Morristown City

Morristown City

This is the only village in the township, and has a beautiful location on the Cannon Kiver, in the corners of sections twenty-two, twenty-three, twenty -six, and twenty -seven. The river furnishes excellent water-power, and it is suri-ouuded with the best timber and prairie farming land in the county. It is the fourth place, of size and importance in Rice county, and, when tho railroads which are now being graded are in working order, it bids fair to beeomo a formidable rival for a higher place. The village has a population of about 600, and according to the last assessment the total value assessed in the limits is .§67,546, of which $25,546 represent the personal, and .S43,- 100, the real property.

To give some idea of what was thought of the village in an early day, below is a short sketch of it made by Mr. C. Williams, in 186)0; it says: "Morristown is another important village on tho

Cannon Biver in the extreme western part of the county, and ten miles from Faribault. It contains two stores, one steam saw-mill, one water saw and grist miU, two taverns, one cabinet shop with waterpower, two blacksmith shops, one schoolhouse, one house of public worship, and a Post-office. The village contains 100 inhabitants. The farmcountry around it is very flue, oombiniug the advantages of prairie, wood and water."

In 1874, the village was incorporated, embracing in its limits sections twenty -two, twenty-three, twenty-six, and twenty-seven, a square of two miles.

Early Settlement. - The first settlement of the village commenced shortly after that of the township, and since the beginning has been rapid and constant. About the middle of April, 185.5, Mr. Jonathan Morris, who Lad the year before settled at Faribault, started up Cannon Kiver, in company with Walter Morris, in search of a mill jjower. They followed the course of the river as far up as the present site of Waterville, then returned as far as Mr. Story's, where they remained over night, receiving at the hands of Mr. Story and his excellent wife, true pioneer hospitality. Finding that nature had provided a splendid water power at this point, they decided upon locating at the present site of Morristown, and in a few days thereafter, erected a log cabin near where Mr. Hershey's dwelling now stands, and moved in the same.

They immediately commenced the construction of a saw-mill, which was comjileted and in active oparatiou early in the fall of the same year, a history of which has already been given.

During the summer and autumn of 1855, Joseph Dixon, Isaac Hammond, Reuben Morris, Daniel Wilkins, Richard Miller, Harrison and Jackson Willis, Thomas and James Sjirague, Coleman Bloomer and brother, and several others, moved into the township and made claims, thus forming quite a little community, and Mr. Jonathan Morris decided on laying out a. portion of his claim into village lots, but owing to hard work and exposure incident to the building of the mUl referred to, Mr. Morris was taken sick, which resulted in his death, being the first death in this part of the county. After the death of Mr. Morris, his widow, Mrs. Sarah Morris filed ujion the tract of land she and her husband had settled upon, and during tlie winter of 1856-57, went to

Winona and pre-empted it, and in the spring following secured the services of Mr. C. C. Perkins, who surveyed a portion of her claim into town lots. About this time Mr. Thomas Dexter moved into the place and put up a small frame house, and opened the same as a hotel, which was known as the "Delaware House," Mr. and Mrs. Dexter proved well adapted to the business, and did a flourishing trade for several years.

Early in the spring of 1857, Messrs Locke & Pope commenced the construction of a large hotel, at that time one of the largest in the country, and when completed, was known as the "Eagle Hotel." This house continued to do a good business until a road was opened up on the north side of the river, which changed the travel so much as to materially effect the business, since which time the house has changed hands several times, and to-day stands without a tenant.

In the summer of 1855, Walter Morris built a small log buQding near where Mr. Hershey's mill now stands, which he fitted up as a store, and commenced the sale of goods, and continued till the fall of 1856, when he sold out his entire stock to Messrs Locke & Pope. In the fall of 1856, Mr. Collins came from Hastings and opened a store on the corner where Mr. Crawford's black smith shop stands, but failing to meet his obligations, was compelled to surrender his stock to his creditors early the next spring; the store passing into the hands of Messrs .Adams & Allen. Mr. Adams took charge of the store, but immediately sold out to Reuben Morris, taking in exchange for the same, Mr. Morris' claim of 160 acres lying immediately west and adjoining the original survey of the village, the consideration being estimated at .$1,600 Soon after Mr. Lewis McKune purchased an interest in the store with Mr. Adams, whereupon Walter Morris took charge of the store, and in the winter of 1857. sold the siock to Messrs Hayden & Graves.

In the month of January, 1857, Mr. Charles D. Adams returned to Morristown bringing with him a stock of merchandise, and opened up for business in the store formerly occupied by Mr. Collins. Daring Mr. Adams' absence one Benjamine Dexter jumped the claim of Adams & Allen, which created quite an excitement, and on the return of Mr. Adams, several members of the "claim society" proposed to remove Dexter from the claim. In the early settlement of this country, the claim societies often resorted to violence to accomplish their object, but Mr. Adams bein^ a man of peace desired to avoid all trouble and finally paid Daxter $212 to leave the claim, and Uext.-r found it convenient to leave the country, it not being considered a very healthy locality for claim jumpers.

In the autumn of 1857, Mr. Adams erected a large store building, and immediately moved into it. This was erected on what is known as Adams' & Allen's addition, and is still doing excellent duty as a tenement house, and is an evidence of the pluck and energy of the oldest mercbant of the place.

In 1856, Messr* Webster & Norton located here and put into operation the first steam saw-mill in this part of the country, which they continued to run for some time, but finally transferred it to Rnfus Norton, who operated it for several years.

During the summer of 1858, Mr. (3sterhout settled in the village and put up another steam sawmill, making at that early day, one water and two steam mills in town. Besides these mill there was a cooper shop, cabinet shop, and two blacksmith shops.

The town having gone ahead of the country it was evident that a standstill would follow, until the surrounding country was better improved, and it was some years before any other improvements were made worthy of notice. What there has been are noted under the head of "Industrial Enterprises."

The early settlers of this section were principally young and energetic men who had left their homes in the East to endure the hardships and privations incident to settlement of new countries, and during the long winters, when one and all were compelled to be more or le.ss inactive, the want of some kind of amusement suggested the idea of organizing a mock legislature, and during the winter of J856, a society was organized, the hall in tlie Eagle Hotel was secured, where, once a week, the old and young, male and female, for miles around, would attend to hear the boys discuss questions usual to such societies, and listen to the reading of a paper, which purported to give the current news of the day. The local department of the paper proved of great interest to one and all, and the settlers now living look back upon the winter of 185G-57. as ttte most pleasant and enjoyable one they ever experienced.

Time or space will not admit of giving a full account of every event that transpired in the early days of wliat is now the lieautiful and flourishing village of Morristown. Where but a few years ago the wigwam of the untutored savage stood, has, by the hand of industry, been transformed into a tliriving village, containing churches, schools, stores, milts, hotels, and in short, all the conveniences of civilization.

Morristown Post-opfu^e. - Was established in 1856, Walter Morris having been appointed Postmaster, with jDowor to appoint a carrier at an expense not to exceed the net proceeds of the office, whereupon, Dr. Ward took the contract and continued to carry the mail from Fariliault until a mail route was established, and M. O. Walker commenced running his stage from Hastings to St. Peter. Owing to the rush of immigration in 1856, Mr. Morris deemed it best to run a stage from Hastings to this place, whereupon, he purchased stock and commenced running a conveyance twice a week, and continued until M. O. Walker liegan running his stages over the same route.

Mail now leaves Morristown for Faribault at eight o'clock in tlie forenoon and arrives at Faribault at 11 o'clock. Leaves Faribault at one o'clock r. M., and arrives at Moyistown at four o'clock, daily. Charles Dolan is contractor and driver, and Mr. Walter Morris is the Postmaster, with the office in his store.

"Not Dead." - A very peculiar circumstance is reported in the various papers of the county as occurring near Morristown on the 17th of November, 1872, and we give it, unvouched for, as we get it. A lady whose name is withheld, was extremely ill; she sank slowly away until it was whispered, "She is dead." Friends gathered and wept tears of sorrow over her departure; neighbors were called and slie was shrouded for burial. Arrangements were fast being made to deposit her remains in the narrow house. The time was fixed, - but, to the joy of friends, signs of life were visible^ breathing apparent; life struggled; the eyes displayed their original beauty, and she lived, while the friends joyfully dispiirsed,

OyRus 0. Aldriou, a native of New York, was born in Chenango county on the 5th of August, 1833. He was married on the 18th of February, 1851, to Amanda Chapin. The year following they moved to Wisconsin, a year later to Faribault, and iu 1859, to Morristown, locating in section seven. Mr. Aldrich enlisted in the First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, Company G, on the '21st of April, 1861, served three months and then re-enlisted iu the Fourth Minnesota Regiment, was wounded iu the battle of \ltooua and discharged for disability. After returning from the army, being unable to perform heavy manual labor, he engaged in the manufacture of sorghum and bee culture and is at present proprietor of the Central Apiary depot of supples, hives, and honey. Mr. and Mrs. Aldrich have had six children, five of whom are living. He was one of the Councilmen the first two years after the village was incorporated.

Heert Blbncoe was born in Chenango county, New York, on the 1st of June, 1837. He was married on the 18th of March, 1863, to Mrs. Mary Ann France, and Lis native place claimed him as a resident until 1865. He came from there to Minnesota and for two years lived in Waseca county, then moved to the village of Morristown, and in 1869, to his present farm in section twentynine. Mr. and Jtrs. Blencoe have two children both girls.

C. M. Benson, one of the early settlers of Morristown, is a native of Vermont, born on the 7th of August, 1836. In 1853, he removed to Illinois and the following year to this township where he took a claim, but as he was not of age it was "jumped" and soon after his twenty-first birthday he made another, in section twenty, which has since been his home. In 1861, he enlisted in the First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, Company G, served three years and partici])ated in thirty battles, in the last of which he was shot, the ball entering his left side passed through him and lodged in his knapsack. He received an honorable discharge, returned to his home, and on the 31st of May, 1866, married Miss Ann Eliza Pool. The result of the ULion was eight children, six of whom are living. Mr. Benson is always interested in all school matters.

Alonzo BuRcii, a native of Michigan, was born on the 18th of December, 1844. In 1856, he came with his parents to Steele county, Minnesota, and two years later moved to Faribault. He enlisted in the army iu 18(52, and served till the close of the war, then returned to Faribault and engaged in mechanical pursuits ten years. He was joined in marriage on the 16th of November, 1867, to Ardella Hammond. They came to this township in 1875, purchased land in section five, and Mr. Burch has since devoted his time to its cultivation.

TnoM.\s Bennett was born in Licking county, Ohio, on the 7th of October, 1816, and resided there until the age of twenty -two years. He then, in the spring of 1839, moved to Indiana, where he married Miss Sarah Baker, the event taking place on the 8th of May, 1846. In 1863, they came to Morristown and two years later moved to Le Sueur county, where Mr. Bennett was a member of the board of Supervisors and Treasurer of his school district. In 1873, he returned to Morristown and bought land in section six, where he has built up a comfortable home. Mr. and Mrs. Bennett have had eleven children, seven of whom are living.

Joseph DrsoN was born on the 15th of April, 1830, in Highland county, Ohio. He was married in Owen county, Indiana, on the 12th of September, 1850, to Miss Elizabeth Morris. Four years later they came west to Faribault, and the following spring to Morristown, where they were pioneers, and staked out a claim in section twenty-six, now known as Nathan's addition of the village of Morristown. On the 30th of April, 1864, he enlisted in Company I, of the Fourth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and served till the close of the war. He then returned to his home in this place and has since devoted his time to its cultivation. Mr. and Mrs. Dixon have ten children, five of whom are married and five stOl remain at home.

C. Hekshey, Jr., one of the early residents of this county, is a native of Canada, born on the 12th of September, 1836, and emigrated with his parents to Wisconsin when three years old. In 1855, they moved to Warsaw township where Mr. Hershey remained until 1859, then came to Morristown and has since made it his home. He erected a saw and grist-mill, the latter of which he still operates. He was married on the 1st of January, 1869, to Miss L. A. Hurt and the union has been blessed with three children. Mr. Hershey was elected Town Treasurer at the last election.

studied law at the Albany University. He was married on the (ith of March, 1801, to Miss Eninui Lynde. In 18(i5, they removed to Missouri, two years later to Faribault, arriving on the -ith of July, and in a few months located in jNIorristown. lie has been Justice of the Poaco several terms, and in 187:-i and '7") was a memlicr of the Legislature. He is proprietor of the head lining factory and also manufactures lumlier and shingles. He is tlie father of three children.

WilijIa.m H.iLEiN, a native of Germany, was born on the 18th of 'Nobember, 1825. He was married on the 12th of November, 18.'55, to Miss Eugle Neymier and the same year emigrated to America and settled in Illinois. In 186.5, he moved from there to Waseca county, Minnesota, and remained engaged in farming until 1881, then came to this place and purchased land in section thirty-four, where he now resides. Of fourteen children born to him, t;m are living, two married and eight at home. Mr. Halein has been a school Director ever since his residence in this State.

John Hilb was born in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, on the 17th of July, 1828. In 1844, he moved with is parents to St. Joseph county, Michigan. In the spring of 1853, he left home and went overland to California, crossing the plains with an ox team, was engaged in mining and lumbering until 1859, then returned by wav of the Isthmus of Pannama. He reached Michigan in August, 1859, and the 1st of tlie following November, married Miss Sarah Jane Reed, who bore him three children, two of whom are living. She died on tlie 8th of A))ril, 18(54, -soon after which Mr. Hile enlisted in the Fourteenth Michigan Light Artillery and served till July, 1865. He then returned to his home and children, and on the 3rd of September, 18G5, married Miss Henrietta E. Vincent, who has borne him four children, three-of whom are living. A month after his marriage, Mr. Hile brought his family to Minnesota and lived in the village of Morristown till the following spring when he purchased land in section seventeen and in March moved his family to the farm which has since been their home. He has been a member of the board of Supervisors and is at present Chairman; in 1880, was elected Assessor of the town and u])on the organization of his school district was chosen Director and is now Treasurer.

C. B. Jackhon was born in Tipton county, Indiana, on the 12th of Jiiiy, 1842. In 1854, he removed with his parents, Thomas and Margaret Jackson, to Webster county, Iowa, and in 1856, to Waseca county, Minnesota. In April, 1861, he enlisted for that month in Company (t, of the First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry and on the 29th of the month ro-enlistcd in the same regiment for three years. He was discharged and returned to his home, but in February, 1865. again re-enlisted, in Battery L, of the First Minnesota Heavy Artillery, was promoted from Sergea^it to Commissary of the Regiment, and received his discharge on the 27th of September, 1865. the close of the war, having participated in twentytwo battles. Mr. Jackson's military record was not excelled by any private soldier,and it is stated by one of his comrades that at the battle of Gettysburg he took at least fortj' prisoners, single handed and alone, wliich fact can be attested by Sergeant C. 0. Parker and many others of the company. On the 22d of November, 1865, he was married to Miss Mary E. Donaldson, who has borne him five children, four boys and one girl, the latter of whom died on the 12th of August, 1881. After returning from rhe war Mr. .Jackson removed to Morristown, and was employed as an engineer in a mill for three years. Finding that the business did not agree with his health he rented a small Imildiug and opened a tin shop, employed a tinsmith and learned the trade in his own shop. He now carries a good stock of general hardware. He was elected Justice of the Peace in 1877, and held the office until 1882, when he resigned.

Aabon Ivisoh is a native of Ohio, born on the 13th of October, 1833. When ten years old he moved with his parents to Wisconsin where he was engaged in agricultural |)nrsuits until 1859, then removed to Le Sueur county, Minnesota. While in Wisconsin he married Miss S. G. Dunlavey, a native of New York City, the ceremony taking place on the 15th of September, 1855. They have had eleven children, ten of whom are living, eight boys and two girls. In 1875, they moved to this township and settled in section fifteen, where they still live. Soon after his arrival here Mr. Kisor was elected Town Treasurer, and in 1879, Cliairmau of the board of Supervisors.

the 22d of February, 1836. In 1848, he moved his parents to Franklin county, and afterward resided in different counties in the same State, remaining until 1857, when he moved west to Minnesota and settled in Faribault, and the following year bought land in section sis, Morristosvn. He has since made the place his home and added to his farm, which now contains tliree hundred and thirty-eight acres. On the 29th of July, 1859, he was united in marriage with Miss Olive Purinton, of St. Lawrence county. New York, and they have four children, three sons and one daughter. In 1869, he was chosen Chairman of the board of Supervisors; in 1870, was elected Justice of the Peace, and several times has been clerk in his school district; in 1878 and '79, was a Bepresentative in the State Legislature. Mr. Kenuey devotes his entire time to the manufacture of sorghum and aml)er sugar, has a fine mill and makes the best article in the State.

John Larson was born in Norway on the 39th of December, 1830. He was married in his native land on the 1st of October, 1858, to Miss Anna Anderson. They have had five children, four of whom are now living, two boys and two girls, the oldest having died after coming to this place in 1881. Mr. Larson came to America in 1869, remained in St. Paul one year, during which time he earned money with which to send for his family. Soon after he purchased land in Morristown and has since enjoyed life in a comfortable home.

Walter Mobris, one of the early settlers in this place, having come as early as April, 1855, was born in Ohio on the 12th of January, 1833. In 1846, his parents moved to Indiana, and in

1853, to St. Paul, thence to Hastings until 1854, when they settled in Faribault where our subject was one of the original proprietors, selling his interest to John W. North. An event of his life, which he wdl always remember, happened in

1854, when he assisted Alexander Faribault in getting five hundred Indians across the Kedwood to receive their pay. While on their way thither the Indians obtained liquor, got drunk and made numerous threats, but were finally sobered down and reached their destination in safety. After leaving Mankato they traveled two and a half days with nothing to eat and when finding a skunk, which made them a meal, they thought themselves fortunate. Mr. Morris was married on the 4th of July, 1857, to Miss Anna Chilstrum.

She died on the 17th of June, 1858, leaving one child. His present wife was formerly Miss Solina McGindlsy, whom he married on the 18th of September, 1860. Of four children born to this union, two are living. In 1855, Mr. Morris was appointed by Gov. Gorman, Justice of the Peace, and afterward elected to the office, holding the same four terms. In 1861, he removed to Owatonna, where he was County Auditor and Register of Deeds. In the fall of J863, he resigned, and the following spring made a trip to Colorado, engaged in farming and remained two years, but as the grasshoppers harvested both crops he removed to Mason, Missouri. There he was Deputy Clerk of the Court and Register of Deeds and remained until 1870, then went to St. Louis, and in 1875, returned to Morristown, which has since been his home, engaged in mercantile pursuits. He is Town Clerk and Postmaster.

Matuias Nelson is a native of Norway, born on the 6th of January, 1837. His father died leaving his mother and three children who emigrated to America in 1847. They first settled in Waukesha county, Wisconsin, and remained until coming to this township in 1856, being among the first settlers. Mr. Nelson's brother, Nels, enlisted in the army in 1862, and never returned; his sister, Mary E., is married and lives in Lyon county, and his mother, Catharine Nelson, died on the 11th of June, 1881, in her seventy-sixth year. He was married on the 3d of April, 1864, to Miss Elizabeth Lind, a native of Germany. They have five children, two boys and three girls. He has been a school Director the past term.

H., H. OsTBRHouT was born in Detroit, Michigan, on the 28th of April, 1832. He remained at home until reaching the age of manhood, when he engaged in the lumber business and as a millwright. He was married on the 13th of April, 185>7, to Miss Alvah A. Hall, who has borne him four children, three of whom are living. In 1866, Mr. Osterhout was made a member of the Post Hope Masonic Lodge of Michigan, No. 138, and in 1876, was converted and joined the Methodist church. On removing to Morristown in 1877, he joined the lodge in this place and also the M. EChurch, of which he is class-leader and local preacher. Soon after comming he purchased the saw-mill and hsading factory of which he is proprietor.

15th of October, 1851), and resided in his native Statu until the age of seventeen years. He then came to Minussota with his parents and settled in this township iu section eighteen, which has since been his home. He is at present school Clerk (or district No 90.

Joseph K. Southwiok was born in Moummith county, New Jersey, on the 12th of May, 1832. For a time he was engaged in rnnuing a saw-mill, and in 1848, moved to Indiana where he speut si.K years, then retnrned to his native place. On the 10th of February, 1856, he was joined in marriage with Miss Susan Williams. They have had nine children, seven of whom are living. In 18G9, he came west to Minnesota and purchased his farm which has since been his home. He is one of the school Directors in district No. 90.

Fkanz Schneider was born in Germany on the 5th of April, 1830, and in 1856, emigrated to America; first located in Wisconsin, where he engaged in farming until 1878, then removed to this place and bought his present farm of one hundred and thirty-six acres. Mr. Schneider has been married; first on the 4th of April, 1857, to Miss Mary Hienz, who bore him eight children, six of whom are still living. .She died fm the 9th of September, 1879. The maiden name of liis present wife was Miss Johanna Gudenschwager, whom

WiLLi.\M Riley Soule was born in Albany county. New York, on the 22d of July, 1837. His father died when William was ten years old, leaving nine children dependent on their mother. In 1848, she removed to Watertowu, Wisconsin, our subject remaining with hi.s brother, B. F., in New York, until the next year, when they too moved to the same place. In 1850, William went to Iowa, and four years later came to Morristown, staking out land in section twenty-three, but being too young to hold it he was offered and accepted $200 for it and the improvements, which consisted of some house logs, four thousand rails, and ten acres broken. In March, 1855. he removed to his present place on section thirty-three, and soon returned to Wisconsin for his mother, brothers, and sisters. In 1805, he enlisted in the First Minnesota Heavy Artillery, Company L. ; was in several skirmishes and at the close of the war received an honorable discharge at Nashville, Tennessee, and came directly home. He has been elected to local offices several times, but refused to serve. He was m-irried on the 21st of February, 1880, to Miss Mary E. Veal and the union has been blessed with one child, Rebecca Jane. His mother died the llthof Julv, 1876.

Outline History Of The State Of Minnesota

First white person cteeuted. ...'." 130 First .Minnesnta lii'j;imcnt. ... 131, 1.37 Jifth JlinncKota lte<;iment. . .131, 137 Fourth Jliunesota IJcgiment 137