Plymouth City

Plymouth City

I'lymouth is situated near the center of Hennepin I'onnty an<l coniprises the congressional township of lis north, range 22 west, lifth i)rincijial ineiidian. The surface is undulating. Iliat IHUtifin of the town around the iioitli end <if Medicine Lake, being the most liill\. When liist settled, the west anil noith-wesl i)art was cdveicd with a lieavy growth of tindiei'. covering neaily lialf of the town: the remaining purii.in licing covered by brush, with a few marslics that sui)- port a giowth of tamarac. The piincipal woods ash and poplar. The soil generally is a clay loam. Around Parker's Lake it issamly. ami in some plai-es gravelly. Sandy spots occur occasionally in the north-east part. 'l"he town is inl4'i-spei-Med with niuneroiis lakes, .\niong them is Medicine i«ike. the largest, situated in tinsouth-east pail of the town. 11 is a beautiful body of water, about two miles long from northwest to south-east, and nearly thiee-(iuarters of a mile wide in tlic widest part. The south-east shore is sandy, which with a sandy bottom makes it an e.xcellent balhiiig-i)lace,and is much resorted to for that purpose. ,\l diUVrent places on the east and west shoivs. the lianks are (|nitehigh and precipitous. The mirlli and south ends are marsli\. Its nutlet is Hassetl's Creek, which llowsoiit ol' the south end and ]iasses out of the liiwn at the south-east cornri- and empties into the .\lississip|ii at Minneaiiolis. The lake derives its name from an Indiiui legend, which says (hat an Indian in his i-anoe was capsized by a sudden storm, and the Indians not being able to lind his body, gave it the name nl .Medicine Lake. Bass Lake is in section 2. and covers about one hundred and lifty acres, w ith an island of several ai'res in llie rentei'. Its shores are marshy, and its outlet is Bass J.,ake Creek, which leaves the lake from its north-east corner. Ilows eastwardly out of tlic liiwn and cni|ilics into Shingle Creek in the south-west jiart nf liionklMi. It received its name from the larg<' number of bass, they being

Parker's Lake situated in the soutlieru jiart ot section 28, and northern part of section 33, covering about one hundred acres, is a clear and beautiful sheet of water, with sandy shores and a hard bottom. The other lakes in the town are more or less marshy, and small.

First Settlkment

Antoine Le Count was the first settler in the town, coming in October, 1853, and locatmg on the east shore of Medicine Lake, on section 24, where he now lives. Antoine Le Count is one of those men whose adventurous life deserves a record that should be preserved for the benefit of the oncoming generations - a I'ecord, counneucing with the primitive history of the Northwest, and extending over the eventful scenes that have been enacted duiing a half century. The writer of this article feels it to be a pleasing duty to give in brief the facts in his possession connected with this adventm'ous traveler, guide, and daring explorer, only regrettmg that the limits allotted to this work will not allow a more detailed account of the man whose history is so closely interwoven with that of the Northwest. And, as the object most sincerely sought for in this work, is to give a succinct and truthful statement of all the facts with which it has to deal, the reader will not do the writer the violence to think that he is reading aught but historic truths, as he follows the history of Antoine Le Count and his father. The latter was a guide in the early days of the Territory , carrying the mail from the Red Kiver country to points south; also carrying with him fancy trinkets and wampum, made by the Indians, taking them to 8t. Louis, and tradmg or selling tliem for horses, or whatever his shrewd mind suggested would pay him to bring back to tlie Hed Hiver country. By this means he a(/cumulated (piite a fortune. Among the early French settlers, he was known by the name ot Le Gros. He took Pierre Bottineau, when he was about twelve >ears old. into his family, and trained him to be the guide that afterward made him famous. Antoine was born on the Minnesota side of the Red Hivei-. near the International bomidary Une, November tith, 1822. In the summer of 1837, he came with his father to Fort Snelling, remaining until September following, when he returned to his home on Red River. His father, in connection with Franklin Steele, made a claim on the east side of the jNIississippi River, at the falls, including Nicollet Island. The followuig June he started for his claim, from Red River, with his family. With tlieni was a gentleman by the name of Thomas Simpson, who was in great haste to get through, and did not wish to take the time necessary to go around by La(' (|ui Parle, and offered Le Count a tempting price to pilot him across the country in as nearly a direct line as possible. Le Count accepted the proposition, and gave Pierre Bottineau charge of the party containuig his family, Pierre Bottineau's, and others, taking besides himself and Mi\ Simpson, his son Autohie, who was nearly seventeen years old, and two others, five in all, and started across. When about a day and a half on their journey, J*Ir. Simpson showed signs of insanity, but did not appear to be dangerous. About smulowu the fourth day out, while they were prejiaring to go into camp, Mr. Simpson seized a double-barrelled shotgim, and, wdthout a moments warning, shot Mr. Le Count and one of the men. Tlie shots followed each other so rapidly that the survivors thought but one shot had lieen tired. Le Count did not die inunediately. hut, knowing his end was near at hand, called his son Antoine to him and told him he was going to die. giving him instructions how, and what direction to take, to reach the train his mother was with, and to nni for his life before Mr. Simpson had time to reload. The hired man had alrea<ly ilisappeared, and yoimg Antoine, with trembling anxiety, watched his opportunity, and made his escape. He had not gone far when he lieard Mr. Simpson calling: "Jim I Jimll"(tlie liired maui; he wanted liim to take him l)ack. In the meantime, .Vntninc had found Jim, and tliey proceeded togetlier. When about a mile from their recent camp, they heard a gun and concluded the unfortunate man had killed himself. (They subsequently found that he had shot at and wounded one of the horses.) Urging their horses to their utmost si)eed, and following the track advised by his father, they struck the train trail of Pierre Bottineau about daylight, having come about tJfly miles. In a short time they were in camp, and told their story. Pierre Bottineau took a party and went back to the scene. When he reached it he found tlie unfortunate Simpson had added his own life to those of Ins two victims, by blowing his head entirely l<> iiieces. The bodies of Le Count and tlie other man. were lirousht back and taken to Red Kiver. and there buried. :Mr. Smipson's )K)dy was left on the spot.

The train Iheii moved forward on its road, and reached Fort SMcllini- about the middle of July 1838. Antoinc and uiMthcr rcmanicd there until the following sprini;. when they moved to I'ijrs Kyc. where he remained about a year. From that time he was a rover, moving from place to jilact- as fancy or work dictated, until he settled in Plymouth, in October ln-')3. With Antoine Le Coinit came Fct<'r Daniels, who made his claim adjoining Le Count, on the north, but ilid not settle until the year following.

.MmcisI simultaneously with .Vntoine Le Count. c;mie Thomas Hughes and family into this wilderness, the lurking place of Shakojiee and his Sioux band. Xo roads were known other than the wild Indians trail. Hut witli a lixed pinpose before him. this liaidv ;inil intelligent pioneer has con<piere(l every obstacle, and now in his lijier yeaix. is enjoying all the comforts of a good home and the conlidence of his fellow citizens, with his enterprising sons. James. Henry, Charles and Edward around him. all possessing the in(h)mitable will r)f the father. They have built for themselves nice homes and rank with I'lymonth's respected citizens.

Francis Huot an<l (J. 1). Hrawley came during the winter. Mr. Iluot making a claim on the noiili i-nil of Medicine Lake, Mr.Hrawley adjoining him on the west. Neither settled at that time, but made some improvements and returned to Saint Anthony. -Mr. Ihawlex sold his <laiin to Mr. K. IJoucher. and Mr. 11 not returned with his family, November b'lth. 1K.")4. Following these two was Charles Mouseau, whomadea claim joining Le Comil on the south, did not move on 11. but made a few improvements. At the same time with .Mr. Hunt, came David (iorliam. .loseph .lamme. (ieorge Kurbeii and Kdward Ihnke.

(iorhani settling on section IT.lhelirst of March IH.")4. and moved his family In Septeiuber IH.).'). Mr. .lamme selected the west half of section 17. as his claim, put up a shanty and move<l hlsfamlly in ()c- IoIkt that vear. Mr. ISnrlH-lr took his claim on the north-east quarter of section 8, put up a shanty the following fall, and moved his family in the spring of 185.5; lived on it about a year then moved back to Saint Anthony, and now lives in Anoka. Mr. Hnrke made his claim on section 17, built a shanty, made some improvements, but being a single man. had no regular halntation, but teamed back and forth from Saint Anthony. He married in is.")."), and moved to his place, hved there alinnt a year, sold out ami moved to Saint .\iitliony.

Israel JMicliaud made a claim about the same time ; lived on it a few years ; sold, and moved to Medina, bid snbse(piently moved back to Plymonth, where he was killed while hauling lumber in the summer of 1877. In May. 18.54. Jonas II. Howe came and made a claim <m section 22. Henry L. Moses came in .luh followmg, and made his claim on the west side of section 22, living on it a few \ ears : he now lives in Dakota county. F.arl\ in ls.)4. C. W. i'aiTington made his claim on section 1-). and moved his family on to it in March. 18.5.) ; snbseciuently kept a hotel for a number of years. Samuel Merchant made his claim in September. 18.54. anil moved his family to it, the following Ma\ . In the fore part of October, 1854, came three Parker brothers. I. S.. C. 1). and Alfred, and settled around Parker's Lake. Alfred is now living hi Crystal liake. I. S. in Anoka county, and C. D. is still a resident of Plymouth. Ilemy Collins and John Carne came a little later. James Berube made his claim in December, 1854. but did not move on to it with his family until Xovend)er. 18.55. Dining the smnmer of 1854. came James Hughes and family, and settled where they now live. The setllenK iil was quite rapid in 18.5.5. .ViiKing those ((iming were Herman SanilholT. Francis Da\. Charles Tolnian. Amos Iloyl and wife. D. C. Parker, wife and Ins father, the Uev. James Paiker. The wil'eol' tlie latter died ill St. .Vnthony, of cholera, while en route, and was buried on the site of the iiresent city of Minneapolis.

In .lime. 185S. the Cliipiiewa Indians made a raiil on their deadl> enemies, the Sioux, met them at Shakoiiee. Iiad a light, and were badly defeated. I'ikhi their return. the> passed through the town, doing bodily injury to no one. but stole and killed what thev wanted to eat. They shot a pair of steers for 1. S. Parker, and Amos Uoyt, and emptied D. C. Parker's corn crib, wounded a cow, and stole a few more things ft-om others. As the\- were on the verge of starvation, the whites concluded that it was no more than they would do themselves luuler like circimistances, and did not molest them. Besides, it may be that a wholesome regard for tlieir own safety arose to the surface quietly, but not to that extent which under the circumstances made it necessary to boast loudly of, so,Lo,and his plunder departed in peace, but not witliout leaving many hearts tluttenng with twinges of fear and doubt for their safety. A militar>- company of twenty was formed, with Chartes Tolman for captain, who received tlieir guns from Saint Paul, and for two weeks the women and children were collected together in (me house at night, while the men stood guard outside. Hearing there was a body of Sioux massing in the north part of the town. Captain Tolman, with his men, went in search, but found no traces of them. It was supposed to have been a scare gotten up by one James Mot)dy, who lived in that part of the town, and it came near costing him his lite. Other parties sul)sequently found traces that showed the Indians had passed through, near where he had indicated he had seen them. Tliis ijuieted their anger, and ended the disturbance.

The tirst liirtli in town, was a child to I). C. Parker and wife, April 25th, 1855, two days after theii- arrival in the town. It lived but two or three days. A 1)0> , Frank, was born to Amos Iloyt and wife. July -'oth, following, and December 25tb, same year, twins were born to F. A. Clay and wife, then living on section 33.

The tirst <leath tliat occurred was that of a child Ijelonging to ^Vutoiue Le Count, which was caused by overturning a kettle of hot water, in December, 1853.

The Rev. James Parker was the first justice of the peace, appomted January 1st, 1856. His .son, D. C. Parker, was appointed in 1857. Mr. Francis Huot was appointed the same year, but never qnalilied.

The tirst school in the town was established in the s>unmer of bSoti, in a little shanty belonging to Oliver Iluart, on section 14, in what is now District No. 51, and taught bv Miss Lorinda

The first meeting for the pinijose of forming a town organization, was called at the house of Francis Day, on the 11th day of May, 1858. The meeting was organized by electing (J. W. Messenger tor Moderator, and J. II. Howe, Clerk. The room being too small to accommodate them, the meeting was adjourned to the hotel kept by Mr. C. W. Farringtt)n. on section 15. The followuig officers were elected : Supervisors, Francis Huot. chairman, D. C. Parker and Francis Gortiam : Town Clerk, J. H. Howe ; Assessor, Francis Day; Collector, Charles Tolman: Overseer of the Poor. Eustaehe Boucher ; Constables, Phillip Otto and Alfred Jordan ; Justices of the Peace, F. A. Clay and William Karson.

At a meeting of the county board April 10th, 1858, for the pm-pose of establishing the boundaries of the townships in the county, the congressional tt)wn of 118-22 was named Plymouth, and the tirst meeting was called under that name, which produced a great deal of dissatisfaction on the part of some of the voters, and aiiother meeting was called for June 21st, 1858, which met at the hotel kept by C. W. Farrington. After considerable discussion a vote was taken, which resulted in favor of Medicine Lake, for the name of the town. The next meeting was held at the school house in district No. 51. April 5th, 1859, and the call was issued under the name of Medicine Lake, and the business transacted luuler that name. The following year, April 3d, 1860, the meeting was held under the name of Plymouth, no ree(u-ds showing when or how the change was effected. The county officials never recognized the name of Medicine Lake, and the name reverted back to that given it by the county board. The name was taken from a village called Plymouth, laid out on the north and west shores of Parker's Lake, in 1856.

The following is a copy of the miiniles of two meetings held in the town in 1862: "Agreeable to a call of the citizens of the town, met at the house of Francis Day on Monday, the 18th day of August, 1862, to devise means to raise its quota of soldiers for the army. The meeting was organized l)y choosing Francis Huot Chairman, and Jo nas II. Howe SecreUry. Chose a committee of I live to report resolutions, viz.: Jonas II. llnwe. .lames M. Parker. Francis IJenilic. Nicholas IVilTenlinti. M. U. L. Stevens. Tlie followint; resolution wa.s reiwrted adopted unanimously: Re- I solve<l. That we. the citizens of Plymouth, be" | lieve it to he the duty of every man to sustain the 1 government in her present emerseucy. either in men or money, and we pledge ourselves as a town to furnisli our (piota. if it can be done, by appeal- j iiig to the patriotism of her citizens. believinK we are second to none in tlie love of our country and purity of patriotism. Hesolvcd , That inasmuch as our interests are e<iual in the cause, those who may see it in their duty to enlist voluntarily. . shouM 1)6 paid a bounty by the town, and we hereby jiledge. twenty-live dollars to every volunteer who shall enlist from the citizens of this town. Voted that tlie Town Clerk be liereby instructed to call a meeting of the viiters of said town, to meet at the house of Francis Day, on Satinday. the :<(itli day of .\iifriisl. iwi:2. .Vdjourued.""

"Agreeable to a call on ihi- opposite page, the citizens met at tlie liousc of Francis Day. the SOth day of August, at 1 o'clock p. m. 1st. <'hose Jona« H. Howe. Moderator. 2d, voted tn)ia> those who have voliiuleeicd to fill the call for the last -to.oon. a Ixiiiiily of twenty-live dollars, the same U> include all whose names are registered and loiiiited fr<tm the town. 3d. voted that tlie town cause llie daguerreotypes of all the volunteers from the said town to be taken, at the exi>ense of tlie town, and that the Town Cleik is authorized to s«'e that tliey are taken, that the Town Treasurer be authorized to borrow money for the town, to pay tlie Imuiily of volunteers. Voted that the Supervisors be api)ointed a committee to act with tlie Treasurer, and to correct the list of volunteers, if found necessary. Voted that Kiicli of the volunteers as do not want their iHiiiiity down, shall be entitli-d to legal interest from the town until paid. Xolcd thatthe Siipervimti-s are hereby aii(h<irized to act for the town without culling a s|>ecial meeting. Adjourned. "Jonas II. Howk. Town Clerk."

Lake, in the fall of 18.56. It was laid out by Jared and Daniel Demon and Messrs. Sherburne. Davie, Davidson and Spieer. They bought the AVayzata Mill and moved it to the north-west corner of Parker's Lake. No other improvements were made excepting the erecting of small shanties for the mill hands; the mill was operated that winter. In the spring the water in the lake id.se anil llooiled the mill. The ne.xt summer the iiiachinery was taken out. and later to :\Iinneapolis. and thus cniled the villasc of Plyinoiilh.

The Plymouth Methodist Church. This society was organized in 1808, and a church built on the north side of Parker's Lake. The first senices were conducted by Rev. Charles Haskell, who continued as pastor about two years. It was dedicated by the Rev. 1). Cobli. at that time Presiding Elder of the District. The sabbath school had a membership of forty or tifty scliolai-s. .\I iles Dickey, Superintendent. The structure was

; built in 18.58, it was a log structure 21x32. The lirst services were conducted by Father LeDow; at that time the iiicinbcrship included about forty families. When the church in Crystal Lake was built a few years later, it took jiart of the membership. In the sjiring of 1S77. the lueseut church was built. The main building is .S(>x.5() feet, with an addition liixls. and another 12x14 feet. In its i)n'sent uuliiiislied condition, it will seat two hundred; when comiileted it will accommodate four liiindred. When completed will cost about $2,()ii(). It is located on the east side of section 13. Present Pastor, Father Uoiicher.

(icrmaii Kvangelical Lutheran Church. The lirst meeting of this society was held at the house of Ilcrnian Samllioll. Ccliniaiy 27th. 18(i;t. Services were condiiclt'd li> Hev. (icorge Fachlmau. Services were held in the schoolhouse and at Mr. SaiidliolVs lor several years. The iHcseut chiiivh was built in issd. and locati'd on the west side of section II. The present pastor is thc' l{i'\. Iliinian I'leer.

September. 1874. The offloers were: ^Master, J. M. Pai-ker; Overseer, R. L. Braden; Secretary, R. L. Logan; Financial Secretary, Dennis Sclimitz; Lecturer, I. S. Parl^er; Cliaplain, A. H. Frencli; Steward, R. B. Diclvey; Ceres, Mrfs. A. P. Parker: Pomona, Mrs. Bariiara Dickey: Flora, Miss Ma.- rietta Parker: L. A. S., Miss Jane Parker. The Grange had twenty-one charter nieniliers and reached a membershijiof forty-two. ft was well attended and in a flourishing condition until many of the members moved away, with no new ones coming in, until it finally suspended in 1S78.

Miss Lorinda Sliaw taught in District Xo. 51 in 1856, also in District Xo. 48 in 1857. In 1859 they built a log house on the west side of section 14, which was used until 1868, when the present house was built on tlie same site. The second school was established in what is now District 48, in the summer of 1857. The building used, was a log strnctme 12x10 feet, and located on section 28. The number of scholars was about lifteen, the present number of scholars is about eighty-five

The third school was established in tlie summer of 1862, and tanghtin a granary, on the farm of Francis Berube. Any building that could be ol)tained was used until 1867, when a school house was built, and used until 1874, when the present one was built on section 1 7. Tliere are in the town, five entire and six Joint districts, with five school houses, all frame and well furnished, excepting in District 104, which is unfinished. All have patent seats excepting Districts 48 and 104.

Post-Offices

The first post-offlce established in the town was at Medicine Lake, in the spring of 1850, and Fi-ancis Iluot appointed Postmaster, who held the office about three years, when he was succeeded by his brother Louis. Plymouth Postofflce was established in 1865, and Xalhaniel Day appointed Postmaster, who removed it to his house, on section 15. jSIr. Day died in the winter of 1867, and was succeeded l)y Amos Dickinson, who was followed by James Hough, who held the office until it was discontinued. In 1878 another office was established on section 4, and Fred. Gue.sman appointed Postmaster. This office was also discontinued in the spring of 1880. Parker's Lake I'ost-otlice was estaltlished June 28th, 1871, and J. M. Parker appointed Postmaster. Has held the office to the present time. South Plymouth Post-office was established in 1862, and located on section H3. Mrs. Matilda Clay appointed Postmistress. When the postoffice at AVayzata was re-established, in 1864, South Plymouth was discontinued.

The "Farmers' Home'" Hotel was built by Kicholas Bolferdiug in 1863, and kept by him for several years. He sold it to Carl Schiebe, in the spring of 1872. It is now conducted by Carl Scliiebe, Jr., and is located at the forks of the "Watertown and Wayzata roads, on the west side of section 36.

Official Rosteh

The present board of officers for the town are: Supervisors, Jacob Roths, chairman, David Gorham and William Eagan ; Town Clerk, J. H. Jordan ; Treasurer, Carl Schiebe, Jr.: Assessor, J. :M. Parker ; Constal)les, J. W. Day and Timothy Ryan ; Justices of the Peace, J. M. Parker and P. J. Wiimen.

Christopher Braesch, one of the first settlers on Bass Lake, was born in Prussia, in 1830. His parents died when lie was nine years of age, and he was engaged in farming until he came to America, in 1854. After living in Chicago, Illinois, about eighteen months, he came to St. Anthony, Minnesota, where he built a small house. In 1856, he made a claim in Plymoutli, where he now lives. Lived on his claim a .short time, building a log house, then returned to Miiuieapolis, where he engaged in mason work three years; was employed on the old Eastman and Gibson mill, and others. In 1850, came with his family to his claim in Plymouth, where he has since remained, and now has a pleasant home, lie married Sophia Peters, at Chicago, in 1854. They have six children : Emma, Albert, Henry, Mary, Minnie and Charley.

Thomas Clark was bom in Yorkshire, England. November .5tli, 1828. and lived with his father until eleven yeai-s of age. his mother having died while lie was younff. At the age of thirteen, he began life for himself, and was engaged in fanning until 18-5(i. when he came to this countrj-. Resided in Massachusetts, three years: New York, five year.s: in Canada three years, and in Huron county. Miiliigan. until 1S«9, when he came to Plymouth, lie enlisted In the Twenty-ninth Michigan in lsfl4. and was mustered out at Xashville, Tennessee, in Wii.j. He was married to Jane A. Sanderson, of England in 184S. They have had eight children, seven of whom are living.

.loseph \V. Day was born in Piscataquis comity. Maine. .luly 22d, 184VI, and lived with his parents, engaged in farming, until ISd.j, when he came with his father to Hennepin county. His father died in 1877. leaving Joseph to care for the mother and family. He has made his home in I'lymoulh since coming to tliis county, and in 1871 settled on his present farm, ilarricd Ellen S. Ilugbes, in 1871. They are the parents of four children: John .V.. .MImtI W.. Khiicr L.. and Elzada 15.

IJenjaniln Frost, a native of .Maine, was born in Hancock county. Mardi 1->tli. WM). His jiarenU died wlien he was twelve years of age, and ill 185.5 he came to Minneapolis, and engaged in lumbering with L. Day and Sons. He worked on the f<iniidati<in of the dam at the falls, and on the first logs foi- the mill at .Minneapolis. Married Ellen Criilksbank. June 2otli. lsf>2. In l.s<!8 he bought the fami where he lives, eight miles west of .Minncaiiolls. They have live children : Edwin, Ada. Orlii. Henjamiii. Jr.. and Elva.

Davlil (Ic.rliaiii. one ul the earliest settlers of Hennepin loiinlx. was born in (jiiebcc. Canada. When be was four >ciirs of age his father died. and David went to Montreal. He was occupied ill farming until 18;«i. when he came to the rnit4Ml .Slates, and resided two years in and twelve >ears in Maine, cngageil in lumbering on the Penobscot. In April. IK-Iit. be came to St. Anthony. He made a I'lalm of Kill acres In what is now North Minneapolis, and also of the fai°m now owned by K, P. liiissell, near Lake Calhoun. He ran the first shingle and lath mill in the place. In 18.54, he made a claim in what is now Plymouth township, and after remaining on it one year, returned to ^Minneapolis, where he was engaged in the lumber mills for about twelve years. In 1804. lie. in comiiany with otliers, started lor Califiiniia. but on reaching tlie Bad Lands, were surrounded by Sioux Indians, and held seventeen days, then rescued b\ General Sully's Cavalry. Tlicy then retiu'iied to Minneapolis, satisfied with their adventure. In 1867 he bought his present farm, and has since lived in Plymouth. He has held the office of Supervisor for ten years, and has done much for the cause of education. lie was married, in 18.50, to Miss Barber, of Maine. They have had nine children, seven of whom are living : Addelle. Thados. Edwina. David (i. T.. Emma. Lizzie, and Angelina M. Mary L. died the day of her birth, and .\ngelina died at the age of twelve years.

Jonas II. Howe, a native of Massachusetts, was born in Worcester county, April 29th, 1821. He attended the Academy at Deerfield and New Salem, and at the age of twenty-one. went to Boston for two years, then returned to his father's farm for nine >('ars. He came to Hennepin county in l.s-54. and made a claim where he now lives. The same year, went with a party to Crow Wing to gel out tinilicr for the first Suspension bridge. In the fall, built a cabin si.xteen feet s<iuarc. on his claim. This was the second house built In the townshiii. He brought the lumber for his house, from St. Anthony, fioating it across Medicine Lake, as there was no road around. In 1S.5-') his family joined him. lii isiil he was aiipolnled enrolling clerk for the townshi)). and afterwards enlisted in Company F. Eleventh Infantry, with the rank of sergeant, andserved one year. He was elected to the House of Heiiresentatives In 186.5. In 1873 his dwelling was destroyed by fire, and be immediately rebuilt a more sulistanlial house. .Mr. Howe has been town clerk for a number of years, justice of the peace, and was census enumerator in issd; bus always taken an active jiart in llic allaiis of llic town. His wife, whom lie iiiiinicd in Massiicliusells. was .Miiigarel Swelidell, of liosloii. The_\ have had till children, seven, now li\ ing. Cora, theeldest. was a niember of the lirst class at the Deaf and Dumb Institute at Faribault ; was a pupil sev

Thomas Hughes, one of the early settlers of Plymoutli, was born in England, November 25th, 1803. He served five years in the British Army, andin 1849, brought his family to America, andlocated at Burlington, Iowa, vuitil the fall of 1853, when he removed to Minnesota. He settled on tlie claim in what is now Plymouth, where he has since resided. At the time he came, there were no roads, excepting the Indian trails usedliy Shakoiiee and his band of Sioux. Mr. Hughes has given his attention to farming, since his first settlement, and has built up a tine liome. He was married to Hannah Buckell, in England, Felwuary 6tli, 1825. They have had nine children, six of whom are living in Hennepin county. Names of children : James, Mary Ann. John (deceased) Thomas, Henry, Charles, Ellen (deceased) Edward and Ellen second, (deceased.) His son, Thomas, who is now living with him, enlisted in the Sixth Jlinnesota Infantry in 18)i], served one year and was transferred to Company K, Twenty-third Kegiment Veteran Reserve Corps, and served until mustered out at St. Paul in 1865. lie was engaged in the liattle of Birch Coolie and Wood Lake, during the Indian outbreak.

James Hughes was born in England, January 2d, 1825. He remained with his parents until the age of twenty-one, in the meantime serving an apprenticeship of seven years at the blacksmith trade. He then went to Wales, and was engaged in Lee's iron works for nine months ; returned to England, and established a smithing business. In 1852 he came to Burlington, Iowa, and engaged in business there until March, 1854, when he started for Minnesota, with six yokes of oxen, two cows and one wagon. Tlic jdui-ney was pleasant until they arrived in Minnesota Territory, where they found large bodies of snow and no roads. He was obliged to leave his family alone in the wagon one night, while he went in search of food and assistance, during a terrific storm. When he arrived at Bed Wing he had only five oxen and one cow, the others having perished on the route. Shipped from there to St. Paul, sold his cattle, went to St. Anthony, and in May, 1854, made his claim in Plymouth, where he has since lived. He engaged in farming and smithing until the war of the rebellion. July,

1864, he enlisted in the Eighth Minnesota, and was detailed as post-blacksmith at Fort Snelling, where he served until mustered out, ^lay, 1865. He has been active in all public affairs of the township, and has held all its offices. He was manied to Elizabeth Hatcher in England, April. 1848. They have had nine children, of whom six are living: Edward, Ellen. John. Julia, Thomas and Carrie.

Henry Hughes, son of Tliomas Hughes, was born in England, January 28th, 1835. He came to the United States with his parents, and was engaged in blacksmithing, at Burlington, Iowa ; came with his parents to Minnesota in 18.53, with two yfikes of oxen, two cows, three horses and two wagons, being twenty-seven days on the road. He worked at blacksmithing in Minneapolis, one year, then joined his father on the homestead in Plymouth. lie was married December 4th, 1862, to Mary A. Case, of Ohio, who has borne him eight children, seven of whom are living. In July, 1864, he enlisted in the Eighth Minnesota Infantry, and was mustered out May,

Charles W. Hughes was born in England, May 2d, 1838. He came witli his i)arents, Thomas and Hannah Hughes, to America in 1849. and to Minnesota in 1S53. Charles W. remained in St. Anthony, working with Haniel Bassett, one of the first carriage-makers in the place, one and one-half years. He and his brotlier Henry made claims in Benton count}-, remained one year, but were obliged to abandon their claims on account of scarcity of provisions. In the fall of 18.59, he built a carriage shop near the suspension bridge, in Mimieapols. and remained there until 1861, when he enlisted in Company 1). First Mumesota Infantry, and served until mustered out in May, 1864. He participated in twenty-one engagements, some of them the hardest-fought battles of the war. In 1864 he joined Gen. Sully's expedition up the Yellowstone ; returned in the fall and worked for the government at F(u-t Snelling, till the spring of 1865, when he came to Plymouth, bought forty acres of land, to which he has since added forty more, and has built up a good home. Married to Martha Hatcher, of Hennepin county, May 14th, 1865. They have eight children.

Edward Hughes was bom in England, October 18tli. 1849. At the age of three yeai-s, his father and family came to the United States, and resided at Hiirliniiloii. Iowa, until 1S.54. when they came to Miiniesota. Here Edward grev,- to manliood, ami fanned with liis father initil Xoveuiher 2Sth, isTl. when he was married to Sarah Day. of this county. They settled on the jiresent farm in .Marcli. IST.S. They are the parents of four children: George, Edward. Ada and Edna.

.Tose))h .Tamme. one of tlie early settlers of Hennepin county, was horn east of (Juehec. Canada. May Ifilli. Isl4. He lived with his parents on the fann until he reached the age of twentyfour, and in 1838. removed to the I'nited States, residing in Maine, engaged in hnnlier Imsiness near IJangor. In 18.")3 he came to .Mimiesota. and spent two years Innihering at St. Anthony and on the river. In is")") he made a claim of Hid acres, in what is )iow I'lymouth. wliere he niiu lives. After residing on his claini one year, lie returned to MinueaiHilis and engaged in lumhcrjiig until ISfiO. since which time he has lesidcd in this town where he has a pleasant home twelve miles west of the city. He was married in Oldtown. Maine, to Miss Celeste Harher. of that jilace. They have had nine children, of whom six are living. Tho.se living are: Addie F., Clara. I'hcilie. .h.sciih H., Henry C, and Bernard a.

Alexander <;. Jardinc. a natixc of Scotland. was born in Ayreshiic. (in llicstb of October. 1847. At tlie age of fifteeu lie commenced to learn the blacksmith's trade, also worked for a time with Hamlolph. KIder tV Co., ship builders of Govan, Scotland. In I8(>9, he went to Canada; stayed one year, and then removed to Massachusetts, but aflerwani returned to Canada, and in 18T!t. be came to l'l\ month, Mimiesot^j, and est<ibli.shed a blacksmith shop, where he is doing a thriving business. October lllth. 18K0. he married, in Minneapolis, .Miss Sarah, daughter of \\illian) and Ellen Allen, of Scotland.

.John H. Jordan, a native of I'nissia. was born .January Kith. 1S4."). When seven years of age, he came with his parent.s to America. They landed in Xew Vork in the fall of 18.j2, and went to Newark, New Jemey, for a short time, and in I8.';3. mnved t<i Illinois. In the sjiring of 18.").'). they came to .Minnesota, and made a claim on section 18 of what is now Plymouth towiiship, where they experienced, of coiu'se, their share of the hardships of pioneer life. In .Tuly. lS(i4. John H. enlisted in the 8th Minn. Kegt. AHl.. served nine montlis. and was mustered out at Fort Snelliug. M:i\ Kith, ]8(>o. He returned to the homestead an<l lived, until his marriage with Ainia M. "Weideubach. which occurred in Xovember. IHtiS. In is?], he bought the farm where he now lives. Mr. .lordan has been active in all the Iiublic alfairs of the town, also in promoting the causes of Christianity and education. He has been assessor for six years, also justice of the yieace. and school officer for a number of years. At present he fills the office of town cleik. They have had six children, only three of whom are living: Anna, John and Alexander.

Mathias Klausman was bom June 12th, isiis, in Baden. Germany. He lived with his parents until twenty years of age, when he went into the (iermau army for a time. In 1852, he emigrated to America, stayed in Xew York a short time, then removed to Ohio, where he was engaged in farming, and also freighting for the iron works, until September. ISfU. when he enlisted in Coml)any F. One Hundred and Eighty-first Ohio \'olunteer Infantry, and .served imtil the close of the wai'. In IStjfi. he came to ilinnesota, and settled on a farm in Carver county, where he lived seven years, then sold out. and came to I'lymouth: bought ninety-seven acres, on the east side of Medicine Lake: in fS74, he bought fiffyoiie acres more in section ^2l^. He has a fleet r)f pleasure boats, and his place is one of the pleasantest on the lake, situated six miles west of Minneapolis. Mr. Klausman married iliss Frances Kreyer, of (Jermauy. .January 12th. 18.V"). They have three living children: rctcr. Charles. and Frances.

ThomasOttaway. a nati\eof Devonshire, lOngland. was born .May Kith. Is2s. When he had grown to manhood he took the supciiiitcinleucy of an extensive I'anii near his birlh)ilace. The most of his time was spent in this business until 181)0, when he brought his family to America. He was with William King, at l,\iidale farm, one year, then sui)erintended the Wilmai- farm, for live years, and In I87(i he bought a farm at Barker's lake, but sold in issn. and bought where he now Besides, one and one-half miles east of

Pl Ymouth-Biographical

Daniel C Parker was born in Cvmilierland county, Maine, June 9th, 1823. When four years of age he went with his father's family to Ohio, and remained nine years: then returned to Maine. At the age of twenty-one he began ship-building, and was engaged in this business eleven years, heliung build some of the largest sailing vessels of that time. On the 28th of May, 1851, Mr. Parker married Miss Hester A., daughter of Ira and Betsey Green, of Maine. In the spring of 18.55 he came to Minnesota and pre-empted the farm where be now lives. In those days lumber was hard to obtain, and he built a log ealiin, LiOx.^O feet, using bass-wood bark for shingles; be now has a tine large barn, and about the year 1H7U, he built his present residence. He has taken an active part in all public affairs of the town; he was a member of the first school board, chairman of the first town board, and was also a delegate to tlie fir.st convention held in tlie state. They have had a family of seven children; only five are living.

James M. Parker, one of the pioneers of Plymouth, was born in Cumberland county, Maine, September 5th, 1820. He accompanied bis parents to Kentucky, remained there one year and left on account of hostile Indians, removing to Cincinnati, Oliio. where his father engaged in ship-building. He remained there until 183Bi when they retimied to Maine. James lived with his parents until 1846. when he married Anna P. Ridley, and removed to Massachusetts, remaining one year. He returned to Maine, and in 18511. brought his family to ^Minnesota, and made the claim in this town, where he has since resided. His father preceded him one year. There were no roads at that time, and the Indians were continually passing to and fro. He has held all the otflces of the township, and has been justice of the peace twenty-one years ; has been postmaster at Parker's Lake for nine years. He has also been largely interested in the cause of education. Alfred A., George M., Ella J., Marietta M., Francis E., Dora A., Carrie E., Walter I., Ida A., are their children. Eugene E. died.

his father to ^Minnesota in 18.59, and remained until 1863, when they went to Delaware. In 1877, John H. returned to Minnesota, where he has since remained. ^larried Miss Margaret Rowan, of Pennsylvania, December 25tb, 1864. They have had four children; only one of tliem is living.

Henry Pnihlwiis born in Mecklenburg-Schweren, in 1827. At the age of sixteen he started in life for himself, and engaged in farming until 1858 when he came to this country, and to Miinieapolis. After living there nine years, he bought the farm where he now lives, on the south shore of Bass Lake. When he came to this country be was a poor man; now has a tine, well-stocked farm. He was married in Minneapolis, in 18.59, to Dora Went, of his native place. They have bad eight children, only two of whom are living: Charles and Henry.

¥. Radintz. one of the early settlers of Plymouth, was born in Prussia, June 29th, 1828. He remained with his parents until fifteen years of age, when be began life for himself, and wfis engaged as shepherd until 1852, when he came to America. He went to Sheboygan, Wisconsin, and thence to the Lake Superior coi)per mines for nearly two years. In October 1854, he came to what is now Plymouth, and made a claim of the farm where he now lives. He btiilt a small log house and shaved out shingles for the roof. After remaining one year, he removed to Saint Anthony where he was engaged in well-digging for two years. In November 1857, he was married to Cbristina Snabel, of Prussia, and located on this farm, which he has since improved until it is a tine place. He has been treasurer of of the school district and has done much foi- the cause of education. Of the fourteen chilcheu born to tbeiu, cle\ en reside with tlieir i)aren1son the fai'm.

Xicbolas Rochl, a native of Prussia, was boi'u February 21st, 1827. When Nicholas was ten years old, his father died, and four years later, he began teaching, which he continued four years. His mother died, and be engaged in farming for nine years. He was married .January 22d, 1849, to Anna Mary Schnei<lei-, and in June, 1854, brought his family to America, and settled near Saint I'aul. In April, 1864, lie bouglit the farm in I'lynioulli, where lie now lives, situated eleven miles west of Miuneai-olis. where he has built up a plea.s;int lum.e. lie has been supervisor and justice of the peace, and has also been assessor three years. Of the twelve <'hiklroii born to them eight are now living.

Jacob Roths, a native of Germany, was born August lilh.lsST. He remained with his parents until he reached maturity. He was married Octoljer liUh, 1865. to Katherine Xilles, of Germany, and in November started for America. He ! came directly to Minnesota and lived on Medicine Lake till January WW. when he bought the farm where he now lives. He has been treasurer of the township four years, also supenisor, and is j chairman of the present board. He has a fam- I ily of seven children : four boys and tliree girls. 1

August F. Sandhoff was bom in Pnissia, April 23d, 1834. He lived with his parents until twen- | ty-<ine years of age. and worked at carpenters" trade until 1861, when he came to America. He located in Saint Anthony, and in 1868, bought the farm where he now lives, in the town of Plymouth, eight miles from Minncaiiolis. In 18t>9 he was married to Miss Willmina Sprung, of Pnissia. They are the parents of five children, three of whom are living : (lUo. Emma and Mary. Mr. SandholT has been prominent in the growth of the town. He and his wife arc members of the Kvangelical Cluirch.

Herman A. SandholT wasliorn in Prussia, January 13th. 183ti. He lived witli his parents until the age of eighteen, when he liegan the trade of slone mason, and in IS-'jI. moved to IJerlin, where he worked until 18.54. He then came to America and worked at his trade in (Jalena, Illinois, a few weeks, tlien came to St. Anthony, where he worked seven months, on the old Island mill and the paper mill. In January iSo.",. he made a claim to the farm where he now lives. At that time the region around him was an unbroken wililcrness, siive one or two settlers. He wa.-* married to Miss Amelia Schmidt, of Hennepin county. They have lia<l seven children, six now living. Mr. SandholT has been sujiervisor, and has been active in i)iomoting tlie affairs of the town. He and his wife are nicnibiTs of the Jyuthcrau Chiuch.

parents until twenty-one years of age, when he commenced freighting, and was thus engaged until is«8. when he came to America ; he lived in New York three years, and in 1860. removed to aiinneapolis, where he remained seven years. In 1873 he bought two hundred acres of land in Plymouth, and built a house, 18x28 feet, which he proposed to use for a hotel ; he soon found it was not large enough to accommodate the numerous travelers, so he built an adition 20x:i8 feet ; the house is now well known throughout the comity as the Farmer's Home. In 1879, he bouglit one hnndred and sixty acres of land in section 3.5. where lie erected a large dwelling house and barns on the Mimieapolisand Wayzata road. In 1844, Mr. Sdiicbr nuivricd Johainia (;enka. of Prussia.

Frederick Henry I'.cnjaniiii Schmidt was born in Pru.ssia. December 27th. I.s2i). He lived with his parents vmtil twenty-one years of age. when he enlisted in the Prussian army, and served three years. In 18.53 he came to .Vmerica. and after a stay of one >ear near Chicago, came to St. Anthony, and in tlie Sluing of 1855, made a claim of 160 acres where he now lives. He resided in St. Anthony eleven years, engaged in carpenter work and teaming. In January, 18.54, he made a trip, with team, to the Ked River ('omitry, and was out twenty-nine days. During this trip he experienced many hardshii>s. being several days without food for himself or team. He was married December Uth. 1857. to Barbara Ortlieb, of Prussia, and in the following spring moved to his home in Plymouth, wliere he lias since resided. He has been scliool olliccr lor a number of year.s. Dennis Schnutz was born in Coblentz Parish, west of the River Rhine, A]m\ 29th, 1827. He lived with his parents imtil eighteen years of age, when he entered the army, and served until ls.50. In 1852 he came to America ; sjieul tlnee years in the lumber regions, of Michigan, and in 1855 came to Mimiesota. Tlie same year, his father and family emigrated to .Vmerica. and making claims, settled in wliat is now Plymouth. Mr. Schmitz has been active in all public affairs of the town : was a mcndier of llic lir.st school board, and has been chairman of the town board a niunbcr of times. He was married in St. Paul. Pebruary 6lli. IhiiO.to Miss Susan Gainer, of Prussia. They are the parents of seven children r. o. Ryan. Win. farmer. A\'ayzata, Ryan, .James, faiunr, A\'ay/.ata, R<Hli)pr, A. farmer, AVayzata, iSclnilze. .Tolm. fanner, Lenz, Sclinlze. liolit fanner. Lenz, Scliniidt, Wm. farmer, Lenz, Sdlni-iilt. Carl. farmer, Lenz. SantlliofT. Wm. farmer, Minneapolis, Smitli. llenrv, fainier. I^Jinneapoli.s, Selilltz Wm. fanner. Minneapolis, Sclilitz. Herbert, farmer, Minneapolis, Sjuidlioff. II. A. stock raiser.

Ryan, Pat. farmer, Ray, T. J. farmer, Roberts, J. A. farmer, Ryan, James, farmer. Scales, E. A. farmer, Schulz, Henry, farmer, Self, Thomas, farmer. Sly, F. farmer. Sly, Gilbert, farmer.

Nt. Anthony

Minneapolis, IiiRcnlinett. W. farmer, Minneapolis, KaniplT. Lonis. farmer, Minneapolis, Kletzin. M. F. gardener, Minneapolis. I><'\v)s. V. laborer. Minneapolis,

Index

I ditor of Dahkotah Kriend.. 122 Interpreter at treaty of 18.il . 124 Pond, Rev. Sunuel W., notihes the agent of a Si.iux war party 103 Erects the first house of sawed lumber in the Minnesota