New Trier City

New Trier City

This village is situated in the north-east part of the township, and has a population of about one hundred and twenty. Father Keller gave it the name in honor of a small city in Germany. The first building put up in the town was the log church in 1856. The next building was a board shanty built in 1863 by Mathias Hubli. In 1865, Peter Mies built the first hotel, called the New Trier house. This was sold in 1867, to John Simmer, who still owns it. In this was kept the first grocery in the place.

The village now contains two hotels. New Trier house and Farmers' Home; two general merchants, Francis Gores and T. J. Wallerin; hardware, Joseph Breher; meat-market, Herman Goering; harness-shop, John Nather; two blacksmiths, T. Mamer and Peter Thien; two shoemakers, Peter Kuhn and Caspar Michaels; merchant tailor, Theodore Deutsch; wagon-maker, John Delfelt; physician, Dr. Mahowsky; saloons, John Simmer, William Schweitzer, Peter Redlinger, Peter Kuhn, T. J. Wallerin.

The village was incorporated March 3d, 1874, and the first officers were Francis Gores, president; Joseph Deiring clerk; Andrew Weisen, Peter Redlinger, Charles Hostert, trustees. The present officers are Francis Gores, president; John Delfelt, clerk; John Simmer, Andrew Weisen, Peter Redlinger, trustees.

The village occupying about seventy-five acres of land, originally owned by John, Anna, Bernard Jacob Goergan, Margaret and Charles Lorenz, Catherine and Marcus Lies, Nicholas and Susan Lies and Jacob Deuer, was surveyed and platted by C. B. Lowell in February, 1874, and the plat recorded March 16th.

An addition, called Gores' addition, consisting of four blocks, ranging east and west, was surveyed and platted the same year. The two western blocks were vacated before the plat was filed, but the two eastern ones were recorded June 10th.

In June, 1856, C. B. Lowell surveyed and platted a village to be called Hampton, on land owned by James Archer and Abram Camfield. This plat was recorded June 22d. Two hotels and a saloon were opened, but owing to a want of patronage were abandoned and the plat vacated soon afterwards.

The north-western portion of the township, being more thickly settled than the rest, the citizens raised $100 by subscription, and erected the first school-house in Hampton, in 1856, in the fall. The following winter, Miss Mary Landers taught school, her salary being paid by subscription. District No. 75 was soon afterward organized, and the house purchased by paying the amount subscribed. In 1864, the district sold this building to William Smith, and built a new one, which, in January. 1867, was destroyed by fire. The district was then divided, a portion being set off, and formed a part of district No. 81 . The same year, district No. 57 built a new house on the present site, the north-west quarter of section 4. The boundaries of the district extend into the town of Vermillion.

The second school taught in the town was conducted in the winter of 1856-7 by N. F. W. Kranz, in an open log shanty, without floor, chair or bench, the teacher and pupils either standing up or sitting on the bare ground at their convenience. The district now comprises the school of the village. Early in 1881, the board of county commissioners added the south-west quarter of section 18, township 113, range 17, to this district, making it joint with the town of Douglass.

In the summer of 1857, the inhabitants of district No. 60, built a house, 16x20 feet, on the south-west quarter of section 15, and the winter following, N. F. W. Kranz taught a three months' term of school. Until 1870, the terms were of but three months' duration each year. During the summer of '70, a German school of twenty-five scholars was taught by Michael Linden. This summer school has been since con- tinued, the parents of scholars paying the expenses. The attendance frequently reaches as high as sixty scholars. During the summer of 1871, while the school was in session, a bolt of lightning struck the building, tearing away an entire side, and passing between two girls set fire to the clothing of each. The fire was quenched, without injury to the children, by the prompt use of a pail of water. A little girl who sat directly in the course of the bolt, was called upon the floor by the teacher just before the stroke. In the summer of 1872, the district built a larger house, costing, with furniture, $690. It is located on the north-east quarter of section 21. They now have from four to five months' session each winter, besides the private German school each summer.

The first school taught in district number 59, was conducted in a house known as the Worden place, by Miss Sarah Hawkins. In the spring of 1862, at a cost of $100, several citizens built a small house on section 19, and during the summer, Miss Jennie Culbertson taught for a term of five months,her salary being paid by subscription. In 1865,the district was created, the building purchased and removed to the north-west quarter of section 29. Here it did duty until replaced in 187«, by the present structure. The boundaries of this district extend into Castle Rock township.

The first religious services held in the town were at the house of Eugene Thein on section 12, in the fall of 1855. Father George Keller, a Catholic priest, who had conducted this initial worship, the following summer, organized a parish and built the first church in Hampton township. This was a small log affair, which was afterward used as a parsonage, until destroyed by fire. In 1856, a Jesuit missionary visited the people and labored among them for a time. He erected the missionary cross, which still stands near the church, on the 8th of November, 1856. The church, known as St. Mary's was under charge of Father Keller until August,

1862, Father Pius Bayer came as assistant in this capacity, serving until 1863, when he took the entire charge of the parish. In the spring of 1872, he was attacked by small-pox and died

May 13th. During the administration of Father Bayer, the fine stone church was erected, the corner stone being laid by him, May 5th, 1864. It was dedicated February 28th, 1866. After the decease of the pastor, the church was visited once a month by Father Thomas Scherer, of St Paul, until October, 1872, when he was succeeded by Father Magnus Mayer, who, during his pastorship, founded the school and convent of St. Mary 's church,March 11th, 1878, the present pastor Father Gregory Koering took charge.

The German Evangelical church is situated about one mile south of the village, on section 23. The first sermon of this order was delivered in the fall of 1857, in a small log residence, on section 23. The society was organized in 1859, with Rev. August Huelster, as pastor, and in 1860, built a small church. In 1675 their present structure was erected, and dedicated July 4th, Rev. £. H. Bobanman delivering the sermon. The members numbered sixty-eight, with Rev. Frederick Emde, pastor.

The German Baptist church, situated in the . south-western part of the town, on section 31, although not organized until 1876, occasional preaching has occurred since 1860. The Rev. Grusuch preaching there that year, in the house of August Otte, Sr., and continuing at irregular times for five years. In 1876, the society organized and built a chnrch, which was dedicated June 21st. The first regular pastor was Rev. Henry J. Muller. They now number twentynine members, presided over by Rev. J. Albert of Hastings.

The first English sermon preached in the town, was delivered by Rev. Charles S. LeDuc, then pastor of the Presbyterian church of Hastings, in the summer of 1856, in the first little schoolhouse built in the town. From time to time religious services were held as a minister could be secured. In 1859, Anthony Armstrong, a Methodist clergyman, visited the town, and on the 3d of July, a Methodist class was formed, and assigned to what was then called the Lakeville circuit, afterwards changed to Castle Rock circuit. Meetings were held in the school-house of district number 57, until it was destroyed by fire in 1867. James Archer then offered the use of his hall, which was accepted and occupied until the next year, when they began holding meetings in the school-house of district number 81. They now have Sunday-school and church in this building every two weeks, Rev. Bishop being their present pastor.

St Mary's Catholic cemetery is situated near the church to which it belongs. The first person buried here was Nicholas Riplinger Jr., who died February 17th, 1857. The cemetery contains about four hundred graves.

The Evangelical Association cemetery is situated by the church whose name it bears. The first person buried here was Mrs. Mary Ista, some time in 1860.

Hampton cemetery was first situated on section 9, the first grave being that of Stephen D. and Amelia Bell. In 1876 the yard was removed to section 4 , and contains about seventy-five graves.

The German Baptist cemetery is located on section 20, on land owned by the Otte brothers. August Otte, who died in 1857, was the first person buried here.

Mail

Early in 1855 a stage route was established from Hastings to Faribault, passing through Hampton in a south-western direction. Mails were carried over this route daily. Early in 1856 a post-office named Hampton was established at the house of James Archer, who was appointed postmaster, and he held the position about eight years, receiving a daily mail from Hastings until the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul railway was operated, since when mail has been received only twice a week. The office is now held by Frank Breher, who received his appointment in 1879.

In July 1867, a post-office was established at New Trier, with Nicholas Schwartz postmaster. Weekly mails were received from Hasti ngs and semi-weekly from Northfield. John Moes has been postmaster since 1873.

November 30th, 1878, Joseph Geipher, a farmer living on the south-west quarter of section 20, was crushed to death while sinking a large stone. As he was excavating under the rock, the ground caved, and the stone falling upon him, killed him instantly. A laborer named M. Dufl&ng was injured

Early in August, 1855, Philetus Dawson, while taking a gun from a wagon, accidently discharged it, the charge entering his leg just above the knee. A few days afterward mortification set in and after intense suffering he died, August 23d, his being the first death in the town. On the same day an un-named infant of Stephen D. and Amelia Bell, died.

Marriage And Birth

The first marriage in the township was that of John Kranz and Miss Abbie Stumpf , celebrated in the Catholic church at New Trier, in November, 1857, by Father George Keller. The first birth was that of L. Holden, born August 11th, 1855.

Biographical

Eli Ballard was born in Erie county, New York, May 24th, 1837. At the age of twelve years he moved with his parents to Otto, Cataraugus county, and received a liberal education. In 1855 came to Minnesota and settled on his present place. Three years later, he went for a short time to Waseca county, Minnesota. While there, February 20th, he was captured, through mistake, by the Winnebago Indians. They supposing him to be the man "Alcott," whom they were dispatched by the agent to capture, for the offense of selling liquor to the Indians. They started with him for the agency about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, and after going sixteen miles, stopped for l * refreshments" and for the night at a little Indian village, called "Little Thunder Town." Having stolen about twenty gallons of whisky, they soon became quarrelsome, and before morning all were more or less drunken. One, however, in the morning, separated himself from the company and conducted Mr. Ballard to the agency, where he was thrust into an open log calaboose, being obliged to remain eight hours, at which time he was rescued by one of the neighborhood. His hands and feet were frozen, and he was sleeping, which slumber would have been his last, had it not been for his timely rescue. In August, 1862, enlisted in Company F, First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, until the fall of 1864; was in the Indian campaign, then went south, serving until honorably discharged in August, 1865, at Fort Snelling. Returning home, he in 1872, went to Redwood county and took a homestead on which he lived two years, then returned to his former home in Hampton. Married Miss Nettie McCune in 1861, who died three years later. Married his present wife, Miss Julia Cain, in 1866. One daughter Fannie S. blessed this union.

Henry M. Bean, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Livingston county, New York, January 30th, 1830. Here he grew to manhood and received a good education, remaining on his father's farm until 1856, then came to Hampton and preempted one hundred and sixty acres. Here is still his home, and by industry and economy, he has been enabled to add three hundred and twenty acres to the original farm, also made many improvements. Married in 1856 to Miss Jane E. Sherd, who has borne him four children: Libbie H., Frank E., Mary E., and Alta S. It is thought that Libbie H. is the first child born in this county who is living at the present time.

Stephen D. Bell was born in Halifax, Vermont, July 30th, 1822. He grew to manhood in his native place, having the advantages of the district schools. In 1 852, he started for the west, and after a residence of two years at Union City, Michigan, he made a prospecting trip to Minnesota, visiting during the time, Hastings, Dakota county, there being but two houses. Having left his family at Ottawa, Illinois, he returned for them, and the next spring, 1855, moved to Hampton, pre-empting a farm of one hundred and sixty acres. His only neighbors at that time were Sioux Indians, who were quite numerous. By good management and perseverance, he has a fine farm of one hundred and ninety acres, well cultivated and stocked; blooded Jersey's being his specialty. Mr. Bell, being an old settler, has become wellknown, and has the respect and confidence of all who know him. At Worcester, Massachusetts, May 18th, 1846, he married Miss Princess A. Gilbert. Of the seven children born to them, four are living: Stephen G., John M., Ethel A. and Lillie A.

Philip Doffing, a native of Prussia, was born in 1844. When a child of two years, his parents brought him with them to America and located in Wisconsin. Here they lived until 1856, then removed to Dakota county, Minnesota. The farm on which Mr. Doffing now lives was taken as a claim by his father, in 1857. Miss Mary Biddinger became his wife in 1867. Seven children have been born to them, all now living: Mary, Nicholas, Mathew, John, Frides, Kate and Philip. Mr. Doffing was a pupil at the first school taught in Hampton, with N. F. W. Kranz as instructor.

James Duff was born at Buffalo, New York, March 26th, 1836. When a small child, his parents removed to near Columbus, Indiana, where he received his early education and lived until reaching the age of twenty-five years. He then came to Minnesota and passed his first year in hunting and trapping. In 1862, he enlisted in Company F, Eighth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and was for two years on duty on the frontier; was sent to New Ulm during the Indian hostilities there. The company was sent on so short notice that they were not properly equipped, being obliged to carry ammunition in their pockets. Subsequently they were ordered south, and were finally discharged at Fort Snelling. He then proceeded to Hampton township, and the following year, purchased his present farm. .Married September 6th, 1867, to Miss Nellie Johnson, who has borne him four children: Edith M., Mable L., Helen T. and Fred M.

Nathan Emerson was born at Concord, New Hampshire, November 19th, 1834. Here he grew to manhood, completing his education at the high school at Concord. He learned the trade of cabinet maker from his father, but declining health compelled him to seek more open employment. Coming west in 1860, he visited Hastings, Minnesota, thence to Hampton. Locating on a farm in this township, he has since made it his home. Enlisted in the spring of 1865, in the topographical corps and was discharged at Nashville, Tennessee^September 28th, 1865. He has given considerable attention to the improvement of his farm, having the finest display of forest and fruit trees in the township, consisting of European larch, maple, and thirty-six varieties of apple; has about two hundred apple trees, one hundred and sixty of them in bearing. Miss Clara Haselton became his wife in 1853, at Concord, New Hampshire. Henry N. and Hattie C, twins, George A., Minnie M. and Carrie E. are their children.

county, New York, August 25th, 1849. When a lad of twelve years, he accompanied his parents to Minnesota, locating at Hampton. Enlisted in Company D, Second Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, at the age of sixteen, February 28th, 1866, and joined his regiment at Goldsborough, North Carolina, on " Sherman's March to the Sea." Was discharged at Fort Snelling, July 21st, 1865. He had the advantages of the common school at Hampton, but finished his studies at the Minnesota State University in 1870, then returned to agricultural pursuits, teaching during the winter months. Married Miss Jennie E. Jones in 1872. Two children have been born to them, Emmons A. and Roy R.

Francis Gores was born in Prussia, province of Rhine, in 1826. He was a tiller of the soil in his native place, and in 1855, came to America. Coming to Minnesota, he located at Hampton in 1858, making a claim of one hundred and sixty acres of land, and still retains the eighty acres on which he lives. Mr. Gores held the office of town clerk about seven years, and when New Trier was incorporated, he was appointed postmaster, and held the position eight years. He was instrumental in the erection of the first church in New Trier, Father Keller being its pastor. He is also engaged in the general merchandise business in the town of Hampton. Married Miss Margaret Wolf, a native of Luxemburg. They have five children, Nicholas, Frank, Barbara, Rosa and Susie.

John Gores, a native of Germany, was born in 1827. Here he passed his time until coming to America in 1854. His location in Hampton township was the next year, where he pre-empted a claim of timber land which he has since sold. In 1857 he purchased his present farm of 120 acres, and has made all the improvements to be seen. Being an old settler, he has by his honesty and integrity made himself respected by all who know him. He has been twice married; his present wife was Miss Veronika. Maggie, Nicholas, Lena, Christopher and Clara are their children; Frank and Joseph by his first wife.

George Hoffman is a native of Hesse, Germany, and was bora January 1st, 1835. When sixteen years old he came to America, accompanied by his parents and located in Cleveland, Ohio. Here he learned the carpenter's trade, and in 1853 removed to Galena, Illinois, where he worked at his trade one year. Coming to Hastings, he found but one log house; remaining two years he continued at his trade and built the first frame house in the city. Purchasing forty acres of land in Hampton, he moved to it, assisted in the erection of the first Catholic church in the county, at New Trier, and in I860, assisted in building the first Evangelical church near New Trier, he has since been a supporter of the church. Has been prospered, and now owns a farm of three hundred and five acres, with pleasant surroundings. Married at St. Paul, October 3d, 1856, to Miss Susan Becker. Dora, Kate, John, George W., Christopher, Mary E., Annie S., Louisa, Martin and Amelia are their children.

Henry Hoffman was born in Prussia, March 19th, 1827. He received his early education in his native place, and learned the weaver's trade. In 1852 he came to America, locating near Detroit, Michigan, and assisted in digging the Welland canal. He passed a short time in North Carolina, one year near Duluth, Minnesota, three years in northern Wisconsin, and in 1859 came to Hampton and settled on his present farm. Married, in 1861, Miss Augusta Otte, a native of Germany. Charles, Herman, Emma, Henry, Julia, Lydia, Dora and Rosa are their children.

John F. Knowles was born in Niagara county. New York, November 20th, 1839. His father died in 1846, and the next year he moved with his mother to Chicago, where he acquired his education. Coming to Minnesota in 1861, he located in Douglass township. Enlisted August 22d, 1862, in Company K, Eighth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, under Colonel Thomas, was on duty on the frontier one and one-half years, then went south, was mustered out July 11th, 1865. at Charleston, South Carolina, and discharged at Fort Snelling, July 31st. Subsequently he lived three years at Hastings, and in 1872 went to Redwood county, Minnesota, locating a homestead which he exchanged for his present farm in Hampton township in 1875. Married in 1870, to Miss Charlotte Shepherdson, who has borne him [two children: Vey L. and Louisa.

to America in 1861, and attended the St. Vincent's college, at Milwaukee; was ordained at St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1865, and went to Wright county, as priest of St. Michael's church. There being at that time no church building, he held mass in his private rooms. He was instrumental in building what is now known as St. Michael's church, finished in 1866. Under his charge were eight missions, which he attended twice each month. He also built the church at Maple Plain, Hennepin county, in 1866, and the same year completed the structure at Maple Lake. About the year 1869, he removed to Shakopee, finding the church property deeply indebted, and in 1876, left it in a flourishing condition. In March, 1878, he removed to New Trier; the church there having flourished under his charge, the congregation numbering 1 ,000 souls.

Charles Kranz, a native of Prussia, was born April 4th, 1828. He received the advantages of a common school, also learned the blacksmith's trade in his native country. Going to France in 1847 he worked at his trade three years, then joined the Prussian army. In 1851, came to America with his father, they locating at Hastings-upon-Hudson, New York, where, early in 1854, Charles opened a shop for himself. Two years later, in company with mother, sister and two brothers, came to Dakota county, Minnesota, his father having preceded them. In 1857, he located in Empire, also started the first shop in Hampton, which he run for four years. His present farm was secured, in part, in 1856. Married Miss Kate Able, at New Trier, in 1858. Susan E., Nicholas C, Peter M., John B. and Theresa, are their living children.

Gilbert McKay was bom in Steuben county, New York, August 20th, 1825. Here he was reared to manhood on a farm and acquired his early education. In 1845, moved to Walworth county, Wisconsin, and finished learning the trade of carpenter and joiner, here remaining in the pursuit of his trade until 1854, removing thence to Prescott, Wisconsin. The same year located on a claim in Hampton township, he being one of the first to make improvements. During the spring of 1855 moved with his family to the claim. For several years Mr. McKay has been justice of the peace, was chairman of the first board of supervisors, and has also held nearly all the town offices. Miss H. Hodgson became his wife in Rock county, Wisconsin, in 1848. Gilbert E., Almira A., Lucinda I., William S. and Elizabeth H., are their children.

John Moes was born in the Grand Duchy of Luxemburg, in 1827. Came to America in 1851, settling near Dubuque, Iowa, on a farm. Purchased a farm on which he now lives, in Hampton, in 1860. He was district clerk by appointment in 1876, and has since filled that position; has also been postmaster at New Trier, since 1873. The Catholic church has received his liberal support in both its construction and present maintenance. His wife was Margaret Erthum, married in 1854. They are the parents of two sons and six daughters living.

John A. Schaffer, a native of Germany, was born June 8th, 1820. For several years he worked on the railroad and three years in a woolen factory. Came to Dakota county, Minnesota, in 1851, locating nine miles from Hastings and purchased 140 acres; three years later, made a claim in Hampton township of one hundred and sixty acres, to which he since added, owning now over one thousand acres. In 1860, his stone residence was erected, which is the largest in the township. Mr. Schaffer was instrumental in the building of the German Catholic church, also prominent in promoting the interests of the first school at New Trier. Married in Germany, in 1841, to Miss Catherine Mitz. George, Henry, Conrad, Nicholas, Adam, Mary, Margaret, Catherine and Cillie are their children.

the river Rhine, April 20th, 1829. While there, engaged in farming and was also a blacksmith. Came to America in 1847, locating in what is now Calumet county, Wisconsin. Six years subsequently he came to Dakota county Minnesota, and located on a farm in Hampton, engaging in agricultural pursuits until 1874, then embarked in the hotel business, having since continued. His wife was Miss Matilda Groil, a native of Prussia, married in 1852. They have three sons and three daughters: Arnold, Hubbard, Lizzie, Leborious, Theodore and Anna.

Charles E. Sherd, was born at Naples, Ontario county, New York, April 4th, 1847. He livedon the farm with his parents until 1855, when they came west and he resided with his grandmother until her death in 1860, then came west, proceeding to Hampton. Enlisted in 1863, in Hatch's Independent Battalion, and while in service was twice in the hospital afflicted with inflamation of the lungs, and was once injured while riding, by the horse falling; was discharged in 1866, and returned to Dakota county*, his old home. He now resides on a farm of eighty acres. Married Miss Alice Roath in 1873. Mary E., Don D. and Alonzo L. are their children.

William Smith was born in Ontario, Canada, February 5th, 1839. When seventeen years old his parents removed to Minnesota, his father preempting one hundred and sixty acres in Hampton, where he resided with his family until his death in 1874. William enlisted in January, 1865, in Company D, First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, serving until discharged at Fort Snelling, July 31st, 1865. He then returned to the old homestead; in 1878, started a meat-market at Cannon Falls, but two years later returned to Hampton, where he now lives.

J. H.Whitford wasbornin Ohio, January 27th, 1831. When five years old, removed with his parents to Michigan, residing there until 1855, then went to California, and engaged in mining three years. Returning to his former home in Michigan for a brief visit, he then located on a farm in Miami county, Kansas. Came to Dakota county, Minnesota, in 1861, and the next year located in Hampton, having at present a very desirable farm of 213 acres. In 1865, was elected chairman of the board of supervisors, which office he held several years. Miss M. C. Luddy

Julius Wille, a native of Minnesota, was born in Hastings, February 9th, 1859. When nine years old, he moved with his father to Hampton township. He purchased a farm in 1875, on which he now lives. His father's death occurred August 20th, 1879. Married at New Trier, November 6th, 1879, to Miss Mary Kurth, of Hampton. They are the parents of one child, Charles A.