Brown County MN Archives History - Books .....New Ulm 1882
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Book Title: History Of The Minnesota Valley

CHAPTER LXXVIII.

NEW ULM— SETTLED BY GERMAN SOCIETIES-TOWN SITE—CITY CHARTER—DESTROYED BY
INDIANS-CYCLONE—SOCIETIES-BUSINESS.

  The settlement of New Ulm was effected through the medium of two colonization
societies, each with similar designs. They were the "Chicago Land Verein," and
"The Colonization Society of North America," the latter originating in
Cincinnati. Eventually a fusion of the two took place, and a new association was
formed under the title of the German Land Association. The Chicago society was
formed about July, 1853, by a class of six Germans who were studying the
language of their adopted country. Among these six individuals was Frederick
Beinhorn, who conceived the idea of a colonization society; the idea met with
favor, and shortly after public meetings were held and an organization
perfected, of which Frederick Beinhorn was president, Frederick Metzke
secretary, and a Mr. Schwaz treasurer. The teacher of the class referred to,
William Fach, was appointed agent to look up a location for the association, the
object of which was to get beyond the reach of land speculators, to obtain
government land and create a model town, which should be surrounded by gardens.
One of the necessary conditions, also, of the intended site of the city, was
that the situation should be fronting on a river. By November of the first year
the society had sixty members; meetings were held every week, and a monthly
payment of ten cents was required to meet expenses. In February, 1854, the
society gave a ball at the market house on the North Side, which netted over
$300. Notice was given through the papers that new members would be required to
pay three dollars each for the privilege of joining the society, if joining
before the expiration of eight days from date of notice; after that period five
dollars would be required. In a short time the membership was 800, nearly all of
whom were working men. The agent informed the society that he had selected some
land in every way suited for their purposes; this was in April, 1854.
Investigation, however, proved that the agent's selection was in reality a sandy
desert in the northern part of Michigan. A committee, consisting of Beinhorn,
Assal, Hummelsheim, Mueller and Veringer was then appointed to select an
eligible place for settlement, according to the expressed desires of the
society. After visiting many places, principally in Iowa, they returned to
Chicago without finding what they wanted. Soon after, Pfeiffer and Messerschmidt
were sent to Minnesota, and reported good land in the neighborhood of Swan Lake.
Messrs. Kiessling and Weiss were sent out to corroborate this good news, and on
their return said they had got a very nice place "which was on the opposite side
to a place called Le Sueur." This was in September, 1854. An expedition of
twenty members was made up to go to the place the committee had selected. Upon
their arrival they were not suited with the location, and proceeded up the river
to Traverse des Sioux. Athanasius Henle, Ludwig Meyer, Frederick Massonpust and
Alois Palmer started for Fort Ridgely, and arrived at the trading post of Joseph
La Framboise, who said there was a place near where the Cottonwood flowed into
the Minnesota, that was the most eligible place in the entire state for a town.

   Arriving on the site of the present city of New Ulm, they were charmed with
the situation, and sent for their companions, who had remained at Traverse des
Sioux, who arrived October 8th.

   The lateness of the season precluding the possibility of erecting houses
before the cold weather set in, they went to a point eleven miles from the place
of their selection, which was opposite to the place where La Framboise was
located. The new settlers had with them a wagon and four oxen, their only
transportation. Here they found a deserted Indian village. Taking possession of
the tepees they commenced the erection of a log house, the food supply was very
short and they did not know what to do for supplies. La Framboise helped them
all he could, and a trip was afterwards made to Fort Ridgely and provisions,
obtained from there.

   The Indian tepees all being empty, the settlers thought that the Indians had
given up the village. Instead of this they had simply been to the agency for the
purpose of receiving annuities from the government. On the return of the Indians
the chief went to the block house the settlers had built and told the intruders
that the place belonged to them, and the premises would have to be vacated or
they would all be killed. Through the mediation of La Framboise, who had a great
influence over the Indians, they were finally allowed to remain in the quarters
they had selected until spring.

   The winter was passed in getting out logs and putting up a saw-mill, on a
creek that furnished sufficient power for the purpose. Hence the name of
Milford, afterwards given to the place. During the cold weather, through the
over-heating of a stove, the log house inhabited by the band of settlers caught
fire and was totally destroyed. This was on February 15. After this they had to
live in the tepees until other quarters could be prepared.

   It should be mentioned that one reason why the Indians vacated their premises
was that the smallpox had attacked one of the tribe. Him they left in one of the
tepees and the settlers buried the body.

   On May 16, 1855, about twenty more members of the society arrived from
Chicago, among them one Volk, who, according to instructions from the president,
laid out the town site of New Ulm.

   Among the new settlers were very many who were natives of Wurtemberg, and the
new settlement was called after the town of Ulm in that state.

   The first houses that were built were the claim shanties of F. Behnke, B.
Diedrich, Paul Hitz, Louis Meyer and Henry Meyerding, which were in the center
of the present city. A few days after the arrival of the new party May, 20, a
branch of the home society was established, of which A. Kiessling was elected
president, John Zettel, vice-president; Henry Meyerding, secretary and Joseph
Dambach, treasurer, their terms of office being for three months.

   In the meantime, in Chicago, a feeling of uneasiness was expressed at the non
receipt of communications from the settlers, and Henry Schade was sent out to
see the new place.

   Soon after this a letter was received in Chicago, from the settlers stating
that the land would soon be in the market, and it must be bought. A meeting of
the parent society was called by the president, F. Beinhorn, and it was decided
that every member of the society should pay into the treasury the sum of $30, so
as to enable the land to be purchased.

   It was also decided that those who failed to pay the required amount before
the expiration of four weeks should forfeit their membership in the association.

   This resulted in 250 men paying in the sum called for. When the money was
thus paid in, the treasurer, Albert Blatz, brother of Valentine Blatz, the
prominent brewer of Milwaukee, and the president, F. Beinhorn, set out, and
arrived at New Ulm May 10, 1856, with the funds with which to purchase the land
from the government. On their arrival they found that it was necessary to have
more houses erected in order to prove the claims. When this was accomplished
Beinhorn and Blatz, in company with Charles E. Flandrau, and fourteen claimants,
went to the land office at Winona, and bought the land.

   Each member of the verein was entitled to receive twelve town lots and nine
acres of land outside the town.

   In order to facilitate building, a saw-mill company was organized, and
preparations made for the erection of a mill. Mr. Beinhorn went back to Chicago,
bought the engine and equipments, and sent up men to place the mill in order.
The name of the company was the Chicago Mill Company. The mill was started in
the fall, and finished in the spring of 1857, some lumber being sawed in it
during the winter. This mill stood until 1858, when it was burned down in the
May of that year. The property was afterwards sold out to Beinhorn & Rehfeld on
consideration that they assume all the debts of the company.

   During the summer of 1856 William Pfaender and a Mr. Seeger, representing the
Cincinnati society already referred to, visited New Ulm, which resulted in a
consolidation of the two societies and an accession of settlers.

   It now becomes necessary, before proceeding further, to sketch the causes
that led to the presence of Pfaender on the spot, and the details at the
organization of the society he represented.

   In the beginning of the year 1855 there was considerable discussion taking
place with regard to an enlargement of scope of the Turner societies.

   While this was proceeding the Turn Zeitung, of Philadelphia, the organ of the
"Nordamerikanischer Turner-bund," in its issue of March 29,1855, published a
communication under the heading of "practical gymnastics," which called the
attention of members of the Turner bund to the importance of a practical
colonization project.

   Urged by the friends of the scheme the Cincinnati Turngemeinde, on the 20th
of April, appointed a committee, consisting of J. G. Herzsch, A. Tafel, A.
Fischer, Nicolaus Meyer and William Pfaender, for the purpose of further
consideration of the plan, the arrangement of a constitution and set of by-laws,
and the preparation of an address to all the members of the Turner-bund. The
result of their labors was a call for a meeting and the invitation of signatures
of those favorable to the scheme.

   Soon after this a society was organized under the name of the Colonization
Society of North America, which name was adopted for temporary purposes only.
The following officers were elected: William Pfaender, president; Adolph
Fischer, vice-president; V. Bechmann, recording secretary; Gustav Tafel,
corresponding secretary; A. Tafel, treasurer.

   The ideas of this society, without being of an Utopian character, had a
larger principle, a more philosophic one, than the main conception of the
Chicago society. The latter was principally animated with the desire for better
homes—the Cincinnati society involved the idea of obtaining means for carrying
out a broad and liberal scheme of development—physical and mental, on the wide
prairies of the West.

   The society was formed at a time when "know-nothingism" flourished in its
highest state, and when the financial depression of 1854 had left its mark on
all departments of industry. The enthusiastic aspirations of the founders of
this society were to plant in the wilderness a broad and liberal settlement,
free from the trammels of a narrow sectarianism; make homes for all who wished,
and to afford opportunity for the fullest development of man.

   The greatest success attended the project; membership increased rapidly. The
price of shares was fixed at $15, and no one was allowed to hold more than two.
Each share entitled the holder to one lot on the town site and a small area of
ground outside for garden purposes, and to secure a larger tract of land at cost
price for such as wished to engage in agriculture. William Pfaender, William
Seeger and A. Prieser, were sent out in the early spring of 1856 to look for a
suitable place for settlement. They sought through the states of Missouri, Iowa,
Kansas, Nebraska and Minnesota. At St. Paul they were informed that there was a
settlement of Germans up the Minnesota river, and they at once started for the
place and found the members of the Chicago society, who as yet had not located
on the site of New Ulm, but were making preparations to do so. A plat of the
town had already been made.

   Pfaender was acting as agent for the Cincinnati society, and liking the site,
entered into negotiations for the amalgamation of the two societies. On July 4,
1856, an agreement was perfected in Chicago, the details of which were that the
Chicago society should get back all the money that had been paid for land, and
that the Cincinnati company should erect a warehouse and a saw and flour-mill.
Originally the Chicago society gave its members, as specified before, twelve
lots and nine acres of land outside; by the new apportionment, they were to hold
six lots and four acres outside; the Cincinnati people received three lots and
four acres outside. After these details were perfected Pfaender, as agent of the
Cincinnati verein, returned to New Ulm and obtained sixteen additional quarter
sections from the government. The total amount of land acquired by purchase from
the Chicago company was 4,036 acres, which included 1,700 acres laid out as a
town site. The consolidation of the two societies resulted in the formation of
the German Land Association of Minnesota, which was duly incorporated by act of
legislature, approved March 4, 1857. The capital stock was fixed at $100,000,
which was to be divided into shares of fifty dollars each, and in lieu of being
paid in money, real or personal estate could be substituted. The association was
also "authorized to erect in the counties of Brown and Nicollet, buildings,
mills and other structures, together with steam engines, and all the machinery
necessary for the manufacture of lumber, flour, machinery, agricultural
implements, cotton and woolen goods, paper, and all such articles adapted to the
wants of the country, as shall be deemed best by the stockholders."

   The first officers elected were William Pfaender, president; Hermann
Herrendorfer, secretary; August H. Wagner, treasurer.

   As soon as the arrangements previously referred to were completed a party
under the charge of Pfaender in September, 1856, started by steamer from
Cincinnati, which went to St. Paul. Prom there they made the trip in wagons to
New Ulm. Their names were as follows: Adolph Seiter, John C. Toberer, E.
Gerstenhauer, William Hummel, George Guetlich, George Pein, Henry Knieff, Henry
Haupt, Henry Hoffmann and William Petermann. August Schell and a few others had
started in advance of the party a short time.

   On their arrival they formed a town consisting of twenty-three shanties
scattered over a stretch of three miles.

   A store was started in the fall of 1856, by the company, in order to furnish
provisions to the settlers. It was situated where the Pennsylvania House now
stands. It was a two story building, of rough lumber, 10x30 feet in dimensions.
William Pfaender was in charge. Everything was furnished to the settlers at cost.

   In the spring of 1857 a party numbering some sixty or seventy left
Cincinnati. They chartered the steamer Prank Steele to convey them the entire
distance from Cincinnati to New Ulm. They started rather too early in the
spring, and were detained by ice in Lake Pepin for quite a long time, but
finally arrived safely at their destination without any accident. With the
accession of this large body of settlers several stores were started and the
place soon assumed the appearance of business.

   The company gave up the storehouse to William Rahlfeldt, who started a store
in the premises on his own account. In the meantime, however, Adolph Seiter had
started a store on his claim, some two and a half miles from the centre of town.
Soon afterwards, on the arrival of Charles Koehne, a friend of his, the two
formed a partnership, and started a store in the centre of the town. About the
same time that Seiter removed his store to the town site P. Roebbecke erected a
building, and obtained a stock of goods, which was the first real business house
in the town.

   William Pfaender made a claim to the southeast quarter of section 12, town
110, range 31. Anton Kaus had the north-west quarter of the same section, and
Seiter's claim, where the store was, was just north of this. It was at the claim
shanty of Kaus that the first post-office was established.

   The town of New Ulm was incorporated by act of legislature approved March 6,
1857. The town council consisted of William Pfaender, president, Frederick
Beinhorn, Henry Mayerding and Hermann Herrendorfer. The city charter was granted
February 24, 1876. Charles Boos was the first mayor, and Jacob Nix the first clerk.

   The first marriage was that of William Jansen and Petronella Adams, March 17,
1857; ceremony by William Pfaender as justice of the peace.

   The most terrible event in the annals of this town was its destruction,
during the Indian outbreak, in August, 1862. Its population at that time was
nearly 2,000 souls; so complete was the work of the savages, that when all was
again quiet there were only thirty buildings left standing that could be
occupied. On Monday, August 18, the first advance was made upon New Ulm. The
scene of confusion was indescribable: the settlers who had escaped from the
region of the agency with their families came pouring into New Ulm on their way
to a place of safety. The citizens became much alarmed, and immediately began
preparations for defense, sending women and children to St. Peter and other
places as a precautionary measure. On Tuesday, the 19th, a party of men from St.
Peter and Nicollet arrived and joined the inhabitants in preparations for
defense. Late in the same afternoon the first attack was made by the Indians.
Reinforcements began soon to arrive from neighboring towns, and command was
assumed by the Hon. Charles E. Flandrau, who had been commissioned by the
governor. The attack continued until Sunday, the 24th, when the whites were
finally victorious, but at a most terrible cost. The next day the inhabitants
evacuated the town, most of them going to St. Peter. It was a deserted village
for some time, none caring to return immediately.

   When all was safe again the people returned to the spot of the once
flourishing village, only to find it a scene of desolation and ruin. A
recapitulation here of the scenes and events of the massacre is unnecessary, as
the portion of the work devoted to a description of the outbreak contains all
that could be said regarding the matter.

   Sad and terrible as was the experience through which New Ulm had passed, with
indomitable energy the work of rebuilding was prosecuted and affairs resumed
their normal course. Several of the merchants never returned permanently but
their places were taken by others and business prospered with the passage of the
year.

   Subsequent to the conclusion of the war of the rebellion the trade of the
city became of large proportions, durable and handsome buildings were erected
and everything flourished with the increase of population.

   Nearly twenty years had passed since the outbreak, when another catastrophe
almost blotted the place out of existence, carrying ruin to the home of
hundreds; inflicted this time by the hand of nature. On the afternoon of July
15, 1881, appeared

THE CYCLONE,

the remembrance of which will always be one of the most vivid and lasting
impressions retained through the life of those who felt its fury. A large
portion of the city was rendered a shapeless mass of ruins. The damage to
property was estimated at $250,000. The loss of life was found to be six
persons; fifty-three persons were wounded. No description could possibly convey
any adequate conception of the scenes incidental to the occurrence. Men and
animals were lifted into the air and carried, in some instances, a distance of
more than a mile, and immensely heavy pieces of iron, timber and other solid
materials, were lifted from their places and deeply embedded in the earth.

   After a day of oppressive heat, about half-past three in the afternoon, a low
roar of thunder called attention to a black cloud in the north-western horizon.
Fifteen minutes later another was seen rising from the south-west. These two
advancing columns seemed to intersect each other thirty degrees west of the
zenith, and the united columns moved onward toward the east in rapid spiral
curves, while the deep hazen color of the cloud within the western angle of
these columns, the terrific peals of thunder and incessant flashes of lightning,
gave ominous forebodings of the power of the demon of destruction. At fifteen
minutes past four the storm broke in all its fury. The first gust demolished
nearly every chimney in the city. Next, tin roofs were stripped off, blown in
every direction, and forced into every conceivable shape; doors, windows,
hoards, shingles, rafters, bricks and branches of trees were seen flying through
the air in every direction; whole roofs were tom off and went crashing into the
side of buildings on the opposite side of the street; buildings were lifted from
their foundations and scattered and twisted into shapeless masses of ruin;
massive brick buildings trembled and crumbled before the blast, as if shaken by
an earthquake. During all the devastation the fearful shrieks of the tempest,
the perpetual roar of the thunder, the crash of falling walls, mingled with the
screams of terrified men, women and children, rendered the scene one that
beggars all description and baffles the power of language to delineate. The
first effects of the tornado were felt in the northern part of the town, among
the modest dwellings of the laboring portion of the community. Although these
were situated widely apart, in less than two minutes all were either carried off
bodily or leveled to the ground. Full a hundred dwellings in this vicinity, all
of small pretensions, were absolutely swept away on the wings of the wind, and
several hundred people were rendered homeless and penniless. Furniture, clothing
and bedding were carried away in the tempest,, and very many saved nothing
except the clothing they had on at the time.

    The damage was all done in the short space of fifteen minutes. It seems
almost incredible in view of the fearful destruction that was experienced, that
the loss of life was not greater than it was. The city, after the war of the
elements had subsided presented a scene of sadness not easily forgotten. The
debris of the fallen buildings, wagons, farm machinery, furniture and clothing,
were mingled in one promiscuous mass, from one end of the city to the other;
trees were stripped of their branches and hoisted and knotted into almost
impossible shapes; horses, some dead, and others still struggling, were buried
beneath the timbers of falling stables; mothers were searching and anxiously
inquiring for missing children, and the bewildered and terror stricken people
gazed upon a scene of ruined homes. The escapes of many of the people from
injury were of a most miraculous character, many being carried a distance
through the air and deposited unharmed.

    The day after the storm the people went bravely to work to clean up the
debris and repair the shattered buildings. At the same time a few of the
business men seeing the necessity for prompt action at once set to work to
devise ways and means for the relief of the poor and homeless. Superintendent
Sanborn having placed a special train at the disposal of the station agent, a
committee consisting of Col. Wm. Pfaender, Hon. S. D. Peterson and Joseph
Bobleter started for St. Paul, at two o'clock in the afternoon, to consult
Governor Pillsbury, and lay the facts of the awful calamity before him.

    The governor handed the committee a check for $100 to start the work of
relief. Soon after, money, from all quarters, began to be sent to the relief
committe.

    On Tuesday Governor Pillsbury visited New Him to see what aid was needed most.

    The Governor's Guards were placed on duty on Saturday and Sunday nights to
prevent pillaging and to help the city authorities maintain order.

    The relief committee consisting of ten members with Col. Pfaender as
president; Rev. A. Berghold secretary; and C. Wagner, treasurer; did an immense
amount of active work. The total amount of money they received and distributed
was about $40,000.

   Post-Office.—The first postmaster was Anton Kaus, the mail being delivered at
his claim shanty outside the limits of the town. The next was William Pfaender,
who acted in that capacity from the fall of 1856 until the following summer. He
used to keep the entire mail in a cigar box. Having no time to attend to the
duties of postmaster, small as those duties were, he turned the office over to
Charles Koehne, in the summer of 1857. The successors were; Frederick Rehfield
and Frederick Forster, who retained the office until it became part of the
presidential patronage, when Joseph Bobleter was appointed, July 1, 1873, and
who has since continued to fill the office.

   Fire Department.—The New Ulm Fire Department was organized December 13, 1869,
with a membership of forty-six persons. The officers elected were Charles
Wagner, president; H. Weyhe, vice president: Fritz Haussman, secretary. The
company possesses one large hand-engine, two small ones, and one hook and ladder
apparatus. The present officers are Charles Brust, president; P. Herian,
vice-president; C. Stoll, secretary. The present membership, comprising some of
the best people in town, is about fifty.

   Churches, Catholic.—In the fall of 1856, Father F. X. Winninger held a
mission at the house of Anton Kaus, which was the place now occupied by William
Pfaender. This was the first religious service held in the vicinity of New Him.
Mass was said by Rev. Valentine Somereisen, at the house of Paul Hitz, in 1861,
and which was the only celebration before the arrival of Rev. Alexander
Berghold, who came January 10, 1869. His first services were held in a building
attached to Carl Baptist's brewery. The present brick church was completed in
1870, and dedicated September 11; and the same year a comfortable parsonage was
erected. This was the first church in Minnesota that had a chime of bells. In
the spring of 1881 large additions were commenced which, when nearly finished,
were damaged to a great extent by the cyclone, causing a loss of about $4,000.
Immediately afterwards preparations were made for rebuilding. The present church
has capacity for seating 1,200 people. The congregation consists of about two
hundred families.

   German M. E.: The first meeting was held in the year 1857, at the house of
John Fenske, about two miles from the town, by the Rev. H. Singenstrue. Meetings
were afterwards held at various places, until 1861, when a church was built by
Rev. H. Schnidker. This edifice was totally ruined by the Indians during the
outbreak. The second church, which was of brick, the former having been a frame,
was erected in the year 1866, under the pastorate of Rev. H. Singenstrue. This,
in turn, fared the fate of the other edifice, being razed to the level of the
ground by the terrible cyclone of 1881. The following have been the successors
of Rev. H. Singenstrue: Charles Thalenhart, J. Haas, J. G. Bauer, P. Unland, J.
M. Nippold, A. Bilbenghaueser and J. C. John.

   St. Paul's German Lutheran church was erected in the summer of 1863. There
had been services held by members of this faith in New Ulm previous to that
date, but no regular minister had resided there until 1862, when Rev. A. Kenter
arrived. He remained until 1868, after which' the church was without a minister
until 1870, when the present incumbent took charge, the Rev. G. Reim. This
church was also sadly damaged by the tornado.

   Schools:—The first school taught in New Ulm, was in a small frame building,
in which August Westphal opened school on December 17, 1857, there being
twenty-four scholars in attendance. In the summer of 1858, the school was
divided into two classes, Mr. Frederick Forster taking charge of the one and Mr.
Westphal of the other class. The expenses of the first year's instruction, etc.,
were paid by the German Land Association. In 1859, one class only constituted
the school, with Mr. Forster in charge, the expense of maintenance being paid by
means of the usual taxation. In 1872, an independent school district was
created. There are now three school-houses all of brick, the high school in the
center of the city, 30x75 feet, two stories in height, and two primary schools,
one in the northern the other in the southern portions of town, each one story,
20x40 feet in size. The high school edifice was erected in 1864, at a cost of
$5,000, and enlarged soon after. Each of the other two edifices cost $1,000.

   In all, seven teachers are employed. The number of scholars enrolled is 450.

   Besides the public schools the Catholics hold a very large school in
connection with their church.

   In 1872 Father Berghold commenced the erection of a school, at his own risk,
34x96, three stories in height, which is situated opposite the church. In this
instruction was given by lay teachers uutil May, 1874, when it was put in the
possession of a body of those school sisters expelled by Prince Bismarck from
Paderborn, Prussia, belonging to the order of "Schwestern der Christlechen
Liebe." This building is now used by them as a residence, and as an academy, in
which there are many boarders.

   The parish school is taught in the second story of the addition recently made
to the church edifice.

   Societies: Charity Lodge, No. 98, A. F. &. A. M., had a dispensation granted,
dated March 26, 1872, under which the first meeting was held April 1 following.
The lodge was formally instituted February 3, 1873, with the following named
officers: A. Marden, W. M.; H. A. Subilia, S. W.; Frank Shaubut, J. W.; C.
Brust, T.; J. M. Broome, Sec.; J. M. Thompson, S. D.; C. Berry, J. D.; J. B.
Vilikanje, tyler. The first few meetings were held in the Turner Hall; the
present quarters were obtained in November, 1873.

   New Ulm Lodge, 53, I. O. O. F., was instituted March 7, 1876. The first
meeting was held in a room over Dr. Weschke's drug store. The first officers
were as follows: Oscar Hanft, N. G.; A. H. Schleuder, V. G.; Andrew Peterson,
Sec.; F. W. Baarsch, Treas. The hall was destroyed by the cyclone, after which
for some time meetings were held in a room over Theo. Crone's dry goods store.
The present membership is thirty-nine.

   New Ulm Encampment, No. 18, I. O. O. F., was instituted November 17, 1879,
with thirteen charter members. The first officers elected were A. H. Schleuder,
C. P.; S. Lowenthal, H. P.; Ole Johnson, S. W.; X. Rosskopf, J. W.; F. W.
Baarsch, Treas.; Peter Manderfeld, Scribe.

   Progress Lodge, No. 28, A. O. U. W., was instituted October 4, 1877, with the
following officers: Oscar Hanft, P. M. W.; Charles Berry, M. W.; Alfred Walton,
G. F.; Charles Stuebe, O.; C. M. Herremann, G.; H. B. Constans, Recorder; J. P.
Bobleter, Financier; Henry Keller, Receiver; Rudolph Kiesling, J. W.; Jacob
Hescheler, O. W.

   St. Joseph Benevolent Society was organized in the spring of 1875, with
twelve members. John Roetering was president, Anton Olding, secretary, and
Joseph Bambach treasurer. The present membership is seventy-six.

   The New Ulm Maennerchor was organized April 17, 1878, with twenty-four
members. The first officers were E. G. Pahl, president; J. A. Eckstein,
secretary; John Neumann, treasurer; G. Stohlman, custodian; R. P. A. Nix,
director..

   The New Ulm Turn Verein was organized shortly after the German Land
Association was formed and the houses of the new settlers were erected. The
organization took place on the 11th of November, 1856, at a small log cabin on
the edge of the woods near what afterwards became William Pfaender's farm, on
the river's bank. Twelve members constituted the strength of the society at its
initial meeting. The first officers elected were William Pfaender, president; E.
Gerstenhauer, secretary; A. Seiter, treasurer; W. Hummel, instructor; J. C.
Toberer, trustee. The first hall was erected on its present site, in 1856. It
was commodious and, at that time, the largest building in the place. In 1862,
during the Indian outbreak, like some 180 other buildings, it was entirely
destroyed by fire. In 1864 the society built a large brick hall, to which an
east wing was added, in 1872, of which part was constructed for the purpose of
establishing the New Ulm academy. At present that portion is occupied by some
classes of the common schools. The total cost of the present hall, without
counting the expense of repairing the damage inflicted by the cyclone, was over
$20,000.

   Newspapers.—The New Ulm Pioneer was established in 1856 by the German Land
Association with H. Kompe as editor. The paper passed through several hands
until 1862, when the press and all materials were destroyed by the Indians. In
1864, the New Ulm Post appeared, with Albert Wolf as editor, who was succeeded
in the July of the same year, by Ludwig Bogen, the present editor and
proprietor, under whose control it has had a prosperous career, being ably,
conducted and well edited.

   The Plaindealer was established in 1870, by the New Ulm Printing Company,
with George H. Walsh as editor. This was succeeded in 1872, by the New Ulm
Herald, which was owned and edited by Wm. H. and J. A. Sigler. This afterwards
gave place to the Review. The New Him Review made its first appearance on
January 1st, 1878, under the management of Joseph Bobleter, who has since
continued to edit and own it. It is published every Wednesday, is Republican in
politics, and in size is an eight column folio.

   The Eagle Mill, saw and grist mill was the first to be erected on the present
town site. It was built in 1856, by a stock company of which F. Rehfeld was
president. It was burned in 1859, and re-built by Rehfeld & Beinhorn. During the
outbreak of 1862 it was again totally destroyed. It was afterwards re-erected at
a cost of $20,000.

 In 1865, it passed into the possession of J. Pfenninger and W. Besch, who
continued it until 1876, when they admitted to partnership George Dehne, since
when the three have continued it until the present. In 1877, the mill was tom
down and entirely rebuilt, its capacity being increased to 100 barrels of flour
per day. In 1881 they built an addition 30x60, three stories in height, the old
portion being 46x60, two and a half stories in height, took also the milling
stones and placed rollers in their place, which increased the capacity of the
mill to 200 barrels per day. An eighty-five horse-power steam engine furnishes
the motive power.

    The Empire mills were erected in 1880. The company is composed of William
Koch, E. G. Pahl, C. M. Schmidt, and George Schmidt. The mills consist of
several buildings, as follows: Main building, ware-house, engine room and cooper
shop. The roller process is employed, and produces from 150 to 175 barrels of
flour daily. The mill is run to its fullest capacity all the time. Its cost was
$25,600.

    The Cottonwood mill was erected in 1869 by Frank & Bentzin, and is still
operated by them. It is a custom mill erected at a cost of $10,000, containing
two run of stone. It is run by waterpower, and has a capacity of fifty barrels
per day. The mill is situated on the Cottonwood river, about one mile below New
Ulm.

    The City mills which have been running for many years are idle, the property
having been foreclosed under mortgage.

    There are four breweries in operation in New Ulm, and another in course of
construction. The first to start was August Triton, who established the City
brewery in 1858. It is now owned by Joseph Schmuker, and has a capacity of 600
barrels per annum. It cost $2,500 to repair damages caused by the cyclone.

    August Schell started the second brewery in 1860, with a capacity of 300
harrels per annum. In 1862 it was increased to 500 barrels; in 1867 to 1,000,
and at the present time the production is over 4,500 barrels per annum. This
brewery is complete in all its equipments, and is furnished with the latest and
best apparatus and machinery, The quality of the beer brewed by Mr. Schell is
known far and wide as being a first-class article.

    In 1864 John Hauenstein established a brewery with a capacity of about 500
barrels per annum. The size of buildings and productive capacity have been from
time to time increased until the present, when the annual amount brewed averages
about 3,000  barrels. The buildings were greatly damaged by the cyclone, but
were at once rebuilt, though slightly reduced in size.

   Charles Leonhard, proprietor of the New Ulm foundry and machine shops,
succeeded to the business which had been established some years previous, in 1878.

   Frank Burg began the manufacture of cigars in 1874, and now produces 400,000
per annum. Edward Roden is also engaged in the manufacture of cigars.

   Conrad Zeller has, since 1873, had control of the planing mill established
two years previous by Jacob Mueller. It had been burned down and rebuilt by Mr.
Mueller, and in 1879 was again destroyed by fire and re-constructed.

   John Stoeckert began the pottery business in 1867 in company with two
partners. In 1870 he established alone. Besides the above industries there is a
cooper shop, soda water factory, and several wagon and carriage makers, and
blacksmiths.

   In 1880 the steam elevator in connection with the Eagle Mills was erected;
capacity, 45,000 bushels. G. W. Van Dusen & Co. erected the elevator near the
depot; it has a capacity for 30,000 bushels. A. W. Bingham built in 1880 an
elevator to hold 12,000 bushels. This firm are also largely engaged in lumber
trade.

   Hotels—The first hotel in New Ulm was the Union Hotel, of which Philip Gross
is proprietor. At first a mere shanty was used but it has been enlarged several
times, and is now a fine brick building, two stories in height.

   The Dakota House.—Twenty-four years ago, the site of the Dakota House was
occupied by the store of Adolph Seiter, one of the first in the place. After
several years he turned the store into a hotel and has since continued it as such.

   The Merchants Hotel, of which Charles Brust is the proprieter, is an old
established house. It is well constructed of brick, and does a good business.
There are several other hotels in the place, with chiefly a local patronage.

   Business interests: The business interests of New Ulm are of a thriving and
substantial character. There are two banks in town, the Citizens' National Bank,
with a capital of $50,000, and the Brown County Bank, the individual
responsibility of which is $500,000. Nearly all the stores are constructed of
brick, and contain stocks of goods complete and varied. The following is a list
of the names of the merchants engaged in business, and the lines of goods handled: 
John B. Arnold, hardware; 
Charles Bach, books and notions; 
B. & E. C. Behnke general store; 
Frederick Beinhorn, groceries and notions; 
Charles Baltrusch, general store; 
Henry H. Beussmann, hardware and farm implements; 
A. W. Bingham, lumber; 
Joseph Bobleter, drugs, books, stationery, and wall paper; 
Wm. Bonne & Co., farm implements; 
Louis Buenger, furniture and undertaker; 
Theodore Crone, general store; 
Edward Dunkel, merchant tailor; 
Meinrad Epple, meat market; 
Mrs. L. Erd, millinery; 
T. Freeman, clothing, boots and shoes; 
C. F. Held, furniture; 
Florian Hess, gunsmith; 
John Hirsch, paints and painter; 
George Jacobs, general store; 
Michael Juenemann, harness maker; 
Kiesling, Keller & Co., dry goods and groceries; 
William Pfaender, real estate and insurance; 
C. W. A. Krook, general store; 
Henry Laudenschlager, hardware and stoves; 
Henry Loheyde, boots and shoes; 
Miller & Scherer, lumber; 
Michael Mullen, hardware and farm implements;
Newmaun & Rosskopf, general store; 
Mrs. A. Aldwig, millinery; 
Joseph C. Oswald, boots and shoes; 
William Petermann, cigars; 
P.W. Peterson, farm implements; 
S. D. Peterson, farm machinery; 
Richard Pfefferle, grocer; 
August Quense, harness; 
J. J. Redmann, general store; 
Carl Rolloff, hardware; 
Henry Rudolphi, boots and shoes; 
Lorenz Schneider, boots and shoes; 
Charles Sommer, general store; 
Charles Stuebe, meat market; 
J. C. Toberer, watches and jewelry; 
Charles Wagner, furniture; 
Frederick Wendling, baker; 
Mrs. A. F. Westphal, millinery; 
Ernst Wicherski, boots and shoes; 
William Winkelmann, lime; 
E. Seiter, photographer; 
A. H. Schleuder, watches and jewelry; 
Haeberle & Seiter, tinsmith; 
A. Roden, cigars; 
Jacob Nix, meat market; 
Anton Bley, livery stable. 
There are also about thirty saloons. 

The attorneys are B. F. Welber, Joseph A. Eckstein, Lind & Randall, Francis
Baasen and George Kuhlmann. 

The practising physicians are Charles Berry, C. C. Benedict and Alfred Muller. 

Albert Marden is the only dentist having an office in town.

   John B. Arnold, a native of Germany, was born in 1847, and came with his
parents to America, when two years of age, locating with them in Indiana. In
1856 removed to near Beloit, Wisconsin; was there educated at the public
schools. At the age of eighteen began learning the trade of tinsmith and
continued it in the southern states several years. Came to the Minnesota valley
in 1869, and after residing a short time in Mankato removed to New Ulm and
entered the employ of George Schneider; was with him six years. At that time he
bought an interest and has since conducted the business. Married in 1871, Miss
Rosa Wiedeman, who died in 1874.

   Francis Baasen was born in Germany, October, 1830. Came to America at the age
of nineteen years and resided in Milwaukee until 1855; in January 1856 came to
New Ulm, Minnesota. While in Milwaukee he studied law and was admitted to
practice. On arriving here he made a claim near the village and opened a law
office; he was the first lawyer to settle in New Ulm. Enlisted in August, 1861,
in the First Minnesota, and served until May, 1864. He commanded the New Ulm
volunteers who went out against Iukpadutah in 1857; was promoted to first
lieutenant, and afterwards to regimental quartermaster. On returning from the
war resumed the practice of his profession. He was a delegate to the state
constitutional convention and in 1857 a member of the .territorial legislature
and of the state legislature in 1873; was the first secretary of state of
Minnesota and has held the office of county attorney. From 1870 to 1876 he
resided in Nicollet county, and while there held the office of county commissioner.

   C. Bach, a native of Germany, was born in 1837, and left his native country
for America in 1867. After remaining a short time in New York he came to
Minnesota, and for one year resided at Fort Ridgely, Nicollet county, then
located in New Ulm and began the book binding trade, also has a book store. Mr.
Bach was for six years secretary of New Ulm fire department.

   Frederick Beinhorn, an early settler of New Ulm and Brown county, was born in
Germany in 1821.  When a young man learned the trade of shoemaking, which he
followed until coming to America in 1852. After spending six months in Milwaukee
he removed to Chicago and remained until 1855; came to Minnesota as member of a
committee from Chicago to select a location for a a colony; he chose the present
site of New Ulm, and in the spring of 1856 located here. Soon after he formed
the Chicago Mill Association and built the first mill; he was foreman for about
a year, then engaged in the saloon and grocery business, after which rented the
mill and ran it less than a year, when it was destroyed by fire; he rebuilt it
and continued in the business until it was destroyed by the Indians in 1862; he
then farmed until 1871, when he built his present grocery store. Married in
1854, Minnie Wane. They have six children.

   John Bellm was born in Germany. Since becoming a resident of New Ulm, he has
been engaged in the mill business. Was a captain of the local militia and took a
prominent part in the defense of New Ulm, at the time of the outbreak.

   Jacob Bender was born in Germany, in 1834, and came to America in 1862. After
a residence of one year in Ohio, he came to Minnesota. He visited St. Paul and
St. Peter then came to New Ulm and for two years was employed in Schell's
brewery. In 1866 started what is known as the Front Street brewery, in which he
has since continued business. Miss Minnie Jacobs became his wife in 1866. They
have six children.

   Alexander Berghold was born in Austria, October 14, 1838. His father sold his
estate and they moved to St. Marein. While quite young he expressed a desire to
become a priest, but when his father refused consent, he ran away from home in
1851, and entered school at Gratz; then passed through the gymnasium and
university; earning the necessary funds by giving private-lessons. In 1864, at
the solicitation of Francis X. Pierz, he came to Minnesota, and finished his
theological course at St. Paul; was ordained November 1st, 1864, by Bishop
Grace, and was appointed to the parish at Belle Plaine. In 1868, he visited
Europe; when returning in the fall, he volunteered to come to New Ulm and
establish a congregation. Here he has been very successful, having built a
dwelling, church and college besides having charge of Catholic congregations in
six counties, and building since coming to America eleven churches. He has been
instrumental, by his extensive European correspondence, in bringing many
immigrants to America. He is a versatile writer, and of high reputation; has
published a book of poems entitled "Prairie Rosen," also a "History of New Ulm,"
the "Indian Massacre" and a "Guide to German Emigrants."

   Charles Berry, M. D., was born in Bennington, Wyoming county, New York, in
1838. He studied medicine in Concord, New Hampshire, and in 1859, at the
university at Ann Arbor, from which he graduated; is also a graduate from a
medical college in Buffalo, New York. He enlisted as assistant surgeon in the
106th New York volunteers, and served three years during the civil war. Came to
Minnesota on account of ill-health in 1866, and has since practiced his
profession in this state. First located in Belle Plaine, but since 1872, has
lived at New Ulm.

   H. H. Beussmann was born in the province of Hanover, Germany, in 1825. He
came to America, landing in New Orleans in 1847; spent a short time in St. Louis
and Chicago, then acted as porter in a hotel, in Louisville, after which he
began business for himself in that city. Subsequently moved to Cincinnati, and
for five years was in mercantile trade, then moved to the suburbs of the city
and started a dairy, which he conducted five years. Came to New Ulm in May,
1861, but settled on a farm in Nicollet county, where he remained until 1876.
Since that time has been a dealer in hardware in New Ulm. During the fight with
the Indians he took an active part in the defense of the city. Married in
Cincinnati, August 5th, 1851, Catharine M. Schapekahm. Anna M., M. H., Margaret
C., John H., Derman D., and Emma M., are their living children.

   A. W. Bingham was born in Canada, in 1843. Came to the United States in 1860
and settled in St. Albans, Vermont, remaining until 1864. Coming thence to
Minnesota he settled in Winona and engaged in lumbering until 1872, then came to
New Ulm. Here he gives his attention to lumber and grain business. In 1873, he
was united in marriage with Miss Sopha Jewett, of St. Albans, Vermont.

   Albert Blanchard was born September 5, 1830, in Montpelier, Vermont. Came to
Minnesota in 1854 and remained nearly a year, then went to Illinois, but
returned in 1856; settled on a farm where the village of Nicollet now is;
remained until 1862, then went to Pike's Peak. On returning enlisted in First
Minnesota mounted rangers and went with General Sibley's expedition to the
Missouri river. After his return he engaged in the sale of farm machinery at St.
Peter until 1868, then located in New Ulm and gave attention to mercantile trade
until 1877. Since 1874 he has served as clerk of the district court.

   Joseph Bobleter was born in Austria, April 19, 1846.  In 1858 he immigrated
to Dubuque, Iowa; attended school there until September, 1862, when he enlisted
in the 13th United States infantry, and in the following fall was discharged on
account of sickness; re-enlisted for one year in December, 1863, in the United
States navy and served during the Red River expedition. After the defeat of
General Banks at Pleasant Hill, he, with others, volunteered to carry dispatches
on a small transport to Admiral Porter and General A. J. Smith, who were then
within about sixty miles of Shreveport, was severely wounded in the right leg,
and barely escaped losing the right foot. At the expiration of his term of
enlistment Mr. Bobleter re-enlisted in Company L, Second Iowa cavalry and served
until October, 1865. The following December he enlisted in the 13th United
States infantry, but was detailed on recruiting service with Major Yates, at
Dubuque, Iowa; finally joined his regiment at Jefferson Barracks; was discharged
from service in 1868. He then located in New Ulm, and has since resided here.
Embarked in the drug business in 1872 with also a stock of stationery. Was
appointed postmaster; re-appointed in 1877 and again in 1881. Began the
newspaper business in 1877, and in 1878 issued the "New Ulm Review," of which he
is the present editor. Since 1871 he has been prominently connected with the
National Guards of Minnesota. In the fall of 1869 he married Miss Mary Schneider.

   H. William Bonne was born in Germany, in 1851, and immigrated to America in
1869. He located at that time in Henderson, Sibley county, Minnesota, and there
remained three and one-half years. After spending two years in Milwaukee,
Wisconsin, returned to Sibley county in 1874, and soon after engaged in general
merchandising for four years in New Borne. During the spring of 1879 he came to
New Ulm and has since given his attention to the farm machinery trade. He
married in 1879, Miss Frances Huber.

   Ernst Brandt, judge of probate, was born in Germany in 1838. There he
received a liberal education, which was completed at the gymnasium in 1852. At
the age of fourteen he came with his parents to America; lived in Cleveland,
Ohio, until 1856. Coming to Minnesota he settled in Sigel, Brown county, which
town he was instrumental in organizing; also named it. He was town clerk many
years, also held other town offices and was county commissioner three years. In
1869 he moved to New Ulm and for the past eleven years has been connected with
the German paper, the "Post." In 1880, he was elected probate judge of Brown
county, and still continues in that office. In 1860, married Miss Elise Wendlandt.

   Charles Brust was born in Germany, in 1847. Coming to the United States in
1862, he located in Illinois, but soon after went to St. Peter, Minnesota;
engaged as a clerk in a store one and one-half years, then went to Indiana for
six years. In 1870 returned to this state, locating in New Ulm. His attention
was given to buying wheat for three years then to the hotel business, in which
he still continues. He is doing a good business in the Merchant's Hotel. Married
in 1873, Miss Anna Haeberle, who has borne him five children, of whom three are
living: Charles, Fritz, and George.

   Louis Buenger, whose native country is Germany, was born in 1839. He moved to
Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1856, and learned the trade of carpenter, which business he
followed there until coming to Minnesota in 1863. Locating in New Ulm, he
continued in the pursuit of his trade until 1875, then began in the furniture
business, in which he still continues. Miss Henrietta Ipps became the wife of
Mr. Buenger in 1865. Louis, Emma, Anna, Charley, Emil and Minnie are their
children.

   Frank Burg, a native of Germany, was born in 1840. At the age of fourteen
years he entered the army in his native country, and continued as a soldier
until coming to America in 1867. He lived in Milwaukee two years, then spent one
year in Chicago, after which he went to the mountains on a prospecting trip.
Settled in New Ulm, Minnesota, in 1871, and for three years had charge of the
City Hall. In 1874 started a cigar manufactory, which produces from three
thousand to four thousand per year.

   Dr. C. B. Carl was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1839. He was educated at
Ludwigs University, graduating in 1861. At the same time began the study and
practice of medicine, and the same year entered the army in his native country;
served as surgeon till 1868. Until 1879 he practiced in Bavaria, and in that
year came to the United States and to New Ulm, Minnesota, where he has since
resided and pursued hia profession. Dr. Carl was united in marriage in the year
1857 with Miss Fannie Eibner.

   H. B. Constans was born December 10, 1840, in Germany. He immigrated to St.
Paul in May, 1854; engaged with his brother William in a wholesale and
commission house of that city, and in 1859 went to St. Louis, but one year later
returned to St. Paul, and was in the mercantile business until 1872, then
removed to New Ulm. His first business engagement was wheat buying, after which
he was assistant cashier of Brown County Bank until 1877. During the fall of
1876 he was elected county auditor, re-elected in 1878, and again in 1880. Mr.
Constans has discharged the duties of his office in a very creditable manner.

   Charles Dietsch was born in France in 1829, and left his native land for
America in 1855. He settled in Chicago, remaining in Illinois eighteen years.
When about thirteen years of age he began learning the trade of baker, which he
has since followed. In 1873 came to Austin, Minnesota, where he engaged in
business until 1878, then located in New Ulm and opened his bakery. Married in
1856 Mary Burke, who died in 1861. His second marriage was with Phedora A.
Gains. Charles, Mary, Delia, Hattie, Helena, Joseph, Artemus, Alphona and
Josephine are their children.

   George Doehne was born in Germany in 1834. Came to America after reaching
man's estate, and until 1861 lived in different states, then came to Minnesota
and settled in New Ulm. In 1862 he went into the army in the mounted rangers and
served one year. In 1865 located on a farm in Cottonwood township, which he
cultivated till 1874, then came again to New Ulm and engaged in lumbering one
year, then purchased one-third interest in the Eagle mill, in which business he
has since continued. While a resident of Cottonwood he held many of the town
offices, and was for one term county commissioner. Married in 1865 Anna Roeck.

   Edward Dunkel, whose native place is Prussia, was born in 1853. Came to
America and to Minnesota in 1870, and for four years lived in Mankato, St. Peter
and Henderson. He then became a resident of New Ulm, and began business as a
tailor, and has since continued as such. In 1873 he married Miss Caroline Korth.
Elmer is their only child.

   Jos. A. Eckstein was born in Austria, in 1857. He came with his parents to
America, in 1864, and located in Cottonwood, this state; in 1866 they removed to
Sigel, where they lived on a farm. At the age of thirteen he started in life for
himself. In the fall of 1874 entered the State Normal School at Mankato; during
the summer of 1875 he taught, but returned to school in the fall and graduated
in May, 1876. He taught in the public schools of New Ulm four years, and in the
meantime began the study of law with B. F. Webber, was admitted to the bar in
May, 1880. The same year he entered the United States signal service at
Washington, and was ordered to Fort Meyer, Virginia, for instructions; he was at
the head of his class when he finished the course in December,1880; was ordered
to Texas and stationed at different points; October 15, 1881, he was discharged
on his own application. Returning to his former home, he opened a law office at
New Ulm, and enjoys a good practice. In November, 1881, he was appointed city
attorney.

   Andrew J. Eckstein, a native of Austria, was born September 9, 1861 and came
with his parents to America in 1864. During the same year he came to Minnesota
and until fourteen years of age lived with his parents on the farm; then entered
the State Normal School at Mankato, from which he graduated in 1878. He
afterward taught school in the towns of Stark and Milford, until 1879; then
entered the drug store of Dr. C. Weschke as clerk; here he has since remained.

   Meinrad Epple was born in Germany, in 1840. Came to America in 1866, and
settled soon after in New Ulm, Minnesota, and engaged in the butchering
business. In 1872 he started his present shop, which is one of the finest and
best in the city.

   Louis Filkel, was born in Austria in 1847. Came to this country with his
parents in 1853, and located in Watertown, Wisconsin. At the age of fourteen he
began learning harness making; worked at Watertown until 1864, then went south
and continued in the pursuit of his trade for the government about one year.
Returning to Wisconsin, he soon after located in La Crosse; worked at his trade
a short time, then went on a boat on the Mississippi. In 1873 he began the
saloon business in La Crosse, which he continued until 1877, then came to New
Ulm and opened a saloon, known as the Center street sample rooms. Married in
1873, Louisa Fay. Julia M. and Alois A. are their children.

   Richard Fischer was born in Baden, Germany, January 29, 1821; came to America
in 1851; went to New York, Pennsylvania, Wheeling, Virginia; remaining a number
of years in the latter place. In 1857 came to New Ulm, and was engaged in the
Globe flouring mill three years; enlisted in 1861 as second lieutenant in the
First Minnesota battery and was ordered to the south, but resigned on account of
poor health, at the end of the year. He arrived about three weeks before the
Indian massacre, and took an active part in defending the village. Was elected
register of deeds in 1862 and served two years; then engaged in lumbering.

   Gustave Fischer was born in New Ulm, Brown county, Minnesota, in I860. After
receiving an elementary education in the public schools of this city he finished
his studies at the State University at Minneapolis in 1879. Since that time has
given his attention to teaching and in the fall of 1881 was chosen as teacher in
the high school at New Ulm.

   William Frank, of the firm of Frank & Bentzin, proprietors of the Cottonwood
flouring mill, was born in Germany in 1837. At the age of fifteen he began
learning the trade of miller, and followed it in his native country until 1860.
Coming at that time to America, he remained one year in Illinois, and in 1861
came to New Ulm. During the war he served one year in the First Minnesota
Mounted Rangers. Returning, he worked in the different mills of the place until
1879, then in company with Mr. Bentzin, built the Cottonwood mill, which they
are making a great success. Mr. Frank married in 1864, Miss Lizzie Gueth. One
daughter, Wilhelmine, has been born to them.

   Henry Frenzel was born in Saxony, Germany, in 1843. Came to America in 1868,
and settled in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, remaining four years. In 1872 came to
Minnesota, and the next year settled in New Ulm and started a brewery, which he
conducted two years with a partner. He has since given his attention to the
manufacture of pop. Married in 1872, Miss Caroline Schmuker.

   Fr. Freidman was born in France, in 1832. Came to New York in 1853, and four
years later removed to Canada. After remaining two years located in Indiana, and
was there engaged in the pottery business until 1861. Enlisted in that year in
the Thirtieth Indiana. After serving three years went to Iowa, and there
continued working at his trade until 1867. Coming at that time to Minnesota he
located in New Ulm, and after two and one-half years in the pottery business,
began the grocery and liquor trade, which he has since continued. Married in
1858, Cleora Curtis. They have five children.

   Joseph Galles was born in Paris, France, in 1854, and when only two years of
age came with his parents to America, remaining two years in Chicago. In 1858
came to Minnesota and lived in New Ulm until the Indian outbreak of 1862, then
made his home in Shakopee two years, and in St. Peter six years; in 1870
returned to New Ulm. When a lad of thirteen years, Mr. Galles learned the trades
of painting and wagon making, which he has since followed; since 1865 he has
been in business for himself. Married in 1877, Miss Mary May. Lena and Josie are
their children.

   William Gieseke a native of Hanover, Germany, was born in 1831. Came to
America in 1849 and after living in New York three years went to Illinois and
engaged in farming until 1855, then came to Minnesota. He settled in Courtland
township, Nicollet county, near what is known as Swan Lake, and gave his
attention to farming until 1866; still owns seven hundred acres in that
locality. In 1866 he engaged in the livery business in New Ulm. Soon after
locating here was appointed deputy sheriff and in 1867 was chosen sheriff of
Brown county, which office he continued to hold about nine years. In 1865
married Miss Matilda Botermund. Bertha, Willie, Lydia, Matilda, and Hugo are
their children.

   Fr. Gommel was born in Germany, in 1817. Came to America in 1847, and to New
Ulm, in 1861, beginning soon after the manufacture of pottery. At the time of
the Indian outbreak, he was chairman of the board of supervisors and took an
active part in the defense of New Ulm; was appointed quartermaster by Colonel
Flandrau, in which capacity he served through the Sioux war After peace was
restored he again established a pottery, his other having been destroyed by the
Indians. After a few years he discontinued it and is now the city marshal.

   Phillip Gross was born in Germany, in 1809. He came to America in 1855 and
remained in Milwaukee, Wisconsin until 1856, then came to New Ulm; he was one of
the founders of the town. At that time he engaged in hotel business on the spot
where his fine hotel now stands. Since that time has continued in the same
business. In 1834 he married Miss Elizabeth Paderman who died in 1850, His
second marriage was in 1853, with Miss M. Fisher.

   L. Haeberle was born February 8, 1856, in New Ulm, Brown county, Minnesota,
and is a son of Jacob Haeberle, who was killed by the Indians, during the siege
of New Ulm, in 1862. He received a libera] education at the public schools of
his native place, and when fifteen years of age began learning the trade of
tinner, at which he has since worked. In the spring of 1881 he associated with
A. G. Seiter in the stove and tinware trade, in which they are still doing a
thriving business.

   E, A. Hattinger was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1858. There he completed
his studies at Bryant & Stratton's. Commercial College. When fourteen years of
age he began clerking and continued in that capacity and as a book-keeper for
different firms in Chicago, until 1877, then came to Minnesota. Soon after he
located in New Ulm and has since been clerking for Kiesling, Keller & Company.
Mr. Hattinger is a member of the Masonic lodge at New Ulm.

   Weigand Hauenstein, whose native country is Germany, was born in 1834. Came
to America in 1852, and for five years lived in Cincinnati, Ohio. Came to
Minnesota and located near New Ulm on a farm, following agricultural pursuits
until 1864, after which he engaged in the saloon business, he was united in
marriage in 1861 with Miss Regina Grimmer.

   John Hauenstein was born in Germany in 1831 and came to America in 1854,
locating in Ohio. In 1857 he came to Minnesota and settled in New Ulm. Entered
the army in 1862 as second lieutenant in the First Minnesota mounted rangers, in
which he served one year. In 1864 he built his present brewery in New Ulm.
Married to Miss Henrietta Fritcher.in 1862.

   C. W. H. Heideman was born in Illinois in 1857. After receiving an education
at the public schools of Elgin, he began at the age of fourteen years to learn
telegraphing. On coming to New Ulm in 1877, he was made telegraph operator and
the next year was appointed as station agent iu which position he is at present.
He was married in 1880 to Miss Eda Behnke.

   P. Herman, a native of Germany, was born in 1849 and was educated at Berlin
College, graduating in 1864. He then entered the Prussian army, in which he
served until 1871, receiving in the meantime eight wounds. In 1873 came to
America, landing in New York city. Spent two years in the eastern states, and
while in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, took a course of medical lectures. Came to
Minnesota in 1875; he located in New Ulm two years .later and has since pursued
his profession as a veterinary surgeon. In 1881 was married to Miss Elenor Doster.

   Florian Hess was born in Germany, in 1826. Came to America in 1848 and
settled in Cincinnati, Ohio, remaining until 1861. Coming thence to New Ulm, he
worked in a machine shop until the Indian war of 1862 when he was shot in the
left arm, which rendered him a cripple for life. He opened a gun shop in 1865 to
which business his attention has since been directed. Was married in 1853 to
Miss Elizabeth Gaut. They have one adopted child named Mary.

   Jacob Hoescheler was horn in Austria in 1843. Came with his parents to
America in' 1852, and with them located in Dubuque, Iowa, remaining until 1856;
went to Houston county and remained until his enlistment in 1862 in Company K,
Sixth Minnesota; was mustered out at the close of the war. For seven years
afterwards his home was in La Crosse, Wisconsin, and in 1872 he went to New Ulm,
where he engaged in the saloon business for five years; then sold and began
business with Kiesling & Keller, under the firm name of Kiesling, Keller &
Company. Married in 1868 Miss Mary Fay.

   C. H. Hornburg was born in Germany in 1850. Came to the United States in 1866
and located in St. Peter, Minnesota. While there he engaged in farming and
dealing in machinery until 1880 then came to New Ulm and in company with Mr.
Peterson, embarked in the farm machinery business, the firm name being Peterson
& Hornburg. During the past year the partnership has been dissolved, Mr.
Hornburg still continuing the business.

   William Hummel, born in Germany in 1832, accompanied his parents to America
in 1845. Until 1848 remained in New Orleans then went to Cincinnati; In 1850
went on a steamer on the Mississippi river; in 1856 accompanied Colonel Pfaender
to Minnesota, being a member of the party who laid out the town site of New Ulm.
Soon after he settled on a farm in Sigel; until 1868 was chiefly engaged in
farming, serving in the meantime from 1863 to '65 in the Second Minnesota
cavalry, as sergeant of Company M. In 1868 engaged in the drug trade in New Ulm
and has since been in different branches of business. He has been twice married;
the second time in February, 1869, to Miss Mary Stud.

   George Jacobs was born in Germany in 1837 and in 1849, came to America. He
resided in New Orleans and St. Louis until 1857, then came to Minnesota with his
father, Charles Jacobs, with whom he opened a general merchandise store in New
Ulm in which they did business until it was destroyed by the Indians in 1862. He
then joined the Brown county militia and was orderly sergeant of Company A; was
elected sheriff the same year; served four years. In 1867, removed to St. Louis,
Missouri, where for two years he was engaged in book keeping, then returned to
New Ulm. He again engaged in general merchandising and has since continued.
Married in 1869, Miss Elizabeth Starch.

   Rev. J. C. Jahn was born in Prussia, in 1839, and there remained until the
age of seventeen years. Was left an orphan when only fifteen years old, after
which he was obliged to earn his own livelihood. In 1856, he came to America and
settled in St. Paul, Minnesota, and engaged as a clerk a short time then spent
one and one-half years on a farm. Enlisted in 1861, in the 1st Minnesota cavalry
which was soon after consolidated with the 5th Iowa, and was sergeant of Company
G;. was wounded, taken prisoner, and held about three months then exchanged and
discharged. Returning to St. Paul, he engaged in farming until 1869, then began
his career in the ministry. He joined the Minnesota conference and began
preaching at Mankato. Came to New Ulm as pastor in 1879. Married in 1864,
Christine Harlung.

   Ole Johnson was born in Norway in 1846. Came to the United States and settled
in Fillmore county, Minnesota, in 1868, remaining until 1873. He then came to
New Ulm and for four years was employed by Kiesling and Keller, after which he
engaged in the butter trade for another firm, remaining with them until the fall
of 1881; then embarked in the hutter and egg trade for himself. Mr. Johnson is a
memher of the Odd-fellows lodge, in which he has held all the offices. Married
in Norway in 1867, Miss Helen Hanson. Mary, John, Anna, Lena, Betsey and Jennie
are their children.

   M. Juenemann, whose native land is Germany, was born in 1848. When fourteen
years of age he began learning the trade of a harness-maker and followed it
until coming to America in 1872. The year following removed to Minnesota and
settled in New Ulm. In 1876 he opened a harness-shop on his own account and is
now having a good trade. He married in 1876, Miss Mary Lauterbach, and has one
son, John.

   Benedict Juni was born in Canton of Berne, Switzerland, on the 12th of
January, 1852. He is a son of Benedict and Mary Juni; the former is still living
near New Ulm but the latter died from nervous prostration produced by fear and
anxiety for the welfare of her family during the terrible days of the Sioux
massacre in 1862. Benedict came to America with his parents in 1857, and settled
near Mankato, Minnesota, till 1859, then moved to near Beaver Falls, where the
family lived in peace and happiness until August, 1862, when they were suddenly
surprised by the Indian out-break and compelled to fly for their lives. One
sister, the wife of Mr. Zitzlaff, died with her husband rather than accept life
with the Indians. Benedict was also captured and held in custody several weeks;
was not cruelly treated but was compelled to witness many heartrending scenes
during his captivity. He was eventually released at Camp Release, and spent the
subsequent few years at school. At the age of seventeen went to Galena,
Illinois, and there attended school three years, then returned to Minnesota and
taught two years in La Fayette and the same length of time at New Ulm.
Subsequently attended the State University three years and has since been
engaged in the public school of New Ulm. Was special botanist in the geological
survey on the north shore of Lake Superior in 1877.

   Henry Keller was born in Switzerland in 1842. Came to America in 1864 and
resided in Chicago, Illinois, until 1872, then came to New Ulm, Minnesota. Here
he located and formed a co-partnership with W. H. and Rudolph Keisling, in
general merchandise, where he still continues.

   F. Keller, a native of Germany, was born in 1828, and. came in 1853 to
America, locating in Michigan. His home was in that state for nine years, when
in 1862, he came to Minnesota, and has since lived in New Ulm. Until 1876 was
interested in the meat trade, since which he has had a saloon. In June, 1876 he
married Margaret Myer, who died in July, 1881.

   Rudolph Kiesling was horn in Germany, in 1841. Came with his parents to
America in 1849, and resided in Chicago six years, then in 1855 came to New Ulm,
and settled on a farm near the town. He cultivated the farm until 1872, then
came to New Ulm and began mercantile business with Henry Keller, under the firm
name of Keis-ling & Keller, which continued till 1879. At that time Jacob
Hoescheler was admitted as a partner. This firm does an annual business of about
$100,000. Mr. Kiesling was in the town and witnessed the bloody scenes of the
massacre of 1862, the first victim being a young girl of about fifteen years of
age who was shot while in the act of carrying an infant to a place of safety.
The babe's name was Ida Behnke, now Mrs. Heidemann, of New Ulm.

   H. Kiesling was born in Germany, in 1837. In 1857 "he came to America and
proceeded directly to New Ulm, Minnesota; the same year he opened a blacksmith
shop and has since given his whole attention to the business. In 1859 he was
united in marriage with Miss Albertine Dittbener, who has borne him six
children: Frank, Albert, Otilie, Herman, Alvina and Emil.

   E. G. Koch was horn in 1833 in Saxony, Germany. In 1860 he came to Minnesota
and settled in New Ulm. He anticipated entering the fur business, but his
intended partner was killed by the Indians, which compelled him to abandon the
project. In 1866 he was elected auditor of Brown county, which office he held
continuously for ten years. Since 1876 he has been engaged in real estate and
insurance business. He is agent for the Winona & St. Peter and St. Paul & Sioux
City land companies, and is also court commissioner of Brown county.

   William Koch, who is at the head of the Empire Milling Company, was born in
Saxony, Germany, in 1845. Immigrated to America in 1869; coming directly to
Minnesota he settled in New Ulm. For some time was engaged in farming, but in
1870 was appointed deputy clerk of court, and was soon after appointed deputy
auditor, deputy register, deputy treasurer, and deputy sheriff, holding all
these offices at the same time; continued in service six years. After this went
into the insurance business, but abandoned it three years later to form the
company of which he is the head.

   Carl W. A. Krook, a native of Sweden, was born in 1834, and moved to New York
in 1869; thence to Chicago, and after a brief stay there and in St. Louis came
to Minnesota. Until 1873 he was in different places in the State, located in
that year in New Ulm. He opened a grocery store in which he has since continued
with a good trade. He married in 1861, Miss Hannah Johnson. Levis B., Carl G.
and Frans H. are their children.

   Frank Kuetzing was born in Berne, Switzerland, in 1849. Accompanied his
parents to America in 1861, and with them located in Montreal, Canada. At the
age of thirteen years he began learning the trade of a jeweler; remained in the
employ of one man ten years. In 1872 he went to Beloit, Wisconsin, and there
engaged in the grocery trade until 1880; came to New Ulm in the fall of that
year. He was obliged to borrow money to procure a license to sell his goods, but
has since been prospered and is now doing a thriving business.

   Eli Kuhlman was born in Canton, Ohio, in March, 1852. After attending the
common and graded schools during boyhood, he entered the university at Ann
Arbor, Michigan, from which he graduated in the department of chemistry. In 1874
attended a course of medical lectures, after which he was engaged in the drug
trade in Albany, Indiana. Located in New Ulm in 1878, and has since continued as
a druggist.

   John Lauterbach, a native of Prussia, was born in 1853, and when only one
year old came with his parents to America. Locating in Chicago, Illinois, they
remained until 1858, then came to New Ulm, where John has since lived. At the
age of sixteen years he began learning the wagon making trade, and continued in
the employ of others until 1875, then engaged in business for himself. In 1876
his marriage with Miss Mary Henle took place. They have two living children,
Creszens and Maggie.

   H. Laudenschlager was born in Pennsylvania, in 1843. He resided in that state
until twenty-one years of age, and learned the trade of tinsmith. Came in 1864
to New Ulm, Minnesota, and worked for his father two years, then purchased the
stock and has since continued the business, carrying a full line of stoves,
hardware and tinware. He married, in 1866, Miss Minnie Becker, who has home him
five children: Henry S., Emma J., Mary A., Willie F. and Minnie S.

   Charles Leonhard, whose native country is Germany, was born in 1836. His
boyhood was passed in the land of his birth, and in 1868 he left Germany for
America and settled in Illinois. In 1878 he located in New Ulm, Minnesota, and
purchased the foundry and machine shop in which he is at .present doing business.

   John Lind, of the law firm of Lind & Randall, was born in Sweden in 1854. At
the age of thirteen years he came to America with his parents, locating in
Goodhue county, Minnesota. He attended the public schools of Red Wing, and
taught several terms. In 1873 came to New Ulm and taught in Nicollet county one
year; then entered the office of J. Newhart for the study of law. In 1875,
entered the State University at Minneapolis, which he attended until the fall of
1876, when he was admitted to the bar in New Ulm. In 1877 opened an office for
the practice of his profession, and the same year was elected county
superintendent of schools. May, 1881, he accepted the appointment of receiver in
the United States land office at Tracy, Lyon county. Although he has entered
upon his duties there, he continues his law practice to some extent in New Ulm.
Married in 1879, Alice A. Shepard. One son, Norman.

   S. Lowenthal, manager of "Cheap Charley's" store, was born in Germany, in
1851. Came to America in 1870, locating in Philadelphia, and where for two years
he engaged in business. After remaining in New York for a time, he came west and
transacted business in different parts of Iowa and Minnesota, until 1877,
locating finally in New Ulm. He began in the clothing trade in a small store
with a limited stock, but having been prospered is now situated in a fine
building 24 by 90 feet, and is doing a large trade. In 1876 he married Miss
Selma Goldman.

   Henry Loheyde was born in Germany in 1824. He moved to New York in September,
1846; went to Cincinnati and remained' until 1857, when he came to Minnesota and
located in New Ulm. The following autumn he embarked in the boot and shoe
business; had learned the trade in Germany; he continued in that business until
the Indian outbreak, when he lost all. It was he who took the first dispatch
from the city to the governor at St. Paul. He went to Chicago, but returned to
his former home in 1869, where he has since been engaged in the same line of
trade. Married in 1852 Christiana Schumacher. Francis, Bertha and Robert are
their children.

   Edward Malbzahn, a native of Germany, was born in 1846, where he continued
residing until 1872, at which date he located in Cleveland, Ohio, and remained
in that state until 1880, when he came to New Ulm; here he has since been
interested in the saloon business. His marriage with Miss Anna Hartke took place
in 1869.

   Fred. Meile was born in Germany in 1826, and came to America in 1851. After
spending one year in New York he went to Brazil; returned to the United States
in 1856, and came to New Ulm, Minnesota; was engaged in farming until the Indian
outbreak, when he assumed command of a company in the defense of New Ulm. Joined
the army in 1863 as chief bugler of the First Minnesota cavalry; was in General
Sibley's expedition against the Indians, and in 1864 was transferred to the
Second Minnesota cavalry, in which he served as chief bugler until the close of
the war. In 1870 he came to New Ulm, and after doing business as a tailor for
some time, opened the saloon where he is now. He has been twice married, the
second time in 1873 to Miss Mary Koerres. Adolph and Matilda are their children.

   Jacob Miller, a native of Germany, was born in 1834. At the age of twenty
years he came to America and to Minnesota in 1857; located in New Ulm and opened
a carriage manufactory, which was destroyed duriug the siege in 1862. Removing
to Ohio he remained one year, then returned to his former home and started a saw
and gristmill, which he ran about eight years; subsequently erected a planing
mill, which was burned after being in use one year; he rebuilt and operated it
two years, then sold; has since been in the lumber business. During the cyclone
of 1881, he suffered severe losses of property, and came near losing his life;
the injuries received will doubtless render him a cripple for life.

   Jacob L. Mueller was born in Switzerland in 1820. Came to America in 1854;
resided in Freeport, Illinois, till 1856; coming thence to Minnesota, he has
since lived in New Ulm. In 1860 he opened a beer garden which he still owns. At'
the defense of New Ulm iu 1862, he figured prominently. Married in 1864, Mrs.
Sopha Stewart, who had three children by her first marriage; Mary, Margaret and
Annie. They have by this marriage one child:      Sopha.

   Alfred Muller, M. D., was born in Berne, Switzerland, in 1825. There he
received his literary and medical education, graduating in 1852. He came to the
United States in December, 1852, and located in New York city, but came to
Minnesota in 1856, and practiced his profession in Stillwater until 1861; at
that time was appointed surgeon in charge at Fort Ridgely, where he remained
until 1867; since that time he has practiced at New Ulm. Married in 1851, Eliza
Eichelberger, who died in 1876. Mrs. Muller was an amiable and interesting lady,
possessed of much refinement as well as endurance. During her husband's long
siege as surgeon she was with and assisted him, and during the massacre, sieges
at Fort Ridgely, Wood Lake and Birch Cooley, none were so tender in caring for
and comforting the sick and wounded as she. A just and fitting tribute has been
paid to her memory by the author of the History of the Great Massacre, Charles'
S. Bryant. By an act of the legislature a monument was erected by the state to
the memory of Mrs. Muller at Fort Ridgely cemetery, where her remains lie.

   Michael Mullen was born in St. Albans, Vermont, in 1839. Moved with his
parents to Stevenson county, Illinois, in 1843, where he lived and assisted on
the farm until 1865. He then settled in St. Peter, Minnesota, and was engaged in
the hardware trade until 1870, at which date he located at New Ulm where he has
since resided. He was president of the Brown County bank while it existed; it
was sold in 1874; he is now the president of the Citizens' National bank, which
started in 1876.

   G. H. Nelson, a native of Germany, was born in 1858, and came to America with
his parents when ten years of age. For six years he resided in Olmsted county,
Minnesota, then commenced learning the trade of blacksmith; after working at
that two years he began butchering; this trade he has since followed and for two
years previous to locating at New Ulm, in 1881, was in business in Redwood
Falls. On arriving in this city he bought the meat market of Captain Nix, where
he still does business.

   John N. Nenno was born in Buffalo, New York, in 1845. He left Buffalo when a
child and came with his parents to Wisconsin, remaining in the state until 1870.
Served during the war in the United States army under General Sherman. Returned
to his home in Wisconsin, and in 1870 came to New Ulm where he has since lived,
as proprietor of a restaurant and billiard hall. Mr. Nenno has a wife and five
children.

   J. Newhart, attorney at law, was born in Tannersville, Monroe county,
Pennsylvania, in 1846. He remained in that state until 1857, then in company
with his father, Philip Newhart, came to Minnesota, Goodhue county, where he
remained several years. Returning east he remained in New Jersey and
Pennsylvania until 1862. He was then not quite sixteen years of age, but
enlisted as drummer boy of the 107th Pennsylvania volunteer infantry. After two
years in service he re-enlisted and was soon after appointed chief musician of
the regiment; held that position until he was mustered out in July, 1865. In
1866 came again to Minnesota, and soon after entered the law office of S. L.
Pierce, now of St. Paul, and studied law with him until 1868, then formed a
partnership with Mr. Pierce which continued two years. Located in 1871 in New
Ulm and opened a law office; he gives considerable attention to real estate,
collections, etc. Was judge of probate of Brown county in 1873-'4, and court
commissioner in 1873-'4-'5. Married in 1870, Sarah Parker. Horace and Grace are
their children.

   Jacob Nix was born in Bingen, on the Rhine, on the 17th of July, 1822. Came
to America in 1849, remained nearly a year in New York, then went to Cleveland,
where he lived eight years; in 1858 came to New Ulm which has since been his
home. He at first gave his attention to the mercantile trade, and afterward
opened a meat market, in which he still does business. In the Indian outbreak of
1862 he commanded the Brown county militia, and during the siege of New Ulm was
severely wounded. After recovering he enlisted in the First mounted rangers; was
promoted to first lieutenant and was subsequently captain of the Second
Minnesota cavalry. He served over three years, then returned to New Ulm where he
has since resided.

   John Nun was born in Bavaria, on the 17th of April, 1837. Came to America in
1853, landing in Baltimore where he remained three years. Enlisted in the
regular army in 1856 and was honorably discharged in 1861 at Fort Kearney,
Nebraska. He came to New Ulm in April of that year and engaged in the defense of
the town in August, 1862. Afterward enlisted in the First Minnesota mounted
rangers, and served one year. On returning to New Ulm he engaged in the
butchering business and still continues.

   Tory Olesen was born in Norway, in 1849, and at the age of ten years came to
America with his parents. He remained in Wisconsin until 1862, then came to
Minnesota and completed his education at the State Normal school at Mankato,
graduating in 1872. Previously he taught one year, and subsequently was teacher
in the district schools in Cottonwood three years. He has since been a teacher
in the schools of New Ulm, and for the past six years has had charge of one of
the higher grades. He married in 1879, Miss Clara Scherer.

   Hon. S. D. Peterson was born in Norway in 1849, and came to the United States
with his parents when but four years old. After remaining in Wisconsin about two
years, removed to Fillmore county, Minnesota, and there received a common school
education. Came to New Ulm in 1872, and has since been engaged in the sale of
farm machinery. Mr. Peterson was elected to the state senate in 1880; served on
several important committees, among which was the committee on tree planting. At
Winnebago City, Faribault county, in 1873, he married Miss Jennie George, who
has borne him two children: Allie and Flora.

   William Pfaender was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, July 6, 1826. Came to
America in 1848; lived in Cincinnati until 1856, then came to New Ulm in charge
of a German colony; he soon after opened a farm near this place. In September,
1861, he enlisted in the First Minnesota battery, and was commissioned first
lieutenant; was ordered south and remained until after the Sioux outbreak. He
came north on recruiting service, and on his arrival was placed on detached
service at St. Peter and Fort Ridgely. Was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of
the First mounted rangers, and after its organization held the same office in
the Second cavalry; until the close of the war had command of the frontier
posts. Returned to his farm and remained until 1870, then came to New Ulm and
engaged in the lumber trade until 1875. Was elected state treasurer at that
time, and continued as such four years, since which time he has been in real
estate and insurance business. Colonel Pfaender was elected to the legislature
in 1860, and to the senate in 1870, '71, '72; was one of the first presidential
electors from the state of Minnesota.

   R. Pfefferle, a native of Germany, was born in 1840. At the age of thirteen
years came with his parents to America, and with them lived in Illinois one
year, then came to Minnesota and located in St. Paul, where his father opened
the first gun shop in the city. In 1856 removed to Kasota, Le Sueur county, and
remained on a farm until 1870, except two years in Montana; came to New Ulm in
1870, and formed a partnership with A. Blanchard in the grocery business; bought
his partner's interest about 1877, and has since continued the trade alone.
During the war he served in the First Minnesota mounted rangers, in Company E.
Married in 1871 Elizabeth Laudenschlager. Flora and Willie are their children.

   John Piemeisl, whose native land is Germany, was born in 1848. He came to
America when about twenty years old, locating a home soon after in New Ulm,
Minnesota. After a season on a farm he worked at the brewing trade in different
places until the fall of 1881, then returned to New Ulm and bought his present
saloon and brewery. He married in 1872 Caroline Frank.

  F. Propping was born in Prussia, in 1833. He completed his studies in a
gymnasium college in 1851; after this he began military studies and in 1853 was
made lieutenant of artillery; served as such until 1858. At that time he came to
America and followed farming in Pennsylvania until the late war; in 1861 he
enlisted in Company F, 29th New York volunteer infantry, of which he was second
lieutenant for about eighteen months, was then discharged, after which he
returned to Pennsylvania. Went to Rochester, New York and clerked in a wholesale
house some time, also gave private lessons in German and Latin. In the fall of
1880 came to New Ulm to teach German and Latin in the higher grades of the
public schools. Miss Louisa Hock became his wife in 1858.

  August Quense was born April 22, 1827, in Germany. He served an apprenticeship
of three years at harnessmaking, then spent three years in travel and in the
pursuit of his trade. He landed in the United States February 13, 1849, and for
eight years worked at his trade in St. Louis, Missouri. On the 10th of May,
1857, he arrived in New Ulm; engaged in various pursuits until he enlisted in
1862, in the First Minnesota mounted rangers, and served thirteen months on the
frontier against the Indians. In February enlisted in the First Minnesota heavy
artillery and went south; remained in his regiment until the close of the war.
He returned to New Ulm, and has since continued at his trade. Married at St.
Louis September 13, 1849, Mary Pruel, who died August 7, 1868. His second
marriage took place December 8, 1868 with Anna Kolb.

  Frank L. Randall, son of Benjamin H. and Wilhelmena H. Randall, was born at
Fort Ridgely, Nicollet county, Minnesota, September 30, 1856. Subsequently
removed to St. Paul, and after a residence of one year in that city, went to St.
Peter. In 1873 he left the St. Peter high school to teach in Le Sueur; in the
fall of 1874 became a student in the collegiate course of St. John's college at
Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin; remained one year. Entered the law office of G. S.
Ives, of St. Peter, in 1876, and continued the study of law with him until 1880.
In January, 1877, was appointed county superintendent of Nicollet county; in
November of that year elected to that office. Mr. Bandall was admitted to the
bar in the spring of 1880, and soon after removed to Tracy remaining until May,
1881; he then located in New Ulm; is a member of the firm of Lind & Randall.

  J. J. Redmann was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1854. Came to Minnesota when
but two years of age, with his parents; they located near New Ulm on a farm.
After living on the farm five years, the father began in business and continued
until the Indian outbreak. He with family moved into Sibley county, then again
located in New Ulm and embarked in general merchandise business. In the summer
of 1881 his son J. J. purchased the business and has since continued the trade.

  Rev. G. Keim, a native of Germany, was born in 1828. There he received an
education and graduated from the mission school, which is designed to prepare
students for the ministry. In 1855 began his labors as a clergyman; remained in
his native country one year more, then, in 1856 came to America and settled in
Jefferson county, Wisconsin; removed in 1870 to New Ulm and became pastor of the
German Lutheran church. Was married in 1857 to Anna Maria Brunder. Adolph,
Julius, Emil and Gustave are their children.

  Edward Roden, a native of Germany, was born in 1835. Came to America in 1854
and lived until 1866 in Boston, Cincinnati, and St. Louis. Came to Minnesota and
settled in New Ulm; engaged in the manufacture of cigars, and has since
continued in the business. Married in 1863 Miss Augusta Daw. C. G., Hermann,
Alfred and Alexander are their children.

  C. H. Ross was born in Great Falls, New Hampshire, April 2, 1848. When but two
years old he accompanied his parents to Wisconsin; in 1868 came to Rochester,
Minnesota, and entered the banking office of Chadbourn Bros., in whose employ he
continued until 1874, when he became a partner in the firm and with them
purchased the Brown County Bank at New Ulm. As Mr. Boss is the only resident
partner, he has the control and management of the bank.

  John C. Rudolph was born in Prussia, December 27, 1828. Came to America in
1850, and after residing at Hartford, Connecticut a short time, removed to
Cleveland, Ohio, thence to New Ulm in 1857, and opened a farm where the city now
stands. In 1860 he was elected county auditor, which position he held until
1866. During the massacre in 1862, Mr. Rudolph succeeded in saving the county
records, for which he received much praise from the citizens; during the
excitement he took his family to St. Paul, where they remained till the
following spring. While officiating as auditor in 1864, was appointed cashier of
the First National Bank, continuing in that, position three years. He
represented Brown county in the legislature in 1868-9; was also a delegate to
the convention at Chicago, which nominated General Grant to the presidency. In
1869 he was appointed receiver in the United States land office at St. Peter,
but resigned in 1874 to take charge of the Brown County Bank. In 1876 became
cashier of the Citizens' National Bank, which position he still fills. Mr.
Rudolph was also judge of probate while acting as auditor.

   Quirin Schaible was born in Germany, in 1828, and when a young man learned
the mason's trade. On arriving in America in 1854, he settled in Chicago and the
next year came to New Ulm; pursued his trade till 1871, then opened his present
saloon. Served one year in the 1st Minnesota mounted rangers. In 1863, he
married Mrs. A. Buehr, relict of John Buehr, who was killed by the Indians in
1862. Alfred, Roman and Frank are their children.

   August Schell was born in Germany in 1828. He came to America in 1849, and
settled in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, but the next year removed, to Cincinnati,
remained until 1856. Coming thence to Minnesota, he located in New Ulm; was one
of the founders of the town. Soon after arriving, he built what was known as the
Cincinnati Mill; it was the first in the place. In 1860, he engaged in the
brewing business, in which he still continues. Married in 1853, Teressa Herrman.

   A. H. Schleuder, a native of Germany, was born in 1833. At the age of
fourteen years began learning the trade of jeweler, which he pursued there until
coming to America in 1862. Soon after, he located in St. Peter, Minnesota, and
two years later moved to Watertown, where he continued his trade till 1873;
since that time has been located in New Ulm, engaged in the same business. His
marriage with Miss A. Schwanc took place in 1860.

   William Schmidt was born in Hartford, Wisconsin, in 1833. There he spent his
early life, and in 1865 came to Minnesota; stayed a short time in New Ulm, then
went east; made his home in Chicago and St. Louis until 1872, when he came back
to New Ulm and has since been engaged in the hotel business. In the spring of
1880 he started the Northwestern, which he still runs.

   Joseph Schmuker was born in Germany in 1849. Came to America in 1866, and
soon after to New Ulm; went to Minneapolis and remained till 1870, when he again
came to New Ulm, and rented the brewery which he bought in 1872, and where he is
now engaged in business. Married in 1873, Miss Ida Peurer. They have two children.

   E. J. Schnobrich was born in Germany in 1851, and when nineteen years of age
came to America, locating in New Ulm, Minnesota. He worked as a laborer until
1878, then started a saloon, which he still conducts. Miss Anna Nenno became his
wife in 1873.

   Ignas Schwendinger was born in Austria in 1831; when a young man he studied
painting, photography, and marble cutting. These three trades he followed there
until coming to America in 1879, since which time he has made his home in New
Ulm, engaged in the marble business. He married in 1857, Miss J. Rein. They have
four children, all living.

   Adolph Seiter Was born in Baden, Germany, in 1826. When seventeen years of
age he went to Prance and remained three years, pursuing the tailor trade, which
he learned in his native country. On the 1st of May, 1847, he arrived in the
United States, and for two years made his home in New York; went to Cincinnati
and engaged in merchant tailoring. Coming to New Ulm in 1856, he, in company
with Colonel Pfaender and others, established what was known as the Turners
Colony; they were the first to make explorations and select a site for the town.
He soon after associated himself with Charles Koehne, and opened a store of
general merchandise; he sold about two years afterward and began the hotel
business; has since been proprietor of the Dakota House. Mr. Seiter was one of
the most instrumental in defending New Ulm at the time of the Indian outbreak.
What is now the gents' sitting-room of his hotel was then a hospital, and often
in the midst of the defense he was called from the barricade to make temporary
graves in the garden until passage to the cemetery could be made in safety:
during the whole time he was only eight days away from home. Married, September
28, 1852, Helena Erd. Thirteen children have been born to them; ten are living:
Gustaf A., William, Otto, Albert, Alma, Oscar, Freddie, Ella, Emma and Mata.

   A. G. Seiter was born in Cincinnati in 1854. He is a son of Adolph Seiter,
and with him came to Minnesota in 1856 and settled in New Ulm, where he received
a liberal education at the public schools; at the age of eighteen began learning
the trade of tinner, which has since been his chief employment. In the spring,
of 1881 he, in company with Leonard Haeberle, engaged in the stove and tinware
business. Married in 1876 Miss Augusta Lindeman. They have two children: Freda
and Loui.

   Wm. F. Seiter was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1856, and with his father,
Adolph Seiter, came to New Ulm the same year, where he has since made his home.
At fourteen he went into a bank as clerk, where he remained about three years;
leaving the bank he went into the railroad office, where he remained one and
one-half years, then went to St. Paul and was employed in the Second National
Bank. In 1876 he was made teller of the Brown County Bank at New Ulm, where he
has remained since. Married in May, 1881, Miss Ida Vajen.

   E. E. Seiter was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in October, 1856, and in company
with his parents came to Minnesota and located at New Ulm. He was educated at
the public schools. In 1872 learned the photographing business, and in 1878
opened a gallery for himself in New Ulm, where he has been engaged ever since.
Married in May, 1879, Miss Emma Meyer. They have one child: Io.

   H. T. Seiter was born in New Ulm, Minnesota, in 1858, whore he has since
resided, and received his education at the common schools. In 1872 he went to
work in a mill, where he remained about one year; In 1874 he commenced learning
the barber's trade; worked in a shop for five years, he then started a shop of
his own and still conducts the business. Was married in February, 1881, to Miss
Emma Swanson.

   Amaziah Slocum was born in Tioga county, New York, July 26, 1842. When twenty
years of age he came to Minnesota, located in Northfield, and there pursued the
trade of cooper, but in 1862 settled on section 20 of Stark township, Brown
county. Enlisted in August, 1862, in Company A, Seventh Minnesota, and was
honorably discharged at Fort Snelling in 1865. Returning home he followed
farming until 1879 and has since beeu a stock buyer in New Ulm. Married in 1866,
Phoebe Meserve, and has five children.

   H. A. Subilia was born in Italy in 1819. Removed to Germany in 1839, and came
to America, in 1848, locating in New Ulm in 1859. He built and operated a
distillery here until its destruction in 1862 by the Indians; he then went to
St. Paul, and was deputy state auditor two years, but returned to New Ulm in
1864. Engaged in the mercantile business until 1874 when he was engaged in the
milling business which he has since continued.

  John C. Toberer was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, in 1836. Immigrated to
America in 1854; after remaining one and one-half years in New York he removed
to Chicago; in 1856 he came to New Ulm; was one of the first settlers here. He
worked on a farm in order to regain his health; afterward opened a jewelry store
in New Ulm. During the Indian warfare he helped in the defense and then resumed
his business. Soon after arriving in New Ulm he married Louise Nagel; they have
had six children, four are living.

  Henry Vajen was horn in Prussia in 1826, and when twenty-three years of age
immigrated to New York city; went directly to California, where he engaged in
gold mining, trading and farming until 1854, then went to his native country on
a visit. Returning to America he lived in Chicago until 1856, then located at
New Ulm and engaged in general merchandising until 1868. He was the first
treasurer of Brown county. After retiring from business in 1868 he visited in
Germany until 1872, when he returned to Minnesota. He married in 1858, Miss Mary
Groff. Magdalena, Antonia and Ida are their children.

  Charles Wagner was born in Germany in 1830: when nineteen years of age he came
to America and to New Ulm in 1857. He has since engaged in the manufacture of
furniture, and the store which he now occupies was used as a hospital during the
Indian massacre; he was severely wounded during the fight at New Ulm. In the
fall of 1862 he was elected judge of probate, which office he held for ten
years; has been chairman of county commissioners ten years, also justice of the
peace several terms.

  J. H. Weddendorf was born in Ohio in 1857, and came to Minnesota with his
parents when but three years of age, locating with them near New Ulm. He
received his education at New Ulm, also took a course at the Business college at
Minneapolis. From 1873 until 1877 he was in the drug store of Joseph Bobleter,
as clerk; after spending some time in Minneapolis and St. Paul, he again
returned to his position in the drug store; in 1879 he was made assistant
postmaster. Married in 1879, Miss H. Plath. Johanna is their only child.

   Carl Wescheke, M. D. was born in Prussia March 4, 1831. He was educated in
his native land: passed first through the department of military surgery at the
university of Berlin, then to the university at Greifswald, and afterwards to
Halle University, where he served one year in the army according to the law.
Came to New Ulm in 1860 and was the only resident physician here during the
massacre; was employed by the government as military surgeon for the soldiers.
In 1868 he went to California; returned the same fall. He started the first drug
store in this city in 1865, which he sold in 1868, but purchased it on his
return. In 1870 was elected to the city council, and has since served; was
appointed to the office of mayor in 1877; elected in 1878, and re-elected in
1880 without opposition. He is proprietor of the Pioneer drug store.

   August Westphal, a native of Prussia, was born in 1813. He learned the trade
of jeweler which he followed until 1844, then commenced to learn dentistry and
practiced the profession there until coming in 1854 to America. After working at
his trade one year in Boston, he removed to Cincinnati, and there resided until
coming to Minnesota in 1857. He taught the first term of school at New Ulm, and
the next year removed to his farm; continued to teach, however, in Cottonwood
and Milford for a number of years. After remaining on a far farm ten years, he
again removed to New Ulm. Was county superintendent of schools five years,
treasurer of county two terms, temporary clerk of court a portion of the year of
1862, judge of probate three terms, and has been county commissioner. His
marriage with Miss Florentine Peterson took place in 1844; she died in 1879,
leaving two children, Teressa and Mary.


Additional Comments:
Extracted from 

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


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