Carver County MN Archives History - Books .....Waconia, Benton, Hancock, Young America And Hollywood 1882
************************************************
Copyright.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/mn/mnfiles.htm
************************************************

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Joy Fisher http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00001.html#0000031 June 20, 2015, 10:56 pm

Book Title: History Of The Minnesota Valley

CHAPTER LVI.

WACONIA-BENTON-HANCOCK-YOUNG AMERICA-HOLLYWOOD.

   Waconia township is situated in the central part of Carver county. The
surface is rolling and supplied with numerous lakes; the largest of which is
Clearwater. It is a very beautiful lake four miles long and nearly three miles
wide. It has about eighteen miles of shore most of which is high with a gravelly
beach'. The water is very clear, hence its name, and well stocked with fish.
About a half mile from the village of Waconia is an island containing
thirty-seven acres. It is situated very high and affords fine opportunities for
pleasure parties.

   Probably Ludwig Suthenner and Michael Scheidnagel were the first settlers in
the town. They both came early in the summer of 1855. Mr. Suthenner made a claim
on the east half of section 23 and south-west quarter of section 24; he made his
home on south-west quarter of section 24, where he still resides. Mr.
Scheidnagel made a claim on the south-east quarter of section 24, where he still
resides. Other settlers of 1855 were Charles Kiefer, Simon Moy and E. Hyde. Mr.
Keifer made his claim on the north-west quarter of section 23; he held the claim
about two months and then returned to St. Paul. Mr. Moy made a claim on the
north-west quarter of section 24, where he still resides. Mr. Hyde made a claim
on the north-west quarter of section 32; he remained there but a .few months
when he removed to the village of Waconia. A great many claims were made in the
town during 1856; among the number were Charles Guggemos, Anton Suchanek, Henry
Tukan, Fredrich Henke, Casper Volner, Jacob Volkenant, and J. A. Simon, all of
whom are still living upon their original claims.

   The first election in the town was held May 11, 1858. Officers: Hermann
Graeving, chairman and justice of the peace; S. Birkard and D. Wagner,
supervisors; E. Hyde, town clerk and justice of the peace; J. Johnson, assessor
and constable; J. Behrenfeld, collector; Hermann Loegering, overseer of the poor
and constable.

   John Moy was born in January, 1856, and this was the first birth. Mrs.
Thiele, mother of A. Thiele, on section 23, died about 1857, and this was
probably the first death. Simon Moy and Mary Tommos were married in the spring
of 1855, and this was the first marriage.

   The village of Waconia was surveyed and platted in March, 1857, by G. W. King
on land owned by R. P. Russell of Minneapolis, in lots one and two, section 13
and lot eight, section 14. It is situated on the south bank of Clearwater lake
and also on the Pacific extension of the Minneapolis & St. Louis railroad, and
has 255 inhabitants. A steamer is run on the lake; it is sixty feet in length
and owned by Miller, Bierline & Johnson.

   Waconia post-office was established in 1857; E. Hyde, postmaster; he retained
the office but a short time when Hermann Berreau was appointed in his stead. Mr.
Berreau held the office until 1868 when Lewis Golthalf was appointed, and he was
succeeded in 1872 by Albert Kohler who still retains the position.

   The business interests are: Seven general stores, two hardware, one drug
store and bank, one furniture store, three boot and shoe shops, one harness
shop, a tailor shop, three blacksmith shops, two wagon shops, one meat market,
one boat builder, one grist-mill, one saw-mill, one warehouse, one hotel, one
brewery, five saloons, one steamboat line. The village has two churches; one
public and two sectarian schools.

   First grist-mill in Waconia township was built in the village of Waconia by
Habeck & Enders in 1867 at a cost of $14,000; capacity thirty barrels per day.
In that year the same firm also erected a saw-mill at a cost of $2,000; capacity
10,000 feet per day. In 1878 these mills were burned, and immediately Bierline
Bros. erected a new saw and grist-mill near the site of the old mills at a cost
of $19,000. The capacity of the saw-mill is 8,000 feet per day, and of the
grist-mill thirty barrels per day. In 1879 the grist-mill was remodeled
throughout. The present owners are Bierline, Zahler & Miller.

   Waconia brewery was built in 1865 by Zahler & Metz. After various changes in
the firm, in 1875 Mr. Zahler was in the business alone. In that year the
building was burned; it was immediately rebuilt on a larger scale at a cost of
$2,000; capacity twelve barrels per day.

   Waconia Catholic church was organized in 1857 by P. Bruno Riss, O. S. B.
Previous to 1858 services were held at private houses. In this year a church was
built at a cost of $600. In 1875 a new structure was erected at a cost of
$9,000. At organization the membership embraced thirty families; at present it
numbers one hundred and fifteen. A parochial school is connected with the
church. Paceficus Kohnen, O. S. F., is the officiating priest.

   Trinity Evangelical Lutheran church was organized in 1865, with a membership
of twenty families. Rev. John Horst was the first pastor, and under his
direction a church was built, at a cost of $2,000, in 1866. The present
membership numbers one hundred families. A parochial school is connected with
the church. Rev. William Friedrich is the present pastor.

   Societies—St. Antonia's Catholic Mutual Aid Society was organized in 1878
with the following officers: A. E. Kaeder, president; Herman Huelsbeck,
secretary; Anton Wortmann , treasurer. At organization there were fifteen
members. The object, mutual aid and insurance benefit. St. Joseph's Society,
local, object—support of the Catholic school at Waconia. It was organized in
1861, with Hermann Loegering as president. The original object of the society
was the support of the church; but two years since it was changed to the support
of the school, and $500 was turned into school fund.

   Zion's Evangelical church, located on section 6, was organized in 1868.
Previous to this time services were held at private houses. Rev. Liuse was the
first minister who preached in the neighborhood. In 1868 the society built a
church, under the direction of Rev. Rakarz, at a cost of $400. Membership was
twenty at organization, and numbers forty at present. Rev. William Fritz is the
officiating pastor.

   The first school was taught by Charles Shilling, a resident of the town, in
1858. A frame school-house, about 15x20, was built in the village of Waconia in
that year. The attendance numbered about fifteen scholars. There are seven
school-houses in the town, all frame.

   The first burial in the cemetery on section 24 was the wife of Zachariah
Diehl, who had made a claim on or near section 22.

   A cemetery on section 8 was established in 1862, and the first burial therein
was Theresa Volkenant, daughter of Jacob Volkenant, who located on section 7 in
1856. She died in 1863.

   Jacob Bierline is a native of Minnesota, born in Carver county in 1858. He is
a son of George Bierline, one of the oldest settlers in the county. He is a
partner with Mr. Zahler in a saw and gristmill at Waconia.

   Anthony Claesgens, a native of Prussia, was born in 1816. He acquired a good
practical education and was raised on a farm. He was married to Josephine
Meager, also a native of Prussia. Came to America in 1857 and located in
Waconia, where he still lives. Mrs. Claesgens died in 1871, leaving eight children.

   Adolph Eiselein is a native of Baden, Germany, born in 1836. He learned the
printer's trade in his native country, and in 1852 came to America. He first
made his home in New Ulm, but was compelled to remove on account of the Indian
trouble in 1862. He enlisted in the United States service and was stationed on
the frontier. In 1865 he located in Carver county, and is now engaged in the
mercantile trade at Waconia.

   William Friedrich is a German, born in 1839. He received a good literary
education and was also educated for the ministry. Came to America in 1866 and
located in Carver county in 1871. He is at present pastor of the German Lutheran
church at Waconia.

   C. Guggermos was born in Germany in 1824. His youth was spent at work on his
father's farm and in school. In 1853 he came to America, and two years later
moved to Waconia. He served nine months in the Second Minnesota volunteers, and
was with General Sherman through Georgia. His wife was Miss Emily Frey, married
in 1858. Five children have been born to them: Charles, Joseph, John, Theresa
and Annie.

   Albert Kohler was born in Baden, in 1830. He came to America in 1851. In 1861
settled in Waconia and for four years engaged in farming. He enlisted in 1864
and received an honorable discharge in 1866. Since then he has engaged in the
hardware and tin trade, keeping a general assortment of all articles in that
line. For nine years past Mr. Kohler has been postmaster at Waconia. In 1854 he
married Cathrine Kramer, who has borne him ten children.

   D. Van Krevelen, M. D., was born in Holland in 1828. In his native country he
received a collegiate education and was also educated as a physician in the
medical schools of Germany. Came to America in 1854, landing in Baltimore; was
shortly after appointed superintendent of a marine hospital at Valparaiso, South
America. He was still there at the religious and political outbreak in 1858-'9.
He and his family experienced severe difficulties and hardships, and were
finally taken from the city by the crew of a sloop-of-war. Returned to Baltimore
in 1860, and during the rebellion was engaged as surgeon in the hospital and
field work. After peace was restored he spent one year in Europe, then returned
and settled in Grand Rapids, Michigan; moved to Belle Plaine in 1876, and in
1880 became a resident of Waconia. Dr. Van Krevelen was married in Holland in
1849; his wife died in 1867. Gertrude Edons become his second wife in 1873. She
is also a native of Holland.

   A. C. Lassen is a native of Germany, born in 1835.  Was brought up in the
mercantile business. In 1857 he came to America and three years later came to
Carver county. He went across the plains with General Sully in 1862. Returned
afterward to Waconia and embarked in the mercantile trade. Mrs. Rose Niehaus
became his wife in 1870.

   Benediht Maiser is a native of Wurtemburg, Germany, born in 1830. When
fourteen years of age he came to America and settled in Waconia in 1863. He has
since been a resident of this village and is now engaged in the mercantile
business.

   John G. Sauter, retired farmer, was born in Germany in 1820. He acquired a
knowledge of the pottery trade in early life, and later traveled throughout the
continent of Europe. He took an active part in the French rebellion in 1848-'9,
and in 1851 came to America. He located in the south and engaged in various
business pursuits until 1858, then settled in Waconia on his present place.
During the Indian outbreak he took an active part. Miss F. Sauter became his
wife in 1850. Four children have been born to them: J. D., born in Germany,
Annie A., Clara and August.

   Andrew F. Schutz, a native of Germany, was born in 1839. He immigrated to
Wisconsin in 1856. He afterward made his home in St. Paul from 1865 to 1877, at
which time he became a resident of Waconia. He is now proprietor of the Lake
Shore Hotel, which is situated on the banks of the beautiful Clearwater lake.
The Lake Shore House is fast becoming a favorite and popular resort for traveler
or pleasure seeker. Mr. Schutz was married in 1867 to Mary J. Muller, who has
borne him three children; Mollie I., Andrew and Otto.

   Michael Zahler, who is a native of Germany, was born in 1840. He learned the
brewing business, and came to America in 1857; in 1865 came to Carver county.
The same year he married Catherine Stenger, and has five children. Mr. Zahler is
proprietor of the Waconia brewery, also one of the owners of the steam saw and
grist-mills.

BENTON.

   Benton township is in the south central part of Carver county. The town is
traversed by Bevens' creek, which flows across the southern part. In 1880 the
population of Benton was 1,420; valuation of real estate, $266,116; personal
property, $45,402. The earliest settler in the town of whom there is authentic
record was Christian Hebeisen who came in May, 1855, and lived on section 2
until 1876. The same year Gottlieb Urbach made a claim on section 27. He was
followed by Jacob Sauter, John Lundheim, John Etzell, Sr., Robert Miller, John
Wienmann, John Guthling, Nicholas Henrion and John Eichelberger.

   The first birth was that of Mary, daughter of John Guthling, in the summer of
1855. The first death was John Miller, son of Robert Miller, who resides in
Benton village. The child died in 1855, when but six weeks old. It was born in
Laketown while the mother was on the way to Benton, from Chaska. .

   The first town meeting was held at the house of Robert Miller, on section 11,
May 11, 1858, with Joseph Weinmann as moderator and Edward Rensse clerk.
Officers elected: Robert Miller, chairman and justice; John Etzell and Erank
Seiberlich, supervisors; Joseph Weinmann, town clerk, collector and constable;
William Schneider, justice of the peace; Michael Hermann, constable.

   During the war a meeting was called and money voted to pay bounties to fill
the quota of the town; the call was, however, declared illegal, and no further
attempts were made in this direction.

   Benton village was surveyed in June, 1880, by H. J. Cheever, on land owned by
Casper Kronschnabel and others, on sections 11 and 12, on the north side of
Benton lake. The village had a population of 100 in 1880, and in March, 1881,
was incorporated. The first village officers were: George Kronschnabel,
president; George Bleichner, Anton Finger and Joseph Graeber, council; Peter
Williams, recorder; Friedrich Metzger, treasurer; William Hochtman, justice;
Henry Wittsock, marshal.

   Benton post-office was established in 1860, with George Bleichner as
postmaster. His successors were Mathias Erst and L. Streukens. In 1879 the
office was removed to Cologne, but was re-established in Benton in February,
1880, and Casper Kronschnabel appointed postmaster.

   The village of Benton has three general stores, one hardware, one shoe and
harness shop, one blacksmith shop, one warehouse, a saw and gristmill, an
elevator and three saloons. The saw-mill was built in 1866 by Casper
Kronschnabel; the grist-mill was built by him the following year, and was
furnished with two run of stone. In 1874 Nicholas Heurion became a partner in
the business, and in 1878 the grist-mill was enlarged and fitted with four run
of stone, three sets of rollers and a new sixty horse-power engine. In 1879 the
film erected an elevator with a capacity of 12,000 bushels.

  Cologne was surveyed in August, 1880, by H. J. Cheever, on land owned by Adam
and Paul Mohrbacher on the north-west quarter of section 15, on the Hastings &
Dakota railroad.

  The village was incorporated in 1881. Officers elected:  Jacob Menwessen,
president; Henry Plankers, John E. Holm and Charles Schabaker, council; Gerhard
Bongard, recorder; Paul Morhbacher, treasurer; Lucas Dols, justice of the peace;
Franz Blackner, marshal. In 1879 the post-office was removed from Benton village
to Cologne, and Peter Wirtz appointed postmaster, which position he held until
his death in July, 1880, when Gerhard Bongard was appointed. The depot was built
in 1872 and the first station agent was F. M. Mallen. The present agent is
Gerhard Bongard. There are in the village two general stores, one hardware
store, one drug store and one furniture store, one' blacksmith shop, one wagon
shop, a grist-mill and an elevator.

  In 1880 the Cologne grist-mill was built by Bongard & Co., at a cost of
$10,000. At first the capacity of the mill was sixty barrels of flour per day,
since increased to 100 barrels. Three run of stone and seven rollers are in use.
About 70,000 bushels of merchant grinding is done in a year in addition to a
large amount of custom work. Patent process is in use. The power is steam,
furnished by a forty horse-power engine. In the fall of 1880, Archibald and
Ames, of Dundas, erected an elevator, capable of holding 20,000 bushels.

  Bongard post-office, situated on section 21, was established in 1873; Herman
Bongard, postmaster. Theodore Spiecker is the present postmaster.

  The first school in the township was taught by Emma Noyes in the fall of 1857
in a room of F. Lutz's house at Benton village. About 1865 a frame house was
built for the accommodation of this school. There are now four other
school-houses in the town; three frame and one log.

  St. Bernard's Catholic church was organized in 1856 by Father Mehlmann, with a
membership of nineteen families. Services were held at the house of John
Mohrbacher until 1860, when a church was built under direction of P. Bruno Riss,
O. S. B., at a cost of $500. A few years since a new brick church was erected,
under the management of Rev. Godfrey H. Braun, costing $14,000. The present
membership is one hundred and ten families. In connection with the church is a
parochial school with an attendance of 150. Stephen Lutz, who died in 1857, was
the first buried in the church cemetery. Father Braun is still the officiating
priest.

   Zion's United Evangelical church, on section 30, was organized in 1870 by
Rev. Jacob Burkart. Previous to this occasional meetings were held at private
houses. In 1870 a church was built at a cost of $1,200. Present membership,
thirty families. Rev. Edward Herschen, pastor.

   St. John's Reformed church, on section 17, was organized January 2, 1866, by
Rev. John Romeis with sixty communicants. Previous to this time services were
held at private houses. In 1866 a church was erected at a cost of $400. Present
membership, 126 communicants, Officiating pastor, Rev. L. Ziegler.

   Ebenezer Methodist Episcopal church, on section 24, was organized with a
membership of six, in 1856, by Rev. John Schnell. In 1861 a log church was
built, and in 1881 a frame house of worship was erected which cost $1,000. At
present the church numbers thirty members. The pastor is William Grieve.

   Zion's Evangelical Lutheran church was organized in 1858 by Rev. Kahmeir. The
first church was erected in 1864, and in 1880 a new one, which cost $4,300, was
built under the direction of the present pastor, Rev. Theodore Krumsieg. There
are fifty families in connection with this church; under its management is a
parochial school.

   George Bleichner, a native of France, was born in 1827. Came to America with
his parents when only eighteen months old. They landed in Baltimore, then
proceeded by wagon to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. George lived there with his
parents until after the age of twenty-two. In 1850 he went to California, but
returned to Pennsylvania two years later. In May, 1853, he married Miss Caroline
Barbary, and continued there seven years, then came to Benton. Here he has since
lived, and is at present engaged in the mercantile business; keeps a boarding
house and saloon. Mr. and Mrs. Bleichner have had eleven children, nine of whom
are living.

   G. Bongard, station agent at Cologne, Carver county, was born in Wisconsin in
1852. His parents moved to Cologne when he was only six years old, where his
father bought a farm of 160 acres on section 17. He resided at the home of his
parents until 1875 when he was employed by the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul
railway as station agent at Cologne; he also owns one-third interest in the
flour mill at Cologne. Married in 1876 to Louisa Mesenbring, who has borne him
three children.

   Rev. Godfrey H. Braun was born November 10, 1852, at Wetter, Westphalia,
Germany. Commenced his Latin studies in 1865 at Hagen, at the college of
Paderborn; studied in philosophy, theology and mathematics at Munster and in
September, 1874, started for America; finished his studies at the Seminary of
St. Francis, of Sales, near Milwaukee, Wisconsin. There he received the
deaconship from Archbishop Henni, of Milwaukee; was ordained by Right Reverend
Bishop Grace, of St. Paul, May 3, 1876. He was sent to Benton as his first
mission in June, 1876. Here he has been instrumental in building the new brick
church at a cost of $12,000 in 1877, also the new brick school-house at a cost
of $3,500, in 1880. The brick church at Norwood was also erected in 1880 under
his supervision. He attends this congregation twice per month. His parents and a
cousin came from Germany, and are living with him.

   Lucas Dols is a native of Holland, born in 1846. In 1862 he accompanied the
family to America. From New York they came to St. Paul, then directly to Carver
county. Lucas learned the carpenter trade and in 1871 he formed a partnership
with Peter Jorissen. They are engaged in building and cabinet making. Mr. Dols
is justice of the peace and director of school board, district number
twenty-seven. His marriage with Miss Mary Jorissen took place in 1871. Lembert,
Mary, Anna and Catharine are their children.

   Joseph Gruber, a cooper by trade, is a native of Austria, born in 1854. At
the age of thirteen years he came with his parents to the United States, they
went to St. Paul and remained two years, then to Chaska; he remained there with
his parents until 1876. In the mean time he learned the cooper trade of his
father. Has since lived in Benton, engaged in coopering. He is one of the
village trustees. Married in 1876 to Miss Louisa Lutz who has borne him two
children. Emma died in March, 1880. Mary is living.

   J. C. Harms, native of Germany, was born in 1819. From 1836 until 1855 he
devoted his time to the lumber trade. Coming to America in 1855 he remained in
New York a short time then went to Illinois; in April, 1856, he made a claim of
160 acres on which he still lives. In 1860 he added eighty acres by purchase and
in 1874 bought 160 acres more at a cost of $3,000. His marriage with Margaret
Uetzmann took place in 1852. Nine children, have been born to them, seven of
whom are living.

   N. Heurion was born in France in 1828. He worked at wagon making until twenty
years of age. In 1848 came to America and after six months residence in New
Orleans, removed to Louisville, Kentucky. He also worked at his trade in Indiana
and Illinois. Made a claim of 160 acres in Benton township in 1855, and still
lives there. He also owns one-half interest in the flouring mill at Benton. In
1861 he enlisted in the Fifth Iowa cavalry and served four years; was twice
wounded, at Sugar Creek and at Waverly, Tennessee.

   J. P. Johnson was born in 1855 in Sweden. The family came to this country in
1860, landing in New York August 10. They proceeded directly to St. Paul, thence
to Carver; one year later removed to Benton, purchasing at the same time forty
acres on which they now live. In 1866 they added twenty acres by purchase. J. P.
hought forty acres from his father in 1880.

   Peter Jorissen, builder and cabinet maker, is a native of Holland, born in
1847. When fourteen years of age he accompanied his parents and family to the
United States. The father purchased 240 acres in Benton township. Peter lived at
home until twenty-three years of age and during the time learned the carpenter
trade. He owns twenty-five acres in section 14 but is engaged principally in
building and cabinet business. Married in 1869 Elizabeth Roadschalders, Cecilia,
Henry, Catherine, Mary E., John and Lucas are their children.

   Casper Kronschnabel was born in Germany in 1837. With his parents he came to
America at the age of nine years. He lived with them in Ohio until fifteen years
of age, then started out to earn his own livelihood. He spent one and one-half
years at Lake Superior, Michigan, and in 1856 came to St. Paul. Then moved to
Chaska, making it his home five or six years, engaged in a saw-mill. Returned to
Michigan and remained five years; then came back to Chaska and built a house on
his farm, living there until 1867. He then spent about two years in Young
America and during the time built a flouring mill and sold it. Came to Benton in
1868 and erected a saw-mill and the next year a flouring mill, both of which he
keeps in-operation. In 1861 he was united in marriage with Miss Anna Ohler, who
has borne him twelve children. Mr. Kronschnabel is chairman of the village board
and postmaster at Benton.

   Frederick Lemke was born in Germany in 1820. For thirty-three years he lived
on a farm. He was married in 1850 and six years later came to America; he
visited Chicago, St. Paul and finally settled in Benton. Previous to immigrating
to this country he served three years in the German army. Mr. and Mrs Lemke have
eight children: Caroline, Frank, Ullena, Mary, William, August, Minnie and
Frederick.

   Samuel A. Lundborg is a native of Sweden, born in 1853. When eight years of
age he and his parents went to Quebec. Canada, thence to St. Paul. The father
purchased a farm of 320 acres in Kandiyohi county, on which they lived only one
year, when they were driven away by the Indians. Samuel was wounded by them and
his three brothers were killed. The remainder of the family moved to Afton,
Washington county, and lived there until the spring of 1853. They rented a farm
in Carver county, and four years later returned to their former home. Seven
years subsequently they sold and located in Benton, purchasing 160 acres where
they now live. The mother died in 1870 at the advanced age of sixty years. Mr.
Lundborg married in 1874 Anna M. Rohnson. Two of the three children born to them
are living.

   O. Mesenbring was born in Illinois in 1853. His parents moved to Benton in
1858, where his father purchased a farm of 160 acres. At his death, which
occurred October 15, 1880, Otto took possession of the old homestead; his mother
lives with him. In 1874 he went to Colorado and spent six years there, four and
one-half years of the time being in the grocery trade. November 28th, 1880, he
was united in marriage with Miss Maggie Fisher.

   Swan Olson, a native of Sweden, was born in 1845. Until 1866 he lived in the
land of his nativity, and then came to the United States. He settled in Benton
township in 1869 on section 36. He was married to Mrs. Christine Monson in the
fall of 1870. They now have a family of four children, two by her first husband.

   C. W. Riches, M. D., was born in Davenport, Iowa, in 1850. He remained with
his parents until 16 years of age, then taught school two years; he spent three
years at college, after which he practiced medicine one year. Entering the
Methodist ministry he remained two years, and in 1876 came to Minnesota; in 1878
to Carver county. In 1881 he located at Cologne and started in the drug
business, which he still continues.

   Charles Schabaker was born in Wisconsin in 1858. The family came to St. Paul
when he was about two years of age, and in 1870 moved to Newport, Washington
county. Charles resided with his parents until 1875, then learned the
wagon-maker's trade in St. Paul. He located in Cologne in 1879 and started a
wagon shop.

   Ph. Schiller, a native of Germany, was born in 1852. When nineteen years of
age came to America. From New York he came directly to St. Paul, thence to
Carver county. Here he worked for the farmers until 1880, then purchased
one-half interest in the hardware store with Mr. Meuwisen. He is also assistant
postmaster at Cologne.

   Thomas Sheahan was born in New York in 1854. When a child of six years he
accompanied his parents to St. Paul, and remained there with them until 1879. He
then came to Cologne and purchased one-half interest in the general merchandise
business with Mr. Mohrbacher in 1881.

   M. Sieben is a native of Holland, born in 1814. At the age of fourteen years
he began the study of law. He continued his studies four years; the three years
previous to his coming to America in 1864 were passed as a saloon-keeper. He
came directly from New York to St. Paul. Locating in Benton soon after he bought
a farm of fifty-four acres, on which he still lives. Miss Catherine Cramers
became his wife in 1842. Eleven children have been born to them, four of whom
are living: Gertrude, Caroline, Jane and Henry.

   William Williams was born in 1815 in Holland. In 1863 came to America,
landing at New York. There his stay was brief, as he came to St. Paul, and on to
Benton. Here he located and purchased a farm of 160 acres, for which he paid
$2,000. He was united in marriage with Miss Caroline Jaspers in 1849. They have
had twelve children, ten of whom are living.

HANCOCK.

   This town is composed of the north half of township 114 north, of range 24
west, and lies in the southern part of Carver county, bordering on Sibley. This
town was originally a part of San Francisco, but on March 4, 1868, in accordance
with a petition the county commissioners detached Hancock from San Francisco.
The town is traversed by Eleven mile creek which flows from west to east,
forming a junction with Bevens' creek in San Francisco. The population of
Hancock in 1880 was 681; valuation of real estate, $122,233; personal property,
$19,349.

   Constantine Dougherty was probably the first settler in the town. He made his
claim in the spring of 1856, on section 7; in 1862 he removed from the town and
died in Scott county, in 1881. In the same spring, 1856, John Hogan made a claim
on section 7; after a residence there of about five years, he removed to Sibley
county. Peter Jordan located on section 18 and in 1877 moved to Rock county.
Patrick Lynch made his claim on section 17, and still remains. Martin Ward also
on section 17; James Murphy on section 5; in 1875.he removed to Sibley county.
On section 17 Patrick Gallagher located and resided until 1870, then went to
Jackson county. Thomas Keating also came in the spring of 1856 and settled on
section 18. In the fall of that year Patrick Colbert made a claim on section 8,
and in 1857 brought his family; a short time after their arrival his house was
burned; he then erected one on section 7 where he still resides. Other early
settlers were John Wall, John Doherty, Patrick Conboy and John Conlin, all of
whom came in 1856.

   Daniel Foley and Joseph Hogan were born in June 1856, the first births in the
town. They are still residents of the town. John Austin, father of Mrs. Martin
Ward, died in the winter of 1856, the first death in the town. Michael Miller
and Rose Kundschock were married in 1860, the first marriage in the town of
Hancock.

   The first election in the new town of Hancock was held March 23, 1868 at the
school-house on section 10. Patrick Conlin was elected chairman, Solomon Nord
and Michael Miller, supervisors; Patrick Colbert, town clerk; Patrick Conboy,
treasurer and constable; John Jacobson, assessor; Michael Daley and Solomon
Nord, justices of the peace; G. Bockmann, constable.

   Assumption Catholic church, on section 18, was organized about 1859, two
years later, a frame church was erected at a cost of $1,500, under the direction
of Father Minolff. Previous to this time services had been held at the house of
John Bovy. The church now has a membership of eighty families.

   West Union Evangelical Lutheran church was organized by Rev. P. Carlson and a
frame building erected on section 1. In 1868, it was replaced by a new structure
which cost $2,000, and in 1878, an addition was made and the church supplied
with a pipe organ. The membership is ninety families with Rev. Andrew Jackson as
pastor. A parochial school is connected with the church.

   Gotha church is also located on section 1. The society was organized in 1876
as a Swedish Lutheran church, by dissenters from the West Union church, but in
1879 the denomination was changed to Methodist. The church is a frame building
erected at a cost of $800. Rev. Carlander is pastor.

   The first school taught in the town was held at Martin O'Mally's house in
1863; Mrs. Jordan teacher. There are now three schools in Hancock, numbers 24,
25 and 26. Two of the houses are frame and one is a log structure.

   There are two blacksmith shops, on section 10 and 1. On section 10 is a steam
saw-mill, owned and operated by J. H. Johnson. It is run by a thirty-five
horse-power engine and has a capacity of about 5,000 feet per day.

   Patrick Cavanaugh was born in Ireland in 1833. When sixteen years of age went
to England, and after two years came to America, landing in New Orleans, May 8,
1852. He remained in that state steamboating and farming until 1860. Came to
Minnesota that year and purchased eighty acres in section 15, Hancock township,
which was then all wild land with a heavy growth of timber. He now has two
hundred acres, eighty-five of which are under cultivation. He gives considerable
attention to stock-raising, making a specialty of short-horns. At New Orleans in
1858 he married Miss Mary Tracy. Their family consists of two sons and two
daughters: Margaret, Mary, Denis and Edward.

   Patrick Conboy, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of Ireland, born in
1835. He went to England with his mother when eleven years old, residing there
four years. Came to America and proceeded at once to Wheeling, West Virginia.
Patrick worked there one year in the iron works, and in 1854 went to Lawrence
county, Ohio, where for three years he was employed in a nail factory. In 1856
he came to Carver county and located » claim of 160 acres on section 12, Hancock
township, which he still owns. He has 100 acres of it under cultivation. In 1878
purchased 160 acres on section 18, to which he moved his family. For fifteen
years previous to 1881 held the office of town treasurer. At Cincinnati, Ohio,
in 1859, he married Miss Catherine Gillern. They have four sons and four
daughters living.

    Michael Dowd, farmer, is a native of Ireland. He came to America when a
young man, and first located in Orange county, New York, where he found
employment for one and oue-half years. From there he removed to Indiana, and for
two years worked on a railroad. In 1855 he located in St. Paul, which city was
his home two years. Coming to Carver county he made a claim of eighty acres in
Hancock township, on which he still resides. Enlisted in 1864 in Hatch's
hattal-ion, and served one year. At St. Paul, in 1856, he married Miss Catherine
Rearden. They are the parents of seven children; five sons are living.

    Henry A. Haunchild, farmer, was born in 1814 in Hanover, Germany. He came to
America in 1841, locating first in Ulster county, New York, where he worked at
the butcher's trade several years. In 1846 he enlisted in the Mexican war, in
the United States navy, marine corps of New York. The war ship was named "John
Adams." Was engaged in the action at Point Isabella on the 8th and 9th of May.
Mr. Haunchild was in the service three years, receiving his discharge at
Washington. He afterward lived in the state of New York several years, and in
1855 enlisted in the Tenth United States infantry, which was stationed that year
at Fort Snelling. In the spring of 1856 they were ordered to Fort Ridgely,
remaining there until the fall of 1857, then were dispatched to Fort Bridges,
Utah, at which place Mr. Haunchild was discharged in 1860. He then returned to
Minnesota and purchased 480 acres in sections 2 and 3 in Hancock township, 320
of which he still owns. In 1862 he enlisted in the Second Minnesota cavalry, and
was commissioned Second lieutenant; he was soon discharged, however, on account
of ill-health and weak eyes. Removing to Montana in 1864 he lived there until
1868, when he returned to his farm in Minnesota. Here he has since resided. At
St. Paul, in 1856, Miss C. Hanson became his wife. Four sons and one daughter
were born to them; the sons are still living. Mrs. Haunchild died in Montana in
1881.

John H. Johnson was born in Sweden in 1834. Until twenty years of age he lived
in his native country, working on a farm and at the carpenter's trade. On coming
to America in 1854 he settled first in Northhridge, Massachusetts, where he
engaged in the shoemaker's trade eight months, then came to Carver county. He
made a claim of 160 acres on section 9, San Francisco township, and began
improvements. Disposed of this soon after and made another claim of 160 acres on
section 17, and now owns 440 acres. In 1864 he purchased a saw-mill in Hancock
township; it was run by steam with a thirty-five horsepower engine. He commenced
running in the spring of 1865, and has since that time kept it in running order.
In 1880 he bought the grist-mill known as Glen mill of Le Sueur. It is operated
by both water and steam, and has also four run of stone. During the following
winter he added to it a saw-mill. March 11, 1861, he married Mary H. Benson, who
has borne him five sons and two daughters.

YOUNG AMERICA.

   This town is situated in the extreme south-western part of Carver county. Its
name was changed to Farmington, but there being in the state another town
bearing that name, it was again changed in 1858, and called Florence, by which
it was known until 1863 when it was given the original name of Young America.
Population in 1880, 1,468. Valuation of real estate, $231,656; personal
property, $72,043.

   James Neal was doubtless the first settler in the town. He came in the fall
of 1855 and located on section 4, where he resided until a few years since when
he removed to McLeod county. The following are among those who settled here in
1856:  Joseph Gobel and Isaac Berfield on section 1; the latter is now
postmaster at Plato, McLeod county. R. M. Kennedy, a dentist, settled on section
11; was one of the founders of the village, and always prominent in affairs of
the town and county. He died in 1862. James Slocum, also active in the
organization of the village, lived here until 1873, when he removed to Norwood
where he is engaged in the mercantile and grain business. Alonzo Brown lived on
section 10 until 1880; becoming insane at that time, he was taken to St. Peter.
Judson Burrus remained in the town until 1868, at which time he went to Douglas
county. John Hutchins made a claim on the north side of Tiger lake, but moved to
Wisconsin a few years later.

   A daughter of Isaac Berfield was the first white child born in the town, and
her's was the first death. The first marriage occurred in December, 1856: A. B.
Failing with Sophia, daughter of James Neal. Very little information relative to
early organization, can be obtained owing to the fact that the records of the
town previous to 1865 were destroyed by fire. The first election was held at the
house of E. M. Kennedy, and the first chairman elected was Mr. Kennedy. Philip
Thomas, clerk; Thomas Bartley, assessor; J. H. Thomas, collector; Isaac
Berfield, justice of the peace. During the civil war the town raised a bounty to
fill her quota of men, the amount being $300 per volunteer.

   Young America village is located in the northeastern part of the township, on
sections 11 and 12, on the Pacific extension of the Minneapolis & St. Louis
railroad. It was surveyed in the fall of 1856, on land owned by B. M. Kennedy
and James Slocum, Jr. The village was incorporated March 4, 1879, and had in
1880 a population of 151. The post-office was established about 1856; E. M.
Kennedy postmaster. The present incumbent, J. H. Ackermann, was appointed in
1873. In the village there are two general stores, one boot and shoe store and
two hardware stores, one harness shop, two blacksmith shops, and one wagon shop,
one meat market aud one grist mill. The first mill in the township was built by
R. M. Kennedy and James Slocum, Jr., in 1856; it was a steam saw-mill, and in
1859, a grist mill was added with one run of stone; in July, 1862, it was
destroyed by fire. In 1865 'William, Christian and J. H. Ackermann built a
similar one. The saw-mill had a capacity of 800 feet per day and the grist-mill
had two run of stone. In 1880 they ceased to operate the saw-mill and increased
the capacity of the grist-mill to 100 barrels of flour per day; the patent
process is used. A brewery was built in 1866; it was twice burned, the last time
in 1878, and was not rebuilt. The first house in the village was built in 1856
by Kennedy and Slocum; it was a one story log structure; the same season they
erected the first store in the township.

   A Catholic church was organized in 1865 by Father Stern, but since 1880 the
congregation has held services in the larger church erected at Norwood.

   St. John's Lutheran Evangelical congregation was organized in 1869 and
services held at private houses. At organization there were thirty families
connected with the church and Rev. C. Sprengler was the first pastor. In 1870 a
house of worship costing $2,000 was erected. Sixty families are now connected
with the church. Rev. Friedrich Streckfuss is pastor.

   The first school in the township was held in a small log shanty in the
village during the summer of 1858; about a dozen pupils were taught by Tabitha
Little. Several years after a frame building was erected which is still in use.
The town has three frame school-houses, three log and one brick.

   The Pioneer Mannerchor was established at Young America in 1867, and the year
following built a music hall. This society was originally organized in 1861 at
Benton.

   Sons of Herman, Goethe Lodge No. 5 was organized in November, 1876, with the
following officers: Gustave Thote, president; Charles Fischer, vice-president;
Charles Mankenberg, secretary; Julius Martin, treasurer. The society had
fourteen charter members; it now numbers nineteen.

   Norwood village is situated one mile south-west of Young America on the
Hastings & Dakota division of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad. It was
surveyed in 1872 on land owned by Johann Feldmann in sections 14 and 15. When
the village was first platted it was called Young America station, but in 1874
it was given the name of Norwood. In 1881 the village was incorporated;
population, 334. At the first election, held April 12, 1880, the following
village officers were chosen: M. Simonitsch, president; Peter Effertz, Augnst
Hartelt, John Frantschi and Jacob Krause, council; W. P. Cash, recorder; F.
Hoeffken and George Mix, justices of the peace. A. O. Lindahl, marshal. The
post-office was established in 1873. James Slocum, Jr., postmaster.

   The first house in the town was erected by Mr. Slocum in 1872. It was burned
but rebuilt and is occupied as a general store. There are two boot and shoe
stores, five general stores, one drug store, one hardware store and one
furniture store, two harness shops, two blacksmith shops and two wagon shops,
one millinery store, two hotels, three elevators and two lumber yards, three
dealers in agricultural implements, one contractor and builder, one physician
and surgeon and one lawyer. Norwood has also a hook and ladder company.

   The Union elevator was built in 1879 by J. Slocum; it has a capacity of
50,000 bushels. Farmers' elevator, built in 1879 by M. Simonitsch, holds 35,000
bushels; Lange's elevator, erected by Ackermann Brothers in 1872, has room for
10,000 bushels. The station was established in 1872, and depot built the same year.

   Norwood Methodist church was organized in 1858, under the direction of Rev.
Mr. Black. Services were held in a school-house until 1879, when at a cost of
$1,700 they erected their church. The pastor is Rev. A. G. Wilson.

   The Catholic congregation, that had worshiped at Young America from 1865,
changed their place of service in 1880 to Norwood, where, under the direction of
Father Braun, a brick structure costing $4,000 had been erected. Both English
and German services are held. The church includes seventy families.

   Humboldt Lodge No. 132, A. E. & A. M., was organized in 1877 with seven
charter members. First officers: George Mix, W. M.; J. H. Ackermann, S. W.; C.
O. Woodworth, J. W.; Charles H. Bachmann, S.

   Sons of Herman, Moltke Lodge No. 8, was organized in August, 1878, with
fourteen charter members. The officers were August Hartelt, president; John
Daniels, vice-president; Albert Meyer, secretary; Peter Effertz, treasurer.

   Norwood Red Ribbon Club, organized in 1881, had sixty charter members. The
officers were: J. Slocum, president; C. W. Riches, E. Bray and Mrs. E. Burton,
vice-presidents; N. J. Bray, secretary; James Failing, treasurer. There are now
seventy-five members.

   Silver Star Grange, No, 344, organized with about twenty charter members in
1876, had the following officers: J. H. Thomas, master; A. W. Tiffany,
secretary; J. Vogler, treasurer. The society built a hall costing about $1,000.

   St. Emanuel's Evangelical Lutheran church, section 32, was organized with a
membership of twenty families, about 1858, by Rev. H. Kahmeir. In 1859 a log
church was built and services held there until 1870, when, at a cost of $4,000,
they erected a frame church. Rev. Andreas Laudeck is the pastor, and the church
now numbers eighty families; in connection there is a parochial school.

   St. Paul's Reformed church, section 34, was organized in 1868 by Rev. B. R.
Hueker, and a church erected which cost $1,200. The membership has increased
from twelve to thirty-three families. The pastor is Rev. J. C. Ochsner.

   Norwood Cemetery Association was organized December, 1876, and grounds
located on section 15. The cemetery on section 6 was laid out in 1861, on land
owned by Robert Ferguson.

   Julius H. Ackermann, merchant and postmaster of Young America, was born
January 9, 1844, in Germany. In 1862 he came to America and settled in Carver
county. For the first few months he lived on a farm, then engaged in business as
a clerk at Young America, remaining until 1864. He then began mercantile trade,
and has since been identified with the business interests of Ackermann Brothers.
He has been town clerk for the past ten years; is also court commissioner of
Carver county, village recorder and notary public. Since 1873 he has served as
postmaster. In 1866 Miss Paulina Goetz became his wife. They have three children
living and have lost one.

   Charles H. Bachmann, a native of Germany, was born in 1837. Learned the
carpenter's trade, and came to America in 1854; went to Pennsylvania, where for
five years he pursued his trade. He afterward spent two years in New Jersey,
then came to Benton, Carver county, and bought 160 acres, on which he lived
about three years, then sold. In 1864 he enlisted in Company D, Fifth Minnesota
infantry. Returned to Benton and remained until 1866; located at that time in
the village of Young America. He now serves as justice of the peace. His
marriage with Miss Ida Mackenroth occurred in 1856. Ten children have been born
to them, eight of whom are living.

   J. P. Croff is a German, born in 1828. The family came to America when he was
about four and one-half years old, and soon after arriving settled in
Pennsylvania. Here in 1846 his mother died, and on the 1st of April, 1849, his
father was burned to death; he then rented the property and continued in the
lumber trade until 1853. He then came to Hennepin county and purchased a claim;
the same year Mr. Croff came to Young America and made a claim of 160 acres, on
which he lived until 1869, when he disposed of it and removed to the village. He
now deals in real estate; also gives some time to the meat trade. In 1854 he
married Angeline Goble, who has borne him eight children.

   Peter Effertz is a native of Prussia, born in 1845; he learned the
carpenter's trade, and in 1864 emigrated. On arriving at New York he proceeded
directly to St. Paul, thence to Young America Here he worked at his trade until
1868, then returned to St. Paul, where in 1871 he married Miss Elizabeth Born.
During the fall of 1872 he purchased the first acre of land owned in Norwood,
also built the first house. He added to the house in 1877 and opened a hotel,
called the Effertz House. In 1874 he became owner of three village blocks, and
four years later bought 160 acres near the village limits. Mr. Effertz is one of
the village board, also school director.

   Robert Elliott was born in Ohio, in 1840. When sixteen years of age he
accompanied his parents to Hennepin county, and after remaining some time there
and in McLeod county, the father made a claim of 160 acres. Robert remained at
home until 1860, when he went to Carver, where he learned the printer's trade.
Removed to Minneapolis in 1862 and made it his home two years; then lived in
Shakopee one year. He then took a homestead in McLeod county on which he lived
ten years. Disposing of the farm he went to Kansas for a short time, then
returned and started a lumber yard in Norwood. His marriage with Miss H. M.
Hankinson occurred in 1861. Elmer and Saida are their children.

   Henry Fabel was born January 6, 1836, in Hesse—Darmstadt, Germany. He came to
America with his mother in 1850; his father had preceded them. He remained in
Philadelphia a few years and in 1854 came west to St. Paul; remained in that
city until July, 1856. At that time he came to Carver county and located a claim
on section 29, Benton township. Enlisted in 1864 in Company D, Fifth Minnesota,
as private, and served until discharged with his regiment in October, 1865. On
returning from the war he sold his farm and moved to St. Paul, remaining until
July, 1866. Locating in the village of Young America he opened a hotel which he
managed till 1877, then moved to Norwood and embarked in the dry goods trade. In
1879 he retired from that branch and soon after opened a hotel; is now manager
of the Union Hotel at Norwood. November 11, 1850, he married Lena Tollksdorff in
Benton. They have had eleven children; one is dead.

   Jacob Krause was born in Germantown, Wisconsin. When seventeen years old he
accompanied his parents to Benton, Carver county. He went to St. Paul and stayed
two years; about nine months in Milwaukee in a hardware store, then to Nebraska.
One year later he came to Norwood and embarked in the hardware business with
Messrs. Hebeisen & Peterson. In 1880 Mr. Peterson disposed of his interest to
Hebeisen & Krause. Mr. Krause is town treasurer. His wife was Miss Mary Saffan,
married in 1877. Lillian is their only living child.

   Julius Martin, dealer in hardware and agricultural implements, is a German by
birth, born in 1843. His mother died in 1849 and his father in 1855. He attended
the orphan institute two years, then served an apprenticeship of four years
learning the trade of locksmith. The subsequent six years he spent in traveling
through Germany engaged at his trade; came to America in 1867; came directly to
St. Paul and on to Young America where he purchased some village lots. In 1869
he started a hardware and blacksmithing business in Young America. Sold his
blacksmith shop in 1877 and added to his hardware stock, agricultural
implements. Mr. Martin is one of the village trustees. In 1870 married Mary
Roth. Gustave, Charles, Albert, Lena, Almer and Julius are their children.

   Julius Schaler is a native of Germany, born in 1834. He learned the
shoemaker's trade, at which he served three years, then passed three years in
travel. In 1858 he came to the United States and lived in Pennsylvania three
years, enlisting from that state April 19, 1861, in Company A, Ninth
Pennsylvania; after serving three months re-enlisted in Company A, 74th regiment
Pennsylvania volunteers and served two years. Removed to New Jersey and remained
one year, and came to St. Paul June 3, 1864. Located soon after in Young America
and bought an interest in a sawmill, which he ran one season. Returned to St.
Paul and re-enlisted in Company E, Fifth Minnesota infantry, receiving his
discharge at the end of the war; he embarked in the boot and shoe trade at Young
America. He was united in marriage with Miss Amelia Schaimpf in 1865. Henry E.,
Clara C., Gustave C. and Bertha A. are their living children.

   Johann F. Streckfuss, born in Van Wert county, Ohio, September 7, 1852; his
father, George Streckfuss, was pastor of the Zion church of that place. In 1856
his parents moved to Fort Wayne and in 1860 the father went to Grand Prairie,
Illinois. The son, J. F., attended the parochial schools from his fifth to his
thirteenth year, then entered the Evangelical Lutheran Concordia College, of
Fort Wayne; he studied six years. After graduating he went to St. Louis, there
pursuing the study of the Lutheran theology in the Concordia Seminary. After
completing his course in 1874 he accepted a call from the Evangelical Lutheran
church of Young America as its pastor.

   Allen W. Tiffany was born in Burlington, Otsego county, New York, July 8,
1827. During the time he was acquiring his education he also taught. Studied law
at Mohawk, Herkimer county; he was admitted to the bar and practiced law in
Dixon, Illinois. His health failing he came to Minnesota in 1856 and made a
claim that year in section 15, Young America, which he still possesses, and has
added land adjoining, amounting in all after deducting sales to 305 acres. He
has since given his attention to farming, especially stock raising. Mr. Tiffany
was elected chairman of the board of town supervisors at their first election
and ex-officio, was member of the county board, re-elected and held the office
four or five years. In 1876 was elected county commissioner; was nominated as
senator for the county in 1872, and was defeated by L. L. Baxter, defeated again
in 1878 by W. H. Mills. In 1880 was elected senator over the democratic
candidate. He held the office of commissioner from 1876 to 1879, when he was
elected chairman, which office he still holds. Mr. Tiffany and Miss Eliza H.
Pierce, of Burlington, New York, were married at that place in 1854. Mary,
George and Annie Laurie are the living children. Two died at an early age.

CAMDEN.

   The town of Camden lies in the western part of Carver county.

   Nathaniel Cole was the first settler. He took a claim on section 35 in July,
1856, and built the first house in the town. He remained there until the fall of
1868, then removed to the town of Young America where he still resides. Mr. Cole
came from Warwick county, Indiana, and his new Home in Camden soon became the
headquarters for land seekers in that vicinity. Mr. Cole's brother Alfred
located on the same section, also John Wamsby and Jared Merrill.

   In the same year G. W. McCrumber, from Maine, William McGee, from
Pennsylvania, H. B. Taylor, Ulrich Scheidegger, George Ittel and George Grow
settled in Camden; these were followed by Benedict Truwe, B. Guttridge and
others. Soon after his settlement H. B. Taylor laid out a village in the western
part of the town where he built a saw-mill and opened a general merchandise
store. In the fall of 1856 a post-office was established in the new village of
Camden, but it was discontinued the next spring.

   The village of St. Clair was surveyed and platted in the north-eastern part
of the town on the south fork of Crow river in January. 1857. The lots were sold
to people in the eastern states, but no buildings were ever put up, and when the
farmers in the neighborhood wished to buy the lots to add to their farms, the
owners could not he found and the land was fenced in and taken possession of
without title, and held to the present time.

   The first marriage in Camden was that of Ulrich Scheidegger and Mary L.
Truwe, June 26, 1858. They are now living in Camden on section 1. Mrs. Barbara
Ittel was the first who died in this town; her death occurred June 16, 1857. The
first birth was that of Ida Cole, daughter of Nathaniel Cole, August 11, 1858.

   Camden was united in 1858 to Young America because not organized according to
law, but a town meeting was held in Camden at the house of H.  B. Taylor in the
spring of 1859 at which the town was organized and the following officers
elected: Volney Gay, town clerk; Robert Furgeson, chairman; Jared Merrill,
supervisor; and Nathaniel Cole, justice of the peace.

   In a log house on section 35 Mrs. Susan Woodruff opened the first school in
Camden in 1860. The next year a school-house was built where number 47 now
stands. There are four entire school districts in the town and five joint
districts. Five of the buildings are within the town limits, one of which is
frame and furnished with patent seats. The others are log buildings. The average
school year is five months.

   Benjamin Goodrich was born in England in 1822. In 1851 he came to America
with his wife, and for about six years lived in various parts of the south. Came
to Minnesota in 1857. He was in the United States service for three years with
General Sibley on the plains. During 1858 and 1859 they were some of the time
obliged to live on barks of trees and potatoe tops; had only a little corn left
and this they ground in a coffee mill. He is now one of the wealthiest farmers
of Carver county. Mr. and Mrs. Goodrich have six children.

   Mrs. O. Merrill, widow of Jared Merrill, was born in Connecticut, in 1808.
She moved to Ohio with her parents when a small child. In 1856 she came to
Minnesota. Her son, C. O. Woodruff, was born in Ohio in 1835, and now resides in
Camden, Carver county, where he settled in 1861. He married Miss Susan R.
Strouds in 1855, who has home him five children: Sedalia I., Eva, Alfred S.,
Francis P., and Albert M.

   James L. Smith, a native of England, was born in 1830. When only eleven years
old he came to America, settling in Pensylvania. Came to Carver county in the
spring 1857. On September 21, 1864, he enlisted in Company B, First heavy
artillery and was discharged at Nashville, Tennessee, the folio wing April. He
then returned to his farm in Camden, where he has since resided. His marriage
with Miss Sarah Pipe, of McLeod county, took place in 1864.

HOLLYWOOD.

   This town lies in the extreme north-west of Carver county. Hollywood was
probably first settled in the year 1856, when Peter Karls, with his three sons,
Ludwig, John and Nicholas, settled on section 35. In the same year Charles
Borchert settled on section 34; Ferdinand Anthony on section 30, and Stephen
Thompson on section 20. These were followed by John Madden, Edward Boyle, Lindly
and Ames Allen, John Wetter, James McKenley, Mathew Kelly, Anthony Dougherty,
Michael Burns and others.

   On the 21st of November, 1856, only a few weeks after his arrival, Peter
Karls died at his home. This was the first death that occurred in Hollywood. The
first birth in the town was a daughter, to James Ryan, who had settled on
section 1. The first wedding occurred November 1, 1857, when John A. Wetter
married Miss Anna M. Walch.

   The village of Helvetia was laid out in the autumn of 1856 by John Buhler,
who had settled that summer on section 31, in Watertown, and Dr. Lehmann.
Helvetia lies on either side of the line between Hollywood and Watertown. Mr.
Buhler also established the first store in Helvetia, where he sold groceries and
dealt in farm produce. This store was on the Watertown side of the village. In
1872 William Greger established the first store on the Hollywood side of the
town, where he dealt in general merchandise. In 1869 Jacob Lahr built a steam
saw-mill on the same side of the village, to which he added a grist-mill in
1871. In August, 1875, the first post-office-was established in Helvetia, with
Jacob Lahr as postmaster. At the present time there are two stores; both are in
Hollywood, and carry a stock of general merchandise. One is owned by Reinhold
Zeglin, and the other by Mrs. M. E. Zahler, who also has charge of the
post-office. The name Helvetia was given by the early settlers, derived from the
European province of that name.

   Previous to the fall of 1859 the town of Helvetia embraced the south one-half
of the congressional townships 117-25 and 117-26, and the north one-half of
these townships was called Watertown. At the general election held at the store
of E. F. Lewis in Watertown village, October 11, 1859, the boundaries of these
towns were changed by a vote of the people, so that Watertown should embrace
congressional township 117-25; and Helvetia congressional township 117-26. On
the first Tuesday of the following April the people of Helvetia met to organize
the town and elect town officers. Michael Burns was made moderator of this
meeting. Officers elected: Mathew Kelly, chairman and assessor; William Walsh,
town clerk and justice of the peace; Lindly Allen, justice of the peace. The
name Hollywood was proposed by Mathew Kelly, saying that he had seen that shrub,
which is common in Ireland, growing in the woods of Helvetia. This name was
accordingly adopted. It was afterward discovered that the hollywood did not grow
there.

   The first school was organized in 1862 in a log school-house which was where
school number 48 now stands. Miss Emma Sterman was the teacher. There are at
present four entire and three joint school districts. Six school-houses are
within the limits of the town.

   The first sermon in Hollywood was delivered in the German language by
Frederick Emde at the house of John Vechsler, on section 34, in the summer of
1860. This was the origin of the German Evangelical church in Hollywood.
Preaching was kept up in this manner until 1871 when services began to be held
in the school-house near by. In 1872 a neat frame church was built on a corner
of Mr. Vechsler's farm, and in August of that year the first services were held
there. Rev. William Fritz is the present pastor, who preaches here every second
Sunday.

   About 1872 the Lutheran church was built on sectiou 29 by the Germans of that
denomination. Services are held every two weeks.

   Jacob Lahr was born in Germany in 1835 and when a small child came to
America. Arriving at Buffalo, New York, he remained one year, then made his home
in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. At the age of fifteen he started for himself. After
learning milling he pursued his trade in different places until locating in St.
Paul in 1857. He ran a sawmill there two years, and after a short time in New
Ulm returned to St. Paul, engaging in the same business six years more. He then
passed some time in Waconia and Helvetia in farming and milling. He is now
interested in his farm, also his saw and grist-mills and saloon at Helvetia.
Married in 1861 in St. Paul Miss Leona Rumner, who has borne him nine children.
The living are: Amelia, wife of Reinhold Zeglin, of Helvetia, Caroline, Eliza,
Katie, Julia, Edward, George and Jacob.

   R. Zeglin, a native of Germany, was born in 1852. He received his early
education at the public schools in his native country, also at a business
college, after which he was engaged as a clerk in a general store. For about a
year before coming to America he was employed in book-keeping. He landed in New
York city in 1870 and came to Minnesota. After remaining a short time in
Waconia, Carver county, he went to St. Paul; pursued different vocations until
1875, then came to the village of Helvetia. He started a general merchandise
store, also a saloon, which he still runs. Since building the store he has put
up a nice house and barn. He has been town clerk four years and assistant
postmaster five years. Married in 1876 to Miss Amelia Lahr, daughter of Jacob
Lahr. George G. L. and Mary H. S. are their children.


Additional Comments:
Extracted from 

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


File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/mn/carver/history/1882/historyo/waconiab72gms.txt

This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mnfiles/

File size: 63.5 Kb