Corcoran City

Corcoran City

The township of Corcoran is located in the north-western part of Hennepin county, and is boxmded on the north by Hassan, east by Maple Grove, south by Medina and west by Greenwood. Its surface is rolling, in the south part bluffy. It is heavily timbered with liard and soft maple, oak, elm and basswood. There are occasional patches of wild meadow-land, which produce a good quality of grass. Tlie soil is light in the south part, in the central part it is a heavy l)lack loam, and lighter in the north ]iart. witli a cla\ subsoil throughout. i>roducing wlieat, barley, oats and corn abundantly. Amber cane is grown to some extent. Jubert's Lake, the largest body of w^ater in the the town, is located on sections twenty-nine and thirty-two; there are two other small lakes that are lumamed, one located in the southern part, and the other in the western part of the town. '

First Settlement

Benjamin Pounder, was the first man to enter the unbroken wilderness, and connnenced in lHo-j to lay the foundation <if what is now the flourishing town of Corcoran. He was followed in a few days by P. B. Corcoran, one of the fomiders of the town. lie was accompanied by Morris Eyan, who died in 1878; his family still reside here.

Mr. P. B. Corcoran is one of those men who are justly entitled to more than a passing notii'c, and we regret that our limits will not jjermit. as much as we desire to write of this enterprising pioneer. He threaded his way on foot into this then wilderness, with but one hand to help him. having lost his right hand in a InnilxT-iiiill in the state of New York. With his left li;uid he stuck his stake on section twenty-three, and commenced to build around it, adding acre to acre until he now is the possessor of six hundred and forty (640) of them, wliich gradually yielded to his intelligent and aggressive strokes, until the wild stillness that siu'rounded him had been converteil into the busy hum of an intelligent and advancing civilization.

His next care w'as the school, which engaged his attention, and in two years after his arrival, he organized a school, built the rude log Temjile which he dedicated to the Muses, and to i)revent any mis<lirection of his intentions, presided over it himself, cultivating the young minds committed to liis care, more carefidly, than he did the soil on liis chosen and loved homestead. He contiinied it for three months. This was the lirst school taught in the town. His organizing genius has made itself felt throughout all the multifarious affaii's of the town. His acknowledged abilities have been recognized by the citizens, who have expressed It, by electing him supervisor for twelve years, and so e\'euly iloes lie liold ihe scales of Justice, that he has been called to hold them for fourteen years, making decisions that would honor the Ermine of the higher courts, for all law is based on conmion sense, which desirable (luality he possesses in an eminent degree. His next enteiprise was a store, whicli lie started in a log house with thatched loot, and located on the west side of his farm. Tlic business increased so rai)idly that he was oliligcd to liiiiid a larger one with a shingcd roof. He kicated it on tlie east side of his farm, and in a few years was oliligeil loliuild a still larger one. ItisHOxK) feet, two-stories, making a hall of the upper story which is used for town meetings, imblic entertaimnents. etc. He was the lirst postmaster in the town, which office he still holds.

William Corcoran, who setttled on section twenty-three, Josejih Dejardins, who settled on section ninteen. which he afterwards sold, and now lives on section twenty-six. Two brotliere named romider. and a Mr. Isaac Bartlett, .John McDonnell. Francis Morin. Frederick Reinking and Fred Schuette, all taking claims in IH.5.5. They were followed in ISoii. Iiy Joseph DiilKtnt, who settled on section lii, Hugh Keran, who settled on section 26, and Joseph Moriu, who .M'ttled on section 27. Peter AVeinand came in the spring of IS-iii. and settled on section 17. JSIr. Weinand is one of the prominent men of the town, whose wise counsels have contributed largely to its growth and prosi>erity. His ripe exi)erience ami lilteral mind, has entitled him to the confidence, not only of his fellow countrymen, hut of all the citizens of the town where he has resided since its earliest settlement. In short, he s one of the '"Solons" of the town and representative district, in which he lives; having lilled every otiice of honor and trust. He was twice elected to the state legislatuie from his district. Mr. John Klere.sy came in 1 «-")-"), and .-W'ttled on section 7. now living on scclion 2. He is the )«-er of Mr. Weinand, having lilled the various oflices in the town, and for several years was chairman of the lK)ard of suiK'nisoi>!. He is full of puhllc spirit, and a leader in everything tending to the ginwtli of the (own. He. as one of the suiH-rvisoi-s. with I'. 15. Corcoran, as chairman of the iHiard. laid out the first road in the town - the .Minnea|Hilisand .Monlicello state road. in IHoH. Others came aUiut this time, among them Matthew Weinand, Martin Dellis, Michael Weir and Joseph May. all relatives excepting Weir, and all sclllcd hi llic nurth-wcst ii;ilt of the town.

1861. and his wife, four or five yeare later. Peter Ls now li\-iug on section 22. Stephen and George Archamlieau moved to Faribault two years after making their claim. Michael and Peter Raymond live on their original claim, on section 20. Josei)h Dupout lives on his lirst claim, on section 19 ; has been postma.ster since July 4th, 1875. The postoflice. called -- Duiuint." taking its name from the present ollicial. who is a highly esteemed citizen of the town. Joseph Scott died on his claim, in section 2ii. and the fami is now owned by his son, I). Scott. The same year, Frank Gagne settled on section 27. He was one of tlw earliest settlers on the reservation near Minneapolis, a little southeast of the present site. He had some trouble over a contested claim there, finally sold it and came here with his brother, Joseph, who settled on section 27, and is still living here.

Kaiu-V Evknts

Benjamin Poiiiulir Imilt lie Ih-st house in the town, in IS.5.5. on section 2'>, near the town line, and occujiied it about two years, when Robert Adciick occupied it in it il he could build on his owni claim : then Tlmnias Adcock's widow occupied it until 1870. The old house is still .standing, as a lanilniiirk. though in a (lil;ii)idate(l condition. Its builder died October IKth, 187.5. Resolutions of resiiect Mild regret at his loss were adopted at a meeting held at the district school-house, December lull. 1S7"). which were published in the \\eekl\ 'rribuiie and Fanners" I'liion. He had been clerk of the district from its lirst organization, in IS.W. Was iiniversilly resiiected by the communit\ In wliieli he lived. His widow, Elizalieth Poiiiider. still lives on the old homestead.

The first blacksmith shop was built by Louis Rerthauiue. on sei'tion 21, about nineteen years ago. He operated it eight years, and then moved to Osseo. The second one was built by 1'. li. Corcoran, on section 28. a little west of his incsent residence.and operated until he built a newonejiist east of his house, emiiloying workiiicii 11)1 to the time he leased It to Nelson Deroihe. who is now operating it. and doing good work.

The first death was Nicholas O'Brien, ui 1858, who died at the liouse of his daugliter, 2ilis. Fox, in the nortli pai-t of the town, aged eiglity-tive years.

Organization

The town was organized at a meeting held at the house of P. B. Corcoran, May 11th, 1858, when Israel Dorman was made temporary Chairman, John Molan, Moderator, and Pat Braw temporary Clerk. Officers elected were: Supervisors, Israel Dorman, Chairman, P. B. Corcoran. John P. Kleresy; Town Clerk, I'at Braw: Assessor, Thomas Kiley; Collector, Michael Patnode; Overseer of the Poor, Francis Ganiieen; Justices of the Peace, Israel Dorman and Peter Patnode: Constables, J. Biu-ret and John Coon. At this meeting, the town was named Corcoran, in honor of P. B. Corcoran, its founder.

Catholic churcli, located on section two. on the north line, was organized in 1856, and is the oldest church in the town. Services are occasionally held in it. Also have a cemetery in connection with the cluu-ch.

Sauit Thomas Catholic Church is located on section 15, and was organized in 1856. It was started by the Irish members from the th-st mentioned church, and assisted by the Germans. First officiating priest. Father Jermis, who started with about thirty families. It has continued to grow in niuubers, until it now has aljoul fort>- five families with Father Hays as priest.

Saint John's French Catholic Chinch was established in 1873, by the French element from Samt Thomas Church. The first priest was Father Ladriere; present priest, Father Boucher. Tliis church has about forty families, who attend its meetings.

German Evangelical Association. This church is located on the north-east comer of section 12, and embraces twenty or thirty famiUes from Corcoran and Maple Grove.

The Lutheran Church is located on section 18. and was erected about fifteen years ago, now has a large congregation. There is a school held in the church for the study of the German language, about si.x months m the year, attended by i)upils from Corcoran and Maple Grove.

The Hi-st school in the town was taught by P. B. Corcoran, in a log house 12x16, in the winter of 1857, with about sixteen scholars. This building was used for about four >ears. when the present building was erected in <listrict No. 65. School district No. 64, house located on section 29. School district No. 107, house located on section 7. Joint school district No. 67, house located on section -1. School district No. 66, house located on section 10. There are besides, four joint districts with other tov\nis.

Post-Offices

The first post-office was established on section 23, P. B. Corcoran postmaster. He has held the office since it was first established, with weekly mail route from Osseo to Rockford, on Saturday. Dupont post-office, on section 19, was established in 1875. Joseph Dupont, postmaster, lias held the office since its establishment.

P. B. Corcoran established a store on the southeast part of section 23, in 1863, and now has the largest stock of general merchandise in the town.

Official Roster

At a town meeting held ui April, 1880, the following officers were elected : Supenisors, Thomas Corcoran, chairman. Octave Dupere, Joseiih Potvin ; Toflii Clerk, Peter Patnode ; Assessor, John Molan ; Treasiu'er, John McDonald ; Justices, Peter Weinand and James Corcoran ; Constables, John (iaurs and Octave Dniieie.

Statistics

Tlie population of the township is, by the last census, 1,078. There were, according to report for 1880, horses over two yearsold, 404 ; cattle over two years old, 658 ; nimiber of sheep, 625 ; numljer of hogs, 571 : acres sown to wheat, 3,300.

years; lie moved to Minnesota in 1855. made one of tlie first claims in Con-onm. and is now the oldest livinn settler in llie town. In ISoo lie was married to Martr.iret Hiirk. They have six children: Thomas F.. Mary E.. (Jcorut- \V...Jolin. Kiith M. anil .lames.

Octave Honcher was lH)rn in Quebec, Canada, in \M-2. He Hved there until twelve years of age. In 18oi« he came to Minnesota with his parents, who took a claim in Plymouth, lie enlisted in 1W)3. in Hatch's Battallion. f'onipany B. MinnesoUi X'oliinleers. and went north during the Indian oulhreak, stayed three years, and was discharged at Fort Snelllng in IHGG. He bought the farm, in lMi7. wliere he now lives. The same year he married Delaina Greenwood, by wlioui he has hail live children.

Patrick 15. ("oivoran. is a native of Ireland, wlieiv he was born in ls2"). During the Irish famine he occii)iied the jiosition of Government relief oHicer. In 1847 he emigrated to America ; went to Maine and stayed about two years. In isiti lie went to New York, wliere, for live years he was engaged as sawyer in a hunbermlll: while there, he lost his right liand. In IKo-j he i-anie til .Minnesota .and after prospectingfora lime. liK'ated where he now lives. lie was one of the lii-ht settlers in this town, which was named for him. In ]8(i3 he started a store, and has been jMiM master since thai time, lie built a new store in IKH". to accommodate bis increasing huKiiiess. Mr. Corcoran has lillcil Uic oiljces of .liistlce of the Peace for fourteen years, and Town Su|M'rvisor twelve years; he also organized and taught the llrst scIiikiI in the town. Married In 1851. Anna Krechan. They have citrlit cliililren.

William Corcoran, a native of Coik county, Ireland, was bom in 18:>1. In 1847 he came to .Viuericji. landed in lioston, Massachusetts, ami lived there two years : moved lo IhilTalo. New Vork. and stayed one year, then ninvcd lo Mjnnewita in 1855, und located in Corcoran, when- he now lives. He has lilled iill oHicesof (rust in the town. In 1854 he was married to Catherine Crawford. b> whom he has had live chililren, four are now living. In I8(i:t Mrs. Cori'oi-.in died, and in IMliIhe married Mary Itiirke.

where he worked ten yeare at farming. In 1852 he went to Canada again and stayed one year. Came to Minnesota in 1853, and worked on the river at Stillwater three yeaiv. then went to Arkansas, and was engaged in lumbering three years, lie moved lo St. Paul and stayed from 1859 to 186(>. wlicn he caiiii' tn Corcoran and bought the farm cm which he now lives. He was married in 1S54. to Mrs. Mary llennesee. who had tliree cliildreii.

.Iiiscpli Dcganlins was liorn in Quebec in 1885. wlieiv be lived for seventeen years, when he went to Bangor, Maine, and worked at lumbering two yeai-s. In 1854 he moved to Minnesota and worked hi the woods until the siiringof 1855, when he came lo Corcoran anil made a claim in .section 19 ; sold part of it and made another on section 26, where be now lives. He enlisled in a Minnesota regiment in lHi)2, and served three years against the Indians, was discharged at Fori Snelllng. July 1861, he was married to Miss T. Scott. They are the parents of si.x children.

Moses Dut'iMir was born in Quebec, Canada, in is.'i;;. anil livcii tliere eighteen years. In 1851 he went lo Maine and worked at Inniln'ring live vears. lo St. -Vntliony in ls5ii. wcnl up Ihc river and wiirkiil in the iiineries live years, after which be spent sexen years among the Chippewa Indians as interpreter for traders. In 187(1 be bought the farm where he now lives. Married Hosetle l.asart, by whom be has had live chiklren,

Hugh Keran, born in Ireland in 181s, came to .\meriia in 1849, landed in New York and stayed llicjc until Is.jO, when he went to HulTalo, In IS.")!) he moved lo .Minnesota, and boiighl the farm he now lives on. \\v nianicil. in lst>2, Margaret Hranagaii. Ii> wlimii be has had two children.

Orange county, New York ; remained there two years, then went to ^\lsconsin and hved one year: from tliere he came to Minnesota and made a claim in Corcoran, in 1855. lie lived in Minneapolis in 1856. and in 1857 went to his claim, where he lias since resided. lie held the office of town supervisor one year, and town treasurer seven years. He married, in 1856, Sarah Crawford, by whom he has had ten children.

Francis Morin was born in Queliec. in 18:26, and lived there twenty years. He moved fo Lake Superior in 1846, worked in the copper and iron mines for three years, and then retiirned to Quebec. In 1851 he moved to St. Anthony and stayed four years, when he came to Corcoran and has since resided here. He was married in 1863 to Alice O'llearn. He is the father of seven children.

Joseph Morin was born in .Montreal, in IHKl. He lived there thirty years ; went to Michi.a'an in 184(1, stayed about one jear, then worked four years at Lake Superior as ship-wright. ISIarried, in 1844, Lissette Landeau. In 1845 he started for ^Minnesota with a birch bark canoe ; and accompanied by his wife, followed the Black river fifteen days, then they packed their few things and he carried the canoe, on foot, to the St. Croix river, which the^- reached in one day ; the>- followed it to the ^Mississippi, thence to St. Paul, where they remained eleven years. Moved to Corcoran in 1856, and have since resided here. They have nine children.

David Noonan, a native of Ireland, v*as born in 1820. He lived there thirty years, and came to America in 1850. He went to I'hiladelphia, where he remained six years, then removed to Iowa for one year, and in 1857 came to Corcoran, where he has since resided. Married, in 1863, Margaret Hayes. They have one daughter.

Jacob Os\\ald was born in Tennsylvania, October 1850. He lived there six years, and in 1S56, moved to JMiiniesola with his parents, with whom he lived until seventeen years of age, when his father bought a farm for him and his brother. In 1873 he bought the farm he now lives on. He married in 1873, Caroline Kothrada, by whom he has four children.

Christian Ranking was born in Prussia, in 1835. He lived there twenty-four years ; moved to America in 1859, and settle<l in Corcoran, where he now resides. He was drafted in 1865, into the Second Minnesota Regiment, and was discharged at Washington, at the close of the war. In 1860 he married Katruie Ileagleman. They have ten children living.

Frederich Reinking, a native of Prussia, was born iu 1827. lie emigrated to America in 1S47: stopped in l!altiin<ire five months, tlicn went to Pittsburg and remained seven years, working on a steamboat. In 1855 he moved to St. Paul, thence to Corcoran where he has since lived. His wife was Charlotte Schafer; by her, he has had eleven children, eight of whom are now living.

Fred. Sclmette was born in Hanover, in 1826, where he lived twenty-one years. He came to America in 1854, resided in Pittsburg eleven months and moved to Minnesota in 18.55: stoiii)ed a short time in St. Paul, then came to Corcoran, which has since been his home. In 1863 he joined the Third :Minnesota Regiment, went south with it and was gone sixteen months. He married Minnie Schomaker in 1852,by whom he has one son.

F. W. Webb was born in England, in 1849. and li\ed there twenty-one years. He emigrated to America in 1870, and settled in Corcoran where he lias since resided. He has built a substantial farm-house valued at $1,000. In the fall of 1872 he returned to England, and married Elizabeth Barrows: he returned the following spring with his wife to his home in Corcoran. They are the parents of two children.

Peter Weinand. a native of Germany, was born in 1838. He emigrated to America in 1852, and settled in Wisconsin; removed to ^linnesota in 18.56. and in 1858 bought the farm in Corcoran on which he has since lived. In 1877. he was elected representative from the twenty-seventh district, and has held every position of trust in his town. He married, iji 1864. Mary Swagert. l)y whom he has six children.

August AV'estphal was born in Prussia, in 1831. He was educated in his native land; graduated fr«m the College of Bromberg, and followed school-teaching for twelve years. Enlisted in the German army in 1851, and served three years in Berlin. He emigrated to America m 1864, settled in ..Milwaukee and taught school. In 1866 became to .Minnesota, and liiuilly settled in Corcoran. Married, in lsti6, Kiuily Long, by whom he has had fourteen childifii.

General Deschii'Tion -Kiust Settlkment

Till" town <if Maple (Jiovp is sitnaled in the iiortliei-ii central jiait of Ileiiiiepiii county, and is licMiniied on tlie ncntli In Dayton and Cliamplin. east l(y UnKiklyn and Osseo, soiilh by Plynioutli. and west by C>)rcoran. The surface of the town is rolling. exce])tin^ on sections 22 and 23. where it Is bluffy. When first settled, it was heavily timbered with a large growth of clin. oak. liasswood and maple, the latter growing in large (|uantities. scattered in such beautiful groves over the town, that it was named Maple Grove. The southeastern portion of the town is covered with a low underbrush. Hottineau Prairie, west of Osseo, includes half of section 1. all of section 12. onequarter of section ! I, and half of section Vi. It is l)ordered by a narrow belt of brush land. The remaining portion is timber and wild meadow land, with line rich meadows bordering on Hush < 'reek. The soil is a black loam with clay sub-soil, excepting on the east part of the prairie, where it IH gravel. There are several lakes in the town. all well stocked with lisli. except Mud Lake; among them are Kagle Lake, in the south-east comer of the town, occujjying the greater jiortion of section H(\: this is the largest lake in the town. Fish J^ake is a long and somewhat irregularsliaped lM>dy. watering iHirtions of sections 2L 22, 27 and 2H. Weaver Lake, on sections 17. IK, lit and 2(1, in the west iiart. and Wice Lake near the centre, mostly on section IH. Cedar Island Lake on sections 2tl and 27, takes its name from the three Islands that it surrounds, which are coven'<l with a small growth of cerlar. It is also waleivd by Klni «'n'ek. which rises in the nnrtheasteni partof PlyinduUi. and Hows north-easteriy through TticeLake ; thence on in the same direction. en)i)tying into Ilayilen's Lake, in tlie town of Dayton. Ku.sh Creek also Hows through the northern portion of the town in an easterly direction, and forms a .iunction with Khn Creek on section 34. in Dayton, near the nurtliern lidundary line of the town.

The stillness of the forests which covered much (if the territory now embraced within the limits of the town of Maple Grove, had never been disturiied. except by the stealthy tread of the Indian, until Louis P. Garvais, in 18.31, broke the silence which for ages had peiTaded the wilderness. He settled on the southeast (piarter of section 12. and sounded the first notes of civilization from that point. AVith his family he labored, battling with the forest and wild beasts, and with the more formidable Winnebagos. who, two years after his settlement, were removed to their reservation.

About the same time came William M. Ewing, who heli)ed survey the town and name it. Ewing moved to Osseo. in lSo7. \\ith the retirement of the Indians, the prospects of the settlers brightened, and the face of the country was soon dotted with the betterments of a hardy class of pioneers. InMay. 1854, came Harvey Abel, who, following the cour.se of empire, westward, marked his claim where the Town House now stands, the lirst west of Bottineau Prairie. He sold his claim and made another, and. full of Vankec enlerpri.se. sold that and made the third and last claim, the one on which he now lives, built his log cabin, covered it with bark, and used the same material for floor and tables, cooked for himself, and lived alone for lliree yeais. The same year came A. O. Angell, and settled on section 1(1. built his cabin of rough logs and I'overed it with bark. .si)lit and hiid basswood slabs for his floor, and conuuenced housekeeping. The same year came W. E. Evans, from Chittenden cnnnlv. Vevnioiil. and located on section 4, where he now lives. He built the Ih'st log cabin on the road between Minneapolis and Crow River. Patrick Devery also came in 18.54, and located on section 28, where he still lives. He bnilt him a home, and gathered alMHit him a small stock of cattle. Hehadonecow stolen and killed by the Indians, who roasted one-half of it, and took the rest away with them, on their way to the battle between the Chippewas and Sioux, at Shakopee, in 185S.

Late in 1854, O. K. Champlin came and set- . tied on section 16. He built his house in the woods, and in the place of bark, which was then much in use for covering, used wooden troughs for shingles.

In 1855, came J. H. Briggs, who settled on section 4, in the north part of the town, and built his log house; brouglit his provisions on his back, from Saint Anthony, a distance of sixteen miles, marked trees being his only guide. The same year came John Cook, and located on section 30. In June of the same year, Luther Hoff came and settled on section 8; he died in October 1864. His widow, Mrs. Minerva HofI', is still living on the iilace. Aijout the same time came Patrick Darmody and settled on section 3], hi tlie southwest corner of the town. In the fall of the same year, came William Trott, and settled on section 10. He lived in a little shanty co\ered with bark, the first winter, and with tlie true pioneer pluck, he worked on alone, opening up his farm, until now he has all the evidences of thrift around him. lu 1856. John M. Eddy came from Addison county, Vermont, and settled in the norlli part on section 4, of the town, and is now an honored and respected citizen. He has filled the office of town clerk for many years, with credit to himself and satisfaction to the town. George A. Laflin came from Chittenden county, Vermont, in 18.36, and settled on section 10, in the north part of the town, and is now one of the prominent citizens of Maple (irove. From this date (]8.j6) settlements were (|uite rapid, and the next care was the church and school, tlie only real foundations upon which a community can .securely liuild. The first preacliing in the town was at the house of P. H. Xewton. on section 4, in 18.55, by Rev. L. Atkinson, a Baptist. Later, in 1856-7, came the Rev. C. G. Ames and held services in the north part of the towni, preaching to the Free Will Baptists for about a year. About the same time, came the Rev. Mr. White, Methodist, preaching at the house of P. B. Xewton, on section 4. The first school was taught in the summer of 1858, in an old vacant dwelling house on section 4, by Delos Hawkins. Tlie first marriage was that of J. M. Eddy to Mary E. Evans, Feliruary 24th, 1857, by Rev. Lewis Atkinson.

The first meeting for the purpose of organizing a board of town officers, was held April 11, 1858, at the house of Hiram Blowers. Meeting called to order and Hiram Blowers elected Moderator, and J. M. Eddy Clerk. Supervisors, A. C. Austin, Jeremiah Brown, Robert Woodard ; Town Clerk, J. M. Eddy ; Assessor, William R. Champlin ; Collector, Chauncey Blowers ; Overseer of Poor, P. B. Newton ; Constables, Cliarles Savage and J. M. Corey; Justices, William E. Evans and Moses Blowers.

There are two Methodist Episcopal churches in the town, one located on section 17, and built in 1868. A class was formed ilbout twenty years ago, and from it has grown the present church. Rev. Mr. White was the first minister. The second Methodist P^piscopal church is located on section 4, in the north iiart of the town, and is not yet completed, but in a condition to permit public worship. Both the Methodist churches are now supplied semi-monthly by the pastor from the town of Champlin.

Maple Grove Catholic Churcli is located on section 29, in the south-western part of the town near school No. 45, lias been in cliarge of the Rev. Father, A. Ladriere for the jiast five years, and has a membership of over a hundred families.

Tlie Congregatioiialists liad preacliing for a few years in the school-house on .section 4, by the Rev. A. K. Packard, from Anoka, but for the past seven years have had no regular preaching.

1. (». (i. 'J". This Lodfre was oipniized in ISCio. , They hnilt for their acconunodation .a hall overthe s<-hool-honse in District Xo. A-. wliere rejinlar meetings were held for several years, and the town rejoiced over the jrood wurk it was doing, l)ut like all hnnian efforts, it ha<l the frenn of decay in it. which fed u|Hin its vitality until it finally iM'canie entiivly extinct.

Was orjtani/.ed in the winter of IS.'iS-i), in the s<-li<H)l-liou.se in District 42. In coiniection with it. wa.s starteil a paiicr called the "^Iai)le Grove Watchman." lead each week dnrins the winter months. It was here the Conscri])! Fathers" of the town, met to discnss the leading questions of the (lay - to measure swords in an earnest deliate. and it is to he hoi>ed. always rising ahove the dehasing inlluenci-s of an angry discussion. It giX'W, and flourished f<ir a time, calling to its aid such men as AV. A. Crawford. Assistant Editor of the -- Xew Vork (iraiihic." wlio gave them a lectiin- the first winter of its existence. The " Watcliman " chronicled the events of the town and many were the sharp "home thrusts" that Itristled from llscolunnis. lint Its glory is past, anil it. like sonie of its founders has gone to rest.

The school system In this town is ciiual to any in Hennepin county, which is called the hanner county of the state. The llrst school in the town Wiu* estalilished on section 4. in school district Xo. 4:2. and is now a joint district. The < it her join I ones are No. KM. located on section -!, and Xo. 4(1, loi-ated on se<'tion 'J'. The entire districts are No. 4'». lo<-ale<l on section llli, Xo. 44, located on .section 17. and No. Ion. locateil on section 1). He- Hides lliitM' an- joint ilislricts Xos. HH, 4H and 4.'), liouiteK liicntwl in <it)ier townships. All the school linildings in (he town are nearly new and in KimnI H'palr: 4'.' ami 4il are furnished with |iatent de«kH Hiiil M-atH.

Manufactx'Res

A small saw-mill was Imilt on Elm Creek, section in, in 1st'.."), hy Franklin Cook and changed to a grist mill in isiis. It now has two run of stcme. one for flour and one for feed, wliich is a great convenience foi' the innnediate neighborhiKid. Tliere are in the town, four amber cane mills, owned and located as follows: S. S. Hawkins, on section 3; E. P. Woodworlh, on section 3; Henry Abel on section 17. and one on section 18, owned by AVilliam and James Chapman. Each one (if tlicni has a capacity of from eight to .sixteen Inniilicd gallons annually.

'I'lic first building used for a town jiouse. was purchased of lliiaiu I'.lowers and fitteil u]) for the use of the town in l.st>3. It is located on section!). It was used until the present building was erected on the site of the old one in 1877. Size, "Jl'xS^. one story high, well built and \n good condition.

There are three cemeteries in the town, located as follows: One on section 4, established sixteen years ago by an association, as a general burial groimd ; and one on the extreme west line of sec tion 7 ; also one on the north line of the siime section.

Supervisors - AVilliam E. Evans, chairman, Fred Pauley and James McConnell ; Town Clerk, J. M. Eddy; Treasurer, CJeorge A. Latlini Assessor, John A. (^onover; Justices, Charles Leonard and A\'illiani K. Kvans: Constables. William Joslin and John Odenbreicht. Wliole nundier of acres, 21,31s. A'aluatlon of real estate, ?293,162; of personal pro|ieity, ^;47,^i(l7. Taxes for ISSO. S3,808. Poimlallon in Isso. I.l.VJ.

Henry .Miel was liorn in Kssex county. Xew York, May stli. IM'I. lie lived tliere twentythree years, ami in llillsilale. .Micliigan. four years. .Married .\nn K. Lolnlell, in 1S.")(); she died in bS.'ii:. He came to Minnesota in Aiiril, 1K.'>4, and took a claim in .Maiilc (irove, where the town house now stands. He illd the first mason work this side of St. .Xnthony. He made a claim and sold It: tlicn iiia<l>' amitlici': sold that, and took the oue he now lives on ; built a log house ten feet square and covered it with hark, using the same material for floor and tables. In l.SoS. he was married to Sarah ^I. Brown, who died in 1861. He married bis third \\ife, Sarah Weaver, in lSfi2. Mr. Abel built a new bouse, which, with contents, was destroyed l)y fire in 1870. lie is the father of four children. Ilis third wife died in October, 1880.

A. O. Angell was born m Bridgewater, Vermont, in 1834. He moved with Ids parents to Michigan, then to Ohio, and in 18.5-t, came to Minnesota, and made a claim in Maple Grove. Jmie 8th, 186.5, be married Alary Atkinson. They have two children living. He lived in his cabin covered with bark and with floor of basswood slabs, until 1858. Mr. Angell helped to cut the first road leading from Osseo to Rice Lake.

J. H. Briggs was born in Smyrna, Chenango county, Xew York, April 19th, 1828. He came to Mimiesota, and located in ^Staple Grove in 1855. Iklariied Jane A. Faulkner in 1852. They have six children. The first year he came, he had to carry provisions on his back from St. Anthony to his home, a distance of sixteen miles. At that time, Muuieapolis had but two houses. Mr. Briggs is one of the oldest settlers in this town.

William Brooks was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, December 6th, 1826. He remained with bis parents twenty years. Lived in Wisconsm eight years, and came to Minnesota in 1857, locating in Maple Grove, where he now lives. In 1852 he married Mary A. Carter, who died in December, 1861. His second wife was Sarah L. Jenneson. The first eight years that he was here, he lived in a log bouse that was co\'ered with redoak shakes, and had a floor of split basswood.

Octave Caron, a native of Canada, was born in 1836. He lived there seventeen years ; then came to Minnesota, and worked on a farm : also at the Sioux Agency. In 1855 he went to Shakopee. He ran a ferry for two seasons, at Mendota. Enlisted in 4tb Minnesota, Comi)any E. Was in Sherman's march to the sea, and was honoiably discharged in 1865. He has lived in ilaple Grove since 1878. In 18.59 be married Pbilomene Le Due. They have nine children living. He owns land in Brooklyn, and Wheatland, Rice comity.

Grove in 18-54. He married Miss II. M. Bosworth, in 1857. The first winter he passed in this county, the Winnebagoes gave him some trouble. He built his house in the woods, using wooden troughs for shingles. Mi: Champlin was in Stearns county during the Indian outbreak. Xearly all the people left the country, excepting Ilis family and a young niiin named Warner.

John Cook was born in Ijiucoliishire, England, in 1820. Wlieii fifteen >ears of age, he bad learned the bakers' trade; came to America in 1849, stopping a short time in New York and Buffalo. In 1850 he went to DuPage county. Illinois, and remained live years. He married Mrs. Mary Ann Hardy. Came to Muinesota in 1855 and settled in Maple Grove. They have ten children living. Mrs. Cook died June 1st, 1876.

Patrick Darmody (deceased) was born in Tipperary, Ireland, in 1825. Came to America, stopping a short time in New Orleans and Cincinnati, landed in iliiiiiesota May 24th, 1855, and settled in Maple Grove. He married Ellen Peters, July 19th, 1855. There are six children Uvhig. Mr. Darmody died December 5th, 1879.

Patrick Devery. a native of Ireland, was born in 1818, and lived with his parents twenty-one years. He then came to America; stayed in Ohio a few months, and in New York ten years. Came to Alinnesota and settled in Maple Grove, October 1854 ; he made a shanty of rough boards a bedstead of hickory poles, and used a dry-goods box for a table. ^Ir. Devery is the father of eleven children.

Fredrick Ebert was Ikjiii in (Jeiinany, 1816, came to lUinois in 1817. .Maiiicil October 10th, 1848, to Julia Ostrath. of Macon coiuity. Illinois, and lived there eighteen years. Came to Ilciinepiii county, in 1.S64. Have eleven cliildien : John, Frederick, Margaret, ( icorge,.! iilia, .Vdam. Hemy, Susan, Charles, Conrad and \\'illic.

Loins Pierre Garvais was born at Wolf River, near Montreal Canada, in l.slo. Lived there sixteen years, and mo\ed to Lake Champlain, New York, where he resided for twenty-two years; then came to Saint Paul, remained there tw'o years, and one year ui Saint Anthony, after which he came to what Is now Maiiletirove. He made bis claim on what is known as Bottineau Prailie, and was the lirst seltlei- in this town. For nearly two years their imly neigbbois were the Winnebago Indians. After lie had been here nearly two years, the whites began to settle around him. lie married .Man Twonibley. hi >"ew York, October 1.5lli. IKW. They have had ten children, four boys and six girls, all living, with tlic exceiitiiin of the fii-st-boni. who died at the age of eleven, in York Stilte. On the 15th of Octol)er. 1880. Gar\-ais and wife, celebrated their golden wedding, at Osseo. impressive ceremonies U'ing held at the church. Eight children, and seventy-live grand children were invsenl.

John M. Eddy is a native of New Haven. \'ermont. When twenty-two years old. he went to California, and stayed about live yeaix. In 1856 he came to Minnesota, and settled in Maple (irove. He was mairied in 1857, to Mary E. Evans, of ("hittendeii county. Vermont. They have live children. Mr. Eddy was the fust town clerk, and held the office nine yeare. He enlisted in the Second Minnesota Cavalry, December 22d, ISfi,"}, was discharged December 2(1. 1865. and ha-s been fanning since that time.

\\. E. Evans was born in Chillciidcn county, Vermont, December 28lh, 1824. He remaijied there, working as niill-wright. until he came to Minnesota : was one of the liist settlers of Ma|ile (irove, and built the first house on this inad. a log cabin, now used as a granary. Before liis bl(K-k house was liiiished. he covered it with blankets to protect his family. In 1847 he was married to Mi.ss Lucia C. Austin, of \'ermont: she died in 1880. Mr. Evans has held various town odices siiii-c lie came here.

I/Conanl L. Hawkins i deceased; was a native of New Hanj|ishji'e. In 182!» he married Olivia 1'. Wright, at Keene.New Hami>sliiie. He lived in \'ennont until he came to .Minneapolis in 185(i. For two years he had charge of the tollgate near the I'niversity. .Mr. Hawkins ilied in Isiili, and .Mrs. H. resides in Minncajiolis with her daughter. Mrs. (J. W. Chowen.

Minerva Hoff was bom in Ohio. April 17th, 1824, and lived with her parents iintil twenty-two years of age. She was married, in Ohio, to Luther E. Ilotf. October liUh. 1850. They came to Maple (irove. .June 2d. 1855. being among the first settlers of the town. They have five children livuig. Mr. Luther E. Hoff. her husb.uid, died October 10th. 1864.

Sarah Kiefer. a native of New York, was born April 80th. 1881. She lived therefor ten years, and then moved, with her parents, to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She married. April 10th, 1849 ; came to Minnesiila and scttlcil in Maple Grove, in 1864, and has since made this place her home. Mr. Kiefer was born in (Jermany, Se|itember 5th. 1820. and died .\]ml 5lh. 1.S7-J. Mrs. K. has nine children living. She now owns one hundred and sixty aci'es of land.

Michael Knopf was born near Buffalo, New Y'ork, in 1885. Lived there ten years, then moved to Cook county, Illinois: remained there until twenty-five years of age. He was educated at the North-west College of the Evangelical Association at Napierville. In 1860 he came to Hicc county. Minnesota, and engaged in farming. He enlisted .Iiih 2Uli. lSii4. in Comiiany E. Sixth -Minnesota Iiifaiitrv. and served umil lie was honoialdy discharged in 1805. at Fort Snelling. He was pastor of the Evangelical Church at Waseca for three years, at Frontenac three years, one year near Henderson, and is now pastor of the Evangelical Church in Maple Grove. Married in 1861, to -Miss S. F. Flitch.

George .\. I-alliu. a native of Chilleiulen county, Vermont, was lioru February 19th, 1837: he lived there nineteen years, and came to Maple (irove. .Minnesota, in 18.56. On .lune 10th. 1867, he was married to .Miss .\niiic L. Ilddy. of Maple (irove. Ill Oclolier. Is72. she died, and he married for his second wife. Elizabeth N. Kerr, .laiiliary 7lh, 1874. Mr. l.allin's liist wife bore liim three children, and lie has two by his second wife.

*.i. .\. Lalliii was born in .Milton. Vermont, .\ugusl 2oth. Is5o. He came with his itarenls to Miuuesnta in ls5ii. ami lived in the town of Dayton inilll IsTi;. lie was married I )cccnilirr Tlli. \>^'ii. to .Miss Nellie Kiiibbe. ulio was bom in Holland December Isili. l,H5s.and came to America in 1H78. They have two childien.

boni October 14th, 1834. He lived there fifteen years, then removed to Massachusetts, and stayed until 1851 , when he came to Minnesota, and settled in Maple Grove ; worked at carpentering till 1870, and has since that time followed farming. In 1863 he joined General Sibley's expedition as a scout, was drafted while on his way from Fort Snelling to Ft. Eidgely and was ordered to return to St. Paul. lie paid three hundred dollars for a substitute. He was detailed for dut)- at Fort Wadswortli.transfeiTed to Fort Abercrombie, and again transferred to Fort Wadswoith : he left there in Novemlier 1864, and returned to Maple Grove. He married Laura Gasner, September 20th, l8oS. They have six children livuig.

Albert A. Opitz, a native of Ohio, was bom m Toledo, August 4th, ISoo. He came to Minneapohs May 1st, 1868, and worked at the tinners trade until 1879, when he removed to Maple Grove. He manied Mrs. Nancy Brownrigg, Februaiy 15th, 1880, who was bom in Washington county, Ohio, in 1856. Her first husband died September 28tli. 1879, and Mrs. Brownrigg married Mr. Opitz. They live on the faiin purchased by Mr. Brownrigg-.

Otto Ohrmundt was lioru in Germany. November 16th, 1848. He resided in his native couutiy with his parents until he came to America. He came to this country in 1870, and after a residence of eighteen months in Wisconsin, came to Maple Grove, where he has since resided. He was married in Germany, in 1865. Has two children, a boy aged eight, and a girl lour years.

WiUiam H. Pa\'itt came to Minnesota ui the autumn of 1855. Remained about two years in Minneapolis, and then moved to Cokato. Wright coiuity ; staid there two years : then returned to Minneapolis, and remained until 1867, when he moved to Osseo. and has since lived on his faiTU. section 16, town of !Maple (irove. He married Maiy L. Hoff, in November, 1873. She is a native of Hennepin county.

Catharine Peters was born in Ireland, in 1832. She Uved witli her parents ten years : then went to England, and Uved there three years: then emigrated to America. Came to Mimiesota in 1855, and settled in ^Slaple Grove. Manied, Apiil 4th, 1855, to John Peters, who died October 30th, 1866. She has two childi'en living. James was bom JaiiuaiT27tli. 1856. and Edward. March 4tli.

1858. The family is living upon the " Peters Estate," of 160 acres, on section 31. Both sons are able and active young men. conducting the farm with ability.

Shemian Phelps, bom in Smitli\ille. New York, August 11th, 1820. He lived there twenty-three years: tlien moved to Cook county, lUuiois, and remained until 1865, when he came to Mimiesota, and kicated in Maple (irove. where he has since resided. Manied Anna E. Limberger, Jlay 18th. 1848, who died February 14th, 1869. Mr. Phelps has seven children living.

A. Robert was born in Belgium. May 12th, 1818. For forty-tlu-ee years he lived in his native land, then came to Minnesota, and settled in Corcoran. He removed to Maple (irove. and has suice resided here. In 1863, he enlisted in Hatches Battalion Mum. Cavahy, and was cUscharged ui May, 1866. Mr. Robert has never married.

Ilemy Robert, a native of Belgiiun. was born May 15th. 1819. When thirty-four years of age. he came to America, and located at Lake Superior ; then removed to Mimiesota in 1856 ; Uved at Greenwood five years, and m Corcoran two years ; then came to Maple Grove. He removed to Corcoran again, but retumed to Maple (irove. and lias since resided here. He manied Miss Matilda Twombley, October 3d, 1850. Tliey have four children living.

WilUam Trott was lioiu in England, in 1828. He came to America in 1846, and worked on a farm in Orleans county, New York, a few years : then went to Indiana, as foreman o\\ a railroad. Poor health compelled liiiu tn resign. He came to Minnesota, in 1853. and boiiglit a claim in Eden Prairie ; sold it for S500 : tlien explored dilTcrent parts of the then territory, making several claims and selling them. In 1854. he came to JIaple Grove : liought a claim, built a shanty, which he covered with bark, and lived in it the first winter. July, 1866, he married Lilly Sutherland, of Canada.

Josiah Weaver, bom in Miramichi,NewBnmswick. November 2f)th, 1815. Went witli his parents to Frederickton, lived tliere nine years and came to Mimiesota in 1856, with his father, his mother having died when lie was eighteen months old. Since coming to this state lie lias lived willi Mrs. Hoff. He enlisted January, 1865, ui company B. Second Minnesota Infantry Yolmiteers ;

J. yi. Williaiiisiiii. a native nf Washiugtoii, Ohio, was bom February 24th. IHoT. He came to Minnesota in 1865. and settled in Maple (i rove, .Se))tenil>er 4th. IKSfl. lie married Miss Sophia Zeorb. His father enlisted October SM. 1861, in Compan.v J5. Sevent.y-liftli Ohio Infantrv. but was discharged for physical disal)ility. and was not aljle do a day's woik after he came out of the army . Mr. Williamson. Sr., died in 18H(i.

L. 1!. W'iliiKit was born in LaPorte. Indiana. .Vugusl IWtli, Is.Si). and lived there lifteen years; then went to Minneapolis, and from there to the

Black Hills, where he remained two years. Married Miss K. Foster. August 12th. 1875, and now lives in Maple Grove. They have one child, George.

E. P. AVoodworth. born in Ashtabula county. Ohio, July IHlli. 1844. Lived there seventeen years, and in Pennsylvania tlu'ee years. He enlisted in th(' naval service. August 13th, 1864; served ten months, and was discharged. He was maiTied July 24th. 1866. to Selina C. Clarke, of Pennsylvania, and came to .Maple Grove where he has since lived. They have three children living.