Blue Earth County MN Archives History - Books .....Town Od Mankato, Lime, Jamestown 1882
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Book Title: History Of The Minnesota Valley


CHAPTER LXX.

TOWN OF MANKATO—LIME- JAMESTOWN—LE RAY-SOUTH BEND—JUDSON—CAMBRIA—BUTTERNUT
VALLEY-LINCOLN-GARDEN CITY.

   At the session of the county commissioners held April 6, 1858, the town of
Mankato was given the territory included in congressional township 108, range
26, lying east of the Minnesota river, and that part of township 108, range 27,
lying east of the Blue Earth, excepting the southern tier of sections in both
townships; April 16 following that tier was added. The boundaries remain
the-same with the exception of the part included in the corporate limits of the
city of Mankato.

   It is probable that the first settlers outside of the city limits were
Columbus Ballard and H. B. Kauffman. They came in 1853. Mr. Ballard located in
sections 19 and 20, and Kauffman on section 26.

   The village of Tivoli was surveyed in April, 1858, on land owned by Moses
Bennett and others, in section 25. Mr. Bennett built a saw-mill and some other
improvements were made, but the town proved unsuccessful and the plat was
vacated in 1870. The mill has not been in operation for some time.

   Tivoli post-office was established in 1858. Mr. Bennett was appointed
postmaster; the present postmaster is Enoch Morse.

   The Red Jacket mill was built by Messrs. Scott & Elliot. It at one- time had
a capacity of one hundred barrels per day. After passing through various hands
the mill was burned about two years ago. The White Star mill and the sawmill
adjacent were built by N. W. Dickerson. Neither have been in operation for a
year past. Hodapp Brothers own a saw-mill in section 32, which was built in 1876
at a cost of $5,000, with a capacity of six thousand feet of lumber per day.

   The town now has six school-houses, all frame but the one in district 72,
which is stone. They are furnished with modern school appliances.

   The town was organized in connection with the present city of Mankato, May
11, 1858. The first members of the board were, S. M. Walker, chairman; James
Shoemaker and J. Q. A. Marsh, with S. C. Kitchen as clerk. The first election
separate from the city was held April 7, 1868, at the school-house in district
53. The chairmen of the town board since then have been Peter Frenzel and Henry
Ruegg.

     Adam Arnold was born May 21, 1833. He learned the trade of baker, at which
he worked in Germany, his native land, until 1854, when he immigrated to New
York. The next year he went to Pennsylvania where he remained until coming in
1859 to Mankato; in 1860 he located on his farm of 250 acres, and in January of
the year following married Ernstin Margraf, who died February 19, 1880. She was
the mother of nine children, of whom seven are living. Mr. Arnold has for nine
years been town clerk.

   E. Carr was born June 13, 1851, in Illinois, and while very young went with
his parents to New York; about eight years later they removed to Ohio, and in
1865 to Garden City, Minnesota. In 1874 he came to Mankato and worked some time
in the hardware store of L. L. Davis; also was engaged in the lumber business
for a while in Michigan; afterward was in the employ of Long & Co., Mankato
city. For the past year Mr. Carr has lived on a farm on section 27. Married in
1874, Mary Hanch. Three children are living; one is deceased.

   Lorenzo Carr, a native of New York, was born September 23,1815; he was
brought up on a farm in Erie county and learned the trade of mason. In 1844 he
went to Illinois and lived ten years on a farm, after which he went back to New
York and five years later removed to Ohio. In 1861 he enlisted in Company F,
Eighth Ohio, but was discharged for disability one year after, and returned to
Ohio. He removed to Garden City, Minnesota, in 1865, and in 1877 came to his
present home. Married Mary Tyler in 1839; they have had five children; the
oldest son was killed at the battle of Chickamauga.

   O. B. Caswell was born in Vermont in 1824, and remained there until 1837,
when he went to Wisconsin with his parents. In 1864 he removed to Minnesota and
the same autumn enlisted in the Sixth regiment of this state; he served from
that time until war ceased. Mr. Caswell's marriage occurred in 1850 with Julia
Wagner. Minnie and Edmund are their children. Neither of his parents are living;
he has one brother who was in congress several terms, and also does business at
Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, as a banker.

   Daniel Foley was born January 10, 1819, in county Claire, Ireland. About 1844
he emigrated to Canada, and one year later to Dutchess county, New York, where
he worked at gardening two years. In 1847 he was employed on the Vermont Central
railroad, but resumed again his business of gardening in New York. He came to
Mankato in 1856, and in 1865 bought his present farm of 80 acres. Rosa Newman
was married in 1850 to Mr. Foley, and has five children.

   Peter Frenzell is a native of Germany, born August 7, 1822, but since 1850
has been a resident of the United States. He lived in New Orleans two years;
then visited St. Louis, Galena and St. Paul, remaining a short time in each
place, and in 1853 located at Mankato. He moved to his farm in 1855, a part of
which is now in the city limits. For several years he has been chairman of the
town board. Married in 1846, Julia A. Schmidt. Their living children are
Michael, Lena, Albert and Mary.

   Captain George W. Haigh was born December 11, 1838, in Seneca county, New
York, and when fifteen years old moved to Michigan with his parents; in these
two states he was given a good education. He enlisted in September, 1861, and
the next February was discharged, but re-enlisted in August following, in
Company D, 24th Michigan; be was twice wounded, and when discharged held the
rank of captain. Returned to Michigan where for two years he was assessor of
internal revenue. In 1873 he came to Minnesota, and in 1875 to the farm he now
owns. Esther Marston became his wife in 1868. Garry S. and Alexander T. are
their children.

   John Hanny was born March 24, 1825 and lived until eighteen years of age on
Prince Edward's Island, his birth place. He went to Massachusetts, afterwards to
Rhode Island, and thence to Wisconsin where he was engaged in the lumber
business until the civil war, when he enlisted in Company G, Seventh Wisconsin.
He participated in many very severe battles; was captured at the battle of the
Wilderness and taken to Andersonville. Upon being honorably discharged at the
close of the war, he enlisted for eighteen months in the regular United States
army. In 1869 he came to Minnesota, and in 1878 to his home on section 27.

   George Kiffe, a native of Prussia, was born June 16, 1831, and in 1851, came
to the United States. He settled at St. Charles, Missouri and remained there
until the spring of 1856 when he came to Mankato, and pre-empted eighty acres on
section 19; he now has 124 acres. Mr. Kiffe served as town supervisor for six
years. Gertrude Amtman became his wife in 1854 and is the mother of twelve
children; one is deceased.

   Antoine La Chapelle was born April 2, 1831, in Prarie du Chien, Wisconsin.
His father was a carpenter and he also worked some at that trade. When about
seventeen years old he came to Minnesota with a party on an exploring
expedition, and remained in this state. He volunteered his services at the time
of the Sioux troubles, and during the massacre was stationed at New Ulm, in
charge of a company. After the war he went to farming in Rice county, also kept
a small general store at Winnebago Agency. Since 1874 he has lived at his farm
on section 26. Married in 1856, Julia La Quire. Ten of their thirteen children
are living.

   J. B. Orr, horn July 21, 1841, is a native of Harrison county, Ohio. In 1855
he went with his parents to Iowa, where he worked at the carpenter trade until
enlisting in Company I, Sixth Iowa; he was in both General Sibley's and General
Sully's expeditions, and served until the close of the war, when he returned to
Iowa. Came to Minnesota, and in 1877 to his farm where he now lives. Mary Wilcox
was married to Mr. Orr in 1864 and has seven boys living.

   John Pohl was born January 12, 1820, in Prussia where he learned
blacksmithing. In 1850 he came to America and after living in Milwaukee a short
time, removed to Patterson, New Jersey, where he worked four and one-half years
in the locomotive shops; subsequently he worked at locomotive building a short
time at Milwaukee. In 1855 he came to Mankato and took 160 acres in Nicollet
county, but did not settle there, and soon after bought the same amount of land
in Mankato where he has since lived. Married in 1855, Mary A.  Becker.
Elizabeth, Henry and Frank are their children.

   Meikel Reinbold, born January 20, 1824, is a native of France. In 1845 he
came to America and until 1854 lived in the Southern states; at that time he
came to Minnesota and took a claim of eighty acres in Mankato township, his
present home. In 1848, occurred Mr. Reinbold's marriage with Mary Wessall.
Thirteen children have been born to them, and nine are living.

   David Rivers was born August 19, 1837, in Clinton county, New York. In 1858
he migrated to Wisconsin and at the time of the rebellion enlisted in Company G,
Wisconsin cavalry and September, 1864, was honorably discharged; he remained six
months longer in the government employ, then returned to Wisconsin. He came to
this state in 1865 and lived five years on a farm in Mankato, after which he
went to Iowa but in 1877 he came again to Mankato and in 1880 went to the farm
where he is now living. Married in 1858 Louisa Tollman; his second marriage took
place in 1866, with Mrs. Sarah Fletcher. He has nine children living.

   Henry Ruegg, born in 1816, is a native of Germany. In 1843 he came to the
United States and first located in St. Louis, Missouri, where he dealt in
groceries and provisions. He removed to Ohio in 1850, and his marriage occurred
in 1853 in that state; his children are Henrietta and Permelia. He served as
justice of the peace and for ten years was chairman of the town board. Mr. Ruegg
enlisted in 1862 in the Second Minnesota and was mustered out in 1865 as first
lieutenant.

LIME.

   This is one of the original towns, and was set off by the county board in
April, 1858. It is situated in the northern part of the county, bounded on the
west by the Minnesota river, and on the north by Le Sueur county. It contains
the south half of congressional township 109, range 26, and that part of the
south half of 109-27 lying east of the Minnesota river. It was one of the
earliest settled towns in the county. As early as July, 1852, we find James
Rablin and family located in section 32. A child of Rablin and wife was the
first born in the town, and his wife was the first white woman who settled here.

   In 1853 quite a number of settlers came, among them we find J. Lewis, H. J.
Puller, O. S. Redfield, Robert Wardlow, William Wood and James Talmadge. The
settlement from this time was comparatively slow until 1856, when emigration
came in rapidly.

   The first death in the town was that of J. W. Farnham in the spring of 1855.
He owned what is now known as the Knowles farm. The first school in the town was
taught during the winter of 1857-8 by Rev. B. Y. Coffin. The school-house was a
small log structure, located on the west side of section 29 and east of the old
Sioux City and Mendota road. This building was used a few years, then a
dwelling-house formerly belonging to Daniel Steele was occupied for the purpose.
This was used until a few years since, when a brick building was erected, which
was blown down during a hurricane in June, 1880. The district has since erected
a frame house. The town now has four school-houses, all frame.

   Religious services were held at an early date in the old log school-house
before mentioned, by the Rev. Coffin.

   A few years since Mr. Charles Forster put up a saw-mill on the north shore of
Eagle lake, which is still in his possession and operated by him.

   The first meeting for the purpose of organizing the town was held May 11,
1858. Daniel Campbell was chosen chairman of the town board, and Henry Goodrich
was elected town clerk.

   Jacob Born, a native of Switzerland, was born in 1831. Came to the United
States in 1844 and settled in Hardin county, Ohio; came to Lime township,
Minnesota, in 1866, and located on section 34. He has held the office of county
commissioner for three years, and has been town clerk since his residence here.
Married Miss Mary A. Miller in Ohio, in 1854. They are the parents of four
children: John U., Eliza, Celia and Mary A.

   Anton Dank, a native of Germany, was born in 1828. Came to the United States
in 1853, locating soon after in Missouri. His home was in that state four and
one-half years, and in the spring of 1868 he came to Minnesota and settled on
his present farm of 110 acres in Lime. In his native country, in 1853, he
married Miss Elizabeth Kague, who has borne him six children.

   Charles H. Forster was born in Prussia in 1812. When thirteen years old he
came with his parents to Illinois; from 1865 to 1869 he lived in Nicollet
county, Minnesota; then bought a saw-mill at Marysburgh, Le Sueur county, and
ran it two years. Coming to Lime he brought with him the machinery from his
saw-mill, and has since, together with farming, engaged in the manufacture of
lumber. Enlisted in May, 1861, in the 15th Illinois infantry, and served until
September, 1865. He has served here as county commissioner three terms. In 1866
he married Alvina Hynes. Caroline, Theodore, Rosanna, Henry and Emma are the
children.

   Mrs. Marie Annie Hilgers, widow of the late B. Hilgers, is a native of
Germany, born in 1852. When four years of age she accompanied her parents to
Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin; remained one year. Her parents were named Romer.
In. 1857 they came to Minnesota, and have since resided in Lime. Mrs. Hilgers'
marriage occurred in May, 1870; nine years later her husband met his death. In
February, 1879, he was killed by a falling tree, leaving his widow with three
small children: Albert, Gertrude and Jacob.

   Frank Mann was born in Germany in 1826. Came to America in 1851 and settled
in Washington county, Wisconsin. In 1863 he came to Minnesota, and has since
lived on his farm in Lime. He was united in marriage in January, 1856, with Miss
Mary Leadloff. She has borne him seven children, five sons and two daughters:
Paulina, Louisa, William, Atwood, Frank, Oscar and August.

   Phillip Mueller, a native of Germany, was born in 1829. Came to America in
1853, and the first year remained in New York city. They then made Chicago their
home until 1856, and after a short visit in Wisconsin came to Minnesota; spent a
few weeks in Mankato, then settled in Lime. Has been a school officer many
years, also supervisor. At Mankato in 1864 he married Miss Augusta Ludloff, who
is a native of Germany. They are the parents of five children; Louis P. is the
only surviving one.

   John Rausch, farmer was born in Germany, in 1828. On arriving in the United
States in 1847 settled in Fond du Lac county, Wis., where he remained until
1856, then came to Lime, Minnesota. Married in Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, in
1854, Mary A. Yome. Jacob, John and Ellen are their children. August 2, 1881,
Jacob was united in marriage with Miss Annie Appert. Ellen is also married and
has one son, George.

   Peter Schulte is a native of Germany, born in 1817. Coming to America in 1847
he made his home in St. Charles, Missouri, until 1854; came to Minnesota that
year and settled in Lime the same fall. Married in Missouri in September, 1849,
Clara M. Eckler. They have seven living children:   Henry, Frank, George,
August, Dinah, Mary and Elizabeth. Three children died when young. Henry, George
and Dinah are married.

JAMESTOWN.

   This town is located in the extreme north-east part of the county. When first
formed it only constituted the south half of congressional township 109, range
25, but the county board at their second session, held a few days later, added
all of township 108, range 25. This was subsequently detached and formed into
another township.

   The settlement of this town did not begin until 1856; among the settlers of
that year were John Heron, Albert Volk, Charles Doran, Lawrence Byrne, Patrick
Mullen, Michael Murtaugh, Joseph 
Gilfillan and a number of others. Mr. Heron was the first to settle, and located
in section 19.

   The first birth in the town was that of Clara Thomas. She was born March 14,
1858. The first death, that of Mrs. Lawrence Byrne, occurred in August, 1858.
May 10, 1857, Peter Jackson and Nancy W. Ives were united in marriage by Rev. A.
H. Kerr.

   The first school in the town was taught by Mrs. Sarah M. Davis, at the house
of A. P. Davis, during the summer of 1857. Only eleven scholars attended that
term. The town now has nine school-houses.

   The first town meeting was held May 11, 1858. William L. Rappley was chosen
clerk. The town officers elected for the ensuing year were Timothy Sullivan,
chairman; Robert Heslep and John Cummings, supervisors; A. P. Davis, clerk;
Solon Webster, assessor; Patrick Mullin, collector; Lawrence Byrne and J. L.
Burgess, justices; George Bennett and Timothy Murtaugh, constables.

   Joseph Fisher, a native of Germany, was born in 1826, and upon coming to
America in 1853 located in Ohio, but removed thence in 1856 to Mankato,
Minnesota, and four years later came to Jamestown. Mr. Fisher was united in
marriage with Regenia Wolf in 1869. Their children are Stephen and Annie.

LE RAY.

   Le Ray is situated in the north-eastern part of the county. It was formerly a
part of Jamestown. Upon petition it was set off for separate organization, by
the county board January.4, 1860, and included all of congressional township
108, range 25, except the south tier of sections, which at that time belonged to
the Winnebago reservation; they were, however, added to the town in March, 1864,
making it six miles square. When set off from Jamestown the town was called
Lake; in June following the name was changed to Tivoli, and again in September,
1860, to Le Ray.

   The year 1856 witnessed a large immigration to the county, and as that was
the year which began the settlement of Le Ray, a great many claims were taken,
though comparatively few of them were made by permanent settlers. Of these
earlier arrivals there are still living in the town William Gilfillan, Michael
Beireis, August Glockzin, Robert Heslep, Conrad Schogll, George Chapman, William
Morris, James Douglass and the Burgess family. H. B. Lane came also that year.

   The first death which occurred was that of the wife of A. A. Stewart. She
died in the fall of 1858 and was buried on the farm. The first birth was that of
George E. Burgess, March 12, 1857. He is the son of J. L. and Miranda Burgess.
Albert Turner and Miss Cummings were united in marriage by Elder Small in June,
1859; the first marriage.

   The first school was taught by Miss Hannah Haslitt in a claim shanty on
section 18. She had an average attendance of about fourteen; now there are seven
school-houses.

   The village of Eagle Lake was surveyed in November, 1872, on land owned by
Freeman A. Cate, in the north-west quarter of section 18 and on the line of the
Winona & St. Peter railroad. The next year other parties had another site
surveyed just east of it, and called Lake Eagle. The two together comprise a
thriving village. The first store was established in 1871, by a Mr. Texley, in a
log building. His store was for the purpose of supplying those engaged in
building the railroad and was therefore transient. The first permanent business
house was erected the fall following by H. C. & T. F. Burgess, and filled with a
stock of general merchandise. Aside from this the town now contains four general
stores, one meat market, two livery stables, one blacksmith shop, one wagon
shop, one flouring mill, two sawmills, one planing mill, one elevator, one
billiard hall and two hotels.

   There are two churches, Methodist Episcopal and Christian. The former was
organized in 1868, with about sixty members; Rev. John Powell was their first
pastor. Meetings were formerly held in the school-house; a frame church was
built in 1879 at a cost of fifteen hundred dollars. The Christian church was
organized in the town of Mankato, in December, 1856, with sixteen members, and
their pastor was the Rev. J. M. Harris. The church was transferred to Eagle
Lake, and a building erected in 1879, at a cost of about one thousand dollars.
The present membership is eighty-two, and the pastor is W. H. Burgess.

   Spier post-office was established about ten years since, with Freeman A. Cate
as post-master. The name was subsequently changed to Eagle Lake. The present
post-master, W. W. Phelps, received his appointment in 1875.

   Michael Beireis was born in 1857, in Cleveland, Ohio. When only three years
old he came to Minnesota, and for two years lived in St. Paul. Since 1856 he has
been a resident of LeRay township, Blue Earth county. Married at Mankato, in
1880, Miss Celia Richards.

   Freeman A. Cate, a native of New Hampshire, was born in 1836. In 1858,
migrated to Boston, Massachusetts; enlisted in the First Massachusetts cavalry,
and served three years; was mustered out at Washington. Came to Minnesota in
1865, and engaged in farming until 1876; purchased at that time a grist-mill;
his time is now devoted to milling and farming. Martha A. Dickerson became his
wife in 1866. John H., Lillian and Freeman are their children.

   Tompkins Coffin was born in New York, in 1825. From his native place, in
1853, he moved to Illinois, thence in 1866 to Minnesota, locating in Le Ray
township, on section 21. Married in 1846, Jane Davis. Their children are Adelia,
Benjamin, Abraham, Edward and Libbie.

   John Dagan is a German by birth, born in 1840. For thirty years he lived in
his native country, and in 1870 came to America. Five years later he came to
Blue Earth county, locating in LeRay township on section 28. He was united in
marriage in 1875 with Miss Margaret Kisendoper.

   Jerome Dane was born in New York in 1827. At the age of seventeen he enlisted
in the Mexican war; served three years. In 1848 he moved to Wisconsin, and to
Minnesota in 1858; located in LeRay. During the spring of 1861 he enlisted in
the Second Minnesota infantry, receiving the commission of second lieutenant; he
resigned in 1862 but the same year re-enlisted as captain in the 11th Minnesota.
In 1853 he married Nancy J. Mills. Orphia A., Orlo and Lucy M. are their
children. Mr. Dane has held many town offices.

   T. E. Davis, whose parents are natives of New York, was born in Wisconsin in
1850. When six years old he came with his father's family to Minnesota and the
same fall located in LeRay. During the trouble with the Indians he took an
active part and received a gun shot wound in the arm. His father, David Davis,
died in Mankato in September, 1861, at the age of fifty-one years.

   F. J. Doolittle was born in Hudsion, Summit county, Ohio, in 1851, Until 1874
he lived in his native town, then located in Mankato, where he worked at his
trade, that of engineer, in a sawmill, until 1877. During the fall of that year
he moved to LeRay and located on section 19. His marriage with Miss Matilda
Macbeth took place January 21, 1880. They have one son, Bertram.

   Chester Ewer is a native of New York, born in 1799. He was raised on a farm,
then learned the carpenters' trade. In 1822 he married Miss Mary Hamilton.
Remained in New York until 1839. He lived in Wisconsin until 1866, then came to
Minnesota and for two years resided at Mankato. Settled in LeRay on section 10
in 1868. Elmira, Alvira, Thomas, Mary J., and Cordelia are the children born to
Mr. and Mrs. Doolittle.

   Isaac N. Ewing was born in Blunt county Tennessee, June 22, 1825. He passed
his youth on his parents' farm in Illinois, having moved there with them in
1827. In 1867, came to Minnesota and settled on a farm in LeRay. In July, 1862
he enlisted in the 79th Illinois infantry; served through the remainder of the
war. Married in 1849, Amanda Cusick. William H., Mary L., Kate B., Albert B.,
Arthur, Esther E., Gideon A., Charles H. and Hettie are their children. Mr.
Ewing also served one year in the Mexican war.

   William Gilfillan was born in Jefferson county, New York, 1832. In 1856 came
to Minnesota and soon after located at LeRay; removed to Eagle Lake in 1875. He
at first engaged in wagon making, later embarked in the hotel business. Mr.
Gilfillan has served as town clerk and constable. Married in March 1860 Hattie
O. Dailey, who has borne him five children. William C., Carrie E., Charles W.
and Nettie are the living. Addie M. died at the age of seventeen months.

   August Glockzin is a native of Prussia, born in 1835. Emigrated to Canada, in
1854 and while there worked on a railroad. In 1855 he arrived at Detroit and
from there went to Milwaukee. On coming to Minnesota in 1856 located first in
Mankato, then made a claim on sections 25 and 26. For four years he was engaged
in driving stage and carrying the United States mail, then gave his attention to
farming. Mr. Glockzin has served as town supervisor three years. He married Miss
E. C. Zilke, who has borne him seven children; six are living.

   Robert Heslep, a native of Ireland, was born in 1803. He came to America in
1831, and for three years lived in Essex county, New York, then moved to
Pennsylvania; lived in Erie and Mercer counties until 1855, when he came to
Minnesota; located in Le Ray. Miss Elizabeth Boyd became his wife in 1830.
Twelve children have been born to them; Nancy, Emma, Arena, Belle, William,
James, Mary, John, Robert and Elizabeth are the living.

   E. M. B. Laird was born in Vermont in 1814. When four years old he moved with
his parents to Monroe county, New York; in 1831 went to Michigan; returning to
New York he was engaged in contracting and farming, also hotel keeping; in 1858
came west and afterward kept hotel in West Mankato and South Bend, then opened a
farm where Madelia now stands. At the time of the Sioux war scare he assisted in
erecting Fort Cox; remained at his farm and had his little son Ezekiel stand on
the house-top to give the alarm if Indians approached; the family experienced
some narrow escapes; one son, Alvara, was surprised while at work and wounded in
the thigh by Indians who escaped. In 1841 he married Cynthia C. Parker. Phebe,
Alvara E., Joseph D., Anna M., Ezekiel M. B., James, Charlotte and Nellie M.,
are their living children.

   Mrs. Angeline L. Lane, widow of the late Henry B. Lane, was born in Oswego,
New York, December 7, 1826. She went in 1845, with her parents, to Wisconsin,
where in 1848, she was married to Mr. Lane, who was born in Ulster county, New
York, in 1820. They moved to Minnesota in 1856 and settled in Le Ray. Mr. Lane
died August 8, 1879. Susan A., Byron H., Wesley O., Elizabeth C. and Abraham L.
are their children. Charles W. died May 12, 1881.

   Adolph Leni, a native of Switzerland, was born in 1848. When a child of about
five years he accompanied his parents to America; settled in Buffalo, New York;
from 1855 to 1875 he lived in Galena, Illinois, where he learned blacksmithing;
came to Minnesota in 1875 and worked at his trade four years, then moved to his
farm in Le Ray. Married at Galena, Miss Sophia Koppen. They are the parents of
four children; William, Annie, Clara and Elmer.

   Orrin Mills was born in St. Lawrence county, New York, in 1840. When six
years old he accompanied his parents to Jefferson, Wisconsin, where his father
died in the spring of 1858, at the age of sixty-eight years. The same year
Orrin, accompanied by his mother came to Minnesota, and located on section 29 of
Le Ray township. Married in 1868, Martha E. Brit. Carrie B., Orrin O., Nancy H.,
Mary F. and William B. are their children.

   L. L. Miner, was born in Pennsylvania in 1849. Lived at home until 1858, then
moved to New York, and farmed there until coming to Fillmore county, Minnesota,
in 1861; for three years was farming in that county and in the fall of 1864
moved to Jackson county. In 1876 he settled in Eagle Lake, where he is engaged
in the manufacture and repairing of wagons, etc. In 1867 married Miss Louisa
Dayton, of Canada. Their children are William C., Millie M., Myrtie B., Jennie
and Spencer.

   Zimri Moon was born in Clinton county, Ohio, in 1847. In 1852 he moved with
his parents to Miami county, Indiana, thence in 1855 to Iowa. In 1862 he located
in Houston county, Minnesota, but since 1874 has resided in Le Ray. Married in
Houston county, in 1865, Cornelia Wait. Clara E., Rose B., George F., Laura,
Pearl F., and Ina R., are their children. In connection with his farm, Mr. Moon
is interested in the manufacture of lumber; the saw-mill is owned by the firm,
Moon and Brother.

   Edward Mynard was born in Wyoming county, New York, near Warsaw, in 1845.
When seventeen years of age he started out to earn his own living; in 1866 went
to Warren county, Pennsylvania, where for five years he manufactured lumber. On
coming to Minnesota he first settled in Freeborn county, where he farmed two
years, then in 1873 came to Eagle Lake; here he has a blacksmith and general
repair shop; is also interested in the only drug store in the village; firm
name, Mynard & Wells. His wife was Miss Mary E. Howard, married in 1862. Merton
A. is their only child. Johnnie died when quite young.

   Henry Robertson was born, in Western Virginia, in 1826. Removed with his
parents to Ohio in 1832. He settled on section 31, Le Ray, Minnesota, in 1857,
and has since resided here. Enlisted in 1864 in the 11th Minnesota and served
until the close of the war as an independent scout. Married in 1848, Sarah J.
Kurlinger, of Ohio. Samuel M., Eliza E., Brenton, Elmer, Henrietta, Emery, Emma
and Isabel, are their living children.

   Conrad Schogll, a native of Germany, was born in 1814. He came to America in
1844; lived in Hudson county, New York, five years; in 1849 removed to Wisconsin
and in 1856 came to Minnesota; still lives on his farm in Le Ray. In New York,
in 1853, he was united in marriage with Miss Lora Hinton, a native of Germany.
Of their four children, only Louisa survives.

   Xavier Schaub is a native of Germany, born in 1821. His life was passed in
his native land until 1868; then came to America; soon afterwards proceeded
westward to Minnesota and located a home on section 9 of LeRay. His marriage
with Helena Schaub took place in Germany in 1844. Three sous have been born to
them: Lambert, Frank and Martin.

   John Sieren, a native of Germany was born in 1832. Came to America when about
thirteen years of age, and made his home in Seneca county, Ohio; he came to
Minnesota in 1857 and settled in LeRay; has served as supervisor, town treasurer
and treasurer of school district. His marriage with Miss Margaret Wagner took
place in Ohio. Nine children have been born to them.

   A. C. Smith, M. D., was born near Dayton, Ohio, in September, 1833. When
eighteen years of age began the study of medicine. At twenty-two be began
practice and in 1858 migrated to Cleveland, Minnesota, where he was actively
engaged in his profession until enlisting in the spring of 1864 in the 11th
Minnesota. In 1867 he made a professional tour through Iowa, Illinois, Missouri
and Wisconsin, returning to Cleveland in 1870; five years later he located in
Iowa but in 1877 came to Eagle Lake. January 23, 1868 he married Miss Charlotte
A. Hurst. Arthur A., Mary M. and Robert J. are their living children.

   George F. Sower was born about twenty-four miles from Washington, in Loudoun
county, Virginia, in 1826. He learned the trade of mechanic. Married in the
spring of 1849, Catherine Graham, born in 1821. In 1860 they came to Minnesota
and made a home in LeRay. In the fall of 1862 Mr. Sower enlisted in Company E.
Ninth Minnesota infantry, and served until mustered out at St. Paul August 24,
1865. Mr. and Mrs. Sower have four children: Martha E., Octava A., Brook W. and
Jessie.

   Charles F. Stokes was born in Rock county, Wisconsin, in 1842. Enlisted in
1862 in the 33d Wisconsin infantry and was honorably discharged at the close of
the war; then came to Minnesota settled in LeRay and began the manufacture of
lumber. He deals in fuel and railroad ties, and is interested somewhat in
farming; is also postmaster at Smith's Mill. June 1, 1869 he married Lucy D.
Baker, who died in 1872. Lavina Clark became his wife April 2, 1873. They have
two children: Florence E. and Kenneth M.

   Amasa Taber was born in Indiana in 1835. He lived in his native state until
1865 then came to Minnesota and settled in LeRay township. He has been elected
to many of the town offices. In his native state in 1859 he was united in
marriage with Elizabeth Brit who has borne one son and one daughter: Earl C. and
Mary A.

   Albert Tarno was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania, near Fairview, about
fourteen miles from Erie, in 1859. He was raised on a farm and with his parents
came to Minnesota in 1870. They located in LeRay township, on section 26. Four
years later, in 1874, his father was killed by a falling tree; he was fifty one
years of age. Mr. Tarno still lives on the farm.

   August Tarno, farmer, was born in Pennsylvania, in 1857, and lived on the
farm with his parents until coming with them to Minnesota in 1870. He located
with them on section 26 of LeRay township.

   J. M. Turner was born in 1847, and is a native of Ulster county, New York.
When three years old he moved with his parents to Wisconsin; they remained in
different parts of the state engaged in farming, until coming to Minnesota in
1857. Located on section 23 in Le Ray township. Mr. Turner now lives on his farm
on section 26. For twelve years he has been interested in the school of his
district as one of its officers, has also been supervisor several terms.

   James B. Wagner was born in Tioga county, New York, in 1839. When nine years
old he accompanied his parents to Jefferson county, Wisconsin, where his mother
died. Went to La Crosse in 1851, then up Root river where he located. Enlisted
in 1864 in the 186th New York infantry; served one year. He lived in Jefferson
county, New York, until 1870, then came to Minnesota and to Eagle Lake in 1872.
Since 1880 he has been engaged in the manufacture of lumber. Married Miss P. A.
Corey; Minnie, Charles F., John S. and James D. are their living children.

   Irvin Wells was born in Onondaga county, New York, 1852. When only two years
old he was left an orphan and the next year went to Wisconsin, where in Dodge
and Pierce counties he grew to manhood. In the fall of 1877 he located in Le Ray
and engaged in farming until the fall of 1880, then embarked in the drug trade
at Eagle Lake with Mr. Mynard as partner. Married in 1874, Miss Mary C. Piner.
Amy V. and Oscar are their living children.

   R. G. Wood was born in Onondaga county, New York in 1829. He learned the
trade of mechanic and in 1845 moved to Wisconsin for three years; then served
one year in the Mexican war, after which he lived in Wisconsin until coming to
Minnesota in 1856. He lived in Steele county five years, then went to Le Sueur
county, and finally settled in Le Ray. In 1853 he married Miss Phebe A. Howe.
Alice M. and an infant are their children.

SOUTH BEND.

   This is one of the smallest towns in the county; its area is ahout twenty
square miles. It is situated in the northern part of the county at the point
where the Minnesota river makes the great "south bend," from which the town
derives its name. When first formed in 1858 it contained all of congressional
township 108, range 27, lying west of the Blue Earth river, excepting the tier
of sections on the south. At another meeting, held a few days later, the county
board attached that tier.

   In June, 1853, a small steamboat, named the Clarion, landed at the bank where
the village of South Bend afterward came into existence. She was commanded by
Capt. Samuel Humbertson. He had with him his nephew, Thomas Lameraux, his clerk,
Alden Bryant and his engineer, John Mann. The location so pleased them that they
determined to settle there and start a town. With that object in view Mr.
Humbertson built a small shanty and placed his nephew in charge of his interests
while he was away furthering his project. Shortly after they left I. S. Lyon
(called Buckskin Lyon, because of his wearing a suit of buckskin), came in from
Iowa with an ox team. Lyman Matthews and D. C. Evans came in July. Later in the
fall came E. R. May and Owen Herbert, the latter in the employ of Mr. Evans. Mr.
May returned to St. Paul but the rest remained on the ground all winter. During
the winter Mr. Evans built a log house, 16x24 feet, and three stories high. This
was the first permanent building erected in the town.

   In the spring of 1854 Captain Humbertson started for South Bend in a new boat
named "The Minnesota Belle," having on board fifteen families, bound for the new
settlement. When they reached the rapids in the river a few miles above Carver,
the water was so low they could come no further, and were obliged to return to
St. Paul. Mr. M. Thompson was the only one that came on to South Bend. He
brought his family and became interested in the town, and so also did Mr. May by
buying out Bryant & Mann.

   The town was laid out in December, 1853, and .continued to increase until the
population amounted to about a thousand inhabitants. About this time the Indian
outbreak occurred and created a panic, causing many to leave. The bridge across
the Blue Earth was also washed away by a freshet. In the meantime, Mankato being
the county seat, had obtained the advantage and began to flourish, while South
Bend gradually lost prestige, her business melted away until now there is but
one store and one hotel in the place.

   The first marriage occurred in the summer of 1854; it was that of Noah
Armstrong and Hannah Howd, a half sister of Lyman Matthews.

   The town site of La Hillier City was laid out on Mr. Armstrong's claim a
short distance above the mouth of Blue Earth river, in September, 1857. A hotel
was built, but never used as such. A flood the next spring dampened the rising
aspirations of the embryo city.

   West La Hillier was also platted that year, but never amounted to anything.
Upon the county records is the only place it can be found.

   The village of Minneopa was platted in September, 1870, on section 20. It is
at present only a flag station. It was named from the falls near, which the
Indians called "Minniinninopa," meaning the stream of two falls or double falls.

   A post-office was established at South Bend in 1855, and Matthew Thompson
appointed postmaster. He was succeeded in the spring of 1859 by Lars Lee. The
postmasters since have been P. F. Eckstorm, W. R. Price and D. P. Davis the
present incumbent.

   The first religious services were conducted by the Rev. William Williams, a
Baptist minister from Big Rock, Illinois, in the spring of 1855 at the home of
D. C. Evans. That same fall the Rev. Jenkin Jenkins, a Congregationalist,
preached at the same place. This was the germ of a church organization which
occurred soon after, resulting in a union church. About this time Rev. J. W.
Powell, a Methodist, held services at Mr. Evan's house. The two first mentioned
preached in the Welch language. The union organization also took place at Mr.
Evans' house.

   The Congregationalists built a church in 1857, costing about $800, which is
still used by them. The Calvanistic Methodists built in 1861; they subsequently
became Presbyterians, and have remained so since, still occupying their church.
About the time the Congregationalists built their church, another branch of the
Calvinistic Methodists built one about one and one-half miles southeast of
Minneopa Falls.

   Probably the first Bible class in the county was organized at the house of D.
D. Evans on Christmas day, 1855. A Sunday school was organized at the same place
in June previous, with Dr. Edward Thomas as superintendent.

   The first school in the town was taught by Mrs. Joshua Barnard in 1855. A
school district had been organized in 1854, being the second one organized in
the present limits of the county. There are now in the town four school-houses.

   The Minneopa Hotel was started in 1858 by Mr. Miner Porter on his farm a
short distance west of South Bend village. He subsequently fitted up the grounds
as a summer resort for visitors to the falls. He is now proprietor of the
Merchants Hotel, Mankato.

   The meeting for the organization of the town was held May 11, 1858, at the
village of South Bend. The following were the officers elected: Lyman Matthews,
chairman, L. G. Barrett and J. A. Jones, supervisors; Edmund Purnell, clerk; D.
J. Lewis, assessor; Lars Lee, collector; E. K. Bangs and L. Abbott, justices;
Lars Lee and W. P. Goodell, constables. During the war with the South the town
paid $1,500 in bounties to volunteers, beside what was paid to assist the
families of those in the field.

   William R. Davis is a native of Wales, born in 1841. He came to America when
four years old, and until 1871 made his home in Waukesha county, Wisconsin, then
removed to Blue Earth county, and in 1874 established himself in the grain
trade, which he still continues. His wife was Miss Sarah A. Evans, a native of
Minnesota, who has borne him three children: Catherine, Claudia and Jane.

   Owen Herbert, a native of Wales, was born in 1826. He immigrated to this
country in 1852 and the next year settled in South Bend, Minnesota; one year
later located on his present farm. A company, of whom one was Mr. Herbert, laid
out and staked the village of South Bend. In 1859 he married Miss Jane Edwards.
David, Mary, John, Ellen, William, Alice, Albert and Kate are their children.

   Thomas Hughes was born in Wales, in 1826. In 1846 came to America; lived
eight years in Jefferson county, Wisconsin, and ten years in La Crosse county;
came to Minnesota in 1861, and settled in Judson; in 1872 located his present
farm. For four years he was deputy sheriff, also held town offices. He married
Jane Roberts. William, Elizabeth, Mary and Lydia are their children.

   Griffith Jones was born in Wales. He came to this country in 1841 and for one
year made his home in Oneida county, New York, then moved to Madison county. In
1847 migrated to Wisconsin and in 1853 to Minnesota. He was married one year
previous to Miss M. Jones; they were the first permanent settlers west of South
Bend, and were obliged to go to St. Paul for provisions. During the Indian
outbreaks in 1856 and 1862 Mr. and Mrs. Jones suffered much from loss of crops
and the depredations of the savages. Their children are Emma J., who died in
1871; Margaret who is now Mrs. Wilson; John, Sarah, Thomas, William.

   George M. Keenan, a native of Ireland was born in 1821. He immigrated to this
country in 1848 and farmed in Pennsylvania until 1855 then settled near Vernon
Center, Minnesota. In 1857 he bought four lots in Le Hillier and erected a large
stone house. In 1862 enlisted for 100 days and was stationed at South Bend; at
the expiration of that time he enlisted in a company of mounted rangers under
General H. H. Sibley. Returning he made a homestead in Butternut Valley, which
he sold in 1870, and bought a home here; has held different town offices.
Married Agnes Wallace in 1842, she and their two children died during the voyage
to America. He married in 1856 Elizabeth Steele. Samuel, Margaret, George,
Elizabeth, Hannah, Nellie and Nina are their living children.

   D. J. Lewis, a native of Wales, was born in 1823. He came to Oneida county,
New York, in 1842; migrated to Minnesota in 1855 and made a claim which is his
present farm. He was one of the first settlers of the town; was appointed the
first assessor; he has held that office four years. Married Miss Margaret Jones,
of Waukesha county, Wisconsin, in 1859. Joseph R., Anna R., Thomas D., Eliza J.,
Mary A., Daniel E., Ida M., and Humphrey E. are their children.

JUDSON.

   The town of Judson lies in the northern part of the county in the second tier
from the west. It is drained in the north by the Minnesota river and in the
south by Minneopa creek. At an early date in the settlement, the creek was
called Switchel creek and later Lyon's creek, but the present name has been
generally adopted as more appropriate. The population is almost entirely Welch.
The Scandinavian element is represented in the north along the river. The
temperance element has always ruled the town, as a consequence no saloons, were
ever allowed.

   The first white settlers of the town, were Calvin Webb and family and John
Johnson. They came in the fall of 1854. Mrs. Webb was the first white woman in
the town.

   In the spring of 1855, W. J. Roberts, Hugh Edwards and Daniel Evans came with
their families. They were part of a train of eleven families that came from
Wisconsin. The remainder settled in South Bend.

   The first religious services were held in the summer of 1855, by Rev. John
Powell, a Methodist. Services were conducted at private houses until the
school-house was built the following winter, when they were transferred to that.
There are now three churches in the town; two Welch Calvanistic Methodist and
one Presbyterian. The Jerusalem church is located in section 5 and was the first
organized. Their minister at that time was the Rev. William Roberts. At first a
log church was built. Their present church is frame and cost about $2,000. The
present pastor is Rev. W. M. Jones. The Presbyterians organized later, under the
auspices of the Rev. Kerr, of St. Peter. The first pastor was Rev. Joseph Rees.
Their church is located on the east side of section 18 and cost about $2,000.
The Carmel church is located in the center of section 15, and cost about $2,700.
The society was organized at the school-house in the district early in 1869,
under the direction of Rev. William Roberts, with twenty-eight members; there
are now about thirty-five members, and Rev. R. F. Jones is their pastor. A
Baptist organization was effected by Rev. William Williams at the school-house
in Judson village, which continued a number of years, but is now extinct.

   The first birth was that of Griffith Roberts, a son of W. J. Roberts and
wife, born in August, 1855. The first marriage was that of R. T. Roberts and
Margaret Edwards. She was a daughter of Hugh Edwards, and the marriage took
place at his house in June, 1856.

   The village of Judson was surveyed in November, 1856, and located partly on
sections 3 and 4, township 108 and sections 33 and 34, township 109, range 28. A
steam saw-mill was built by Messrs. Fowler, Patterson and Goodwin. A store,
blacksmith shop and small hotel were also built. The village being unfavorably
located never flourished to any extent. The mill soon passed into the hands of
C. S. Terry, who added a grist-mill. On account of subsequent financial
embarrassment of Mr. Terry, the mill passed into other hands and was moved
across the river to Nicollet county. Most of the village lots are now vacated
and the only business done is a small store belonging to Borrie Sanstrom. A
post-office, established in the early days of the village still exists. Rev.
William Williams was appointed postmaster. He held the office until a few years
since, when the present incumbent, Mr. Wolfe was appointed. Another village was
laid out at an early date on the north shore of Crystal lake, and called
Seymour. On account of disagreement between the proprietors the plat was never
recorded and although some improvements were begun, the village was allowed to
die in its infancy.

   The first school was taught in a log house on the site of Judson village. The
town now has five school-houses all frame.

   The meeting for organization under the township law, was held May 11, 1858,
in the village of Judson. A. J. Crisp was chosen moderator, and W. H. Thurston,
clerk. Officers elected— Robert Patterson, chairman; William Jenkins and A. J.
Crisp, supervisors; T. R. Coulson, clerk; W. H. Thurston, assessor; J. A.
Tidland, collector; G. Johnson, overseer of poor; John Goodwin and J. O.
Robinson, justices; David Reed and S. R. Dean, constables.

   Edward Evans, son of the late Evan H. Evans, who was one of the early
settlers of South Bend was born in Wisconsin, 1853. At the age of two years he
accompanied his parents who came to Minnesota and settled in South Bend. His
home was in that place until 1877, then he settled in Judson on his present
farm. Miss Anna Williams became his wife in 1877.

   David E. Evans, a native of Wales, was born in 1830. Arrived at New York in
1847 and remained in that state six years; afterward in Wisconsin for about one
year, then came to Faribault, Minnesota, In 1858 he became a resident of Judson.
He was united in marriage in 1859 with Miss Mary Hughs. Two sons have been born
to them, John and Charles.

   Daniel Edwards was horn in Dodge county, Wisconsin in 1848. When seven years
old he came with his parents to Minnesota, and has since been a resident of
Judson, living on a farm; has held many of the town offices. His father Hugh
Edwards died here at the age of sixty-six years. In 1872 he married Miss Mary J.
Roberts, who has borne him five children. Emma, Maggie, Hugh, Adeline and Moses.

   Hugh H. Edwards was born in 1842, in Oneida county, New York. When five years
old he went to Wisconsin with his parents, and lived there until 1855; then came
to Minnesota and settled in Judson. He held all the principal town offices. In
1873 he was appointed mail agent for the Northern Pacific Railroad Company and
after a service of four years was transferred to the Sioux City. His wife was
Miss Ann Roberts, married in 1862, John, Daniel, Elizabeth and Emma are their
children.

   John Edwards was horn in 1847, in New York, when a child he went with his
parents to Wisconsin, thence, in 1854, to Judson, Minnesota. Here he has since
lived with the exception of his time of service in the army. Enlisted in 1862,
in Company E, Ninth Minnesota. At the battle of Mobile he received a wound which
rendered him a lifelong cripple. In December, 1865, he married Miss Jane Jones.
They are the parents of six children; Hugh, Thomas, Henry, David, William, George.

   John J. James, a native of Wales, was born in 1839. Came to America at the
age of eight years with his parents. They settled in Oneida county, New York,
and from there he enlisted in 1862 in company B, 146th New York infantry,
serving until 1865. After the war he came to Minnesota, and has since made his
home in Judson. He married, in 1868, Miss Hannah Meridith, who has borne him
three children: Charles, Robert and Vzaleel.

   William W. James, town treasurer, was born in 1850; a native of Wales. When a
small child he was brought by his parents to Oneida county, New York, where he
lived until the age of fifteen years; then came to Minnesota. He has since been
a resident of Judson, and has been engaged in farming. Mr. James has served his
town as treasurer. In 1877 he married Miss Sarah Jones. William and John are
their children.

   Humphrey H. Jones was born in South Wales in 1839. When ten years of age he
came to America with his parents, who settled in Wisconsin. Until 1866 he lived
in that state chiefly, then visited Minnesota and chose a home in Judson. For a
number of years he served as chairman of the town hoard. In 1868 Margaret James
became his wife. Six children: John, Hugh, Elizabeth, Llawylen, Carodoy and Gomer.

   Humphrey Jones, a native of North Wales, was born in 1819. In 1848 he came to
the United States and made his home in Pennsylvania. Subsequently went to Ohio,
but in 1855 came to Minnesota and located on the farm on which he now lives. He
soon after returned to Pennsylvania and worked in the coal mines for several
years, but since 1867 has remained in Judson. His wife was Mrs. Ellen Evans,
whom he married in 1867.

   Hugh Jones was born in North Wales, in 1849, and came to America when a
child. Until six years of age his home was in Pennsylvania; then in Wisconsin
until 1863; coming to Minnesota he settled in Judson. When seventeen years old
he began teaching, and for twelve years followed the profession—one term at
South Bend, and the remaining time in Judson. During the great snow storms of
1873 he, with thirty-five scholars, was obliged to remain in the school building
two days and nights, unable to get home. Mr. Jones has been town clerk for the
past six years. In 1879 he married Mary Wigley. They have one child: Richard.

   Reverend William M. Jones, a native of Wales, was born in 1835. After
receiving a liberal education be entered upon the duties of the ministry, and
preached five years in his native land. In 1867 he came to America and settled
in Cambria, Wisconsin, where he made his home four years; coming to Minnesota he
accepted a call to the pastorate of Jerusalem and Salem churches at Judson. In
December, 1868, he married Miss Alice Williams. Owen, Richie and Katie are their
children.

   Reverend R. W. Jones was born in North Wales in 1823. On reaching majority he
came to America, and for a short time tarried in New York; then went to
Pennsylvania; was ordained a minister of the Welsh Presbyterian church, and
officiated there two years; then was in Oneida county, New York, until 1863,
when he came to Minnesota and settled on his present farm. Married, in 1848,
Phoebe Jones. They have four children: Phoebe, Jane A., William H., and John T.

   W. R. Jones was born in 1827, and is a native of North Wales. He learned the
carpenter's trade in that country, and followed it there until coming to America
in 1854. For one year he lived in Brooklyn, New York, then moved to Wisconsin,
and in 1857 came to Minnesota. After a residence of one year in Rochester he
settled in Judson. Married, in 1853, Jane Williams. Of the eleven children born
to them, six are living: Caroline G., Annie, Marion, Christopher C., Elizabeth
and Hugh W.

   John W. Lewis, a native of Wales, was born in 1833; came to America in 1855;
lived in Wisconsin until coming to Minnesota in 1858; settled in Judson, where
he has held various town offices. Married, in 1855, Catherine Evans, who has
borne him six children: John T., Elizabeth A., Mary J., Carrie, Thomas and Alice.

   Richard Lewis was born in Wales in 1833, and came to this country in 1847
with his parents. He settled in Jefferson county, Wisconsin, and was there
engaged in farming until 1862; then located in Judson. Has served in all the
principal town offices, and in 1880 was a member of the legislature. In 1854 he
was united in marriage with Margaret Lloyd, who has borne him seven
children—five are living: William, Richard Jr., Maggie, John and Eddie.

   A. B. Little was born in New Jersey in 1826. At the age of ten years went
with his parents to Canada. When he reached the age of eighteen years he moved
to Illinois, where he engaged in farming and mercantile trade. Moved to
Minnesota in 1869; made Mankato his home three years; then located in Judson.
Mr. Little married, in 1850, Miss M. Smith, who died in 1870, leaving seven
children. His second wife was Jennie Hanson, married in 1875. They have four
children.

   Martin Nilson is a native of Sweden, born in 1830; learned the carpenter's
trade and, in 1857, came to America. He followed his trade in his native country
and, on arriving in America, settled in Judson. Married, in 1863, Miss Johanna
Johnson. Anna, John and Henry are their children.

   O. R. Owens was born in Herkimer county, New York, in 1836. Came West in
1863. He settled on a farm in Judson, and has served here as supervisor and
school officer. In 1865 he was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Meredith, a
native of New York. They are the parents of four children: Joseph, Maggie, Emma
and Robert.

   Thomas W. Phillips, a native of South Wales, was born in 1826. Came to
America in 1845 and settled in Pennsylvania. He was there engaged in the iron
works four years. In 1849 removed to Wisconsin, where he engaged in farming
until 1855, then came to Minnesota, locating first in Scott county. In 1866 came
to Judson. He has been chairman of the board of supervisors three years; Married
Mary A. Phillips in 1855. They have four children.

   Rowland W. Price is a native of Wales, born in 1839. Came to the United
States with his parents when about nine years old, and until 1855 lived in New
York and Wisconsin. Came to Minnesota and was engaged in the milling business
fourteen years at South Bend, then located on a farm in Judson. Married in 1858
Miss Sarah Woods. Six children have been born to them: William, Edward, Anna,
Mary, David and John.

   John Rees was born in South Wales in 1817. In 1852 came to America; went from
New York to Canada, and soon after settled in Pennsylvania. In October, 1855, he
came to Minnesota; lived at South Bend and in Nicollet county until 1866; came
to Judson at that time. His wife, Margaret Jenkins, was married in 1839, and
died in 1856, leaving seven children. Thomas, the eldest son, enlisted in 1861
in Company E, Fourth Minnesota, of which he was sergeant; was wounded in the
battle of Vicksburg, and died in Memphis in 1863, at the age of twenty-three.
The next son, William, enlisted in 1862 in Company E, Ninth Minnesota; was taken
prisoner in 1864, and died at Andersonville prison, after a confinement of four
months, at the age of twenty-two. The other children are Rachel, Ann, Jane,
Margaret and Mary.

   Henry R. Roberts, son of Owen Roberts, was born in 1850 in Ohio. In 1855 his
parents came to Minnesota and settled in Judson on the farm where his father
still lives, and where Henry was raised. In the year 1874 he was united in
marriage with Miss Mary Rees. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts have one child: Katie.

   Owen Roberts is a native of Wales, born in 1826. He came with his family to
America in 1850, and for five years lived in Ohio. In 1855 came to his present
farm in Judson, and has since lived here, an honored and respected resident. He
was united in marriage in his native country with Miss Catherine Jones.
Humphrey, Henry R. and Margaret are their children.

   William J. Roberts was born in Wales in 1825. Came to this country in 1841;
the first five years of life in America were passed in Utica, New York. He then
removed to Wisconsin; remained there until 1855, at which time he migrated to
Minnesota, and Judson has since been his home. Married in 1845 Miss Anna
Rollins. They have five children living: John, Thomas, David, Caroline and May.

   John Wigley was born in Wales in 1835. When twenty years old he came to
America; settled first in Wisconsin and engaged in farming until 1857, then came
to Minnesota and has since made his home in Judson. Enlisted in 1863 in the
Second Minnesota cavalry, and served until the close of the war. For six years
he has held the office of assessor. Miss Caroline Roberts became his wife in
1862. Elizabeth, William, Sarah, Anna and Jane are their children.

   Richard Wigley is a native of Wales, born in 1833. He was reared to manhood
in the land of his birth, but since 1857 has been a resident of the United
States. After spending one year at Racine, Wisconsin, he came to Minnesota and
has since lived in Judson township. He has held many of the town offices and was
county commissioner in 1875-'76 and '77. His wife was Miss Mary Williams,
married in 1856; they have nine children.

   Thomas D. Williams was born in Bradford county, Pennsylvania, in 1836. In the
spring of 1855 he migrated to Minnesota; resided in Nicollet, Nicollet county,
until coming to Judson in 1870. In 1862 he married Mrs. Sarah Thomas, widow of
David Thomas. She had five children by her first marriage: Mary A., William R.,
David J., John E. and Rees W. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have two children; Margaret
J. and Harriet A.

CAMBRIA.

   The name of this town is derived from the principality of that name in Wales,
from whence nearly all the settlers came. It is situated in the extreme
north-western part of the county, and was formerly included in Butternut Valley,
but was separated from it in 1867; it includes all south of the Minnesota river,
of congressional township 109, range 29. Its area is about twenty square miles.
June 3, 1867, the people met at the school-house in district number 10, and
organized. The officers elected for the year were, J. S. Davis, chairman; W. P.
Jones and W. R. Lewis, supervisors; W. E. Davis, clerk; Evan Bowen, assessor; T.
Y. Davis, treasurer; S. D. Shaw and Edward Rowe, justices; David Thomas and D.
L. Harris, constables.

   No settlement of whites occurred until 1855. That year we find D. J. Davis,
W. J. and D. J. Williams, John Davis, George Gilley, D. A. Davis and Morris
Lewis. The Rev. Jenkin Jenkins came that year and looked the ground over, but
did not locate until the next year.

   The first birth in the town was that of Catherine, a daughter of D. J. Davis.
The first death was that of a little girl, in the summer of 1856. She was the
daughter of David Price. They were moving from their claim shanty into their new
house, and the child being left alone a short time, in some unaccountable manner
fell forward into the fire and was burned to death.

   The first marriage was that of James Morgan and Mary Davis, in the spring of
1857 by the Rev. Richard Davis at the house of the bride's father, D. P. Davis.

   The first religious services were conducted by the Rev. Jenkin Jenkins in a
small shanty near the center of section 20 in the latter part of June, 1856. The
Rev. Richard Davis also preached near the same place at the house of John
Shields the following fall.

   Horeb church (Calvanistic Methodist) was built in 1858. The organization of
the church took place in 1857 with about twenty members; present membership
about fifty, and the pastor is Rev. Griffith Roberts.

   Salem church (Welch Congregation) is located near the center of section 28.
The first services connected with this church were conducted by Rev. Jenkin
Jenkins who organized it in October, 1855, at the house of John Watkins, with
thirteen members. It was the first organized Welch church in the county. They
subsequently changed their place of holding meetings to Cambria and conducted
services at private houses and the school-house in district number 10 until
1874, when their present church was built. The membership is about forty and the
pastor is Rev. J. W. Powell.

   The first school was taught during the winter of 1857-'8 in a log building
erected by "log subscription" and a general turnout to put it up. It was located
in section 20, near the site of the present school house belonging to district
number 11. The teacher was Edward Thomas; he had about thirty scholars. The town
now has two school-houses, both frame.

   Butternut Valley post-office was established in 1857. S. D. Shaw was
appointed postmaster and the office located in section 19; the postmasters were
changed several times and the office moved in accordance with these changes, the
last location being at the house of John Shields. His daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth
Burgess, had charge from 1868 until 1880, when the office was discontinued.

   In lives lost during the Indian war, this town suffered more than any other
in the county. During a horse stealing raid in September 1862, not long after
the evacuation of New Ulm, the Indians killed James Edwards, N. J. Davis, J. S.
Jones and Jonas Mohr of this town and Robert Jones of Brown county.

   David T. Davis was born in 1824 in Wales. He came to the United States in
1852 and located in Illinois, but in the fall of 1855 removed to Minnesota and
worked at farming in Judson; in 1863 he came to his farm in Cambria. Mr. Davis
married in the year 1854 Magdaline Evans, who died in Cambria at the age of 42
years. Jane Williams became his wife in 1869. He is the father of eight
children; the living are Anna, Elizabeth, Ellen, Evan and John.

   R. H. Hughes, born in 1832, is a native of Wales. He immigrated to Oneida
county, New York, in 1845. From New York, removed to Wisconsin, thence in 1862
to Judson, Minnesota, and in 1865 came to Cambria. Mr. Hughes has filled various
town offices and has been in the state legislature. His wife was Hannah Hughes,
whom he married in 1853. Twelve children have been born to them; the living are,
Mary, Hugh, William, Byron, Amelia, Everett, Catharine, Ernest Robert and
Llewellin.

   Jenkin Jenkins is a native of Wales, where he was born in 1803. He located in
New York in 1832 and for about fifteen months studied at a seminary in Auburn;
removed to Pennsylvania and labored as home missionary in that state a number of
years, then followed his calling in Ohio, Wisconsin and Illinois. He came to
Minnesota in 1855 and located at Cambria. It was Mr. Jenkins who organized the
first church in Cambria and labored here for a great many years. He married in
1836 Anna Jenkins. Five of their ten children are living: Jenett, Benjamin,
Anna, Joseph and Phillip.

   John C. Jones was born in 1837 in Wales, and accompanied his parents to
America in 1846. They located in Wisconsin, but in 1854 removed to South Bend,
Minnesota, where both his parents died. Mr. Jones now resides in Cambria. He
enlisted in company E, 2d cavalry in 1863 and served through the remainder of
the war. In 1862 Rachel Lewis became his wife. Maggie J., Mary, Sarah A.,
Esther, Willie, Morris, Thomas, Emma, Tuter and Idris are their children.

   W. P. Jones, born in 1828, is a native of Wales. In 1846 he came to the
United States; lived for a time in New York city and Utica, then after doing
business in Ohio several years, came to Minnesota and in 1856 settled in
Cambria, where he owns 300 acres of land. Mr. Jones has held different town
offices and in 1877 was a member of the state legislature. In 1852 he married
Margaret Walters. Fifteen children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Jones.

   Edwin Reed, a native of New York, was born in 1816, in Columbia county. After
leaving school he learned the trade of mill-wright and worked at building in
that state and Michigan until 1865; at that date he came to Minnesota and lived
in Judson until coming to Cambria in 1870. E. Van Slyck, who was born in New
York, was married to Mr. Reed in 1841 and has five living children: Augusta,
Frank, Emeline, Mary and Daniel. Edward and Julia died in Michigan.

   Samuel D. Shaw was born in Otsego county, New York in 1802 and received a
good education in that state. After leaving school he worked a number of years
as civil engineer, then studied law with Gen. John A. Dix; was admitted to the
bar and practiced about nine years. Upon advice of his physician he left the
office, and afterwards followed farming; came to Minnesota in 1855 and located
in Cambria. In 1826 he married Eliza Osborn, who died November 6, 1879. But two
of their six children are living; three died of consumption and one son died at
St. Peter in 1862 from a cold, contracted at the battle of New Ulm.

   John J. Shields, born in 1818, is a native of Wales. He immigrated to
Pennsylvania in 1841, where he worked in the coal mines, also lived for a time
in Maryland and Ohio; then passed three years mining in California. In 1856 he
came to Minnesota and located in Cambria. He married Jane Tanley in 1841 and in
1877 she died at Cambria. Of the seven children born to them, five are living.
Their son John, who was born in 1852, was educated at the High school of Blue
Earth and the Mankato Normal school, and married Ann Evans.

   A. S. Van Patten was born in 1834 in New York and removed with his parents,
in 1846, to Rock county, Wisconsin. In the spring of 1855 he came to Brown
county, Minnesota, and finally settled on section 18 in Cambria; has held a
number of town offices. Mr. Van Patten married, in 1858, Caroline L. Shaw, who
has borne him two children: Frederick and Arthur.

BUTTERNUT VALLEY.

   This is the second town from the north-west corner and in the west tier in
the county. Originally it included what is now Cambria and was so organized. Its
present limits include the congressional township 108-29. The present population
is principally Scandinavian and Welch. The first settlers were Andrew Strom, a
Norwegian, and a Swede; they came in the latter part of 1856. The Swede located
in the south-west part of section 17, but remained only a short time. Mr. Strom
located in section 19 on the east shore of Strom lake, so named for him, where
he remained until about four years since, when he moved to Renville county. A
son of his, Odin, was born in the fall of 1857, and was the first child born in
the town. Quite a number of settlers came in the next year and located
principally in the north and west part of the town.

   The first school in the town was taught by a lady from Madelia, during the
fall of 1860 in the house of Andrew Strom. Schools were thus taught in private
houses for several years. There are now four school-houses in the town.

   Beligious services were conducted at an early date by the Scandinavians, at
private houses; for a few years past, meetings have been held at the
school-house in district number 12. The present pastor is the Rev. Lars Gren, of
Madelia, who conducts services once in four weeks. The present membership is
about fifty. Salem church (Calvanistic Methodist) is situated on the east town
line in section 24, and was built about twelve years ago. The pastor is Rev. W.
M. Jones and the membership about forty. Bethel church is located in the
south-east quarter of section 4, and was built in 1870. The pastor is Rev.
Griffith Roberts, of Cambria.

   The organization of the town took place May 13, 1858. David Davis was elected
chairman of the town board, and J. S. Davis, clerk.

   E. D. Evans, born in 1837 in Wales, immigrated in 1857 to Cambria, Wisconsin;
removed in 1859 to California, where for twenty-one years he followed gold
mining. He came to Minnesota and bought a farm in Judson, also one in Butternut
Valley, then went again to California and continued mining; he returned to
Minnesota and settled on his present farm. In July, 1881, his house was swept
away by the cyclone that destroyed the village of New Ulm. In 1865 occurred Mr.
Evans' marriage with Jane Williams, of Wisconsin. Their children are David,
Richard, William, Evan, Walter and Jennie.

   H. P. Felch, a native of Canada, was born in 1840, in Farnham. In company
with his parents he settled on a farm in 1853 near Brandon, Wisconsin, where his
father yet remains. Mrs. Harriet Parratt became his wife April 20, 1862; they
lived on a farm, and he also carried on the cigar trade until 1866, when they
removed to Minnesota. The same year he made a claim to the farm he now owns.
They have had five children; the living are Carrie J., Edward E. and Clemmie B.;
they lost two, Delbert P. and Delia M.

   Manley Mott is a native of Cortland county, New York, where he was born in
1835; with his parents migrated to Wisconsin in 1856, and lived on a farm in
Green Lake county. He enlisted in 1862 in Company H, 20th Wisconsin, and served
through the war. Upon leaving the army he came to Minnesota; lived the first
year near Rochester, then removed to the farm where he resides at present. In
1856 occurred his marriage with Susan Locke, of Onondaga county, New York. Frank
is their only child.

   Charles H. Shelby was born in Norway in 1834, and in 1845 settled with his
parents in Wisconsin. He learned shoemaking, which trade he followed, living for
a time at Madison, Wisconsin, Decorah, Iowa, St. Anthony and Taylor's Falls,
Minnesota. In 1862 he opened a farm in Watonwan county, but the same year was
driven from it by Indians, and the year following he went to Mankato and resumed
his trade, taking as a homestead the farm he now owns. Maria Solberg was married
to Mr. Shelby in 1858, and has borne him seven children: Casper M., Theodore F.,
Matilda C., Albert H., Franklin O., Ida and Emma M. Mr. Shelby was in the
legislature in 1872, and for twelve years was justice of the peace.

   Daniel Zempel, born in 1826, is a native of Prussia. In 1849 he entered the
army and remained two years. He came to this country in 1857 and lived for a
time in Lake county, Wisconsin, then sold his land there and took a claim near
Waseca, Minnesota, which he sold in 1878 and bought the farm where he lives; has
200 acres, with good improvements. Married in 1853 Caroline Ducks. Of the
fourteen children born to them, eight are living: Gotleib, Etta, Thena, August,
Lena, Amelia, Hermon and Louisa.

LINCOLN.

   At the session of the county commissioners held April 6, 1858, this town was
called Richfield, and attached to Ceresco for official purposes. At a session
held April 16, following, the name was changed to Fox Lake, which it retained
until 1865, when it received the present name preparatory to organization. It
comprises all of congressional township 107, range 29. The first settlers in the
town were Isaac Slocum, Archibald Law and J. C. Tibil; they came in the spring
of 1856. The population has increased slowly, there being at this date a large
area of land in the hands of the railroad company and private speculators.

   The first school was taught by Henry Goff during the winter of 1862-3, in
Isaac Slocum's house. There were about fifteen scholars enrolled. The first
school-house was built by private subscription. It was a log building, and now
belongs to district No. 15. There are now five school-houses in the town, four
frame and one log.

   In 1868 the Swede Baptist society was organized under the ministry of the
Rev. J. A. Peterson, with twenty-five members. Until 1870 they conducted
services at private houses, then at a school-house until 1881, when their
present church was built at a cost of about $1,200. Mr. Peterson was succeeded
by Rev. John Erickson in 1875, and he by the present pastor, Rev. Frank
Peterson, in 1877. The present membership is about sixty.

   The town meeting for organization was held at the house of J. W. Trask,
September 26, 1865. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year:
Isaac Slocum, chairman, C. D. Holloway and Isaac Bundy, supervisors; J. W.
Trask, clerk; J. C. Tibil, treasurer; Andrew Keech and William Roberts,
justices; A. H. Fairbank and M. H. Miller, constables.

   John Chase, a native of Allegany county New York, was born in 1828, in
Rushford. In 1838 he moved with his parents to Indiana, in 1840 Illinois, thence
to Wisconsin eight years later, and in 1856 to Mankato, Minnesota; the year
following he located on a farm near Madelia, and in 1867 removed to his present
farm. Mr. Chase enlisted in 1864, in Company C, 11th Minnesota, and served until
the close of the war. Miss J. A. McGlashan, of Chautauqua county, New York,
became his wife in September, 1861. Their children are Ida B. and Inize M., who
are teachers, Ira E., Irwin A. and Lester L.

   Andrew P. Erickson was born in 1844, in Sweden, and with his parents came to
this country in 1852. Removed from Iowa to St. Paul in 1855, and in 1857 opened
a farm in Carver county, He enlisted in Company H, Ninth Minnesota, and served
from August, 1862 until the war ceased. Mr. Erickson took a homestead in section
26, Lincoln township. In 1868 he married Louisa J. Johnson, of Sweden; Archibald
T., Herbert A., Minnie A., Bertha A., Grace L., and Andrew L., are their children.

   A. Folsom was born in 1845, in Essex comity, New York. In 1862 he enlisted in
Company G, 106th New York and served until the war closed. He came to Minnesota
in 1867, but returned to New York the same year; came west again in 1870 and
engaged in lumbering in Wisconsin. After residing a number of years at Mankato
and Albert Lea, where he was interested in a packing house, he purchased, in
1878, the farm he now owns. In the fall of that year he married Mary Taylor, of
New York. They have one child, David A.

   Olof Martinson, born in 1847, is a native of Sweden, and with his parents
came to this country in 1857; they opened a new farm in Carver county, which
they sold in 1867 and moved to another. Mr. Martinson remained with his parents
until his marriage with Mary Johnson, formerly of Sweden, in 1877, when he
settled on his present farm. They have one child, Mabel. Mr. Martinson has been
chairman of the town board of supervisors five years, also clerk of the board
and school treasurer several years.

   P. M. Peterson was born in 1838, in Sweden, and at the age of sixteen years
commenced to learn the trade of carpenter. In 1857 he, with his parents settled
on a homestead in San Francisco, Carver county, and he bought his present farm,
in 1865, in Lincoln township. Hannah Martinson was married to him in 1861. Their
children are' Minnie E., Charles A., Hattie H., Mary A., Edward S. and Violetta
R. His wife died in October, 1876. Mr. Peterson has been town treasurer eight
years and school clerk twelve years.

   A. Swanson is a native of Sweden, where he was born in the year 1834. In 1854
he and his parents settled on a farm in Illinois, but the year following removed
to Minnesota. He served in the army from 1864 until the end of the war; enlisted
in Company H, Fourth Minnesota. Mr. Swanson took a homestead in Lincoln
township, the year he returned from the war. Clara Erickson became his wife in
1859 and in 1867 died; she had borne him three children; James E., Alice M., and
Hamuel T. In 1868 he married Carrie Gronlund, Charlotte B., Lorinda A., Oscar
E., Nora L., and Clara L. are their children. For a number of years Mr. Swanson
has held town offices.

   Dr. J. C. Tibil was born in Lebanon, Grafton county, New Hampshire, in 1807.
He graduated from Dartmouth College in 1826; studied medicine, attended lectures
and in 1829 established himself in his profession in Louisiana. In 1832 he went
to Cincinnati and assisted in the establishment of Lane Seminary, then resumed
his practice in Louisiana. He came to Minnesota in 1855, after another brief
residence in Ohio, and made a claim in Lincoln; removed in 1864 to his present
farm. Dr. Tibil and Isaac Slocum are the only ones left of the original settlers.

GARDEN CITY.

   This town occupies a central location in the county and is well watered by
lake and stream. It included, originally, all of congressional township 107,
range 28, and was first organized under the name of Watonwan, from the stream
that courses through it. This name was subsequently changed to Garden City. The
act incorporating the village of Lake Crystal took section 5 from the
jurisdiction of the town, thereby leaving thirty-five square miles, the present
extent of the town.

   Owing to the value of the water powers, settlement began soon after the
advent of the whites in this section of the state. The first actual settler was
Mr. O. J. Westover. He located on the Watonwan river in section 24, where he
lived about two years, when he sold and moved to Mankato. G. W. Cummings made a
claim in section 12, sometime in 1853; which he sold in 1854 to S. T. Mills.

   Mills brought his family out in August; his wife was the first white woman in
the town, and Mills lake was named in her honor. They lived in a small shanty
erected by Mr. Cummings, which with slight improvement, constituted their home
for two years. While in this shanty Mr. Mills began keeping travelers. In 1856
he built a double log house, and about 1864 a large frame, in which his family
still reside. The hotel business was kept up until Mr. Mills died, in 1873. The
following were also settlers of 1854; Mr. Gilchrist, located on section 23; Mr.
Lamberton on section 22. Mr. Thompson also located on section 23, between Mr.
Gilchrist and Mr. Lamberton. He soon after sold to S. M. Folsom.

   Mr. Thorne located on the south shore of Lake Crystal. His daughter, Elsie,
born in December, 1854, was the first white child born west of the Blue Earth
river, in the county. A son was born to Mr. Mills and wife in January, 1855;
this was the second birth.

   The first death in town was that of Mrs. Van Slyke. She died in January,
1857, at Mr. Lamberton's house, and was buried on his farm. The first marriage
of parties living in the town was that of Edward Thompson and Maria Thompson.
They went to South Bend and were married in the spring of 1856. The first
marriage ceremony performed in the town was that of Solomon Herriman and Julia
E. Detamore. They were married on March 1, 1857, in the log house on Edward
Thompson's claim.

   The first religious services were conducted by Rev. Theophilus Drew, a
Methodist circuit rider, then stationed at Kasota, early in 1856. A Sabbath
school was organized with fifteen scholars, with E. P. Evans as superintendent.
This school afterwards numbered 118 at one time. That same fall services were
conducted at Mr. Mills' shanty, by Rev. B. Y. Coffin, also a Methodist. There
was less than a dozen present, yet all the cabin would hold.

   Upon the arrival in October of Rev. Anthony Case, the original proprietor of
the site of Garden City, services were held regularly for a few weeks. He was a
Baptist, and afterward located in town and preached for years. In 1866 the sect
built a church, it being the first, and at present, the only church building in
the town. On account of the weakness in membership the Congregationalists united
with the Presbyterians and now hold services in the Baptist church.

   The Disciples of Christ have an organization and hold services at the
school-house in district number 20, in the south-western part of town. They
organized in 1858 at the house of C. Detamore. Services were conducted until the
past few years at various places. They now have a membership of about fifty.

   The first school meeting was held in the fall of 1856, at the house of J. C.
Thompson, on land now owned by T. N. Boynton. This meeting resulted in the
building of a log school-house in Garden City village during the following
winter. Soon after the building was finished, J. S. Dagget taught the first
school in the township. A fine two-story building, costing about $3,000, now
occupies the same ground. The town has six school-houses, all frame. The one at
Garden City has three rooms, and is one of the finest schools in the county.

   The history of the village of Garden City is an eventful one; at one time it
bade fair to divide the honors with Mankato as the metropolis of the county. The
principal cause of its downfall was a dispute which lasted for years in the
courts, as to who had a legal title to the town site. When that dispute was
settled it was too late to recover, yet few villages started with better natural
advantages; none under more auspicious circumstances. The village was laid out
with the name of Fremont, on land owned by Bev. Anthony Case, in 1856. Mr. Case
gave parties from Boston certain privileges provided they would improve the
water power. After these improvements had begun the parties failed, and from
this arose the litigation mentioned before. In 1858 the site was relaid with
some additions and alterations by one branch of the litigants, and called Garden
City, which name it has since borne.

   There are at present in the village in the way of business two hotels, two
flouring mills, four stores, two blacksmith shops and one saloon. A newspaper,
called "Garden City Herald," was established in 1868 by A. J. Manley; a
four-page, eight column paper and obtained a circulation of about six hundred at
one time. It was discontinued a few years later.

   In January, 1881, "the "Messenger" was established by J. L. Barlow; it is the
size of the "Herald."

   The mill owned by Andrew Friend on the south side of the village, was begun
in the fall of 1856 hy S. M. Folsom, and finished hy E. P. Evans the following
year. In the palmy days of Garden City it did a very large business, having in
connection with the flouring mill a saw-mill, a planing mill, shingle and lath
machines, turning machine, etc. The mill now operated by Mr. Enfield further up
the river, was built the same year by Messrs. Dilley, Warner & Capwell.

   The mill now operated by Messrs. Richardson & Moor, about a mile below the
village, was built in 1866-'7 by S. M. Folsom for his brother, Dr. Henry Folsom.
The first mill in the town was built by J. H. Greenwood and brother in 1856, and
located on section 32. It is now the property of C. F. Butterfield. Like all the
water power mills on the Wan ton wan, it has had its share of washouts, the last
being in 1881; the mill will be rebuilt and with a larger capacity. In
connection with the mill he is engaged in the manufacture and sale of the
Butterfield fanning mill.

   Two other towns were laid out by ambitious parties, viz: Wantonwan and
Lowell; the former was laid out in August, 1857, partly on each of sections 31
and 32. No trace of it can be seen today. Lowell was surveyed in December, 1865,
in section 13. A grist-mill was built, a few houses and a blacksmith shop, etc.
After several changes in ownership the mill was moved to other parts and the
embryo city became a thing of the past.

   Garden City post-office was established in September, 1856, with E. P. Evans
as postmaster. It was the third office established in the county. The present
postmaster is C. B. Fraser.

   Watonwan post-office was established in 1858 and J. H. Greenwood appointed
postmaster. He was succeeded by C. P. Butterfield not long after. The present
incumbent is Elizabeth Scott.

   Joppa Lodge, No. 76, A. F. & A. M., was organized at Masonic hall in Garden
City, August 1, 1868, with nine charter members and J. G. Thompson as W. M.,
which position he now holds. It was at one time a very large lodge; the present
membership is about fifty.

   The meeting for organizing the town as per act of the first state legislature
was held May 11, 1858, at Folsom's hotel in Garden City. Edson Garry was chosen
moderator and W. P. Hannah clerk. The town officers for the ensuing year were J.
A. Wiswell, chairman; W. R. Robinson and J. H. Greenwood, supervisors; J. N.
Cheney, clerk; A. M. Kendall, assessor; T. E. Potter, collector; S. M. Folsom,
overseer of poor; F. E. Snow and J. W. Greenwood, justices; D. D. Hunter and
William Moon, constables. Eighty-five votes were cast.

   J. L. Barlow, a native of New Jersey, was born in 1843. When twelve years old
he came with the family to Minnesota and, after leaving school, learned the
printer's trade. In 1872 he established, at Janesville, a paper called the
Independent, which he published for some time, and in 1875 started a small
weekly paper in Le Sueur county, known as The Messenger. He moved to Garden City
in the early part of 1881, and is now publishing it here. Mr. Barlow married, in
1874, Louisa J. Campbell. George W. and Rhoda E. are their children.

   Swen Bengtson, Jr., is a native of Sweden, born in 1844, and since 1857 has
been a resident of the United States. The family lived one year in Illinois,
then came to this state and were among the first settlers of Carver county.
Since 1866 Garden City has been their home. In 1864 he entered the Fourth
Minnesota infantry, and served during the remainder of the war. He was united in
marriage in 1868 with Caroline Curtis, who died in 1872, leaving two children.

   T. N. Boynton was born in 1815, in Orleans county, Vermont. He received but a
common school education, and early in life commenced for himself. Worked in a
saw mill and starch factory in Vermont until 1858, when he came to this state
and, until 1860, dealt in general merchandise at Mankato; he then continued the
business at Garden City. In 1872 he began stock raising. Mr. Boynton has one of
the largest and best stock farms in the county. In 1843 he married Lucy G.
Marston. Their children are: Fannie C., Clara, Carlos N., Charles J. and Alida L.

   E. R. Brown is a native of Illinois, born in 1853. When a young man he
learned the trade of carpenter, and followed that work five years. In 1866 he
came to Minnesota and located in Garden City. Here he learned blacksmithing, at
which trade he has been employed the greater part of the time since. Mr. Brown
was united in marriage, in 1873, with Maggie Robb, a native of Wisconsin. May is
their only living child.

   C. F. Butterfield was born in February, 1828, in Sullivan county, New
Hampshire. At eighteen years of age he went to Vermont, learned the millwright's
trade, and worked there until coming to Minnesota in 1857, after which he
followed his trade several years at Mankato. In 1860 he came to Garden City and,
in company with others, bought a saw-mill at Watonwan, and soon after built the
Butterfield flouring mill, which was ruined by a flood, but rebuilt and operated
until 1881, when it was again destroyed by high water. He is now building a
still larger mill. He is manufacturing the Butterfield fanning mill, patented in
1875 by him. For nineteen years he was postmaster at Watonwan. Married, in 1855,
Eliza Farnham. They have two children.

   F. T. Enfield, born in 1839, is a native of Indiana. He came to Minnesota and
engaged in farming in Nicollet county. In 1862 he entered company I, Sixth
Minnesota, and served until the war closed. Upon leaving the army he worked at
milling in St. Peter and Mankato, and in 1880 came to Garden City and bought the
Watonwan mill, which he is now operating. Mary Kerrigan became his wife in 1864,
and has five children: George H., Edwin R., Lawrence, Dora and Maggie.

   Major E. P. Evans was born in 1817, in Strafford county, New Hampshire. He
worked at farming and in general mercantile trade previous to 1845, at which
date he went to Boston and engaged in real-estate business. Mr. Evans bought the
partly constructed flour and saw-mills at Watonwan, and, coming to Garden City
in 1856, proceeded to complete them. The same year he was appointed postmaster,
and also commenced mercantile trade; his was the second store in the place, but
he only continued it two years and in 1862 sold the mill property. He was
appointed major of the militia in 1862 and had charge of the volunteer troops on
the frontier. Mr. Evans is a brother of old Mrs. Jewett, who was murdered by the
Sioux, and he was marshal of the day at Mankato when the thirty-eight Indians
were executed. Since residing here he has held many offices and positions of
trust. Married in 1839, Miss S. H. Powers, who has borne him four children.
George W. was the first to enlist from this state, joining a Massachusetts
regiment; he died in the army. There are three children living.

   C. B. Fraser was born in 1834 and lived in his native country, Nova Scotia,
until fourteen years old when he removed to Boston and worked at carpentering
nine years. In 1857 he settled in Garden City and continued his trade; since
1869 he has been dealing in general merchandise and for a number of years has
been treasurer of the town; has also been postmaster since 1872. Mary E. Dilley
became his wife in 1861 and is the mother of two children: Effie, who is at a
conservatory of music at Boston, and Joseph, who is at home.

   M. M. Clark was born in 1843 in Rutland county, Vermont. In 1857 the family
came to Minnesota, and shortly after to Garden City. He entered the Fifth Iowa
cavalry in 1861 and served through the entire war as musician. Upon returning to
Garden City he engaged in the drug trade, and afterward the insurance business;
since 1880 he has been station agent here. Mr. Clark was deputy sheriff of the
county two years; was twice appointed clerk in the house of representatives, and
in 1876 was elected to the state legislature. Married in 1867 Miss L. M. Fall.
Their living children are Harry and Laura R.

   J. B. Gail was born in 1806, and grew to manhood on a farm in New York, his
native state. In 1849 he migrated to Wisconsin, and was employed in farming
there until 1855, at which date he came to Garden City and located on the farm
where he has since lived, with the exception of six years spent at Mankato.
Emily Tefft became his wife in April, 1828, and died March 6, 1880, leaving
seven children.

   James Glynn was born in March, 1817, and lived until the age of twenty-nine
years in Ireland, his birth-place. He then came to America and settled in the
state of New York; in 1856 he migrated to this state and to his present home in
Garden City. In 1848 Miss Mary Rooney became his wife, and they have a family of
seven children: Bridget, Mary A., Katie, Maggie, Thomas, William and Sarah.

   J. H. Greenwood was born in Pennsylvania in 1832, and in 1851 removed to
Wisconsin, where he worked on a farm four years, then came to Minnesota in 1855
and located on his farm in Garden City. He and a brother built the first mill on
the Watonwan river; after operating it some time it was sold, and he has since
been farming. Mr. Greenwood has held several offices, and was a member of the
first town board. Married in 1859 Miss J. L. Barnard. Carrie, Oar], Grace and
Mabel are their children.

   George W. Lamberton, a native of New York, was born October 2, 1832, in Lewis
county. When fifteen years old he moved with his parents to Wayne county, where
his father died, and in 1849 the family went to Milwaukee. In the spring of 1854
he started for Minnesota; A. G. Sutliff accompanied him to Mankato; desiring to
look the country over they traveled on foot across southern Minnesota to the
Mississippi. Each returned to his home, but came again in the fall, and Mr.
Lamberton selected the claim where he lives. In 1863 he enlisted for three years
in Company E, Second Minnesota cavalry. Married, April 27, 1857, Eliza Olds.
Their living children are Frank A., George P., Fred. E., Marshall J. and Archie W.

   S. T. Mills, deceased, was born in June, 1819, in Berkshire county,
Massachusetts. Permelia L. Ball became his wife in 1848; moved to Illinois, and
in 1854 they located in Garden City, on the banks of Mills lake, so named in
honor of Mrs. Mills, who was the first white woman to settle in the town; she
relates many interesting incidents of pioneer life among the Indians. Mr. Mills
died in 1873; Mrs. Mills and three children survive him: Edward P., L. B., and
T. Filmore. Their son Freeman, who died in 1862, was the first white child born
in Garden City.

   G. W. Moor, a native of Maine, was born in 1838, and when sixteen years old
began learning the miller's trade. From 1856 until 1861 he was employed at the
Minneapolis mills; then enlisted in the Third Minnesota and served until 1864,
after which he returned to the Minneapolis mills. In the fall of 1880 he came to
Garden City, and went in company with Mr. Richardson in a mill which was built
in 1866 by Mr. Folsom.

   Dr. G. Murphy, a native of Iowa, was born in 1850 in Wapello county. His
parents being in limited circumstances, he was obliged to work his way through
life without assistance from them. In 1870 he commenced the study of medicine;
entered the Keokuk Medical College in 1875, and in 1879 graduated; in the
meantime he had taught school for a while. Since the fall of 1879 he has been in
the practice of his profession at Garden City. Dr. Murphy has been twice
married; the last time was in 1877, to Lizzie Brown. They have two children.

   W. D. Richardson was born in 1842 at Providence, Rhode Island. For several
years he worked at the butcher's business, then migrated to Winona county,
Minnesota, where he engaged in farming, in 1875 he came to Garden City and
bought the Folsom mill, now owned by the firm Moor & Richardson, and has since
been engaged in business here.

   Thomas Rooney was born April 13, 1857, in Garden City, in an old log house
used as a fort during the Indian troubles of that year; he was raised on a farm
and received a liberal education. His father, Patrick Rooney, a native of
Ireland came to the United States in 1849, and in 1856, settled on the farm
where he resided until 1862, the time of his death. Mr. Thomas Rooney now lives
on the same farm.

   James G. Thompson was born May 17, 1833, in Bennington county, Vermont. He
was brought up on a farm in Washington county, New York, and educated in that
state. In 1856 he came to Garden City. During the Indian troubles of 1857 he was
commissioned second lieutenant of the Garden City Sharp Shooters. In 1862 he
enlisted in Company E, Ninth Minnesota, and was on the frontier with General
Sibley's expedition; afterward he was south and was made captain of a colored
regiment; he served on the staff of Colonel Drew and was promoted to major of
the 68th U. S. colored infantry. In 1865 he returned to Minnesota and the year
following was elected to the state legislature. Married August 26, 1858, Frances
E. Thompson. Their children are James R., William R., Sherman B., Eleanor F.,
David G., Frances M. and Libbie M.

   Dr. Irvin H. Thurston, a native of Ohio, was born in 1828, in Licking county.
At the age of twenty-three he entered medical college at Cleveland, where he
took a regular course and graduated. He practiced medicine until coming to
Minnesota in 1857; the greater part of the time since that date, excepting while
in the army, he has been employed in farming. In 1862 he entered the Eighth
Minnesota infantry as first assistant surgeon and was promoted to surgeon; at
the close of the war he returned to Garden City. Dr. Thurston has married three
times; in 1870, Mary F. Gerry became his wife. He has six children; Minnie E.,
Nettie, Julia, Anna B., R. H., and Rose E.

   Berton Tyler, born in 1852, is a native of Erie county, New York. In 1859 he
accompanied his parents to Minnesota and located in Garden City near Mills lake,
where he now resides. He is a brother of Charles Tyler and a nephew of Mrs.
Jewett, who were murdered by the Indians. In 1875 he was united in marriage with
Miss May Finch. They have two children, Roy and Ellis.

   Wallace Wells is a native of New York state, where he was born in the year
1848. At the age of nine years he removed to Wisconsin with his parents, and
there lived on a farm; in 1878 he came to this state and located on the farm in
Garden City where he now resides. Mr. Wells married in 1870, Miss Helen Huxford,
a native of Michigan. Frank and Lulu are their children.

   A. T. Williams was born in 1842, in Michigan. After graduating at the Detroit
Commercial College he was employed two years as assistant postmaster. From 1864
until 1867 he was in a general merchandise store in Mankato, in partnership with
Mr. Ray; then he came to Garden City and continued in the same line of business,
in company with his brother, to whom he sold his interest in 1880. Mr. Williams
has held many town offices. Married in 1863, Miss C. Fisher, of Fremont, Ohio.
They have two children.

   D. Williams, a native of Michigan, was born in 1840, and after leaving school
he worked in his father's office until twenty-one years old. Since coming to
Garden City, in 1861, he has been dealing in general merchandise. Mr. Williams
was a number of years postmaster at Garden City. In 1864 he was united in
marriage with Miss Louisa A. Miller. They have three children.

   Mrs. Pauline Willson, wife of R. K. Willson, has been a resident of Minnesota
since coming here in 1859, with her first husband, Moses Tyler, who was killed
in 1863 by a horse. Mrs. Willson's son, Charles Tyler, and her sister Mrs.
Jewett were both murdered by the Indians in the massacre of the Jewett family.


Additional Comments:
Extracted from 

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


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