Redwood County MN Archives History - Books .....Redwood Falls, Charlestown, New Avon 1882 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/mn/mnfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00001.html#0000031 September 23, 2015, 8:18 pm Book Title: History Of The Minnesota Valley REDWOOD FALLS. When settlement was first made the town of Redwood Falls embraced, so far as political action is concerned, all of Redwood county, but no organization was authorized by the county board until January 7, 1880, so far as shown by records, when for the first time Redwood Falls was legally organized. Town meetings were regularly held from April 3, 1866. All the unorganized portion of the county claimed a right to vote in the village and did take part in the elections of the town. Taking this view of the town, Redwood Falls embraced, for political purposes not only all of what is now Redwood county, but also what is now embraced in Lac qui Parle, Lyon and Yellow Medicine and Lincoln counties. By getting off counties and towns, the area of Redwood Falls has been gradually reduced until its present limited area is reached. All acts of the town in this unorganized condition were illegal, but recent act of legislature passed since organization legalized them. The county board at their meeting January 7, 1880, set off the town of Redwood Falls and defined its boundaries and directed that the first town meeting for the election of officers should be held at the court house. This action of the board was as though the town had never previously had an existence which in fact was true in a legal sense, although practically untrue for town meetings have been held for many years, officers elected annually and town business transacted in the same manner as it would have been, had the town been legally organized. The first settlers at Redwood Falls were Col. Samuel McPhaill who came bringing a wife and two children; J. S. G. Honner and his family,consisting of his wife and three children; J. R. Thompson and family, wife and one child; T. W. Caster, Edmund Fosgate and family, wife and five children; Mr. Spangler and wife, Daniel Watson, and O. C. Martin, whose family soon came; Birney Flynn, whose family also came after a short time. New-comers, joining hands with those who came first enlarged the stockade so that it enclosed half a block, reaching from what is now Second street south to Third street and from Washington street east about 150 feet. They built five houses within the stockade, three log and one frame, and here they lived with their families. It was not considered safe to go out far from the stockade alone, and the settlers usually went two or more in company. They marked out claims, however, and some of the bolder ones of the party went sometimes alone to their claims and exploring the country, though always well armed. All except O. C. Martin and J. S. G. Honner took claims adjoining the town site. Martin took his three miles west and and Honner two and one-half miles east. In May, 1864, Col. Samuel McPhaill in company with O. C. Martin, J. R. Thompson, and one Dunlap, came into this county on an exploring tour, and encamped for the night about a mile north-east from the present site of the village of Redwood Falls. They were well armed and knowing that they were in hostile limits, they dug rifle pits and kept guard against a surprise from hostile Sioux. The same night T. W. Caster and Captain S. A. George camped on the town site. The following day all met at the falls and were so much pleased with the beauty of the country, the lay of the land, the numerous water-powers, and richness of the soil of the surrounding country, that they determined to make their settlement at this place. Their first measure was to prepare a protection from Indian attack. For this they built a stockade, digging a ditch four feet wide and throwing up the earth; within this enclosure they kept secure and some of the party started for supplies or their families. Col. McPhaill made a claim on the fractional north half of the north half of section one, township 112, range 36, and the south half of the south-east quarter of section 36, township 113, range 36. T. W. Caster made a claim covering a portion of the north half of section 1, township 112, range 36. The town site was located on the claim of Col. McPhaill and a portion of that of Caster. McPhaill bought of Caster his part of the site and late in the fall of 1864 he platted it, employing David Watson as surveyor. He then divided the lots into twenty shares, each share containing twenty lots and sold them for $100 each and thus the town began. Additions have been surveyed from tim'e to time. In 1866, one by McPhaill and one by David Watson; in 1868 Hitchcock's addition; in 1869 one by Watson; in 1870, Hitchcock's second addition; in 1878, Hitchcock's third, Lamberton's, Crowley's and Watson's third additions. No one visiting Redwood Falls can fail to see the attractions that drew the first settlers. There appears a great variety of scenery, embracing prairie, level and rolling, rocks, hills, timber, streams of water, and water-falls. This variety pleased the eye of the first settlers and at the same time assured them of wealth in the future,, to be developed from both land and water. Here was the most fertile land, but doubtless the tumbling of the rapids and the water-fall represented to them the greatest undeveloped wealth. The fall at Redwood Falls within a distance of one "mile, exceeds one hundred feet, with one nearly perpendicular fall of twenty-five feet. This latter, the most eligible is entirely unimproved, though once the site of the old government mill and later of the first saw-mill of the early settlers. In its natural features Redwood county as a whole and Redwood town site in particular, was very attractive. The visitor at the present time finds great changes from the primival coudition but still he enjoys the beauty of scenery that attracted the pioneers, and at the same time finds a thriving village peopled with the best class of ' eastern people. This implies that he finds churches and schools in an advanced condition and evidences of refinement. The village has enjoyed the advantages of a railway communication only a short time, but has the promise of a second road soon. The Minneapolis and St. Louis railroad has extended its line and purposes to secure the business of this county. This village has issued its bonds to the amount of $10,000 in aid of the enterprise, with the provision that it shall pass through and make a station in Redwood Falls. In the edge of the village the state constructed a Howe truss bridge in 1871, over the Redwood river for the county, just where the dalles exhibit the wildest scenery. Ten minutes walk in one direction from this bridge takes one to the Redwood falls, and about the same time in another direction takes us to the Ramsey falls, a beautiful cascade, forty feet high. The village has four churches. The Presbyterian church was organized March 24, 1867, with nine members, under the name of the First Presbyterian church of Redwood Falls. Rev. Chauncey Hall was the first stated supply. Of the original nine but two members now remain, Mr. Birney Flynn and wife. The church was established under the auspices of the Home Missionary board, and still receives its aid. Rev. Anderson present stated supply. The membership is about foriy-eight, and the church supports a flourishing Sunday-school, of which H. F. Pond is superintendent. The church was building from 1870 to 1873 and cost, with additions since made, about $5,000. The Methodist Episcopal took its beginning from a class started by Rev. N. Swift, in October, 1867, which consisted of eight members. Rev. Swift had charge of the Redwood Falls circuit belonging to the Mankato district. The parsonage was built in 1870 and the church in 1876, the latter costing $3,000. Rev. John Pemberton present pastor; A. E. King, superintendent of Sunday-school. The Episcopal church was organized in 1875 by Bishop Whipple, of Faribault, with six members. The church was built in 1877 at a cost of $1,800, and the first pastor was Rev. J. H. Hunter. The church has been without a pastor since the resignation of Rev. George Gurr in 1879. A semimonthly supply is received from clergymen in St. Peter and Mankato. The present membership is fifteen. A Sunday-school is held weekly. The Christian church also has its church and organization. Antiquity lodge of Freemasons, No. 91 was organized March 29, 1871, with eight charter members: F. V. Hotchkiss, W. M.; William D. Flinn, S. W.; James McMillan, J. W.; Lafayette F. Robinson, treasurer; William C. March, secretary; Robert Watson, S. D.; Edward A. Chandler, J. D. Present membership, fifty-two. Redwood Chapter No. 34 was organized March 22, 1879, with nine charter members: W. F. Dickinson, H. P.; W. P. Dunnington, K.; S. S. Martin, S.; F. J. Peabody, C. H.; James McMillan, P. S.; M. E. Powell, R. A. C.; J. J. Coyle, G. M., 3d V.; Robert Watson, G. M. 2d V.; E. A. Chandler, G. M. 1st V. Redwood Lodge No. 68, I. O. O. F., was organized February 18, 1879, with five charter members: C. W. Tousley, N. G.; W. M. Knapp, secretary and treasurer; A. D. Holliday, V. G. Its present membership is forty and greatest forty-seven. The Redwood County Agricultural society held its first annual fair in the fall of 1873, having been organized that same year. The schools are embraced in one graded school, having five teachers and about 250 pupils, with one primary, three intermediate, and one grammar department. Salaries of teachers vary from $35 to $50 per month, for the lower grades, and $75 to the principal, who has charge of the grammar department. R. L. Marshman, principal. Plans are matured for a new building. At present two long buildings near together, and one room rented near by afford the necessary room. The different departments are provided with patent seats, globes, charts, etc. School is kept nine months in the year. The land office of the Redwood Falls land district was established in July, 1872, with Col. B. F. Smith, first register; Major W. H. Kelly, receiver. Present officers, W. P. Dunnington, register; W. B. Herriott, receiver. The first paper published was the Redwood Falls Patriot, Samuel McPhaill, editor. Only one number was issued, which was printed at St. Peter, March 23, 1866. This was in fact, only issued to be distributed in the interest of Redwood county, to advertise its advantages to settlers. The first genuine newspaper was the Redwood Falls Mail, established September 25th, 1869, by V. C. Seward, editor. It was purchased in April, 1873, by William B. Herriott, and the name changed May 1 following, to the Redwood Gazette, under which name it is now issued by Jas. Aiken, editor. The village has four lawyers: M. E. Powell, H. D. Baldwin, Alfred Wallen and John H. Bowers; two physicians, M. D. Flinn and C. S. Stoddard. The business interests are represented as follows: The Redwood Mills: This establishment was built in 1868 by Park Worden, with two run of stone and capacity for two additional run. Some changes have been made in the ownership of a part of the mill, but Mr. Worden has retained an interest since the first, and is now sole proprietor. Delhi Mills: This was built in 1869 by A. M. Cooke & Sons, with three rim of stone and capacity for one additional. Present proprietor, M. E. Baker. Cuff's mill was built in 1878 by E. Cuff, its present owner, with capacity of one run. Birum's Mills: This establishment was built in 1879, by Ever Birum, the present owner, with two run, and capacity for two more. This last mill was built on the site of the Birum saw-mill, which was built in 1868 and continued to 1879. Six hotels are kept: the Commercial and Exchange are the principal houses. The Baily, Canada, Redwood and City have only local custom; two drug stores; one, books and stationery; two dry goods and clothing; four, general merchandise; two, hardware; six, farm machinery; two, furniture; one tailor; seven, groceries; one restaurant; one, jewelry; three, harnesses; two, millinery; three shoe shops; four saloons, three with billiards; four flour and feed stores; three meat markets; two blacksmiths; one photographer; seven, sewing machines; two, livery stables; one, foundry; two real estate agents; two hanks; three ins trance; six contractors and builders; two stone quarries; two lumber, lime etc. O. P. Whitcomb's elevator was built in 1878, with a capacity for 100,000 bushels. G. W. VanDusen & Company have an elevator with a capacity for 60,000 bushels, and sheds for 100 tons of coal: built in 1879 by W. P. Brainard & Company. The village was incorporated March 9th, 1876. The commissioners appointed by legislature for its organization were: Birney Flynn, C. C. Stickle and S. J. F. Ruter. First officers: M. E. Powell, president; W. A. Sursher, recorder; James McMillan, A. M. Cooke and L. F. Robinson, trustees. James Aiken, a native of Ohio, was born in 1851, in Summit county. When five years of age he accompanied his mother to Wisconsin, where he attended school, and when only twelve years of age he began learning the printer's trade. He afterwards went to Kansas, where he was employed in state printing most of the time. In May, 1880 he came to Redwood Falls, and bought the Gazette, which he is still publishing. Rev. R. E. Anderson, born February 1853, is a native of Armstrong county, Pennsylvania. His boyhood was passed on a farm, after which he entered college and graduated in 1875; also graduated in 1878 from the Western Theological Seminary. His first pastoral charge was in Mansfield; at the end of one year he came to Minnesota, and after preaching a short time at Madelia he removed to Lake Crystal. Since July, 1881 Mr. Anderson has been in the ministry at Redwood Falls. A. W. Bager was born in 1852 in Wisconsin, where he acquired his education and learned blacksmithing. After spending one year at La Crosse, and the same length of time at Albert Lea, he went back to his native town and stayed two years. In the spring of 1877 he opened a shop at Paxton Station, removed thence to Redwood Falls, and shortly after went to Dakota, but soon returned. Mr. Bager was married in 1875 at Albert Lea; his wife was Katie A. Long. They are the parents of three children. S. E. Bailey, born in 1828, is a native of Sullivan county, New Hampshire. After leaving school he engaged in farming in that state until 1860, at which date he came to Minnesota; farmed two years at Lake City; then removed to Prescott, Wisconsin, where for seven years he kept a hotel and livery. From 1868 until 1879 he was farming again, at Redwood Falls, and since that has been proprietor of the Bailey House. Married in New Hampshire in 1852, Miss Emeline, daughter of Cyrus Carpenter. Clara J., Jesse F. and Harry H. are their children. Judge H. D. Baldwin was born July 1827, in Ira, New York. He began the study of law with G. W. Miller, but in 1858 removed to Minnesota and continued his study at Wilton, Waseca county; in the spring of the following year he was admitted to practice. For several years he filled the office of county attorney and judge of probate. Since the spring of 1871 he has been in practice at Redwood Falls. He was appointed judge of probate by the governor and has since been twice elected. In April, 1882, he was appointed judge of the ninth judicial district by Governor Hubbard. Angelina O. Marvin became his wife June 30, 1852, at Lysander, New York. They are the parents of six children. D. L. Bigham was born in 1844, at Hamilton, Ohio, and lived on a farm, also in Hamilton for a time. In 1859 he went to Woodford county, Illinois; worked at farming there till 1864, when he entered Miami University of Ohio and graduated in 1866. Engaged in grocery and feed business at Minneapolis until coming in 1868 to Redwood Falls, where he has since been employed in the lumber business and farming. At different times he held offices of county surveyor and superintendent of schools. He married in 1867, Anna Stimson. One child is deceased; the living are Gelma, William R. Mattie, Lydia A., Addie and Darwin. George W. Braly was born in 1835; in Vermont and in 1853 graduated from a normal school of that state, after which he engaged in mercantile and produce business. Mr. Braly came to Redwood Falls in 1871 and in 1873 started the Redwood County bank. He was appointed register of deeds in 1873 and elected in 1874; has been president of the village council, and in 1880 was elected representative for the 37th district. Charles E. Burhans was born in 1825 in New York, where he received his education and followed farming until about twenty-seven years of age. Removed to Wisconsin and entered the hotel business; kept the first livery at Merrillan, Jackson county; also worked at farming. In 1874 he migrated to Birch Cooley, Minnesota and bought a farm, which he sold one year later and began buying stock; since 1880 he has been located at Redwood Falls. In 1846 he married Lydia Simmons who died in February, 1877, leaving three children; Orvis M., Ira W., and Pauline. The second wife was Miss Marietta McCabe. Henry D. Chollar, native of New York, was born August 25, 1846, in Cortland county, but after two years of age he lived at Homer, and attained an academic education. When but seventeen years old he entered the United States navy; after a time he was made paymaster's clerk which position he held until discharged in 1865. Remained at his old home until coming, in March, 1868, to Winona, Minnesota; from that date he was employed by a boot and shoe house, as traveling salesman until 1878, when he began his present lumber business. Ella C. Hall became his wife in June 1868. They have three children. Walter S. Clayson, a native of Wisconsin, was born in 1844, in Milwaukee. In 1869 he moved to Rice county, Minnesota, and lived there about six years. Since the fall of 1879 he has lived at Redwood Falls; he came here at that date and began mercantile business. Mr. Clayson was married in 1868; his wife was Miss Lottie P. Horton. They are the parents of three children. George F. Crooks was born in 1849, in Canada. After leaving school he learned blacksmithing, and worked at his trade in Redwood Falls, where he located in 1875; he has been a partner of Mr. Wassen and has also worked in his shop as journeyman. Mr. Crooks owns the first brick building erected in the town. At this place in 1878, he was united in marriage with Maggie M. Penny. E. Cuff was born in 1846, in England, where he learned the trade of miller; his father and four brothers were millers. In 1866, he emigrated for America; had charge of mills in Milwaukee two years; put the foundation under the mill at Albert Lea; worked some at farming and lived four years at Northfield. From 1876 until 1879 he rented a mill at Redwood Falls, then built the one which he owns and is now operating. He was married in England in 1853, to Miss Mary White. Of their eleven children eight are living. A. Dolvin, native of Ohio, was born January 26, 1817, in Harrison county. Mr. Dolvin is a mechanic but has been engaged in farming since coming to Redwood Falls in 1871. In 1845, he was united in marriage with Miss Jane Beard. They are the parents of three children, two of whom are living. W. F. Dougherty was born in 1855, in Newburyport, Massachusetts. When two years old he came with his parents to Minnesota; he graduated at Winona, at the age of sixteen and afterward spent two years in school at Hanover, Massachusetts. After leaving school he returned to this state and was station agent at Chester until 1878, then engaged in wheat buying, but since August, 1881, he has been in charge of the elevator of Van Dusen & Company, of this place. William P. Dunnington was born May 27, 1833, in Morgantown, Virginia, and when he "was four years old the family moved to Ohio, where he was given an academical education. In 1858 he went to California; enlisted, September, 1861, in the 2d regiment of cavalry, of that state and was in service three years. Returned to Ohio, which was again his home until 1865, then came to Wabasha county, Minnesota. He was married June 4, 1868, to Maria L. Warner. From 1871 to 1875, he was in mercantile trade; was then elected to the legislature and at the close of the session, Governor Davis appointed him clerk in the state insurance commissioners department. In July, 1876, the president made him register of the United States land office at Redwood Falls, and that autumn he removed here; in July, 1880, he was re-appointed to the office. Franklin Ensign was born October 11, 1840, in Allegany county, New York. In 1845, he accompanied his parents to Dane county, Wisconsin, which then became their home. He enlisted in 1861, in the 8th Wisconsin, light artillery; participated in numerous battles and was mustered out in August, 1865; was in service nearly four years. After the war he settled in Minnesota and has been engaged in farming and school teaching; has been a resident of Redwood county for eight years. In 1880, Mr. Ensign was elected clerk of the court; in politics he has always been a thorough republican. George L. Evans, a native of Wisconsin, was born in 1857, in Berlin, where his education was attained. He migrated to Minnesota and settled in the spring of 1878, in Underwood, Redwood county, where he resided two years. Mr. Evans clerked for a time in the auditor's office, and in 1881 he was elected register of deeds. H. D. Everett, born May 27, 1829, is a native of the state of New York. In the spring of 1858, he moved to Wisconsin and entered hotel business at Ripon. Enlisted in the 1st Wisconsin cavalry in 1864, and served until discharged at expiration of term. Since 1878, he has been engaged in business at Redwood Falls as proprietor of the Commercial Hotel. In 1853, his marriage with Caroline F. Mather occurred in New York. Two of their children are deceased and five are living. Birney Flynn was born July 25, 1831, in Canada, but in 1833 moved to Ohio, and has been an orphan since seven years of age. In 1841 he removed to Racine, Wisconsin, and afterward lived in different parts of the state; acquired an academic education, and for a time was employed in farming and lumbering; also taught penmanship in Milwaukee and Chicago until failing health necessitated a change of employment. Located at Redwood Falls, October 31, 1864, and the year following engaged in real estate business, in which he has been eminently successful. In 1865 he was elected clerk of the district court, which office he held four years; was elected probate judge in 1867, and for the past three years has served as justice of the peace. Mr. Flynn's marriage with Josephine H. Cole took place November 13, 1858, at Delton, Wisconsin. C. W. George, who was born in 1842, is a native of Germany. When thirteen years of age he came with his father's family to America, located in Washington county, Wisconsin, and finished his education at Lincoln's Commercial College. At Portage he enlisted in the 11th Wisconsin infantry, but in 1862 was discharged because of disability. Came to Minnesota in 1864, and was in the grain business at Winona and New Ulm until in 1880 he began dealing in lumber. Miss Mary Wagner, of Winona, became his wife in 1870. They have one son. German P. Greene, a native of New York, was born in 18l5. He migrated in 1866 to Minnesota and settled in Renville county; Mr. Greene now owns the farm which was formerly the property of Major Brown, whose house and bam were burned by Indians only a few hours after the escape of the family, who had been notified of the outbreak by Lorenzo, a friendly Indian. Mr. Greene was married in New York in 1841; his wife was Miss Mary A. Boot. Eight of their children are living. William B. Herriott was born January 25, 1834, near Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Graduated in 1854 at Jefferson College; read law with Judge Sterrett, and in 1857 was admitted to practice. In 1860 he married Miss Margaret, daughter of Dr. G. S. Hays, of Allegheny City, and in 1867 they removed to St. Paul, which was their home four years. Came in 1871 to Redwood Falls, and from 1873 to 1880 he owned and edited the Redwood Gazette. In 1876 he was appointed receiver of the United States land office of this place, and reappointed in 1880. Mr. Herriott is a member of the bar of this state, but has never practiced here. For a number of years he has been president of the board of education. Fred. V. Hotchkiss was born in 1837 in Indiana. Came to Minnesota in 1852, and began farming in Winona county; in 1856 went to Minneapolis to work for his brother; afterward visited Colorado, and for a time lived in Missouri. Returned and enlisted in Company K, Second Minnesota; was wounded at battle of Mill Spring; Mr. Hotchkiss was in 1863 elected by his company to the roll of honor; in 1864 he was honorably discharged. He engaged in blacksmithing at St. Paul until 1869, and has since then continued the business at Redwood Falls. For a number of years he was president of the village board and chairman of the board of county commissioners. W. La Du, native of New York, was born in 1838, and lived in that state until 1866, when he located at Rochester, Minnesota; after farming a short time and clerking in a store two years, he removed to Lac qui Parle, where he was employed in farming; was station agent about two years, then came to Redwood Falls to take charge of the elevator. In 1868 he was united in marriage with Miss Myra Nichols. Joseph Lichtwarck, born in 1837, is a native of Germany. He learned butchering while living in that country. Upon coming to the United States in 1863 he located at New Ulm, but in 1870 removed to Redwood Falls; after being interested in a meat market here eight years he sold and has since been in the saloon business. Mary Pfeiffer became his wife in 1866 at New Ulm. James G. Linn is a native of Ohio; he was born November 15, 1847, at Portsmouth and was educated in that city and Jackson. In January 1873 [sic] he enlisted in the United States navy, and in May, 1865 was honorably discharged. Mr. Linn came to Minnesota in 1876 and began dealing in lumber at Blooming Prairie, but since the fall of 1879, has been in the grain business; he is with W. P. Brainard and located at Redwood falls. Henry Lys was born in 1845, in Switzerland, where, after leaving school, he passed three years at the locksmith's trade. In 1865 he came to America and settled in Wisconsin; followed black-smithing until 1872, then passed one year in Mankato, and has since lived in Redwood Falls; he is associated with S. Merritt in the foundry business. In Wisconsin, in 1872, he was united in marriage with Miss Anna Jorges. Their children are Anna, Mary, Henry, George and Frank. A. E. McCarty, who was born in 1841, is a native of Pennsylvania, but while he was a babe the family removed to Illinois, and that state was his home until 1855, when he went to Wisconsin and there learned blacksmithing. He went to Faribault where he remained about six years, and then, in 1862, enlisted in the 30th Wisconsin infantry; was in service until the war ceased, when he returned to Faribault. Since 1867 he has been in the livery business at Redwood Falls. He was married in 1875, to Miss M. S. Hamblen. J. A. McConnell, born in 1840, is a native of Baltimore. When he was sixteen years old he accompanied his father to Minnesota, and St. Paul became their home. Mr. McConnell has been a number of years in the hotel business, but is now located at Redwood Falls engaged in running a meat market. He was married in 1870 at Lake City; his wife was Maggie Fluno. They are the parents of two boys. James McMillan, native of Canada, was born in 1839; his home has been in Minnesota since coming here in 1860 with his parents. He first located in Houston county, where his marriage took place with Miss Ella I. Mason, in 1864, and the year following they came to Redwood Falls, where he built the McMillan Hotel, now called the Exchange. In 1871 he sold his interest in the hotel and after engaging in hardware trade one year, opened his general store; he is the oldest business man in the village. Mr. and Mrs. McMillan have one son Ormie W., and an adopted daughter, Ida Carothers. Samuel Merritt was born in 1830, at Plattsburg, New York. Attended school at Silver Creek, also the academy at Fredonia, and began life for himself when only thirteen years old. He worked three years at the trade of moulder which he learned at Buffalo. After visiting the Southern states he spent three years in Brazil, then the same length of time in Ohio and the rest of the time until 1868, he lived in Illinois; was in Iowa eleven years and since 1880 has been in the foundry at Redwood Falls. Married in Illinois in 1854, Miss C. Mark. They have one child, Jesse. Mathew Offerman, native of Germany, was born in 1814. Immigrated to Iowa in 1858 and in 1860 visited the South, after which he resided until 1867, in Chicago; then spent two years at Faribault and since 1869 has been at Redwood Falls engaged in saloon business. Miss Mary K. Stadler was married in March 1868 to Mr. Offerman. They have one son. James Robinson, native of New York, was born in 1840 in Livingston county. From that state he enlisted in 1862 and was in service four years. Mr. Robinson passed eight months in rebel prisons. In 1866 he removed to Michigan, and thence to Redwood Falls in 1872. He was elected in 1877 to the office of register of deeds of Redwood county. The marriage of Mr. Robinson and Miss Adelle Chapman took place in 1877; have one child. Dr. John Brown Smith was born October 30, 1837, in Canada. When seventeen years old he came to Minnesota and lived in different parts of the state until enlisting, August 1862, in Company G, 10th Minnesota; was mustered out in July, 1865. His regiment was stationed at Mankato when the Indians were executed, and also assisted in removing the sixteen hundred to the Black Hills. After the war he returned to Le Sueur county, and afterward lived in Northfield and St. Paul. He gave much attention to the study of medicine while in St. Paul, and in company with Dr. Deering started a help institute and a bathroom. He went east and attended medical lectures and also published medical books and papers in New York and Massachusetts. While in the latter state was confined one year in the Northampton jail for refusing to pay poll tax; and while in jail, he in company with other prisoners, published a paper called "Innocence at Home." In June, 1880, he came to Redwood Falls, and has since given his attention to writing and publishing. Married at Northfield, Minnesota, in 1867, Ellen H. Goodel who graduated in medicine at New York city. They have one child, Lindsay G. Samuel Stickle, whose ancestors were natives of Holland, was born in 1833, in Rockaway, New Jersey, where he obtained an academical education. In 1859 he removed to Wisconsin, and about two years after entered Company G, 11th Wisconsin Infantry, and served as sergeant until the close of the war. In 1868 he removed from that state to Minnesota; for two years was employed in teaming between Redwood Falls and St. Peter, then entered the drug trade, and for a number of years past has been engaged in book-keeping. Mr. Stickle has been court commissioner, justice of the peace and marshal. Married in 1857, Mary E. Belt. Dr. C. S. Stoddard was born in 1846, in Kane county, Illinois. When he was eleven years old the family came to Minnesota, and at seventeen he enlisted in the 2d Minnesota cavalry; served one year. He was early left an orphan and was obliged to work in order to obtain the education he wished. Studied at Hamline University, also at the university at Aurora, Illinois, where he graduated, 1871, then spent some time at a university in Kentucky. After teaching one year he entered Bennett Medical College, from which he graduated in 1874, and until 1879 practiced at Shakopee; since that date he has been at Redwood Falls. Dr. Stoddard married in 1875, Laura B. Gossard. John Strawsell, born in 1832, is a native of France, but has been a resident of the United States since six months old, when his father's family immigrated to Ohio and settled on a farm. Removed in 1865 to Minnesota, and in 1875 came to Redwood Falls and engaged in the hotel business; he is proprietor of the Redwood House. Laura A. Partlow became his wife in 1856 and has borne him nine children. Two are deceased. Jared J. Tiffany, a native of New York, was born in 1841, in Oneida county, where he was reared on a farm. In 1866 he migrated to Minnesota, and locating in Rice county, engaged in farming, and remained there eleven years. He removed in 1877 to Redwood Falls, where he is dealing in agricultural implements. Mr. Tiffany's marriage took place in the year 1870; his wife was Miss Mary C. Miller. John H. Thomas was born in 1841 in Maine. When seventeen years old he left, his native state and traveled extensively in the south and west. He came to Redwood Falls in April, 1861, when there were no improvements except a few temporary buildings, and it was he who did the first blacksmithing in the place. Enlisted November 2, 1861, in Company I, Third Minnesota, but in April, 1862, was discharged because of disability. Since October 1881 he has been in partnership with John A. Peterson. Mr. Thomas married in 1870, Miss Anna Longbottom. James William is their only child. Rev. J. M. Thurston was born in 1825, in New Lisbon, Otsego county, New York. After graduating at the age of nineteen, he was employed three years by the American tract society as colporteur in Kentucky; then went to Wisconsin and labored as missionary nine years; his health becoming impaired he removed to Minnesota and continued his work for a time at Garden City and in Le Sueur county, but finally retired to a farm; as his health was partly restored he resumed missionary labor. The Maple River Baptist church was organized under his direction and he was its pastor nine years. Since 1878 his home has been in Redwood Falls. Married May 2, 1855 to P. A. Smith. Of their five children, three are living: Lucius M., Annie E. and Irving I; they have an adopted daughter, Sarah J. O. B. Turrell, native of Connecticut, was born in 1834 at Danbury, and in 1842, accompanied his parents to New York. He removed in 1857 to St. Paul, where he engaged in real estate and banking; from 1872 until 1877 he was president of the National Marine bank; since that time he has been farming in Redwood county; owns about 16,000 acres of land and has 4,600 acres under cultivation. In 1857 he married Harriet Smith. Robert and Luella are their children. W. C. Tyler is a native of Wisconsin; he was horn on the 23d of December, 1851, at Green Bay; was educated in the public and high schools. Since 1874 ho has been engaged in railroad business; he became station agent at Redwood Falls in August, 1878, and is still filling that position. The marriage of Mr. Tyler and Miss Mary Parks took place April 11, 1877 at Milwaukee. They have one son and one daughter. Alfred Wallin was born in 1836 in Oswego county, New York. When he was a child he went with his parents to Michigan, and at the age of fifteen years, to Chicago, where he learned the trade of currier, and until twenty-one years old was with his father in the leather business. After spending one year at the Elgin Academy, he entered Ann Arbor law school; also read law with Hon. Gilbert C. Walker. Was admitted to the courts of Michigan and Illinois, and practiced until entering the army in 1861. Settled in St. Peter in 1865, and practiced there seven years; served one term as county attorney of Nicollet county. Mr. Wallin was republican candidate for judge of the Ninth judicial district but defeated by the democratic candidate, E. St. Julien Cox. In 1872 he returned to Winona and formed a partnership with Hon. O. B. Gould, but since 1871 has followed his profession at Redwood Falls. Married in 1868, at Elgin, Miss Ellen Keyes; one child, Magdaline. J. B. Wasson is a native of Genesee county, New York. After leaving school he engaged in lumbering two years, and then learned black-smithing, at which he worked three years in Pennsylvania, and afterward seven years in New York, then ill health compelled him to abandon business for a time. Removed to Redwood county and located on a farm near the Lower Sioux Agency; is now engaged in blacksmithing in company with A. W. Bager. Mr. Wasson has been twice married; in 1877 Jennie B. Grimmer, his present wife, was married to him. They have two children. Robert Watson was born June 9, 1838, in Decatur county, Indiana. In 1854 he removed to Houston county, Minnesota. Enlisted in 1861 in the First Wisconsin artillery; served three years; in November, 1864, Governor Morton commissioned him second lieutenant of 25th Indiana artillery; served in various official capacities on the staff of General B. S. Granger. In 1867 he came to Redwood Falls, where he has been town clerk, assessor, and since April, 1872, postmaster. Mr. Watson's marriage with Miss Harriet, daughter of Royal Mayhew, state treasurer of Indiana, occurred September 12, 1865, at Indianapolis. They have two boys and three girls. Alpheus A. Wilson, native of North Carolina, was born November 17, 1841, in Guilford county. In 1850 he moved to Indiana, and in 1861 enlisted in the 36th regiment of that state; at the battle of Pittsburg Landing he was shot through the right arm and both thighs. September 26, 1864, he was discharged. He migrated in May, 1865, to Mankato, and in July, 1867, came to Redwood Falls. Mr. Wilson was elected county treasurer in 1879. He has 160 acres in Paxton, known as Crow Creek farm. Married, February 1, 1870, Jane L. Fay. Robert A. Wilson was born in 1850 in Canada, and in 1865 the family settled in Wabasha, Minnesota. In 1869 he removed to Brown county, and in 1871 came to this place; worked at painting and also taught singing school, and in 1874 began clerking in the store of J. McMillan; since the spring of 1880 he has been in the dry goods business. Miss Frankie Cheney, one of the first lady teachers of this place, was married in 1874 to Mr. Wilson. Leland is their only child. I. M. Van Schaack, born in 1838, in Green county, New York, obtained an academical education and also graduated at Bingham's Commercial College. Enlisted in 1862 in the Fifth New York artillery; was promoted to first lieutenant and served until war ceased; also served three years in the regular army as orderly sergeant. After being employed in New York two years as clerk, he came to Redwood Falls in 1872, and until 1875 was farming; since then he has been auditor of Redwood county. Married in 1877 Miss C. A. Cheney. REDWOOD FALLS TOWNSHIP. The town of Redwood Falls is located in the northern part of the county, and includes all of congressional township 112, range 36, excepting that portion included within the limits of the village of Redwood Falls. The town originally included the entire county. Other towns were organized from time to time, and as all unorganized territory was considered as belonging to Redwood Falls for official purposes, it became awkward in shape and inconvenient for the people to transact public business. The county commissioners recognizing this fact, took steps to have it regularly organized according to prescribed forms, and set it off for that purpose, January 7, 1880. The election was held at the court house, January 22, following. The first settlers in the present limits of the town were O. C. Martin and Edward Fosgate. They came in 1864, and belonged to a party of several who came from below on the river, and located in and around the village. This was the advance guard of a colony of twenty-five or thirty families who were intending to locate in the vicinity but were deterred through fear of the Indians. The first school was taught by Miss Harriet Fisk during the winter of 1869-'70, at O. C. Martin's house. She had about fifteen pupils. In 1871 a frame school-house was built in section 9. The same building is in use at the present time, and is the only one in town. The first marriage was that of Samuel M. Thompson and Miss Emma Charter in November, 1867. Col. Samuel McPhaill, then judge of probate, officiating. The first birth was that of Henry F. Charter, a son of George L. and Susan Charter, December 27, 1867. The first death also occurred in this family. Their son, Solomon B. Charter, died November 22, 1875. Edmund Fosgate was born in Herkimer county, New York, May 30th, 1825. Learned the trade of blacksmith, and in 1853 moved to Illinois and lived in McHenry county, several years. In 1864, he came to his present farm in the town of Redwood Falls. Married in 1850, Miss Caroline C. Goodrich, native of St. Lawrence county, New York. They have ten children; nine are living. Ransom D. Gleason, native of Ohio, was horn in Medina county, March 17th, 1841. When he was fifteen, his father died, and he was obliged to get his own living. About 1858, his mother and the family went to Wisconsin, where he enlisted in the 4th Wisconsin cavalry; served until the end of the war. Came to Redwood county in 1868, and located a farm in Sheridan of 160 acres; has also, eighty acres in the town of Redwood Falls. Married in 1869, Miss Elizabeth Case. Mrs. Anne A. Jones was born in Rhode Island, September, 3d, 1824, and remained with her parents at Little Compton, until her marriage with Henry D. Jones, in 1852. He was born at Hebron, Connecticut, in 1830, and graduated in medicine from an eastern college. He died July 3d, 1853, at Hebron, Conn. In January, 1855, she married John M. Jones, and in 1858, they came to Minnesota and located on a farm in Wabasha county. Mr. Jones enlisted in July, 1864, and in October, of the same year, died in hospital at Pine Bluff, Arkansas. They had four children; the three youngest died at Wabasha, and in 1871, the widow came to her present farm in this town. Her only remaining child, Minnie C., died since they came to this county. O. C. Martin, was born in Lawrence county, Illinois, September 24th, 1824. His parents removed to Moultrie county, where he grew up. After finishing the preparatory course at Shurtleff College, he entered that institution but did not finish the course. He enlisted and served through the Mexican war and after his discharge, engaged in farming in Illinois. In 1864 he came to Winona, Minnesota, and soon after to the town site of Redwood Falls. In company with Colonel McPhaill he built a saw-mill on Redwood creek, which was the first private enterprise of the kind in the county. He remained in the milling business until 1868, when he came to his present farm. He was one of the first settlers. Has held the offices of chairman of board of supervisors, justice of the peace and county commissioner for several years. He was appointed justice by Governor Miller, before the county was organized. Mr. Martin married Miss Mary Jane Honey in 1850, and has six children, five hoys and one girl. SHERMAN. When first organized in 1869, Sherman included "all of congressional township 112, range 34, and so much of township 113, range 34, as lies south of the Minnesota river." This description placed part of the town across the river in Renville county, also the fractional part of township 113, range 34, did not join the main portion of the town. February 10, 1880, the boundaries were changed to include only that portion of township 112, range 34, lying south of the river, while the fractional part of township 113, range 34, was attached to Honner by legislative enactment. The first town meeting was held at the house of A. E. Kneipple in section 8, October 4, 1869. The name was given in honor of Gen. William T. Sherman, the present head of the United States army. The officers for that year were: J. J. Light, chairman, A. E. McCarty and M. C. Tower, supervisors; M. S. Hamblen, clerk; James Stephens, treasurer; J. M. Little, justice; J. F. Deitzmann and O. C. Dwyer, constables. No assessor elected until the following spring, when, O. W. Newton assumed the office. Lower Sioux Agency was established in the north part of the town in 1853, under the charge of Thomas Cullen and continued in existence until the outbreak of 1862. A number of government buildings were erected and quite a village sprang up around them. To-day all that can be seen of the buildings, is the old government store house, the walls of which were left standing, but now re-enclosed and used as a dwelling house, and the walls of the Episcopal church, begun by Bishop Whipple, but never finished. The gable end containing the arched doorway is still standing, the cone of the other end has fallen, the side walls still appear in fair condition. Of the later settlers, J. J. Light was the first; he came in the spring of 1866. Claims were taken later, by James and John Arnold, Cassius Frazier and George Cary. The first death was that of Mrs. John Wall, in the spring of 1868. The first marriage was that of M. S. Hamblen and Clara J. Bailey. The latter taught the first school in the town in the summer of 1870, in an old log building on section 8; there were eight scholars. There are now two frame school-houses in the town. Lower Sioux Agency post-office was established about 1868 at the house of James Arnold. The office has had several changes and is now in charge of B. H. Warren at his house. Frank Billington was born in Bennington county, Vermont, November 11, 1842. In 1853 he went to Wisconsin with a sister, and was on a farm until the war. He enlisted September 7, 1861, in Company K, First Wisconsin infantry, and after a service of eleven months was discharged. Returned to Wisconsin and farmed until 1868, then came to Redwood county, where he owns a farm on section 36, town of Sherman. He married Miss Martha E. Sherman in 1863; they have three boys and one girl. Gottlieb Dietzmann, native of Germany, was born in 1824. He came to this country in 1852, and from New Orleans went to St. Louis, where he lived for fifteen years; for eight years worked at his trade, stone cutting. He enlisted in the 17th Missouri, Company A, and after a service of two years was discharged on account of disability, caused by the loss of his right arm. Returned to St. Louis and remained until 1868, engaged in carrying the United States mails, then came to Sherman, Redwood county, where he owns 380 acres of land. Has been school director and member of town board. He married in Germany, Miss Rosanna Lippold, who has borne him six children, five of whom are living: Fred., Minnie, Amelia, Gustave and Edward. Paulina died. John P. Dietzmann was born in Germany in 1846, and in 1855 came to St. Louis, Missouri. In 1861 he enlisted in Company A, 17th Missouri, and served as drummer boy three years. He worked at his trade, stone cutting, at St. Louis until 1868, then came to Minnesota and worked in St. Paul and St. Peter a few months, then came to Sherman township, Redwood county, where he has a farm of 320 acres. He is town clerk; was a member of the Order of Grand Army of the Republic in St. Louis. He married in St. Louis Miss Christina Gansener, since deceased. Two of the three children born to them are living: George and Ottilia. His second wife was Louisa Schwarz whom he married in 1880. SHERIDAN. Sheridan includes all of congressional township 112, range 37. The town was organized January 22, 1870, at the house of George Reiber. The names of Holton, Bath and Sheridan were voted upon as the name for the town, and the result proved in favor of Sheridan. The following officers were elected: George Reiber, chairman; Chester Fisk and George G. Sandford, supervisors; D. V. Francis, clerk; Daniel Thompson, assessor; John Holton, treasurer; Edwin Payne and Thomas Barr, justices; Adolph Leonard and Robert Thompson, constables. In May, 1868, Charles Holton came in, bringing his wife, a daughter and four sons. Mr. Holton selected a claim in section twelve. The two oldest sons, John and Laurence, took claims in section fourteen. A house was built on Mr. Holton's claim, where they all lived during the first winter. Mr. Holton died in December, 1878. In the fall of 1868, George Reiber located on section 10, followed in 1869 by Robert Thompson. The first school was taught in the summer of 1874, in a building on section 6, erected for the purpose; there are now three school-houses. Weldon post-office was established in 1873 with Thomas Barr, postmaster; the office was discontinued after a few years. The first marriage was Adolph Leonard and Bertha Holton, in 1872 Albert E. Clark, born September 26, 1872, was the first birth. The first death was Annie, wife of Laurence Holton, who died August 29, 1872. James Allen was born in Ireland in 1831. His parents brought him to Canada while he was an infant, and he there grew up. In 1868 he came to the States, and in September of that year took the farm in Sheridan where he now lives. He was one of the first settlers in the town, and its firs assessor; has also been justice of the peace and supervisor. He was married in Canada in 185_ to Miss Rebecca Pratt. They have ten children Rebecca, James, George Wallace, William H., John, Mary, Caroline, Belle, Gertrude and Eddie. W. G. Barr, a native of Canada, was born in 1832, and while a child moved to Illinois, and from there to New York, then again to Illinois. In 1868 his father came to Redwood county and took a homestead in what became the town of Sheridan, and the family came the following spring. William G. Barr has since lived here and now conducts the farm. He was married, November 18, 1880, to Miss Louisa, daughter of James Longbottom, of Vail township. Laurence Holton was born in Ireland in 1810, and came with parents to this country when nine years of age. They lived in Cincinnati about a year, in Indiana two years, and then went to Wisconsin and farmed in Waukesha and Vernon counties, until they came to Redwood county, Minnesota, in 1868. Laurence and John Holton and their father, made the first claims and built the first house in the town of Sheridan, which name was suggested by Laurence at the organization. He has held the offices of justice, supervisor and town clerk. In 1873 he made a trip to Europe, and on his return was married in Rhode Island, to Miss Mary Davey. They have three children: Mary Elizabeth, Anna Theresa, and Katie Ellen. T. E. Kellam, a native of Michigan, was born December 12, 1841. At the age of sixteen he came to Minnesota and spent several years in farm work, in the counties of Olmsted, Fillmore and Winona. From 1869 until 1879, he was engaged in buying wheat in the latter county. He now resides on section 24, town of Sheridan. Married in Olmsted county, June 8, 1861, Miss Susan Andrews. Their children are: Ella May, Henry, Claude L. and Addie. Thomas Kerby was born in Canada, where he was raised on a farm. In 1867 he came to the United States, and after spending a year in Illinois and Missouri, he came to Minnesota and became one of the first settlers of Sheridan, Redwood county. Has held the office of supervisor, justice and treasurer of school district. He left his farm four years, on account of grasshoppers but returned in 1878. Married in Birch Cooley, Renville county, June 28, 1879, Miss Elizabeth Holton. They have one child, Ann. Adolph Leonard, native of Germany, was born in 1839, and learned the miller's trade. He came to America in 1867 and remained one year in Indiana. In 1868 he came to Sheridan and took the claim where he now lives; there was but one house in the town when he came; has been treasurer of school district and is now town treasurer. Married in Sheridan in 1871, Miss Bertha Newman. Their children are: Louis, Annie, Minnie and Robert. One child died. L. S. Martin was born in Vermont in 1843. At the age of eighteen he went with his parents to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where his father engaged in the manufacture of machinery and still remains. L. S. Martin worked there a number of years and in 1876 was foreman in the machine department of Seymour & Sabin, Stillwater. In 1878 he came to the town of Sheridan and opened a stock farm. He was married in St. Croix county, Wisconsin, to Miss Maria Brown, June 5, 1878. They have one child, Grace. E. Payne was borne in New York and raised on a farm in that state. In 1850 he went to Wisconsin and engaged in farming until 1869, then came to Redwood county and took the farm on which he now lives. He was married in Wisconsin in 1854 to Miss Elizabeth David, who was born in 1834. They have twelve children. Thomas James Sloan was born in Canada in 1840 and grew up on a farm. In 1868 he came to Minnesota, and located the farm where he now fives, in Sheridan, Redwood county. He has been supervisor one term, clerk of school district three years and town assessor five years and still holds the latter office. In 1866, in Canada, he married Miss Agnes Kerr, native of Scotland. They have had six children, three of whom are living: James, Agnes and Margaret. CHARLESTOWN. Charlestown is located in the south-eastern part of the county and includes township 109, range 36. It was named for Charles Porter, the first settler; he arrived in 1864 and took a claim on section 31. His daughter, Lillie, born November, 14, 1868, was the first birth. In November, 1868, George L. and John Wagner, William Goehring and Gotlieb Jacobs settled in the town. The village of Sanborn is located on section 26, on the line of the Winona and St. Peter railway. It was platted in 1881 and has one general store, a blacksmith shop, wood and lumber yard, a few dwellings and depot. The post-office was established in May, 1880, with Thomas Pool as postmaster; the office was kept at the house of J. W. Dotson, who, in the fall of 1880 was appointed postmaster. Rev. August Kenter, a German Lutheran, held the first religious services in the spring of 1869. The society was formed the next summer with eight members, and in 1878 a church was built on section 26, costing $400. Rev. Lange is pastor, and there are thirty members. The Allbright Brethren or Evangelical Methodists held services in 1870, and have a church in connection with members in Cottonwood county. A school-house was built on section 30 in the fall of 1873, and school taught by Christina Van Schaack; the town has four school buildings. The first marriage was that of John Bauer and Hattie Werner in 1873. An infant son of George Wagner died in 1869, the first death. The first town meeting was held May 25, 1872. Officers elected: J. G. Wagner, chairman, John Mondy and Henry Neeb, supervisors; G. L. Wagner, clerk: George Huhnergarth, assessor; John Yaeger, treasurer; William Goehring and Charles Porter, justices; Melville Abbett and William Heidlauff, constables. When the town was organized it included Lamberton, which was set apart in 1874. John W. Dotson, native of western Virginia, was born in 1829 in Wood county. In 1848 his marriage occurred with Miss Annie Pool. He enlisted August 18, 1861, in Company E, Sixth West Virginia infantry, and was honorably discharged in 1864, on the 10th day of September. In 1865 he migrated to Illinois, and in 1872 removed to Brown county, Minnesota; came to Sanborn in July, 1880, and was soon after appointed postmaster. Mr. and Mrs. Dotson are the parents of seven children. William Goehring was born November 4, 1835, and when fourteen years old began learning the trade of butcher, at which he worked while living in his native land, Germany. From the date of his coming to America, 1853, until 1868, he lived in Pennsylvania, where he was employed in iron mills, then came to his present home in Charlestown, Minnesota, and has here filled various town offices. Married in 1862 Mrs. Bendz, whose maiden name was Barbara Kirchler. Four children are living and two are deceased. John A. Letford, who was born in 1849, is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio. He accompanied his parents to St. Paul in 1858, and in 1869 removed to Carver county. Mr. Letford has been engaged in various lines of business; removed in 1881 from Lamberton to Sanborn and opened a general store; the firm name is Smith & Letford. Miss Harriet C. Lee became his wife in 1872; her death occurred October 20, 1881. The children are Harriet C. and William. Charles Porter was born in 1829 in Franklin county, Maine. At the age of twenty moved to Quincy, Illinois, and in the fall of 1854 settled in Dakota county, Minnesota. In 1863 he enlisted in Company F, Second Minnesota cavalry; served two years; he acted as scout on the frontier two summers. Mr. Porter was the first claimant of land in Redwood county; took land in Charlestown, July 14, 1864, and has resided here with his family since 1866. He was county commissioner five years, and has filled numerous town offices. Married, December 13, 1859, Phoebe Hawkins Of their ten children, seven are living. Lepold Seng, born in Germany in 1841, cams to America in 1860. Enlisted for three montliE in company E, 2d Missouri; re-enlisted for six months in the same company, and at the expiration of that time he enlisted for three years in Company H, 25th Wisconsin; served six months on the frontier and the remainder of the time was in the south; engaged in many hard fought battles and was wounded twice. After the war closed he lived in Wisconsin until 1872, and since then has been farming in Charlestown, Minnesota, In 1866 he married Alice Martin, who has borne him seven children. George W. Skelton was born in 1842, in St Lawrence county, New York. The family moved to Rock county, Wisconsin, where the parents died, and from the age of five until the year 1873 his home was in Iowa. August, 1862, he enlisted in Company K, 38th Iowa; was discharged eighteen months after, for disability. Since 1873 he has resided in Charlestown, and has held several offices. He married August 25, 1868, Lettie McClelland; they have four children. George L. Wagner was born in 1835, in Germany. The family immigrated to Pennsylvania in 1846, but since 1868, he has lived on his farm in Charlestown. While young he worked with his father at the tailor's trade. After leaving the common schools he passed two terms in college and also studied medicine; has practiced for a number of years. In 1862 he was in the employ of the government, doing garrison duty. Mr. Wagner has held the offices of postmaster, town clerk, justice, and notary public. Dorothea Siegel became his wife in 1858. Of their eleven children, seven are living. John Weber, a native of Germany, was born in 1837. From 1855, the date of his arrival in America, until 1866, he resided in Dodge county, Wisconsin, then in Winona county, Minnesota, five years, and since 1871 his home has been in Charlestown; his farm of 160 acres is on section 26. He has held several town offices. The marriage of John Weber and Mary Stock took place in 1858; she was born in Germany. Mrs. Weber has borne her husband nine children. A. J. Weldon, a native of New York, was born in 1858, in Fulton county. In 1873, he migrated to Wisconsin, but removed the next year to Cottonwood county, Minnesota, and in 1877, came to Bedwood county, where he now lives. He has followed railroading some and at present is engaged iu farming. In 1877 he married Alvina Jacob, who was born in Pennsylvania. Emma P. is their only child. NEW AVON. New Avon is in the central part of the county, and includes township 111, range 36. A number of claims were filed in 1868-9, but the first actual settlement was made by John Turnbull, in March, 1870; he built on section 4, the first house in the town. Ira Holliday came in August; among those of 1871, were James Johnson, Henry Blanchard, J. McPhee and D. L. Scriven. The first town meeting was held at the house of J. S. Towle, in September, 1872; the records are lost. The first religious services were conducted by Rev. Taylor, a Presbyterian, in the summer of 1873. In September, 1879, the Methodist society was organized; services are conducted by Rev. Pemberton. The first meetings were held in 1874, under the leadership of Rev. Smith. The first school was taught by Miss Flora McNiven, in 1872; there are now three frame school-houses in the town. The first marriage was George Davis and Ellen Winslow, December 24, 1872. The first birth was John, son of James Johnson, in 1872. The first death was that of Isabella, daughter of D. M. Scriven, January 21, 1874. New Avon post-office was established a few years ago, with J. S. Towle postmaster; the office is kept at his house. Jacob Louis Balmer was born in 1821. He grew to manhood and learned weaving in Switzerland, his birthplace. In 1864 he came to this country; after living seven years in Brown county Minnesota, he removed to Nicollet county, and in 1874 to New Avon, Redwood county. Miss Mary Lei was married to Mr. Balmer in Switzerland. There are six living children; Paul, Mary, Jacob, Louis, John and Louisa. Paul Balmer, who is a native of Switzerland, was born June 26, 1852. He came with his parents to the United States in 1864; lived in Brown county, Minnesota, seven years and afterwards in Nicollet county three years; from there he came to New Avon, which has since been his home. The marriage of Mr. Balmer with Miss Clara Scriven, took place in 1880, at Beaver Falls. They have one child, Harry. Valentin Bott was born in 1836 in Prussia. After leaving school he learned the trade of moulder; immigrated to Minnesota in 1857 and worked in different parts of the state until 1861, at which date he took a farm in Redwood county but the Indians compelled him to leave and he settled in Brown county. In 1872 he removed to Redwood county, and eight years after, purchased his present farm in Germantown, Cottonwood county; he has 480 acres. Married in 1864, Miss Louisa Frorip. Their children are Lena, Frederick, Louisa, Bertha, William, Valentin, Jennie, Eda, August and Edward H. George J. Davis was born in Ohio, in 1848, and at the age of four years accompanied his parents to Stillwater. Enlisted in 1864 in Company K, Second Minnesota cavalry and served until May 1867. In 1870 he took a claim in Avon, which has since been his home, when there was but one house in the town. He has been supervisor, assessor and justice. December 24, 1872, the first marriage in the town occurred; it was that of George J. Davis and Ellen Winslow. Their children are Cora B., Betsy, Bennie and Nettie. The father and mother of Mr. Davis reside with him. James C. Duncan, native of Tennessee, was born in 1832 in Blount county. Removed to Illinois in 1850 and worked at farming there twenty years. Since June, 1870 his home has been in New Avon, and he has held various town offices here. In 1853 he married and his wife died March 2, 1878. Mary S., Martha J., Sarah L., Robert A., Eva A., John H., Dorcas I., and Charles E. are their children. April 22, 1879 he married Mrs. Julia Blanchard, whose maiden name was Barber. Her children were William B., Emilie E., Orpha A. Joseph H., Rachel I., and George G. Gottlieh Haupli, who is a native of Switzerland was born in 1847 and reared on a farm. In the year 1873 he emigrated for the United States, and located permanently in New Avon; his farm contains 120 acres. Mr. Haupli's marriage with Miss Rosina Hoffman occurred in 1869, in Switzerland. They are the parents of five children, whose names are Rosina, Louisa, Frederick, John and Mary. Daniel McPhee was born in Scotland in 1848, and when he was only one year old the family emigrated to Canada. In 1870 he removed to Minnesota, and in June of that year he located a homestead in New Avon, where he now own 320 acres of land. He was among the early settlers of the town and has served in several different offices. Mr. McPhee married in 1877, Miss A. Barnum. Two children have been born to them: Anna M. and Elizabeth. John W. Simning was born in Canada, in 1825 and was married there in 1848. His wife was Miss Mary A. Crump. In 1872 he emigrated to Minnesota and worked at farming in Goodhue county six years, then came to New Avon and bought 160 acres of land. Mr. and Mrs. Simning have nine living children: William, Shedrick, James, Levi, Ellen, Sarah, Peter, Hannah and George. J. S. Towle was born in Avon, Franklin county, Maine. He went to Green Lake county, Wisconsin in 1862 and was employed in farming there seven years; removed to Olmsted county, Minnesota, in 1869, but the next year located at his present home in New Avon and in 1871 brought his family. Mr. Towle has held numerous town offices and is now postmaster here. In 1857 he was united in marriage with Miss B. Horn, who has borne him four children; they have lost one, Minnie J. The living are: Emma, William L. and Ada M. J. J. Werder, a native of Switzerland, was born in 1840, and brought up on a farm; he also, for a number of years, conducted a hotel and flouring mill. In 1869 he came to this state; lived three years near Redwood Falls then, in 1872, came to New Avon, where he owns a farm of 160 acres. His wife was Miss Annie Haupli who was born in 1843; they were married in 1864 in Switzerland. Louisa, Herman G., John E. and Juba A are their children. SWEDES FOREST. When first organized this town included all of congressional township 113, range 37 and all in the county of township 114, ranges 36 and 37. In February, 1880, the town was re-organized with its present limits. The first settler in the town was Nels Swenson; he came about 1866, and located in section 26. In 1868, his brother Peter came; Frederick Holt came in 1869 and David Tibbitts in 1870. The first marriage was that of Peter Swenson and wife September 28, 1872. The first birth was that of Henry C., a son of Frederick and Henrietta Holt, born July 25,1871 and died August 25, 1872, also the first death in the town. In 1872 a school-house was built in section 26 and a school opened that summer by Miss Alice Lyman. There are now two school-houses in the town, one frame and one log. Swedes Forest post-office was established about 1869. Peter Swenson was appointed postmaster, and he kept the office at his house in section 2f until 1877, when he resigned and turned the office over to the postmaster at Redwood Falls. No successor was appointed. The first town meeting was held at the house of J. J. Hansen in section 28, September 21, 1872. The following officers were elected: Torkel Olesen, chairman, Iver Iverson and H. A. Bakke, supervisors; Peter Swenson, clerk; Torsten Mostad, treasurer; David Tibbitts and Frederick Holt, justices; O. A. Hard and Torald Iverson, constables. H. A. Bakke, whose native land was Norway, was born in 1832. He emigrated from that country in 1854 and settled in Wisconsin, but in 1872 removed to the town of Swedes Forest, Minnesota; his farm of 240 acres is situated on section 27. Mr. Bakke has been chairman of the town board six or seven years. In 1855 he married Isabelle Christophers, who was born in 1832 in Norway. Of their thirteen children, eleven are living:Andrew, Christian, Mary, Ole, Sada, George, Martin, Emma, Caroline, Anna and Martha. Isaac Granum was born in Dane county, Wisconsin, in 1855; he received a common school and academic education, after which he was employed in teaching and doing carpenter work. In 1878 he came to Minnesota, and eventually settled in Swedes Forest; his home is now on section 33 Mr. Granum is serving his town as clerk. Miss Caroline, daughter of Ole Johnson, became his wife in 1879, and has borne him one child, a daughter. Frederick Holt, native of Germany, was born in 1836, and when nineteen years of age immigrated to Indiana. He enlisted in Company E, 22d Indiana; took part in numerous battles and remained in service three years. Migrated in 1864 to Northfield, Minnesota, and after making that place his home for five years he came to his farm on section 25, Swedes Forest. In 1869 he married Henrietta Miller, who has borne him seven children; the living are Edward and Sadie, twins, Bertha, Frederick and Mary. Mrs. Holt was a widow with four children: John, Louisa, Minnie and Sopha. T. Mostad was born in 1849 in Norway. Came to the United States in 1869, and after living in Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin, he settled in 1871 in Swedes Forest, where he has held the offices of justice, town clerk and treasurer, four years each. His home is now in section 27. Miss Anna Johnson became his wife in 1870; after her death he married Julia Anderson, who has one child. Of the four children born to Mr. Mostad by his first marriage, only one is living. Andrew Pedersen was born in 1845, and lived in Norway, his birthplace, until 1870, at which date he located in Houston county, Minnesota. About six years later he came to section 36, Swedes Forest, where he now resides; his farm of eighty acres is situated about ten miles north-west of Redwood Falls. Mr. Pedersen's marriage took place in 1870; his wife, Betsy Johnson, was born in 1843, in Norway. The names of their children are Mary, Peter, Anna, Julia and Olga. John Rucker, who is a native of Germany, was born in 1823, and in 1857 left that country for America. After staying in New York eighteen months he migrated to Minnesota; then went to Hudson, Wisconsin, but returned to this state six months later and lived in Olmsted county a number of years on a farm. Since 1871 his home has been on Section 25 of Swedes Forest. Catherine Wieland, born in 1837, in Germany, was married to Mr. Rucker in 1863. Of the six children born to them, the living are William, Edward and Ida. Nels Stenson, native of Norway, was born in 1854. Accompanied his parents to Wisconsin in 1862, and that state was his home ten years. In 1873 he removed to Minnesota; his farm contains 160 acres and is situated on section 34 in Swedes Forest. Mr. Stenson has held several town offices. He was married in 1877; his wife, who was Miss Clara Cole, has borne him two children, Anna M. and Mena O. SUNDOWN. Sundown is situated in the southeastern part of the county, and includes all of congressional township 110—35. Settlement began in 1871. That year Lars Thorstenson, C. B. Guile, M. L. and L. L. Bredvold, brothers, Jacob Lorenz, Ichabod Murphy, Charles and Andrew Anderson, father and son, and Calvin Stewart came. The first school was taught in a shanty on Phillip Matthew's farm in section 27, in 1873. The town now has two good frame school-houses. The Norwegian and Danish Lutherans united and organized about 1873, under the ministry of the Rev. L. O. Lund, with about six families. They now have a membership of about eighteen families but are, at present, without a pastor. In 1873 the first town meeting was held at the house of C. B. Guile in section 28. Ten votes were cast with the following result: Samuel Murphy, chairman; Frank Wolford and C. B. Guile, supervisors; W. H. Hawk, clerk; C. B. Guile, assessor; Lewis Sanford, treasurer; B. E. Brothers and Ira Sanford, justices; Z. Forman and Ed. Welch, constables. Ira Sanford, a native of New York, was born in 1830, and in 1838 accompanied his parents to Michigan. From 1855 until 1871 he resided in Rice county, Minnesota, then located on his farm of 160 acres, in section 14, of Sundown. Mr. Sanford enlisted in the spring of 1865, in Company D, 6th Minnesota, and was discharged in 1866. In 1850 he was united in marriage with Miss Amanda M. Blanchard. Their children are Warren M. and Estella D. Additional Comments: Extracted from History of the Minnesota Valley Minneapolis: North Star Publishing Co. 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