his parents to Minnesota in 1867, and settled in Hennepin county. It was in 1881 that he came to Wright county. In 1894 he was elected county commissioner, and in 1898, 1900 and 1906 was elected register of deeds. He served in the 1911, 1913 and 1915 lower house of the Minnesota legislature. He owns one of the best farms in Wright county.

James David Young was born in Lawrence county, Penn., April 14, 1834. In 1855 he came to Minnesota and settled at St. Anthony, now a part of Minneapolis. September 17, 1857, he married Ruth Ann Powers. In the early history of Wright county they settled in Greenwood township. He served in the Eighth Minn. Vol. Inf., both in the South and against the Indians. At the close of the war he took up a homestead on Lake Rebecca. From 1871 to 1894 he was in the hotel business in Delano. He was one of the first members to be initiated into the Delano lodge of Odd Fellows after its installation. Te was an officer of the Old Settlers Association for many years.

Daniel R. Farnham, historian, was born in South Bridgton, Maine, April 24, 1824, and died in Rockford, Minnesota, September 19, 1903. These years spanned a life of great usefulness. He came to Minnesota June 6, 1853, and located in Excelsior, Hennepin county, where he remained until March 13, 1856, when he removed to Rockford, and there spent the remainder of his life. At the time of his death the Delano ''Eagle'' said: "'Mr. Farnham was one of the earliest pioneers of the state, having arrived within its boundaries five years before Minnesota was admitted to the Union. He had a large and intimate acquaintance with most of the settlers of the fifties whose names are now identified with the history of the state. He was a man of great public spirit, and until reeent years took active interest in all public questions, especially those relating te Wright county and his home town. His name is a part of the history of Wright county. He was county commissioner seven years, president of the Wright County Fair Association eleven years, and postmaster of Rockford sixteen years. His name is the first signed to the roll of the Old Settlers Association, he was its first president, and served as secretary nearly all the time until his death. During all that time he attended every annual session until the last, when ill health prevented. When the Elmwood Cemetery Association was organized thirty years ago, he became its secretary, and so remained until his death and now lies buried in its beautiful grounds with most of his old-time neighbors. For several years he was president of the village council. Especially was he interested in the Rockford publie schools. He assisted to organize the district and since then, for almost forty years, he has been one of the trustees. He was married November 15, 1858, to Mary J, Thompson, who with their four children: Mrs. Carson Buecklin, Mary Farnham, Chapin Farnham and Alec A. Farnham survive him. Five sisters, living in Maine, also survive him, and E. H. Farnham, of Delano, is the son of his older brother, Alfred. The six pall bearers were a son and five nephews."'

George Eagy was born in Rush county, Indiana, in 1837, and was there reared. On October 25, 1860, he was married, and by this union has six children, four boys and two girls. Three were born in Indiana and three in Minnesota. In 1867 he came to Wright county and took a homestead in Albion township. He underwent many hardships, as a pioneer, but in time became a prosperous citizen. He now lives in Buffalo. His wife died April 7, 1906, and three years afterward he married Alice B. Babcock,

William P. West, pioneer, was born in Lewis county, Kentucly, October 23, 1842, descended from early colonial stock. In 1855 he was taken by his parents to Pope county, Illinois. Later he moved to Washington county in the same state, January 15, 1862, he enlisted in Co. B, Sixty-second Il. Vol, Inf., and served until he was mustered out as a corporal, March 6, 1866, [le returned home, was married, and in 1868 came to Minnesota and settled in Wright county, Ile became a prominent man, served as assessor and justice of the peace some quarter of a century, and also did good work in various other positions of public honor and private trust. Several years ago he and his good wife moved to Kinball, where they now reside. Mr. West was married May 24, 1866. to Martha J. Moore and to this union have been born seven children; Frank A.. who died in Georgia; Annie May, now Mrs. (. D. Shoemaker, of Kimball; Harry Clark, a Buffalo attorney; Rose, now Mrs. John Lasswell, of Tiger, Washington; Walter G., of Ignacio, Col.; John Chaster, of Barnesville, Minn.; and Nellie, the wife of Rey. Hlarry Harris. an Episeopal clergyman, of Petoskey, Michigan.

William Wallace Webster, now deceased, was born in Sherbrooke, Providence of Quebee, Canada, April 1, 1832, and was there reared. Ilis youth and early manhood was devoted to farming and mercantile pursuits. In 1856 he came to the United States, and soon thereafter located in Clearwater. Subsequently he envaged in various lines of endeavor until August, 1861, when he went to Fort Snelling and enlisted in the Third Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. He was eleeted first lLeutenant, was later promoted to ¢aptain and served as such until after the battle of Murfreesboro, when from meritorious service he was promoted to major, which position he held at the close of his service, which terminated in 1864 on account of illness. He then returned to Clearwater, where he engaged in the mercantile business for the remainder of his life. William Wallace Webster was married in 1861 te Malvina Woodworth, by whom he had three sons, William F.. Charles H., and Arthur, who died in infaney. Mrs, Malvina (Woodworth) Webster died November 30, 1868, He then was married on August 22, 1871, to Lucy C. Walker, who is still living. To this union were born two children, Wallace and Anna L, Major Webster was a charter member of Clearwater lodge, No. 28, A. FP. & A. M.. and was its secretary at the time of his death. He was also a member of St, Cloud Chapter, No. 46, R. A. M., and of the A. (. Collins Post, No. 112, G. A. R. He died November 18, 1895, anil his death was sincerely mourned. The Clearwater ''News'' said of him: ''Mr. Webster was a man concerning whom it is no small task to prepare an obituary which will do ample justice to his memory. In his home a devoted husband and loving parent, in his business honest and industrious, in his public life one loyal to the interests of the republic, a leader whom all might follow with safety, he stood almost without a peer in the midst of a wide circle of friends."

Archibald Grant, one of the sturdy pioneers and home builders of Wright county, was born in Glengarry, of Scotch ancestry. He was married at Hamilton, in the Province of Quebec, Canada, to Eliza Wilson, a native of Hamilton, With their one child, John, they came to Minnesota in 1857. They arrived at St. Anthony, now a part of Minneapolis, by boat, and drove to Buffalo. Upon their arrival here they located on a homestead near the present village limits. Mr. Grant erected one of the best log houses to be found at that time in the county. The logs were hewn inside and out, and in many ways the place possessed more comforts than were usually found in a pioneer home, the fact that Mr. Grant was a carpenter by trade making it possible for him to manufacture many conveniences for his family. During the Indian scare of 1862-63 he returned to Belle Ewart, Province of Quebec, Canada. When he again reached Wright county he found his comfortable home occupied and his claim ''jumped.'' Therefore he homesteaded eighty acres four miles northwest of Buffalo, now owned by Frank Ward. On this tract, Mr. Grant erected the frame house that is still standing. There he lived until his death in 1883, at the age of 57. His good wife is still living at the age of seventysix. In the family there were seven childen: John, Angus H., Archibald, Alonzo, Harriet, Ulysses 8. and George. Ulysses 8. died in infancy.

John Dodd, an early settler of Chatham township, was born in County Down, Ireland, and as a young man, in 1829, came with his wife to Quebec, Canada, where she died. He later, at Montreal, married Mrs. Jessie (Watts) Cochrane, and by this marriage had five children: Sophia Jessie, Campbell, George P., Charles and Kate. When the Manchester Unity Lodge of Odd Fellows was organized there in 1831, he became one of the charter members. In 1855 he moved his family to By Town, now the city of Ottawa. There he did an extensive business as an importer of military clothing. His business prospered, and he and his family lived in tranquillity and comfort until the outbreak of the Civil war. Before the beginning of that conflict, James E., William H. and John W. Cochrane, sons of Mr, John Dodd by her former marriage to John Cochrane, came to St. Paul direct from Ottawa. The secession of the Southern states, found William H. and John W. in New Orleans, to which city they had gone from St. Paul, Hostilities commenced, and the Confederates made an effort to draft the two young men, but upon their claiming allegiance to the Queen of England, they were allowed to depart. Finding ther way to Pennsylvania, they there met some friends who had enlisted in the Federal army, and they two were persuaded to east their lot with the Northern cause. William H. entered Co. E, Eighth Pennsylvania Reserve Corps, as sergeant, and came out a brevet captain. Later he located in Wright county and became judge of probate. John Whitney was a private in the same company, and was killed at the Seven Days' Battle before Richmond. It was in his honor that the G. A. R. post at Buffalo was named. James E., the other brother, remained North and became a lieutenant in Co. C, Hatch's Independent Battalion, Minnesota Volunteer Cavalry.

dohn Dodd found that the adherence of his sons to the Union eause had ruined his business, so in 1864 he came to Minnesota, bringing the remainder of his family. He visited his step-son, Lieutenant James E, Cochrane, at Ft. Abercrombie, Minnesota, and then took up his residence in Chatham township, this county. He was a true pioneer and endured with fortitude many hardships, including the grasshopper raids of the seventies. He died in Buffalo at the age of ninety. His wife died in Buffalo at the age of seventy-five.

Emmons Kingsbury Chamberlin was one of the real founders of Wright county. A man of liberal heart and mind, he was a leavening influence in the days when every man was working for himself with little thought of his neighbor. Mr. Chamberlin was ever looking after the comfort and welfare of others. Three different times he located and developed farms and then turned them over to his brothers, finally developed a fourth one for himself. During hard times, when loan sharks were asking cruel rates of interest, and loaning money only on the very best of security, Mr. Chamberlin loaned money freely to his neighbors without even taking a note in return. His house was one from which charity was dispersed with a liberal hand at all times, and many were the needy who had reason to bless him for his benefactions. Although thoroughly informed in public affairs, he never eared to serve in any other office other than that of school director, a position in which he did most efficient work. He was also a distinguished traveler, making at various times numerous trips to the Atlantie and Pacific coasts. In his death the community lost a man who had been true to his highest ideals, a faithful friend to mankind, Emmons Kingsbury Chamberlin was born in Kennebec county, Maine, March 10, 1828, and died in Wright county, Minnesota, July 15,1901. He devoted his life to farming. In 1856 he came to Wright county, and located on the banks of Lake Pulaski. His whole life was devoted to farming. In 1862 he enlisted in the Mounted Rangers, serving one year on the frontier. He also served one year in the South during the Rebellion. Mr, Chamberlin married June 21, 1860, his first wife, Sarah Ward, who died

September 30, 1866. His second wife, the mother of his children, Alneda Archibald Foster, is still living at Monticello. She was an able helpmeet to her husband in all his efforts toward the betterment of mankind. In the family there were three children. Emil W., who farms near Monticello, was born February 1, 1872. Orson, treasurer of Wright county, was born October 3, 1873. Oscar T., of Spokane, was born May 17, 1876.

Joseph Archambault, an early settler of Albion township, was born in Canada, July 10, 1834, and died in Wright county, Minn., November 14, 1909. His parents were Medor and Adelaide Archambault, also natives of Canada, and of French ancestry. Joseph Archambault came to Wright county in 1865, and homesteaded eighty acres in section 24, Albion township. He was a man of considerable ingenuity, and his cabin had many novel features. The roof, the gables, and the upper floor, were of bark. The furniture used in the house was all manufactured on the place. Provisions were scarce, and the family had to depend on wild game for their supply of fresh meat. For two years they had no oxen, and even after they obtained a pair, it was some time before they could get a wagon. Gradually the place was improved and developed, and the gomforts of life came to them in abundant measure, In the fall of 1907, Mr. and Mrs. Archambault retired and moved to Maple Lake, where Mrs. Archambault still resides. Joseph Archambault was married November 25, 1864, to Julia O'Shea, daughter of Patrick and Mary O'Shea, of Eagle Harbor, Michigan, Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Archambault. Adelaide, born Oetober 13, 1865, married J. A. Raiche. Joseph, born April 4, 1869, operates the home farm. Annie was born May 26, 1870, and died January 29, 1905. She married L. H. Sennett of Cando, North Dakota, Julia was born July 22, 1873, and married Dr. Timothy O'Connor; Louise, born June 28, 1876, is the wife of T. F. Gorman, of Maple Lake; Rosetta was born May 26, 1878, and died May 1, 1884. John, born April 14, 1880, lives in Egland, N. D., and George, born April 29, 1882, lives in Spokane, Wash. Celia was born January 22, 1891, and lives at home. One died in infancy.

William Ponsford, veteran of the Civil war and a most substantial citizen, now retired, was born in England, December 3, 1840, son of Joseph and Sarah Ponsford, natives of England, whe eame to America in 1851, and located in Herkimer county, New York, from whence they came to Clearwater township, this county, in 1860. William Ponsford was eleven years old when he came to this country, He attended school in Herkimer county, New York, and in 1861 followed his parents to Clearwater township, in this eounty, where he located on a farm. February 25, 1864, he enlisted in Co. E, Eighth Minn. Vol. Inf., and went South with his regiment. At the Battle of Murfreesboro he received a bullet wound in the head which confined him to the hospital. After his discharge at Ft. Snelling he again took up farming, In 1868 he exchanged his Clearwater property for a farm in sections 17, 18 and 20, Corinna township, on the north shores of Pleasant lake. He cleared up the place and in time had one of the best farms in the township, There he followed general farming until 1907, when he rented the farm, and took up his home with his daughter, the wife of Dr. Alfred M. Ridgway. During his active life he was prominent in township affairs. For many terms he was constable and school clerk, and for twenty-nine years he was town elerk. Mr. Ponsford was married September 20, 1868, to Mary Ann Townsend, who died December 13, 1906, leaving two children: Viola L., now the wife of Dr, Alfred M. Ridgway, of Annandale, and Ada M,, now wife of Dr. Martin F. Lowe, of Buffalo.

Albert F. Baker, druggist, was born in Bethel, Maine, June 2, 1839, came to Monticello in 1856, served in the Eighth Minn. Vol. Inf., 1862-65, engaged in the furniture business three years; was elerk of the district court, 1866-70, and afterward owned a drug store.

Henry A. Ball, photographer, was born in Albany county, New York, December 9, 1845; served in the 113th N. Y., in the Civil war; came to Minnesota in 1866, and three years later settled in Delano. With Daniel Fish he established the first newspaper in the town, called the ''Big Woods Citizen.'' a. M. Belden, merchant, was born in Johnsonville, N. Y., in 1854; settled in Minnesota in 1876; taught school in Wright eounty eighteen years; moved to Montana; was representative in the legislature in 1897.

Gustay Bodin, publisher, was born in Sweden, February 5, 1844; came to the United States in 1868, and soon afterward settled in St. Paul. Ten years later he removed to Cokato; was treasurer of Wright county, 1884-90; became manager of Augustana Book Coneern, St. Paul, im 1891.

Alonzo T. Boyinton, pioneer farmer, was born in New York, February 23, 1833; came to Clearwater in 1854. He wag one of the first settlers in the township.

C, J. Carlson, banker, was born near Cokato, this county, August 23, 1870, was postmaster there 1894-98; cashier of the Farmers' and 'Merchants' Bank of Cokato; was a representative in the legislature in 1909.

Peter A. Cederstam, Lutheran clergyman, was born in Sweden February 19, 1830; came to the United States in 1853, and to Minnesota two years later, being the first Swedish Lutheran minister in this state; resided in St. Peter, Vasa, Duluth, and other places, and in 1874 settled in Stockholm, Wright county,

1867-70; returned the next year to Wright county and engaged in farming; opened a furniture store in 1875 at Delano; also engaged in the lumber and grain elevator business.

John K. Cullen, merchant and farmer, born in Ireland, November 24, 1824; came to the United States in 1849, and to Minnesota in 1873; was a representative in the legislature in 1874; settled in Marysville, Wright county.

Elijah J. Cutts, merchant, born in Kennebee county, Maine, August 17, 1844; died at Howard Lake, this county, September 22,1897. He served in the Twenty-second New York in the Civil war; came to Minnesota in 1869; resided in Minneapolis and Buf. falo; settled at Howard Lake in 1877; was a representative in the legislature in 1877 and 1880,

James W. Dickey, Presbyterian clergyman, born in Janesville, Ohio, November 10, 1811; died in West Union, Iowa, April 12, 1894. He was ordained by the Presbytery of Erie; settled at Howard Lake in 1876,

F, M. Eckman, Lutheran clergyman, was born in Wright county June 10, 1867; was graduated at Augustana College, Rock Island, Ill, 1889, and at its Theological Seminary, 1892; studied later at the University of Upsala; was ordained in 1894; was pastor at Brainard, Minn., two years, and beginning with 1896, at Chisago Lake.

J, W. Eckman, Lutheran clergyman, was born in Wright county, December 7, 1869; was graduated at Gustavus Adolphus College, 1893, and Augustana Theological Seminary, 1896; was pastor in Massachusetts, and later at Dunnell, Minn; was chaplain of the senate of Minnesota in 1907.

Valentine Epple, born in Germany February 13, 1830; died in Delano, March 27, 1904. He came to the United States in 1851; settled in St. Paul in 1856; removed to Delano in 1869, and engaged in the dry goods business; was a representative in the legislature in 1873.

Wallace Goodsell, merchant, was born in Macoupin county, Il, September 14, 1850; came with his parents to Minnesota in 1861, and to the site of Howard Lake in 1865, where after 1875 he engaged in the mercantile business.

Frank W. Gorman, born in Canada, January 2, 1847; came with his parents to Minnesota in 1869; was register of deeds in Wright county 1876-80, and afterward engaged in real estate, loan and insurance business in Buffalo, this county.

George Gray, journalist and merchant, born in Lockport, N. Y., March 6, 1836; came to Minnesota in 1857; published the Wright County Republican at Monticello, 1858-71; engaged in mercantile business there after 1874.

A. Hanoford was born in Monticello in 1860, engaged in stoek raising; was treasurer of Wright county, 1897-1901; was a representative in the legislature, 1903-05.

John M. Haven, farmer, merchant and banker, was born at Silver Creek, Wright county, September 19, 1857; engaged in farming and mercantile business at Big Lake, Sherblume county, Was a representative in the legislature, 1889; president and director of banks at Big Lake, Monticello, Maple Lake and other towns.

John A, Holler, miller, born in Bedford, Ohio, in 1844; came to Minnesota in 1860; served in the Highth Minn. in the Civil war; settled in Monticello; was a representative in the legislature, 1901-03,

Thomas G. Holmes, farmer, born in Ontario, Canada, February 28, 1836; settled in Albion, Wright county, in 1856; was captain of 4 scouting party during the Indian war; afterward engaged with his twin brother, Robert Seth, in keeping a hotel.

Horatio Houlton, merchant, born in Houlton, Maine, August 19, 1834; settled as a farmer in Monticello township, 1855; removed to Eli River in 1864, and then engaged in general mereantile business and lumber manufacturing.

William H, Houlton, manufacturer, born in Houlton, Maine, March 29, 1840; came to Monticello in 1856; served in the Highth Minn., 1862-65; entered partnership with his brother, Horatio, at Elk River, in 1866, engaged in mercantile business, manufacturing lumber and flour, banking and farming; was a state senator in 1878 and 1883-5; was superintendent of the state reformatory, 1896-1900.

R. RB. Hulbut, born in Vermont in 1830; came to Minnesota in 1855; owned a farm in Wright county, opposite Dayton, and in 1878 purchased a half interest in the Dayton flour mills.

E. B. Hyatt, building contractor, born near Indianapolis, Ind., Jane 24, 1839; came with his parents to Minnesota in 1856; settled in Wright county in 1867; was one of the pioneers of Middleville township, where he lived on a claim, 1872. Later he resided at Howard Lake.

Charles Janney, miller, born in Lincolinshire, Eng., November $, 1838; eame to Canada when eighteen years old; settled in Monticello in 1871, where he built a flouring mill.

J.E. Jenks, born in Ilinois in 1837; came to Minnesota in 1849; served in the army three years; settled in Cokato; engaged in railroad business; was representative in the legislature in 1873.

Charles E. Krels, born in Elyville, Maine, in 1848; came with his parents to Monticello, this county, in 1856; engaged in the printing business, and after 1881 was postmaster there.

Henry Kreis, merchant, born in Baltimore county, Maryland, in 1821; resided in Monticello; was auditor of Wright county for eight years; was a representative in the legislature, 1887.9.

Robert B. Kreis, merchant, born in Elysville, Maryland, in 1850; came with his parents to Monticello, Minn., in 1856, and after 1876 owned a general store there.

Josiah F, Lewis, born in Westminster, Mass., June 7, 1826; settled on a farm near Monticello, in 1864; was county superintendent of schools, 1872-76.

William H, Lord, merchant and farmer, born in Augusta, Maine, July 23, 1835; came to Minnesota in 1858; served in the Eighth Minn. in the Civil war; engaged in mercantile business at Buffalo; was sheriff for four years; after 1877 resided in Albion.

J.P, Lyle, pioneer, farmer, born in Nova Scotia, January 8, 1821; came to Minnesota in 1854, and the next year settled in Delano. He was the first resident there, and the townsite of Delano was his farm,

John McDonald, born in Maine, June 5, 1806; built a dam at St. Anthony Falls in 1847; two years later built two mills there; afterward engaged in farming at Otsego, Wright county.

Selah Markham, blacksmith and farmer, born in New York April 9, 1813; came to Clearwater, this county, in 1854, opening the first farm and building the first house there.

John A, Mayer, born in Prinitza, Germany, December 11, 1847; died in Delano, this county, November 14, 1900. He came to the United States in 1869; settled in Wright county, where he beeame division roadmaster for the Great Northern railway.

Tobias G. Mealey, merchant, born in Penfield, N. B., August 5, 1823; died in Monticello, April 27, 1904. He came to Monticello in 1855; was a representative in the legislature in 1873, and state senator in 1874-75 and 1878-81.

Augustus P. Moore, merchant, born in Kennebec county, Maine, April 8, 1835 ; came to Minnesota in 1869, settling in Cokato, where he built the first store.

Henry Mooers, farmer, born in Vienna, Maine, December 27, 1836; came to Minnesota in 1852; settled in Cokato in 1860, being the first white settler in that part of the state; served in the Second Minn., in the Civil war; was a representative in the legislature in 1879.

J. FP. Pearson, farmer and merchant, born in Clinton county, Obic, August 10, 1835; died at Howard Lake, July 4, 1902. He came to Minnesota in 1857, settling on a farm in Vietor township, this county; removed to Howard Lake in 1869, and engaged in mereantile business and dealing in live stock.

Andrew B. Peterson, druggist, born in Sweden September, 1851 ; came with his parents to the United States in 1860; resided in Cokato, where he engaged in mercantile business, and after 1880 kept a drug store; was a representative in the state legislature in 1876,

Lemuel 8. Pratt, farmer, born in Hebron, Maine, April 16, 1818; came to Minnesota in 1856, and was one of the first settlers of Isantis county ; removed to Monticello, this county, in 1866,

L. H. Rawson, merchant, born in Urbridge, Mass., December 7, 1815; came to Minnesota in 1873; settled in Delano; engaged in wheat buying; was a representative in the legislature in 1878.

Cyrus ©. Rice, farmer, born in Ohio, in 1837; served in Wisccnsin regiment in the Civil war; settled in Minnesota in 1872; removed to Monticello in 1887; was a representative in the legislature in 1895.

Claude Robert, Roman Catholic priest, born near Lyons, France, September 18, 1828; died in Pradelles, France, May 22, 1908. He came to the United States in 1854; was ordained priest at St. Paul; was a missionary pastor in this state; resided in Chatham, Wright county, after 1880, and later was chaplain of St. Mary's Hospital, Minneapolis; returned to France in 1904.

©. G. Roosen, banker, born in Germany in 1848; came to the United States in 1872, settling in Minnesota; after 1880 resided at Delano, where he established the Wright County Bank.

William A. Spaulding, dentist, born in Statson, Maine, March 7, 1842; came with his parents to Monticello in 1856; served in the Minnesota Second Light Artillery, 1862-65; was graduated at Ohio College of Dental Surgery, 1875; settled in Minneapolis; became dean of the dental faculty in Minnesota College Hospital in 1886,

James N. Stacy, farmer, and merchant, born in North Adams, Mass,, March 10, 1839; came to Minnesota in 1856, and settled in Franklin, Wright county; served in the war against the Sioux, 1862, and afterward in the Civil war until its close; lived in Monticello after 1867; was state senator, 1876-77, and a representative in 1879.

Frank Swanson, born in Minnesota in 1865; engaged in real estate and insurance business at Cokato, this county; was a representative in the legislature, 1899-1901.

Erick J. Swedback, lumberman, was born in Sweden, June 23, 1845; came to the United States and to Minnesota in 1868; resided at Delano, 1870-97; removed to Bemidji in 1897; was state senator in 1903-05.

Jackson Taylor, farmer, born in Mercer county, Ky., January 9, 1819; came to Minnesota in 1856, as one of the first settlers of Buffalo, this county, where he was postmaster many years, Ia 1859-60 he was a representative in the legislature.

Berger Thurstenson, born in Norway, September 18, 1840; came to America and to Minnesota in 1861; served in the Ninth Minn., in the Civil war; settled in Cokato in 1871; kept a hotel until 1880; then engaged in real estate and commission business.

John Townsend, pioneer, born in Luzerne county, Pa., April 2, 1818; eame to Minnesota in 1851; was one of the first settlers in Clear Lake, Sherburne county, also at Lynden, Stearns county, and later built the first frame house in Clearwater. He settled in Corinna, Wright county, in 1866.

William Tubbs, born in Lodi, Ohio, August 4, 1830; came to Anoka county in 1858 as a surveyor; removed to Isanti county; settled in Elis River in 1863, and at Monticello in 1870; built the first flouring mill in Monticello; was county auditor of Isanti, Sherburne and Wright counties. He died in Monticello, January 16, 1905.

William Vorse, wagonmaker, born in New York, October, 1808; settled in Clearwater township in 1855, where he first cultivated a farm, but after 1861, resided in the village of Clearwater.

Nathan Warner, born in Ashtabula county, Ohio, March 4, 1830; came to Minnesota in 1866; settled in Buffalo in 1879; was a representative in the legislature in 1875-6,

Adam J, Wood, farmer, born in Canada, March 9, 1816; came to Minnesota in 1855, settling in Otsego township, this county; was a representative in the legislature, 1903-5,

August C. Flamant, the pioneer, was born in Laisne, France, April 18, 1824. In July, 1845, he was married to Catherine Victoria Martin. On October 31, 1851, they sailed for America, crossing the Atlantic, and reaching St. Louis by coming up the Mississippi via. New Orleans, From there they went to Highland, Madison county, Illinois, where they engaged in farming. Of their four children, two died in infancy. In the spring of 1862, Mr. and Mrs. Flamant with their two children, a son and a daughter, moved to St. Paul, where they lived for four months. July 4, 1862, they reached Buffalo, this county, and settled on a homestead in Marysville township, Wright county. Some twenty-nine days later the first Indian outbreak occurred. Mr. Flamant took his family to Elk River, but he and Frederick Fletcher returned to the homestead and remained during the Indian troubles. In 1863, when the outbreak was renewed, the family again went te Elk River. It is interesting to note that after the Dustin massacre, Mr. Flamant and Mr. Fletcher walked six miles through the dense woods to Waverly Mills, and saw Mrs. Dustin, who had been pierced through the breast by an arrow. But these exciting times passed, and with the years, the Flamants were enabled to develop their place in peace, bringing it from a wilderness to a profitable farm. August Flamant now lives with his son Emil, His wife, who was born July 10, 1819, died in 1903. The daughter, Mrs. Josephine Gerard, died in 1898.

T. B. Gorman, a pioneer, died in Maple Lake village, May 19, 1915. He was born in County Clare, Ireland, December 14, 1839, and came to America with his parents while quite young, locating in Canada. In 1868 he moved to Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, remaining there until 1870, when he arrived in Minneapolis and secured employment with the Milwaukee Railway Company, as bridge building foreman, following this business a few years, but owing to failing health was obliged to resign, when he soon came to Maple Lake and opened a furniture and undertaking establishment, when the village was first started. Later he sold oft to N, Backes and went in partnership with Ed, Scanlan, Sr., and conducted a general store. For many years Mr. Gorman was greatly troubled with rheumatism, and he had a stroke of paralysis about a year previous to the one which caused his death.

Delano High School. The foundation of Delano High School was placed before the time of the Civil war, before the railroad was extended westward and prior to the spanning of Crow river with a wagon bridge. A contest over the location of the schoolhouse site led those then living east of Crow river to get together and erect a log schoolhouse on Mill block, which is just west of the block where the school buildings are now located, This was all done before those living in the ''Big Woods'' west of the river knew what was going on. William I. Lewis is one of the very few old settlers now left to tell the story of those days. The construction work of the railroad and the shipping of cordwood, hard maple wood to Minneapolis and St. Paul made business for the town, and before long a two-room frame schoolhouse replaced the former log building. In the late fall of 1882 school opened in an imposing two-story brick veneer school building consisting of four large rooms, two recitation rooms and cloakrooms, all heated by the hot-air system at an approximate cost of $15,000.

As time went on additional teachers were added as needed. Ten years later the free textbook system was introduced into the schools. No step has been so beneficial in promoting the advancement of education in our state as that system, but it took the common people a long time to appreciate the benefits derived therefrom.

By a vote of the people, Delano Independent School District No. 34 was created on Getober 26, 1885, and when the school board organized, I. Gutzwiller, Jr., was chosen president of that body. He remained a loyal friend of the public school system as long as he lived and many a kind act in behalf of pupils and teachers can be treasured as a tribute to his memory. In June, 1894, Delano High School held its first commencement exercise in the City Hall. It had been doing more or less high school work for several years, but it was not till then that the required grade had been reached. The bacealaureate address was delivered by F. H. Lindsley, and the class was composed of Emery Cunningham, Edward A. Freeman, Ray F. Welder and Vernon A. Wilder. The entire class have made good in life, and the advantages they have enjoyed as a result of their faithful work as students of Delano High School should imspire loyalty on the part of parents and pupils toward that school. Annually since that time a class has been graduated.

In 1894, just before commencement, the high school building was destroyed by fire. It was replaced by a two-story brick building and later a new high school building was added. The present value of the grounds and buildings amounts to about $30,000. Ten teachers are employed, and Prof. W. Wetzel has been elected superintendent for the following year. The following is the course of study, of which some subjects are optional : Freshman: *English I, *Algebra, Zoology, Latin I, Domestic Seience or Manual Training. Sophomore: *English II, *Geometry, Ancient. History, Botany, Caesar, Domestie Science and Manual Training. Junior: *English Literature, *Physics, German Grammar, Modern History, Advanced Algebra and Solid Geometry, Bookkeeping, Commercial Law and Commercial Geography. Senior: *American Literature, *Chemistry, German Literature, Senior American History, Civics, Advanced Algebra, Solid Geometry, Bookkeeping, Commercial Law and Commercial Geography. (Subjects marked * are required.) Students who wish to enter college after finishing their high school course are required to have a credit in Physics or Chemistry - (By F. H. Lindsley.)