Nicollet County MN Archives History - Books .....St. Peter 1882
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Book Title: History Of The Minnesota Valley

CHAPTER LXXV.

ST. PETER—FIRST CLAIMS—ST. PETER COMPANY-HOSPITAL FOE
INSANE-SCHOOLS-CHURCHES-NEWSPAPERS —SOCIETIES-BUSINESS.

   The first settled dwelling house used by any member of the white race within
the present limits of St. Peter, was the claim shanty erected by Captain William
B. Dodd, in the fall of 1853. He made a claim of 160 acres of land, which, when
the government survey was made, were found to be on a school section.

   By some legislative enactments which were subsequently passed, pre-emptors
who had made claims to land before the government lines were run, if found to be
on school sections, were allowed to retain their claims and school lands were
assigned from some other unoccupied section. Dodd, therefore, was allowed to
retain his claim.

   Shortly after this, in company with William L. and Oliver Ames, a town site
was laid out, which was named Rock Bend, which embraced some 500 acres of land.
These claims were on both sides of the river, but principally on the west. The
name of Rock Bend was due to the rocky formations that exist in the bend of the
river, near where the claim was situated. Dodd's claim was all north of what now
is called Broadway.

   When the St. Peter company was formed, in 1854, the name of the town site was
changed to its present title.

   This Captain Dodd was in many ways a remarkable man. The precise date of his
birth is not known, but at the time of his arrival at St. Peter he was about
forty years of age. He was descended from a very well connected family in New
Jersey. He was married in the spring of 1853 to Harriet M. Jones, of New York
city, a most estimable and lovely woman, who gained the hearts of all with whom
she came in contact. Shortly after the marriage took place the twain set out for
the western wilderness in search of wealth. Arriving in St. Paul Dodd stopped
there but a short time. He proceeded up the Minnesota river, and made the claim
previously spoken of. He was a man of fine and commanding physique, standing
over six feet in height and well proportioned.

   He was a man of untiring energy, of deep resources and enterprise, and very
public spirited. His courage was unbounded, so much so, in fact, that many of
his actions were deemed to be the very height of rashness; it may said that he
knew no fear. Mr. J. E. Gardner, in commenting upon that trait of his character,
says that he came to St. Peter in company with Captain Dodd, who was then going
up the river to see after some of his interests, and also to hunt for an Indian
he had been commissioned by the governor to apprehend, if possible, for some
crime committed. Not finding the Indian after much search he went off, soon
after, to the agency where the Indians were to receive their first installment
of the treaty money. Here he saw the Indian and went after him, when the latter,
fearing something was wrong, tried to dodge the captain, and finally started on
a run for the river, at which the captain also quickened his pace. The Indian,
however, managed to reach the river first, jumped in and tried to reach the
other bank. Before he had accomplished this, Dodd arrived on the scene, and
raising his shotgun blazed away at him. It was a perilous feat to perform, there
being then present some 4,000 Indians, who, fortunately, made no opposition to
the captain's attempts at the capture.

   Henry Jones, now in business at St. Peter as a druggist, landed at Traverse
des Sioux in 1854. On making inquiry there as to how far it was to St. Peter, no
one seemed to know that there was such a place. Finally, however, some one
remembered that "he believed that there was such a place about a couple of miles
away."

   Henry Jones located, in 1854, and pre-empted, in 1855, the claim now owned by
Christopher Evenson, which is situated at a slight distance outside of the
present city limits. Shortly before this, M. B. Stone made claim to 160 acres of
land situated in what is now the south end of the town. Other settlers were G.
S. Patch and Robert Bunker, who had claims on the bluff west of the city, that
of the former being where the Gustavus Adolphus College now stands. That of the
latter extended under the bluff to where J. B. Sackett now lives. In 1853, on
what afterward became the school section, A. K. Skaro and M. G. Evenson were
settled.

   The government survey was made in 1854 by A. D. Anderson. St. Peter was
surveyed and marked out by Daniel L. Turpin, in June, 1854, and the plat
acknowledged before James Starkey, notary public, in Ramsey county, July 25,
1854. This plat consisted of 246 blocks, the average size of which were 280x330
feet. Acknowledgment was made in the office of the register of deeds of Nicollet
county, November 28, 1854.

   This plat, however, by an order from the district court, had to be amended
and changed, as it did not conform to the government subdivision. D. L. Turpin
made the new survey and plat during August, 1859.

   In the spring of 1855 the town site, then consisting of 319 acres, was
entered by Judge Chatfield, at the land office in Winona, in trust, under the
provisions of the act of 1844, for the members of the St. Peter company and
those to whom they had sold lots.

   On the 21st day of February, 1854, the following named persons, Willis A.
Gorman and J. Travis Posser, respectively governor and secretary of the
territory, and George Hezlep, George W. Farrington, D. H. Dustin, W. M. McCarty
and Charles H. Parker, associated in the purchase of seven-tenths of the
interest of Oliver Ames, William L. Ames and William B. Dodd, "in three claims
on which is laid out the town of Rock Bend, on the Minnesota river, in Nicollet
county, M. T., supposed to contain about 500 acres of land, be the, same more or
less, together with one claim on the east side of said river, opposite said town
of Rock Bend, including in its area what is called Dodd's bridge over the lake
or slough, in Le Sueur county."

   This agreement was entered into in St. Paul, the minutes of which state that
the above named, "in connection with said Oliver and W. L. Ames and William B.
Dodd do organize themselves into a joint stock company, to be known, and
hereafter designated, as the St. Peter Company, with a view to project and lay
out, on said lands, in Nicollet county, a city or town to be called St. Peter,
and for such other purposes as said company may hereafter devise and determine
upon."

   On Aug 22, of the same year, a certificate was signed and acknowledged, and
the same filed in the office of the register of deeds of Nicollet county. This
stated, that, by virtue of chapter 40, of the revised statutes of Minnesota, the
several parties named had associated themselves together under the corporate
name and style of the St. Peter Company, and that the object of the corporation
was "for carrying on generally a manufacturing, lumbering, agricultural and
mechanical business." The capital stock consisted of 500 shares of a par value
of $10 each.

   On March 1, 1856, a new organization was effected and a charter obtained from
the territorial legislature. The corporators were then H. F. Howes, Henry A.
Swift, George Hezlep, T. B. Winston, H. L. Moss, Wm. L. Ames, George W.
Farrington, Wm. B. Dodd and Joseph Dailley. The capital stock was fixed at
$100,000, with power to increase.

   This corporation is still in existence, the officers of which are, F. A.
Donahower, president; E. R. Moore, secretary. These two, in connection with A.
J. Lamberton and W. L. Couplin, constitute the present board of directors, in
whose hands the management of affairs rests.

   Among the prominent men, who, at different times, have been interested in the
St. Peter company were Hon. Reverdy Johnson, Hon. Henry M. Rice, Judge Charles
E. Flandrau, Albert Knight and Hon. Andrew J. Barian.

   This company, possessing both capital and influence, as soon as it was
organized, went vigorously to work to perfect its plans. In addition to the land
already obtained control was sought of lands contiguous to their possessions,
and in accordance therewith, it was determined that "George Hezlep and G. W.
Farrington be a committee to visit St. Peter for the purchase of three
additional claims, or such part thereof as they could obtain on the most
favorable terms." They accordingly made the journey and secured the claims of
Patch, Flandrau, Skaro, Evenson and Bunker.

   The first officers of the company were Willis A. Gorman, president; C. H.
Parker, treasurer; Geo. Hezlep, secretary.

   On May 4 the treasurer was ordered to raise $500 by assessments on the
members of the company, and on May 29, an additional amount of $250 was raised
for the purpose of making improvements. George Hezlep and D. H. Dustin were
appointed a committee to take charge of such contemplated improvements.

   Among the first things they did was to purchase a ferry boat and put Dodd's
bridge over the lake opposite the ferry in good shape. Governor Gorman made the
following contract, which was afterwards freely ratified by the company, May 29,
1854. It was to the effect that Daniel Birdsall should immediately begin and
complete a steam saw and grist-mill, with capacity to grind com and make flour,
and to have the saw-mill in operation in three months from the first day of
June, 1854; in consideration of which the company agreed to make a quit claim
deed to said Birdsall, "for two twentieths of all the interest in and to said
town of St. Peter, and all the lands belonging thereto, and to which the company
had any right or claim."

   It was further understood that Birdsall was to pay his pro rata share of the
money which would be required to enter and buy the lands from the United States
government, when opened for purchase. It was also stipulated that while the lots
and mill were to be the sole property of Birdsall, that the mill was not to be
sold or conveyed from the town of St. Peter, and that the lumber to be sawed was
first to supply the demands for buildings in St. Peter; after supplying the home
demand of the citizens, it might be disposed of as interest might dictate.

   The mill was duly built, and stood until 1857, when it was sold to Col. B. F.
Pratt, by whom it was taken down and an extensive saw and flour mill erected,
sufficient to meet the demands of the surrounding country.

   A contract was also made with J. C. York, of Gosport, Indiana, by which
one-twentieth of the town of St. Peter was sold to him for the sum of $1,600,
which was to be expended in permanent improvements, which improvements were to
consist of a dwelling house, business house or hotel; on the completion of which
they were to be the individual property of said York. The latter was also to pay
his part of the purchase money for the town site when the lands were purchased
of the government. This resulted in the erection of the first frame house in St.
Peter, which was completed in 1854. It is still standing on the same spot, but
has been much enlarged and improved; for some time past it has been the
residence of the Bev. Edward Livermore. The first store was built in May, 1855,
by J. B. Gardner.

   In order to lay out a road from St. Peter to Dubuque, at an estimated cost of
$400, Governor Gorman was authorized by the company to sell some lots to defray
the expense of the same.

   At a meeting held June 30, 1854, it was resolved that "$1,200 be raised to
erect a house to be occupied by Captain Dodd, which was to be his property, on
the payment of the money so expended in the erection of the house and interest
thereon, provided one-twentieth of the town, being a portion of Dodd's interest,
is not sold as now authorized to be by him, out of which to defray the cost of
said house, and interest thereon, and if his interest aforesaid be not then sold
that a pro rata assessment be made to pay the cost of said house, if said money
be not raised by sale of his interest."

   In the first years of the existence of the company they would contract with
any responsible persons to donate lots on condition of their being built upon
and occupied within a certain reasonable specified time. Each corner and
adjoining lot, however, was reserved by the company.

   I. D. and Jacob Hemingway, of St. Paul, received a building lot on the levee
in consideration of there erecting a stone store house, forty feet long, and
twenty feet wide, two stories high. The company agreed to furnish stone for said
building at the rate of three dollars per cord.

   The stipulation was never complied with and after staying some time at
Traverse des Sioux, Hemingway returned to St. Paul. Subsequently Messrs. Howes &
Wainwright erected a substantial stone building on the river bank, which served
the purpose of a warehouse and freight house, at which all steamboats made their
landings.

   Jeremiah Kyle, William Geohegan and James Smith each received lots, 66x155
feet in size, for a consideration of the sum of $100 and the erection of three
good and substantial stone buildings. The entire contract, however, was never
fulfilled. On Nov. 4, 1854, Allen P. Hemphill, of Balston Spa, N. Y., took one
twentieth interest in the company, the consideration being the payment of
$2,500, of which $50 was paid in cash, and three notes given for the remainder.

   The claims on the east side of the river, were held for the joint benefit of
the company by several members of the company.

   November 7, 1854, Charles E. Flandrau was appointed general agent and
attorney of the company at St. Peter.

   On February 6, 1855, a contract was entered into by the company with James M.
Winslow to erect and completely finish a building for a hotel, which should be
three stories in height above the basement, and to be of such size, form and
description as would correspond with the specified height, to be built of stone
and contain at least thirty rooms, of such size and capacity as shall be well
calculated for the accommodation of guests, for convenience, and in accordance
with the modem style of architecture. The company agreed to furnish all the
stone free of expense, and to make to Winslow, when the title was obtained from
the government, a deed of one-half of the block on which the house was to stand,
and, furthermore, to pay to him the sum of $2,000 in cash, in four equal
payments of $500 each, on the completion of a story of the house. The hotel was
completed at a cost of $19,000, and opened in October, 1855, by S. L. Wheeler.
It was continued for about a year by Mr. Wheeler, and afterwards kept by Daniel
Birdsall. It subsequently was leased by different parties, one of whom was Dr.
Ewing, who called it then, the Ewing House. At the time of the Indian massacre
it was vacant, and was used for quite a while as a hospital. Its final destiny
was to become used as a hospital for insane, when that institution was located
at St. Peter, and it still subserves that purpose as a branch of the larger
hospital.

   In March, 1855, it was ordered that that each member of the company be
requested to build a house in St. Peter the ensuing spring, it being understood
that each member who built was to have the lot on which he built donated to him;
in accordance therewith, W. A. Gorman, Wm. L. Ames, C. H. Parker, Thomas W.
Coleman, G. W. Farrington, G. K. Swift, A. F. Howes and H. L. Moss, agreed to
proceed forthwith to erect houses.

   It was about this time that a German named Adam Kegel jumped a claim in the
southern part of the town. Captain Dodd, on hearing of it the next morning,
shot-gun in hand, started off to interview the "jumper." While the particulars
of that interview are not known, the finale, as related by J. B. Gardner shows
conclusively that Dodd's persuasive eloquence was of sufficient power to make
the man vacate the claim. The Dutchman did all be could to accommodate the
captain; when he passed Gardner's store his speed was enough to awaken the
admiration of a professional runner. Dodd with his shot-gun was left far in the
rear, and the German is reported to have kept up his pace until reaching
Traverse des Sioux. Kegel, who was a carpenter, subsequently returned, put up a
large number of frame houses in St. Peter and was noted for his rapid work.

   The first birth of a white child in St. Peter occurred February 4, 1855, it
being that of P. D. Wheeler, son of Sheldon L. and Margaret S. Wheeler. To
celebrate this event, the company donated a lot, in trust, for his son, to the
father. The second born white child was Willis Gorman Dodd, son of Captain W. B.
Dodd, who, also, bad deeded to him a lot. The first marriage was between M. K.
Wright and Mary E. Hunter; the latter was a daughter of Dr. Wm. F. Hunter. The
event took place on July 4, 1855. The first death was that of a pauper, an
unknown man who committed suicide.

   In February, 1856, several lots were sold. On February 21, 1857, it was
resolved at a meeting of the company that Dr. P. P. Humphrey should have lots 9
and 10 in block 197, for the consideration of one dollar, provided he built a
residence and moved to and resided in the town of St. Peter on or before
November 1, 1857.

   The chief, early ambition, of the company was to secure to St. Peter the
honor of being the seat of the territorial government, and toward that end their
energies for some time were devoted. At a meeting held February 3, 1857, it was
resolved that "should the present legislative assembly of the territory of
Minnesota, in their wisdom and sound judgment, deem it expedient to move the
capital of Minnesota, now located at St. Paul, to the town of St. Peter, the
said company hereby guarantees to the territory, or future state, of Minnesota,
the same amount originally appropriated by the congress of the United States for
the capitol buildings, as designated in the thirteenth section of the organic
act of Minnesota, for the sum of $20,000 in money, and, also, the additional
appropriation of a lot of ground in St. Peter, double the area of the capitol
square in St. Paul, at some eligible point to be selected by a board of
commissioners appointed by the legislature of said territory, and, also, to
provide suitable buildings, free of rent or charge, for the first meeting of the
legislature, after the present, or any other deliberative body to convene during
the year; and that the said St. Peter company will immediately and within twenty
days after the passage of the act, enter into bonds, in the penal sum of
$100,000, for the full, faithful and complete performance of this proposition."

   As is now well known, a bill was introduced at the legislative session of
1857 for the purpose of effecting this removal, and which would have received
the gubernatorial signature had it not been for the action of Joe Rolette, the
member for Pembina, who spirited it away. A copy, however, was procured and duly
signed, but it never became a law on account of its irregularity.

   At a meeting held June 3, 1857, the company resolved that the Hon. A. G.
Chatfield, as the attorney of the company, commence an action at law, to enforce
the act of the legislature removing the capital from St. Paul to St. Peter." W.
A. Gorman and H. L. Moss, however, dissented from such a course being pursued
and voted against it. During this time property was held at very high figures on
account of the supposed surety of St. Peter becoming the seat of government.
There were certain lots, for which offers were received of $1,500 in gold, which
were refused. The same property some time later could have been bought for
fifteen dollars.

   St. Peter was not destined to be the seat of government, and the decrees of
state had to be submitted to with the best grace possible. So sure had the
company been that the bill would pass and become a law that they had gone to the
extent of erecting a stone building at an expense- of $5,000, in which it was
intended that the constitutional convention should be held. This is the building
that subsequently was given as a bonus to the county for the removal of the
county seat to St. Peter.

   Among the other projects of this highly enterprising company was the trying
to get the location, at St. Peter, of the Indian superintendency, for which
purpose the necessary ground and buildings were offered. Not meeting with any
more success in this direction than had attended the efforts to remove the
capital, they went to work and tried to get the transfer of the land office from
Faribault, in which they finally succeeded, its removal being effected in
December, 1858, at which time Samuel Plumer was register and B. F. Tillottson
receiver. 

   The influence of the company in the building up of the city was of large
extent. Public improvements were made, a hotel built, a newspaper started,
manufactures encouraged, the town well advertised, and everything done to
promote the material welfare and prosperity of the place. The company also
subscribed the sum of $100,000 to the Southern Minnesota railroad, when it was
projected.

   The property of the company steadily increased in value, so much so that in
1858 the capital stock was $200,000; the surplus $29,151.

   Some time before the railroad was built, the ferry operated by the company
was loaned to the borough of St. Peter, on condition that it be maintained as a
free ferry. Subsequently it was sold to the borough for $350, together with the
right of way and depot grounds for the Sioux City road.

   During the Indian raids St. Peter was free from any attack, but for a time
was filled with refugees from the threatened districts. On receiving the news of
the outbreak the citizens were prompt to act and organize for defense, and for
the relief of New Ulm. Word was first received late at night of the outbreak
having occurred, and before ten o'clock the next morning two companies had been
formed, and were on their way to New Ulm. These companies were commanded by the
Hon. Charles E. Flandrau and E. St. Julien Cox. Major Salmon A. Buell was also
one of the officers.

   The rapid organization at St. Peter had a great deal to do with preventing
the savages from devastating the entire valley. It was during the relief of New
Ulm that Captain Dodd met his fate. See page 218 of this volume.

   In 1874-75, when the ravages of the grasshoppers had caused so much misery,
the Grasshopper Belief Association was formed in the Norwegian Lutheran church,
and contributions sent from all parts of the county wherever that denomination
had members. Oliver Anderson, of St. Peter, was the local treasurer, and his
report of disbursements shows the expenditure of $9,857.08 in cash, besides
which 6,662 bushels of wheat were purchased and given away. Large quantities of
clothing, much of it entirely new, were also received, in all 157 cases, 8
barrels and 148 sacks.

   The oldest of Minnesota's white settlers now living is a resident of St.
Peter. His name is John Bush. This venerable patriarch came to Fort Snelling in
1825, in the service of the United States as a soldier. For many years he had a
farm and was engaged in agricultural pursuits, in the vicinity of Fort Ridgely;
but since 1864 he has made St. Peter his home.

   St. Peter was incorporated as a borough, March 2, 1865, with the following
officers; E. St. Julien Cox, mayor; Henry Jones, treasurer; J. B. Gardner,
clerk; J. B. Sackett and Azro A. Stone, justices; A. J. Lamberton, B. H. Randall
and L. M. Boardman, constables. The charter was amended March 2, 1866, and again
March 7, 1867, On the 7th of January, 1873, incorporation as a city was
effected, and two wards formed, Grace street being the dividing line.

   During the winter of 1870 and '71 the wagon bridge over the river was built,
at a cost of $25,000.

   Post-office.—The first post-office was established in 1856, with George
Hezlep as postmaster. The office for some time was situated in the store of J.
B. Gardner, who was acting postmaster. The second postmaster was J. J. Green,
who was succeeded in 1861, by J. K. Moore, who held the position until 1866,
when Martin Williams was appointed. In 1869, J. K. Moore was re-appointed, and
has held the position until the present time.

   Fire Department.—Union Fire Company No. 1, was organized July 11, 1874, the
officers being W. G. Hayden, foreman; Charles R. Woods, first assistant and
Thomas Clark, second assistant foreman; G. S. Ives, secretary; A. L. Sackett,
treasurer. The company owns a neat brick building, an engine and hose cart.

   Hospital for Insane.—At St. Peter is located the Minnesota Hospital for
Insane, in order to secure which, the citizens presented the state with a fine
farm of two hundred and ten acres, at an expense of $7,000. The act establishing
the hospital was passed in 1866, and an appropriation of $15,000 was made for
the temporary provision and support of the insane. At the session of the
legislature of 1867, $40,000 were appropriated for a permanent building on the
farm provided. Plans were prepared by the architect, Samuel Sloan, of
Philadelphia, and the building commenced. In the meantime, the old Ewing House,
then not in use, was obtained, and, with some enlargements, and other
alterations, was used as temporary quarters, and opened for the reception of
patients in October, 1866, to which the patients, previously boarded at the
hospital in Iowa, were brought. Dr. Samuel E. Shantz, of Utica, N. Y., was
elected superintendent and physician, under whose direction the hospital was
organized. He remained until his death occurred in August, 1868, when he was
succeeded by Dr. C. K. Bartlett, of Northampton, Mass., who has remained in charge.

   Appropriations were made from year to year for building purposes until
completion in 1876, the total expense of which has been very nearly half a
million dollars. When completed it stood a remarkably fine piece of
architectural work, peculiarly adapted for the purposes it was intended to
subserve. The building is of hammered limestone, the walls lined with brick and
the roof of slate. Previous to its partial destruction by fire, it consisted of
a center building, four stories high, 60x120 feet, with offices and the chapel;
two wings three stories each, containing nine separate halls for distinct
classification of patients, with comfortable accommodation, in all, for 500
patients and the necessary attendants.

   The additional buildings are a laundry, boiler and engine house, gas house,
carpenter shop, ice house, bam, straw shed and root cellar, granary and carriage
house, slaughter house and pump house. The original temporary quarters are still
occupied, and consist of two separate buildings for patients, business office
and a dwelling house for officers. The resident officers are Cyrus K. Bartlett,
M. D., superintendent and physician; J. H. dames, M. D., first, and W. A. Jones,
M. D., second assistant physicians; George W. Dryer, steward.

   A sad event, in connection with the history of the institution, was the
destruction by fire of the north wing, on the night of November 15, 1880. The
flames were discovered about 7 o'clock in the evening in the basement of the
male department. So rapidly did the flames spread that the patients were removed
with great difficulty. The female patients were all transferred to the barn and
sheds, and some were taken to town. There was very little excitement among the
patients, and no panic among the attendants and employes, all of whom worked
strenuously to save the patients and building from destruction.

   After the fire there were forty-four of the late inmates missing; some were
returned the next day; the remains of eighteen were found in the ruins, and
seven died from the effects of their injuries. There were six unaccounted for.

   The burned portion is now being rebuilt, and every effort is being made to
secure its absolute immunity from a recurrence of a similar catastrophe in the
future. The origin of the fire is still shrouded in mystery, as it commenced in
a portion of the building where no fire is ever used for any purpose.

   Schools.—The first school was taught in the summer of 1855, by Mrs. Mundy, in
a small shanty which was situated near the residence of W. B. Dodd.

   School district number three was organized in the winter of 1856-7, and a
frame building erected for school purposes in the town at an expense of $2,500.
In 1870 this edifice was sold to the Catholics, who established in it a school,
which is still continued, under the management of the Sisters of Notre Dame.

   An independent school district was organized by a special act of the
legislature in 1866, when the graded system was adopted. In 1870 a fine brick
building, containing twelve rooms above the basement, was erected at a cost of
$28,000. There are now eleven teachers in all, the names of whom are as follows:
L. C. Lord, superintendent; H. S. Kennedy, and the Misses L. Smith, T. Lambie,
M. G. Lambert, L. Wheeler, M. Cryer, L. Kennedy, E. Forbush, H. White and Mrs.
M. K. Patch. There are between five and six hundred scholars enrolled.

   Gustavus Adolphus College. The Swedish Lutheran church of Minnesota, feeling
a deep conviction of the necessity, in the interest of religion, of providing a
good institution in which well trained Christian teachers, competent to give
secular and parochial instructions in both the Swedish and English languages
could be educated, erected a fine building for college purposes. The institution
which is known as Gustavus Adolphus College is the property of the Swedish
Lutheran Conference of Minnesota. This body was incorporated at Chisago Lake,
June 1, 1871, and immediate efforts made to raise funds. The stone building was
begun in 1875, completed in the summer of 1876, and dedicated October 31, when
the school was opened, under the direction of Rev. J. P. Nyquist. The first term
twenty-six scholars were enrolled, forty-three the next; since which time the
membership has steadily increased. The cost of the building was $30,000, of
which amount $5,000 was contributed by citizens of St. Peter, and the site,
consisting of ten acres, was likewise received from the same source; $5,000 was
contributed by the people of Nicollet county, in addition to the above. At
present the college consists of three departments; first, the classical
preparatory of three years; second, the normal of four years; third, the high
school of three years. The faculty consists of Matthias Wahlstrom, S. M. Hill,
J. A. Bauman, Mrs. J. A. Bauman and O. E. Esbjorn.

   Churches—Presbyterian. In November, 1856, Rev. A. H. Kerr, of Dubuque, Iowa,
who two months previously had been on a visit to St. Peter, settled in the
village. In 1857, a church was organized with twelve members. Previous to this,
however, a church had been organized, November 5, 1853, at Traverse des Sioux,
by Rev. M. N. Adams. In August, 1869, these two churches were united and Rev.
Mr. Kerr became the pastor. In 1872, the present beautiful stone church, one of
the finest ecclesiastical edifices in the state, was erected, at a cost of
$15,000, including the ground. In July, 1878, Mr. Kerr resigned; for a short
time afterwards the Rev. J. K. Alexander filled the pulpit, until he was
succeeded, October, 1878, by the present pastor, Rev. G. F. McAfee.

   Episcopal: Bishop Kemper, as early as the fall of 1854, held services in St.
Peter, at the residence of Captain Dodd. The first rector, however, did not
arrive until 1857, when the Church of the Holy Communion was organized, under
the pastorate of Rev. Ezra Jones. This small chapel was used until 1870, when
the present handsome stone church, which cost $9,000 was erected. This
structured noted for the beauty of its fine memorial windows. The present
rector, Rev. Edward Livermore, settled in April, 1860.

   Catholic: The first mass was celebrated by Bishop Cretin at the house of
Dennis O'Brien, at quite an early date. Services were afterward held at
different places. St. Peter's church was begun in 1858, when Rev. Valentine
Somereisen was the priest. The church was not fully completed until 1863. The
names of the priests that have been in charge since then are respectively Father
Venn, Father Kazelberger, Father John Zuzek, Father John Tori, and Father John
Meier.

   Methodist Episcopal: Rev. Lewis Bell came as a missionary in 1854, preaching
in the locality of St. Peter for two years, and building a church at Traverse.
Regular preaching was supplied up to 1867, when the church was formally
organized, with Rev. Alonzo Hitchcock as pastor, who superintended the erection
of the present church edifice, which cost about $3,000. The parsonage was
erected in 1871, at an expense of $1,000. The following pastors have been
stationed at St. Peter: Lewis Bell, A. J. Perkins, Edward Eggleston, Ransom
Judd, B. Y. Coffin, Thomas McClary, Charles Savidge, A. A. Abbott, Ira
Richardson, John Kerns, Alonzo Hitchcock, James T. Lewton, Harvey Webb, John T.
Powell, M. D. Terwilliger, Alfred Cressey, Nelson Sutton and C. S. H. Dunn, the
present minister.

   German Lutheran: This denomination erected its house of worship in 1870, at a
cost of $3,200. Rev. F. L. Ritcher was the first, and Rev. Mr. Emil the present
pastor.

   German Evangelical: This society was organized, and Zion church built in
1871, at a cost of $1,400. The following named have been the different pastors,
their ministry being in the order of their succession: Rev. Mr. Stromeier, Rev.
Lawrence Staner, Rev. George Simon and Rev. William Oehler, the present pastor.

   Swedish Lutheran: Rev. P. A. Cederstam was the first pastor of the First
Evangelical Swedish Lutheran church, which was organized, and the church
building erected in 1857. Rev. J. G. Lagerstrom is the present pastor.

   The First Norwegian Lutheran church was built in 1866. Rev. Thomas Johnson
was the first, and Rev. Michael Borge is the present minister.

   The Second Norwegian Lutheran church was-organized in the spring of 1873,
with Rev. Mr. Heggenes as pastor. The church was built the same year at a cost
of $2,000. Nels Olson is the present pastor.

   Newspapers: The first newspaper established was the St. Peter Courier, which
made its initial appearance on the 4th of January, 1855. It was conducted by J.
C. Stoever as editor, and was owned by the St. Peter company. The Courier was
edited afterwards by A. J. Morgan, and later on by T. M. Perry, Sr. Its
publication was discontinued in 1858.

   In 1857 the St. Peter Free Press was started by W. C. Dodge, who subsequently
admitted J. K. Moore to partnership. The office and material were destroyed by
fire in December, 1859.

   The Minnesota Statesman was established in 1858 by James J. Green, and
discontinued in 1864; and the following year the St. Peter Advertiser was
started by T. M. Perry, Sr., who died in 1866, when the paper passed into the
hands of T. M. Perry, Jr., by whom it was published until December, 1875, when
it ceased to exist.

   The St. Peter Tribune was established on January 20, 1860, by J. K. Moore,
with material formerly used in the publication of the Traverse des Sioux
Reporter. In June, 1861, Martin Williams purchased a half interest in the
Tribune, and in the following November Mr. Moore disposed of his interest to
John Henderson, who, with Mr. Williams, continued the publication till June,
1869, when Mr. Moore re-purchased the paper and has since continued to issue it.
The Tribune is a well conducted journal, republican in politics, with a large
circulation and which displays much excellence in its get up. In connection with
the newspaper Mr. Moore conducts an extensive job printing office. At present he
has the contract for all of the state printing.

   St. Peter Times was started on the 1st of June, 1878 by T. M. Perry. It is
democratic in politics and is issued every Saturday. A job printing office is
maintained in connection, with the business.

   Societies—Nicollet Lodge, No. 54, A. F. and A. M., was instituted May 16,
1865, with twelve charter members. The following were the first officers
elected: B. H. Randall, W. M.; J. H. Snyder, S. W.; C. D. Colby, J. W.; C. T.
Brown, treasurer; Henry Jones, secretary; B. F. Kennard, S. D.; S. Dunning, J.
D.; J. Johnson, tyler. The present membership is 82.

   St. Peter Chapter, No. 22, R. A. M., received its dispensation April 8, 1873,
and held the first meeting April 10, following. The first officers were Thomas
Montgomery, H. P.; A. L. Sackett, K.; W. Bickel, scribe; H. Webb, S. D.; G. S.
Ives, J. D.; H. J. Jacoby, tyler. The present membership is forty-three.

   Delta Lodge of Perfection, No. 6, of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite,
was instituted July 24, 1880, with ten charter members.

   St. Peter Lodge, No. 12, I. O. O. F., was instituted July 7, 1859, with
thirteen charter members, at present there are seventy one. The first officers
were: G. A. Spencer, N. G.; S. A. Buell, V. G.; James Horner, secretary; G. S.
Patch, treasurer. The first meetings were held in the stone building formerly
occupied by George Hezlep and now by A. J. Lamberton as a residence. The present
lodge room was first occupied in 1871.

   Nicollet Encampment, No. 3, I. O. O. F., was organized June 25, 1867, with
nine charter members. The first officers were G. Hezlep, C. P.; H. M. Rice, H.
P.; Francis Clark, S. W.; W. T. Clark, J. W.; James Nutter, treasurer; J. N.
Treadwell, scribe. Present membership is thirty-three.

   Charity Lodge, No. 5, D. of R., was instituted June 27, 1870.

   Carl Schurz Lodge, No. 13, Sons of Herman, was instituted February 16, 1880,
with thirty-two charter members. The following were the officers chosen; M.
Konig, ex-pres.; H. T. Miller, pres.; H. B. Rausch, vice-pres.; Christian
Langguth, secretary; John Thomas, treasurer. There are now thirty-eight memhers.

   Protection Lodge No. 29, A. O. U. W., was organized Oct. 6, 1877, with
seventeen charter members. The first officers were T. Montgomery, P. M. W.; J.
C. Sterling, M. W.; H. J. Jacoby, F.; A. P. Lamberton, O.; W. G. Hayden, R. &
F.; K. Jones, R.

   Security Council, No. 179, Am. L. of H., was instituted April 28, 1880, with
thirty-five charter members. Officers elected; C. R. Davis, P. C.; Thomas
Montgomery, C.; Henry Jones, V. C.; C. Amundson, T.; M. G. Evenson, Col.; P.
Morrison, Sec.

   St. Peter Division No. 2, S. O. T., was organized Feb. 3, 1876, with the
following list of officials: T. G. Carter, W. P.; W. Boright, W. A.; Thomas
Montgomery, R. S.: Mr. S. A. Montgomery, A. R. S.; H. Noll, F. S.; Thomas downs,
T.; E. S. Pettijohn, C.; F. W. Cutter, A. C.; Rev. M. P. Terwilliger, chaplain;
T. D. Fowble, I. S.; J. J. Bean, O. S.; Thomas Graham, P. W. P.

   Library: The St. Peter library association was organized Dec, 4, 1869. It
contains about 1,000 volumes, and is in a flourishing condition.

   Banking: The first bank to be established in St. Peter was by the firm of
Edgerton, Smith & Donahower, which was started in the spring of 1857, and
continued until 1858, when the firm name became Edgerton, Donahower & Co., Romeo
Martin, of Chenango Co., N. Y., taking Alvah Smith's interest.

   This was continued until the spring of 1860, when the firm name became
Edgerton & Donahower, and the business was thus continued until the First
National Bank was established, in the spring of 1871. At that time, feeling that
the business interests of the community required larger banking facilities than
were then offered, the firm of of Edgerton & Donahower announced to the business
men of St. Peter that an informal meeting would be held at their office and that
subscriptions to the capital stock of the proposed national bank would be
received at the meeting to be held January 28th. This resulted in the
organization of the First National Bank of St. Peter, and on February 6th the
first meeting of directors was held, when William Schimmel was elected
president, Benjamin F. Paul, vice-president and Frederick A. Donahower, cashier.
The capital stock subscribed was $50,000, as permanent capital. The firm of
Edgerton and Donahower were paid $3,000 for the relinquishment of their banking
business and transferring the same to the national bank. The present officers
are William Schimmel, president; J. N. Treadwell, vice-presideut; F. A.
Donahower, cashier; J. C. Donahower, assistant cashier.'

   During 1857 there were two other banks in operation, neither of which
remained long in business. They were the firms of Gorman & Aikin and Meyer &
Willius.

   Manufacturing: There are several industrial enterprises being conducted in
St. Peter, some of which have been established for many years. William Klein is
engaged in the production of all description of furniture, in the manufacture of
which from fifteen to seventeen hands find employment. The factory was first
established in 1857, by its present proprietor, when the machinery was run by
horse-power. In 1866 steam was applied as the motive power.

   Besides the above there is another large furniture factory, not yet in full
running order which is to be conducted by the firm of Volk & Co.

   The firm of Sackett & Fay are the proprietors of a flour and feed mill, in
which steam power is used. There are four run of stone. The present firm assumed
control in 1871, previous to which the business had been conducted by B. F.
Pratt. This is the mill that stood on the ground that Daniel Birdsall's old mill
occupied, which was purchased by Col. Pratt in 1857. It was burned in 1865 and
the present mill built.

   W. C. Essler carries on a general foundry and machine shop in which about six
men are employed. The business was started by its present proprietor in 1858.

   L. M. Boardman is engaged in the manufacture of fanning mills and milk safes.
He commenced in 1872.

   There are four breweries in the city, only two of which can be said to be in
running order. Matthew Engesser, in 1857, when the firm was Engesser & Seeger,
first commenced the brewing of lager beer, in a building situated on the bank of
the river, in the upper part of town. The extreme high water of the fall of 1851
undermined the sand rock foundation and the result was the breaking down of part
of the building. Since then the brewery has been entirely rebuilt.

   Jacob Stelzer is also engaged in the production of lager beer, and does a
good business.

   L. Patow has been for some time engaged in the operation of a feed mill. H.
C. Miller, cigar manufacturer employs about twenty hands in the production of
cigars. A. J. Harris has a very extensive cooper shop, where several men are
employed. Besides the above there are several wagon makers.

   The business interests of St. Peter are of a varied nature, all lines of
merchandise being handled. The main business street is lined with substantial
brick stores, and the stocks carried by the principal merchants are very full
and complete. The following is a fairly complete list of the different firms and
individuals, and lines of goods handled:

   C. Amundson & Co., dry goods, groceries and clothing; 
A. J. Lamberton, who occupies two stores, groceries, dry goods and clothing; 
Henry Jones, druggist, established in 1862; 
M. G. Evenson, stoves, tinware and hardware; 
H. E. Mann is proprietor of the St. Paul One Price dry goods store, which is in
connection with his store in St. Paul; 
Henry Birkenhauer, jeweler; 
B. F. Paul, druggist; 
Chauncey McAllister, dealer in groceries; 
S. O. Strand, millinery; 
F. Lange, jeweler; 
Caspar Baberish, dry goods and groceries; 
John F. Seymour, dry goods, groceries and crockery; 
William Thomas, boots and shoes; 
John Rausch, meat market; 
T. Spiess, boots and shoes; 
Peter Cashion, livery stable; 
Randall & Noble, grocers and dealers in crockery; 
John J. W. A. Winters, restaurant; 
C. D. Colby, gunsmith; 
P. Williamson, boots and shoes; 
Aaron Frasier, gunsmith; 
Blumberg & Son, merchant tailors; 
John Walin, furniture; 
John Mason, hardware and agricultural implements; 
W. H. H. Rounseville has an extensive lumber yard and deals in farm machinery; 
Stark Bros. & Davis, dry goods and groceries; 
Nutter & Heritage, hardware, stoves, paints, oils and glass; 
Laird, Norton & Damren, lumber dealers; 
H. J. Jacoby, 99-cent store; 
Peter Bolstad, carpenter and contractor; 
Michael Kneip, harness and saddlery; 
John Foot, dry goods; 
N. A. Wettergren, meat market; 
William Schimmel, wheat, butter and egg dealer; 
Charles Rost, harness and saddlery; 
Clarence Ennis, human hair; 
John Krohn, boots and shoes; 
Carter & Montgomery, insurance and real estate; 
J. B. Sackett, insurance; 
Philip Dick & Co., clothing, hats, caps and boots and shoes; 
J. H. Snyder, books and stationery; 
Frederick Schmidt, boots and shoes; 
Carl Deitschman, grocer; 
Oliver Anderson, dry goods and groceries; 
A. Hermann, boots and shoes; 
A. Lorenz, harness and saddlery; 
G. W. Steinke, agricultural implements and farm wagons; 
Mrs. H. J. Ludcke, milliner;
W. O. Powell, paints and painter; 
Julius Schleuder, jeweler; 
A. Carlson, agricultural implements; 
J. A. Stemple, grocer; 
I. A. Norwood, marble worker;
N. M. Baker, auction and feed store; 
J. M. Peterson, blacksmith and machine shop;
C. R. Woods, stoves and tinware; 
L. Patow, stoves and tinware; 
S. Schumacker, dry goods and groceries.

   The professional men are A. W. Daniels, D. B. Collins, G. F. Merritt, T. J.
Catlin, physicians; G. S. Ives, Ladd & Stone, M. G. Hanscome and C. R. Davis,
attorneys; J. E. Miller and J. A. Angle, dentists.

   Hotels: The Nicollet House, a very fine three story brick structure, costing
$30,000, was completed in the winter of 1872-3. It was constructed by the St.
Peter Hotel company, a corporation consisting of the business men of the city,
and was opened in the fall of 1873 by George Virtue. He has been succeeded by
the following named landlords: A. B. Willey, J. M. Wilson, H. S. Carpenter and
R. J. Anderson, the latter now conducting the house.

   The other hotels are the Commercial, N. S. Lee, proprietor; Northwestern,
Hans Benson, proprietor; Union House, Jacob Bauer, proprietor.

   Lars Anderson was born in Sweden in 1829. Came to America in 1856, and until
1868 taught school in Carver county, Minnesota. In the latter year settled in
Bemadotte, Nicollet county, where he was postmaster and town clerk. In 1877 he
was elected register of deeds, which necessitated his removal to St. Peter. He
held the office for the term of two years, and was again elected in the fall of
1881. Married in 1871 Mrs. Margaret Anderson.

   R. J. Anderson, proprietor of the Nicollet House, is a native of Ireland,
born in 1837. His parents came to America when he was quite young, and located
in New York city. At the age of twenty-one he engaged in the livery, and
afterward in the hotel and real estate business. He succeeded in accumulating
something of a fortune, which in the panic of 1873 was nearly swept away. In
1878 he moved to Illinois, and was in the grain trade until 1881, when he came
to St. Peter and leased the Nicollet House for a term of years, and is now
conducting that hostelry. He married in 1868 Miss Ella Fardon, who died two
years later, leaving one child, Winfield Scott. Mr. Anderson married Emma Carter
in 1875; they have two children, Maud and Robert J.

   J. A. Angle was born in the State of New York in 1838. When yet young his
parents moved from that state to Illinois and Wisconsin. At the age of nineteen
he removed to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and learned dentistry, which profession he has
since followed. In 1861 he enlisted in the Eighth Iowa infantry, and after a
service of one year was discharged on account of wounds received at the battle
of Pittsburg Landing. In 1865 he came to St. Peter, where he has since practiced
dentistry. Married in 1864 Miss Susan M. Upton.

   Caspar Baberish was born in Westphalia, Prussia, April 6, 1826. He learned
the dyer's trade, after which he entered upon a course of study at a university.
He came to America and resided in Pennsylvania and in Detroit, Michigan, until
1856. He then came to St. Paul, and in November of that year came to St. Peter.
He was a member of the firm of Schimmel & Co. After that firm dissolved he built
and operated a flouring mill; is now engaged in general merchandise business and
is counted one of St. Peter's "solid" men.

   H. T. B. Bagge, a native of Norway, was born in 1841. Served as clerk for his
father, and when twenty years of age entered the army and served two years. In
1866 he came to America, and in September, same year, arrived at St. Peter,
where he began clerking. He afterward became a partner in the firm of C.
Amundson & Co. After several changes, Mr. Bagge in 1880 engaged in the grocery
and provision business. In 1869 he married Miss Julia Olsen. They have four
children: Andreas N., Severin A., Annie P. and Olaf A.

   Julius Baker was born in Cortland county, New York, October 11, 1849. When
six years old he came with his parents to Traverse des Sioux, and during the
Indian trouble of 1862 moved to St. Peter. He learned the miller's trade in
Ottawa, and worked at it in St. Peter two years and in Minneapolis seven years.
In 1880 he returned to St. Peter as head miller in the Riverside mill.

   Cyrus K. Bartlett, superintendent of the Minnesota Hospital for Insane, at
St. Peter, was born at Boxford, Massachusetts, January 23, 1829. After a course
of study under private tutors, he entered Harvard Medical College and graduated
M. D. in March, 18-52. Until 1858 he practiced medicine at Charlestown, Mass.,
and was then appointed assistant physician to the Massachusetts State Lunatic
Asylum, at Northampton, and was for a time acting superintendent. In November,
1868, he was elected to the position he now occupies. While in Massachusetts was
member of the State Medical Society, and since his removal to St. Peter has been
a member of the Minnesota State Medical Society. He married, August 10, 1864,
Abba Page, daughter of the late Franklin Burnham, of Windsor, Vermont.

   J. Bauer, a native of Germany, was born in January, 1832. He came to New York
in 1854, and two years later moved to Minnesota, and learned the carpenter's
trade at Winona. In 1857 he came to St. Peter and built the hotel which he is
now conducting, the Union House. He was with General Sibley on his expedition
against the Indians.

   Professor. J. A. Bauman was born in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, in
1847. At the age of seventeen, he began teaching and five years later entered
college at Allentown, from which he graduated in 1873. Until 1876 attended a
Lutheran theological seminary at Philadelphia; then had charge of a church about
one year. In 1877 accepted a position in the Pennsylvania State Normal School
and in 1881 came to St. Peter as professor of natural sciences and mathematics
in Gustavous Adolphus College. Married in 1880, Miss Lizzie S. Kiefer, who is
also a teacher.

   A. H. Benham was born in 1829, in Ashtabula county, Ohio. His early life was
spent in travel, his home after 1858, being in Cleveland. In 1866 he began
selling goods from Winona, Minnesota, through tributary country, and in 1867
came to St. Peter; was for six years proprietor of the Northwestern Hotel. He
has carried the mail since the first train ran into St. Peter, and is now agent
for the express companies. For two years held the office of city marshal.

   Hans Benson was born in Norway in 1840. He came to America in 1861 and
settled at St. Peter, engaging in the harness business, for six or seven years.
He then began farming, which he followed until the spring of 1881, when he went
into the Northwestern Hotel, at St. Peter. Married in 1861 Albertina Appeard,
who died in March 1881.

   Wilhelm Boethin, a native of Germany, was born in the province of Posen, in
1843. In 1869 he immigrated to America, and lived one year in Patterson, New
Jersey, then moved to Minnesota, arriving at St. Peter in January 1871. He
established business as wagon maker, with very limited capital, but has now a
very extensive trade. Married Sophie Rinkel in 1872. They have four children.

   B. Bornemann was born in Germany in 1824. He learned the printers' trade in
the city of Dresden. On account of being connected with political disturbances
he was obliged to leave the country, and went to New York in 1850. Three years
later, he went to Australia, and in 1855 returned to New York; then came to
Traverse des Sioux, where he kept a saloon. About 1865 he came to. St. Peter,
and has since been in the hotel business.

   John Brandt is a native of Germany, born in 1836. He was raised a farmer and
came to America in 1862. After working in a brewery in Buffalo, New York, nearly
two years, he went to Illinois and lived on a farm five years. He came to St.
Peter in 1870, and is now engaged in saloon business. Married in 1859, Miss
Fredericka Kohl. Their children are Mina, Mary, Theodore, Ida, Lizzie and Rosa.

   Charles T. Brown, deceased, was born in Wilton, Franklin county, Maine,
November 21, 1827. In October 1860, he came to St. Peter and soon after engaged
in farming in Le Sueur county, for eighteen months; then returned to St. Peter
and began his real estate business which he continued until his death, November
30, 1879. Mr. Brown was elected to the state senate in 1865; the following year
to the house and for the two succeeding terms was a member of the senate. In
1869 was appointed agent for the Chippewa Indians, but held the position only a
few months, as the Indians were transferred to the care of the war department.
In 1871 was appointed United States surveyor general for Minnesota and held the
office for two years, when he resigned. He was president of the board of
trustees for the state Insane Asylum, from its organization until his death.

   Captain T. G. Carter, was born in Allegany county, New York, in February,
1832. In 1856 he came to Minnesota, and for two years lived on a claim in
Kasota, Le Sueur, county. His buildings were destroyed by fire and he removed to
St. Peter in 1858, and became cashier in the bank of Edgerton & Donahower. In
August, 1862 he was mustered into service as 2nd lieutenant of Company K,
Seventh Minnesota, which company had been previously known as the Cleveland
Guards. He was promoted to 1st lieutenant and captain and mustered out in 1865.
Since then his attention has been given to real estate and insurance in St.
Peter. He was married in 1860 to Miss Margaret Ryan.

   Dr. D. B. Collins was born in Dane county, Wisconsin, in April, 1848. At the
age of six years he accompanied his parents to Milton, where he afterwards
attended college. He began the study of medicine at Bush Medical College,
Chicago, from which institution he graduated in 1871. He came to St. Peter the
same year and began the practice of his profession. In 1876 he removed to
Cleveland, Le Sueur county, where for two years he was examining surgeon for
pensions. Has since resided in St. Peter, in the practice of his profession.

   E. St. Julien Cox was born in 1835, at Geneva, Switzerland, while his
parents, who were citizens of the United States, were making a tour of Europe.
Finished the study of law in Wisconsin, to which state he had removed in 1851,
locating at Pine City. He was admitted to the bar in 1854. In 1857 he came to
St. Paul and from there to St. Peter, which has since been his home. In 1873 was
elected to the house of representatives and the following year to the state
senate. In 1877 was elected judge of the ninth judicial district. He was married
September 14, 1856, at Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, to Miss M. Mayhew. They have six
children living.

   F. W. Cutter, a native of Connecticut, was born at Hartford, in 1848. He
followed clerking for several years, then traveled as salesman. In 1869 he came
to Minnesota and remained one year at Ottawa, since which he has lived in St.
Peter. He is the inventor of a liniment which has acquired a reputation for its
healing powers. Mr. Cutter married Josephine Dare in 1869; two children living,
Samuel Allen and Frederick William.

   A. R. Davis was born in Le Sueur county, Minnesota, in 1857. He was raised on
a farm, and in 1874 taught school. In 1875 he began clerking for Stark Brothers,
in St. Peter, and in 1879 became a partner, the firm hearing the name of Stark
Brothers & Davis. They carry a large and first-class stock of general
merchandise. Mr. Davis married Matilda Stark in 1879. One child, Bernice.

   S. W. Davis was born in Canada in 1825, and in 1838 went with his parents to
Jefferson county, New York. In 1839 removed to Illinois, and in 1854 came to
Minnesota and settled at Lake Emily, Le Sueur county Until 1868 was farming;
then came to St. Peter and started in the grocery and butcher business. Is now a
stock dealer. He held many offices in Le Sueur county and rendered valuable aid
in the defense of New Ulm against the Indians. Married in 1846, Mary Pettis;
they have three daughters and one son. The latter, C. R. Davis, is county attorney.

   Charles R. Davis was born at Pittsfield, Pike county, Illinois, in 1849. His
parents, who came from Canada, brought him to St. Peter in 1854. He attended
school here and in St. Paul, and after his return from the latter place engaged
in mercantile business which he gave up for the law; he studied three years with
A. Wallin and was admitted to the bar in 1871. The following year he was elected
county attorney and is now (1881) holding that office. Is also city attorney and
clerk, this being his third term.

   Dr. Asa Wilder Daniels was born in Strafford, New Hampshire, January 15,
1829. Received an academic education at Lancaster, and studied medicine with an
uncle in Boston. He graduated from the Ohio Medical college, and in 1853 came to
Minnesota as assistant surgeon at Fort Ridgely; after a few months he received
the appointment as resident physician at the Sioux Agency. This position he
filled under agents Murphy, Flandrau and Brown, and in 1861 removed to St. Peter
and began practice. During his experience at the agency the doctor formed an
acquaintance with Indians who were leaders in the outbreak, and when the news
was received he volunteered and went with the company under Major Flandrau to
New Ulm, where, in conjunction with Dr. Ayer, he rendered valuable surgical aid
to the wounded. After. New Ulm was evacuated some sixty wounded persons were
taken to St. Peter, where the doctor fitted up a hospital for their care. Doctor
Daniels was for three years a member of the state board of health, and for ten
years has been examining surgeon for United States pensions. He is also a member
of the State Medical society. He married in June, 1853, Miss Emma B. Evans. They
have four children living.

   James Delany was born at Brantford, Canada West, in 1852. Came with parents
to St. Peter in 1858, and here attended the public schools, He learned the
printer's trade in the "Tribune" office, and after working at it three years was
appointed deputy postmaster, which position he has filled since 1869. He was
elected to the office of register of deeds for Nicollet county in 1879.

   Philip Dick, a native of Germany, was born in Bavaria in 1847. In 1866hecame
to America and settled in Indiana; in 1870 came to St. Peter and engaged in the
clothing trade, which business he still continues. Was elected to the office of
mayor of St. Peter in 1880. Married Miss Louisa Hoefer in 1870; three children:
Max, Philip and Albert.

   E. Dillion was born in Limerick, Ireland, and came to New York city in
January, 1857. For several years he lived in the state of New York, and in
April, 1865, came to St. Peter. His first employment was as fireman in a
flour-mill, and after two years he was advanced to the position of engineer,
which he now fills.

   F. A. Donahower, a native of Pennsylvania, was born in Chester county, in
1830. His educational advantages were limited, and at the age of seventeen he
entered a store as clerk. In 1851 he went to Indianapolis, Indiana, and followed
the same vocation until 1853 when he went to St. Paul. He there wrote up the
first set of abstracts made in Ramsey county for C. H. Parker, and afterward
became teller in his bank. In 1855 he took the same position in Mackubin &
Edgerton's bank, and in 1857, in company with Mr. Edgerton and Alvah Smith, came
to St. Peter and started a private banking house under the firm name of
Edgerton, Smith & Donahower. In 1860 the firm became Edgerton & Donahower, which
continued until 1871 when the institution became the First National bank of St.
Peter with Mr. Donahower as cashier, which position he has since held. He was
chairman of the county board a number of years, president of the school hoard
and has taken an active part in building up St. Peter. In 1860 he married Miss
Ellen Magner.

   J. C. Donahower was born near Reading, Pennsylvania, in January, 1837. He
remained with his parents until 1854, then came to St. Paul and entered the
employ of a mercantile house; in April, 1860, he visited Kansas, and on his
return to Minnesota located at St. Peter. He was employed by Edgerton &
Donahower, bankers, for a short time only, as when the war of the rebellion
began he at once left his business and was instrumental in raising the first
company from the Minnesota valley, which became Company E, Second regiment
infantry. Upon the resignation of Captain Skaro, in 1862, Mr. Donahower was
promoted to that rank. After an active service of over three years, Captain
Donahower returned to St. Peter and to his former position in the bank. Since
the concern became the First National bank in 1871, he has held the position of
assistant cashier.

   Thomas Downs, native of England, was born in 1842 and came with his parents
to America in 1852. They lived in St. Louis one year and came to Minnesota in
1853. After residing in St. Paul and Minneapolis, came in 1856, to Nicollet
county and settled in Lake Prairie township. In 1861 he enlisted in Company E,
2nd infantry, and served until the close of the war. Five of his brothers
entered the army and two of them lost their lives.

 After the war he engaged in contracting and building in company with a brother,
in St. Peter, which he continued until 1875, when he was elected sheriff of
Nicollet county, which office he held by re-election until January 1st, 1882. He
was married in 1865 to Miss Maggie Elliott.

   Rev. C. S. H. Dunn was born in 1855, in Maryland and taken by his parents to
Georgia. His father was a large slave-owner and during the war liberated them
and returned to Maryland, where he died some years after. The subject of this
article received his education at several of the prominent educational
institutions of the country; in 1878 graduated from the Drew Theological
Seminary, at Madison, New Jersey, and from the Illinois Wesleyan College. The
same year he came to Minnesota and assumed the duties of a Methodist minister,
at Moorhead, where he organized and built a church. Two years after, he went to
Redwood Falls, and in the fall of 1881, assumed charge of the M. E. church at
St. Peter. He was married in 1879 to Miss Belle Ryburn.

   Samuel Dunning was born in Bloomington, Indiana, January 26, 1825. He moved
with his parents to Gosport, in 1831, and there learned the harnessmaker's trade
with his father, who died in 1843, after which the son carried on the business.
In 1855 he came to St. Peter, and after engaging in business about three years,
began huying and shipping live stock, which has since been his business. He has
also had several contracts with the government.

   George W. Dryer was born in Columbia county, New York, in 1845. He moved to
Utica, and there attended school; also took an academic course. He was for a
time engaged in mercantile pursuits; he had charge of a dispensary for three and
one half years, studying medicine at the same time. He was induced to come to
Minnesota in 1867, and has since been connected with the official roster of the
State Insane Asylum at St. Peter. He now holds the position of steward.

   M. Engesser was born in 1812, at Danube, the source of the Danube river, in
Germany. He came to America in 1840 and engaged in the boot and shoe business,
at Cincinnati, until the fall of 1857, when he came to St. Peter and built a
brewery in company with Mr. Seeger. The ground on which the brewery was built,
was donated by the St. Peter company, with the condition that they should put up
a brewery to cost $6,000. The building was completed in 1858 by Mr. Engesser,
Mr. Seeger having sold his interest to him. The machinery for the brewery was
brought from Cincinnati, by boat. The capacity of the establishment has been
increased from time to time, to meet the greater demand. The production is now
over 1,000 barrels per year.

   M. G. Evenson, a native of Norway, was born in August, 1833. Came to Dane
county, Wisconsin, in 1849, and to St. Paul in November, 1852. The following
May, he came to the site of St. Peter, in company with A. Skaro and P. Evenson.
He lived in the first house erected here. In 1861 he opened a tailor shop and in
connection sold groceries. Enlisted in Company D, 9th regiment, and served until
the close of the war. After spending eighteen months in Missouri, he returned to
St. Peter and engaged in the hardware business. Mr. Evenson is one of the
original pre-emptors of the town site of St. Peter.

   Henry Essler was born in Pennsylvania in 1839 and when a child went with his
parents to Racine, Wisconsin. In 1861 he came to St. Peter, and in company with
his brother, W. C. Essler, engaged in the foundry business, which they still
continue. In 1862 he joined the mounted rangers and served one year. Married in
1861, Mary Tovistean.

   W. C. Essler was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1832. In 1857 he came
to Minnesota and at Henderson started the first sash and door factory west of
Minneapolis. In 1859 he erected the foundry in St. Peter, in which he has since
carried on business in company with his brother, under the title of the St.
Peter Foundry.

   Jonn Foot was born in Albany county, New York, in August, 1805. At the age of
fifteen he went to Green county to learn the tanners trade and remained there
ten years; then went to Chenango county and was in business until 1860. In 1865
he came to St. Peter and bought the interest of Mr. Wakefield in the firm of
Wakefield & Kayser. After running the business eight years, W. G. Hayden entered
the firm, which dissolved in 1876. In March, 1879, Mr. Foot again engaged in the
dry goods business which he still continues.

   H. M. Frey, a native of Connecticut, was born in Hartford county, in
February, 1854. The year after, his parents brought him to Minnesota and settled
at Traverse des Sioux, but soon after came to St. Peter, which has since been
his home. At the age of nineteen he learned the masons' trade which he followed
six years, then learned the barber's trade, and has since been in that business.
Married in 1879, Miss Marian F. Carston.

   N. Galles was born in Germany in 1827 and came to Traverse des Sioux in 1857.
Was on a farm for a time and in 1862 moved to St. Peter. The next year he formed
a partnership with his brother in the wagon making business and after a year or
two he assumed control of the business and has since conducted it alone.

   William G. Gresham, a native of Indiana, was born in 1836. In 1855 he came to
Nicollet county and settled on a farm on Swan lake. In 1862 he enlisted in the
Sixth Minnesota, Company I and held the rank of lieutenant until the close of
the war. He returned to his former home and was soon after elected judge of
probate for Nicollet county and held the office for eight years. Since that time
has principally been engaged in farming until the fall of 1881 when he was
elected superintendent of schools for Nicollet county. He was married in 1859 to
Miss Mary E. Hoffman.

   A. N. Hill was born in Sweden in 1851, and at the age of eleven began to
learn the shoemakers' trade; he also learned the trade of harness making. In
1868 he came to America and worked at his trade until 1874, when he entered
Augustana college at Rock Island, Illinois, from which he graduated in 1878. The
same year he came to teach in the Gustavus Adolphus College.

   G. S. Ives, native of New York, was born in Franklin county, in 1847. In that
and St. Lawrence county he made his home until 1864, then enlisted in the 15th
New York regiment, and was discharged in June, 1865. He remained in York state
until 1869 when he began a course in the law department of the University of
Michigan. Graduated in 1871 and moved to St. Peter in September of that year. He
was admitted to the bar and has since given his attention to the business of the
law. Was for four years county attorney.

   J. Henry James, M. D., was born in Washington county, New York, in 1846. He
attended the medical department of the University of New York, from which he
graduated in 1875, and in July of that year accepted a position in the hospital
for insane on Blackwell Island. In October, 1876, he came to St. Peter, having
been appointed assistant physician at the hospital for insane, which position he
has since held.

   Henry Jones was born in Caledonia county, Vermont, in 1832. At the age of
three years went with his parents to Jefferson county, New York, and in 1837 to
New York city. He was a clerk in a hardware store until 1854, when he came to
St. Peter as an employe of the St. Peter town site company; was for a week the
only man at the place; was then joined by Captain Dodd with six laborers. Mr.
Jones was employed as cook and time-keeper by Captain Dodd. In 1857 he began
mercantile business, and has always been identified with the interests of St.
Peter. He held the office of treasurer of the borough of St. Peter for seven years.

   William Klein, native of Germany, was born in August, 1830. He came to
America in 1852, and to St. Peter four years later, where he established his
business of manufacturing furniture, at which he had previously worked in the
state of New York. For seven years has been in the city council, and was coroner
several years. In addition to his furniture business in St. Peter, he owns and
operates a saw-mill in Cleveland, Le Sueur county. He employs eighteen hands in
his factory, and in connection has a large retail furniture store.

   E. S. Kneeland was born in Washington county, Wisconsin, in 1853, and at the
age of sixteen began telegraphing for railroad companies. Until 1879 was engaged
in that vocation in Wisconsin and Illiuois, then came to Minnesota, and was at
various places until the summer of 1881, when he came to St. Peter as agent for
the Winona & St. Peter railroad company. Married in 1881 Miss Jennie Sackett.

   Henry Koelfgen was born in Luxemburg, Germany, in 1836. Came to America in
1857, and from New Orleans, where he landed, up the Mississippi to Bellevue,
Iowa, and the following fall came to St. Peter. He returned to Dubuque, Iowa,
and worked in the mines two years. In 1864 enlisted in an Iowa cavalry regiment,
and at the close of the war came to St. Peter. He was married in 1874 to
Margaret Thewes. Katie M., Anna E. and Andrew L. are their children.

   Sumner Ladd was born in Cuyahoga, Ohio, in May, 1838, and at the age of one
year was taken by his parents to their former home in Vermont. Mr. Ladd remained
in that state until 1866. He graduated from the University of Vermont in 1863,
and studied law at the Albany law school, and with Hon. Daniel Roberts, of
Burlington, Vermont, one of the first attorneys in the state. He came to St.
Peter in 1866, and has since given his attention to the practice of law. In 1878
was a member of the legislature, and chairman of the committee of ways and means.

   F. E. Lange, native of Germany, was born October 16, 1825. He learned the
trade of watchmaker and in 1852 came to this country and located at Washington,
D. C. In July 1856, he came to St. Peter and began at once the jewelry and
watch-making business, which he has since continued. He has held the office of
mayor, and has been a councilman for several years.

   L. C. Lord was born in Kellingworth, Connecticut, August 27, 1851. At the age
of seventeen he left the farm and began his studies, graduating from the normal
school of his native state. After teaching several years he came to Minnesota in
1874, and was principal of the graded school at Winnebago City three years, and
of the Union building in Mankato one year. Came to St. Peter in 1879 as
superintendent of schools. In July, 1873, he married Miss Mary E. Cook, of
Terryville, Connecticut. They have three children: Ethelwin G., Frank A. and Inez
H.

   August Lorenz was born in the province of Schleswig, now a part of Germany,
in 1847. He came to America in 1869 and located at Muskegon, Michigan, where he
worked at his trade, harness-making. He came to Minnesota in 1871, and after
residing in Rochester, Northfield, Rosemount and Cleveland, he came to St.
Peter; established the harness business in 1878. He was married in 1876 to Anne
Zimmerman, of Le Sueur. They have two children.

   H. J. Ludcke, native of Germany, was born in 1841. In 1853 located in
Chicago, and went with his parents to New Ulm with the colony, but not liking
the location settled at Traverse des Sioux. He worked with his father in the
blacksmith shop, and about 1860 came to St. Peter. Clerked in a store here and
in Minneapolis, and on his return to St. Peter opened a paint shop. Married in
1865 Anna Kline. Mrs. Ludcke is now engaged in the millinery business at St. Peter.

   Rev. G. F. McAfee was born in Missouri in 1839. He graduated in 1861 from the
Baptist Theological College at La Grange, Missouri, and then entered the Third
Missouri cavalry and served four years. After the war he taught school until
1873, then entered the Northwestern Theological College at Chicago, to prepare
for the ministry. He graduated in 1876, and until 1878 was in charge of a church
in Illinois. He then came to St. Peter as pastor of the Presbyterian church.
Married in 1867 Miss Phoebe Thorne.

   William McOuat, native of Canada, was born in La Chute, province of Quebec,
May 29, 1841. He lived with his parents until the spring of 1856, and May 29th
of that year landed at Traverse des Sioux. He has since been engaged principally
in farming. In the winter of 1858 carried the mail from Port Ridgely to the
Chippewa river. For several years he has been chief of police in St. Peter. His
marriage with Lillian Davis occurred in 1865.

   E. E. Malmo was born in Germany in 1859, and nine years after came to
America. He learned the trade of barber in New York city, and pursued it there
until 1880, when he came to St. Peter and has followed his trade here. He was
married in July, 1881, to Miss Lydia Heebner.

   Rev. John Meier was born in Westphalia, Germany, in 1854. His father was a
mechanic. In early boyhood he decided to become a Catholic priest, and with that
end in view entered a gymnasium and completed his classical studies at
Paderborn, Prussia, in 1873. In consequence of the opposition to Catholicism in
Prussia, and the difficulty of completing his education under the laws of that
country, he in 1875 came to St. Paul, and was admitted to the diocese by Bishop
Grace. He entered St. John's College, and graduated in 1877. Was ordained priest
and placed at Red Wing as assistant. In August, 1881, he came to St. Peter and
assumed charge of the parish here. He has also two country parishes in his charge.

   H. C. Miller, native of Germany, was born in Hanover in 1842. In 1865 left
that country for America, and has since been actively engaged in business in St.
Peter. In 1879 he was elected to the state senate from the 34th district.

   J. E. Miller was born in Michigan in 1856. He received a classical education
and graduated from the Baltimore College of Dentistry in 1879. He located in Le
Sueur, and practiced there until the spring of 1881, and since that time has
been in practice in St. Peter. His father, John Miller, has been assistant
superintendent of the Michigan Central railroad for the past fourteen years.

   Henry Moll was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1848, and at the age of
twelve came with parents to Minnesota and settled on a farm near near St. Peter.
Two years later he entered the dry goods store of F. A. Donahower and remained
five years; then, in company with his father, E. Moll, engaged in the harness
business. In the fall of 1881 he sold out his business and was elected sheriff
of Nicollet county, assuming the duties of that office January 1, 1882. Married
in 1873 Isabella A. Dunning, of St. Peter.

   Major Thomas Montgomery was born at Mount Charles, Donegal county, Ireland,
June 4, 1841. When four years old came to Canada, and in 1856 to Minnesota and
settled with his father on a farm in Le Sueur county. In 1862 he located a claim
of 160 acres in Meeker county. Enlisted in Company K, Seventh regiment, was
appointed corporal and stationed at Fort Snelling. Was ordered to camp Lincoln
to guard Indian prisoners, and assisted in the execution of the thirty-eight at
Mankato. Was elected second lieutenant at camp Pope and participated in the
campaign against the Indians to the Missouri river. Afterwards went South and
was promoted to first lieutenant and captain. Was brevetted major in March,
1865, and was mustered out at St. Louis. Upon his return to St. Peter he formed
a partnership with T. G. Carter in law, real estate, collection and insurance
business. He has held many offices of trust, both in the societies of which he
is a member and in the public offices of the town and county. Married Miss Sarah
A. Purnell, September 26, 1867. They have six children: Edmund A., Cora B.,
Charles P., Edith M., George D. and Thomas B.

   Joseph Knight Moore, publisher of the St. Peter Tribune, and for many years
postmaster, was born at Enfield, Massachusetts, February 17, 1828. He commenced
the printers' trade in the office of the Gazette and Courier, at Franklin in
July, 1842, and worked at the business for ten years. In May, 1852, he started
for California, overland, reaching there in September. He worked at mining for a
time and in the summer of 1853 was foreman of the Daily Herald at Marysville. In
the fall he purchased an interest in the Grass Valley Telegraph and one year
later sold out and went to Georgetown where he superintended the News six
months. He returned by the Nicaraugua route and reached Massachusetts in May,
1855. For the next three years he published the Republican at Norristown,
Pennsylvania, and also ran a book store. In March 1859 he came to St. Peter and
purchased a half interest in the Free Press; In December, following, the office
and all the material were destroyed by fire. On the 8th of February, 1860 he
started the St. Peter Tribune, sold the office the next year, and purchased it
back in 1869; has since continued its sole proprietor. Connected with the office
is a fine job department. The paper has acquired a large circulation and is
considered one of the best and most influential weekly papers in the state. In
the spring of 1861, Mr. Moore was appointed postmaster by President Lincoln and
has since held that office, with the exception of three years during President
Johnson's administration. Mr. Moore is a royal arch Mason. On the 1st of
January, 1851, Miss Clara L. Hosey, of Greenfield, Massachusetts became his
wife. They have four children, Frank D., Fred S., Flora K., and Harry E. Mr.
Moore was twice elected to the office of state printer.

   J. A. Norwood was born in Baltimore, Maryland in July 1836. While living with
his parents he learned the trade of marble cutter. In 1857 he came to Traverse
des Sioux which was his home until 1865; during this time had made a stay of two
years in Colorado. In 1865 he came to St. Peter, opened a marble shop and has
since been engaged in that business.

   James Nutter was born in Lancaster, England, in 1820. He learned the
blacksmiths' trade at Bolton, Yorkshire, and served at it six years. He came to
America in 1842 and for eleven years ran a shop at Somerville, New Jersey; he
then moved to Marshall county, Illinois, and three years later came to St.
Peter, arriving in May, 1856. For a time he was in partnership with J. Ferguson;
afterwards ran the business alone. The large shop he now occupies he built in 1869.

   T. M. Perry, deceased, was born in Rhode Island in the year 1800. He moved to
Michigan when it was a territory. In 1856 he came to St. Paul and worked in a
printing office a short time, after which he published by contract, the St.
Peter Courier for two years. In 1858 Mr. Perry established the Cleveland Herald
at Cleveland, Le Sueur county. In 1865 he founded the St. Peter Advertiser,
which was in life until 1876. Mr. Perry died July 26, 1866 and was succeeded in
the printing business by his son, Thomas M. who now owns the Times published at
St. Peter, a lively, independent journal with a large circulation.

   Judge John Peterson was born in Norway, in 1831. He came to America in 1853
and the following year to St. Paul. In 1856 he moved to Lake Prairie, Nicollet
county and located on a farm; remained five or six years and during the time was
chairman of the board of supervisors and also justice of the peace. He was
appointed captain of the home guard and was at the battle of New Ulm in 1862. In
1873 was elected judge of probate for Nicollet county, which office he has since
held. Married in the spring of 1857, Ellen Amudson. They have six children
living. Clara L., Albert L., Peter A., Louisa R., Olivia J. and Ella J.

   J. M. Peterson was born in Smoland, Sweden, in March, 1844. He learned the
trade of blacksmith with his father, and came to Illinois in 1864. He shortly
after went to New York and learned the machinists' and blacksmiths' trade. He
came to St. Peter in 1873 and has since run a blacksmith shop. Was married
October 14, 1869.

   E. S. Pettijohn was born at Huntsville, Illinois, in 1848 and at the age of
five years came with parents to Minnesota. His father took a claim in Nicollet
county, and the subject of this sketch remained with him until twenty years of
age. He began teaching in country schools and in 1873 was engaged as teacher in
the graded school of St. Peter. In 1874 he was appointed superintendent of
schools, for Nicollet county and held that office until 1877, when he was
elected county auditor, a position he has since filled. He was married in 1873
to Miss Sarah E. Hughes.

   B. H. Randall was born in Orleans county, Vermont, November 25, 1823. He
learned the trade of cabinet maker and in 1844 went to Illinois. Engaged in
teaching and clerking. Was in the grain trade and grocery business at Peoria,
after which he returned to Vermont and studied law. In 1849 he came to Fort
Snelling and went into the sutler's department as clerk for Franklin Steele,
remaining until 1853. He was a member of the territorial legislature during the
second, third and fourth sessions. In 1853 he was appointed sutler and
postmaster at Fort Ridgely and in the Indian outbreak helped to defend the post.
His store and warehouse were destroyed. He remained at that post until it was
abolished in 1868, then came to St. Peter and engaged in the manufacture of
boots and shoes, employing twenty-five men; followed this business five years,
then until 1879 led a retired life. In the latter year he engaged in the grocery
business. Mr. Randall has held the offices of mayor one term, president of the
school board six years, county superintendent of schools and many minor offices.
He was married in 1854 to Miss M. Lange. They have eight children.

   Benjamin Rogers was born in 1835 and remained with his parents until
attaining majority, then came to St. Peter, where he opened a merchant tailoring
establishment. In 1862 he enlisted in the Ninth regiment infantry and served
three years. In 1866 he was elected county auditor and reelected for the two
succeeding terms, the last of which expired in 1872. Hs then engaged in his old
business until the fall of 1879 when he was elected clerk of court for Nicollet
county which office he now holds.

   W. H. Rounseville was born in Tompkins county, New York, and at the age of
twelve years came, in 1853, to Traverse des Sioux, Nicollet county, Minnesota.
He engaged in farming for about eighteen years, then began the lumber trade at
St. Peter, also kept a stock of builders materials. He now has in connection
with that business five steam threshing machines which he runs during the
season; their capacity is about 150,000 bushels during the threshing season.
Married in 1865 Miss Emma Pardee, who died in 1867. Married in 1879 Rebecca
Goodman.

   A. L. Sackett was born in Plymouth, New York, in 1839. He lived with his
parents until the war broke out, then enlisted in Company E, 89th New York
infantry and served over three years, ranking as orderly sergeant most of the
time. In January 1865, he came to St. Peter and was employed in the mill which
he now owns, remaining six years. He was elected register of deeds in 1865 for
one term, and for three terms, beginning with 1877, was mayor of St. Peter. Is a
member of the board of trustees for the State Insane Asylum, and has held many
local offices. In 1871, he, in company with Charles Fay, purchased the Riverside
steam flouring mill, and has since conducted it with success.

   J. B. Sackett was born in Plymouth, New York, in 1835. At the age of twelve
he entered the Norwich Academy and completed his education at the age of
seventeen. In 1852 he moved to Wisconsin, where he was employed as clerk in a
store. In 1857 he came to St. Peter; was elected first clerk of the board of
supervisors and in 1859 was elected county auditor. In 1861 was elected register
of deeds and held the office four years, when he was succeeded by his brother A.
L. Sackett, with whom he remained two years as deputy. In 1862 he was appointed
United States revenue collector, which office he still holds. Married in 1862
Miss C. B. Whitredge, of Springfield, Ohio.

   John Scheuer was born in Prussia, province of the Rhine, in April 1827. He
learned the trade of wagon maker, and in 1853 located in Chicago, where he
worked at his trade. In 1854 he joined the society which settled at New Ulm, and
went to that place in May 1855. A few weeks later he returned to Traverse des
Sioux, and in 1863 opened a wagon shop at St. Peter, to which place he moved his
family in 1875. He was married in 1854.

   William Schimmel, a native of Prussia, was born in Westphalia in 1822. He
immigrated to Detroit, Michigan, in 1850, where he published the "Michigan
Yolksblatt." In 1856 he came to St. Peter, and immediately became identified
with its commercial interests; has been in business here since. He is now
president of the First National bank. Has been mayor of St. Peter twice; for
twelve years a member of the board of trustees for the State Insane Asylum, and
is treasurer and secretary of the institution at the present writing.

   Julius Schleuder was born in Calles, Prussia, in December, 1835, He learned
the jewelers' trade at Noerenberg and worked at it a number of years, then
carried on business for himself. In 1860 he married Augusta Bergschmidt, of
Noerenberg, and in 1863 came to St. Peter, where, with the exception of one year
he has since been in the jewelry business.

   J. H. Smith was born at Galena, Illinois, in 1850, and when four years old
came with his father, James R. Smith, to St. Peter. His father engaged in hotel
business until 1861, then enlisted in the Fifth infantry, his oldest son,
William, enlisting at the same time. The father was discharged for disabilities
and died soon after; the son died in St. Paul on his way home. J. H. Smith
followed blacksmithing until the spring of 1881, when he opened the hotel he now
runs. He was married in 1870 to Johannah Brisnahan.

   J. H. Snyder, was born at Ithaca, New York, in October, 1835. His parents
removed to Cortland county and he remained there until the spring of 1853, then
came to Traverse des Sioux before St. Peter was located. Mr. Snyder was a
chain-man in the surveying party that laid out the town of St. Peter. He
afterward attended Milton College at Milton, Wisconsin, and on his return began
farming near St. Peter, which be continued until 1867. He then established his
present book and stationery business. He has for eight years been a member of
the city council.

   Stephen Spiess, was born in Alsace, France. He was left an orphan at the age
of thirteen years; he learned the shoemakers' trade and worked at it in Lyons,
Paris, and other places in France. He came to Cincinnati in 1852 and from there
went to Indiana. In 1855 he came to Minnesota, and opened a shop at Traverse des
Sioux, and afterward transferred it to St. Peter, where he is still in business.

   H. Sporing, native of Germany, was born in the city of Bremen, in 1850. He
emigrated from that country in 1870 and until 1878 lived in New York city, then
came to St. Peter, where he has been in the liquor business. He was married in
New York, soon after his arrival there, to Miss E. Malmors.

   J. Stelzer was born in Germany in 1830. He learned the baker trade while
young, and came to America in 1853. He settled in Columbus, Ohio, and in 1856
moved to Traverse des Sioux, where he opened a bakery and general store.
Remained in that business until he bought the brewery he now runs in 1867. The
building was destroyed in 1873, but Mr. Stelzer rebuilt at once and has since
greatly enlarged the capacity for production. The new building is of brick and
fitted with first-class machinery.

   F. A. Stempel, a native of France, was born in Strasbourg, province of
Alsace, in February, 1831, and remained there until he came to America in 1850.
He remained in New York city some time, and in 1854 moved to Illinois, and the
year following to Traverse des Sioux. He was in business there until 1867 then
came to St. Peter and has since been in general merchandise business.

   A. A. Stone was born in Canada in 1840. In 1854 he came with his parents to
St. Peter and lived on the farm until 1860; he then went to Colorado but
returned the following year and enlisted among the first in the Second Minnesota
volunteer infantry. After serving his term of enlistment, three years, he lived
for a time in Tennessee, then returned to St. Peter. In 1865 he was elected
sheriff of Nicollet county for two years. In 1866 he began reading law and was
admitted to the bar in 1874. He was appointed clerk of court in 1871 and held
that office four years. In 1874 he formed a partnership with Hon. S. Ladd in the
practice of law, which has since continued. He was mayor of St. Peter in 1879.
Married in 1866 Miss Sarah F. Phelps.

   M. B. Stone was born in Worcester county, Massachusetts, in 1810, and when
eight years of age accompanied his parents to Canada. In 1854 he came to
Minnesota and settled on a farm where he has since lived. He was the first
justice in St. Peter, and officiated at the first marriage in the town. He was
county commissioner for some time and in 1876 was elected to the state senate.
He has always taken an active part in advancing the interests of St. Peter. Mr.
Stone has been married three times; the first in 1832 to Emily W. Blair, of
Vermont, and the last time in 1878, to Anna Johnson.

   Sander Swenson, native of Norway, was born in March, 1840. He came to this
country in July, 1857; came to Goodhue county, Minnesota, and soon after to St.
Peter, near where he settled on a farm. During the war he served three years in
the Ninth Minnesota, in Company D. Upon his return home he was married and began
farming. In 1876 he came to St. Peter where his wife died; he made a trip to
Europe and on his return to St. Peter went into the hardware business with O. S.
Swanson. He was married for the second time, and in 1879 began keeping the
Northwestern hotel. In the spring of 1881 he moved to his farm in the town of
New Sweden.

   Rev. John Tori, Catholic priest, was born in Austria. He came to America in
1873 and finished his theological studies at Grand Seminary of St. Sulspice,
Montreal, Canada. He came to Minnesota in July, 1876, and stopped in St. Paul,
where he was ordained the following year and went to New Ulm. After ten months
there went to St. Cloud in 1878 and supplied vacant parishes until he came to
St. Peter. He is a musician of high order, though he confines himself to the
organ; in connection with his parish duties he teaches music.

   John N. Treadwell was born in Deposit, New York, in 1828, and while an infant
his parents moved to Franklin. He remained there until 1855 then came to St.
Paul and engaged as clerk and book-keeper. In May, 1862, he came to St. Peter
and for about ten years was associated with F. A. Donahower in general
merchandise. He retired from business about 1873. He served as a member of the
house of representatives in 1874-5; at present is vice president of the First
National bank of St. Peter. Married in 1868, Jane Pickett, of New Milford,
Connecticut.

   Rudolf Volk, native of Germany, was born in Baden, November 15, 1823. He
worked for his father until 1846 when he came to Cincinnati and learned the
cooper's trade; worked there for twenty years. In 1868 he came to St. Peter and
started a cooper shop, which he still runs.

   M. Wahlstrom was born in Blekinge, Sweden, November 28, 1851. In 1851 he came
with his parents to America and resided with them in northern Illinois until
1861. He then entered St. Ansgar's academy in Carver county, Minnesota, and
remained ten years. In 1871 he entered Augustana college at Paxton, Illinois,
and remained until after its removal to Rock Island, graduating in 1877; he then
entered the seminary at Rock Island, from which he graduated and was ordained at
Chicago in 1879; he then went west as a missionary among the Comanche Indians,
but on account of failing health was obliged to return in a year. He has since
been professor in Gustavus Adolphus college at St. Peter.

   John Walin was born in Sweden, September 23, 1845. He learned the trade of
furniture making in his own country, and came to America in July, 1873. Came to
St. Peter the same year and worked at his trade four years then began business
for himself, which he still continues.

   H. L. Watts was born at Worthington, Massachusetts, in 1826. Learned the
blacksmith's trade at Springfield, after which he ran a shop of his own. He
lived in Hadley and Amherst, engaged at his trade. He came to St. Peter January
3, 1880, and is now engaged in horseshoeing and wagonmaking. Mr. Watts is the
inventor of a whiffletree and hold-back, Watts' elastic horseshoe and a
horseshoe machine, besides other useful and ingenious machinery.

   Edward Williams, native of England, was born in Gloucestershire, in July,
1834. He came to St. Peter in 1869, and began work at once in the position he
now holds as engineer at the Riverside mills, which trade he had learned in
England. He was in Renville county, three years, but returned to St. Peter. At
the age of twenty he married Sarah Pickthorn, of Worcestershire, England.


Additional Comments:
Extracted from 

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


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