Blue Earth County MN Archives History - Books .....Lake Crystal, Rapidan, Decoria 1882
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Book Title: History Of The Minnesota Valley


CHAPTER LXXI.

VILLLAGE OF LAKE CRYSTAL—RAPIDAN—DECORIA-McPHERSON-MEDO-BEAUFORD—LYRA.

  The thrifty and enterprising village of Lake Crystal is situated on the line
of the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha railroad, about twelve miles west
of Mankato. The corporate limits include all of section 5, township 107, range
28, and the south half of section 32, township 108, range 28, being taken partly
from each of the towns of, Judson and Garden City. It derives its name from the
beautiful lake near the shores of which the village is built. The original
proprietors of the site now occupied by it were L. O. Hunt and W. B. Robinson.
In June, 1854, they located their claims, taking a strip a mile long and a half
mile wide, partly in each of sections 5 and 32, Mr. Hunt's claim being the west
quarter section. They immediately returned to Wisconsin, whence they came, and
brought their families, arriving about the middle of September. Temporary
shanties were put up and housekeeping begun in short order. Mr. Hunt commenced a
log house that fall and finished it the next spring. This was the first house
built on the ground of the future village. With the exception of 1867-8, Mr.
Hunt has continued to live on the location of his choice, most of the time
engaged in farming; at present he is engaged in the livery business in the
village. Mr. Robinson continued to live on the site of his original claim until
his death in 1873. He was one of the first commissioners elected in the county,
and was always an active, enterprising man. His family still lives in the village.

   The first birth in the village was that of Charles B. Robinson, which
occurred February 4, 1856. A son was born to L. O. Hunt and wife March 5, 1856.
The first death was that of Calvin Webb; he died at the house of Mr. Robinson in
April, 1857. He had a farm on the opposite side of Lake Crystal, in the town of
Judson, and was brought over by his family on account of the Indian scare,
caused by the "Inkpadutah war." Mr. Robinson's house being barricaded, was the
resort for the settlers under such circumstances. The first marriage of parties
living in the village was Peter Peterson and Betsy Dorset.

   The first religious services were conducted at Mr. Robinson's in 1856, by
Rev. Kidder; Revs. Anthony Case and Theophilus Drew preached also from time to
time, but no church organization was effected until some time after. The
Methodist denomination organized first under the leadership of Rev. Albert
Perkins. The Presbyterians followed next. Both of these organizations now have
nice churches.

   The first school was taught by Mrs. Abbie Tuckey during the summer of 1869,
in a frame house formerly occupied as a dwelling. The following year a large
two-story frame building was erected at a cost of about $1,700. Five thousand
dollars are in the hands of the school board for the erection of a more
substantial building in the near future.

   The first attempt to start a town was made in 1857, by parties owning the
land in the southwestern part of section 5 and the south-eastern part of section
6; 320 acres were laid out, and the new town named Crystal Lake City. The
proprietors gave C. S. Terry, then a resident of Nicollet county, now in
Minneapolis, a certain interest in the town site if he would start a store. This
he did, and placed it in charge of a younger brother. At the end of about a
year, losing faith in the future prosperity of the town, he moved his goods; the
building passed into other hands and was moved away. Thus ended the existence of
the village.

   With the advent of the railroad the prospects for a town were so flattering
that Messrs. Robinson and Hunt had the present village site surveyed. This was
in April, 1869. To-day a beautiful village of about five hundred inhabitants
justifies their action and judgment. There are five hotels, eleven stores of
different kinds, two warehouses, one lumber-yard, one elevator, three blacksmith
shops, two wagon shops, three agricultural implement dealers, one livery, one
meat-market, one restauraut, one milliner, two dressmakers, three shoe shops,
one harness shop, one tailor shop, one barber shop and three saloons. The
professions are represented by two lawyers and three doctors. For the year
ending September 31, 1881, the receipts of freight by railroad amounted to
6,881,300 pounds, and the shipments amounted to 11,185,100 pounds.

   The newspaper "Public Spirit," a weekly, published at Mankato, was first
started here, but recently moved, having a Lake Crystal department, of which A.
G. C. Whitman is editor and business manager.

   Loon Lake post-office was established in 1867, and Mrs. S. A. Cookson
appointed postmistress. The office was located at her house about a mile east of
the village. As soon as the village was large enough to demand a post-office
this one was moved and the name changed. The present postmaster is Daniel Crane.

   Bethel Lodge, No. 103, A. F. & A. M., was organized December 2, 1872, with
eight charter members, and Benjamin Birge as W. M. The present membership is
sixteen. M. L. Holly is the present W. M.

   The village was incorporated in 1870. The meeting for organization was held
March 29, 1870, at the school-house. The officers elected for that year were; A.
Chemidlin, president, L. O. Hunt, W. B. Robinson, M. E. Dunn and William
McGillis, trustees; W. P. Marston, recorder; Henry Humphrey, assessor; J.
Simmons, treasurer; Evariste Franchere, justice, and Alonzo Frizzell, constable.

   H. E. Blakely was born in Genesee county, New York, in 1822 and when about 14
years old moved with his parents to Illinois. From 1849 until 1855 he was living
in California; was in a hotel some time and afterwards was employed by the Union
Pacific railroad company; he came to Minnesota in 1873 and has since been
engaged by the St. Paul & Sioux City company; for three years past he has had
charge of their elevator at Lake Crystal. Married in 1858 Eliza Storer, who died
April 24, 1881. They had two children: Herman S. and Alla.

   D. F. Crane, a native of Vermont, was born in 1840, in Orange county. When
nine years old he went with his parents to Illinois, thence to Wisconsin; in
1860 he came to this state and the next year enlisted in the Second Wisconsin;
subsequently entered the Tenth Minnesota and served until the close of the war;
he was wounded in the battle of Bull Bun. Mr. Crane came to Lake Crystal in 1870
and entered the grocery trade. Since 1873 he has been postmaster. In 1866 he
married Mary Reed. They have three children.

   Lorin Cray was horn in 1844 in Clinton county, New York and when five years
old moved with his parents to Wisconsin; at the age of fifteen he came with the
family to Minnesota. In 1862 he enlisted and after serving three years, was
discharged for wounds received at the battle of Nashville. He returned to
Mankato and worked at farming until commencing the study of law, in 1873; upon
being admitted to the bar in 1875 he commenced practice at Lake Crystal. In 1869
Miss Sarah Trimble, a native of Wisconsin, became his wife.

   Dr. W. R. Cullen, born in 1851, received his literary education in Wisconsin,
his native state. He studied medicine and in 1879 graduated from the University
of Michigan at Ann Arbor; removed to Minnesota and has since been in the
practice of his profession at Lake Crystal. Dr. Cullen's marriage took place in
1875, with Miss Jennie Kissenger.

   C. E. Davis was born in 1845 in England. At the age of fourteen he left
school and clerked in a store until 1865, when he came to America; he settled in
Le Sueur and until 1869 was in the employ of Smith & Company; at that date he
removed to Lake Crystal and opened a general merchandise store in company with
M. E. Dunn; W. P. Marston was afterward his partner. In 1873 Mr. Davis sold his
interest and went in company with P. A. Larson in the same business. They have a
large and increasing trade. Sylvia Raney became his wife in 1871 and has two
children: Myrtle and Ray.

   C. H. Estell, born in 1855, is a native of Wisconsin. When he was ten years
of age he accompanied his parents to Blue Earth county and was here brought up
on a farm and given a common school education. Until three years ago he was
employed in farming, then came to Lake Crystal and engaged in the butcher's
business. In 1880 Nellie Hamlin became his wife.

   J. P. Fairbank was born in 1826, in Cattaraugus county, New York. In 1850 he
removed to Wisconsin and worked at farming in that state until 1856, when he
settled in Dodge county, Minnesota and continued in the same employment Since
1865 he has worked at black-smithing; in 1870 built his shop at Lake Crystal. In
1849 he was united in marriage with Eliza J. Hoard. A. S. and Sarah M. are their
children.

   L. C. Farmer was born in 1856 in Indiana and when twelve years old moved with
his lather to Minnesota; from Wadena county they came to Blue Earth, where he
attended school and farmed until coming to Lake Crystal three years ago. After
engaging one year in the tin and hardware business, he entered the fancy grocery
trade. There is also a store of theirs at Minneapolis, under the direction of
his brother, E. A. Farmer.

   Dr. H. H. Hering was born in 1842, in Green county, Ohio, and graduated at
the age of eighteen, from the Miami university at Oxford, after which he began
the study of medicine. In 1861 he entered Company E, 74th Ohio; was afterwards
made captain of his company, and in 1863 resigned to accept the position of
assistant surgeon in the same regiment; because of poor health he returned to
Ohio. He came to Minnesota in 1865 but in 1869 went again to his native state
and entered the Miami medical college, from which he graduated in 1872, and then
practiced four years in Xenia. During that time he was physician to the state
home for sailors and soldiers, also to the county infirmary. Since 1876 he has
been in practice in Lake Crystal. In 1874 Alice Murphy became his wife.

   John Richard Hughes, a native of England, was born in 1849 at Liverpool. When
only fourteen years old he commenced to learn the trade of blacksmith and for
eleven years was in charge of a railroad company's shops at Hollyhead. In 1880
he immigrated to the United States and opened a shop at Lake Crystal, where he
is now doing business.

   L. O. Hunt was born in 1821, and lived in his native state, New York, until
eighteen years of age, when he moved to Wisconsin and engaged in farming. In
1854 he came to Lake Crystal as one of the first settlers. The farm he took
included a part of what is now the village. He continued farming until 1880, at
which time he began the livery business. Mr. Hunt was a member of the first town
board of Garden City. Married in 1849 Sarah Dean who died in 1881. They had four
children: W. S., C. C., H. L., and E. B.

   Joseph Kieffer was born in 1838 and till the age of eighteen lived in
Germany, his native land. Upon coming to America he engaged in milling at La
Crosse, Wisconsin. From 1857 to 1870 he was in the saloon business in Fillmore
county, and has since kept a saloon and hotel at Lake Crystal. Married in 1869
to Barbara Switzal.

   P. A. Larson was born in 1845 in Norway. Came to this country in 1864,
settled at Red Wing and for five years was employed in a store as clerk. In 1869
he came to Lake Crystal and in company with Mr. Simmons, started a store;
subsequently he was in business alone three years and then formed a partnership
with C. E. Davis. In 1869 Miss Minnie Simmons became his wife. Norman is their
only child.

   Franz Langer was born in 1835 in Prussia but while quite young moved to
Norway, where he learned glass cutting. He worked at the trade until coming in
1869, to the United States; he located at Lake Crystal and opened the hotel
where he is still in business. In 1863 his marriage took place in Norway, with
Mary Oleson. They have six children.

   W. P. Marston, a native of Canada, was born in 1840 and in 1857 settled at
Belle Plaine, Minnesota, He was two years in a saw-mill and then for some time
worked at building; erected buildings for the St. Paul & Sioux City railroad
from Le Sueur to Crystal Lake. Since 1869 he has been dealing in general
merchandise at Lake Crystal and in 1880 built the fine store he now occupies. In
1876, Mr. Marston was elected to the state legislature. Mary I. Smith became his
wife in 1869. Birdie, Grace, William P. and Frank are their children.

   Captain A. J. Murphy was born April 10, 1831, in Green county, Ohio. He
studied medicine two years and then completed his education at the Farmers'
College, Cincinnati, after which he taught three years and engaged in the hotel
business about the same length of time. In 1862 he entered Company F, 34th Ohio;
he was acting captain nearly all the time and mustered out at the close of the
war. He bought a farm at Judson, Minnesota, in 1867 but sold it in 1880 and
started a large stock farm in Iowa which he still owns; in 1881 he commenced
hotel business in Lake Crystal. Mr. Murphy has held many town and county offices
and at one time received the nomination for the state legislature; when he was
candidate for nomination for lieutenant governor he received the entire vote of
the county. His wife was Miss Nannie Snowden. Their children are John C., James
S., and Louella.

   T. J. Perry, a native of Wales, was born in 1838. When he was a child his
father died leaving quite a property which was invested by friends and never
returned to him. At the age of three years he went with friends to Canada, and
when sixteen years old began clerking in a store. In 1854 he removed to
Wisconsin and two years later to Cincinnati, where he commenced in mercantile
business, which he has since followed. In 1871 he came to Minnesota and the next
year to Lake Crystal; he has had different partners in business, but is now
alone and has a fine new store. Married in 1867, Ella P. Hillyer. Emma Elizabeth
is their only child.

   T. Reese was born in Wales in 1844, and when seven years old immigrated with
his parents to New York; two years later they removed to Iowa county, Wisconsin,
where he attended school and worked at farming. In 1864 he entered the army and
remained during the rest of the war. He settled on a farm in Judson, Blue Earth
county, in 1871, and in 1881 formed a partnership with J. E. Howland in the
hardware business. Ann Owen became the wife of Mr. Reese in 1870, and has one
child, Mary E.

   Patrick Riley was born in 1858, and lived until nine years of age in Clark
county, Ohio, his native place; he then accompanied his parents to Blue Earth
county, where he attended school and worked at farming. Mr. Riley was employed
several years on the Winona & St. Peter railroad, and since 1880 has been in the
saloon business at Lake Crystal.

   William R. Robinson, deceased, was born in Tompkins county, New York, in
1821, and resided there until 1854, when he came to Minnesota and located where
the village of Lake Crystal now stands; he and a brother-in-law, L. O. Hunt were
the first settlers at this point. Mr. Robinson assisted in laying out the
village and was identified with its interests until his death, which occurred in
July, 1873. He was a member of the first board of county commissioners and held
various other offices. In 1845 he married Mary Dean, who survives him. Their
living children are Frances A., James A. and Wilber R.

   J. E. Rowland was born in 1854, and lived in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, his native
city, until thirteen years old, when he, with his parents, located in Blue Earth
county, where he learned the brick masons' trade. After leaving the State Normal
School, at Mankato, he engaged in teaching four years. Since 1879 he has been in
the general hardware business at Lake Crystal.

   J. Howard Sails, a native of Illinois, was born in September, 1850, at
Harvard. The family moved to Iowa when he was a child; he attended school there
and clerked until 1873, when he entered the University of Michigan, from which
he graduated in 1875, and then, until 1880, was in charge of a drug store at
Cleveland, Ohio. He came to Minnesota at that time for his health, and deciding
to remain, he engaged in the drug trade at Lake Crystal. Ella G. Hawley was
married in 1876, to Mr. Sails.

   William Seeger, Jr. was born in 1842, at Moscow, Russia. At the age of ten
years he emigrated with the family to Ohio; thence in 1855 to New Ulm, and
shortly after to St. Peter. He enlisted in 1861 and served until June, 1866; he
was one year special telegraph orderly for General Grant. After working at the
harness makers' trade several years in different places he came, in 1871 to Lake
Crystal, and opened a harness shop; shortly after went to St. Paul where he did
a large business for about five years and then returned to Lake Crystal. Married
in 1870, Arnetta Fall; they have three living children.

   John D. Thomas, a native of Wales, was born in 1831, and when a child
accompanied his parents to New York; five years later they removed to Wisconsin
and in 1869 to Minnesota. He lived four years on a farm in Judson and then came
to Lake Crystal; since residing here he has been in the lumber business, also
kept a hardware store for a time. In 1873 his first wife died, and in 1877 he
married Harriet Guffis. Mary J., Daniel, Richard and Martha A. are their children.

   Stephen Thorne was born in 1845, in Danbury, Connecticut. At the age of
fourteen years moved with his parents to Westchester county, New York and
completed his education at Peck's Institute, after which he was employed in
clerking and bookkeeping. From 1861 until the close of the war he was recruiting
officer; then followed civil engineering until 1874, at which time he went to
the Pacific coast; in 1878 he came to Lake Crystal and bought a farm, also
engaged in the saloon business. Married in 1872, Frances E. Stephens.

   Anson G. C. Whitman, a native of Maine, was born in 1851, at Bethel, Oxford
county. His parents took their family to Wisconsin when he was a boy, and he was
there given a liberal education. He was for a time correspondent for a Chicago
paper and since 1868 he has been a resident of Lake Crystal; in 1880 he became
editor and business manager of the "Public Spirit," now published in Mankato.

RAPIDAN.

   This town is situated in the north-central part of the county and is
traversed by the Maple and Le Sueur rivers in the east and Blue Earth and
Watonwan rivers in the west. These streams furnish water powers that eventually
must make the town the center of a large manufacturing industry.

   On account of the territory embraced by the town being in the Winnebago
reservation, settlement was retarded until a comparatively late date. The
valuable mill site now occupied by the Rapidan mills in section 8, attracted
attention at an early date. In 1854, quite a number had secured claims there;
among them Basil Moreland, G. W. Cummings, William Washburn, Williston
Greenwood. They were obliged to leave them after a vigorous protest on their
part, in the possession of the Indians. The Indians were removed in 1863 and
settlement began again. Among the earlier ones who came in were J. D. Hooser, H.
C. Eberhard, C. G. Chamberlain, W. L. Stevens, Lucius Dyer, G. Schwan, E. C.
Payne, A. J. Jewett, Charles Meiskie, M. Bosin, William and August Blume.

   Mr. Dyer built the Maple River Mill on section 35, in 1867; it is a two run
of stone, water power mill and only does custom work. After several changes, the
property is now in the hands of J. Mericle. Mr. Jewett located in the south-west
quarter of section 33, where the year following he with wife, father, mother and
nephew were killed by the Indians, and his child about two years old wounded and
left for dead, but by care recovered and now lives with his uncle in Boston.

   The first school in the town was taught by Miss Emma Smith, during the summer
of 1366, in what is now district number 79; the school-house was of logs, and
had been built the previous spring and located in section 35. This building was
used until the present house was erected a few years later. The town now has
five school-houses.

   The Union mill on section 31, was built in 1867, by George Heaton and Richard
Rew; it is a frame mill, water power with two run of stone. It proved a
financial elephant on the hands of the originators; it now stands idle.

   The Rapidan mill was built by Silas Kenworthy & Co., in 1866, and operations
begun in December of that year with two run of stone. The company have since
added two more run. In the spring of 1880, Mr. Kenworthy sold his interest to
Mr. Hans Knutson, who with the former partners of Mr. Kenworthy, J. W.
Mendenhall and J. B. Swan, has formed a new company, known as the Rapidan Mill
Company; it is a water power mill and has a capacity of about sixty barrels per
day.

   In 1867 the mill company laid off a small portion of their tract into lots
and named their village, Rapids. If the splendid, natural power is eyer used to
its fullest extent, it is sure to be a widely known village. At present, only a
few connected with the mill occupy the lots. The mill, one blacksmith-shop and
cooper-shop constitute the business of the place. A fine iron bridge spans the
Blue Earth at this place. It was built in 1879 and is the only bridge in the
town. A little further down the river, the village of Rapidan was platted in
1864 on land owned by C. P. Cook, but nothing further ever came of it. In 1875
the railroad company established a station in the south-east corner of section
4. That year, Olof Olson put up a store, which, with a small warehouse,
constitutes the station proper. About eighty rods further south a store was
started in the fall of 1878 but was only continued about two years. A
post-office was established at the station, in January, 1875 and Mr. Olson
appointed postmaster, which office he continues to hold. Castle Garden
post-office was established in 1867 and N. Bixby appointed postmaster and the
office located at his house in section 15. He was succeeded by G. W. Derby, who
held the office until it was discontinued about 1874.

   The first town meeting was held April 15, 1865, at the house of E. C. Payne
in section 21. Twenty votes were cast, and the following officers elected for
the ensuing year. E. C. Payne, chairmanu; W. L. Stevens and J. Sanger,
supervisors; M. A. Reader, clerk; J. D. Hooser, assessor; G. Schwan, treasurer;
C. P. Cook and A. J. Jewett, justices; P. Paff & H. C. Eberhart, constables. Mr.
Payne resigned May 22, 1865 and Mr. Jewett failed to qualify as justice. Mr.
Lucius Dyer was elected to fill both vacancies.

   J. W. Derby, born in 1819, in Washington county, New York, was raised on a
farm and learned the trade of carpenter. In 1844 he went to Wisconsin and there
worked at his trade; after living in Illinois about two years he came, in 1855,
to Minnesota and settled in Blue Earth county; at that time there was but one
family between him and Blue Earth City. He was with the party who found the
bodies of the murdered Jewett family. Married August 7, 1853, Jane E. Eldridge
who died September 25, 1877, leaving seven children: Levina, Charles A., Ellen,
Esther, Ida, George, and Lottie M.

   O. Holberg was born in 1827 and learned the shoe-maker's trade in Sweden, his
native country. He has worked at farming since coming to America in 1868, though
previous to that he had followed his trade. In 1870 he located in Blue Earth
county. Mr. Holberg was married in 1860, to Miss Bridget Jonstetter. Their
children are John and Erick.

   Silas Kenworthy was born in Randolph county, North Carolina, December 29,
1803; when young, he moved with his parents to Ohio and in 1822 they went to
Indiana. He and his father built a grist mill which he operated two years and
afterward worked at farming for a time. In 1854 he came to Minnesota and the
year following built a small flouring mill in Le Sueur county, which he sold in
1864 and came to Rapidan; in company with others he built what is known as the
Rapidan flouring mill. Mr. Kenworthy has erected seven mills, all water power;
three in Indiana and four in this state. He has held many town and county
offices and in 1874 was elected to the state legislature. Married in 1827,
Marion Mate. Nancy A., Cynthia A., Ella J., Elizabeth, and May are their children.

   Hans Knudsen, born in 1842, is a native of Denmark. At the age of fourteen he
commenced to learn the miller's trade and worked at that business in Denmark
until 1873, when he came to the United States; worked in the Rapidan mill until
1880; at that time bought one-third interest in the mill. In 1873, he married
Marie Nelson. Ida May is their only child.

   H. W. Mendenhall was born in Montgomery county, Indiana, in 1828. He worked
about six years at the trade of painter and then engaged in the miller's
business until coming to Minnesota about 1854; settled on a farm in Le Sueur
county. It was he who, in 1856, bought and ran the first reaper in the Minnesota
Valley. From 1858 until 1864 he was in the milling business in that county, then
in company with Kenworthy and Swan, built the Rapidan mill; is now senior member
of the firm. Married in December 1848, Nancy A. Kenworthy. They have six
children: Clara M., Orson S., Alice, Minnie E., William W., and Ida E.

   Olof Olson, a native of Sweden, born in 1841, was brought up on a farm and
given a high school education. He came to America in 1872 and worked at farming
in Freeborn county until 1874 when he removed to Blue Earth county; the next
year he established his general store at Rapidan station, where he also fills
the office of postmaster. Nettie Roland became his wife in 1874. Oscar, Alfred
and Lindo are their children.

   Colonel B. F. Smith was born July 4, 1811, in Knox county, Ohio. For a number
of years he was an assistant of his father, who was clerk of the courts of Knox
county; was auditor of that county four years, and served in the Ohio
legislature. From 1857 until 1861 he resided in Vernon Centre, Minn., and at the
breaking out of the rebellion he recruited a company of cavalry; served as
lieutenant-colonel of the Third Minnesota and then resigned because of poor
health; was offered but did not accept the appointment of colonel of his
regiment; was soon after put in charge of Fort Snelling and remained in the
service of the government until 1866. In 1869 he was elected to the state
senate; was four years in the land office at Redwood Falls, and six years
register of deeds of Blue Earth county. Married in 1830, Julia Stilley. They
have seven living children.

   W. L. Stephens was born in 1826, in Knox county, Ohio. He accompanied his
parents to Michigan in 1829, from there to Indiana, thence to Wisconsin and
since 1864 he has been a resident of Blue Earth county. In 1850-1 he was in
California, prospecting for gold; since coming to this state he has been farming
and recently has made a specialty of stock raising. In 1853 he married Miss E.
J. Smith, who died in 1866; her children are Buel V., Stella, Francis W. and
Edwin. By his second wife, who was Sarah J. Christie, he has one child: Elizabeth.

   James B. Swan, a native of Ohio, was born in 1836, in Medina county, and in
1857 located in Le Sueur county, Minnesota, where he served as register of deeds
and county auditor. For several years he was engaged in farming and was one year
in a flouring-mill. Mr. Swan was one of the volunteers stationed at New Ulm
during the Sioux trouble. In 1866 he came to Blue Earth county and was one of
the company to erect the Rapidan mill; is still a member of the firm. He has
held various town and county offices. Married in 1859 Mary Kenworthy. Their
children are Ora, Edson and Bertie.

   W. W. Swan, deceased, a native of Canada, was born in 1825 and came in 1852
to Minnesota; the next year he settled in Le Sueur and until his death in 1856,
held the offices of register of deeds, clerk of the court and postmaster. He was
one of the original owners of the town site of Le Sueur, and was the first
person buried in the cemetery. 


DECORIA

   This was the last organized town in the county. Like the others located
within the reservation limits it was not settled by whites until after the
removal of the Indians. The name is derived from three Indian chiefs living upon
the reservation, whose surname was Decoria. It is situated in the east central
part of the county and includes all of congressional township 107, range 26. It
was at first attached to Rice Lake and then to Mankato for official purposes. A
separate organization was effected at the house of J. S. Larkin October 8, 1867.
The meeting was presided over by Charles Rundquist; A. H. Matteson, Jacob
Munshenk and J. S. Larkin were the judges of election and William Larkin was the
clerk. The officers elected for the ensuing year were: A. H.Matteson, chairman;
J. S. Larkin and Jacob Munshenk, supervisors; William Larkin, clerk; Charles
Rundquist, treasurer; A. H. Matteson and Joshua Ady, justices; A. S. Kingery and
M. Smith, constables.

   The first settler in the town was Joshua Ady. He was connected with the
Indian agency as before mentioned and remained behind when the Indians were
removed. Accompanied by his wife and three children, he came into the town
January 1, 1865, and located where he now lives in the south-west quarter of
section 2. Quite a number of settlers came in that year, most of whom are dead
or have moved elsewhere.

   The first religious services were conducted by Rev. Kidder, a Universalist
clergyman from Indiana, at the house of S. T. Mantor, sometime during the summer
of 1867; there is at present no church organization in the town, although
services are conducted occasionally.

   The first school was taught during the summer of 1870, by Frances Herrick in
a frame building erected for the purpose and located on section 35; there were
about thirty scholars in attendance. The town now has six school-houses all frame.

   Decoria post-office was established about 1869, John S. Larkin was appointed
post-master and the office located at his house in section 28. He was succeeded
by George Todd, who held the office until 1875, when it was discontinued.

   Joshua Ady was born in Ohio, in 1818. In 1839 moved to Iowa, and in 1848 was
appointed blacksmith on an Indian reservation, and located in Todd county,
Minnesota. He accompanied the Indians on their removal to Blue Earth county, and
remained with them two years; settled on a farm in Mankato township, and in 1865
located on section 2, Decoria, where he owns 320 acres of land. Has held the
offices of justice of the peace overseer of poor and town treasurer; the latter
office since 1868. Married at Mankato in 1856, to Mary Kennedy and has four
living children; John Franklin, James and Robert.

   C. Ballard, a native of Shelby county, Kentucky, was born in 1829. At the age
of twenty-one started a country store and was in business three years, then
moved to Minnesota in 1854 and settled near Mankato. In 1864 removed to Rapidan
and nine years later to Decoria, where he owns a large tract of land. In 1857,
he served as county assessor, before the township organization and has since
held several town offices. Married in 1856, Miss Lois Gregory, who died in 1878.
Eleven children were born to them. The living are George B., James L., Willis
N., Lois E., John M., Thomas B., Charles A., Mary Belle and Robert.

   Jacob Denn, born in Prussia, in 1827, came to America in 1851, and went to
Buffalo, New York. After a residence in Michigan of three years, came to
Minnesota in 1855, and located in Dakota county. Fourteen years later he came to
Blue Earth county and settled on his present farm in Decoria; owns 320 acres of
land. Married in 1860, Emma Feist. They have seven children.

   B. H. Gerlich was born in Wisconsin in 1841. Came to Minnesota in 1870, and
settled on section 24, Decoria. Afterwards went into business in Mankato and
after two years, settled on his present farm. Married Catharine Gassier, in
Wisconsin in 1869. Paulina, John, William, and Clara are their children. Mr.
Gerlich has held the offices of supervisor and school director several terms.

   H. H. Gerlich was born in 1845 in the state of Wisconsin. In 1868 settled in
the town of Mankato and after eleven years residence there came to Decoria. He
held the office of school clerk in 1874, and in 1875 was elected a member of the
legislature. Of the 200 acres comprising his farm, 160 are under cultivation.
His wife was Miss F. Frie, whom he married in 1866. Of seven children, six are
living.

   Frank Kennedy, born in Ireland in 1827, was raised on a farm. At the age of
fourteen started out for himself and went to Scotland and England. At the age of
twenty-two came to America, and after roving about some time, settled in
Kentucky. For three years he resided there, then lived in Illinois eleven years.
Settled in Scott county, Minnesota, and finally in Decoria, Blue Earth county.
Was married in 1857, to Miss Sarah Yanetten, of New York. Their children are
Mary, Con E., Rose, Catherine, Ellen, John, Frank and Charles H.

   S. J. Mace was born in Virginia in 1853. At the age of six years he
accompanied his parents to Iowa and thence to Minnesota; at that time there were
no settlers between them and Alma City. He now has a farm of 160 acres. In 1880
he married Mrs. Susan Weaver, of Blue Earth county, who has borne him one child.

   George McKee, a native of Ireland, was born in 1827, and at the age of
eighteen came to this country. In 1856 he came west and settled in Winona;
afterward located at the agency, and finally settled on section 36, Decoria,
where he owns 250 acres of choice land. Has 150 acres under cultivation; the
farm is well stocked. Married in 1864, at La Crosse, Wisconsin, Miss Sarah Tanney.

   A.  H. Matteson was born in Pennsylvania in 1838. In 1845 went with his
parents to Illinois and to Wisconsin in 1855. Came to Minnesota in 1865 and
after one year at the agency located on section 35, Decoria, where he now
resides and owns 160 acres of land. He has held the offices of chairman of town
board, town clerk and justice of the peace; at present holds the last two
offices. Married at Agency, Blue Earth county, Minnesota, November 13, 1865, to
Mary P. Tillotson; they have seven children living.

   George Todd was born in England in 1828, and came with his parents to America
when three years of age. They settled on a farm, where George grew to manhood.
In 1859 he came to Wisconsin and settled on a farm, remaining until 1865, at
which time he came to this state and to his farm in Decoria township. Has been a
supervisor since coming to the town, and was postmaster for five years; is at
present, 1881, chairman of the town board. Has been married twice and is the
parent of seven children, six of whom are living.

   William Waddell was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1808. In 1820 emigrated to
Canada and resided there for sixteen years. Went to Missouri but on account of
unhealthiness of the climate was obliged to leave. In 1869 came to Decoria
township and located on the farm where he now lives. Married in 1841 to Miss
Minerva Mericle; they have had eight children; all but one are living.

McPHERSON.

   This town is located in the east tier in the county, and comprises all of
congressional township 107, range 25. It was first called Rice Lake and attached
to Mankato for official purposes. The petition for organization was accepted by
the county commissioners at a session held September 2, 1863, and the name
changed to McClellan. The election for organization was ordered to be held at
the house of Lucius Dyer, September 19, 1863. At this meeting Lucius Dyer was
chosen moderator and John Low, clerk. The judges of election were R. O.
Bartlett, Henry Foster and J. L. Alexander.

   In March, 1865, the name of the town was changed to McPherson.

   The first white settles of this town were those connected with the Winnebago
Indian agency located where Hilton now stands. They were Gen. J. E. Fletcher,
agent; Henry Foster, Joshua Ady and A. L. Foyles, attaches. Shortly after Mr.
Lincoln became president, Gen. Fletcher was superseded by Charles Mix as agent
and returned to Boston.

   Mr. Foster, in company with Mr. Ady, operated a blacksmith shop at the agency
for the government. When the Indians were moved in 1863. Mr. Foster remained,
and has since been a resident of the town. So also did Mr. Ady, but he took a
claim in Decoria, where he now lives. In 1857 Isaac Autrey came in and made his
headquarters at the agency. He was absent much of his time but upon the removal
of the Indians, he made a claim in section 15, and subsequently moved to section
10, where he now resides. No more white settlement occurred until after the
removal of the Indians, when it was quite rapid. The town is now well settled
with an industrous class of people.

   The village of Hilton was surveyed in 1865, on land owned by Aaron Hilton, in
the south-east quarter of section 28, and has since had two small additions.

   The village now has two hotels, three general stores, one drug store, two
blacksmith shops and three saloons.

   Four churches are located here. The Catholics organized in 1864, by Father
Somereisen with about thirty families. Their present church was built in 1874 at
a cost of about $1,300. The membership is now about 120 families, and services
are conducted by Father Grafweg, of Mankato.

   The German Evangelical church was organized in 1874 with about twelve
families. Their church was built the same year at a cost of about $1,200. Their
first pastor was Rev. G. H. Knabel, and the present one is Rev. Herman Ohs.

   The Lutheran church was also organized in 1874 with fifteen members. Rev.
Albert Kuhn was the first pastor. They built their church the same year at a
cost of $1,200.

   The Congregational church was organized in 1874 with less than a dozen
members, under the ministration of Rev. Wallace Bruce. The present pastor is
Rev. A. T. Sherwin.

   The first religious services were held by Rev. Father Viraldi at the agency
for the benefit of the Indians belonging there. A school was taught by the
Sisters connected with the church.

   The first school for white children was taught in the fall of 1863 by Francis
Beveridge in a trading shanty adjacent to the agency. At present there are seven
school-houses in the town; all frame. One district has no house at present. The
school at Hilton is graded and the house contains two rooms.

   Winnebago Agency post-office was established in 1857 and Henry Foster was
appointed postmaster. This office has experienced many changes in its
conductors. The present postmaster is J. L. Cook.

   Belleview post-office was established a few years since with J. H. Easton as
postmaster, and was discontinued about two years ago.

   William Brandt, a native of Germany, was born November 11, 1842. While an
infant his parents moved to the United States and settled in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
There he grew to manhood and in 1862 enlisted in Company B, Third Wisconsin
infantry, and served three years. He engaged in the battles of Winchester, Cedar
Mountain, Antietam, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg; was also at Lookout
Mountain, Chattanooga and Altoona. In 1865 he came to Minnesota and located at
McPherson. Married in 1867, Etta Borcutt, who has borne him two children; Wm. A.
is living; Henry W. died November 30, 1873.

   J. L. Cook was born May 5, 1832, in Massachusetts. Removed to Fond du Lac
county, Wisconsin, and in 1857 to Freeborn county, Minnesota. During his younger
days he learned the shoemaker's trade. In 1866 he located at Winnebago Agency.
On his arrival was appointed postmaster which office, together with that of town
clerk and justice of the peace, he still holds. Enlisted in Company E, 10th
Minnesota, and served three years. Participated in many severe battles and
served under General Sibley during the Indian campaign; witnessed the execution
of the thirty-eight Sioux Indians at Mankato. October 30, 1865 he married Jennie
A. Stearns: one son, Frank.

   George E. Doland was born in New Hampshire, in 1832. He lived in the city of
Manchester until eleven years of age, and from that time until 1855 remained on
a farm. In 1855 he moved to McPherson. In 1864 he enlisted in the 11th
Minnesota; served through the remainder of the war. Married December 5, 1852,
Miss Ann Farmer. Mary, Eliza, Carrie, Ellen, George, John, Lizzie, Nettie, and
Annie are their children.

   John Fitzloff, a native of Germany, and son of John and Henrietta Fitzloff,
was born in 1827. He was raised on a farm. Came to America in 1863; after
remaining six months in Wisconsin, removed to Minnesota; lives now in McPherson.
He was married in his native country, in 1853. His children are Albert, Almond,
Arthur, Bertice, John, and Charley.

   Thomas Fitzsimmons was born in Marquette county, Wisconsin, in 1854. He
remained with his parents, Patrick and Sarah, and came with them to Minnesota,
in 1864. Settled in McPherson where he farmed fourteen years; removing to
Mankato, he kept saloon two years, and there married, July 6, 1881, Miss L.
Richards. He now has a saloon and billiard hall at Winnebago Agency, also has a
farm of 200 acres about three and one-half miles from the village.

   Henry Foster, born April 22, 1825, is a native of Ohio. His parents removed
to Wisconsin, in 1837, and settled near Prairie du Chien; three years later they
went to Iowa; Mr. Foster acted in the capacity of blacksmith for the Winnebago
Indians, and moved to Minnesota in 1848. In 1856 he engaged in trade with the
Indians, located at Winnebago Agency; continued that business together with
farming until 1863, and has since then given his attention wholly to farming. He
owns 720 acres. Mrs. Lydia A. Rasdell became his wife in 1864. They have an
adopted daughter.

   H. R. Grignon was born in 1850, in Iowa. Moved to Long Prairie, Minnesota,
thence in 1856, to Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin; two years later he went to
Winnebago Agency, and in 1860, removed to Mendota for two years. He went to
Wisconsin to attend school hut returned to this state, and from 1866 until 1870,
lived in Rice county. For a time he was in mercantile trade, also employed as
clerk and traveling salesman, but at present is engaged in buying and selling
butter. In 1870, Miss Jennie Phillips became his wife. Virginia H., and Belle
are their children.

   Honorable J. D. Hawkins, a native of Vermont, was born December 9, 1836. When
he was eight years of age the family moved to Wisconsin, and to Dodge county,
Minnesota, in 1862; one and one-half years later he came to McPherson. Enlisted
in 1864 in Company D, 11th Minnesota, and served until the close of the war. In
the fall of 1880, he was elected to the legislature. At Fond du Lac, Wisconsin,
in 1861, he married Miss Paulina L. Hill.

   Dr. E. B. Haynes was born in Greene, Chenango county, New York, in 1818.
Engaged in the manufacture of lumber and in connection ran a grist-mill; went to
Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, in 1846, and there continued the lumber business.
For several years he practiced medicine. Located in McPherson, in 1864, where he
devotes his time to the practice of medicine, and to farming. Married in 1839,
Celia Rogers, who died in 1844. Elizabeth Camp was married to him in 1853. They
have one daughter, Elizabeth, who married H. Eastman.

   Sumner C. Hilton was born in Lincoln county, Maine, in 1833. He learned the
trades of miller and engineer; in 1849 he moved to Wisconsin and settled about
eight miles from Oshkosh; for three years he was pilot on the Wisconsin, then
engaged in building mills. He manufactured lumber at Mankato from 1858 until
1862, then enlisted in the Ninth Minnesota and served until war ceased. Removed
to Winnebago Agency and built a flouring mill. He visited California in 1868 and
again in 1872. Married in 1854, Huldah C. Dickerson. Alice and Della are the
children.

   Mathias Jost, a native of Prussia, was born May 20, 1842. He, with his
parents, emigrated to Wisconsin in 1852, lived in Milwaukee county until coming
to Minnesota in 1861. He enlisted that year in Company I, 9th Minnesota and
served three years; participated in many battles. Married Margaret Lang, October
20, 1865. He engaged in mercantile trade in Mankato three years, then for six
years was farming. Locating in Winnebago Agency he again engaged in mercantile
trade. Mrs. Jost is the mother of five children.

  H. R. King was born in Greene, Chenango county, New York, January 9, 1854.
When three years old accompanied his parents to Sterling, Minnesota. In 1862
they moved to Mankato, and seven years later to Waseca county. January 1st 1879
settled in Winnebago Agency. Formed a partnership with W. E. Kenyon in the drug
trade, but is now sole proprietor of the business. April 23, 1881, he married
Maggie J. Geddes.

  Peter Manaige was born in Broome county, New York, in 1819. His father, Louis
Manaige, a native of Canada, served in the revolutionary war and died at LeRay,
Minnesota, in 1870, at the age of ninety-nine years. Peter moved with his
parents to Portage, Wisconsin, in 1830; in 1840 he married Miss A. Decorah and
two years after moved to Clinton county, Iowa, where he engaged in
merchandising. In 1846 was appointed interpreter for the Winnebago Indians. In
that capacity he came to Minnesota in 1848 and located at Long Prairie; in 1855
he came to McPherson. Archie, Margaret, Charles, Paul, Josephine, Angelina,
Teressa, William L., Edward, Henry, are the children.

  A. B. Miely was born in Augusta county, Virginia, in 1847. When fifteen years
old he moved with his parents to McDonough county, Illinois, and came to
Minnesota in 1864; settled in McPherson. In connection with farming he has a
saw-mill. His parents, Louis and Amanda Miely, are residents of Jefferson
county, Kansas, engaged in farming and stock raising. Married October 1, 1872,
Anne E. Crabbe. Mabel L., Fred. L., and Ray B., are the children.

  Patrick O'Connor is a native of Ireland, born in 1810. Learned the trade of
mason and builder; came to America in 1838; located in Albany, New York, and
there worked at his trade; subsequently went to Wisconsin. He succeeded in
raising a company and enlisted as their captain in the Seventh Wisconsin
infantry in the spring of 1862; served until August 1, 1862, then resigned. Came
to Minnesota in 1864 and now lives in McPherson. Married Margaret McDermott in
1839. Their living children are John, Charles, Alice, Thomas, Charlotte, Edward,
Mary A., Francis and James.

   Daniel Purdy was born in Hardin county, Ohio, in 1843. When a lad of ten
years he went with his parents to Black Hawk county, Iowa. After a residence of
three years, moved to Blue Earth county, Minnesota, and in 1875 settled in his
present home in McPherson township, section 13. June 21, 1870, he married Miss
E. Owen, who has borne him four children. Walter L., Dana L., Winfred L. and
Addie L.

   Charles Schroeder was born in 1837. At the age of fourteen he commenced
learning the trade, of wheel wright and blacksmith. When fifteen years old he
left Prussia, his native country, and settled on a farm in Dodge county,
Wisconsin, where he remained until 1881, then bought a farm in McPherson. In
1858 Miss Ernestine Bocholtz was married to Mr. Schroeder. They are the parents
of six children: Minnie, Charles, Florentina, Louisa, William and Robert.

   William E. White, a native of Minnesota, was born in 1851 and in 1856 moved
with his parents to McPherson. When twenty years old he commenced business for
himself; was interested in a saw-mill. In 1875 he went to the Black Hills;
returned to McPherson about two years after and engaged in farming. Mr. White
was united in marriage in 1871, with Emma Phelps who has borne him four
children. George, Eugenia and Virginia are the living.

   Frank Wilkins was born in Allegany county, New York, June 6, 1841. At the age
of thirteen moved with his parents to Columbia county, Wisconsin and in 1868
came to Minnesota; settled at Winnebago Agency. Finished his education at the
normal school at Mankato, then taught eighteen terms. He has a farm of 200 acres
of which forty acres are in McPherson. He enlisted in Company H, Second
Wisconsin infantry and served two and one-half years; engaged in many battles
and was wounded once. April 15, 1865, he married Matilda S. Abbott, who has
borne him three children: Clara L., William E. and Grace E.

   J. C. Wills was born in Chicago, Illinois, October 3, 1852. His father, a sea
captain, was drowned when his son was an infant; the mother with her family
located near Milwaukee, Wisconsin. At the age of fourteen he removed to Mankato;
clerked there and at Shelbyville; in 1870 attended one term of school at
Milwaukee, then became teller of the First National bank at Mankato;
subsequently clerked at Winnebago Agency; visited Texas in 1873. He finally
established himself in the mercantile trade with W. H. Harrison; since June
1879, Mr. Murphy has been his partner. October 17, 1877, he married Eva Crick
who has borne two children: Charles W. is living.

MEDO.

   In the spring of 1858 this town was attached to Danville for official
purposes. It is located in the south-eastern part of the county; is in the east
tier of towns and second from the south. Like the other towns included in the
Winnebago reservation, it was late in settlement. The spring of 1863 witnessed
the first settlement by whites, yet, so fast did they come that a petition for
organization was sent to the county commissioners the fall following. It was
accepted and the meeting for organization ordered to be held at the house of H.
H. Stratton, September 19, 1863.

   The first settler in the town was H. H. Stratton; he came early in the spring
of 1863. A son of his, Hiram, born in September, 1863, was the first birth of a
white child in the town. The first death was that of Effie, a four-year-old
daughter of Samuel Goodwin; she died in February 1864. The first marriage was
that of D. Allen and Lovina Webster, in the spring of 1865.

   There were no schools until the summer of 1865; that season two were started.
One of them was taught at the house of M. C. Ackerman, by his daughter Amelia.
The other at a house erected for the purpose on section 3, by Mrs. Susan
Stedman. The town now has eight school-houses, one of which, however, belongs to
a district which has been discontinued and distributed among surrounding districts.

   The Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran church was organized in 1869 with about
thirty members. The pastor was Rev. T. H. Dahl. There are now about fifty
families in charge of Rev. M. Borge, of Mankato.

   Medo post-office was established in 1867, and B. F. Stedman was appointed
postmaster. He was succeeded by the present postmaster, James Farley, in 1878,
and the office located at his store in section 15. Little Cobb post-office was
established a few years since. The present incumbent is O. Engebritson and the
office is located at his house in section 26.

   The first startling event of a criminal nature was the killing of John Gill
by Mr. Matthews in the spring of 1864. The second occurrence of this kind was
the killing of Mrs. J. Gilbert by Andrew Weston, in the spring of 1876; she was
shot through a window. Weston was sent to the penitentiary for life.

   Charles E. Baker was born in Ohio, in 1848. When he was one year old his
mother died and he went with his father to Wisconsin in 1858; removed to Dodge
county, Minnesota, in 1862; remained two years; located permanently in Medo, in
1865. His father met a terrible death March 14, 1874, at Janesville, Waseca
county; his clothes were caught in the machinery of a grist-mill and before he
could be extricated he was crushed to death. In 1875 Mr. Baker married Miss Ida
Robinson a native of New York; Lucy M., Mary L., Sadie O., and Gertie are their
children.

   B. Dane was born in 1830, in New York. In 1850 he, with his mother, located
in Walworth county, Wisconsin; for thirteen years he gave his attention to
farming there; in the spring of 1863 he came to Minnesota and settled on
sections 12 and 13 of Medo township, where he still resides. In Columbia county,
Wisconsin in 1858, he married Levina Fitch, who has borne him six children.
Cora, John, Moses, Carrie, Herbert, and Freddie.

   R. Dunsmoor, a native of Maine, was born in 1827. At the age of nineteen he
learned the shoemakers' trade, at which he worked until 1852. During that year
he came to Fort Snelling, Minnesota and lived near there until 1867; settled on
section 8, of Medo, during that year. Has officiated as chairman of board of
supervisors and town clerk. His wife was Miss Caroline White, married in 1848.
Roslin, Alvina, Mary, John, Emma, Laura, Martha, Elenora, Addie, Etta and May
are their children.

   Robert Earl was born in Pennsylvania, in 1832, and at the age of five years
moved with his parents to Ohio. After leaving school he went to Rock Island,
Illinois, and shortly after to Wisconsin, where he worked at farming. In 1859
came to Minnesota, and for seven years lived in Houston county, and then went to
Freedom, Waseca county, and bought 160 acres of land where he now lives. Mr.
Earl served four year in the state legislature and has held different town
offices. Married in 1855, Mary O. Hubbard, who has borne him eight children; two
have died.

   O. Engebritson, a native of Norway, was born in 1835. He learned the
carpenter trade and came to the United States in 1857. For ten years he lived in
Wisconsin; worked at his trade and farming and in 1867 came to Minnesota;
located Medo, where he has held the offices of assessor, supervisor and
postmaster. Married in 1854, Miss Carrie Fenny. Hoverson, Martin, Albert,
Betsey, Bermer, Charles and August are their living children. Two sons are dead.

   James Faly was born near Montreal, Canada, in 1845. Went with his parents to
Adams county, Wisconsin, and remained until the age of eighteen; learned
blacksmithing, at which he worked until 1865, then came to Minnesota and located
in Medo. Until 1867 he divided his time between farming and blacksmithing; has
since been dealing in general merchandise. For three years he served as
postmaster. In 1867 he married Martha C. Ashllyer. Their living children are
Minnie M. and Martha L.; Willis and Mertie are dead.

   F. L. Goutermout was born in Lewis county, New York, in 1847. His father died
in 1847, and he moved to Wisconsin with his mother, who died there at the age of
fifty-seven years. He located in this state, in Dodge county first; in the fall
of 1879 came to Medo, section 8. His marriage with Miss Mary I. Hills took place
in 1867; she is a native of Wisconsin, born in 1849. Herbert, Callie, Guy and
Roy are their children.

   John and Jacob Groll are natives of Michigan, born in 1855 and 1857
respectively. Came to Minnesota in 1868 and located on a farm near Mankato.
After living there two years came to Medo and have since resided here, engaged
in farming. Their father, Jacob Groll, was a member of the 28th Michigan
infantry, and at the battle of the Wilderness, May 6, 1863, was killed.

   N. S. Hill was born in Jefferson county, New York, in 1833. In 1855, came
west to Wisconsin and engaged in farming there until coming to Minnesota in
1861. Settled in Garden City for one year, then returned to Wisconsin, but in
1866 located his present home in Medo, section 7. November 27, 1856 he married
Miss Helen G. Weston who has home him five children: Andrew E., Lillian, Viola,
Addie E. and Mabel.

   Thron Hoverson, a native of Norway, was born in 1834. Coming to the United
States in 1852, he located in Wisconsin, but migrated to Minnesota in 1864 and
located on section 2, Medo. Has served as county commissioner, assessor,
constable, chairman of board, as supervisor and justice of the peace. His wife
was Jane Knud, married in 1860. Herbert, Theodore, Janette, Tillvinia, Edward,
Rachel, Cora, Charley, Freddie, Arthur, and Morris are their children.

   William Ledbeter was born in Canada West in 1832 and went with his parents to
Adams county, Wisconsin, in 1850. In the spring of 1863 he came to Medo and has
since resided on his farm of 450 acres on section 22. Miss Elizabeth A. Carter
became the wife of Mr. Ledbeter in 1851. Their family consists of nine children.
Holland, Alice, William W., Hattie, Phillip, Lydia, Myrtle, Susan and Edward.

   L. S. Leighton is a native of New Hampshire, born in 1838. At the age of
nineteen he went to Wisconsin; afterwards removed to Hamilton county, Iowa, and
in 1866, settled on his present farm in Medo. Mr. Leighton has been chairman of
the board of supervisors two terms and supervisor two terms, also school
treasurer; was the first treasurer of school district 59, and Mrs. Leighton
taught the first school in that district. He married Miss T. M. French, a native
of Vermont.

   William G. Markham is a native of New York, born in 1840. When a child he
accompanied his parents to Wisconsin; removed in the spring of 1868 to Minnesota
and located at his present home on section 4, Medo. He has been town supervisor
three terms, also a school officer. Married in 1860 to Mary J. Morse, of
Wisconsin. Willie, Jessie, Minnie, Myrtle and Homer are their children.

   M. McCarty, farmer, was born in Wisconsin in 1855, and is of Irish parentage.
When a lad of ten years he moved with his parents to Minnesota; remained with
them until sixteen years of age, then started out to earn his own livelihood,
and is now a prosperous farmer on section 17. January 6, 1880, at Medo, he was
united in marriage with Miss Margaret Carey, a native of Wisconsin born in 1856.

   C. P. Merickel is a native of Canada West, born in 1829. When ten years of
age he accompanied his father to Wisconsin where he engaged in farming until
coming to Minnesota in 1864; he has since resided in Medo where he has a farm of
345 acres, also owns property in Mapleton. He has held the offices of supervisor
and assessor. February 1, 1855, Miss Armenia A. Gughf became his wife. They have
eight children: Arcelia L., Mamie B., Elmer, Ella, May, Frank, Olivia and Abigail.

   N. B. Moody was born in Ontario county, New York, in 1819. When five years
old he accompanied his parents to Ohio. In 1843 went to Jefferson county,
Wisconsin, but came to Minnesota in 1864 and settled on a farm in Medo. Mr.
Moody married in 1849, and his wife died in Wisconsin; his second marriage was
in November, 1864, with Etta L. Burlingam, who was the first school teacher in
Medo. Their marriage is claimed to be the first one in the town. They have four
children.

   Daniel Murphy was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1842. While quite young
moved to Cedarburg where he remained until 1861 and received a common school
education. He spent two years traveling through different states, then engaged
as a lumberman in the Wisconsin pineries five years. In 1873 came to Minnesota
and settled in Medo. In July, 1872, he married Sarah A. Couillard. Five children
have been born to them; only one is living.

   Stephen L. Murphy was born in Wisconsin in 1855. He remained in his native
state until thirteen years of age. Came to Minnesota with his mother and brother
in 1873; he owns a farm of 120 acres in McPherson township, with forty acres
under good cultivation. He lives with his brother Daniel in Medo.

   James H. Quinn was born in Adams county, Wisconsin, in 1857, and in 1863
moved with his parents to a farm on section 9, Medo, where they still reside. He
has four brothers, Hugh, Thomas, Walter and William living in this town; also
has four sisters, Sarah, Ella, Maggie and Cora. James H. has taught school
several terms.

   Robert C. Ward was born in Wisconsin, in 1855, of English parentage. He was
raised as a farmer and in 1863 left his native state and came to Minnesota. He
has since been a resident of Medo; his farm is located on section 19. At Medo,
in February, 1881, he was united in marriage with Miss Eliza Emmons, a native of
Missouri.

   Thomas Young is a native of Canada, born in 1855. Came with his parents to
Minnesota in 1865 and located in Mower county; ten years later he moved from
there to Blue Earth county; settled on section 28 of Medo; .now owns a farm of
160 acres. Married in 1880, Mary E. Hichens, who is a native of Minnesota, born
in 1851. They have one child, Nellie.

BEAUFORD.

   This is one of the central towns of the county. Being in the Winnebago
reservation, it was not settled until after the removal of the Indians. Until
1866 it was known as "Winneshiek," and attached to Mapleton for official
purposes. At the meeting of the county commissioners held March 13, 1866, the
present name was given and the meeting for organization ordered to be held at
the house of John Frey in section 11. The chairmen of the town board since
organization have been N. A. Nelson, J. S. Larkin, Frederick Cramer, William
Evarts, John Morrow, James Gilmour and Andrew Little.

   The first permanent white settler in the town was James Morrow. He came in
1863, bringing a family of nine children, and located in section 25, where he
now lives. The settlement of the town progressed slowly for a time. It is now
fairly well occupied, although there is considerable land yet in the hands of
non-residents.

   The first religious services were conducted in the spring of 1865 by Rev.
Kellot, a Wesleyan minister, at the house of James Morrow.

   The first school was taught in 1867 by Elizabeth Keys in a building erected
for the purpose in section 24. She had about twenty scholars. There are now four
school-houses in the town, all frame.

   The first birth was probably that of Jennie McBeth. She was born in the fall
of 1864; a daughter, Margaret, was born to James Morrow and wife, June 17, 1865.

   Perch Lake post-office was established in 1868. Albert Gates was appointed
postmaster and the office located at his house in section 13. He was succeeded
in 1871 by Henry Matley and the office moved to his house in section 24, and
there kept by him until 1875, when it was discontinued.

   F. Childs was horn in 1823, in Vermont, and moved with his parents to New
York when eleven years old. In 1843 he went back to his native state, and worked
at farming there until 1850, when he located in Wisconsin; removed in 1866 to
Beauford, where he owns 360 acres of land with good buildings. In 1851, Sarah F.
Childs became his wife. Their children are Albert, May, Rolea, Carrie, Herbert
and Ernest. For a number of years Mr. Childs has held town offices.

   W. H. Davis, born in 1846, is a native of Ohio. In 1854 he came with his
parents to Goodhue county, Minnesota, and there grew to manhood, attending
common school and the Commercial college of St. Paul. From Faribault county he
removed to Blue Earth in 1874 and located on his present farm. Mr. Davis is town
clerk and has held that office three terms. He married in 1872, Lucy J. Tenny, a
native of New York. Ida is their adopted daughter.

   Joseph Dumbeck, a native of Germany, was born in 1822, and immigrated in 1848
to Dodge county, Wisconsin; he worked at farming in that state until 1865, when
he removed to Minnesota, and the year following to Beauford, where he owns a
good farm and buildings. Mr. Dumbeck's marriage occurred in 1846, with Barbara
Trout. Joseph, Barbara, Annie, Francis, Thaddeus, Mary, John, Charles, and
Sophia. Their son John teaches school in winter and farms in summer.

   John Frey was horn in Germany in 1825, and there learned the trade of
chandler. In 1846 he came to America, and after working at his trade in Chicago
four years, he returned to Germany, where in 1851, he married Dorathy E.
Schaffer, and the same year came back to Chicago. For a time he farmed in
Illinois, then removed to Minnesota, and in the spring of 1865, located in
Beauford, on the farm of 320 acres, where he still resides. He helped organize
the first school in district 94, and was chairman of the first town board, has
also held other town offices. Of the eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Frey,
seven are living.

   James Gordon, a native of Canada, was born in 1833, and in 1855 came to
Minnesota, Winona county; the following spring he came to Blue Earth county, and
settled on his farm in Beauford; his father, eighty-four years of age, lives
with him at the farm. In 1864 he married Mary Fegerson, who died in 1867, and in
1870, Annie Gettey became his wife.

   Fred Gorlich was born in 1850, in Wisconsin. When eleven years old his father
died and his mother lives with him in Beauford; he came to this state in 1875,
and owns 484 acres of land with good improvements. Mr. Gorlich was married in
1874 to Hannah Pagenkopf. Their children are Emma, Albert J., and Daisy.

   H. W. Greely was born in Franklin, New Hampshire; removed with his parents to
Maine and lived there until coming to Minnesota in 1846. He settled at
Stillwater, and worked at lumbering and farming. In 1870 he removed to his
present home in Beauford; owns 828 acres of land. His first wife, Lucia Darling,
married in 1848, died in 1851. She had one son: Willie. In 1853, L. M. Griswold
became his wife. They have one child, Horace, who is a graduate from the State
University. Bessie is an adopted daughter.

   David Hanna, a native of New York, was born in 1844, in St. Lawrence county.
With a brother he went to Wisconsin, in 1864, and remained until the next
spring, when he settled in Winona county, Minnesota; came to Beauford in 1868,
and lives on section four. Mr. Hanna served four years as justice of the peace.
Nettie Lambie was married to him in 1874, and has borne him three children: Neal
is living.

   John Hanna was born in 1815, in St. Lawrence county, New York, and worked as
a farmer in that state until 1866, at which time he came to Minnesota and
located on his present farm in Beauford. In 1842 he married Mary Puroes, a
native of Scotland. They have eight children: Margaret, David, Thomas P.,
Isabelle, William A., Robert B., James M. and Flora E.

   Robert Harlin, born in 1837, is a native of Ireland. When twelve years of age
he came with his father to America and located in Wisconsin; after leaving
school he taught winters and farmed summers until 1876, when he came to
Minnesota and to his present farm in Beauford. Besides other offices he has for
three years held that of town clerk. He married, in Wisconsin, Catharine
McCarty. Their children are William H., Annie, John, Mary, Ella, George, Amelia,
Catharine, and Francis.

   Thomas Hislop, a native of Scotland, was born in 1819. He was reared on a
farm and learned the trade of shoemaker. In 1840, he married Grace McComb, and
in 1842 came to America; he engaged in farming in Wisconsin, and in the fall of
1866, came to his home in Beauford, on section nine. Mr. and Mrs. Hislop have
ten children: Robert, Euphemia, Alexander, Jeannett, David, James, William,
John, Agnes and George.

   John S. Larkins was born in 1834, near Augusta, Maine, and in 1847, moved
with his parents to New York. He went, in 1853, to Wisconsin where he was
employed in farming, and in 1863 removed to Decoria, Minnesota; since 1872 he
has been a resident of Beauford, and owns 560 acres of land here. In 1878, he
was a member of the state legislature. Eliza A. Jarman became his wife in 1854.
Charles, John, Josephine, George and Nettie are their children.

   Ole Larson, a native of Norway, was born in 1818, and while living in that
country learned the trade of blacksmith. He married Mary Larson in 1844, and in
1851 came to America; lived in Iowa until coming to Beauford, in 1865. He has
280 acres of land with fine huildings. Six of the children born to Mr. and Mrs.
Larson are living: John, Annie, Chris, Martin, Lucy and Ole.

   Clemens Leiferman was born in 1820, in Germany, where he learned the
carpenter trade. In 1846 he moved to Pennsylvania, and worked at his trade there
until going, in 1850, to Wisconsin, where he farmed. He was a resident of Waseca
county, Minnesota, from 1867 until 1869, when he went to Mankato and built a
brewery; after manufacturing beer about five years, he came, in 1874, to his
present home in Beauford. In 1843, he married Mary C. Hohestain. Clemence, John,
Elizabeth, Henry, Frank, Francis, William and Charles are their children.

   J. H. Leiferman, a native of Germany, was horn in 1837 and reared on a farm.
In 1856 he came to the United States and first settled in Dane county,
Wisconsin, where he worked at farming; he removed to Minnesota in the spring of
1867 and for a time lived in Waseca county. He now has a farm on section 21, in
Beauford. Mr. Leiferman married, in 1860, Catharine Hochsten who has borne him
eight children, the living are: Henry, John, Frank, Elizabeth, Catharine,
Joseph, and George.

   John Rath was born in 1821 and lived in his native land, Germany, until 1858,
at which time he immigrated to Wisconsin and engaged in farming. He removed, in
1861, to Minnesota and settled in Beauford, his present home. Mr. Rath was one
of the organizers of the town, He married, in 1857, Miss Myer, since deceased;
his present wife was Elizabeth Thurka. Their children are Henry, Augusta, and Fred.

   Robert Rich, a native of Maine, was born in 1815, in Waldo county, where he
lived on a farm and attended common school. He was engaged in lumbering previous
to 1855, when he came to Minnesota and continued the same business, being
located at Stillwater. In 1862 he was appointed captain in the militia; remained
in Washington county until 1869; since that time he has lived in Beauford.
Married in 1846, Mary J. Fowler. Their living children are C. H., Mary and Lizzie.

   Josiah Rogers was born in 1833, and removed from Pennsylvania, his native
state, to Wisconsin in 1840, with his parents; thence in 1856 to Minnesota. He
enlisted in 1862, in the 1st Minnesota cavalry and upon being mustered out he
re-enlisted and served until the war closed, in Company K, 1st Regiment heavy
artillery. In 1856 he married Clarinda C. Burrows. Ellen, Henry E., Emeline A.,
Fred., John, Ettie, and Eliza M., are their children.

LYRA.

   This town is located in the central part of the county and includes all of
township 106-27. At the session of the county commissioners, held April 16,
1858, it was called Tecumseh and attached to Mapleton for official purposes.
Owing to the fact of its being a part of the Winnebago reservation, settlement
was retarded until after their removal in 1863. The Maple river, flowing from
south to north, divides the town into two nearly equal parts. On either side are
as fine farms as can be found in the county.

   The first settler in the town was N. G. Root; came in September, 1854, and
located in the southeast quarter of section 9; however, he was soon obliged to
leave on account of the land being given to the Indians. He made another claim
in Shelby. Barney Simmons also came in about that time. He located in the
south-east quarter of section 33. He was also obliged to leave and went one and
one-half miles farther south into the town of Sterling. He remained there a few
years, then returned to his old claim notwithstanding the Indians. They never
disturbed him and he held possession until after their removal, when he sold,
and now lives in Missouri. No more settlers came until 1864 when quite a number
located along the Maple river, principally on the west side.

   The first birth in the town was in the family of Barney Simmons.

  The first marriage was that of Charles M. Plumb and Miss A. E. Meilicke. They
were married in December, 1865 at the house of M. L. Plumb, by Rev. J. M. Thurston.

   The first religious services were conducted by the Baptist denomination at
the house of M. L. Plumb in section 28, during the fall of 1864. They conducted
services irregularly at Mr. Plumb's until the school-house was built in district
98, when they were transferred to that. The society effected an organization at
the log school-house, the present site of the village of Good Thunder, in
October, 1867, under the name of the Maple River Baptist church. They had at
that time eight members and now have about thirty-five; services are held at a
hall in the village. The Methodist denomination also held services at the
school-house in district 98 and effected an organization at the village in 1878
under the leadership of Bev. J. B. Powell. They also hold meetings at the hall
in the village and have a membership of about fifteen. Their present pastor is
the Rev. Gimson, of Mapleton. Catholic services were conducted by Rev. Father
Augustin Wirth early in 1874 at the house of William Mountain on section 29.
They were conducted there until 1878, when their church was built in the
village. It is a fine building and cost about 82,500. The membership at present
is about fifty and their services are conducted by Rev. Father G. Grafweg, of
Mankato. Lutheran services were first conducted by Bev. Albert Kuhl at the
school-house in the village. In 1876 a nice frame church was built at a cost of
about $2,000, with a parsonage attached which cost $600. The membership is
sixty, and their present pastor is Rev. August Wollf. The United Brethren
denomination held services at the school-house belonging to district 97.

  The first school was taught by Miss Alvira Rew during the summer of 1867 in a
log school-house on the present site of the village. In 1874 a two-story
building was erected at a cost of $1,500. It contains two rooms and is a graded
school. The town now has seven school-houses, all frame.

  A water-power saw-mill was built in the spring of 1865 by Messrs. Gates &
Ashbrook and located in the eastern part of section 28. It was operated a few
years when the machinery was taken out and the mill abandoned. The following
winter a small water-power saw-mill was built in the north-east part of section
21 by H. D. Doughty. He operated it until about five years since when he moved
the machinery into a mill in section 4, to which he has added a feed-mill. The
Good Thunder mill was built about twelve years since a half a mile south-east of
the village by Messrs. Owen Palmer & Allen Millen, as a saw and grist-mill. The
saw was subsequently taken out. In 1881 the mill was bought by E. F. Wilson and
is not now in operation. The cable mill located near the Blue Earth river in
section 18 was built by T. G. Quayle about five years ago. It is a water-power
merchants mill and at present owned by Messrs. Turner & Redfarn.

  The village of Good Thunder received its name from the chief of a band of
Winnebagos, whose village occupied the ground just east of the site of the
present village. The ford across the river at this point was called Good
Thunder's ford, and the post-office in the village is so called. The village was
surveyed in April, 1871, on land owned by Levi Houk in the west half of section
10. The first house built was by J. G. Graham. It was a one and a half story
frame, used as a store below and a residence above. Mr. Graham has since
enlarged his store and in 1878 built a two and a half story frame, encompassing
two sides of his store, which he uses as a hotel, the Graham House.

   The village now contains four general stores, one hardware store, two drug
stores, two shoe stores, one grocery, two hotels, six warehouses, one harness
shop, one wagon shop, two blacksmith shops,' one millinery shop and two saloons,
while two doctors attend to the sick.

   The post-office was established in the spring of 1871, and J. G. Graham
appointed postmaster. The present postmaster is John Saxton.

   The meeting for organizing the town was held September 22, 1866. Lysander
Cook was chosen moderator, Gilbert Webster and Simon Garvin clerks. The name
Lyra was adopted for the town upon the suggestion of J. M. Thurston. The
following officers were elected to fill out the year until the regular spring
election: Gilbert Webster, chairman; Clark Puffer and Volney Crandall,
supervisors; Lysander Cook, clerk; Godfrey Glaucke, treasurer; M. L. Plumb and
Ephraim Palmer, justices; Martin Schroeder and C. W. Plumb constables. The
following gentlemen have held the position of chairman of the town board since,
some of them two or more terms: H. A. Hough, Lysander Cook, James Mountain and
Henry Dyer. The present town board consists of Henry Dyer, chairman; Charles
Kramer and A. F. McCarty.

   A. F. Billet was born in 1850, in Germany, where he learned the harness
makers' trade. Came to the United States in 1875; lived a little while at
Baltimore, Maryland, and the year after his arrival in this country located at
Good Thunder and embarked in the harness business, which he still continues. In
1877 he married Amelia Malzahan, they have two children.

   W. Buelow, a native of Germany, was born in 1821, and on coming to America in
1861, he settled on a farm in Winnebago county, Wisconsin; seventeen years later
he came to Lyra and bought his fine farm of 175 acres. His first wife died in
Germany, and shortly before coming to this country he married Henrietta Waber.
Their living children are August, Augusta, Mary, Lizzie, William, Ida, John and
Henry.

   Harvey Case is a native of Ohio, where he was born in the year 1832. He went
to Sauk county Wisconsin, in 1853 and engaged in farming there until 1866, when
he came to this state and located on the farm he now occupies in Lyra. Louisa E.
Blish became his wife in 1857 and has borne him nine children; the living are
Ellen A., Mary A., Cora D., Ida May, Frank H. and Willie H.

   O. Cassidy was born in 1841, and lived in New York, his native state, until
1867, when he came to Lyra and engaged in farming. After a few years he began
dealing in stock, buying shipping and selling, which business he continues in
connection with his farming. Maria King became his wife of Mr. Cassidy in 1866,
in the state of New York. Carrie M., Cynthia W., Ada S. and Grace M. are their
children.

   I. N. Flanagan, born in 1841, is a native of New York. Several years of his
early life were passed in Canada with his parents; in 1855 he removed to
Wisconsin, and in 1861 enlisted in the Third regiment of that state; was
promoted to sergeant of his company and served three years; he was twice
wounded. For several years he engaged in wheat buying in Wisconsin and Dakota
which business he has continued since coming to Mankato in 1874; is now located
at Good Thunder. He has been town clerk five years. Married in 1864, and his
wife died the year following. Miss Gibbons was his second wife. They have five
living children.

   Ferdinand Graf was born in 1852, in Dodge county, Wisconsin, where he
acquired his education and worked at farming. In 1880 he came to Lyra and bought
a farm, his present home. Mr. Graf married in 1877, Eliza Bentar, also of Dodge
county. Their children are Liddie and Clara.

   J. J. F. Graf, born in 1851, is a native of Prussia. In 1869 he came to the
United States and located in Good Thunder; after farming about ten years he
embarked in his present business; deals in sewing machines, pumps and all kinds
of agricultural implements. Bertha Meilicke was married to Mr. Graf in 1875 and
has two children, Alma and Otto.

   J. G. Graham was born in 1841 in New Hampshire. After leaving school he
worked at farming and clerking, and in 1862 enlisted in the Third New Hampshire;
was wounded three times and honorably discharged at the expiration of his term.
He moved to Iowa and one year later to Minnesota; from 1867 until 1870 he was in
the mercantile trade at Garden City, then opened the pioneer store of Good
Thunder; he also deals in grain and is proprietor of the Graham House. He has
held several town offices. Married in 1868, Miss Lorette C. Barnard.

   Gottfried Glaucke was horn in Prussia, in 1832, and at the age of twelve
years came to America with his parents. Until 1864 he lived in Dodge county,
Wisconsin, then came to Lyra; he was one of the pioneer settlers and first
treasurer of the town. He now owns a fine farm of over 300 acres. In 1855 he
married Mary Smith by whom he had seven children, six are now living. He married
Semira J. Harlow, his present wife, at Good Thunder.

   Carl Hartwich was born in 1842, in Prussia. When but fourteen years old he
commenced learning the tailors' trade, which business he followed about ten
years. Since coming to America in 1870, he has been principally engaged in
farming; he resided in Dodge county, Wisconsin, until coming in 1881, to Lyra.
Louisa Steinake became his wife in 1863. Their children are William, Paul, Emil,
Emma, Edward, Martha, Matilda and Frank.

   B. S. Hawes, born in 1818, is a native of New Hampshire. At the age of twelve
years he accompanied his parents to Maine, thence to Massachusetts and six years
later to Wisconsin, where he worked at farming twenty-four years. In 1867 he
came to Minnesota, and after farming in Beauford four years he came to Good
Thunder and opened his mercantile business. Rachel Storer became his wife in
Maine, and has borne him five children; B. P., A., E., G. C., and E. L.

   Johan Hiller, born in 1848, was educated in Prussia, his native land. He came
to the United States and in 1874 settled in Lyra, where one year later, he
bought the farm on which he is now living. In 1876 Mr. Hiller was united in
marriage with Amelia Schroeder. Henry, Ferdinand, Amiel and Minna are their
children.

   Fred. Hoppe, a native of Prussia, was born in 1843, and upon coming to
America, in 1868 settled at Chicago, Illinois, where he remained about four
years. In 1876 he migrated to Blue Earth county, and in 1878 bought his present
farm. Miss Paulina Schultz was married to Mr. Hoppe, at Good Thunder. They have
one child, August.

   A. E. Luedke was born in Germany, in 1852, and coming to America in 1855 with
his parents located in Wisconsin, where he grew to manhood. After leaving school
he was employed as clerk and worked at the tinners' trade seven years; was also
with his brother three years in the mercantile business. Since coming to
Minnesota in 1878, he has continued in mercantile trade at Good Thunder. At
Mankato, in 1880, he married Agnes Mechelke. Minnie is their only child.

   Fred Mann, born in 1851, is a native of Wisconsin. He came to Minnesota in
1863, located in Blue Earth county and obtained his education in the public
schools here. In 1875 he embarked in mercantile business in Good Thunder and now
enjoys a prosperous trade. Mr. Mann has ever been closely identified with the
interests of the town. He married in this county, in 1875, Alice A. Baker who
has borne him two children. Arthur is living.

   A. F. McCarty was born in 1845 and reared on a farm in Illinois, his native
state. He emigrated to Blue Earth county and resides in Lyra on his farm of 160
acres. Mr. McCarty has held different town offices for several years. In 1872 he
married, in Illinois, Mary Fogarty. Their children are Edward, Mary C. Andrew
L., Catherine F., Joseph C. and an infant.

   Dr. A. G. Meilicke is a native of Germany; he was born in 1843, and coming to
America with his parents in 1853, located in Wisconsin where his literary
education was obtained. For three years he read medicine with Dr. Trenkler and
also attended the Boston University, school of medicine. In 1861 he came to
Minnesota and lived eight or nine years in Winona county; since 1870 he has
labored in his profession at Good Thunder; he has a large practice and the
esteem of all. Dr. Meilicke was married in 1876 to Anna Murphy.

   John G. Morris, a native of Ireland, was born in 1834 and in 1853 came to
this country; after living in New York city three years he came in May 1856, to
Minnesota and settled in Blue Earth county. He enlisted in July, 1862 and served
four years; was a member of Company H, Second Minnesota. Since returning to this
state he has been employed in farming. Mary Carson became his wife in 1870, and
they have five children living. Jennet, Isabelle, William J., Sarah J. and
Katharina F.

   Ephriam Palmer was born in 1809, in Onondaga county, New York. He accompanied
his parents in 1814 to Genesee county, and thence in 1824, to Cattaraugus
county. In 1835 he removed to Ohio where he worked at farming five years. From
1841 until 1865 he lived in Illinois and then came to his present home in Lyra.
Shortly after coming here he was elected justice of the peace and holds the
office still. His wife was Miss Esther Lewis; three boys and five girls were
born to them. Mrs. Palmer's death occurred on the 10th of October, 1867.

   Wil. Reetz was born in 1845, in Prussia. At the age of sixteen years he came
with his parents to America and located in Le Sueur county, Minnesota, where for
eighteen years he was engaged in farming, then purchased his home in Lyra. His
marriage occurred in Le Sueur county with Caroline Sassy; two of their children
are deceased; the names of the living are Robert, Henry, Martha, Albert and Willie.

   Walter Redfearn, born in 1853, is a native of Illinois. When seventeen years
old he removed with his parents to Iowa and located in Floyd county, where he
attended school and also learned the millers' business. In 1873 he went to
Winnebago City and worked at his trade there six years. Since 1879 he has been
in business in Lyra; he and L. Nn Turner purchased the Cable mill.

   John L. Saxton was born in 1851. His education was acquired at the public
schools of Wisconsin, his native state. In 1870 he came to Blue Earth county and
the year following located at Good Thunder. He is engaged in the drug business,
and occupies two buildings erected by his father. He has served, the town as
postmaster, since being appointed in 1875, by President Grant.

   L. Stewart was born in 1840, at Detroit, Michigan. When he was two years of
age his parents went to Illinois, and one year after removed to Wisconsin. In
August, 1862 he enlisted in Company H, Sixth Minnesota; served in the war with
the Sioux, also in the south and was honorably discharged at the close of the
rebellion. After leaving the army he worked at farming several years, but has
for the past five years been in the employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul
railroad company. He now has charge of their station at Good Thunder. Married in
1867, Jane Galbreath. They have four children.

   John Taylor, born in 1843, is a native of Canada. He accompanied his parents
to New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut and in 1856 settled in Blue Earth
county. In 1863 he enlisted and served two years, was located at Port Wadsworth
one year; he was a member of Company B, Second Minnesota cavalry. Mr. Taylor's
occupation is that of a farmer. In 1872 he married Abigail J. Bissell. Robert J.
and Edith L. are their children.

   J. H. Thew, a native of New York, was born in 1840 in Clinton county, and
moved with his parents to Wisconsin, when sixteen years old. Prom November,
1861, until April, 1865, he served in the 10th Wisconsin light artillery. After
the war he was engaged in lumbering two years, then came to Lyra, his present
home. Miss Sarah Greenwood became his wife in 1866, and has six children: George
G., Mellen T., Daniel H., Eliza J., Laura M. and Clara A.

   Levi N. Turner was born in 1838 in Maine, and when a small boy moved with his
parents to Wisconsin. In 1861 he enlisted in Company E, 12th Wisconsin, and in
1865 was honorably discharged. Since July of that year he has been a resident of
Minnesota; he worked at the trades of carpenter and millwright, and was in the
mercantile business at Winnebago City four years. In 1879 he and Walter Redfearn
bought the Cable mill at Lyra. He was married in Faribault county and is the
father of three children: Florence E., Ray E. and May E.

   H. Wiedenhoeft was born in 1837; he was educated and learned the trade of
shoemaker in his native country, Germany. In 1868 he came to the United States
and after living in Wisconsin three years came to Good Thunder and at once
established himself in the boot and shoe business; he has a fine trade. He was
married in Germany to Ida Haft. They have lost one child; the living are Herman,
Lena, Otto, Martha, Gustaf and Ida.

   Rev. August Wolff was born in Germany, in 1826, and entered the ministry
after finishing his education at college in Berlin. He came to America in 1863
and for seven years was pastor of a church in Scott county; subsequently he
labored the same length of time in Isanti county and since 1877 has been
ministering to the Lutheran church at Good Thunder. In Germany he married
Augusta Loeve, who has borne him twelve children; nine are living.

   Wilhelm Wrucke, born in 1851, is a native of Germany. When but four years of
age he came with his parents to America and located in Dodge county, Wisconsin,
where he grew to manhood. He removed to Blue Earth county and settled in Lyra
where he is now engaged in farming. His marriage with Sophia Sielstrup took
place in Wisconsin. They have five children; have lost one.

   John Zanders, a native of Germany, was born in the year 1825. In 1862 he came
to the United States and after residing ten years in Harlem Illinois, removed to
Lyra where he at present lives and owns 240 acres of land. Miss Sophia Neiman
was married to Mr. Zanders in 1853, in Germany. They have one boy and seven girls.


Additional Comments:
Extracted from 

History of the Minnesota Valley
Minneapolis: North Star Publishing Co. (1882)


File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/mn/blueearth/history/1882/historyo/lakecrys85gms.txt

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