Webster Township

Chapter Lxil

Webster Township is the companion town of Wheatland in extending the boundary line of the county northward. It is in the northwestern jiart of Rice county; its contiguous surroundings are the counties of Scott and Dakota on the north and east, with Bridgewater township forming an eastem boundary to section thirty-six; on the south Forest and on the west Wheatland.

The soil is variable, the hilly portions being somewhat clayey, while the rolling and bottom lands are made up of a rich dark loam, with a clay or sand subsoil. The southwestern part of the township is very rolling in some places, enough so to be termed hilly, which gradually becomes m<jre level as you advance to the north. This was originally (covered with very fine timber such as oak, walnut, maple, basswood, etc., but this has nearly all been cut down long since and used for building and other jourposes. One of the walnut forests, such as abounded here in an early day, would now prove an immense fortune to those who, in pioneer times, cut them down as ruthlessly as poplar. In the northern part of the town it is also quite hilly, and this was covered with timber of the smaller varieties; but as you go eastward the surface becomes more even, although the tendency to rolling is still apparent and sometimes quite abrupt. This jjortion was originally covered with small timber, interspersed with natural rneadows, and small prairie spots covered with hazel brush, scrub oak, elm, etc., but this has long since almost entirely disappeared, and now many fine and fertile farms have transformed the spot where once the Indian hunter and wild beast held undisputed sway, into a land of beauty, thrift, civilization, and productiveness.

Webster is not so well watered as most of its contiguous neighbors, in fact it has no lakes of any importance wholly within its borders, nor is its surface traversed by streams of any note. Union Lake is the largest body of water in the town, entering from Forest and covering about 200 acres in section thirty-five. Kuowles Lake is the next in size, located in the western part of the town, almost wholly in section nineteen. These two lakes are connected by a stream flowing from the latter, called Chub Creek. Another little stream rises in the northwestern part of the township and crosses sections five and six as it leaves and enters Scott county. Still another small brook rises in the eastern part of section eleven, and crossing section thirteen in a soutlieasterly direction, enters Dakota county.

A small majority of the citizens at the present writing are of German, Irisli, and other foreign origin, although the American population is growing more rapidly than the foreign-born. A report of the township published a few years ago states that the township contained "640 acres of unsold school laud.s, 520 acres still belonging to the government, and nearly 5,000 acres to thi; raih'oad. Wild lands may be purchased from $2.00 to .'$5.00 per acre, etc." This, however, is now changed and almost all lands aliove mentioned have been sold to, and are now occupied by actual settlers, while the wild lands have doubled the price mentioned.

In the year 1860, the township had a population of 210; in 1865, 319; in 1880 the latest census, 872. At the census taken in 1860, the values in this town, as given to the census takers, were as follows: Keal property, .§137,700; personal, »49,150; total, .«186,850. The total assessed valuation for the same year, real and personal, amounted to .$53,259. In 1882, the board of County Commissioners in equalizing assessments in the various townships made the following report of valuation in Webster : Personal property, real property, »105,169; total, $132,084; showing an increase in assessed valuation over the year mentioned above of $78,825.

Webster commenced evolutions toward settlement and civilization in 1855, probably a little later than any township in Kice county, but the changes wrought are second to none. About tlie first to take a claim and actually settle, who is yet in the town, was Martin Taylor, a native of Ireland, who secured a claim in section twentyone in November, 1855. He had left his family in Hastings, but in the following spring removed them to his new made home, where he had erected a smaU log shanty. He then went to work and cleared and spaded up three acres of land, which he planted to corn and potatoes. The nest spring, wishing to seed the ground to wheat, he started to

Northfield, the nearest point where the seed could be obtained, with a yoke of oxi n Imt no wagon. He placed one sack of wheat across the back of one ox, and another across the yoke, arriving home in safety with his wheat. With this he seeded his ground, and from the throe acres he raised pne hundred and ten bushels. This yield has never since been e(pialled, but Mr. Taylor says that since that crop he has never once been out of the article.

In the spring of the year that Mr. Taylor arrived - 1855 - a settlement was commenced in the southeastern part of the town. Harry Humphrey, a native of New York, having stopped for a time in Ohio, arrived and secured a place in section thirty-six, on the shore of Union Lake. He put up a log house and commenced running it as a hotel. He remained here until some time in the seventies, when he disposed of his farm and removed to Minneapolis, wliere he paid the delit of mortality iu 1881, his devoted wife soon following him. They left several sons in various parts of the Northwest.

Neither of the settlements, which were about five miles apart, received many settlers during the year 1855. The Union Lake settlement, in the southei'n part of the town, that was begun in the spring by Mr. Humphrey, was increased in December by the arrival of two more parties, S. J. and Chalmer M. Webster, natives of Ohio. 8. J. took a valuable claim in section thirty-five, and Chalmer M. took a farm about two miles to the west, in section twenty-eight. Both of these early comers remained on their places until 1866, when they removed to Marsliall, Lyon county, where they now reside.

Ferris Webster, now deceased, was a prominent and active figure in the early settlement of this locality, and it was in honor of him that the town received its name. He was father of the parties above mentioned, and came to the township at the same time, taking a farm in section twenty-six, where he remained until the time of liis death, which occurred in 1880. His respected widow still lives on the old homestead, and he left one son, M. C. Weljster, who is still a resident of the township, the rest of his descendants being located in various parts of the Northwest. He was a man honorable in his dealings and highly respected by all who knew him.

all parts of the township began to be settled, and the two settlements already settled branched into surrounding sections with surprising rapidity. Jacob Camp with his wife came this year, and he, after securing a farm in sections twenty -seven and thirty-four, commenced the erection of a log hut. The grit and perseverance of early settlers is pretty well indicated by the tact that he carried the logs to build his house on his shoulders, and drew his stove through the woods from Northfield with a sled by hand. He commenced life here with scarcely anything, but has now become well-to-do and independent.

Early in the spring and about the time of the last mentioned arrival, Ransom F. and Oscar Webster, natives of the Buckeye State, came and settled in section twenty-six, immediately commencing to build log houses. The first remained in the township until 1874, when he sold his farm and removed to Lyon county, where a couple of his brothers had preceded him. Oscar Webster remained on his farm until 1870, when he removed to Wisconsin, but has since gone to Watertown, D. T., where he now lives.

In May, 18.50, Thomas Keegan, a native of the Emerald Isle, made his appearance and took a claim northwest of Taylor's place, in section seventeen. He Y>nt up a log shanty and a hay and brush stable, and commenced getting laud ready for seed. He remained on his ]Aa.ce until 1864, when he sold out and removed to Nebraska. With the settler mentioned above came another native of Ireland, m the ])erson of William Sabry. He took a place a short distance south of his companion, locating in section twenty-one, where he made improvements and remained until 1868, when he removed to Bismarck, D. T.

Section eleven also received a settler this year, and commenced a settlement in the northern part of the town. John Gleason, of the "Land of the Shamroi^k," drifted into this town one July morning, and anchored himself on section eleven, where he still remains fast. Abotit the same time James McCabe, a native of Massachusetts, moved in-and made Gleason company by selecting a farm in section twelve. He erected a log shanty and commenced farming. In 1865, he opened a general merchandise store, which he still continues on his farm. Joseph Dilly was also a settler f)f this year.

his appearance in 1856, and planted his stakes on a beautiful piece of ground in section thirty-six, bordering on the shores of Union Lake. The selection prove 1 satisfactory, as he still remains there.

After this the influx became so rapid and incessant that it would be impossible to chronicle the arrivals in their sequence, but we give the prominent ones who took farms and are yet cultivating them. Many came who have since pulled up stakes and removed further west or returned to their former hoiues in the East.

James Kiley, a native of Ireland, arrived in 1857, and secured a farm in section ten where he still remains, satisfied. The following year, 1858, another quarter of the same section was secured by Mr. Blaher, also of Celtic origin.

E. C. Knowles drifted into the northwest quarter of section twenty-nine, in 1860, where he is still anchored. He came to Minnesota in 1855. John Cole, was another early settler in Minnesota, having come to the State in 1856. He arrived in Webster in 1865, and taking a farm in section twenty-eight still stands guard over it. Cornelius Deuman came to Kice county from Ohio in 1855, and set tied in Morristown. In 1867, he purchased a farm in section thirty-four, Welister, where he still remains.

Ola Elstad, of Norway, settled in section one in 1862, and in 1860, Edward Elstad, of the same nationality kept him company by purchasing a farm adjoining him in the same section, wliere they both still remain. In 1874, Nels Hoagenson joined the little settlement of Norwegians^ and took a place in section two. J. O. Larson, G. Ohristopherson, M. Christianson and others came in at various times and swelled the settlement of this nationality.

Thomas Gleason, a native of the Emerald Isle, came in 1864 and jiurchased a large farm in sections twelve and thirteen, where he still lives. Joseph Gear, another Irishman, took a farm off of an early settler's hands, in 1868, in section twelve.

Robert Campbell, of the old country, came to America in 1862, and in 1866 arrived in \yebster, purchasing the farm where he now lives in section eighteen. In 1867, Henry Graves came and purchased 120 acres in section twenty-one, where he now lives. The same year J. G. Walden, of Maine, made his appearance and purchased the farm he now occupies in section twenty-eight. Thomas

Lyucb, came in 1863 and bougbt a farm in section thirty-two. He was a native of Ireland and still occupies the place he originally settled on.

Thus it will be seen the settlement of the township pushed onward, each succeeding year witnessing still further additions and devolop'^ieuts. Farms were opened in all parts of the town, and the early comers began to reap the just reward of their industry. Step by step the change had been wrought, until a new era had almost imperceptibly dawned upon the scene. Larger buildings were erected, schools and churches established, and a general air of enterprise was manifest where so recently all was wild and uninhabited. From the crude efforts of earlier years the present tillers of the soil fast adapted wiser and more systematic modes of farming, the beneficent results of which are already so plainly apparent.

Early Events Of Inteeest

Town N.^me. - "Webster township was originally named by the government surveyors, "Minnemada," and for a short time this was the name of the locality rather than the township. It was afterwards voted by the citizens that the town be named "Carrolltown," but the County Commissioners bestowed upon it the name of "Webster" and it has ever since recognized this as its appellation, being in honor of Mr. Ferris Webster, an early settler in the town.

Early Maeriages. - The first marriage of Webster parties occurred in June, 18o(). and joined as man and wife Mr. Salmon Webster and Miss Fannie Humphrey. Mr. Webster moved out of the township in 18(i(), and now lives in Lyon county.

Early Deaths. - In the summer of 1858, Webster first felt the elfects of the ravages of death. The wife of Samuel Dilly was the first victim, and

In common with all the sub-divisions of Rice county the organization of this township took place soon after the Territory was admitted to the sisterhood of States, in 1858, and the first meeting was held on the 11th of May of that year. This meeting was hel J at tlie residence of Ephraim Dilly, and came to order by appointing Michael O'Mara, chairman, and S. S. Humphrey, clerk.

The meeting then proceeded to ballot for officers to take charge of town matters, which resulted as follows: Supervisors, Geo. Carpenter, Chairman, Iv. H. Dilly, and James Kiley; Town Clerk, J. J. McCabe; Collector, Timothy Gleason; Justices of the Peace, Ephraim Dilly, Sen., and F.Webster; Constables, William Dilly and Elisha Fitch; Overseer of Roads, William Dilly, Sen. Nest the meeting took up the matter of town expenses and voted the sum of $100 for that purjsose.

The att'airs of public interest have been attended to since this inaugural meeting with commendable zeal and fidelity, there having been exhibited due economy in regard to finance and jjublic expenditures.

At the tweuty-fourth annual meeting of the town, in March, 1882, a full corps of township officials were elected as follows: Supervisors, John Gleason, Jr., Chairman, Hans Hamann, and John King; Clerk, Thomas Skefflngton; Treasurer, Hogeu Oleson ; Justices of the Peace, John Hennesy and Henry Meinke; "Constable, Henry Weise; Assessor, Thomas Skeffiugton.

Business Interests

In this township, there being no villages, the matters under this head are somewhat scattered. The Post-offices, blacksmitli shops, and stores are of great convenience to the farmers of the surrounding country, relieving them of the nece.ssity of going out of their township for supplies or common requirements of life. It can be said that Webster is well represented so far as manufacturing and mercantile aft'airs are concerned, considering the distance from railroad connection and its accompanying advantages.

In 1856, Mr. Ferris Webster hauled goods from Hastings by team and opened a small store in section thirty-five, with a limited stock of groceries and provisions. It was opei'ated for a sliort

In the fall of 18(55, however, another effort was made with better success. Mr. James McCabe hauled a stock of goods from St. Paul and opened a store in a small shanty in the northern part of section twelve. It proved a success and is now occupying a commodious and substantial building, 18.x55, on the old site, keeping a large and well assorted stock of goods and is a great convenii^nce to the farmers. Until 1872 a stock of wines, liquors, etc., were kept, but since that time they have been dispensed with.

A saloon was started in the winter of 1857, in the western part of section thirty-six, by a Mr. Hoffnekle, but was only run for about three months. It seems the proprietor got a lot of Indians in the saloon and proceeded to get them drunk; he succeeded but the citizens near by came down on him and he left.

Saw Mill. - -An excellent steam saw mill was erected in 1873 by Mr. William Albers, in the eastern part of section thirty-five, on the bank of Union Lake. The propelling motor of the mill is a thirty horse-power steam engine, that drives the two circular saws with which the mill is equipped, with sufficient force to cut 10,000 feet of lumber per day, although the average is only 5,000. This mill is a great benefit to the surrounding country, and takes a prominent place among the manufacturing interests of Rice county.

Blacksmith Shops. - After the settlement of the township commenced it was not long until a brawny armed son of Vulcan moved his forge and anvil into Webster and commenced to make the steel ring. This was in 1856, and a Mr. Palmer also opened his shop, and kept banging away until 1858 when he pulled up stakes and removed to Rochester where he now lives. His shop was located on the eastern part of section thirty-five.

The next shojj was oijeued in 1868, by Gilbert Christopherson, who erected and commenced operating a shop in the northeastern part of section <me, where it is still in full blast.

Nels Oleson, in 1874, put up a shop in the southwestern part of section twenty-nine, putting in a complete set of tools, and here he may yet be found, still blowing the bellows.

commenced its existence through a petition to Congress in the winter of 1856. Henry Humphrey was the first Postmaster, with the office at his house in section thirty-five. This gentleman was the incumbent until 1873, when Gteorge Prunk was appointed to handle the mail, which arrives on Thursday of each week by way of Millersburg.

Hazelwood Post-office. - This office was established in 1857, one year later than the above, with J. W. Doyle, Postmaster. Mail was then received once each week ; now it arrives on Tuesday and Saturday of each week from Northfield. James BlcCabe is the present Postmaster, and E. W. Parker, mail carrier, the office being kept at Mr. McCabe's store, in the eastern part of section twelve.

Webster Post-office. - This is the youngest office in the township, having been established in 1879, with F. Butzke, Postmaster, and the office at his house in section eight. He is still Postmaster. Mail arrives twice each week from Northfield by way of Hazelwood.

The first religious services held in this township were in the summer of 1856, by Elder K. C. Cressey, a missionary of the Congregationalist faith, in the house of Blr. F. Webster in section twenty - six. After this, services were held in John Campbell's house once in two weeks. This was continued until Mr. Campbell moved out of the township in 1866, and since that time there has been no regular services, as the Congregationalists have never had an organization.

Baptist Society. - This denomination commenced holding services at the log schoolhouse of district thirty-three in 1870, with the Rev. Mr. Gale, as officiating minister. The society was duly organized in the fall of the same year with twenty-eight members. In the year 1873, Mr. Humphrey donated the church a site for a building, and they at once commenced the erection of their present church edifice, completing it a number of years afterward at a cost of about S!l,200, it being a very neat and commodious structure. Among tlie pastors who have presided here are Elder James F. Walker, Rev. Frank Howard, Rev. Mr. Piuiik, and Rev. J. F. Wilcox, the latter gentleman l)eing the ])resent pastor. The church is located on the southern line of section twenty-five.

services in 1876, at the scliQolliovise of district No. fi7, and continued holding irregular services here and at various places until 1878, when the society was organized, and the following trustees chosen : Olo Keige, Peter Oleson, Ole Anderson, and Christopher Seiga, with twenty members enrolled and Rev. Nels Veker the first minister. In 1878, the erection of a neat frame church was commenced in the southwest corner of section thirty-one, which, although not completed as yet, lias cost -SGOO. The society now has thirty members but no regular piistor. A cemetery is connected with the church organization, being located in the town of Wheatland.

OathoijIC Society. - Meetings of this society were first held in Timothy Gleasou's house in 1857, tlie first mass being said at the residence of James McCabe in 1858, by Father Oster, who was the first priest. In 1861, they decided to build a church, as meetings were being held at various places, and a building committee was appointed. James McOabe donated the society ten acres in section twelve and they purchased an additional ten acres adjoining it. Their building was finally finished as it now stands, with vestry, addition, and steeple, in 1881, having cost .53,100. The present officers are; Secretary, James McCabe; Treasurer, James Kiley. The priest is Father Reorlin. The church building of this denomination is a fine and commodious one; a credit to the township, and the society deserve commendation for their enterprise and zeal. Its location is in the southern part of section twelve.

The Catholic cemetery, not far from the church, was laid out in the summer of 1863, containing one acre. The first burial here took place in the same year, and placed the remains of Mrs. Fos in their last earthly abode.

LuTHEKAN Synod. - The first services held in the township by this denomination, was at the residence of Mr. M. Oleson, in section four, in 1876. In 1878, an organization was efl'ected and the erection of a church commenced, in section nine, which, although it is not yet comjileted, has cist $700. The first pastor was Kev. O. A. Borah, who still officiates.

In 1881, a cemetery ground was laid out by this church on E. Anderson's farm in the northern part of section nine, near the church, containing sixty -six lots.

German LuTnEiux CnnBcn. - Bev. Julius Wolf, in 1871, held services with this d(!noniiiiatiou at the residence of Henry Kinker, and the following year an organization was efl'ected and a frame church edifice erected in the nortiiwestern part of section five, at a cost of .i^lOO, the members doing almost all of tlie labor. The present pastor is Kev. Christian Alphers, with a membershii) of aI)out twenty, and a Hourishiug Sunday school in connection with the church.

When the society was first contemjilated, in 1871, a cemetery was platted and laid out in section five, near the church site, and the burial of a child of Mr. and Blrs. Hans Hamaun, inaugurated the sad and touching scenes that have since followed.

Historically speaking, there is not much to the educational department of Webster township - not that it is inefficient or incapable, for such is not the case, as it would favorably compare with any of which we might speak - liut there is an unavoidable sameness between them; in fact, the history of (me district is, with the exception of minor points, almost a synonym of all others. However, to gratify that pardonable local pride and curiosity in regard to "our district," wo attach hereto a short sketch of the organizatiim and growth of the various districts severally.

DisTUKT No. 33. - This district effected an organization in the summer of 1857, and school was held at the residence of Mr. Salmon Webster, with three scholars in attendance, and Mrs. Frances Webster, teacher. In the fall, of 1861, a log schoolhouse was rolled together in section thenty-six, where Miss Rosy Bidwell first called school to order. This primitive structure served its purpose until 1873, when the present neat and commodious schoolhouse was erected on the same site at a cost of aljout .$625. R. J. Matson first taught in the new house.

DisTuicT No. 42. - This educational subdivision was set off and organized under this uumlier ou the 5th of June, 1858, with Messrs. Samuel Dilly, R. H. l^illy, and John Gleason as school officers. A school building was put together, of logs, ou section twelve soon .ifterward, which was kept in use until 1S72. In the latter year their present building was constructed in the southern part of section eleven, at a cost of iS;400. Mr. James Kennoy first called school together in this house.

District No. 52. - This was legally organized in 1865, and a log house built in the southern |)iirt t)f section eight. Tlie first school was taught the following spring in this building by Miss Mary Ann Shippy - although this statement is contradicted - and the Iniilding was used continuously until 1880, when it was dispensed with, and the present house erected in the southern part of section eight at a cost of .S615.

District No. 67.^Effected an organization in 18(51, and a school meeting was held on the 27th of March, at the house of E. O. Knowles, at which school officers were elected as follows: Treasurer, E. C. Knowles; Director, Elisha Fitch; and Clerk, H. D. Williams. At a special school meeting held on the 9th of July, 1864, a tax of .S200 was voted for the purpose of erecting a schoolhouse, and the following year the walls of a log house, 18x20 feet, were put up by contribution, that was completed in the fall of 1865 and ready for use. In the summer of 1866, school was held in it by Miss Angerora Shippy, and it was in use from this on for school jiui'P"^^^ until 1880, when the present house was erected in the central part of section twenty-nine, at a cost of .-$700. William H. Wetherston first called school to order in this edifice. At present the school enrolls about sixty-five pupils.

S. B. Baklow, one of the early settlers in Webster township, was born in Connecticut on the 31st of July, 1834. When he was but three years old his parents moved to Franklin county,New York, where he received his schooling. At the age of fifteen years he was employed in the pineries; in 1853, moved to Michigan, where he was in the lumber business one year, thence to Wisconsin engaged in digging wells and cisterns until 1857. He then came to Rice county and took a claim in section thirty -two in tliis place, which has since been his liome. He erected a house immediately after his arrival, but the following year built a more substantial one, wliich was destroyed by fire in 1866, wlien lie put up his present dwelling. In 1862, he enlisted in the Second Minnesota Cavalry and served one year. After his discharge he returned to his farm and has since devoted his time to its cultivation, with the e.'iception of the year 1872, which he spent traveling through Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. He was joined in matrimony on the 16tli of March, 1861, to Miss Louisa

BEiitAMY Benton, one of the old settlers of Rice county, was born in England in 1809. He was lirought up on a farm, attended school and learned the baker trade. At the age of twenty he enlisted in the army and served two and a half years when his parents bought his discharge. He then returned home and was engaged on the police force iu the city of Wisbeach four years. In 1846, he married Miss Mary Salmons and they were blessed with five children, all of whom are now dead, also his first wife. For twenty- four years he was engaged in a grain warehouse and aftei'ward was appointed Warden of the jail in Wisbeach remaining three years. He married his second wife, Miss Maryan Mitchal, and soon after emigrated to America, landing in New York. He moved from there to Cleveland, Ohio, and the same year (1856) came to this township, built a log cabin in which they lived until 1871, and then erected their present fine frame structure.

F. BuTZKE, one of the early settlers of this township, is a native of Germany, born on the 22d of October, 1819. He attended school and when (juite young learned the blacksmith trade of his father. In 1840, he enlisted in the Prussian army and served three years. In 1845, Miss Henriette Wasse became his wife. They emigrated to America in 1857, landed in Baltimore and came directly to Minnesota, stopping in Hastings one month and then to this place. He staked out a claim in section eight, built a log house in which he lived about fourteen years, then erected his present frame dwelling, and now owns three hundred and twenty acres of land. He has a family of seven children; Bertha, Herman, Ulrike, Ferdinand, Matilda, William, and John.

Abel, Carpenter was born in Vermont on the 13th of June, 1813. At the age of three years he moved with his parents to Predonia, New York, wliere they remained five years, thence to Pair view, I'enii.sylvania, and three years later to Ashtal)ula county, Ohio, where Abel grew to manhood. He was married on the 28th of March, 1843, to Miss Mary Britt. Two years later they moved to Lee county, Iowa, where they resided on 1 farm until 1871, and on the 20th of May they came to this township and purchased a farm in section thirtyfive, which has since been their home. Mr. and

Mrs. Carpenter have a family of seven children ; Henrietta, James, William, George, Samuel, Abel, and Emma. Abel was born on the 3<1 of March, 18")!!, in Lee county, Iowa, and lum always made liis home with his parents.

Jacob Camp is a native of Pennsylvania, born on the 11th of August, 1829, and when an infant removed with his parents to Holmes county, Ohio. In the s]5ring of 1855, he started with an oil-doth covered wagon and one horse for the We.st. On reaching Dubuque, Iowa, he tt)ok a steamer for Hastings, from whence he went to Washington county and spent the winter. The following spring he came to this township and was among the first settlers, locating in section twenty-four and twenty-seven. He was married in August, 185G, to Miss Mary Egan and the union has been blessed with three children.

John Cole, a native of Yorkshire, England, was born on the 23d of April, 1829. He spent his youth on a farm and in school and in 1852, emigrated to America, landed in (Juebec and came directly to Detroit, Michigan, where he engaged in farming and gardening. In 1856, he came to Minnesota to seek a home, settled on Vermillion river iji Dakota county and remained until the spring of 1865, when he enlisted in the First Minnesota Heavy Artillery, Company I, was sent south to Chattanooga and stationed witli the regiment on Cameron Hill, remaining till the close of the war. After receiving his discharge he returned to Mmuesota and located in Webster in section twenty-eight, which has since been his home, building his present house in 1870. Mr. Cole was united in matrimony on the 28th of February, 1860, to Miss Lenora Blew, a native of New Jersey. The issue of the union is one son, William.

Paui; Dannielson is a native of Norway, bom on the 5th of December, 1850. In June, 1869, he sailed for America, came directly to Minnesota and resided in Dakota county on a farm four years, then kept a boarding house in Minneapolis two years, and in 1875, came to this township and purchased his present farm. He was married on the 3d of March, 187-1, to Miss Mary Severson, who has borne him three children; Daniel, Peter, and TiUa.

an uncle and attended school. He came to America in 1817, landed in Savannah, Georgia, and tlienee to New Jersey where he was engaged in the print works. He was joined in wedlock with Bridget Martin in July, 1852. In July, 1S58, they came to this townsliip and are nnnibered among the pioneers, building their prest-nt frame hou.se in 1871). Tliey have had six children; Sarali, .John, Mary, James, Martin, and Daniel. Harali died at the age of eleven years and James at live.

Oi.eIj. Elstaii was born in Norway on tlie I'.lth of February, 1822. He attended school in liis native place and in 1840, purchased a I'arm. He was married on the 2ith of June, of the latter year, and remained in that coimtry until 1869, when they emigrated to America. They came to Minnesota and settled first in Dakota county and two years later moved to this township, buying a good farm in seotion one, which is still their home. They have a family of eight children; Edward, Augusta, Anna, Matilda, Maggie, Maria, Emeline, and Alice.

Hugh Geoghagan, one of the prominent men of this county and erne of the first to locate a farm in this township, was born in Ireland on the 15th of August, 1830. His youth was spent at school and in farming pursuits, coming to America in 1852. He landed in New Orleans from whence he came to Chicago and was in the employ of the government as engineer for two years, and afterward engaged as fireman and engineer in different parts of Illinois. In 1856, he made a trip to Minnesota and secured land in this township but did not settle here until 1865. He was married on the 3d of April, 1860, to Miss Mary Hurly, who has borne him ten children; Lawrence, James, Hugh, Henry, Mathew, Mary, Thomas, Anna, Catherine, and John Henry, the '.ourth born was killed by a pile of lumber falling on him.

Daniel Glyzee, a native of Indiana, was born on the 28th of October, 1850. He was reared to agricultural pursuits and came with his parents to Minnesota in 1862, first locating in Lawrence county, but a year later came to this place and bought a farm in section thirty-four. His father died in 1870, and Daniel has since had charge of the farm, his motner living with him.

tied in Bureau county, Illiuois, -where, after reaching his majority, he was employed on the Chicago, Burlington & Qnincy railroad several years. On the 9th of September, 1858, Miss Catherine Dufl'y Ijecarae his wife. In 1869, they came to this township, purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in section twenty-one, and the same year erected their present house. Mr. and Mrs. Graves have had eleven children, ten of whom are now living.

Nils Hoauen.son, a native of Norway, was born on the lith of November, 1849. He remained at home engaged in farming until the 20th of July, 1868, when he set sail for America in company with his parents. They came direct to Minnesota and settled in Eushford, J'illmore county, where they remained five years and came to this township. Mr. Hoagenson purchased a farm and immediately erected his j^resent house. Bliss Caroline Larson Ijecame his wife on the 5th of February, 1874, and they have ;i family of four children.

Petek John.son was lioru in Norway on the 6th of March. 1831. He was married in his native country in July, 1864, to Miss Carrie Thompson. They came to America in 1868, landed in New York and from thence came to Carver county, Minnesota, where they were engaged in farming until 1872. In the latter year they came to this township, purchased a farm in section twenty, and in 1875, erected their present fine house. They have a family of nine children: Eva, Peter, Carrie, Henry, John, Willie, Ola, Mary, and Charles.

John King, whose father came from New Jersey to Webster in 1856, being among the first .settlers, was born in the latter State in 1853. All his school days amounted to but nineteen months, and wlien he was eight years old his father died. John has always resided on the old homestead, his sisters living with him. He is a member of the board of Supervisors.

James Keegan, one of the pioneers of this place, was born on the 20th of March, 1828, in Ireland. In 1846, he came to America and settled in Washington county, Maine, where he learned the tailor trade, remaining two years. From thence he went to New York and engaged at his trade, then to McHenry county, Illinois, and afterward resided in Milwaukee and Chicago, and in 1865, came lo St. Paul, in each of which places he worked at lis trade. In 1856, he came to this township and bought the land upon which he now resides. He was united in marriage on the 16th of November, 1862, to Miss B. H. Carroll, who has borne him two sons, James and Andrew.

Aethuk Kin'SElla, deceased, was born in Ireland in 1821. He was reared on a farm and came to America in 1850, first located in Rockford, Hliuois, but soon after came to Dakota county, Minnesota. He was married in 1856, to Miss Anna Mangon. They came to this township in 1862, purchased a farm in section fourteen, and built a shanty in which they lived until 1870, then erected a fine frame house. Five children blessed this union; Andrew, John, Arthur, George, and Blary. Mr. Kiusella died on the 19th of June, 1874, mourned by a large circle of friends.

E. C. Knowles, one of the old settlers of Minnesota, was born in Merrimack county. New Hampshire, on the 30th of August, 1820. In 1841, he married Miss Lucinda ."itwood of his native place. He then engaged in farming for a time but finally sold and Ijought a shingle mill, which bn.siness and carpentering he continued until the fall of 1849, when he was employed by the Northern Railroad Company and worked five years as a mechanic, building and repairing bridges, and was also in the repair shops. In 1855, he came west to seek a home, first pre-empted land in Dakota county near Hastings and worked at his trade in that city. In 1856, he bought a quarter section in this township but continued to reside in Hastings. In 1858, he went to Kenyon, Goodhue county, spent one season and then came to Northfield, and in 1860, settled in this place. The following fall he built the house in which he now lives. He lias many times been elected to local offices of trust, and also represented this district in the State Legislature. Mr. and Mrs. Knowles have had eight children; John, Mary, Jane, Albert, Ezekiel, Frank, Ella, and Orrin. Mary died in 1858, at the age of fifteen, and Ezekiel in 1856, when six years old.

James Leahet was born in Ireland on the 15th of August, 1840, and came with his parents to America when seventeen years old. They landed in New Orleans, and came from thence to Dakota county, Minnesota, where James attended school. Ho came to this township in 1859, now owns a good farm, and has held many offices of trust. He was united in marriage on the 5th of January, 1875, to Miss Mary Hagan, who has borne him

John Mollot was born in Ireland on thf 12th of March, 1835, and emigrated to America in 1852. He was employed in a factory in Oswego connty, New York, until 1857, then came to this township and pre-empted a claim which is his present home.

Andrew Nelson, a native of Norway, was born on the 24th of August, 1830. His father died when he was one year old, and he lived with his mother attending school until the age of eleven; then engaged to work in the pineries, continuing, with the exception of two seasons, until 1869. In the latter year became to America, landed in Quebec, and came to Carver county, Minnesota. While there he married Miss Merrit Nelson in 1871. They came to this township in 1873, and built the house in whicli they now live in section twenty, where they have a good farm. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson have had eight children; Annie, Merrit, Andrew, Henry, Blary, Cora. Herman, and Carrie, five of whom are dead.

Nels Oleson "Holte" is a native of Norway, born on the 25th of May, 1830. At the age of sixteen years he began to learn the carpenter trade, at which he was engaged until coming to America in 1866. He was married before coming, in 1855, to Miss Olianna Oleson. They first settled in Trempealeau, Trempealeau county, Wisconsin, where he was engaged at his trade. In 1868, he came to Dakota county, Minnesota, where he followed his trade for six years, then in St. Paul four years, and in 1874, came to this place, bought a farm and built a blacksmith shop, which he has since conducted. Mr. and Mrs. Holte have had ten children, eight of whom are living.

Magnus Olson was born in Norway on the 15th of November, 1830, reared on a farm, and at the age of fifteen years began to learn the stone mason trade. He was married in 1858, to Miss Sophia Cyprans. In 1852, they left their native country and came to America, directly to Chicago, where Mr. Olson worked at his trade for two months, and came to Goodhue county, Minnesota. His wife died in 1868, and in 1870, he married Miss Anna Amimdson. He remained in the latter place until 1876, when he moved to this township and bought a farm in sections four and nine, which he has since made his home. Mr. and Mrs. Olson have hid two children, Simon and Carl.

Haagen Olson was bom in Norway on the 18th of September, 1839. In 1865, married Miss Mary Olson. The following year they came to America, to Dakota connty, Minnesota, and after a residence of five years there moved to Dakota territory. In 1875, his wife died and the same year he came to this township, puriihased a faiin iu sectinri thirty, and has since made it his home. The maiden name of his present wife was Annie M. Swedeen, and this union has been blessed with two children; Julianna and Edwin. Mr. Olson has been a member of the Board of Supervisors and is at present Treasurer.

Thomas Reynolos, one of the few Anaeri(!ans in this place, is a native of New York, born on tlie 1st of Juno, 1839. He remained at home attending school and in 1872 married; then came west to this township and resided with his brotherin-law until 1874. Having purchased a farm upon his arrival, he built a house in the latter year and has since made it his home. Mr. and Mrs. T-ieyuolds have had seven children, four of whom are living; Catharine, Florence, Maggie, and Alice. Three died in infancy.

Ole Rtgu was born in Norway on the 29tli of January,1832. In 1860, he came to America, located in Door county,Wisconsin,thence to Chickasaw, Iowa, and iu 1876, came to this township, purchased a farm and built the house which has since been his home. He was married in Wisconsin on tlie 3d of May, 1863, to Miss Mary Hovy, who has burne him three children; Oliver, Mary, and an infant who died. The oldest also died.

Ole a. Sjoli was born in Norway on the 21st of October, 1821, and there received a common school education and learned the gardener's trade. He was married in 1849 to Miss Amelia Lister. They came to America iu 1867, landed in New York, and came directly to Rice county. His wife died iu 1870, leaving seven children; Anna, Carrie, Adolph, Otto, Hannah, Olive, and Eminel. In 1873, Mr. Sjoli married Miss Isabel Peterson, and the same year they came to this township and purchased a farm in section thirty. This union has bten blessed with three children; Peter, Martin, and Charlotte.

Albert M. Strate, a native of Norway, was born on the 18th of December, 1851. He came to America in 1868, landed in New York, from which place he came to Northfield, and thence to Dakota county, where he was engaged in farming more or less for five years. Duriug that time he made u tri]) to the western part of the State, and iu 1874, came to this township and purchased a farm, which he sold in 1881, and bought his present laud in section thirty-one. He was united in marriage in 1877, to Miss Carrie Sjoli, who has borne him two children; Berlothe and Alfred.

Feekis Webster, deceased, one of the pioneers of Rice county, was born in Franklin, Delaware county. New York, on the 2d of February, 1802. When he was quite young his parents moved to Ohio, where he was reared on a farm and received his education. He was married on the 12th of January, 1824, to Miss Siifau Abbott, who died on thi' 5th of March, 1827, leaving two children. Fis se^'ond wife was Miss Adaline Mitchani, who bore hi'U three children, and died on the 24th of Januar/, 1844. In 1828, Mr. Webster built a hotel at >lpfTerson, Ashtabula county, and was its landlord until 184S, when he sold and purchased a farm in Kingsville in the same county. On the 28th of January, 1844, he married Miss Roxana Carpenter, who survives him. This union was blessed with two children. In 1854, be sold his farm and built a hotel in Geneva, in the same county, but sold soon after and went to Monroeville. Iu the .spring of 1856, he came west to seek a home, and immediately upon his arrival here took Govcrument land in section twenty-six of this township, which was his home until his death, which occurred on the 24th of August, 1880. Mrs. Webster resides on the old homestead. She has two children. Her youngest soui

Morrow C, was born in Kingsville, Ashtabula county, Ohio, on the 13th of June, 1850, and came with his parents to this place where he received his education. He was married on the 7th of February, 1872, to Miss Elizabeth Walter. They have been blessed with two children; Archer Pearl and Daisy A. He resides on the homestead with his mother, and in 1878, built the house which they now occupy.

Fred Wiese wa« l)orn in Germany on tho twenty-third of February, 1853 When he was an infant his parents emigrated to America, settled first in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, then iu Chicago, and from thence to Milwaukee, where Fred received his education. In 1870, he moved to New London, Minnesota, and thence to the northern part of Wisconsin, where he was engaged in the pineries two seasons, and also in rafting on the Mississippi two seasons. In 1874, he went to Michigan, was employed in the niines and railroading for ' a time and returned to New London, thence to Winona, and in 1875, came to this township. In June, 1881, he bought his father's farm and erected a new house. He was married to Miss Minnie Dodes in September, 1881.

C. D. Walter was born iu Huron, Erie county, Ohio, on the 7th of April, 1842. He came to Webster in 1872, bought a farm iu sections twenty-five and twenty-six, and built the house in which he now lives. He was united in marriage in September, 1872, with Miss Alice Dilly. They have two children; Daniel Liston and Edith M.