Carver County MN Archives History - Books .....San Francisco, Chanhasses, Laketown 1882
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Book Title: History Of The Minnesota Valley

CHAPTER LV.

SAN FRANCISCO-CHANHASSEN-LAKETOWN-DAHLGREN-WATERTOWN.

  San Francisco is the south-eastern town of the county, and borders on the
Minnesota river. The first white settlement is somewhat obscure, from the
absence of reliable dates. As near as can be learned, William Foster, two
brothers named Bevens, Marvin White, William Sanford, Thomas Wells, Louis
Stevenson and John Chilstrom came in 1854. Mr. Foster located near the Minnesota
river in the eastern part of the town, and soon after had his claim laid off
into town lots and started a town. He named his village San Francisco, after
California's metropolis, and the town when organized took the same name. The
county seat was located there in 1855, but changed to Chaska the following year,
which served to retard the growth of the town. The flood of 1863 swept away the
warehouse and several other buildings, and the town was abandoned. It is now
owned by Henry Gehl as a farm. The Bevens brothers located near the mouth of the
creek bearing their name. Sanford located in the southwest; he soon sold and
took another claim. In 1863 he went to Idaho. Mr. Wells located on the south
side of section 3, and was the first settler south of Bevens' creek. He remained
a short time, then moved to Stillwater. Mr. White located in section 10, where
he lived a number of years, then moved to St. Paul. He was the first chairman of
the town board. Mr. Stevenson located on the east side of section 1. He moved to
Kandiyohi county. Mr. Chilstrom joined him on the north, where he lived a number
of years, when he moved to Minneapolis. His son, a boy about twelve years of
age, was drowned while fishing at the rapids in the river fronting the village
of San Francisco, which was probably the first death in the town. In 1855 the
population increased rapidly. Mr. Bristol located in section 21 near the bank of
the river, where he lived until his death in the fall of 1880. He established a
ferry in 1877 near his place, which is still operated by his son. Mr. Hillstrom
is still living in the town in section 8. He was one of the members of the first
town board. Andrew Johnson located in section 9. Being a man of considerable
means, he put .up a good house, then returned to Massachusetts for his family.
On his return trip, while coming up the Minnesota river by steamboat, and when a
few miles below Chaska, he disappeared, and was never heard of afterward. Mr.
Hogstedt and Mr. Arvidsen are still living in the town, John Swan in Carver,
John H. Johnsbn in Hancock, and Mr. Nyberg in Minneapolis. Swan Johnson located
in section 17, where his family now live. He became insane about 1865 and killed
his son, aged about twelve years, by cutting his head off with an axe. The deed
was committed in Sibley county, about twelve miles from his home.

   At organization San Francisco extended west, including what is now Hancock.
In 1868 Hancock became a separate town. The meeting for organization was held
May 11, 1858 at the warehouse of William Foster. Marvin White, moderator; P. A.
Tietsort, clerk.

   Thirty-seven votes were east. Officers: Marvin White, chairman, Peter
Thompson and John Hillstrom, supervisors; William Foster, assessor, John Dunn,
collector; Patrick Duffy, overseer of poor; Edmund Bristol and John Hillstrom
justices of peace, W. D. Munger and John Dibble, constables; July 7, Thomas
Knott, assessor, vice William Foster, resigned.

   1881. N. H. Johnson, chairman; James Anderson and C. J. Peterson,
supervisors; August Burling, clerk; John Ahline, assessor; John Oleson,
treasurer; John Oleson and A. P. Mellquist, justices of the peace; J. A. Oleson
and A. P. Felt, constables. Mellquist failed to qualify as justice, and J. A.
Oleson as constable.

   This town voted August 6, 1864, a bounty of $250 to each volunteer, and for
this purpose bonds to the amount of $5,044.13 were issued.

   San Francisco village was laid out in 1854 on land owned by William Foster.
In 1855 the first board of county commissioners held their meeting at this place
as the county seat, and also the first meeting in 1856, after which they moved
to Chaska for better accommodations. The buildings then consisted of a warehouse
about forty feet long, one story, for transferring freight on account of the
rapids, the store of Foster & Davis 20x25 feet, one and a half stories, and a
few shanties uninhabitable in inclement weather. Such was the first county seat
of Carver county.

   St. Lawrence was laid out by William H. Stodder and Charles L. Pierson in
November, 1856, and owned by them in company with S. B. Strait and Joseph
DeCamp. It was situated partly in Scott and partly in Carver county, and filed
for record December 13, 1856. This would-be city shared the fate of many similar
enterprises of the day.

   In 1859 Peter Thompson secured a ten year charter to operate a ferry across
the Minnesota, and located it where the Carver and Jordan road crosses the river
in section 7. Trouble and litigation grew out of a transfer of the land to
Andrew Anderson, in reference to the ownership of the ferry. This was finally
adjusted, and Mr. Thompson retained the ferry until he sold to Peter Peterson,
who still operates it.

   The only mill in town is the Bevens creek mill, which was built in 1867, in
section 2, by the managers of the St. Ansgar Academy, of Dahlgren. After various
changes in ownership and property by which it is an entirely new affair, it has
become a first-class mill, combining steam and waterpower, and produces
seventy-five barrels of patent flour per day.

   A blacksmith shop is carried on by John Edburg, on section 2, built in the
fall of 1876. A disused shop stands on the same section.

   The first school in town was probably that taught in the winter of 1857-'8 by
Levi Williams in a log building in the south-east quarter of section 20, with
eighteen scholars. The school-house first built in 1866 on section 19 is still
in use. The town has five school-houses; three log and two frame. A private
school was also established by the Swedish element a few years since, which
still continues holding about six weeks each year; school building in section 7.

   In the winter of 1859 Rev. Ballentyne, Baptist, preached frequently at the
house of John Hewett, in section 20; the Rev. Heath also preached during the
same winter. No church organization resulted.

   .The San Francisco Methodist church was built in the winter of 1878-'9 at an
expense of $900, located near the center of section 10. The church was organized
in 1878 with seven members. Services had been conducted for about two years
previous to organization at private houses and at the school-house by Revs.
Nelson and Palmquist. Services are at present conducted by Rev. Gulbrandson, who
also preaches at Carver.

   Present valuation of San Francisco real estate, $175,324; personal, $36,301.
Population in 1880, 736.

   Johan Almquist was born in 1841, and is a native of Sweden. Game to America
in 1866, and the same year located in Carver county. He has since been a
resident of the county, and has eighty acres of improved land in San Francisco
township on section 5. He was married to Miss Mary Oleson in 1871. Five children
have been born to them, two sons and three daughters.

   A. J. Carlson was born April 20, 1837, in Sweden. His father owned a grist
and saw-mill, and taught his son the trades. In 1854 he came to America,
locating soon in Illinois. About 1859 made a trip "out west" as far as the
Platte river. Soon after, he returned to Illinois, and in 1860 came to
Minnesota, and first located on school lands, but vacated them in the spring of
1861, and purchased eighty acres on section 7, San Francisco township. He then
made another visit to Illinois, returning in the fall of 1861. On the 21st of
August, 1862, he enlisted in Company H, Ninth Minnesota, and served under
General Sibley till the fall of 1863 then went South, where he was in active
service until the close of the war. Was mustered out at Fort Snelling, August
24, 1865. In 1867 he was employed at the Beven's Creek mill, then a small mill
with one run of stone. When the mill came into the possession of the Beven's
Creek Mill Company, Mr. Carlson was elected secretary, and since that time has
had principal control of the mill. He was appointed postmaster at East Union in
1873, and still retains the position. His marriage with Miss Maria Oleson took
place in Carver county in 1865. Four sons and two daughters have been born to
them; one little daughter died at the age of five years.

   James Conlin was born in Ireland. Came to America in 1848, and lived in
Cincinnati, Ohio; then moved to Lawrence county in that state, where he learned
boiler-making. In 1856 came to Minnesota and pre-empted 160 acres in Sibley
county, which he sold, and purchased eighty acres in San Francisco township; has
since added to it by purchase, and now owns 217 acres. At the time of the Indian
outbreak Mr. Conlin was living in Sibley county; they moved to Carver; then
boarded Captain Houghten's boat and went to St. Paul, remaining until peace was
restored. In 1855 Miss Ann Conboy became the wife of Mr. Conlin. Six sons and
five daughters have been born to them, eight of whom are living.

   John Edberg is a native of Sweden, born in 1829. He learned the blacksmith
trade. Came to America in 1862, and the year following purchased his present
farm, the north-west quarter of section 2, in San Francisco township. In 1877,
he built a blacksmith shop on his place; has since given a portion of his time
to the pursuit of his trade. In his native country, in 1852, he married Miss
Mary Stena, who has borne him three sons and three daughters.

   John A. Hillstrom was born in Sweden January 21, 1820. He learned the
carpenter and cabinet trades and for nine years worked in an organ factory. He
landed in Boston in 1848, and there spent five years working at his trade. In
1853 he went to Sweden. Returning in 1854 he came to St. Paul where he built the
first house put up by a Swede; came to Carver county in 1855 and pre-empted in
1856. Since that time he has been a resident of the town; has at present a farm
of 540 acres with 170 acres under cultivation. Mr. Hillstrom was a member of the
first town board and has been largely identified with the political interests of
the town and county since. In Boston May 25, 1854 he married Miss Elizabeth
Johnson. They have four living children; one son died.

   Hugh Hoy was horn in Ireland, March 22, 1835. When a boy came to New York
city. He then went to Highland county, Ohio, where he worked on a farm;
purchased an outfit and for a number of years worked at draying at Hillsborough.
In April, 1855, he came to Minnesota and during the year bought eighty acres in
San Francisco township. He soon began improving his place and has since added to
it until he owns 330 acres, one-half of which is under cultivation. Enlisted
February 23, 1865, in company L, Second Minnesota cavalry, and was on the
frontier on duty until discharged February 23, 1866. At Anoka, February 17,
1857, he married Miss Rose Kelly. They have ten children living; one daughter died.

   John Olson was born March 22, 1838, in Sweden. Came to Carver county in 1855
and located on section 5 in San Francisco township, which has since been his
home. He attended St. Ansgar Academy at Red Wing one winter also one term after
its removal to East Union; for ten years has been justice of the peace, served
four years as assessor and in 1881 was elected town treasurer. He has also held
an interest in the Beven's Creek mill since it was erected in 1867, and at the
formation of the company in 1879, he was elected its treasurer. In January,
1865, he enlisted in the First Minnesota heavy artillery and was discharged at
Fort Snelling during the fall of the same year. His marriage with Christine
Anderson took place in Carver county in 1860. Fourteen children were born to
them, only four of whom are living: Johanna, Emily, Victor E., and Anna V.

   John A. Olson, farmer, was born in Sweden, in 1847. Came to America with his
parents in 1858. His father, Andrew Olson, purchased a farm in section 5, San
Francisco, on which they lived until 1868. On purchasing again, a portion of the
land was in three different townships, Hancock, Dahlgren and San Francisco, the
house being in Hancock. Mr. Olson lived with his father until his marriage with
Miss Mary C. Hanson, of San Francisco township. He then lived in Dahlgren until
purchasing his present farm in section 6 in 1877. The same year he built a house
which he veneered with brick; was town supervisor in 1878. They have two sons
and three daughters.

   Andrew Wallen, a native of Sweden, was born June 28, 1835. Came to the United
States in 1854 and worked in different parts of the country until enlisting from
Carver in 1862 in company H, Ninth Minnesota; served until 1865; was in many of
the leading conflicts, and was present at the execution of the thirty-eight
Sioux Indians at Mankato. After being mustered out was married to Miss Mary
Carlson and settled in San Francisco township. Here he has since resided; has
served twelve years as chairman of the town board. Was one of the railroad
commissioners to condemn lands for the Minneapolis and St. Louis "cut-off" in
1881. Mr. and Mrs. Wallen have had eight children, three of whom died within
three weeks of one another with diphtheria.

   John Wallun was born in 1837 and is a native of Sweden. In 1862 came to
Carver county and in 1865 purchased his present place in San Francisco township.
He has been quite prosperous and has done much toward improving his place.
Married in 1864, in Carver county, Miss Mary Peterson, who has borne him three
sons and four daughters.

CHANHASSEN.

   Chanhassen is situated in the extreme northeastern part of Carver county. The
town is dotted here and there with beautiful lakes of clear water, the largest
of which is Lake Minnewashta, in the north-western part. Its name is derived
from two Indian words, Minnie, meaning water, and Washta, meaning good. The
banks of this lake are covered with natural groves, while on the shore in many
places, particularly on the western side, are long stretches of sandy beach.
Near the center of the town is Lake Hazeltine, so-called in honor of Miss Susan
Hazeltine, who opened the first school in Carver county. Lakes Lucy and Ann,
twin lakes in the north-eastern part of the town, were named after the wives of
Burritt S. and William S. Judd. Long lake lies east of these, and south of this
is Lake Susan.

   The first claim in Chanhassen was taken up in section 35, township 116, range
23, by Joseph Vogel, where he settled in June, 1852. He was accompanied by his
brothers, Frank and August, who remained with him until the next summer, when
they returned to St. Paul. In August, 1852, Joseph Kessler settled on section
30, township 116, range 23, to whose sister, Miss Feronica Kessler, Joseph Vogel
was married about July 15, 1854, this being the first marriage in Carver county.
The first death that occurred in Chanhassen was that of Cornelius Kirscher, in
1853.

   In May, 1853, Arba Cleveland and George M. Powers, from Belchertown,
Massachusetts, and H. M. Lyman and Joshua Moore, from Easthampton,
Massachusetts, settled near the center of the town. Later in the same year J.
Cathcart, George Galpin, Lemuel Griffin, James Ryan, William Tilton and Joshua
Hillery settled in the same neighborhood, after which time the desirable land in
the town was rapidly taken up.

   In the fall of 1855 the first school in Chanhassen and also the first in
Carver county was opened at the house of Arba Cleveland, by Miss Susan
Hazeltine. In a few weeks, however, her school was transferred to a new school
building which had been erected on section 16. There are now seven district
school-houses in Chanhassen.

   Charles Galpin preached the first sermon in Chanhassen in June, 1854, at the
house of H. M. Lyman. A Sunday-school was organized at the same time. After this
services were held every two weeks in a grove near Mr. Lyman's place, as a
branch of the Congregational church of Excelsior. In the fall of 1855 services
began to be held in the school-house near George M. Powers' farm, where they
were kept up for some years, when they were discontinued. The only church
edifice in the town is St. Hubert Catholic church, situated on section 12, and
built in 1873. This church was established in 1863.

   In the spring of 1854 a post-office was established, H. M. Lyman being the
first postmaster; he held the office for two years. In 1859 the postoffice was
abolished, since which time there has been none in Chanhassen.

   Chanhassen is a strictly agricultural town, there never having been a store,
mill, or manufactory of any kind within its limits. The early pioneers did their
trading at a town on Lake Minnetonka called Smithtown, but at the present time
the people of Chanhassen divide their patronage among all the neighboring towns.

   The first meeting to provide for township organization was held by the people
of township 116-23, May 11, 1858, in the school-house on section 16: Timothy
McArty, moderator; and George M. Powers, Clerk. Officers elected: F. A. Renze,
chairman; Timothy McArty and Stillman Reed, supervisors; George M. Powers, town
clerk; Jos. Vogel, collector; D. W. Hull, assessor; Joseph Kessler and Wm. S.
Judd, justices of the peace; Ferdinand Wirsching, overseer of the poor; John Ess
and Wm. H. Trowbridge, constables; Jesse J. Sickler, George Galpin, William
Sarver, and Martin M. Schneider, overseer of the four road districts. At the
suggestion of Rev. H. M. Nichols it was voted to call the town Chanhassen, which
is an Indian word, signifying sugar-maple. The supervisors met June 7, 1858, and
the assessment of the first poll road tax was voted. The only roads then in the
town were an untraveled military road running to Fort Ridgely, and a road
between Chaska and Excelsior, established in 1856, but immediately upon the
organization of the town, roads were established in all directions.

   In March, 1861, Chanhassen was organized into a school district, and divided
into seven sub-districts, and one hundred and fifty dollars appropriated for the
hiring of teachers over and above what the town would get from the county.

   In September, 1864, the town of Chanhassen was called upon to furnish ten men
as its quota to meet the call made by President Lincoln. At a meeting of the
supervisors, September 22, 1864, it was resolved that the supervisors of
Chanhassen pay to each person who should volunteer to fill the quota of the town
the sum of two hundred and fifty dollars in town bonds, drawing seven per cent,
interest. Soon after the rate of interest was raised to ten per cent. The amount
raised on these bonds was $2,833.

   At the regular meeting held March 8, 1881, three hundred dollars were voted
for building a town house.

   1880—Valuation real estate, $237,031; personal, $40,224; population, 683.

   Edwin Alldritt, a native of England, was born in 1844. He lived there until
ten years old, then with his parents came to America, landing at New York. Soon
after he moved to Illinois, remained there three years, then came to Carver
county. The father pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres, and after selling
eighty acres divided the remainder between his two sons, Edwin and Samuel, on
which they have since lived. Edwin enlisted in 1861 in Company A, First United
States sharpshooters; in 1863 was promoted to corporal in which position he
served until the close of the war. During his service he participated in thirty
battles without being wounded. His wife was Anna E. Mann, of Hennepin county;
married in 1866. Four children have been born to them; all are living.

   Samuel Alldritt, an Englishman by birth, was born in 1850. He was about three
and one-half years old when his parents brought him to America. They landed in
New York, then lived in Illinois three years. On coming to Carver county they
settled in Chanhassen, and in the fall of 1855, pre-empted one hundred and sixty
acres. After disposing of eighty acres the remaining eighty were equally divided
between Samuel and his brother. They are both still residing on their farms.
Some trouble was experienced during the Indian difficulties, but nothing serious.

   John T. Aspden, constable of Chanhassen, is a native of Massachusetts, born
in 1850. When a lad of six summers he came to Chanhassen with his parents and
lived with them until 1877. He ran the farm for them until that time, then
purchased one hundred and twenty acres in section 16, on which he now lives. His
marriage with Miss Amelia Krainnig took place in 1877. They have had two
children, one of whom is living; Charles E. died November 15, 1880.

   James Aspden, a native of England, was born in 1840. Came to America with his
parents in 1849. After a short stay in New York they removed to Palmer,
Massachusetts, remaining only one year, however. They afterward visited Webster,
of that state, then returned to Palmer and in 1856 settled in Carver county. His
father purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Chanhassen, and at his death in
1872 James became possessor of the homestead, on which he now lives. In 1875 he
engaged in general merchandising in Excelsior, continuing until 1879. He then
returned to his duties on the farm. In December, 1863, he enlisted in the Second
Minnesota cavalry, serving until the close of the war.

   Henry Aspden was born in England in 1837. Came to America and landed in New
York September 19, 1849. For seven years he lived in Thorndike, Hampden county,
Massachusetts, where he attended college, also worked in a weaving
establishment. From there he came to Chanhassen, where his father made a claim
of one hundred and sixty acres. Henry again resumed his studies in the high
school at Excelsior, and in 1860 taught his first term of school at Farmington.
The following summer he engaged in the insurance business with marked success.
He was elected the first assessor and treasurer of Chanhassen, and has served as
town clerk and justice of the peace several times. June 7, 1880 he received
injuries by being kicked by a horse, which nearly caused his death, and from
which he has never fully recovered. He is interested in the Victor Wheat Heater
Company. Miss Mary A. Wood became his wife in 1866, and has borne him one son
and one daughter: Herbert H. and Ellen. In 1865 Mr. Aspden purchased 160 acres,
and in 1873 purchased 120 acres more.

   L. Crigler was born in Indiana in 1815. He devoted his early life to the
blacksmiths' trade and farming. In 1854 he moved to Minnesota and purchased 105
acres in Chanhassen, on which he now fives. He has one of the most desirable
places in Carver county, situated on the north bank of Lake Minnewashta. Mr.
Crigler has been married three times. His first wife was Henrietta Anderson,
married in 1836; she bore him two children and died in 1854. Elizabeth A.
Jenkins became his wife in 1855; she died in 1867, leaving five children.
Richard T., the only one surviving, is a promising young man of twenty-three
years. One son was killed in the army at the battle of Fort Gibson. Mr. Crigler
married Lucy Parker for his third wife in 1868.

   Edward B. Harrison, a native of England, was born July 21, 1831. He remained
at home until eleven years of age, then attended the graded school three years
and was in the English navy as seaman. Coming to America he worked on the
railroad in Indiana until 1854, then came to Minnesota. The first winter he and
his wife spent in the pineries for R. P. Russell. The two summers following he
worked on the first suspension bridge at Minneapolis. In 1855 he located his
present property of 160 acres of timber land in Chanhassen township. Here he
lived with his family in a rude log shanty suffering the hardships such as only
pioneers realize. He now has in place of the shanty a fine residence and out
buildings and owns 400 acres of land, 200 acres of which are in Hennepin county.
He has been chairman of the board of supervisors for six or seven years, and in
1874 was a member of the legislature; is now member of the board of county
commissioners. His marriage with Miss Hannah Richardson, of England, took place
in 1855. Of their twelve children nine are living.

   Alonzo D. Leach was born in Caledonia county, Vermont, in 1835. When ten
years old he moved with his parents to Chickopee, Hampden county, Massachusetts,
and remained four years. While there he was made an orphan; then returned to
Vermont and worked on a farm. Came to Minnesota in 1857 and settled at
Excelsior. After working at the carpenters' trade two years he purchased eighty
acres on which he lived about six years, then sold and bought thirty-two acres
in sections 5 and 6; the next fall he added sixty acres by purchase. After
selling forty acres he in 1876 bought 105 acres more on which he now lives. Mr.
Leach has held several offices in the school board. His farm is an excellent one
located on the west bank of Minnewashta lake. In February, 1864, he enlisted in
company H, Ninth Minnesota and served until the close of the war. Married to
Miss Rhoda Alldritt in 1859. Eight children have been born to them; three are dead.

   W. X. Sigafoos was born in 1824 in Ohio. For two years was drover in' the
Allegheny mountains, also learned the hatters' trade and worked on a farm. In
1853 he moved to Iowa and bought 240 acres of land in Poweshiek county. After a
residence of fifteen years he sold his farm and purchased another in Missouri.
There he lived thirteen years then arranged to trade his land, stock, buildings,
farm machinery and household goods, in fact everything but clothing for the
same, with a gentleman in Chanhassen. This has been his home since. During the
war he was captain of a company of mounted riflemen in central Iowa. His wife
was Miss Mary Drake, married in 1851. Eight children have been born to them.

   O. F. Walter, farmer and stock raiser, was born in Vermont in 1842. His
parents moved to Massachusetts when he was only two years of age. At the age of
four years his parents died and he was taken to his native state and reared by
an uncle. When sixteen years old he began working on a farm. He went to Canada
when twenty years old and remained eight years. He then came directly to
Chanhassen and rented a farm of Mr. Leach. In 1871 he purchased forty acres in
section 7, which he sold two years later and purchased his present farm of
fifty-eight acres. In 1881 he erected a very commodious house. Catherine
McSherry became his wife in 1861.

LAKETOWN.

   Laketown is situated in the north-eastern part of the county, and includes
all of congressional township 116, range 24. The first settler in the town was
Lenhart Breher. He came in April, 1853, and located in the south-east quarter of
section 24, where he has since lived. About the same time came Paul Martel, and
located in the north-west quarter of section 24, where he continued until his
death a few years since.

   Among other early settlers were Lorenz Webber, Martin and Lorenz Steger, John
Pierson, Anton Keller, Andrew Riedele, Henry and Andrew Schraan, John Rau, Henry
Gerdsen, John Meier and step-son, Martin Schmidt, John Salter, Michael Diethelm,
Peter Gregory, John Schmieg, John Neunsinger, Tobias Ottinger and Jacob Rudiger.
The most of these men are still living in the town. Mr. Diethelm is now living
in Shakopee, and Mr. Riedele in Chaska, where he keeps a hotel. Martin Steger
served four years in the war, and died, a few years since. Mr. Neunsinger died
in Chaska in 1878. Mr. Rudiger died in 1865. Population is mostly German. A
Scandinavian settlement in the north-west.

   The meeting for organizing under the name of the town of Liberty was held at
the house of Merritt Green, in section 1, May 11, 1858. The record of the
meeting being lost, a full account of it cannot be given.

   Officers elected: John Groetsch, chairman; Henry Wetzig and Frederick Reitz,
supervisors; Andrew Bergquist, clerk; John G. Maetzold, collector; Charles
Kaufmann, assessor; Henry Wetzig, overseer of poor; John Groetsch and Joseph
Schaaf, justices of the peace, and Henry Schwartz, constable.

   Considerable dissatisfaction was manifested from the fact that comparatively
few of the electors of the newly formed town were present at the meeting for
organization, and another meeting was called to be held at the house of Henry
Wetzig in section 21, June 12 following. At this meeting a vote was taken
approving the acts of the meeting held May 11, and another taken changing the
name of the town to Laketown. The name was suggested by John Salter, and adopted
as appropriate from the fact of there being so many lakes in the town.

   To stimulate the enlistment of soldiers to fill out the quota of the town
whenever called upon for troops during the war with the South, a bounty of $250
was voted to each person enlisting from the town. Taxes collected upon the
property of soldiers then in the field, to raise these bounties, were refunded
to their families.

   The first school in the town was taught by John Groetsch during the winter of
1859 at his residence in section 29. It was a double log structure, one and a
half stories. He had about twenty scholars. Mr. Groetsch taught there several
terms, when a log school-house was built in the south-east quarter of section
29, in what is now district number 20. This building was subsequently burned,
and a frame erected in its place. There are now six school-houses in the town,
all frame, and furnished with plain seats excepting the one in number 16, which
has patent seats.

   In the spring of 1855 a large party of Scandinavians settled in the
north-west part of the town, along and near the eastern shore of Clearwater
lake. Their pastor, F. O. Nelson, came with them, and their religious services
were the first in the town. They were conducted in a bark shanty on John
Anderson's claim in the south-east quarter of section 7. Several families were
living in it at the time. Services were thus conducted in the shanties of the
settlers until the following summer, when a log church was built in section 7
near the east shore of Clearwater lake. This building is still in use. The
church organization took place at Andrew Peterson's house in August, 1855, with
eleven members. Present pastor, John Fogolstrom.

   A cemetery was established on land deeded by Andrew Bergquist in section 18,
a few rods east of the church. The first person buried in it was Peter Swenson,
of Waconia, buried in 1859.

   Catholic services were held by Father Bruno in 1856 at the house of Michael
Dietkelm, in section 13. They were conducted there about a year, when the
congregation called St. Victoria was established and a log church was built in
the same section. This building was used until 1870, when the present fine brick
structure was erected at a cost of $7,000. The present pastor is Rev. Father
Ambrosius, who resides at Chaska.

   A parochial school is taught in connection with the church. A new building
for this purpose was erected just south of the church in 1877. The cemetery is
located just north of the church.

   The Laketown Moravian church was organized October 31, 1858, at the house of
John Holtmeier in section 11, by the Rev. Martin Erdmann. For about two years
previous to that time services were conducted at his house by different
denominations, among them Lutheran services by Rev. A. C. Heyer. In 1860 a log
church was built on land deeded by Mr. Holtmeier, which was used until 1878,
when a fine brick church was built near the old site at a cost of $2,500. The
present membership is seventy-four.

   A cemetery is located in the plat of land owned by the church. The first
person buried in it was Mrs. Frederick Klatt, in May, 1861.

   Zoar Moravian church was organized about the same time as the above, and by
the same minister. Their meetings were held at the house of Mr. Rudiger in
section 33, until their church was built in 1863. The lot embraces two acres of
land in section 32, deeded by Theodore Rudiger. When organized the church had
about ten members; present pastor Rev. Theodore Sonderman. Attached to the
church lot is a cemetery. The first person buried in it was the wife of Fritz
Rudiger, in the fall of 1856, being one of the first persons that died in the town.

   The first white birth in the town, also in the county, was that of John
Breher. He was born in August, 1854, and was the son of Lenhart Breher.

   The first post-office in the town was Scandia. It was established in the fall
of 1858; Andrew Bergquist, postmaster, and the office located at his house in
section 18. It was discontinued about 1870, and its business transferred to
Waconia.

   Oberle's Corners post-office was established in 1859, with Fritz Oberle
postmaster, and the office located at his house near the town line in section
34. The office is now about a mile further north and the postmaster is Anton
Keller.

   Laketown post-office was established in 1860, John A. Salter postmaster, and
the office located at his house in section 14. Mr. Salter still continues to
hold the office.

   1880—Valuation of real estate, $235,918; personal, $39,610; population, 1,056.

   John Etzell was born November 4, 1832, and is a native of Bavaria. Came to
America in 1848; located in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania; remained there
employed by his uncle in a saw-mill, until coming to Minnesota. He settled in
Young America, Carver county, in 1854, remaining six years. In June, 1861, he
enlisted in Company B, Second Minnesota infantry, serving until mustered out in
August, 1865. He was twice wounded. Returned to Young America in 1865, the same
year was united in marriage with Mrs. Magdelina Jetzer, who had two children.
Soon after Mr. Etzell settled in Laketown, Carver county and opened a saloon.
Here he has since resided and in 1877 built the "Farmers' Home." Mr. and Mrs.
Etzell are the parents of five children.

   Jacob Kern, proprietor of Centennial Lake House, was born in Philadelphia, in
1843. For six years he was a dairyman, and afterward was proprietor of the
Washington Hotel. At the beginning of the war be enlisted in Company A,
Twenty-first Pennsylvania volunteers; passed through the first battle of Bull
Bun and was honorably discharged in the summer of 1862. Came to St. Paul in 1876
and the same year settled in Chaska. He built his present hotel in Laketown,
situated on the banks of Centennial lake, and opened it May 1, 1877, Since that
time be has been its proprietor. April 28, 1863, at Philadelphia, his marriage
occurred. Of the four children born to him, only one is living; Paul, aged 12
years.

   Mathias Mason, a native of Prussia, was born July 26, 1837. Came to America
in 1852, proceeding to Detroit, Michigan. While living in that city his mother
died during a cholera epidemic. He afterward went to Chicago, where he lived
until about one year before the war. In 1862 be enlisted in the One Hundred and
Sixth Illinois infantry, Company I, and served until the close of the war.
Participated in many of the principal conflicts. Since the war he has resided in
Minnesota, and for the past ten years has made his home in Chaska.

   Michael Mergen was born January 25, 1825, in Prussia. Worked on a farm and at
the weaver's trade. Came to America in 1856, and settled on a farm in Hennepin
county. August 2, 1862, he enlisted in Company A, Sixth Minnesota, and was
honorably discharged for disability in February, 1865. During service he
contracted a disease from which he has never fully recovered. In 1867 he settled
in Laketown and purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, has since sold
forty acres. In 1849 he married Margareta Becker, who died in 1858. In 1862 he
married Ida Kerchner. Two children have been born to them. Frank, the oldest,
died at Fort Snelling in 1864; William is living. Mr. Mergen has three children
by his first wife.

   F. Ernst Poppitz was born in the kingdom of Saxony in 1822. Came to America
in 1849, landed in New York, then went to Wisconsin and settled about ten miles
north of Milwaukee. He started and carried on a brick yard, and traveled through
the western states. Came to Carver county in~1856, and settled in Laketown,
making a claim of one hundred and sixty acres. The next year he opened a saloon,
general merchandise store and hotel, and in connection carried on his farm. In
1879 he built one of the finest barns in the county. He married in 1849 Miss
Augusta Hanschel, who has borne him eight children, six of whom are living.

   John A. Salter, a native of Germany, was born in 1829; at fourteen years of
age he learned the blacksmith trade. Came to America, landing in New Orleans in
1846, then went to Cincinnati; went to Iowa in 1853 and purchased forty acres
and made a claim of eighty acres, but in 1854 he came to Minnesota, settling
with his family in Laketown, on the north-east quarter of section 14. Enlisted
in August, 1864, in Company A, Third Minnesota, and was honorably discharged in
August, 1865. His wife was Sophia Hartmann, married at Laketown in 1859. They
have nine living children.

   Rev. D. Z. Smith was born June 21, 1821, in Georgia. When seven years old he
left with his parents for North Carolina where he received the greater part of
his education. He finally entered the Moravian Theological College at Bethlehem,
Pennsylvania, from which he graduated in June, 1841. Immediately after he
received a call as missionary to the Cherokee Indians, in Indian Territory,
which he accepted and remained eight years. He afterwards received in 1850 a
call to visit the different Indian tribes west of the Mississippi with a view to
organizing missions. In 1854 went as missionary to the Delaware Indians, in
Kansas, the mission being located where the city of Leavenworth now is. While a
judge of election November 29, 1854 he was shot at and narrowly escaped
assassination by a mob of Missourians who tried to overturn the election. In
1862 was appointed home missionary and stationed at Henderson, Sibley county,
Minnesota, remaining there until 1867; was well known as justice of the peace.
After an interval of three years he was appointed Moravian minister at Chaska,
which position he filled until 1873 then in consequence of ill health removed to
North Carolina. During the first four years he was Moravian minister at
Friedburg, afterwards until 1880 officiated in the same capacity at Bethabara,
noted as the first settlement of Moravians in the south. In 1880 settled in
Laketown, and is now on the list of retired clergy but still is unofficially
engaged in the various churches in the county. His marriage with Miss E. B.
Kummer took place in 1845. She died the year following leaving one daughter,
Mary G. His second marriage was with Miss G. Spaugh in 1848, who died the same
year. His present wife was Miss E. A. Recksecker, married in 1852. Five children
have been born to them.

   Rev. Thedore Sonderman is a native of Cape Town, South Africa, and son of
Bev. C. S. Sonderman, who was a Moravian missionary. Theodore was sent to
Germany when only seven years of age, to be educated. He attended a college in
Saxony from which he graduated in 1849. In 1852 he was appointed as Moravian
missionary to the West Indies. While there he married Miss Emily Thust, in 1855.
They returned to Germany in 1869 on account of the declining health of his wife.
The same year he accepted an appointment as pastor of a German Moravian church
of New York and remained in the discharge of his duties until removing to
Wisconsin in 1877. Settled at Green Bay as pastor of the Moravian German church
and remained in charge until 1879, then assumed his present charge of the Zoar
church in Laketown. Mr. and Mrs. Sonderman are the parents of eleven children,
five of whom are living.

DAHLGREN.

   The settlement of what is now Dahlgren began in 1854, and that year a large
number located within its limits. Among the earliest were Nels Alexanderson,
Rev. Ole Paulson, Ole Hendrickson, Peter Klevin, Philip Siegel, J. D. Skone,
Arne Arneson, Charles Luedloff, George Guettler, William Freukes, John Bandomer
and son, Charles Nickel, Henry Kemkes, Herrmann Miller, Peter Buttendorf,
Ferdinand Stracher, Diedrich Lenzen, Charles Gebhart, Gottlieb Baer, Jacob
Beihoffer, Michael Eichelmiller, William Glitschka, Frederick Henning, Jacob
Schlicker, Horace Bryant, Luke Noyes, John Preiss and others. About half of this
number have either died or moved from the town. Mr. Beihoffer is living in
Chaska, and Mr. Buttendorf now lives in Carver. Ferdinand Stracher came in 1855
and located in section 17. He soon after opened a saloon and entertainment
house, it being the first of the kind in the town. He subsequently moved to
Carver. Mr. Gebhart located on the west side of section 12, where he opened a
store, which he kept several years, it being the first store within the present
limits of the town. He was killed in 1866 at Chaska by the falling of a scaffold
upon which he was at work. Mr. Schlicker located in section 1, and built on his
farm the first brick house in the town.

   Dahlgren did not come into existence as a separate organization when the
towns of the county were first formed in 1858. April 21, 1863, agreeable to
petition, that part of Chaska and Carver included in township 115, range 24, was
formed into a new town called Liberty. Accordingly the legal voters met April 5,
1864 at the house of Fritz Anton, in section 16, for organization. John M.
Troll, moderator; Charles J. Sorenson, clerk; Peter Buttendorf, Franz Schirmer
and Nels Alexanderson, judges of election.

   First officers: Charles Luedloff, chairman, Henry Paulson and Charles Aue,
supervisors; Julius Wolf, treasurer; Paul Wolf, town clerk; John D. Skone,
assessor; Charles J. Sorenson and John M. Troll, justices of the peace; Ernest
Goetzen and Michael Hesse, constables. April 14 Charles J. Sorenson was
appointed clerk of the board; Philip Siegel, treasurer; Adolph Hesse constable,
in place of the elected officers who resigned.

   May 9, 1864, the name of the town was changed from Liberty to Dahlgren, at
the suggestion of the state auditor, in honor of our distinguished admiral,
because the name Liberty had already been appropriated by another town in the
state.

   The first marriage was that of Burns Aslakson and Mary Paulson, June 15,
1855, at the house of Swau Goodmanson. Among the first deaths were those of
Katie Preiss and Michael Eichelmiller; the former occurred October 28, 1857, and
the latter soon after.

   The first school, with twenty-five scholars, was taught during the winter of
1857 by Charles Herzog at the house of Jacob Beihoffer in the northwest quarter
of section 1. The school-room was upstairs in a story and a half log house. The
town now has seven school-houses, four frame, two of logs and one brick. A
school is also taught in the German Reform church.

   August 13, 1864, this town made its first appropriation for war funds by
voting to each volunteer $300 and exemption from the tax by which the fund was
raised. Nearly $8,000 were paid in bounties.

   Present chairman of town board, A. P. Nord; clerk, Herrmann Miller.

   Dahlgren post-office was established in February, 1872, John Lorfeld,
postmaster. The office was located at his house in section 16, on the Carver and
Glencoe road, where it still remains, with Lorfeld postmaster.

   East Union post-office was established in April, 1873, on section 35, and
first called Bevens Creek; A. J. Carlson, postmaster. In the fall of 1873 it was
removed to its present location. In 1875 the office received its present name.
Carlson is still postmaster.

   Dahlgren station was established in 1872.

   Mills—John Lorfeld built in 1859 a saw-mill on Carver creek. This was the
first mill in town, and was operated about ten years. A second, built in 1860 by
Griffin & Hartman on section 23, was soon abandoned. A grist-mill, built in 1861
by Hans Erickson, on section 22, was of short duration. The grist-mill of Philip
Siegel, built in 1876 on section 23, still continues. It has three run of stone,
combining water and steam power.

   Stores—Charles Gebhart's store, previously mentioned, was the first, opened
in 1854. Lagerstrom, Skog & Co. opened a store in 1873 in the southwest of
section 35, now owned by Mr. Lagerstrom, and conducted by his son.

   East Union Scandinavian Lutheran church— Services were first held as early as
the spring of 1855 by Rev. P. A. Sedestam. Rev. Peter Carlson was appointed the
first local pastor in the fall of 1858, continuing until the fall of 1880. At
present occasional services are held, but the church has no pastor. St. Ansgar
Academy, now located at St. Peter, was located here at one time under the
auspices of this church. The first church was built in. 1856; the present brick
edifice was built in 1866 at a cost of $6,000.

   Norwegian Lutheran—Services were held at an early day by Rev. Laur Larson,
Rev. R. B. Mus and Rev. Johnson, of St. Peter. Rev. Larson organized the church.
Services were first held in private houses, but afterward in the newly erected
school-house of district number 4. Rev. Christopher Hoff is the present pastor.
A cemetery belonging to this organization is located in section 29.

   The German Reformed church was built in 1873 on the farm of Diedrich Lenzen.
He subsequently deeded the lot with two acres of land to the church, and a small
cemetery was attached. Religious services had been previously maintained.
Services have been somewhat irregular. First pastor, Rev. Kuhlen; next Rev.
Lorenz Ziegler; last, Rev. William Kohler, whose charge ended March, 1881.

   Lutheran—Services were conducted by the Lutherans at the house of Michael
Preiss, in section 14, as early as 1857, continuing for several years irregularly.

   Cemeteries—A Catholic cemetery containing one acre was established in 1869 in
section 24, near the town line. An adopted child of Jacob Buche, buried that
year, was the first burial. The Lutheran cemetery was established in the
northwest quarter of section 14 in 1857. Katie Preiss, whose death has been
mentioned, was the first buried here.

   Assessed valuation, 1880: Real estate, $276,752; personal, $39,382.
Population, 1,220.

   Arne Arneson, born October 12, 1832 is a native of Norway. Went to Quebec,
Canada at the age of twenty-one. Thence he went to Chicago and for one year he
was a sailor on Lake Michigan, then came to St. Paul. He first visited Dahlgren
in 1854 and the next year located on his farm. At Fort Snelling he enlisted in
company B, Third regiment, under Captain Gregg and served three years. He was
honorably discharged at Fort Snelling in June, 1865. His wife was Christiana
Jacobson, Married January 11, 1865. Of the seven children born to them six are
living.

   B. Aslakson, born October 6, 1830, is a native of Norway. Came to America in
1850 and spent five years in Illinois, Ohio and Michigan; came to Minnesota in
1855. Was enrolled in company H, Ninth Minnesota under Captain Baxter and served
three years. Was in the battle of Guntown, Mississippi; taken prisoner and
confined in Andersonville prison ten months; was exchanged at Big Black,
Mississippi, before Vicksburg. Since locating at Dahlgren he has been chairman
of the board of supervisors one year and supervisor one year. Married July 8,
1855 to Mary Paulson, who has borne him five children.

   Ernst F. Goetze, born May 6, 1839, in Prussia, Germany. Lived there until
eighteen years of age and in 1857 came to America. He is now farming and is
druggist of the Homeopathic society which was chartered in 1870. Elizabeth Kloss
became his wife in 1864 and has borne him seven children; six are living.

   J. A. Lagerstrom was born in Geneva, Illinois, December 28, 1855. His father,
a blacksmith, came to Goodhue county, Minnesota, in 1861, his son with him. In
1873 he settled on a farm in Dahlgren township, near Carver. Subsequently he
engaged in mercantile business at East Union and was appointed postmaster,
though still superintending his farm. J. A. is now in business at that place and
serves as assistant postmaster. Married June 13, 1880, to Miss Hannah Anderson.

   Andrew Larson, a native of Sweden, was born in September, 1846. When ten
years old he came with his father, Swan Larson, to Carver county and located on
a farm on section 34. In 1863 enlisted in company C, Hatch's battalion; was
honorably discharged at Fort Snelling after three years of service. During the
expedition against the Indians to Devils lake all their horses were lost between
Fort Abercrombie and Pembina. Mr. Larson married Miss Hannah Larson January 15,
1873. She has been in this country about twenty years; has borne her husband
three children.

   Swan Larson, born February 14, 1815, is a native of Sweden. For forty-one
years he lived in his native country as a farmer and came to Carver county in
1856. He lives on section 33 which was nearly unsettled at that time. Married in
1845 to Miss Mary Swanson. Eleven children have been born to them five of whom
are living.

   Charles Luedloff was born September 3, 1825, in Prussia. From 1844 to 1847 he
was a soldier belonging to the Prussian engineer corps, in which he served as
corporal. He came to America m 1853, settling the same year in Texas; arrived in
Minnesota October 7, 1854 and settled on section 21, Dahlgren township. Mr.
Luedloff is a man of prominence in the German Homeopathic society of Carver
county, being the first in organizing it. The twenty-first anniversary of its
organization was celebrated March 2, 1881. September 7, 1857, he was united in
marriage with Miss Charlotte Dunin who has borne him seven children.

   Herrmann Miller, a native of Germany, was born in 1822. Came to America in
1848, and to St. Paul in 1852, where he lived two years. He then took a claim of
160 acres in Dahlgren township and on which he has since resided. During the
years 1866 and '67 he was town clerk and has since then held nearly all the town
offices. Amelia. Rudiger became his wife in 1855. She was born September 21,
1822. Their living children are Marie S., John H., Henry E., and Selina A.
Franklin, who was born in 1857, died December 15, 1875.

   John D. Skone is a native of Sweden, born in 1833. He acquired a common
school education, and on the 10th of August, 1852, he arrived at Boston. Thence
he went to Dunkirk, New York. Two years later he came to Minnesota and settled
on section 26, Dahlgren township; has been assessor, town supervisor, collector
and justice of the peace. July 3, 1854, he was united in marriage with Annette
Benson. Four children have been born to them, all are living.

   Elias Swanson was born in Sweden, where he lived thirty-six years. Came to
America in 1862 and enlisted August 21 of that year in Company H, Ninth
Minnesota, and served until the close of the war. In 1848 he married Miss Mary
Swanson. They are the parents of six children, all of whom are living.

   Nils Thompson, one of the town supervisors of Dahlgren, was born April 14,
1835, in central Norway. In 1855 he came to Carver county, locating on a farm on
section 27, Dahlgren township, the next year. Enlisted in Company A, Eleventh
Minnesota, under Captain Buck, now of Henderson. Since the war he has devoted
his time to the cultivation and improvement of his farm. Has been town
supervisor for three years. February 28, 1859, he married Miss Mary Brown, who
has borne him nine children, eight of whom are living. She died in 1880. Mr.
Thompson's second wife was Mrs. Julia Munter, nee Arneson. They have three
children.

   William Whitehill is a native of Glasgow, Scotland, born May 21, 1840. Came
to this country in 1852 with his father and settled in Saratoga county, New
York. In 1855 William moved to Canada. In 1862 he came to Minnesota from Iowa
for the purpose of enlisting in a Minnesota regiment. Was enrolled August 18,
1862, in Company H, Seventh infantry, under the command of Captain Gilfillan.
Returned from the South and participated in an expedition against the Indians,
in the battles of Wood Lake, Dead Buffalo Lake and Stony Lake. He resigned in
January, 1865. Mr Whitehill has visited thirty-two different states since coming
to America. October 20, 1870, he married Miss Mary Thompson, of New Orleans,
Louisiana, who has borne him three children, only one is living. Mr. Whitehill
is now employed as school teacher.

WATERTOWN.

   This town is situated in the northern part of Carver county, and had, in
1880, a population of 1,348; real estate valuation of $227,255 and a personal
property assessed at $64,982.

   The settlement of Watertown began in 1856 with John Buhler, Dr. Benedict
Lehman, Seraphim Kempf, Anton Sunie, D. F. Iustus, B. F. Light, J. P. Miller,
George Mapes and Edward F. Hainlin. The larger portion of the town was settled
in 1857; among the comers of that year were A. J. Brown, J. P. Hendricks, P. O.
Johnson, C. Kohler, H. Tesch, Frederich Hamann, August Krause, George Goetzmann,
Peter Monson, J. Tesch, J. P. Akins.

   Celestine Kohler, son of C. Kohler, who made a claim on section 29, was
probably the first child born in the town; his birth occurred January 3, 1857.
P. O. Johnson and Josephine H. Brown, whose wedding took place on Christmas day,
1857, were the first to marry.

   A son of Mr. Thomson, who lived on section 2, was drowned in Oak lake in the
summer of 1857, said to be first death in the town.

   The first election was held at the store of E. F. Lewis in the village of
Watertown, on the second Tuesday in April, 1858; officers elected: E. F. Lewis,
chairman and justice of the peace; L. M. Green and George Milligan, supervisors;
Edward F. Hainlin, town clerk; Nicholas Rogers, assessor; J. A. C. Flood,
treasurer; Ira D. Kingsley, justice; John Cole, constable.

   In 1862 the sum of $3,000 was raised by subscription to pay bounties to
soldiers; the amount was $250 per man. The following year bonds to the amount of
$900 were issued to fill the quota of the town, allowing $300 to each man who
enlisted.

   Watertown village was surveyed and platted in 1858, on land owned by C.
Lewis, in sections 9, 4, 5 and 8, on the banks of the Crow river. February 26,
1877, the village was incorporated, and G. Schlepke, J. A. C. Flood and Peter
Campbell were appointed to conduct the first election. The first officers were:
J. A. C. Flood, president; W. P. Japs, S. P. Kohler, E. Moers, council; C. G.
Halgren, recorder; C. Kohler, treasurer; Walter St. John, justice; A. Kenwanz,
marshal.

   Watertown postoffice was established in 1857, with E. F. Lewis in charge; in
1861 J. A. C. Flood was appointed, and held the office until 1877; and since
then C. G. Halgren has been the postmaster.

   The village has three general stores, one hardware, two drug stores, two
confectioneries, two meat markets, a plow factory, bell foundry, grist mill, saw
mill, three wagon shops, four shoe shops, one brewery. There are also three
hotels, one of which conducts a stage line to Delano.

   There is an organized fire department with an engine; three churches and two
societies, freemasons and Druids.

   The Watertown Plow Company was organized in 1870 and located shops on Lewis
street. The firm of Japs and Barnick did repairing and general wagon making
business until 1875, when new shops were built and the business greatly
enlarged. The firm is now Japs Bros. & Barnick. Eleven men are employed; sales
reach 1,000plows and 200 cultivators per year. They also manufacture a sulky plow.

   Watertown bell foundry was established in 1864 by W. Bleedorn. This is the
only stock bell foundry in the state, and turns out annually from 3,000 to 5,000
bells.

   The first saw-mill in Watertown was built by Alexander Mower in the fall of
1856 on the east side of the river; after two changes E. F. and I. I. Lewis took
possession of the mill, and in 1859 moved it to the west side of the river near
its present situation and erected a grist-mill, which they run in connection
with it; this mill had a capacity of forty barrels per day. In 1865 Lienan &
Dressler came in possession of the entire mill property. In 1870 Mr. Dressler
sold his interest to C. H. Lienan, brother of the other member of the firm. In
1874 the mills were burned, and that year C. H. Lienan sold his interest to
George Roescheise. The mills were rebuilt in 1875 by Lienan & Roescheise at a
cost of $8,000. The capacity is sixty barrels per day. The power was steam
entirely until 1878, when the river was dammed at a cost of $6,000, and since
that time water power has been used part of the year. In 1880 the mills were
again burned, and at once rebuilt, but were separated from each other. The
present grist-mill cost $8,000, and can produce seventy-five barrels of flour
per day. The sawmill cost $2,000 and has a capacity of 10,000 feet per day.

   Watertown brewery was built in 1865 by Jacob Dietz, deceased. In 1872 John
Beges married the widow of Dietz, and conducted the business until 1875, when F.
Luders bought the property and still carries on the business.

   The first Catholic church in Watertown was built in 1863 by Father George, at
a cost of about $1,000. At that time the membership numbered about eighty
families. Previous to the erection of the church, services were held at the
house of Napoleon Steinmartz. In 1876 a new frame church was erected at a cost
of $5,000, under the direction of Father Weisler. The present membership numbers
one hundred families. The Catholic church cemetery was established about 1861.

   Watertown Lodge No. 50 of A. F. and A. M. was instituted October 25, 1865
with eight charter members and the following officers: Isaac I. Lewis, W. M.; N.
C. Richardson, S. W.; L. D. Freeman, J. W.; S. D. Grant, secretary; Caleb Lewis,
treasurer. The lodge worked under a dispensation from January 26, to October 25,
1865. There are at present thirty-eight members.

   Franklin Grove No. 2, of United Ancient Order of Druids was instituted by
dispensation March 2, 1868, and chartered in August 1868 with the following
members: William Dressler, M. F. Lienan, Henry Hagermann, Ferdinand Dressler,
Celestine Kobler, Henry Schramm, Henry Geiser, Frank Brebec, Vingens Heck, Louis
Brandt and Egidius Moers. First officers were: William Dressler, N. A.; M. F.
Lienan, W. A; Frank Brebec, secretary. Present members, sixteen.

   St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran church, on section 13, was organized in 1868
by Rev. John Horst. A log church was built that year at a cost of $200. Previous
to the erection of the church services were held at the school-house on section
14. Seventeen families were connected with the church at organization and at
present there are twenty. Rev. William Fredrich, of Waconia, holds semi-monthly
services.

   In the fall of 1859 a frame school-house was erected in the village of
Watertown and W. P. Buck taught there the first school in the township the
following winter. A school, however, was taught in section 21 the same winter by
Alpha Cox of Watertown village. There are six school buildings in the town, four
frame and two log.

   The cemetery on sections 5 and 8 was reserved as a public burial ground when
the village of Watertown was platted in 1858. The first burial therein was that
of a chairmaker named Watson who lived in the village. He died in 1859.

   Oak lake, situated mostly in section 11 is one and a half miles long and
about one and a fourth miles wide with about nine miles of shore, most of which
is high and gravelly. It is well stocked with fish and has two islands in it
affording fine pleasure grounds.

   Swede lake is about one and one-half miles long and a mile wide with about
five miles of shore. The water is clear and affords fine fishing.

   Frank Acker was born in Cattaraugus county, New York, in 1834. When fourteen
years old he came with his parents to Michigan; remained until 1857 then went to
Illinois. In the meantime he acquired a knowledge of the carpenter trade.
Enlisted in 1863 in Company B, 20th Illinois; served until the close of the war.
He then settled in Ohio until 1869 when he came to Minnesota. After living two
years in Victor township, he spent two years in Watonwan, then came to Watertown
where he has since engaged in the pursuit of his trade. He has served as justice
of the peace, and in March, 1881, received the appointment of town recorder.
Miss Angeline Doyle became his wife in 1864. Fred, Grace, Francis, and Lena M.
are their children.

   Jonas P. Akins, a native of Sweden, was born in 1837. Came to America in
1851, settled in Pennsylvania and lived there until 1857. Came at that time to
Carver county and remained four years then run on a boat on the Mississippi
river for three years. Enlisted in Company L, First Minnesota heavy artillery,
and after serving six months was discharged on account of ill health. He came to
Watertown, and has since given his attention to farming. Was elected to the
state legislature in 1876; was county commissioner two years and chairman of the
town board of supervisors four years; has also been justice of the peace for
seven years past. Married Miss Josephine Oberg in 1864. She died July 28, 1880,
leaving four children: Edwin, Selma, Lillie and Lamella.

   John All was born in New York in May, 1831. When a child his parents removed
to Summit county, Illinois, where he grew to manhood and in 1854 went to Cass
county, Indiana. Soon after he came to St. Paul, Minnesota, and the next year to
Watertown which has since been his home. He was first employed by the firm of
Flood & Dow and later by Lewis Brothers, continuing in their employ five or six
years. He then began teaming between Minneapolis and Watertown, which be
followed four years. He was afterwards in the employ of Flood & Van Horn and in
1875 began the well auger business, and has since given his attention to it. In
1855, in Ohio, he married Miss Harriet Rice who died in October, 1871. Frank,
Charles E., Ellen M., and Perry G., are their children.

   Frank A. Barth, son of C. Barth, is a native of Germany, born in 1852. When
only two years of age he came to America with his parents and settled in
Pennsylvania. In 1856 they moved to Wright county, Minnesota, remaining until
1865. Came to Watertown; the father engaged in the general merchandise business
until 1870, during which time Frank was his clerk. He afterward clerked for
Fuller & Simpson, of Minneapolis, two' years, then three years in the store of
Peter Campbell, of Watertown. After attending the State University a short time,
he in 1875 embarked in general merchandising with Mr. Dressler as partner. He
was united in marriage in 1880 with Miss Annie Schwertz. They have one child,
George F.

   Frederick Barnick, a native of Prussia, was born in 1841. He learned the
blacksmith trade and followed it three and one-half years. He then served in the
Prussian army the same length of time, after which he returned again to his
trade. In 1866 he entered the army; served nine months in the war with Austria.
Came to America in 1867; locating in Carver county, Minnesota, he engaged in the
general blacksmithing business for two years, then in company with Mr. Japs
built a plow factory in Watertown, and has since given his attention to that
branch of industry. His wife was Miss Margaret Melish, married in 1871. They
have an adopted child, George F.

   William Bleedorn, a native of Germany, was born in 1835. Came to America in
1853, and for ten years lived in Wisconsin. He enlisted in 1863 in Company E,
First Minnesota infantry; served until the expiration of his term. Returning he
located in Watertown; was one of the town supervisors three years and town
treasurer two years. While living in Wisconsin he learned the bell-making trade,
which he still pursues. Married Miss Minnie Shroder in 1857. Seven children:
Louis, Henry, Emil, Willie, Oscar, Saleva and Ernest.

   John Buhler, one of the earliest settlers of Watertown, is a native  of
Switzerland, born in 1822. Learned the carpenter's trade and followed it until
coming to America in 1847. His home was in Ohio, then in Indiana until 1854 when
he came to Minnesota, locating in Benton, Carver county. In 1856 he pre-empted
the farm on which he has since lived and which took in what is now the village
of Helvetia. It was he who laid out the site and named the town. Here he started
a small store which he kept about two years. In March, 1865, he enlisted in
Company D, First Minnesota battalion; served until the close of the war. He has
been justice of the peace three years, and has held other town offices. His
marriage with Miss Catherine Reiman took place in 1846. Nine children have been
born to them.

   Samuel Cunningham was born in Indiana in 1849. In 1861 he came to Minnesota
with his father, Thomas Cunningham; they settled on a farm and he remained with
his parents until 1873. Mrs. Emily A. Sebrell, widow of B. T. Sebrell and
daughter of Thomas Surman, who was one of the first settlers of Wright county,
and who died there in 1874, became the wife of Mr. Cunningham in 1873. She had
one child by her first husband, George T. Mr. Cunningham also has one child,
Herbert.

   John Dalchow, a native of Germany, was born in 1825, and came to America in
1854. He lived in Illinois three and one-half years, then came to Minnesota and
settled on his present farm in Watertown. He first erected a little log cabin
which he occupied until 1879, then built one of the finest residences in the
town. He was married in Germany in 1849 to Miss Elizabeth Barow. Edith, wife of
Charles Putzel, died in 1879, aged twenty-three years; Christian, Fred and
Joseph have also passed away. The living are John, Henry, Rosa, Amelia, Albert
and Louis.

   John Devine is a son of the late Thomas Devine. The father was a native of
Ireland, born in 1829, and when twenty years of age was married to Miss Mary
Kegan. In 1852 they came to America and to Massachusetts, where they lived until
1862. Came to Minnesota and located on their farm in Watertown; then Mr. Devine
enlisted in Company D, First Minnesota, serving until July 22, 1865, at which
time he died at Fort Snelling. His remains were taken to Watertown for
interment. He left a wife and five children. John, Thomas, Jr., and Martin P.
live on the farm. M. W. L. lives in Minneapolis; Catherine, the only daughter,
met her death September 24, 1874, by the explosion of a steam thresher on their
farm.  Four other persons were also killed by the explosion.

   Isaac B. Edwards, deceased, was a native of North Carolina, born in 1804. At
an early day he removed to Gosport, Indiana, where he lived until coming to
Minnesota in 1855. Locating in Minneapolis he engaged in the hardware and
general merchandise business for five years, and in 1859 came to Watertown. Here
he engaged in general merchandising until his death, which occurred in April,
1862. He was married in 1835 to Miss Bathsheba Goss, of Gosport, Indiana. Six
children were born to them: Alpha, Joseph, Ephraim, John, Hannah and Allie.

   C. G. Halgren is a native of Sweden, born in 1840. When twelve years old he
with his parents came to America, locating in Whiteside county, Illinois; he
remained until 1858. There he received his early education and learned the
printer's trade, following it four years. With his parents he came to Watertown
in 1858; he enlisted in Company B, Ninth Minnesota, served through the entire
rebellion, and was honorably discharged August 24, 1865. Returning to Watertown
he was employed as a clerk until 1875, with the exception of a short time spent
in Montana. He then embarked in the drug trade, in which he has since continued.
. In 1878 he was appointed postmaster, which office he still holds. He rebuilt
and remodeled his store in 1880. At the last election the people chose him as
their representative to the legislature. Mr. Halgren and Miss Laura Cunningham
were united in marriage in 1869. Harry, Guy and Lottie are their children.

   Frank L. Halgren, a native of Sweden, was born in 1851, and came to America
with his parents when only one year old. They lived in Whiteside county,
Illinois, until 1858, then settled in Watertown. Until eighteen years old he
worked at home and attended the public school; completed his education when
twenty-two years old, and has since been engaged in teaching school. In 1880 he
was appointed census enumerator for the town of Watertown. Miss Carrie McKee
became the wife of Mr. Halgren in 1880.

   Ernest Hainlin was born in New York in 1844; with his parents he came to Long
Lake, Minnesota in 1855, and the next year settled at Watertown on a claim. He
lived with his parents until 1860, then started out for himself. Went to St.
Paul and clerked for some time in a store; thence went to Anoka. April 29, 1861,
he enlisted in Company H, First Minnesota; served only one year; was mustered
out in consequence of ill-health. In August, 1862, having regained his health,
he enlisted in Company B, Ninth Minnesota; was sergeant of the company, and was
captured at the battle of Guntown, Mississippi, in June, 1864. He was held at
Andersonville and Savannah until November 25, 1864, during which time he was
commissioned second lieutenant, but did not receive it on account of his
imprisonment. On being released he was acting sergeant-major until mustered out
in August, 1865. In 1870 he was admitted to the bar of Minnesota, and since that
time he has practiced law; for four years he served as county attorney. October
18, 1868, he married Miss Mary A., daughter of Mr. Lewis, founder of Watertown.
Charles E., Eleanor, Albert and Mary E. are their children.

   Adam Hill was born in Germany in 1842. Came to America with his parents when
ten years of age. The father, John Hill, first settled in Wisconsin, where he
lived until 1866, removing thence to the farm in Watertown, where he died the
same year. Adam enlisted in 1862 in Company A, Second Kansas cavalry, and after
the close of the war remained in the standing army until 1868. During that year
he came to Watertown, and has since lived on his father's farm. He was elected
to the legislature in 1879, was county commissioner from 1875 to '80, town
assessor from 1870 to '75, and has also filled other important offices. Married
in 1869 to Miss Amelia Blaing, who has borne him five children: Lena, Louis,
John, Katie and Willie.

   Cyrus H. Hutchins was born at Mount Vernon, Maine, in 1800. He lived there
until 1852, then came to Minnesota, locating in Minneapolis. The first five
years here be gave his attention to agriculture, then until 1872 engaged in
teaming. Coming to Watertown in 1872 he purchased his present property. He was
married in 1823 to Miss Rachel C. Chandler, who was born in Maine in 1804. Five
children have been born to them: Joseph C. lives in Polk county, Minnesota; Mary
E. the wife of John Green, of Minneapolis; Francis H., Rhoda A. and Charles A.
have died.

   Peter Iustus was born in 1840 and is a native of Sweden. Came to the United
States in 1850 and for six years lived in Pennsylvania. On coming to Minnesota,
be with his parents settled on the banks of Swede lake, in Watertown. His
father, Daniel Iustus, lived on the farm until 1866 then moved to Becker county,
Minnesota, where he still lives. In 1861 Peter joined Company I, Second
Minnesota volunteers; served until the close of the war. While home on a
furlough in 1863 he purchased the farm on which he now lives and to which he
returned when the war closed. His wife was Miss Anna Peterson, whom he married
in in 1867. They have five children: James C., Henry H., George I., Selma A.,
and Elmer L.

   F. H. Japs is a German by birth, born in 1842 and came in 1861 to the United
States. He lived in Minneapolis, St. Paul and other places until 1865, then went
to Illinois, remained two years. Came to Watertown and engaged in merchandising
until 1874; he then opened a grocery and commission house in Minneapolis, and
one and one-half years later began general merchandising. Closing out his stock
in 1879 he became a resident of Watertown and purchased one-third interest in
the Watertown plow works, of which his brother is senior partner. In 1874 he
married Miss D. Londwehr, who has borne him three children: Anna, Elizabeth and
Wilhelma.

   Philip O. Johnson is a native of Sweden, born in 1833. Came to America and
after passing six years in Pennsylvania pre-empted a claim in Watertown. On this
he has since lived. In February, 1865, he enlisted in the First Minnesota heavy
artillery and was mustered out after a service of eight months. He was one of
the town supervisors in 1861-74 and '75, and has held other offices. December
24, 1857, Miss Josephine Brown became his wife. Three sons and one daughter have
been born to them: Florence W., Alford P., David E. and Fred N.

   Celestine Kohler was born in Freisenheim, Baden, April 7, 1823. At the age of
fifteen and one-half years he became an orphan. He then served an apprenticeship
as harness-maker, after which he traveled through France, Switzerland,
Wurtemburg and Austria, working at his trade. In 1846 returned to his native
village and started in business as a harnessmaker, which he carried on with
success ten years. In August, 1846, he married Magdalena Roth and six children
were born to them in that country: Gustave, Magdalena, Amelia, Caroline, Albert
and Carl. The two youngest died in infancy. In October, 1856, he immigrated to
America with his family, where his mother, four brothers and one sister had
preceded him. He arrived at Dubuque, Iowa, in November; remained until the next
spring, then came to Minnesota; he located on the south-west quarter of section
29 of Watertown, which tract he preempted and lived on about nine years. During
the time he experienced the various hardships and difficulties incident to
pioneer life. In 1865 he purchased the Watertown Hotel and took possession the
following year; also continues harness-making. For some years past he has
carried the United States mails daily from Watertown to Delano and return, and
is now proprietor of the stage route to Delano. Since coming to Watertown six
more children have been born to them; the living are, Celestine, Josephine, Otto
A., and Louisa. February 6, 1878 Mrs. Kohler died, and September 17, 1880 his
daughter Caroline passed away.

   M. F. Lienan was born in 1829 in Germany; his youth was passed in his native
country, and in 1856 he came to America. He made his home in New York one year,
in Chicago six months, in Davenport, Iowa, one year, and in 1864 came to
Watertown. He purchased the Union mill; the mill burned in 1865; he rebuilt and
again it was consumed by fire in 1880. On rebuilding he made it on a larger and
better plan, and has taken as a partner Mr. Roescheise. Their water power cost
about $7,000, and when water is low the mills are run by steam. Mr. Lienan was
married in St. Paul in 1862, to Miss Mary Peaisley, who has borne him eight
children.

   Benjamin F. Light was born in Frederick county, Virginia, in 1823. Learned
the trade of carpenter and pursued it until 1855; he came the next year to
Minnesota, and settled on a claim. He served only two months in the Second
Minnesota cavalry, and has since lived on his farm. Has been one of the town
board of supervisors about ten years; was also elected county commissioner, but
did not serve; was a delegate to the first county convention and a member of the
first jury in the district court. Miss Esther Haum was married to him in 1845.
She was born in 1824. They have seven children living: Sarah V., wife of A J.
Carvin; Martha A., wife of E. H. Edwards; John G., Esther A., wife of Isaac
Shaw, of Illinois; Joel B., Julia B., wife of Frank McKee, and Susan M.

   Fritz Luders is a native of Germany, born in 1834. When eighteen years old he
came to America and for six months lived in Wisconsin. May 2, 1856 he came to
Minnesota; remained in Chaska six months, then settled on a farm in Hennepin,
county. He farmed twelve years, and on coming to Watertown engaged in the liquor
trade. After seven years experience in saloon keeping he started the Watertown
brewery, which has a capacity of 800 barrels per year. Mr. Luders enlisted in
the 11th Minnesota, served until June 23, 1865, when he was mustered out of
service. Married April 10, 1858, to Miss Elizabeth Otto.

   Nelson Mattson, a native of Sweden, was born in 1827. In 1855 he moved to
Illinois where he remained two years, then came to Watertown. He settled on a
farm in section 15, and lived there until seven years ago, then sold out and
purchased his present farm. In 1865 he served two months in the First Minnesota
heavy artillery, and was mustered out with his regiment. Married in 1858 Miss
Caroline Johnson, who died in 1865. His second marriage was with Miss Christine
Johnson in 1867. John P., Huldy, Charles A., Annie and Frank A.

   William B. McClellan was born in Franklin county, New York, in 1847. When
five years old he with his parents moved to St. Lawrence county. At the age of
sixteen he enlisted in Company F, 100th New York; served three years and was
mustered out in June, 1865. He received two wounds, one in the mouth, the other
in the shoulder, which rendered him unfit for further duty. He remained in the
East until 1867, then came to Minnesota. Worked at the carpenter's trade two
years; then went to Illinois, pursuing his trade there also one year, then went
to Iowa. In 1875 he located in Watertown, and for three years gave his time to
well driving; he then purchased the hotel he now manages. In Illinois, 1870, he
married Miss Ellen McLean, who died at Rolfe, Iowa, in January, 1872. His second
wife was Miss Ann Otto, married in 1877. Effie and Lillie are their children.

   A. G. Miller, a native of Sweden, was born in 1843. Came to America in 1852
and lived in Pennsylvania until 1857, then came to Watertown, locating on a farm
with his parents. He clerked in the store of J. C. Flood one year, and in
August, 1862, enlisted in Company B, Ninth .Minnesota; was mustered out in July,
1865. Returning to Watertown he purchased the farm on which he has since lived.
Was elected assessor in 1868 and held the office two terms; re-elected in 1876
and still fills the position by re-election. Married in 1865 to Miss Hanna
Iustus. Six children have been born to them: George U., Ella A., Amanda H., L.
J., Alvan C. and Walter L.

   Peter Monson, an early settler of Watertown, was born in 1816 and is a native
of Sweden. Came to America in 1852, and settled in Jamestown, New York; one and
one-half years later went to Pittsfield, Pennsylvania. He made his home there
until coming to Minnesota in May, 1857, and settled on his present farm. In
March, 1846, he married Miss Margaret Samuels. Their living children are P. J.,
who lives in Wright county Minnesota, and Samuel. Mr. Monson served as town
supervisor for nine years.

   Ichabod Murphy was born in Indiana, in 1841. When seven years old his parents
moved to Illinois and in 1856 to Minnesota, purchasing a farm in Wright county,
where his father still lives. In 1858 the father bought a farm for his son in
Watertown, which he has cultivated since attaining majority. In September, 1862
he enlisted in company C, First Minnesota mounted rangers; served until October,
1864; re-enlisted in company F, Eleventh Minnesota and served until June, 1865.
He returned to his farm but soon after removed to Redwood county, remaining four
years. Since that time he has been a resident of Watertown. In April, 1871, Miss
Rhoda Stewart became the wife of Mr. Murphy. James, Ida, Hannah, and Rebecca A.
are their children.

   George Roescheise is a native of Germany, born in 1841. His father was a
miller, and he learned the trade and followed it until coming to America in
1867; settled in New Ulm and removed to Minneapolis after one and one-half
years. During his four years stay in Minneapolis he worked at his trade in the
Gibson Union mills; then went to Hudson, Wisconsin for five years. After making
his home in Dayton, Minnesota, three years, he went to Waconia and in 1875
settled in Watertown, and became a partner with Mr. Leinan in the Union mills.
He married at Waconia in 1874, Miss C. Himelsbach a native of Germany, born in
1844. George, Olga and Oscar are their children.

   Walter St. John was born in Ohio, in 1840. At the age of seventeen he learned
the jewelers' trade in Cleveland, Ohio, and worked at it until his enlistment.
August 14, 1861, he joined the 29th Ohio infantry, and was a member of the
regimental band, for one year, then engaged in recruiting a part of the 105th
Ohio, and on May 2, 1864, he joined the 164th Ohio, company F. At the close of
the war he returned to Ohio, but removed in 1871, to Howard Lake, Minnesota. He
taught school one term; subsequently took a claim near St. James; soon after
went to Winsted as acting agent for land claims, for a few months. In 1874,
settled in Watertown, where he has since had charge of the saw-mills. September
20, 1862, he married Miss Jane Doyle, who has borne him five children.

   C. O. Teas was born in Wayne county, Indiana, in 1844. While a young man he
learned the painters' trade and has since followed it. In 1856 he with his
parents came to Minnesota and settled in Minnetonka township, removing in 1878
to Delano. In February, 1880, he became a resident of Watertown, where he
started a paint shop. He enlisted in 1861 in Company D, 20th Ohio; served three
months. Re-enlisted in Company D, 13th United States infantry, receiving his
discharge at the expiration of three years' service. Miss Annette Hawkins became
his wife in 1870; she died July 1, 1876, leaving one child, C. D. His second
marriage was with Miss Allie, daughter of the late Isaac Edwards, in October, 1880.

   Henry Weygand, a native of Germany, was born in 1826. In 1862 he came to
America and for four years his home was in Delaware, but in 1866 he came to
Minnesota; since that time Watertown has been his home. He is engaged in the
furniture trade in this town, and is doing a good business. Mr. Weygand was
married in 1860.

   Jacob Yager, a native of Germany, was born in 1855. He lived in his native
country until 1863 when with his parents he came to America. They located on a
farm in Watertown township, on which they lived fourteen years. Since then they
have lived in the village. Jacob ran a saloon for three years and has since been
in the meat trade. His marriage with Miss Minnie Keital took place January 31,
1877. Two daughters have been born to them. Clara died at the age of two years;
Lena was born July 2, 1880.


Additional Comments:
Extracted from 

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


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