Renville County MN Archives History - Books .....Renville County 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 24, 2015, 10:01 pm Book Title: History Of The Minnesota Valley RENVILLE COUNTY. CHAPTER LXXXIII. RENVILLE COUNTY—BEAVER FALLS-BIRCH COOLEY-FLORA-CAIRO—CAMP-HAWK CREEK-SACRED HEART—PRESTON LAKE-NORFOLK-BOON LAKE. An act defining the boundaries for a new county called Renville passed the legislature at its session in 1855. The boundaries therein defined are very different from the present boundaries of that county. Just before the Indian massacre an election was held by the citizens at Beaver Palls, which they chose for the county seat, and a full staff of officers was elected. No record of the proceedings of these officers exists and their names are taken from the recollection of present citizens, and errors, if they occur, must be attributed to the unsettled state of affairs that soon took place, in which records, if they existed must have been lost as was all else in the general disaster. The county officers in this de facto government, for such we must regard what cannot be proved by records of state legislation or private documents, were Stephen R. Henderson, John Meyer and Clemens Cardenelle, commissioners; Stephen R. Henderson, register; Andrew Hunter, judge of probate; John Hose, clerk of the court; James Carrothers, auditor; David Carrothers, sheriff; George Gleason, county attorney. It appears that the judge of probate went so far as to authorize the sale of land by a guardian for his ward; it appears, too, that James Carrothers was sent as delegate from this county to the state convention at Owatonna. The citizens then living in the county doubtless supposed the county legally organized, but lawyers and experts declared this opinion erroneous. The chaos that soon ensued incident to the outbreak of the Sioux, shrouded in doubt all preceding events. That portion of the county bordering on the Minnesota river belonged to the Indian reservation set off in accordance with the treaty signed by the tribe in 1851, and confirmed by the government at Washington in 1853. The boundaries of this reservation may be briefly given as extending from Little Rock river, on the north side of the Minnesota river, near Fort Ridgely, ten miles wide each side of the river, to Big Stone lake. In 1854 the government built Fort Ridgely in the south-east portion of the reservation, in Nicollet county. So long, therefore as the reservation continued with its original bounds no settlement proper could be made. The presence of any white people within the reserve was punishable unless under a direct license from government and with the consent of the Indians. A few half-breeds, Louis La Croix, Martel, and others were found at an early day and have been recorded as settlers by some historians. It is said that La Croix built his house on Birch Cooley as early as 1845. We shall confine ourselves to such settlers as succeeded the reduction of the reservation. We find the ubiquitous Major Joseph R. Brown in this region, too. Figuring for a foothold for himself, he secured, or was instrumental in securing the treaty of 1858. Soon after the reduction of the reservation settlements began to be made all along the river. The inducements to settlers were various. To some the fertility of the soil was the attraction and they began to open farms; to others the neighborhood of the reservation was a reason since it enabled them to obtain employment there at the same time that they secured a homestead on the open land. Many carpenters and builders who were employed by government in the erection of buildings and improvements on the reserve took up land across the river. Settlements were made at Birch Cooley by many, among whom were George Buerry and family, John Kumro, David McConnell, John and Albert Dagon, John Vogtman and wife, Louis La Croix with his squaw wife, D. D. Frazier and family, Jacob Jacobus and wife, Martel the ferryman and others, half breeds, whose names suggest trade or adventure. Quite a settlement existed at Beaver Falls, then called Beaver Creek, among whom were James and David Carrothers with wives and families, S. R. Henderson wife and family, D. Wichmann with wife and large family, Frank Schmidt with wife and small family, Henry Ahrens with wife and small family; Andrew Hunter had a claim but was frequently absent; on his land was located the site for county buildings of the de facto county organization. James and David Carrothers had claims adjoining; David on the present town site and James adjoining on the south; they were employed as carpenters by the government on the reserve. S. R. Henderson, joining David Carrothers on the north, farmed his claim; Schmidt joined Henderson on the north-east; Wichmann joined Schmidt on the north-east; Ahrens was north of Schmidt. A few Germans, whose names are unknown to the writer located with their families on the Minnesota bottoms. Andrew Hunter's claim was south of and adjoining James Carrothers. Mr. Hunter was a farmer but had been a teacher among the Indians; his wife was a daughter of Dr. T. S. Williamson, the famous missionary. A settlement was also made in what is now the town of Sacred Heart. Here Major Joseph R. Brown settled and in 1861 he had a fine stone mansion, which he occupied with his wife and family until the outbreak of the following year compelled him, although he had a Sioux for a wife, to flee the country and abandon his premises. Isolated settlers were found all along the river throughout the present limits of Renville county. Just across the river were the Indian villlages on the reservation and the settlers few in number compared with the savages fell an easy prey to them when the terrible massacre occurred. The Germans seemed especially repulsive to the Indians; they called them the "Bad Talkers." As an evidence of their aversion to them it may be stated that the blanket Indians called the farmer Indians "Dutchmen," in derision of their employment. Several German settlements existed, one near Beaver Creek or in the eastern part of Flora on the Minnesota bottoms, embracing many families. The settlers of Renville county had no intimation of hostility or even discontent on the part of their savage neighbors, until the morning of the fatal day that separated them from each other and their homes; when wives were torn away from their husbands; brothers and sisters were carried into separate captivity or fell victims to the bullets, tomahawks or scalping knives of their inhuman enemies. Some of these families never were reunited, and almost none, even if united, but mourned the loss of some loved member. This county was thus swept of white settlers in one day and the settlement received a damper from which it did not soon recover. Some of those thus summarily ejected from their homes returned two or three years after which the county once more had peace, and received from the government some slight equivalent for their property destroyed. It is reported that some received more than an equivalent in dollars and cents for their losses. This was, however, quite unusual. It is, however, reported that Joseph R. Brown, whose family escaped with no personal damage other than the inconvenience of a hasty exit, recovered from the government damages largely in excess of the loss probably sustained. It is true, nevertheless, that the blackened walls of his large stone house still exist on the farm taken as a claim in 1866 by G. P. Greene. From those who returned, heartrending stories are told with tearful eyes, wherein are recounted the terrible things they saw, heard or experienced. Mothers tell of noble and beautiful sons and daughters, as well as stalwart husbands sacrificed by the bloodthirsty villains who had been the constant recipients of kindness and charity up to the very day of their outrages. Taking advantage of their former friendship the deceitful savages found it easy by professions of good intentions to deceive their victims until they were wholly unguarded when the cowardly wretches, easting off their disguise, exhibited their brutal natures. On the morning of August 18, 1862, D. Wichmann came from down the river, hurrying along and calling out to the settlers at Beaver creek that the Indians had risen over on the reservation and were killing the whites and burning houses. In the confusion it is difficult to learn exactly how Wichmann came by his information, whether from seeing the fires at the agency or from meeting some refugee. It is probable that he both heard from refugees and saw the fires to confirm the report, because he was on his way to the agency, and turned back so hastily and excitedly, that we can not doubt that he had strong proof of the authenticity of the report. It is certain that the settlers were living in entire unconcern. In view of the facts, the indifference of the settlers to their own safety when in the midst of a savage people who outnumbered them one hundred to one, is a matter of wonder to us, but it is true that it was difficult to make some believe in the reality of the disturbance until their own scalps were about to be taken. It is not the purpose of this county history to attempt an account of the massacre, reference for which is made to other parts of the work. Soon after Wichmann's alarm had been given the Indians who had completed their work of destruction at the agency came across the river in considerable numbers, though in straggling parties, and began a raid on the horses belonging to the settlers. They alleged, in excuse for their lawlessness, that the Chippewas were come and they must have all the horses to repel their attack, whether the settlers were willing or not. In the meantime those who had got the news were making all haste to get away. Mr. Wichmann, by losing no time, got off with an ox team, accompanied by Henry Ahrens. The former had a large family and the latter a small one. While the Indians were looking for horses, it was easy for this party with teams of oxen to escape with their families and such things as could be hastily gathered. The distance to Henderson, the point determined on as a place of safety, was about sixty miles, and thither they fled, reaching it in safety. Others fled to Fort Ridgely. The trials of those who reached the fort were not over, however, since there they suffered the terrors of a siege with famine and death staring them in the face; for the particulars of this siege we refer to other chapters. Another large party, consisting of twenty, men, women and children, who started an hour or two later, presents more sad incidents than any other, an account of which is given on page 200. The German settlement mentioned suffered terribly, as may be seen by reference to page 201. Stories of barbarities inflicted might be multiplied but as the history of the Sioux massacre is fully treated in chapters thirty to forty-four, of this volume, we refer the reader to those chapters. The massacre over, a few of the miscreants hung and the authority of the government re-instated, quiet once more prevailed, and a deathly quiet it was for the county. White men and their improvements had gone in the general destruction; the bullet and torch had done their work. This deathly quiet prevailed for a few years and the fertile soil, roaring water-fall and other sources of wealth, all remained undeveloped. The blighting influence of Indian barbarity at last began to be forgotten or at least tempered by the softening hand of time. Efficient measures of protection were established by the military department and soon the old settlers began to venture back, though well armed and prepared for emergencies, and new comers soon followed. Mr. Wichmann and Mr. Ahrens returned to Beaver Creek in the spring of 1865; James and David Carrothers came in 1865 and '66. N. D. White and family returned in October, 1865. Those here before the outbreak for the most part took up their old claims. The new comers in 1865 were: Henry and Judson Seeley, who settled two miles north of Beaver Falls; M. S. Spicer one and a half miles northeast; Carl, Holtz, three miles northwest; Francis Shoemaker, who settled at Vicksburg; R. R. Corey, with a large family of boys, two and a half miles northwest of Beaver; Mr. Churchill, wife and daughters, two and a half miles west. A detachment of soldiers was located at Camp Pope in Redwood county, under Colonel Pfaender, and a patrol was extended from beyond Bird Island, in this county, to Fort Dodge. This camp was soon broken up as confidence was restored. Besides, camps of government scouts were established and various measures taken to give confidence to the settlers and encourage the development of this and adjoining counties. Many came back to Birch Cooley who were there before the outbreak, the Buerrys, Dagons, Vogtmanns, etc., etc. The Riekes came back to the neighborhood of Mud lake. Without attempting to give other names of those who returned of the original settlers in the different parts of the county, it will suffice to say that they came back in considerable numbers and received such additions to their ranks by the arrival of new families that in the fall of 1866, an election was held to prepare for organization. The settlement at Birch Cooley was so important at this time as to compete with Beaver Creek settlement for the county seat. The election held at Beaver was, however, confirmed by the legislature, and Beaver Falls became the county seat. First officers: N. D. White, chairman, George McCulloch and Francis Shoemaker, county commissioners: C. R. Eldridge, auditor; Robert W. Davis, register of deeds; Henry Ahrens, treasurer; E. J. Tillotson, clerk of the court; George Bowers, judge of probate; James Carrothers, sheriff, appointed by the board in place of James W. Graves, who did not qualify; (the appointment of Carrothers was revoked, and Graves qualified;) December 30, 1867, Henry J. Witcher appointed sheriff, vice Graves, resigned; Marlow S. Spicer, superintendent of schools; James Butler, coroner vice elected officer not qualifying. The first meeting of the commissioners was held April 2, 1867, and the county was organized and the following towns set off: Mud Lake, including what is now Cairo, and all the towns in range 32 within the county; Camp, including the towns now directly north; Birch Cooley, including the four towns now in range 34; Beaver, including what is now Beaver Falls and all towns now in range 35; Flora, including what is now Flora and Emmett; Hawk Creek, including what is Sacred Heart, Erickson, Hawk Creek and Wang. Various changes have taken place in the boundaries of the county of Renville, since they were first defined by act of legislature. At the date of organization the four townships in the north-eastern part of the county were not included. At the time of the de facto organization previously referred to the boundaries were very different both from the present boundaries and from those existing at the date of organization. Another act at the first meeting of the commissioners, was to provide for the lack of necessities among the settlers. Want amounting in some localities to destitution prevailed throughout the belt of country devastated by grasshoppers. Redwood and Renville being frontier counties, felt the scarcity and consequent high prices more than the older counties. Successive failures had, moreover, nearly discouraged the farmers. In the emergency the aid of the state was offered to the sufferers through Governor Marshall. Bed-wood and Renville counties took advantage of the proffered aid and received from Fort Ridgely, in the form of provisions, hard tack, beans, hominy and pork, besides seed grain with which to take a new start. On motion of N. D. White the county board passed the following resolution: "Resolved, that the destitution among our settlers is such that in order to remain upon their homesteads and procure seed they need prompt and official aid, and it is hereby ordered that the county accept the proffered aid of his excellency, Wm. B. Marshall, governor of the State of Minnesota, and the credit and good faith of the county is hereby pledged for the payment of any debt that shall he thereby incurred, and the authorities of the several towns in the county are hereby directed to apply to Samuel McPhaill, the agent for the district, for supplies of seed and rations, and to make return to the county commissioners, accounting for the amounts received, and the distribution thereof in each town, and it is further directed that each town shall be responsible for the transportation of its own share of such supplies from Fort Ridgely to the place of distribution." A similar resolution was adopted by the board of Redwood county. The court house and jail are in one small stone building erected in 1872 at a cost of $2,000, and in accordance with an act of legislature the bonds of the county were issued; they were of four classes, first class, payable in four years; second in five, third in six years. The financial condition of the county became so embarrassed that according to a vote of the people and an act of legislature approved February 28, 1879 bonds of the county to the amount of $15,000 were issued to run ten years at seven per cent, to take up the floating debt of the county. This debt alone is outstanding against the wealthy county. The bonds sold at a premium of $135. The offices of the county were kept at private houses previous to 1871, when a building on lot 5, block 15 was leased for the purpose. BEAVER FALLS. Before the organization of Renville county, the name Beaver Creek, belonging to the dashing little stream that now runs a few miles, was applied to this locality. Before the outbreak an attempt was made to establish the name Upson but at the organization the name Beaver was adopted which subsequently became Beaver Falls. When first organized it included the whole tier of townships, Beaver Falls, Henryville, Troy and Winfield. The early settlers of the town, both before and since the outbreak will be found on a previous page. They began to come in 1865, and for some time the town showed a vigorous growth. The village of Beaver Falls was surveyed by T. W. Caster, July 25, 1866 on land then owned by Samuel McPhaill and David Carrothers, embracing the northwest quarter of section 22, township 113, range 35. This land was the claim of David Carrothers. Other villages in the county are Hector, Buffalo Lake, Olivia, Renville Station, Sacred Heart. These were all surveyed by D. N. Cowell on land owned by the Hastings and Dakota railway company, James M. McKinlay, trustee. THE VILLAGE OF BEAVER FALLS is situated in a hollow surrounded on all sides by hills and is the county seat of Renville county. Situated as it is a mile and a half from the river and having no railway outlet it is not wonderful that its early prosperity has come to grief in an almost utter stagnation. The trade of the rich county which should center at its county seat was almost wholly absorbed by Redwood Falls until the growth of new towns along the line of the railway diverted a portion. The first house in Beaver Falls was built by David Carrothers. The first store' by Christian Prequitz in 1868; the first hotel was erected by Louis Thile. The first ferry license was granted July 26, 1869 to P. H. Swift. This still affords the only communication with Redwood county, and is operated by Mr. Wilcox. The first birth in the town after the outbreak was that of Eddie Butler, son of James and Jane Butler, born February 4, 1866. The first death after the settlement of the county, was that of Mrs. White, mother of N. D. White. Before the outbreak Rev. John Williamson, son of the missionary, Dr. T. S. Williamson, preached at Beaver, but Elder Hall, a Presbyterian clergyman from Redwood Falls was the first to locate. He preached regularly every two weeks in 1866 at Beaver. The first newspaper was the Renville Times, established in 1872 by D. S. Hall. It was sold in 1874 to Henry Kelsey, the present proprietor, and has a circulation of about 300. The first justice was N. D. White. The first school was taught by Mrs. J. S. Greely in the fall of 1868. The present school building was erected in 1871, at a cost of $2,000. The first court in the county was held in 1868, by Judge Horace Austin. Earle & Comstock built the first mill in the county, this was a saw-mill costing $3,000, just below Beaver Falls village, built in 1867. The dam was carried off by high water after two years, and owing to the scarcity of suitable timber it was never operated again. The large mill of Essler, Ahrens & Berndgen began in a saw-mill built in 1868 by Eeed & Essler. After changing it to a grist-mill, steam was added to provide for the emergency of low water. N. D. White & Son's mill was built in 1873-4, at a cost of $6,000, by White & Eldredge. This mill is located a short distance up Beaver creek above Reaver Falls village. The business of Beaver Falls is as follows: One newspaper, the Renville Times, H. Kelsey, editor; one clergyman, Rev. John Samberson, M. E.; one attorney, S. R. Miller; one store with general merchandise, by Peter Berndgen; one drug store, by J. S. Gerald; one brewery, by A. Betz; one blacksmith, G. Strenzel; one harness-maker, H. Zumwenkil; one shoemaker, Michael Keifer; one wagon-maker, R. Hummel; one hardware and agricultural store, by Heins & McClure; one hotel, the Dakota House, by Carl Holtz; two grist-mills. Hon. Henry Ahrens was born in Germany, August 2, 1835; landed in New York in November, 1853, and worked at his trade, locksmith, there one year; farmed in Illinois until 1861, then sold out and settled in Renville county, Minnesota, in the spring of 1862: lost most of his property that year by Indians, and barely escaped with life; returned to Illinois; in 1864 came back to this county and was elected its first treasurer, and held the office six years, besides farming extensively. In 1873 he bought an interest in a saw and flouring-mill, which he has since retained. Mr. Ahrens has been in the state legislature from this district. He was married in Illinois in 1860. Peter Berndgen was born in 1840 in Prussia, and came to America in 1853. He lived near Madison, Wisconsin, until 1857, then came to Minnesota, and until 1871 lived in Scott county; he then came to Beaver Falls, and has since been in the mercantile trade. Married in Scott county in 1864, Mary Siegfriedt; they have had eight children; six are living. R. G. Bestor was born at Utica, New York in 1852, and when four years old moved to Wisconsin. Attended the common schools of New Castle and Huntington's Academy, at Madison; also the State Normal school at Whitewater. After finishing his studies he taught in Minnesota and Iowa, until the fall of 1880, since which time he has been in charge of the school at Beaver Falls. Married in Springfield, Brown county, Carrie Hubbard, in 1877. Vernon E. and Burton E. are the children. J. B. Blume was born in Illinois in 1860 and moved to Minnesota in 1867 with his parents. They located on section 24, Beaver Falls township, where he now resides and owns eighty acres of land. Rusell Butler, native of New York, was born in Clinton county, in 1816, and when nineteen years old went to Indiana. In 1838 removed to Green Lake county, Wisconsin, and farmed until 1864, then moved to Minnesota; came from Wabasha county to Beaver Falls, and lives on section 12. His marriage with Zilpha Bush took place in Wisconsin in 1850; Emily, Stephen, Charles and Clayton are their children. John Buxton was born in 1850 in Wisconsin. In 1871 located in Steele county, Minnesota, and three years later moved to Redwood Falls; lived there one year, then came to his farm on section 10 of Beaver Falls. Married in this county in 1876, Mary Flanigan; two children: Della E. and Hannah T. James Carruth was born in Ireland in 1832, and at the age of fourteen emigrated to Canada; in the county of Perth he remained until 1871, then came to Renville county and has since resided on section 2 of Beaver Falls. Married in Canada, January 5, 1859, Mary Cosnes, who has borne him fourteen children; ten are living. Robert W. Coleman was born in New York city May 24, 1851. In 1862 he went to Wisconsin; read law with J. M. Bingham, and- was admitted to the bar May 12, 1876. In 1879 he came to Minnesota and has since practiced law at Beaver Falls. Married at Eau Claire, Wisconsin, November 14, 1876, Miss Azalea, daughter of Joseph Eau Claire, for whom the town and river were named. A. D. Corey was born in New York in 1845 and removed with parents to Wisconsin in 1857. In August, 1865, he came to Beaver Falls, and has since lived on his farm on section 8. Married in 1867, Martha Barkey, born in Canada in 1845. Mary E., George D. and Annie M. are their children. Mr. Corey enlisted in the Fifth Wisconsin infantry in September, 1864, and was honorably discharged in July, 1865, at Washington. John Dagen was born in Germany in 1835 and came to this country in 1847; lived in Dodge county, Wisconsin, until 1864, then came to Beaver and located on section 24. He married in 1861, Magdaline Hardinger, who was born in Germany in 1839. Henry, Annie, Joseph, John, Peter, Bernard, Mary and Bertha arc their children. He has been supervisor and is now clerk of his school district. William Davis, native of Illinois, was born in 1843, and at six years of age was taken to Iowa, and in 1859 came to Minnesota. He lived in Rice county on a farm and moved from there to his present home on section 18. In 1866 Mahala Johnson became his wife; she was born in 1848. They have four children: George S., Horace E., Arthur M. and Ernest W. John Garretty, native of Canada, was born in 1840. At fifteen years of age he moved with parents to Wisconsin and lived in that state until the fall of 1869, then came to Renville county, Minnesota, and settled on section 22, Henryville township. In the fall of 1881 he was elected judge of probate for Renville county. Iver S. Gerald, native of Norway, was born October 1, 1851. He received an academic and collegiate education, and following teaching and farming from 1872 till 1875, then came to Beaver Falls and engaged in mercantile business; was appointed postmaster in 1876. In 1877 he was elected county superintendent of schools. Married in Bine Earth county April 21, 1878, Thora M. Strom; they have one son, Guy Howard. James Greeley was born in Ireland in 1846. In 1859 he went to England and was employed by the London Northwestern railroad. In 1868, came to Belle Plaine, Minnesota, and while there was occupied as clerk. Came to Beaver Falls with his brother and engaged in business until 1874, then farmed in Henryville where he still owns a fine farm; since 1879 he has resided in Beaver Falls. Married in 1873 Bridget Holden. Hans Gronnerud was born in Norway May 23, 1840 and received there, a college and military education. Came to Renville county in 1871 and engaged in business in Beaver Falls; was elected county treasurer in 1872 and is now serving his fifth term. Married in 1864, Miss R. Eiseth, who has borne him six children; three are living. Andrew Hunter was born in New York in 1830, and in 1839 moved with his parents to Illinois. In June, 1852, came to Minnesota, and was with Dr. Williamson, the missionary, on the Yellow Medicine; after five years with him, he lived near St. Peter; in 1862 moved into that city and continued farming and wool growing near there, until 1866, then came to Beaver Falls. Married in 1858, Elizabeth Williamson who died at St. Peter in 1863; his second wife was Anna Eliza Poage; seven children are living. He was probate judge of Renville county and also treasurer, before the organization. J. C. Jackson was born near St. Albans, Vermont, March 2, 1839. He learned the trade of wheel wright and moved to Wisconsin in 1862; worked at his trade until 1861, then located on section 26, of Beaver Falls, where he owns 200 acres. Martin Jensen, native of Norway, was born in 1844. Learned the trade of harness maker, and in 1860 immigrated to Chicago; in 1862 he came to Minnesota, and one year later went back to Norway, where he married, in 1864, Inge Korsmore. He located at Red Wing, Minnesota, then went to St. Peter, where he worked at his trade until 1868; removed to Beaver Falls and opened a harness shop and remained in that business until July 1874, when he was appointed sheriff and has since held the office. He has five children, Mary, Matilda, Josephine, Albert and Ida. Andrew Johnson was born in Sweden, in 1821, and came to America in 1853. He lived in Illinois until 1864, then moved to "Winona county, Minnesota, and three years after to St. Peter. In the spring of 1868 he located on section 4, Beaver Falls, where he now lives. Married Caroline Anderson in 1854, and has four living children: Levin, Charles, Lottie, deceased, Emeline and Albert. Henry Kelsey was born in Danville, New York, in 1838, and in 1842 was taken to Ohio by parents, and in the next year to Wisconsin. In 1857 he went to Bead's Landing, Minnesota, and in 1861, enlisted and served until June, 1864. He worked at printing in Wisconsin one year, then had charge of a daily paper at Fond du Lac one year; removed to Paxton, Illinois, in 1867, and two years after located at Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin; was there engaged as printer and editor. In 1871 was editor of a paper at Paxton, Illinois, then at Lone Tree, Nebraska, two years, and in 1874 bought the "Renville Times," at Beaver Falls, which he has since edited. In 1865 he married Leonore McMillen; five children; Mary L., Jennie B., Milo, Jesse and Roy. Patrick H. Kirwan was born in Pennsylvania, in 1851, and when seven years of age his parents moved to Wisconsin. He was raised on a farm, and received his education at Wayland University, at Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. In 1875 he came to Beaver Falls, Minnesota, and taught school until his election to the office of county auditor, in 1878; he still holds that position. Married in 1875 Mary E. Bridges; children, James Franklin, and John Henry. Thomas F. Marsh was born in Massachusetts, in 1831. Learned the trade of shoemaker and followed it in his native state until he came west; stayed five months in Rock Island, Illinois, and in the fall of 1852 located in Houston county, Minnesota; moved to Faribault, and in the spring of 1859 went to California; remained until 1868 then returned to Massachusetts. Came to Beaver Falls township in 1869. He married Irene Swift in 1869. Waldo E. and Florence May are the children. G. McClure, native of Maine, was born November 3d, 1840. He followed lumbering until he enlisted in 1861 in the First Maine cavalry; served three years. Came to Minnesota in 1866, and after living in Minneapolis two years, came to Beaver Falls and engaged in mercantile trade; sold after two years, and farmed four years, then returned to Beaver Falls, and after clerking four years in a hardware store, purchased an interest. In 1870, he married Mary J. Burch; she died in 1875. In 1880 he married Julia A. Patterson. William W. McGowan was born in New York city, in 1841. Enlisted in 1861 in the Fifth New York and was shortly after discharged for disability; came west in 1862 and enlisted in the Sibley expedition against the Indians; enlisted in the First mounted rangers; was also with the Second Minnesota cavalry on Sully's expedition to the Yellowstone, and was discharged in 1866. He went to the Vermillion lakes during the gold excitement, and in 1868 went to Redwood Falls; was clerk in the office of register two years. Came to this place in 1872; served as register two years, judge of probate four years, and in 1878 was elected to the office of clerk of court. Married in 1870, Sarah Brown; two children: Alexander M. and Louisa Myrtle. John McIntosh was born in New York in 1844. In 1865 he moved to Springfield, Illinois, and learned the trade of machinist; ran an engine in the new state house for a time and in 1871 located in Flora township, Renville county, and farmed five years. He then went to Texas overland, and in 1879 returned to Flora. In October, 1880, he moved to Beaver Falls; has been deputy sheriff two years. In October, 1871, he married Caroline Falkel. S. R. Miller was born at Mansfield, Ohio, January 17, 1842. He enlisted in the 15th Ohio infantry for three months, and after expiration of term, enlisted in the 100th Indiana volunteers; was promoted to first lieutenant, and discharged in June, 1865. At Lafayette, Indiana, he read law, and finished his course at the Michigan University, graduating with the class of 1871. Came to Lake City, Minnesota, the same year, and was admitted to the bar of this state. In 1874 moved to Beaver Falls, and in 1876 was elected county attorney and is now serving his third term. In July, 1873, he married Jennie M. Frazer. They have one child living: Rock P. Carl A. Mork, native of Norway, was born September 27, 1840. He served seven years in the army and came to America in 1868; lived four years in Iowa, then came to Renville county, Minnesota, and settled on section 10, town of Palmyra, where his family now resides. Since 1876 he has been register of deeds. His wife was Mary Christianson, married in 1864; four children. Lewis E. Morse, Native of Massachusetts, was born in 1835. In 1855 he came to Minnesota and farmed in Houston county three years; then was employed by the government in Yellow Medicine county, and finally settled on section 27, Beaver Falls; in 1860 he returned to Massachusetts and worked at the carpenter's trade five years, then came hack, and now lives on section 2, Beaver Falls. He married in Massachusetts, in 1863, Elizabeth Adams; they have two children. H. Neuenburg was born in Germany in 1826. He learned the trade of shoemaker, and in 1854 came to the United States and went to California; after mining there two years, he went to Buffalo, New York, and the same year, 1856, settled in Le Sueur county, Minnesota; from there moved to Beaver Falls township, Renville county. In 1851 he married Celia Shoemaker. Their living children are Anne, John, Celia, Frank, Jacob, Henry and William. W. A. Roberts was born in Maine in 1843, and at the age of twelve years came with his parents to Minneapolis, Minnesota. In 1869 he removed to Mower county, and two years later returned to Minneapolis; in 1875 he came to Renville county and to his present farm on section 1, Beaver Falls. In 1877 he went to Fargo, but returned in 1881. He married, January 3, 1876, Josephine Burnham. Henry Scheer, native of Germany, was born in 1846, and came with his parents to America in 1853. Lived on a farm in Illinois until 1867, then moved to Birch Cooley, Minnesota, and two years later removed to Nebraska; lived there four years, then returned to this county, where he lives on section 27, Beaver Falls. Married in 1867 Dora Blume; Lizzie, Louisa and Phoebe are their children. Joseph Schweinfurter was born in Germany in 1833, and learned the trade of tailor; worked in his native country until 1873, then immigrated to Minnesota and settled on section 16, Beaver Falls. Margaret Hatget became his wife in 1863 in Germany. Of their ten children, eight are living. Gustav Strenzel was born in Prussia in 1835, and there learned the blacksmith's trade. In 1867 came to America, and to Beaver Falls in 1870, where he began business for himself at once. He was married at New Ulm in 1870 to Miss Louise Oldenburg, who- has borne him five children; four are living. H. C. Weatherston was born in New York in 1839, and was raised on a farm. Came to Minnesota, and after living in Rice county, came to Renville county and settled on section 23, Beaver Falls, where he has a farm of 160 acres. In 1870, in Rice county, he married Mary Sophia Robertson, and has four children: Minnie, Ralph, William and Jessie J. James Whitaker was born in Franklin county, New York, in 1842, and at five years of age went to Ohio, and from there to Brown county, Wisconsin. In February, 1863, he enlisted at Appleton, in the Third Wisconsin cavalry and was discharged for disability in July, 1864. He learned the trade of engineer, which he followed in Wisconsin until 1877, then came to Renville county, Minnesota. In 1867 he married Treselia Calkins; she died and in 1873 he married Josephine Smith. Four children are living. N. D. White was born in 1822, in Oneida county, New York. His parents moved to Madison county and from there to Erie county, where, at the age of 23, he married Miss Urain Fraser. In the spring of 1848 in company with his parents he moved to Wisconsin, and was engaged in farming and teaching. June 28th, 1862, he, with his wife and family arrived at Beaver Creek, Renville county, and in August were forced to leave their homes, by the Indians, an account of which will be found in the "History of the Sioux Massacre," in this volume. He returned in 1865 and engaged in farming until 1873, and the following year, in company with his son Millard, built a flouring-mill on Beaver creek, three-fourths of a mile above Beaver Falls, where they are now doing a successful business. D. Wichmann, native of Germany, was born in 1822. Was raised on a farm and in 1853, immigrated to Cook county, Illinois; farmed there until 1858, then-came to Brown county, Minnesota, and from there to Beaver Falls, section 14. Married in 1845 in Germany, Margaret Borman; they have seven children: Frederick was born in 1849 and married Annie Woolman; he is farming in Beaver. The other children are, D. H., Henry, Dora, Ericka, William and John; the latter was born in 1861 and claims the distinction of being the first child born in Beaver. Philip Williams was born in Bradford county, Pennsylvania, in 1845. At the age of nine years he moved with parents to Minnesota and lived in Nicollet county until 1868, then located in the town of Flora, Renville county; in the spring of 1880 he engaged in butcher business at Renville village and the next year located on his present farm in Beaver Falls. In 1871 he married Sarah H. Brown; she died at the age of thirty years; in 1878 he married Loretta Butler. There are two children: Samuel D. and Jenkins T. H. Zumwenkil was born in Germany in 1839. He learned the harness maker's trade and in 1852 came to America; lived in Ohio, Missouri and Iowa, working at his trade, and in 1859 came to Minnesota and opened a harness shop at LeSueur; moved to Shakopee and in 1864 went to the Rocky mountains; returned and lived in Shakopee and St. Peter, in harness business until 1869, then moved to Beaver Falls; engaged in business with Mr. Jensen; sold out after a few years and is now engaged in farming; also carries on a harness shop. Married Elizabeth Oleson; five children are living. BIRCH COOLEY. This town was organized in the fall of 1866 and an election held at J. L. Preston's, but as the early records are missing, the first officers can not be given accurately. The first settler was Louis La Croix; David Faribault, Sr., was also located near the river at an early date. In 1859 John Kumro and David McConnell settled along the creek; a few more came in the next two years, but all were forced to leave in 1862, by the Indians. The re-settlement began in 1865, by Holder Jacobus and George Buery; the latter returning to his claim made before the outbreak. The settlers of 1866 were William and John Tracy, Patrick Ryan, D. D. Frazier, William Post, Joseph Deane, P. Reynolds and George Bowers. The German Methodists held religious services in the summer of 1860, conducted by Rev. Henry Singenstrue; a society was sustained till 1862 and is now connected with the church at Beaver Falls. The Catholics held services under Father Somereisen in 1868 and in 1878 erected a frame church on section 27. Father Andre is now in charge. The first marriage was in 1869, William Tracy and Mary Kilmer. Magdaline, daughter of Geo. Buery, born November 16, 1861, was the first birth. Franklin post-office was established in 1868, and located at the house of H. Jacobus, postmaster; he died in 1878 and the office has since been changed several times. Birch Cooley was established about 1870 and George McCulloch appointed postmaster; the office was at his house on section 20. W. G. Bartley is now postmaster and the office is kept at the mill, on section 28. About 1869 a water-power saw-mill was built on Birch Cooley creek, which has changed hands several times and is now owned and operated by W. G. Bartley & Co., as a carding and grist-mill. They also keep a small stock of goods. The village of Birch Cooley was surveyed in June 1866, by David Watson, on land owned by the La Croix heirs; a store, blacksmith shop, warehouse and a few dwellings were erected. The warehouse was burned in 1871. The plat of the village was never recorded and was vacated a few years since. Halleck Anderson was born in February, 1825. He emigrated in 1852 from Norway, the land of his birth, and became a resident of America. In 1857 he located on a farm in Goodhue county, Minnesota, but in 1869 removed to his present home. Mr. Anderson was married in 1848; his wife Miss Ellen Anderson is also a native of Norway. Of their ten children nine are living. W. G. Bartley, born in New York city, November 21, 1838, went to Bradford county, Pennsylvania, while young, and worked in a woolen mill there until 1869. He removed to Rochester Minnesota, at that date; engaged in the business of manufacturing yarn and operated a carding mill; firm name W. G. Bartley & Co. Since coming to Birch Cooley in 1880, he has built a small flouring mill, also runs a carding machine and keeps a general store. Married in 1867, Elizabeth Simmons. One child: William Arthur. M. Brazil, native of Illinois, was born January 22, 1842, near Peru. Accompanied his parents to Dakota county, Minnesota, where he attended school and worked some at carpenters trade. After serving in Company F, Fourth Minnesota, from November, 1864 until the close of the war, he returned to his farm in Dakota county. Since 1880 his home has been in Birch Cooley. Miss Sobrina Boonhower was married to him in 1874. There are three children. G. Buery was born January 25, 1826, in Germany. Came to America at the age of twenty; worked at his trade, that of cooper, in Canada and in Buffalo, New York but in 1857, migrated to Mankato, Minnesota. He has lived since 1859, in Birch Cooley; went to Fort Ridgely in 1862, for safety from Indians, but in 1865 returned to his farm. In 1847 he married Margaret Scherman who died in 1854. Miss S. Coffman became his wife in 1855. Eight children are living. Robert Camp, born September 2, 1854, near Baraboo, Wisconsin, went, when two years old, to Canada with his parents, and shortly afterwards to Michigan, where his mother died November 20, 1871. His home has been in Renville county, Minnesota, since 1874, and much of the time since leaving school he has been employed in teaching. Came to Birch Cooley in 1875. Owns here a farm of 270 acres. In 1876 Mr. Camp married Miss Elizabeth Griffin. Edith is their only child. Nelsou V. Campbell, a native of Ohio, was born July 29, 1841, in Portage county. He lived with his parents until enlistment in Company B, 55th Wisconsin infantry; was discharged in August, 1865. The family came in 1867, to Minnesota, and in 1876 to their present farm of 200 acres, of which Nelson Campbell owns 120 acres. In 1876 he was married; his wife's name was Miss E. Curtiss; one child: Charles R., born January 1, 1879. John Carr was born in 1809; he was brought up on a farm and ohtained his education in Ireland, his native country. In 1837 he married Mary Murt; seven children. Mr. Carr emigrated in 1829 to Canada; removed to Nicollet county where he remained from 1857 to 1873, the date of his coming here. His son, William H., born May 12, 1857 in Canada, owns a farm on section 8 but resides with his parents. S. J. Comstock, native of New York, was born December 22, 1838, in Wayne county. From the age of six years until the autumn of 1866, he lived in Michigan, then migrated to Wisconsin and the following spring came to his home in Birch Cooley. In 1871 he married Miss Diana Harrington, who was a teacher. Mr. and Mrs. Comstock have two children. He has filled the offices of town treasurer and clerk. John Desmond was born in July 1823, in county Cork, Ireland. In 1846 he accompanied his parents to Canada, but soon after located in St. Lawrence county, New York, which was his home until coming to Minuesota. Lived for a time in Rochester, then on a farm near Mankato eighteen months, after which he settled in Birch Cooley. Married in 1856, Honora Farrell; eleven children; the living are Patrick, who has been town clerk two years, Cornelius, Mary, Ellen, Margaret and John J. George Fry, born April 15, 1824, in Steuben county, New York. Lived in Dodge county, Wisconsin, from 1864 to 1868, the year in which he removed to his farm in Birch Cooley. Mr. Fry was married in February, 1850; his wife, Sarah Holly, born in 1830, is also a native of Steuben county, New York. They have five children: Norton, Alvira, Norman, Julia and Ellen. S. A. Greenslit was born January 28, 1833, in Washington county, Vermont. He migrated in 1854 to Sauk county, Wisconsin, removed to Minnesota in 1856, and was one of the early settlers of Dodge county. Mr. Greenslit has lived since 1869 at his farm of 320 acres in Birch Cooley. Miss M. Loomis, native of Orange county, Vermont, was married to him in October, 1856; two children: Fremont and Jessie. James Haed, native of Ireland, was born in County Galway. When about twelve years of age his parents died, and in 1847 he immigrated to the United States in company with his brother and sisters. Went to Rochester, New York, in 1850, and in 1855 to Wisconsin; removed again in 1867 to Minnesota, and settled where he now resides. Mr. Haed was married in 1859 to Rose McClusky. Five children are living and three deceased. Thomas Hill was born May 12, 1809, in Ireland, and when seventeen years old came to America with a brother. His trade is that of mason and stone cutter, at which he worked previous to coming to Minnesota in 1852, then continued in the same business at St. Paul several years. Located on a farm in Scott county in 1856; removed in 1869 to this county and in 1871 settled in Birch Cooley. Mr. Hill married in 1841, Rehecca Darr; they have eight living children. W. H. Jewell was born January 3, 1831, in Saratoga county, New York. In 1846 the family moved to Geneva, Wisconsin; remained in that state until 1867, when he removed to Minnesota and came directly to the farm where he is still living. Mr. Jewell was sheriff of this county two years, has held several town offices and served ten years as postmaster. Married in 1852, Caroline Bunce. They have two boys and three girls. Magnus Johnson was born July 24, 1833. At nineteen years of age he went to Christiana, Norway, and engaged in stone work until 1861, the date of his emigration for this country. He located in Fillmore county, Minnesota, but in 1866 removed to Renville county, and since 1868 has lived at his farm in Birch Cooley and has held various offices in this town. Married in 1855, Caroline Olsen. Their children are John, Mary, Ole, Emma, Christian, Gustave, Julian, Alfred, Louisa, and Almeda. John Kumro, native of Germany, was born January 10, 1826. In 1847 he enlisted; served three years, then in 1850 came to the United States; went to Mankato, Minnesota, in 1857, and removed in the spring of 1859 to his farm on section 32 of Birch Cooley. Mary Coffman became his wife in 1856. Eight of their ten children are living. In 1862 the Indians took their horses and they were compelled to walk to Fort Ridgely for safety. James Leary, native of New York, was born October 10, 1839, in St. Lawrence county. From the age of sixteen he was dependent upon his own exertions. He learned the business of carpenter; migrated to Wisconsin in 1862, and in 1864 to Rochester, Minnesota, where he worked at his trade until 1868, the year he came to his farm in Birch Cooley. Margaret Farrell was married to him in 1864, and has eight children: the living are Dennis, Mary A., Cornelius, Thomas, James, and Catharine. Denis Lordan, born in March, 1845, remained in Ireland, his native country, until twenty-three years of age, when he immigrated to Rochester, Minnesota. Mr. Lordan was one of the first settlers in the town of Palmyra, Renville county; since April, 1878, he has lived on his farm in Birch Cooley. In 1872 he married Miss Mary Cornelly. They are the parents of five children: Ellen, Katie, Mary and Sarah are living. Oscar Miller, native of Wisconsin, was born August 8, 1856, in Fond du Lac. In the autumn of 1865 the family moved to New Ulm, and the following spring came to the farm where he and the father now live; the mother died in this town. Mr. Miller's farm, containing 160 acres, lies on section 32. He married in December, 1879, Lavina Kumro, native of Mankato. They have one child. T. F. Miller was born in 1855 in Wisconsin. Accompanied his parents to Iowa, and about two years later removed to Birch Cooley, where he finished his education. In 1874 he went to California, but returned two years later and located at his farm on section 32 of this town. He was united in marriage in 1879; his wife's maiden name was Louella C. Petrie. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have one child: George E. Peter Murphy, born in 1831, in Ireland, lived on a farm and also worked at teaming until coming to America. In 1852 he moved to Canada, and two years later to Dodge county, Wisconsin, but has lived since 1870 at his farm of 240 acres on section 4, Birch Cooley. Mr. Murphy married in 1854, Margaret Bagley. Of the twelve children born to them, six boys and three girls are living. D. J. O'Shea, native of Ireland, was born October 5, 1837. The family emigrated in 1840 to Canada; he removed to Chicago in 1862, and was employed several years in a rolling mill, but in 1865 returned to Canada. Since 1870 his home has been at his farm of 320 acres in Birch Cooley. Miss Mary Holland was married to Mr. O'Shea in 1857. They have eleven children. J. P. Patton was born October 17, 1842, in Oswego county, New York. From 1854 until 1861 he lived in Wisconsin, then removed to Olmsted county, Minnesota. Enlisted in Company H, Sixth Minnesota; was on the frontier eighteen months, then went south; served till the war ceased; returned to his home, but soon after went to Beaver Falls and worked two years at his trade, that of carpenter, then came to his present home. Mr. Patton has been justice of the peace and county sheriff. In 1870 he married Mary E. Griffin; six children; only one is living. Jens Pedersen, born June 19, 1855, is a native of Denmark. When fourteen years old he began learning blacksmithing, and at the age of eighteen immigrated to Minneapolis, where he was employed at his trade. In 1878 he came to Birch Cooley, where he .carries on farming and blacksmithing. Mr. Pedersen was married in 1877; his wife, Mary Reen, was born in Norway, and when nine years of age came with her parents to the United States. J. L. Preston, native of New York, was born on July 5, 1838, in Oneida county. His father who was a native of Vermont, was a farmer and died years ago in New York. At the age of twenty-two Mr. Preston entered the lumber business at Grand Rapids, Wisconsin. Enlisted in March, 1862, in Company I, Third Wisconsin cavalry; served until March 15, 1865, when he came to Minnesota and located on his farm of 160 acres, section 21, of Birch Cooley. Phineas Reynolds was born February 2, 1819, in East Canada. After the death of his mother in 1833 he went to Vermont and worked at farming; remained in the eastern states and Canada until going in 1854 to Wisconsin. From 1864 until the close of the civil war Mr. Reynolds was in service. In 1866 he came to Birch Cooley. Married in 1841, Emaline Annis. Four children are deceased; the living are Chloe, and Gardner, who was born in Canada, February 11, 1852, and lived with his parents until 1877, the date of his marriage with Viola Price, who has borne him one child. He also owns a farm of 80 acres on section 29. R. F. Richardson, born May 21, 1829, in Cattaraugus county, New York, moved with his parents in 1836 to Michigan. In 1854 he migrated to Dodge county, Minnesota, and fourteen years after came to Birch Cooley, where he is engaged in farming and in practice as veterinary surgeon; he is treasurer of this town. He was united in marriage in 1851 with Miss S. M. Carlough. One child, Emma J. R. M. Simmons, native of New York, was born in Genesee county, March 26, 1822. When he was eight years old the family moved to Ohio; in 1844 he went to Iowa, and in 1850 to California; returned after mining there four years and located in Le Sueur county, this state. Since 1867 he has lived at his farm of 200 acres in Birch Cooley. Married in 1843, Mary Kennedy, who died June 2, 1871. Mrs. Ann Knighton, was married to him in 1878; six children. John Tracey, who is a native of Ireland, was born May 21, 1834. In 1849 the family immigrated to Fayette county, Ohio; November 18, 1863, shortly after arriving in Albert Lea, he enlisted in Company C, 2d Minnesota Cavalry; was on the frontier until discharged in November, 1865, at which time he located in Renville county. Mr. Tracy has held numerous town offices. He Married Ann Baird in 1861. Of their fourteen children, twelve are living. Thomas Whetston was born August 15, 1847, in Syracuse, New York. From the age of seven years until 1857 he lived with his parents in McHenry county, Illinois, then they removed to Minnesota; lived on a farm in Freeborn county until after the Indian massacre, when they went to Nicollet county, but in 1877 located where he now resides. Married in 1874, Bridget O'Shea; four children: John, Daniel and Mary are living. FLORA. This town was organized in the spring of 1867, and the first officers elected were: Henry Dreyer, chairman, John Schefer and Henry Timms, supervisors; F. Shoemaker, clerk and justice; Louis Thiele, constable; no other officers qualified. The first settlers came in the spring of 1859, and were; Lattao, Schwanke, Theile, Stoltz, Krause, Kitsmon, and some others. Many of these were killed by the Indians. F. Shoemaker was the first settler after the Indian outbreak; he made a claim in August, 1865. The village of Vicksburg was surveyed in 1867, on land owned by Mr. Tillotson. William Baade had a store for several years; there was also a blacksmith shop and a few other buildings. In 1878 the buildings were moved to Sacred Heart. The first preaching was at F. Shoemaker's, in 1867, by Rev. George Simon; in 1869 an Evangelical society was organized by Rev. E. J. Hillscher. A church was built on section 35 in 1880, which cost $2,000. The German Methodists held meetings in 1869, conducted by Rev. H. Singenstrue; the society was organized in 1875 and a log church erected on section 22. The Christians have a frame church on section 19; the first meetings were held in 1874. The Lutherans organized in 1871, under charge of Rev. Hunziker. The first school was held in 1868, at Christian Sperver's house, taught by Bert M. Nichols; the town now has four districts. Herzhorn post-office was established in 1869 with F. Shoemaker as postmaster; the office was discontinued in 1879. Sacred Heart post-office was located at Samuel Burnell's house about 1869. The next year the name was changed to Vicksburg, and the office moved to the store of William Baade, who was made postmaster; since 1878 John Larkins has had charge of the office. The first marriage was that of Joseph March and Betsey Rausch, in June, 1866. Henry W. Shoemaker, horn April 26, 1866, was the first birth in the town. H. S. Braley was born in 1833, in New York. When two years of age he accompanied his parents to Pennsylvania, and in 1865 removed to Iowa hut shortly after went to Wisconsin. Since 1868 he has been at his farm in Flora. Mr. Bralv has held several town offices. In 1858 he married Jane Smith, born in 1839. They have lost one child; the living are Amanda M., Willis H., Sherman J., Sumner G., Amy E. and Louisa B. David Brown, a native of Maine, was born in 1845; in 1868 he migrated to Wabasha county, Minnesota, but the following year removed to his present home in Flora; the farm of eighty acres lies in section 18. His father, Samuel Brown was born in 1811, in Maine, and lived on a farm with his parents until 1832. He came in 1868 to Minnesota and the next March, moved from Wabasha, to Flora, where he still resides. He married in 1834, Eliza Tibbets, who was born in 1814, and has borne him ten children. The living are David, Julia, Louisa and Etta. James J. Christie was born in 1822, in Canada. He came to Minnesota in 1863; after living in Rice county about eighteen months he removed to Dodge county and was employed in farming there until 1870, at which date he came to Flora and located on his present farm. Miss Margaret Christie, born in 1833 was married to him in 1850; four children, James S., May J., Nancy G. and Margaret J. R. W. Davis, native of Ohio, was born in 1839, in New Lisbon, but when young went to Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, and at the age of ten years removed to Meigs county, Ohio, where he worked at the trade of plasterer and mason. June 13, 1861, he enlisted in Company D, Fourth West Virginia; served over three years and lost his left arm. He made a claim in Birch Cooley, but abandoned it in 1867 and came to Flora; has held the offices of justice and register of deeds. In 1864 he married Vesta Black, who died in 18 75. William A., Clarrissa A., James H., and Robert S. are the children; in 1876 he married Clara Chester; one child, Julia A. J. M. Doyle was born in 1822 in New York but when only one year old accompanied his parents to Canada where after leaving school he was principally engaged in lumbering and railroad contracting. In 1862 he removed to Illinois and thence to Minnesota; he lived at Cannon City, Faribault and Northfield, but in 1871 located permanently in Flora. Married in 1843, Nancy Hunter; have six living children and have lost one. Henry Dreyer was born in 1828. He served three years in the army of Germany, his native country; he entered the service in 1848 and about eight months after being discharged immigrated to New York; soon removed to Wisconsin, where he worked at wagon making until 1856, then came to Minnesota. From LeSueur county he came in 1866 to Flora. Married in 1860, Mrs. Regina Korth, who had two children: Bertha and George. She and Mr. Dreyer are the parents of Rufus, Matilda, Louisa, Ida, Regina, Henry and William. James Gaffney, native of Ireland, was born in 1813 and in 1828 came to New York. From there moved to Indiana, and after working on the Wabash canal two years, went to Illinois and began farming; thirty years after, he made a trip to Kansas, then came to Waseca county, Minnesota, and from there to Flora, where he now lives. In 1849 he married Mary Powers; she died in 1870. Ten children; nine are living. Simeon Kysar was born in Indiana in 1836. In 1856 he came to Minnesota and lived in Rice, Brown, Blue Earth and LeSueur counties. Served thirteen months during the war, in the mounted rangers; also eight months in the 1st heavy artillery. He lived in Le Sueur county until 1880, then came to Flora. His principal occupation has been that of engineer. Married in 1857, Miss Cynthia Thomas. Nine children. John Larkin was born in Ireland in 1825, and came to this country in 1843; landed in Boston and lived on a farm in Massachusetts till 1867, then came to St. Peter, Minnesota, and from there to Flora. He has for four years been justice of the peace and postmaster. In 1852 he married Mary Darcy; they have had eleven children, eight are living. Charles Schaffler was born in Germany in 1827. He learned the trade of tinsmith; in 1847 went in the army and served two years; came to this country in 1852. Lived in Philadelphia until 1855 then came to Minnesota; after working at St. Paul one year he took a claim in Le Sueur county; in 1859 started a tin and hardware business at Le Sueur and lived there eighteen years. He was first lieutenant in the Le Sueur Tiger company during the Indian outbreak. In 1872 was elected sheriff of his county; in 1877 moved to Flora. In 1854 he married Anna Lenc. They have one son; Gustavus. Francis Shoemaker was born in Germany in 1823. Followed the life of sailor from the age of fifteen until 1852, then was mining in California till '57, when he settled on a farm in Le Sueur county, Minnesota. The following spring he visited Germany; lived in Le Sueur county eight years, then came to the farm where he now lives; has held several offices. Married Mrs. Rebecca Schluter; she had one child, J. C. Their children are: Francis M., Herman M., Celia M., Martha A., Rebecca A., Henry W. and Minnie G. Mrs. Shoemaker is a homeopathic physician. F. M. Shoemaker, Jr., was born in Le Sueur county, Minnesota, in 1858. Came with his parents to his present home in Flora, in 1866; he owns a farm of 160 acres. For four years he has been a member of the order of Patrons of Husbandry. H. Zimmermann, native of Germany, was born in 1855. He immigrated to this country, and from New York came to Minnesota and until 1876 lived in New Ulm; in December of that year he went to Iowa, and in 1878 moved to Marshall, Minnesota. October 10, 1881, he came to Flora; he is a minister of the German Methodist church. May 23, 1881, he married Mary Cluckhohn. CAIRO. This was one of the earliest settled towns in Renville county. It was organized April 7, 1868; at that time twenty-nine votes were cast, and the officers elected were: William Emmick, chairman, August Rieke and J. H. Phelps, supervisors; J. H. Phelps, clerk; M. J. Haines, assessor; Geo. Rieke, treasurer; B. Barton and Joseph Labarron, justices; S. Turner and H. W. Dodge, constables. The town was called Mud Lake until July 8, 1869 when the name was changed to Cairo. John Buehro was the first settler; he located on the east side of Mud lake in June, 1859, and was killed by the Indians in 1862. George and Victor Rieke came in 1859, and in 1860 their father, J. Frederick Rieke. The Rieke family returned to their claims and resumed farming two months after the Indian outbreak, William Rieke came in 1864 and Joseph Labarron in 1865. The German Methodists, under the leadership of Rev. H. Singenstrue, began holding meetings in 1860; services are now held occasionally by Bev. G. Raihle. The Catholics began services in 1872, and in 1877 bought the Grange hall in Ridgely and moved it to section 5 in this town, and fitted it up as a church; services are held monthly by Father Andreas. The first school was taught in 1868 by Helen Nixen; there are now four school buildings in the town, three log and one frame. Henry, son of John Buehro, born March 27, 1861, was the first birth. John H. C. Rieke died in December, 1862, the first death. The cyclone of 1881 did considerable damage in this town. .Joseph Halloway, wife and three children, were killed; one of his boys escaped death, but had both arms broken. John Finley, a boy aged fourteen, was killed while herding cattle; many of the cattle were killed outright or died from injuries received. In addition to loss of life, a large amount of property was destroyed. Charles Bird was born in 1839, in Oneida county, New York, and removed at the age of seventeen to Dodge county, Minnesota; worked on a farm about two years. August 15, 1862, he enlisted in Company F, Ninth Minnesota, and served through the war. Then lived ten years in Rochester, Minnesota, and farmed near there until May, 1869, when he located in Cairo. Mr. Bird married Louisa Christman, July 10, 1860; their children are William H., Zoella, Zelro D. and Delmer. Walter Caven, native of New York, was born in 1843 in Allegany county, but when three years old accompanied his parents to Washington county, Wisconsin. Came in 1869 to Minnesota, and the next year took a homestead in Cairo; owns 128 acres on section 6; Mr. Caven has held the office of town treasurer several terms. Miss Mary Knaley was married to Mr. Caven in Wisconsin; the living children are Thomas, James, John, Henry and Mary. John Crawford was born in Bronson, Huron county, Ohio, in 1836. At the age of sixteen he went with his parents to Wisconsin, where for three and one-half years he lived on a farm and attended school. From 1865 to the spring of 1878 he was employed in farming in Kalmar, Olmsted county, Minnesota; in that town he was chairman of the board one term and assessor five years. Came to his present home in Cairo in 1878 and has held some offices here. Married in Wisconsin in 1856, Julia A. Hammon; their son Hiram died September 26, 1881; the living children are Effie, Ernest, John, Ralph and William. Adam S. Cristman, native of New York, was born July 20, 1838 in Herkimer county. When eighteen years old he went with the family to Wisconsin, and two and one-half years later removed to Olmsted county, Minnesota. Enlisted August 15, 1862 in Company F, Ninth Minnesota and served three years after which he continued farming at his former home, for five years, but in the spring of 1870, came to Cairo where he has filled town offices. He was married September 11, 1859 to Martha M. Crawford; the living children are Edwin, Adam and Charles. Nicholas Cristman was born in 1836 in Herkimer county, New York, and after leaving school he learned coopering. In 1856 he moved to Wisconsin, where he worked at farming; from 1859 until 1870, his home was in Olmsted county, this state; farmed there two years and afterwards conducted a cooper shop in Rochester. Came to Cairo in 1870; owns 160 acres of land here. Married in 1869 Mrs. Mary Williams, who had two children, John E. and Gertrude. She has borne Mr. Cristman three children: Mary, George and Sylvia. Frederick Dickmeier was born in 1830 and reared on a farm in Germany, the land of his birth. His marriage also occurred in that country in 1852 with Miss Ingle Dyer. Immigrated to Ohio in 1858, but removed in 1867 to Minnesota and located permanently at his farm of 160 acres on section 34, Cairo. Mr. and Mrs. Dickmeier have seven children: Mary, Frederick, Henry, William, Louis, John and Amelia. Ralph R. Dodge, deceased, was born in 1827 in Massachusetts, where he learned the trade of carpenter. On the 27th of December, 1848 he was united in marriage with Miss Susan Jane Cook and they migrated in 1857 to Olmsted county, Minnesota, where he conducted a farm and worked at his trade. In 1869 the family removed to Cairo and took 160 acres of land. Mr. Dodge died here on the 28th day of February, 1872. Of their family seven boys and two girls are living, and Mrs. Dodge and son Philo, who was born in 1849, in New York, carry on the farm. James Drake, native of England, was born in 1843, and when sixteen years old came to the United States. Worked at farming five years in Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, and two years in Olmsted county, Minnesota, where he located in 1865; then in the spring of 1867 came to his present home in Cairo; his farm is on section 14 and' contains 160 acres. Emma Collins was married to him April 23, 1865; Charles F., Alice L., William E., Albert J. and Joseph E. are their children. Engebret Eidsvold was born in 1853 in Norway, and in 1872 emigrated to America. He was employed on a farm near St. Paul two years and attended school the same length of time in the city; then passed one year with a brother previous to coming in 1877 to Cairo, which has since been his home; owns 160 acres on section 29. Mr. Eidsvold married in this town in 1878, Miss Mary Grasmon. Henry is their only child. Matthew Finley, native of Ireland, was born in 1827. At the age of twenty he immigrated to Rockland county, New York, and four years later removed to Minnesota. Lived two years in Dakota county, eight years in Rice county, and from 1865 to '77 in Nicollet county; then came to his home of 200 acres in Cairo. Married in 1862, Catherine Mulhall, who has borne him ten children; the living are James, Mary, Simon, William, Ann Catherine and Matthew. Mr. Finley's buildings and farm machinery were totally destroyed in the tornado of July 15, 1881. Their son John, aged twelve, who was herding cattle a short distance from the house was found on the prairie, dead; the remainder of the family escaped in an almost miraculous manner. James Fullerton was born in 1823, in Illinois; passed his youth in that state and Indiana. In 1854 he began farming in Winona county, Minnesota. Enlisted in 1863 in Company K, 4th Minnesota and served until honorably discharged, when he returned to Winona county, but since 1871, his home has been in Cairo. Mr. Fullerton is the father of six children; three by his first wife whom he married in Illinois and three by second. Even H. Grasmon, native of Norway, was born in 1852 and when sixteen years old, immigrated with his parents to Renville county, Minnesota. In June, 1877, he removed to the farm on which he now lives, consisting of 160 acres on section 19, of Cairo. He was married March 11, 1877; his wife, Beta Hanson, was born in 1860, in Wisconsin; Alethe M. and Louis H. are their children. C. H. Hopkins was born in Norwich, Chenango county, New York, but moved, when sixteen years old, to Wisconsin. In November, 1863, he enlisted in the 13th Wisconsin light artillery, and was discharged June 20, 1865. Returned to Wisconsin, where he resumed farming; afterward clerked one year, and was then in the dairy business until 1869, when he came to Minnesota. His home is in Cairo, and he has served this town as justice and clerk. Married Susan Cristman, in November, 1872, and has two children: Hayward V. and Frank H. William Kiehn, native of Germany, was born in 1864 in Hanover. He came to the United States in 1871; lived two years in Wabasha county, Minnesota, then came to Renville county, where his parents now reside. Mr. Kiehn has two brothers and two sisters living; one brother and one sister are deceased. His father, who owns 80 acres on section 19, of Cairo, was born in 1822, in Germany. Dr. C. S. Knapp was born in 1826, in Connecticut, and when twelve years old moved with his parents to the state of New York. He was given an academical education and then followed the drug business four years. Began the study of medicine at the age of eighteen, and in 1851 graduated from the Syracuse Medical College; practiced in that city five years and then continued in the work of his profession in Columbia county, Wisconsin, until 1871, at which time he came to Cairo. He now conducts a farm, also continues his practice. Married in 1848, Miss E. M. Imson; the children are W. E., Frank S., B. A., Ida May and William H. John B. Liebl, who is a native of Austria, was born in 1856. At the age of thirteen he accompanied his parents to the United States; they located in Nicollet county, where he attended the district schools. In the spring of 1878 he came to Cairo, which town is still his home. Mr. John Liehl and Miss Maria Tynor were married in 1879 in West Newton. They are the parents of one child: George. Edmond O'Hara was born in December, 1834, in Ireland. Came with his father's family to America, when fourteen years old; lived three years in Kentucky, then for a time in Missouri. Worked on a railroad as assistant freight agent, then farmed in Iowa, until coming, in 1869, to Cairo. Mr. O'Hara has held town offices; has been county commissioner and state legislator. Mary Rourke became his wife in 1861; eight children: the living are: James, Catherine, Bridget, Mary, Eliza and Margaret. James O'Hara, born December, 1836, in Ireland, immigrated to Kentucky with his parents when he was thirteen years old. Passed three years in that state, two in Missouri, and then was employed in farming in Iowa until 1869, at which date he removed to Minnesota, located in Cairo, and soon after brought his family here. Married Johanna Guiney, July 17, 1863. Margaret A., Johanna, James, Bridget, David, Mary, Honora and Elizabeth are their children. Nels Peterson, native of Sweden, was born in 1841, and at the of sixteen began the life of a sailor. He was in the United States navy from October, 1864 until November, 1867. In December of the latter year he returned to Sweden, where, the following March, he married Miss Beata Leiberg, and in the autumn of 1868 they settled in Cairo; seven children: Stephen, Ellen, Emma, Minnie, Mary, Elizabeth and Oscar. Datis Rector, native of New York, was born in 1833, in Schenectady county. He migrated to Wisconsin when seventeen years old, and was chiefly employed in farming there until the spring of 1866, when he located permanently in Cairo, where he has 160 acres. Mr. Rector was a member of the first town board, and has since held other offices. Miss Ellen Babbet was married to him, March 29, 1859. They have an adopted child, Mary Jacobus. Adam Rieke was born June 1, 1840, in Prussia, and in 1856 immigrated with his parents to Ohio, where they lived until coming in 1860 to Cairo; has been town treasurer and supervisor. For a number of years the Riekes were the only settlers in the town. Adam Rieke and Miss A. Sander were married March 15, 1871; Louis, Edward and Annie are their children. August Rieke, native of Prussia, was born in 1846. At the age of nine years he accompanied his father's family to America, and in 1860 migrated to Cairo; they were among the early settlers of this county, and one boy, Herman, died at Fort Ridgely during the siege by Indians in 1862. Mr. Rieke was married in 1880 to Miss Melia Grounke. Frederick Rieke, Sr., born in 1796 in Prussia, died here in 1879. George Rieke was born March 1, 1834, in Hanover. Came to Ohio in 1855, and worked there at mining and manufacturing iron until coming in 1859 to his present home in Cairo; there was but one settler here when he arrived, a man who was killed by Indians in 1862; Mr. Rieke was the first treasurer of this town. He married, September 26, 1864, Mrs. Sophia Lammers, whose husband was killed in the Sioux massacre; she and her children were held prisoners about six weeks; she had three children by first marriage and seven by second. William Rieke, native of Hanover, was born December 23, 1831, and emigrated from that country in 1856. Until 1864 he resided in the state of Ohio, then migrated to Minnesota and located at his present home in Cairo, where he owns 160 acres. Miss Louisa Vollmer became his wife in 1836; seven children; the living are William, Louisa, Mary, Victor, Adam and Katie. George F. Thane was born in 1839 in Germany, and when thirteen years old accompanied his parents to America; for twenty years they were farming in Illinois; since 1872 has lived in Cairo, where he owns 160 acres. Held the office of town clerk five years and justice three years. Married in 1865 Frederica Lenkering; of their nine children eight are living. Mr. Thane was a heavy loser by the great cyclone of July 15, 1881. Christian Vogt, born in 1830, is a native of Germany; came to America at the age of seventeen; with his parents he settled in Illinois, where they were farming twenty-three years. In 1871 he came to Cairo and took 160 acres of land. He married in 1862 in Illinois, and his wife died there; she had borne him two children. In 1868 he remarried, and has four children by his present wife. CAMP. The first settlers in this town were Antoine Bucofsky and Joseph Michelsky, two Polanders who came in the summer of 1858; they were soon followed by John Hose, Conrad Hamm, Werner Bosch, C. Schlumberger, and Andrew Schott. These all left on account of the Indians. In June 1865, John Halverson and Hellek Petersen who had settled in 1862, returned and now live on their original claims. The early records of the town are missing and a list of the first officers cannot be given. Rev. A. E. Frederickson, Norwegian Lutheran, held services in 1867 and in 1868 a society was organized by Rev. Lars Johnson, with twelve members. Houges Evangelical Lutheran society held meetings first in 1868; in 1881 a log church was built on section 10. The Norwegian Synod and Conference Synod are also organized. The German Methodists hold services at Rieke's mill. The first school was taught in 1868 by Clement Treadbar. The town now has three school-houses. The first birth occurred in Joseph Michelsky's family in 1860. Renville post-office was established in 1873 and T. H. Hofsoe appointed postmaster; he kept the office at his store. In 1879 the name was changed to Camp and Sever P. Nelson appointed postmaster; the office is at his store on section 23. A water-power grist-mill, built by Victor Rieke in 1873 is still operated by him. A woolen mill was built in 1871 by B. Marchner and operated until 1880 when the machinery was taken out and moved to Brown county. William Pless built a mill in 1871 which was operated until the dam was carried out by high water in 1881. Frederick Koke runs a steam saw-mill which he built in 1878. Nels O. Berge was born in 1851 and accompanied his parents from Norway, his native land, to Dane county, Wisconsin, and two years later to Trempealeau county. He was brought up on a farm and learned blacksmithing; since 1869 he has lived in Camp and he has held the offices of town treasurer, clerk and justice. In 1870 he married Caroline Hagestad who has borne him five children: Minnie, Clara, Otilda, Edward and Alfred. Hans O. Boium is a native of Norway, where he was born in 1840.He emigrated from that country in 1867, and since that time has been a resident of the United States. Until 1868 he lived in Fillmore county, Minnesota, then migrated to Renville county and settled in Camp, where he owns 160 acres of land. His marriage occurred in the year 1865, with Betsy Oleson; the children are Ole, Christian, Sarah and Olina B. Patrick Campbell, a native of Ireland, was born in 1831, and remained in that country until seventeen years old. For three years his home was in Manchester, New Hampshire, then twelve years in Madison, Wisconsin, and four years in Rochester, Minnesota, but in 1867 he located in Camp, where he has 160 acres of land. Mr. Campbell married Elizabeth Mullen in 1849, and in 1865 she died; her children were Christopher, Thomas and James. In 1873 he married his present wife. Ole I. Dale was born in 1814, and until 1857 resided in Norway, the land of his birth, then came to America. He was a soldier ten years in his native country, also worked at the trade of tailor. Mr. Dale spent one year in Dane county, Wisconsin, then was employed in farming ten years in Trempealeau county. After living in Pope county, Minnesota, five years he came in 1873 to Camp. Married in 1846, Betsy Berge; children: Iver, Elling, Julia, Martha, Olaf, Betsy, Mary and Nels. Mikal Elden who is a native of Norway, was born in 1855. Immigrated in 1866 to Wisconsin, and upon coming to Minnesota two years later he located on section 4 of Camp. The marriage of Mr. Elden with Anna Johnson occurred in 1877. They have two children: Albert and Caroline. Louis J. Enger was born in 1845 in Norway, and in 1869 came to the United States. Did carpenter work about two years at Neenah, Wisconsin; since 1871 his home has been in Camp, where he owns a farm, but he has worked at his trade considerably in Waseca county. Miss Johnanna Lee became his wife in June, 1872, and has borne him four children: Randa C., Julia S., Emil A. and John L. Richard Gerdes was born in 1855, and was educated in the schools and the University at Frankfort, from which he graduated in 1871. For a time he served as a soldier; was then in the employ of a railroad company as ticket agent five years, and also worked in an office as corresponding secretary some time. Came in 1878 to America and clerked at Ft. Ridgely two years for an uncle; was in partnership with S. P. Nelson a short time, and has since been his clerk. Petter Gundersen, born in 1822, is a native of Norway, where for a number of years he was a soldier. In 1869 he came to the United States; came to Renville county, Minnesota, and located a claim in Camp. Mr. Gundersen learned blacksmithing in the old country, and has worked at that trade some here. Married in 1859, Mary Christopherson; the children are Caren, Gunders, Mary, Lena, Hannah and Ole. John Halverson was born in 1827 in Norway. Served in the regular army seven years, and in 1855 immigrated to Wisconsin; removed in 1857 to Waseca county, Minnesota, and bought a farm which he sold four years later, and in June, 1861, came to Camp; was at Fort Ridgely in the siege of 1862: then lived near St. Peter three years, at the expiration of which time he returned to his farm. In 1854 he married Julia Lund; Georgianna, Mary A., Helen T., Janet, Amelia and Henry T. are their children. Halvor Hanson was born in 1847, in Norway. In 1868 he came to the United States; lived one year in Wisconsin, and since 1870 his home has been in Camp, Minnesota. Mr. Hanson's occupation has always been that of farmer, with the exception of one year that he was employed in a store in his native country. In 1868 he married Annette Engebretson; the children are Hans E., John, Olga, Alfred and Julia. Louis Hanson was born in Norway, in 1838; in 1854 immigrated to Dane county, Wisconsin, and five years later removed to Trempealeau county. He enlisted in Company D, 51st Wisconsin infantry, in 1864 and served five months. Mr. Hanson came to Camp, took 160 acres of land and lived on his farm thirteen years; is now employed as clerk in Hector; has been supervisor, constable and deputy sheriff. Married Miss A. Nelson in 1859, who died in 1877; children are Betsy, Henry, Martha, Julia, Louis and Ida. Mathias Johnson, native of Norway, was born in 1846, and upon coming in 1865, to America, settled in Nicollet county, Minnesota, which was his home two years. He enlisted in Company A, First Minnesota; was honorably discharged six months later. In 1866 took a homestead on section 20, Camp. Mr. Johnson's marriage with Albertina Luke took place in 1870; the children are Emma, Oscar, Anna M. and Maria A. F. Koke was born in 1841 in Germany, and learned the business of miller and millwright; in 1863 moved to Jersey City, but shortly after went to Lake Superior and remained five years then passed a few months in New Ulm, West Newton and Yellow Medicine. In 1875 he built a mill near New Ulm, which was burned about two years afterwards; he then worked eight months in the Maple River mill, and since 1879 has operated a saw-mill in Camp. Married in 1871, Anna Pless; Helena, Adele, Herman, Louise and Hugo are their children. Mathias O. Lee was born in 1836. He was a soldier in Norway, his native country, five years; his early days were spent on a farm and he learned the trade of carpenter. In 1864 he immigrated to Wisconsin, where he was employed in farming until 1868, at which date he located at his present home in Camp. Miss Olina Oleson was married in 1860 to Mr. Lee; seven children, Ole N., Carl J., Clara J., Minna O., Hannah S., Semmy I. and John B. Anders L. Naset, born in 1841, is a native of Norway. When twenty-six years of age he emigrated from the land of his birth to the United States. His home is at his farm of 160 acres in section 26 of Camp. The marriage of Mr. Naset took place in the year 1868; his wife was Miss Inger Marcusdotter. The children are Christian M., Marcus, Louis and Marie. Hogen Nelson, born August 12, 1847, in Norway, where he remained until twenty years old. He came in 1867 to the United States and after living about two and one-half years in Fillmore county, Minnesota, he came in 1869 to Camp, where he has held some town offices. In 1869 he married Sarah Thompson. His father, Nels Hoganson, born in 1816 and his mother born in 1818, are living with him. Peder Nelson, native of Norway, was born in 1828. In 1856, he came to the United States; lived in Wisconsin, and in Fillmore county, Minnesota, until coming in 1867, to Camp, where he has been supervisor three years. Mr. Nelson has 168 acres. Married in 1853, Mrs. Mary Erickson, who had two children: Ren da and Christine: she has borne Mr. Nelson six children: Sever P., Julia, Herman, Sarah, Nels and Betsy. Sever P. Nelson who was born in Norway in 1853, moved in 1856 with his parents to Fillmore county, Minnesota, where they lived until 1865, at which time he removed to Camp. Until 1880, he was engaged in farming, since that time has kept a general store; at first in partnership with Richard Gerdes, but since, alone. Mr. Nelson has been postmaster since being in business here. In 1876 be married Mary Johnson; three children: Amelia, Betsy and Sana. O. O. Nesburg was born in 1836, in Norway. He followed the life of a sailor about nine years previous to locating, in 1855, in Columbia county, Wisconsin; removed in 1857, to Olmsted county, Minnesota, and one year after to Fillmore county. In 1861 be enlisted in the 1st Minnesota artillery; be returned and taught Norwegian school seven years; since 1868 he has lived in Camp. Married in 1862, Julia Anderson. The living children are Nellie, Andrew, Gunder, Anna and Louise. D. O'Neil, born in Washington county, Wisconsin, remained there until twenty-two years of age, living on a farm. In 1868 be migrated to Renville county, Minnesota, and located at his present place; has been chairman of the town board several years. Johanna Mountain was married to him in January, 1869; they have four children: Margaret, James F., Josie and Daniel. E. Otto, native of Germany, was born in 1834, and immigrated in 1854 to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where he worked six months at carpentering. Previous to coming to Minnesota in the fall of 1855, he spent six months in Iowa; worked two winters in the St. Croix pineries, then from 1859 until 1862, his home was in Camp; passed some months in Wisconsin, and six years in Nicollet county, this state, then returned to Camp. Miss Catherine Orth became his wife in 1857; the children are Henry, Emily, Frederic, Anna, William. Hellek Petersen, born in 1835, in Norway. Upon coming to this country in 1844, he located in Wisconsin, where he lived eleven years; removed to Iowa and there married in 1857, Julia Jacobson; since 1859 his home has been in Camp, with the exception of about three years passed in Goodhue county and Faribault. In 1862 he was one of the defenders of Fort Ridgely; has held town offices and served as county commissioner. The children are Peter, Isabella, Jacob, Edward, Louis, Henry and Alfred. Victor Rieke, native of Germany, was born in 1836, and while living there learned the trade of miller and millwright. Immigrated in 1857 to Ohio, where he was employed in wagon making until 1859, the date of his removal to Minnesota; worked at farming in Cairo, this county, and since 1872 has been operating the mill which he built that year. Married in 1866, Mina Wulfe; five children: William, George, Anna, Lydia, Martha. Lauritz H. Rund was born in 1842, and raised as a farmer in Norway, the land of his birth. In 1869 he emigrated from that country, and soon after pre-empted 160 acres of land in Camp, which town has since been his home. His marriage took place in March, 1873, with Maria Evanson; four children: Helga, Carl, Mollie, and Albert. Mrs. Elizabeth Schott was born in Warren county, Pennsylvania, and married in that state in 1852. Her husband, Max Haack was a native of Saxony; after attending college and studying medicine, he began practice as a physician, and also engaged in the drug trade. In 1858 they moved to Nicollet county, this state, and in 1862 he was killed at New Ulm. The children are Louise, Otto and Amelia. She remained on the farm until coming in 1865, to Camp. Henry Graff, her second husband, was killed in 1867 by falling from a wagon. By this marriage she had one child: Henry; also has one son, Oscar, by her present husband, Andrew Schott, who is a native of Germany. John Thompson was born in Norway in 1846. When he was four years old the family immigrated to Dane county, Wisconsin. Eleven years later they removed to Fillmore county, Minnesota, and after living there ten years came to Camp; has been commissioner three years, and town clerk and justice about eight years. Enlisted in Company D, Eighth Minnesota, for three years; he was in General Sully's Indian expedition and afterwards in the south; he had two brothers in the army. Thomas Tweet, native of Norway, was born in 1836, and upon coming to America in 1854, located in Wisconsin, which state was his home until 1861. Enlisted in Company A, Seventh Wisconsin infantry; was kept in a hospital several months by a wound caused by the slipping of an axe which he was using in the fort; returned to his company and engaged in some severe battles; was wounded in the arm twice at the battle of Gettysburg. Mr. Tweet has 160 acres in Camp. He has been deputy sheriff and has held all the town offices. Married in 1864, Belle Surson; the children are Anna J., Sarah L., Matilda A., Johnanna A., Julia S., Betsy P., Theodore J. and Henry U. HAWK CREEK. This town when set apart for organization in July, 1868, contained much more territory than at present; the officers appointed were: C. C. O'Brien, chairman, W. F. Von Deyn and Thomas Oleson, supervisors; G. P. Greene, clerk; A. G. Enestredt, assessor. In August, 1875, the limits of the town were reduced so as to embrace all of towns 114 and 115, range 38, lying north of the Minnesota river. In 1859 Magloire Robideaux settled near the mouth of the creek; Louis Labelle, Alex. Guertin and others had settled previous to the outbreak, but were compelled to leave and did not return. In 1867 the first permanent settlers arrived, among whom were F. W. Brasch, L. S. Earle, Joseph Marsch, Joseph Schaffer and Louis Kope. The first school was taught in 1869 by Mrs. Eliza Mulford; the town now has three schools. The first marriage was that of Joseph Schaffer and Miss J. J. Mutter, November 15, 1868. Hawk Creek post-office was established in 1869, with J. S. Earle in charge; after several changes the office was discontinued in 1880. The village of Jennettville was laid out previous to 1860, by Louis Robert, on section 21; only a few buildings were erected and the village was a failure. Ole Fugleskjil was born in 1827, in Norway. In 1862 he immigrated to Wisconsin and the year following located in Freeborn county, Minnesota; since 1867 his home has been at his farm in Hawk Creek; has held the office of assessor four years, justice five years and is now clerk of the town. Married in 1857, Miss S. Olsen; the children are Mary, Marithe, Ole, Olina, Simon O., and Petra. Mr. Fugleskjil is now dealing in lumber at Sacred Heart. H. Listerud was born in 1839 in Norway, where he learned the trade of gunsmith, and also served in the army five years. In 1869 he came to Minnesota and settled in New Sweden; came to Hawk Creek in 1870, and now has 220 acres on section 22; has served as assessor and supervisor. In 1859 he married Martha Peterson, who has borne him ten children: Dora, Clara, Peter, John, Martin, Bennet, Jennie, Deoline, Henry, Olina. Joseph Schaffer was born in 1836 in Prussia, where he learned wagon making. Landed at New York in 1853; traveled through Canada; passed one year in Detroit; visited St. Louis, New Orleans, St. Paul and the Rocky mountains; returned to Missouri and enlisted in the home guards; he was shot at Lexington, the ball entered the back and was taken out of the right side. In 1862 he re-enlisted in the Fourth Ohio battery and was discharged in 1865. Came to Minnesota in 1865. Married in 1868, Julia Mutta; their children are Frederick, Julius, Dina, Henry, John, Mary. Henry Wilson was born in 1815 in Pennsylvania; remained in his native place until twenty-one years old, then traveled through the northern and western states after which he lived twenty years in Illinois, doing cabinet and carpenter work. In 1862 he located in Le Sueur, was employed in farming two years, and three years at his trade. He was in mercantile business for a time and in 1867 removed to Hawk Creek; has been town clerk and justice five years. Married July 4, 1842, Frances Campbell, who died January 9, 1849; her children were James H., Mark C. and Samuel J.; the two former served in the late war; James, from December, 1863, until March 1866, and Mark from February, 1863, to October, 1865. Lavina Luse became the wife of Mr. Wilson November 11, 1849; two of her children are living: Senora A. and Augusta E. SACRED HEART. The town of Sacred Heart was organized in 1869 and the first election held at G. P. Greene's house April 6th, at which the officers chosen were: S. Brooks, chairman; Ole Johnson and P. G. Peterson, supervisors; G. P. Greene, clerk; O. B. Dahl, assessor: Ole Enestedt, treasurer; P. W. Brooks and G. P. Greene, justices; J.P. Okens, constable. The name is supposed to have been derived from the Indian name given to a man named Patterson who wore a bearskin hat; the bear being a sacred animal to the Indians, they called him the "Sacred Hat" man, which gradually became Sacred Heart. J. R. Brown erected a fine stone building in 1861, with the intention of running a large stock farm, as he owned a large tract of land; the building was destroyed by the Indians in 1862 and the family barely escaped with their lives. A few other settlers located along the river in 1862, but were compelled to leave. Among the first settlers after the Indian outbreak were G. P. Greene, who came in 1866, and a party of Scandinavians the same year; they were followed by others and the town soon became well settled. The Norwegian Lutherans held meetings in 1869, and soon after organized a church society; in 1880 they erected a fine frame church in the village. A second society of this sect was organized a few years since, and built a church in 1880 on section 7, where services are held monthly by Rev. John Halverson. The Swedish Lutherans hold services at their church in the village, which was built in 1880; the first services of this denomination were held about 1872. The village of Sacred Heart was surveyed in October, 1878, on land owned by the Hastings & Dakota railroad company and J. H. McKinlay, on the north half of section 7. The business of the village is transacted by three general stores, one millinery, one drug and fancy grocery store, two blacksmiths, one shoe shop, a harness-shop, tailor-shop, meat-market, two hardware, two hotels, two saloons; there is one physician; there are two elevators, the combined capacity of which is about 50,000 bushels. Minnesota Crossing post-office was established about 1870, and located at the house of G. P. Greene, who was postmaster; in 1876 O. S. Reishus was appointed postmaster, and the office was moved to his house; in 1878 the office was moved to the village and the name changed to Sacred Heart. H. O. Field, native of Norway, was born October 1, 1832, and came to America in 1865. He worked at his trade, blacksmithing, at Beloit, Wisconsin, for seven years, then came to Renville county, Minnesota, and settled on section 8; when the village started he moved to it and opened a hotel; afterward started a blacksmith shop. In 1854 he married Martha Henningson; they have four children living. Charles G. Johnson was born in Sweden, July 30, 1845. Came with parents to America in 1853, and went to Chicago, where the father died in 1854; two years later his mother came to Minnesota and settled near St. Peter, where she lived until her death in 1861. He enlisted in Company D, Ninth Minnesota, in 1862, and served until 1865; he was captured at Guntown and remained in rebel prisons nine months. He lived in Nicollet county until 1871, then settled in Sacred Heart. Was elected county surveyor in 1872, and has since held that office; has also been assessor, and is now justice of the peace. Married, April 12, 1868, Christina Holberg; five of their six children are living. Ole O. Nes, a native of Norway, was born January, 1834, and when four years old came to the United States with his parents; first located in Dane county, Wisconsin but in 1858 removed to Waseca, Minnesota. Mr. Nes enlisted in 1863 in Company I, 10th Minnesota and remained in service until the war ceased. In June, 1872 he removed to Sacred Heart. His marriage with Margaret Farrell took place March 12, 1860; eleven of their twelve children are living. H. W. Olson, who was born August 8, 1837, in Norway, has been since 1850 a resident of America. After living ten years in Rice county, Minnesota, he took a claim in Nicollet county. December 11, 1863, he enlisted in Company B, Second Minnesota cavalry and served until December, 1865; he was with Generals Sibley and Sully on the frontier; returned to Nicollet county and in November, 1869, settled on his present farm. Mr. Olson has held different town offices since living here. A. Osmundson was born April 12, 1841, in Norway, and upon coming to this country in 1860, settled in Dane county, Wisconsin. Eighteen months later he migrated to Dakota county, Minnesota, but in 1863 removed to Waseca county and in 1871 located in Sacred Heart. On the 26th of February, 1868, Martha Fingerson became his wife; she has borne six children; one is deceased. O. S. Reishus, born April 6, 1843 in Norway, immigrated to Wisconsin, while young, with his parents. Was educated at the college of Decorah Iowa. Removed in 1854, from Wisconsin to Fillmore county, Minnesota, and enlisted in 1864, in Company D, First Minnesota heavy artillery and served through the remainder of the war. In 1870 he settled on a farm in Yellow Medicine county and in 1872 was elected representative from that county; during 1873 he was engrossing clerk. After residing there two and one-half years he came to Sacred Heart and in 1881 came to the village; has held various town offices and been postmaster since 1875; was for a time in the drug business. Married in 1867 Ingebar Prestgarden; five children are living. Frederick Schroder, native of Germany, was born September 18, 1830 and while a resident of that country, learned the trade of butcher. Immigrated in 1857, to Chicago; worked in that city at his trade four years; ran on the lake and worked at stave making two years in Michigan; was in Illinois about six years. In 1862 he enlisted in the light cavalry of that state and served three months. After residing at St. Peter two years he took a claim in Sacred Heart. Married in 1865, Cecelia M. Hanson. Berger Shunerson was born November 19, 1823 in Norway. His marriage also occurred in that country, in 1848, with Matilda Hanson. In October, 1853 they immigrated to Racine county, Wisconsin, and four years later removed to Nebraska; After making that state their home three years, they passed twelve years in Iowa and finally settled in Sacred Heart. The children are Edward, Bernt, Isabel, Sever, Matilda and Hans. PRESTON LAKE. September 28, 1869, this town was organized by the election of the following officers: E. U. Russell, chairman, William Rosser and Ira S. Sheppard, supervisors; H. H. Davis, clerk; J. A. Washburn, treasurer; G. A. Gifford and Allison Houck, justices; J. L. Maun and W. Herring, constables. The first claim was taken by Dr. Engle, who, with N. A. Van Meter, located in August, 1862; they went below for supplies, but were prevented from returning by the Indian outbreak. In 1866 a few families settled near the lakes, among them Messrs. Olloway, Chilson, Reeks, Rosser and Mrs. Ward. The first religious meetings were held by the Methodists in 1869; a society was organized and now holds services semi-monthly. Other denominations have held occasional services. The first school was taught in 1870 by Mary Stone. The first marriage was that of Judson Mann and Lucy Haven, in 1867. The first birth was George, son of R. Olloway, born in 1867. The first deaths occurred in 1866; two men who had gone after mail were found frozen to death; their names were Gozette and Cairne. Swansea post-office was established in 1869 with William Rosser, the present postmaster, in charge. The village of Buffalo Lake was surveyed in 1881 on land owned by J. C. Riehe on section 30, and is improving rapidly; there are now two general stores, a hotel, a blacksmith shop, two saloons and two warehouses. Charles W. Allen was born in Oxford county, Maine, in 1835, and after leaving school learned carpentering and shoemaking. He worked at those trades in his native state until coming to Preston Lake in 1872; he owns a farm here and has worked in various parts of the state at his trade. He has held different town offices since coming here. While in Maine he enlisted in the 16th regiment of that state, Company I, and was in the army from August, 1862, until January, 1864. Mr. Allen's first and second wives died in Maine; his present wife was Ellen Houck; the children are James, William, Selden, Cora, Carrol, Elton, Gertrude and Silas. H. F. Bartlett, native of Massachusetts, was born in 1844 in Hadley. When sixteen years of age he began learning carpenter work, which trade he followed there seven years. Upon coming to Minnesota in 1867 he worked that summer in Minneapolis, spent the next winter in McLeod county, and since the spring of 1868 has been farming and stock raising in Preston Lake, where for seven years he has been town treasurer. Melinda F. Green was married to Mr. Bartlett January 8, 1872. Junius and Henry are their children. Ambrose Eynon, born in 1851, in Canada, has been a resident of the States since nine years of age, when he accompanied his parents to Wisconsin. He learned the trade of carpenter and was employed in that business until 1873, at which date he came to his present home in Preston Lake, which town he has served a number of years as chairman of the hoard. Mr. Eynon married in 1874, Luella Scott; the children are Marian G., Scott W., Arthur W., and Helen I. Watkins Eynon was born in Wales in 1821, and when nine years old moved with his father's family to Canada, where he worked about eight years at the carpenter's trade. In 1859 he removed to Wisconsin, and continued that trade fourteen years, also worked some time at farming. His home, since 1873, has been in Preston Lake, and he has held the office of justice here, four years. Married in 1845, Mary Woodhull, who died in 1861: Thomas L., Sarah, Ambrose, Elizabeth, William and Isabella are their children. William Gerber was born in 1832. He learned the trade of stone mason, at which he worked, in Prussia, his birthplace, until 1868, then settled at Ripon Wisconsin, where he continued in the same work four or five years. Lived at Howard Lake, Minnesota, from 1872 until 1876, since which time he has been employed at his trade and farming, in Preston Lake. Married Amelia Stahr, January 29, 1861; two of their children are deceased; the living are Robert, Mina, Frederick, Julius, Ida, August, Emma and Lucy. Ole Halverson, native of Norway, was born April 2, 1817, and immigrated to Illinois in 1839. Removed to Iowa county, Wisconsin; worked at mining and farming, also conducted a store several years. In 1862 he went to Dane county, where he was in mercantile business ten years. His first wife died in that state and be married Mrs. Mary Halverson, whose maiden name was Dolven. In 1874 he came to Preston Lake; has held several town offices. Mrs. Halverson had one son by her first husband: Ole. Charles Hamann, born in 1835 is a native of Prussia. When about twenty years of age he emigrated for America; after living in Illinois two years he began farming in Carver county, Minnesota, hut removed in the spring of 1878 to Preston Lake. On the 2d of April, 1861, he enlisted in Company B, 1st Minnesota; was in more than twenty engagements, and was honorably discharged in May, 1864. Married Amelia Miller in 1864, who has borne him eight children: August, Hermann, Lizzie, Mary, Emma, Lena, Adeline and Charley. Elijah Houck was horn in 1840, in Maryland, but went with his father's family when only seven years old, to live in Indiana. In 1854 he removed to Minnesota: lived near St. Paul eighteen months, five or six years in Rice county, and then in Dakota county, until coming in 1866 to Preston Lake. His father, Allison Houck, who died here July 5, 1876, was born in 1817, in Huntington county, Pennsylvania, and was married in that state, in 1840, to Charlotte Christ, born in 1822, in Maryland. The Houck family are among the oldest settlers here; there were thirteen children, three are deceased, and ten live in this town. J. E. Lewis, born in New York, in 1832, came in 1867 to Minnesota; stayed nearly two years then returned and followed farming a number of years in his native state. Came to Minnesota again, and since 1873 has given considerable attention to farming and stock raising; that year he took a tree claim in Preston Lake, and now has 30 acres of thrifty trees; owns in all 465 acres of land. He was in the drug business at Hutchinson until July, '1880; in 1881 he opened a store at Buffalo Lake, where he carries drugs and general merchandise; also deals in lumber. Married, September 11, 1872, Emily Ridout; John C. and Emily M. are their children. George and Albert Painter are sons of John Painter, who was born in 1832 in Pennsylvania, and worked at blacksmithing in that state from his youth until 1868, when he migrated to Howard Lake, Minnesota. George was born in Indiana in 1855, and Albert in Pennsylvania in 1857. They accompanied their parents to this state in 1868, and learned the trade of blacksmith, at which they worked in connection with farming in Martinsburg, Renville county, where they had located in 1877. In December, 1881, they built a shop at Buffalo Lake, their present place of business. George W. Rosser, native of Canada, was born in 1856, and his home has been in Preston Lake, since coming here with his parents, when ten years old. In 1876 he came to his farm of 50 acres on section 11. He has held the town offices of clerk and assessor. Mr. Rosser married in 1876, Sarah Eynon; they have three children: Watkin W., Edwin R. and Anabel. William Rosser was born in 1830 in London, Canada. At the age of seventeen he began teaching; followed that occupation nine years and then for ten years, he was in the grocery trade at Carlyle. Since the spring of 1866, his home has been in Preston Lake. He has been supervisor, justice and town clerk; has also been since 1868, postmaster of Swansea. Married in 1855, Elizabeth Alway; five children; George, Annie, Albert, Mattie and Lizzie. NORFOLK. This town was set apart for organization as Benton, September 6, 1870; the first election was ordered held on the 22d of the month. The records of the town for the first meetings are missing. January 4, 1871, the name of the town was changed to Marschner and a few years later, to Norfolk. The first settlers were S. D. Childs and Charles Sherwood, who came in the fall of 1868; early in 1869, James Murphy, Patrick Williams, and James Brown made claims. Rev. N. Tainter, Methodist, held services in 1869; meetings are held at private houses and school-houses. The first birth in the town was that of Thedea, daughter of S. D. Childs, born in March, 1869; she died the following September. Norfolk post-office was established in 1879, with James Brown as postmaster, but was discontinued the same year. S. Brooks, native of New York, born in 1843, moved to Wisconsin when a boy, with his parents, and was brought up on a farm in that state. He enlisted in 1862 in the 32d Wisconsin infantry and served through the war. Mr. Brooks removed to Steele county, Minnesota, in 1865 and was married there the next year, to Jenet Carvey. Since 1871 their home has been in Norfolk. Of the six children born to them, five are living. Franz Ederer was born in 1836. While living in Germany, his birthplace, he was engaged in the brewing business. Previous to coming to America in 1864, he visited Austria and France; stayed in New York three months, then in St. Louis until 1868, and in Wisconsin from that time until 1870, the date of his coming to Minnesota. From 1874 until 1877 he was in California and Oregon, then returned to this state; he owns a large farm on sections 6 and 8 of Norfolk. Married in 1868, Annie Koch; six children. J. H. Hogan, native of Canada, was born in 1847. In 1864 he removed to Chicago, where he remained two years; he has worked at his trade, that of blacksmith, in sixteen different states, but in 1880 settled in Norfolk, building a good shop and residence. Mr. Hogan's marriage occurred in this county in July, 1881; his wife, Sarah Jones, was born in 1855 in Canada. J. L. McLaughlin was born in 1814, in Toronto, Canada. Prom 1834 to 1837 he worked at the carpenter trade in St. Clair, Michigan, but then returned to Canada; in 1846 he removed to Franklin county, New York; worked at farming there until 1868, at which date he came to Minnesota; his farm is on section 35, Norfolk. Mr. McLaughlin has been justice of this town since 1870. Married Isabell Lynch in 1838. They are the parents of ten children. Frank Poselev was born in 1855 in Wisconsin. Came in the spring of 1873 to Minnesota; located first in Nicollet county but removed to Norfolk, and his home has since been on section 12, where he has a fine place. In 1875 he married Maggie Keltgel. Henry and Willie are their children. The spring of 1881 Mr. Poseley was elected chairman of the town board. William Richter, native of Pennsylvania, was born in 1837 in Cambria county. In the autumn of 1875 he located in Scott county, Minnesota, but three years later removed to Norfolk, which is still his home; his farm is situated on section 11. Mary Ann Luther became his wife in 1860. The names of their children are Jacob, Josephine, Simon, Matilda, Mary, Margaret and Peorus. L. M. Thompson was born in 1826. He learned the trade of carpenter in New York, his native state. Removed to Wisconsin in 1856; the next year came to Minnesota and has since lived in Rice county. Mr. Thompson married in 1847, Locina Sanfrancisco. Of their four children three are living: T. J., George A. and Eudora. The sons own 350 acres of land in Norfolk. Elbert Van Orum, whose native state is New York, was born in 1846. In 1863 he went to Vermont where he enlisted; he was honorably discharged and in the fall of 1865 he removed to Dodge county, Minnesota, where in 1869, he married Laura Calhoun. Their farm is located on section 30 of the town of Norfolk. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Van Orum: two are deceased. STEWART. M. Blanchard, native of Wisconsin, was born in 1847 at Wauwatosa. After leaving school he learned milling, in which business he was engaged fourteen years at Watertown, Wisconsin. He then sold, and in 1878 located in Stewart, Minnesota, where he has since been acting as agent in the employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad company. He was married in 1867, and has one child: Mattie. Albert Boedigheimer was born April 14, 1849, in Medina county, Ohio. He learned harness-making and removed to St. Paul, where he worked at that trade seven years; was then in business in partnership with Mr. Metzzer from 1873 to 1878, at which date he opened a general store and harness-shop in Stewart; his business house, built in May of that year, was the first erected in Stewart; also conducts the Union elevator, in which he owns one-half interest. He is treasurer of the town of Collins. Married, October 5, 1871, Augusta Krueger; one child: Mary. Eli Degree was born in Canada in 1844, and in 1864 came to the States. He served eighteen months in Company A, Sixth Vermont, and after the war returned to that state, where he worked two years at blacksmithing, and then three years in New York. In 1875 he came to Minnesota; followed his trade and farming three years in Grafton. Since erecting a shop in Stewart, in November, 1878, he has been in business here. In 1870 he married Julia Kotie; three children: Moses and Rosa; Jessie is deceased. A. J. Hall was born in 1836 in Rensselaer county, New York. He graduated from a business college at Rockford, Illinois; in 1865 he came to Minnesota, and the following year he and his brother George located at Round Grove, McLeod county; they were among the earliest settlers there. He owned the Round Grove farm of 605 acres until 1879, when he sold to his brother and has since managed the farm, and had charge of G. W. Hall's elevator at Stewart. Married in 1865 Martha Gardiner; they have adopted two children. R. H. Horgan was born in Massachusetts in December, 1844, and while small accompanied his parents to Sheboygan county, Wisconsin. Returned to his native state in 1859, and in 1862 sailed for California; three and one-half years later he migrated to Illinois, thence to Wisconsin, and eighteen months after to Minnesota. For some time he made a business of hunting, then for several years did carpenter and cabinet work at Hutchinson. Since 1878 he has conducted a lumber-yard at Stewart; is now serving the town as clerk. In 1875 Miss Caroline Stocking became his wife. M. Schmitz, native of Prussia, was born in 1850. While young he learned blacksmithing at St. Paul, Minnesota, and until 1878 worked there at his trade. During his residence in that city he was four years a member of the fire department. In July, 1878, he built a shop at Stewart, which was one of the first buildings in the village, and has since been in business here. In 1874 he married Miss H. Schwartz. Edward W., Alexander J. and Francis A. are their children. William Senescall was born in 1826 and lived in England, his birthplace, until 1848, at which date he came to America. He lived one year in New York and two years in Michigan, engaged in livery and draying business, then removed to Dakota county, Minnesota where he worked at farming from 1852 until 1864. Enlisted in August of that year in Company F, First Minnesota independent battalion; served eighteen months as farrier, and after returning he dealt in horses until 1880 when he came here and bought the Stewart House. He married January 21, 1851, Mary Mayo who has borne seven children; one is deceased. BOON LAKE. Until September, 1870, the territory included in this town was a part of Preston Lake. The first officers to serve were: J. W. Post, clerk; Timothy Cornish, treasurer; E. U. Russell, assessor; I. S. Sheppard, justice and Samuel Chilson, constable. The board of supervisors elected failed to qualify. The first claim taken in the town was by I. S. Sheppard in February, 1865; his family came in June, 1866. E. U. Russell, who came in the summer of 1865, was the first settler. There is a society of Methodists in charge of Rev. George Geer; the first meetings were held in 1874. In 1871 Miss Belle Jewell taught the first school in a building on section 29; there are now five school-houses. Benjamin F., son of I. S. Sheppard, born in August, 1867, was the first birth. There was a post-office called Mahkahsahpah, in charge of E. U. Russell, established in 1868 and discontinued in 1870. Lake Side post-office was established in 1871, with I. S. Sheppard as postmaster. Owen Carrigan was born in Vermont in 1848. He moved with parents to Walworth county, Wisconsin in 1855 and remained there until 1863 then removed to Houston county, Minnesota. Was engaged in farming and railroading until 1870, when he came to Boon Lake. He has been assessor, supervisor, and county commissioner. Married in 1879, Minnie Buce; they have one child: Ellen. His wife's parents and their four children, were killed by Indians in 1862. G. S. Edner was born in Jefferson county, New York, in 1842 and in 1856 went to Wisconsin. At La Crosse, in 1861, he enlisted in the 14th Wisconsin infantry, and served until the close of the war. In the fall of 1865 he settled on section 26, town of Boon Lake. Married in 1865 Annie Hogarty who has borne him seven children. Frederick Eggert, native of Germany, was born in 1812. He engaged in the lumber business, and in 1853 emigrated to the United States. Lived at Troy, New York, until 1856, then settled in Minneapolis, where he lived fourteen years. Removed to his present home in Boon Lake in 1870. Mary Sanft became his wife in Germany in 1837. Of their twelve children, six are living. Ernest Koeppe was born in Germany in 1838. He was raised on a farm, and in 1857 came to this country; he lived on a farm in Wisconsin until 1878, then located on section 12 of Boon Lake. He married in this town in 1878, Mrs. H. Eggert, who was born in Germany, in 1851. C. D. McEwen was born near Burlington, Vermont, in 1822. In 1841 he moved to New York, and engaged in the dairy business until 1855, then went to Wisconsin; two years later he located in McLeod county, Minnesota, where he carried on a dairy and manufactured cheese. In 1876 he settled in Boon Lake, where he conducts an extensive dairy. Married in 1843 Miss M. Dwinell; the living children are Howard, Bowman, Carlton, Clark L. Mrs. J. S. Newell was born in Massachusetts, in 1845, and at ten years of age, came with her parents to Hastings, Minnesota. In the spring of 1866 she was married to Henry T. White, a native of New York. Mr. White was in the army and was taken prisoner and confined in Libby prison, where he lost his health; he died in 1877. In November, 1881, she was married to William J. Newell, native of Kentucky, born in 1849. He was raised in Illinois, and has been engaged in farming and dealing in horses, nursery goods, etc. A. L. Pfeil was born in Germany, in 1831. Learned the carpenters' trade and also engaged in merchandise and saloon business. In 1869 he came to this country and for a time worked at his trade in Minneapolis. Came to his present home in Boon Lake, in 1872. Matilda Butdius became his wife in 1861. They have had twelve children, seven are living. Additional Comments: Extracted from: History of the Minnesota Valley Minneapolis: North Star Publishing Co. (1882) File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/mn/renville/history/1882/historyo/renville97gms.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mnfiles/ File size: 118.9 Kb