Scott County MN Archives History - Books .....Shakopee 1882
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Book Title: History Of The Minnesota Valley

CHAPTER XLIX.

SHAKOPEE

   The name of this city suggests the well-known fact that here was the site of
the famous Indian village of the Dakota or Sioux band, under Shakpa or Little
Six. The village numbered about 600 souls, and traders as well as missionaries
who came to live among them, the one to profit by shrewd bargains, and the other
to labor for their souls, were here in advance of the early settlers. Ignoring
these as irrelevant to the settlement and growth of this now prosperous little
city, we begin at the year 1851, referring the reader to the chapters on the
Minnesota valley and Scott county for the history of these earlier events.

   Thomas A. Holmes was the first actual settler.

   Thomas Andrew Holmes was born in Bergerstown, Washington county,
Pennsylvania, March 4th, 1804. When he was four years old, his parents William
and Rachel Holmes moved to Newark, Licking county, Ohio, where the son received
a common school education.

   The first enterprise of his youth was dealing in cattle which he bought in
Ohio and drove to Detroit. In 1829, he started west, spent two years in Michigan
territory and in 1831 went to Michigan city, Indiana, where he bought a little
property and remained a few years. In 1835, he sold and went to Milwaukee,
Wisconsin territory, and there built the second house in what is now the most
important city in the Northwest. The house built by Solomon Juno who was
operating for the American Fur Company was then the only house and Holmes was
the second settler. He operated there in real estate and at one time owned a
large amount of the site of that great city. He also had an interest in some
valuable property at Port Washington. In 1838, he bought, at auction of
government land, 108 acres in Wisconsin, went to look it over and determined to
plat it for a town site. This was the foundation of Janesville and Holmes was
the founder. His land was the west side of the river embracing the best portion
of that now beautiful city.

   After the town was platted he sold out for $10,000, built two keel boats and
came down the Rock river to the Mississippi, up that river to a point now known
as Fountain City where he established a trading post in 1839 and traded for
several years with the Indians.

   In 1849, he went to Sauk Rapids and spent a short time and the same year was
elected a member of the first territorial legislature of Mmnesota. After the
adjournment of the legislature, in company with others he purchased the site of
Itasca and laid out the town. This is in brief the record of the father of
Shakopee before his visit to this valley.

   In 1851, Mr. Holmes, still controlled by the town site mania applied to Major
McLaine the Indian agent for the Madahwahkan tribes who was located at Mendota,
for a license to trade with the Indians on the Minnesota river. The application
was at first refused but at length granted. Employing Bill Quinn as a guide he
set out in a canoe. This Quinn was a half-breed, a son of old Peter Quinn, whose
history surpasses in tragic incidents all fiction.

   Holmes landed in the hollow near Shakopee to cook something to eat. He liked
the looks of the spot and going back on the hill he was even more favorably
impressed but continued on up the river to Le Sueur. He returned, however, to
his first landing deeming it the most favorable point on the river to locate.
The water was high and the rapids at San Francisco did not appear an obstacle to
the navigation of the river at this point, though Quinn affirmed that they could
not be passed except at such a stage of water as then existed.

   The present site of Shakopee was a prairie extending back from the river for
about two miles. Holmes located the town site and about the same time that of
Chaska across the river.

   Later in the same year David L. Fuller, of St. Paul, came up, and being
pleased with the location, made arrangements to come up again the following
season, which he did, and purchased of Mr. Holmes the site of Chaska.
Subsequently Mr. Holmes associated him as a partner in the town site of Shakopee
by giving him a half interest. Holmes' reasons for so doing were that Rice,
Steele and others were attempting to found a rival town at David Faribault's
place, in which Franklin Steele was interested, a little below the Indian
village and only one and a half miles below Shakopee.

   An important part of Holmes' business was to trade with the Shakopee band of
Indians. He built a small store, a block house, on the bank of the river
immediately on his arrival, and put in a small stock of blankets, calicoes and
goods adapted to the trade. The Indians paid him in money, furs, etc., but he
was obliged to trust them to some extent, depending upon their annuities from
the government. He received the last of his pay on such debts by an allowance
from the government since 1865. The Indians, though removed in 1855, returned
frequently to their old haunts, always remembering to be at their reservation
when the annuities were to be paid over. To Mr. Holmes' credit be it said, that
his trading stock never included whisky.

   He named the town site from Shak-pa, the chief of the Indian band. The survey
was made as soon as the Indian title was extinguished by the confirmation by
congress in 1852 of the treaty signed by the Indians the previous year. Mr.
Holmes brought the men and materials for his first buildings from St. Paul on
the flat-boat "Wild Paddy," which was propelled by pikes and sails. Hr. Holmes'
trading post was the first house in Shakopee and in the county, excepting the
missionary and trading posts of early days, to which reference has been made.
Mr. Holmes also built some time after, a frame structure near by, which was the
second house.

   The first comers were the hands employed by Holmes on the "Wild Paddy." They
came in 1851, and were Baptiste Le Beau, M. Shamway, Tim Kanty and John
McKenzie. They subsequently took claims back in the timber, except Shamway, who
made a claim just above the town site in what is now Koeper's addition. He and
McKenzie were with Holmes at Itasca, and started from that point with the "Wild
Paddy." It may be added here of these first comers that Le Beau is still a
resident of the valley, though he has removed to Sibley county. M. Shamway
married a girl employed by William Holmes, a brother of Thomas A., who was an
early settler in Jordan. This was probably the first marriage among the settlers
of Scott county, but we are unable to give the date. In 1857 this family were
among the victims of the famous Mountain Meadow massacre. Tim Kanty is still a
resident of the county. John McKenzie was the man who drugged Little Six and
Medicine Bottle after the Sioux massacre and brought them in this condition from
Manitoba and delivered them to Major E. A. C. Hatch. Knowing the frailty of
Little Six, who was a different man from the old chief Little Six, his father,
McKenzie left a bottle of drugged whisky with a woman at the house which he was
accustomed to visit, knowing that his greedy appetite would ferret it out. The
artifice succeeded, and Little Six and Medicine Bottle were tried and hung at
Fort Snelling for killing Philander Prescott.

   Daniel Apgar came next, and in 1852 his father, Samuel, and his brother Ai,
but as they took claims soon after their arrival in what is now Jackson, their
history will be found in the chapter on that town.

   Arnold Graffenstadt came in 1851, and took a claim and returned to St. Louis
for his wife. He now lives in Alabama.

   Moses S. Titus spent the winter at Shakopee, and John C. Somerville also came
in 1851. Mr. Titus is now dead, and Somerville lives in Bismarck.

   In 1852 we find Joseph Graffenstadt, who came in the spring and first built a
brush shelter, then a log cabin, and is still a resident. Ai G. Apgar,
previously mentioned, Alvan Dorward and family, Harrison Raynor and family,
William Smothers, Frank Wasson, — Lewis, Edward Smith, Bodnaman and family. Of
those last mentioned Dorward, Raynor and Wasson are dead, but the others remain
in the county. During the same year, 1852, came Benjamin F. Turner, William
Holmes and family, David Kinghorn and family. Kinghorn is living in the county,
the others are dead.

   The settlers of 1853 are too numerous to mention. Uncle Peter Atwood, as he
was called, built a frame house in the spring of 1853 on the town site, which he
rented to Robert Kennedy, of St. Paul, for a boarding-house. Atwood then went to
Jordan, and after this became identified with that town. Soon a large hotel
called the Wasson House was built by Frank Wasson. Part of the house still
remains, known as the American House. Mr. Coulton built the first brick house.
This house is now the residence of D. L. How, one of the most prominent and
valuable citizens of Shakopee. To Mr. How's historical research and politeness
we are indebted for many points relating to the history of Scott county. D. L.
Fuller and Holmes built brick buildings with a party wall on the levee. These
were used for warehouses, stores and other purposes.

   We have thus sketched the nucleus of Shakopee as seen in 1853. L. M. Brown,
who arrived July 31st that year, and has since proved himself a lawyer of the
first order, gives the names of sixty-seven men, many of whom had families, then
residents of Shakopee, or at least found here with the purpose of settlement.
Many of these men moved into adjoining towns to take up land, and the names will
be found in the township histories. Many men prominent in the county
organization arrived this year, such as Frank Wasson, Thomas Turner, William H.
Nobles, Spier Spencer, Comfort Barnes, Thomas Kennedy, Rev. E. A. Greenleaf,
Peter Atwood. D. M. Storer, who arrived August 11th, 1853, from Stillwater,
contributed to the town the sterling qualities of citizenship, and to his diary,
kept from the time of his arrival in the state, we are indebted for information
not easily procurable from other sources. The diary begins with his arrival, and
shows that John Allen kept boarding-house in what was called the Pennsylvania
House. L. M. Brown describes this house as having two rooms, one above and one
below. The lower room had a log fire-place, while the upper one had only the
rafters above and one window with five lights of glass. Nevertheless this hotel
could accommodate as it appears fifteen or more persons, regardless of sex. The
diary mentions, under August 19th: The Sioux Indians received their annuity of
provisions in front of Holmes' store. The writer was amused to see the chiefs
divide the same with pieces of shingles among each of the Indian families. The
authority of the chiefs in this matter was absolute and was acknowledged without
question by the recipients. Many facts obtained from this diary will appear in
this history; only one incident further derived from the diary will be inserted
here. March 7th, 1853, an Indian was detected in stealing money from Fuller's
store, and "the boys" determined to make an example of him. Knowing that it
would be the greatest indignity that could be inflicted on an Indian brave, they
shaved his head and let him go. The Indian was never seen from that time until
his hair was grown, and the lesson proved a salutary one, and yet the settlers
now wonder at their temerity in inflicting such an indignity, when surrounded by
so many of the tribe, for at this time the settlers were few in number.

   In 1853, Moses S. Titus, who has been mentioned as coming to Shakopee in 1851
was an Indian farmer and had been a trader at Black Dog village.

   In 1853 he came to Shakopee bringing goods. He transported his goods by
canoes over the Minnesota river and from thence to Shakopee by ox teams
following the old Indian trail.

   Some of the stores of these early days are said to hold stocks of goods that
would compare favorably with the best of to-day. Squire Spencer's store was one
of the important ones and contained a stock valued at $5,000. He was for a long
time an important factor in the business interests of the city. He is still
living but now totally blind.

   The first settlers though they in fact became such, came rather as
speculators and many came who never made a permanent settlement, simply staking
out a claim which they soon abandoned or making no claim at all. The town site
mania prevailed and within the small area of Scott county nearly twenty embryo
cities were platted with joint owners.

   The patent of the town site of Shakopee was issued to Judge Andrew G.
Chatfield, dated May 23d, 1859, as trustee, according to, and under act of
congress, dated May 23d, 1814, called an act for the relief of the citizens of
towns upon the lands of the United States under certain circumstances.

   The present limits of Shakopee include more than the limits covered by this
patent.

   D. M. Storer pre-empted the S. 1/2 of SW. 1/4 of section 1-115-23, in July
1855 and received the patent January 19th, 1856.

   Henry D. J. Koons pre-empted about the same time the N. 1/2 of SW. 1/4 of
section 6.

   William's addition was pre-empted by Robert Kennedy, the S. 1/2 of SW. 1/4 of
section 6-115-22.

   Peter Shamway made a claim on Koeper's addition, which was entered in 1856 by
John Koeper, being lots 7 and 8, of SE. of SE. of section 2, township 115, range
23.

   Greenleaf & Overton's addition was pre-empted by Harrison Rainer, being the
E. 1/2 of NE. 1/4 of section 12 and NE. of SE. section 12, township 115, range 23.

   East Shakopee addition was pre-empted by Moses S. Titus and Mrs. Jane Titus,
the latter with Dakota half-breed scrip or certificate.

   Others who received patents of land from the government were Spier Spencer,
Berry F. Davis, George Daly, Phoebe Burnham, John Burnham, Harriette Faribault.

   The first birth in Shakopee was that of Samuel W. Pond, Jr., April 20th,
1850. This was also the first birth of a white child in Scott county.

   The first death was that of Lucy Jane Allen, daughter of John B. Allen, who
died September 10th, 1853, while Mr. Allen kept the hotel.

   The first marriage ceremony was performed by Rev. S. W. Pond, uniting Henry
D. J. Koons and Henrietta B. Allen.

   The first attorney was L. M. Brown. The first physician Dr. Frederic N.
Ripley. Dr. Ripley's death occurred in 1856 by freezing. He had a town site on
Crow river and had been camping there; starting to come out in March, he became
bewildered and lost with a companion. The doctor was found dead and his
companion was found in the camp after seventeen days, badly frozen and nearly
starved. Both legs of this man were amputated.

   The first stages began to run October 6th, 1853, between St. Paul and Shakopee.

   The first singing school was taught by Rev. E. A. Greenleaf in the fall of
1853, and $15 raised by a dance paid the instructor.

   May 26th, 1858, the citizens of Shakopee were witnesses of a battle lasting
three hours, between the Chippewas and Dakotas.

   The attack was begun at daylight by the Chippewas, who shot a Dakota going
down to the river to fish. The Chippewas were in large forces, numbering 150
warriors, while the Dakotas were less than half that number. The battle took
place on the north side of the river. The Dakotas were encamped on the south
side. As soon as the first murderous shot disclosed to them the presence of
their enemies, the Dakotas, thirty-two strong, crossed at Murphy's ferry, in the
face of ten Chippewas, who made only a feeble resistance, and retreated followed
by the Dakotas, who were thus led into an ambush prepared for them. The Dakotas,
discovering the trap, retreated carrying with them the body of one of their
warriors, killed by a shot of the enemy. A fight for the body ensued and the
Chippewas secured the prize, but three brothers of the dead man rallied to the
rescue, and though left by the retreating party to fight it out against fearful
odds, they fought like mad tigers, secured the body, and covered with wounds
from which blood was flowing, they drove back the whole body of their foes and
shouted to their friends to join in the pursuit. The Dakotas, thus summoned,
rallied and won the victory, bringing in the heads of three Chippewas. Three
others were killed but their bodies were not secured and were born away on the
retreat. Among the trophies of the Dakotas was the body of Noon Day, the leader
of the Chippewa warriors. After mutilating it horribly, the Dakotas burned the
body. The Dakotas lost two killed; ten were wounded. Some of the Chippewas acted
the part of cowards. One was seen by the whites near the bank of the river in
the hollow of a tree where he stayed while the fight lasted, jumping up and
down, whooping and screaming at the top of his lungs.

   Early in the winter of 1852-3, a squaw, wife of one of the head men of Little
Six's band was picking up firewood just across the river from Shakopee when she
was assailed and shot by a man named Henry Marcoe, who claimed the land on which
she was collecting wood. The gun was loaded with shot and nearly the whole
charge took effect in the calf of her leg, as Marcoe stood very near. She
dropped her bundle of wood, drew a knife and turned on him with savage ferocity.
Before she could stab him he struck her across the shoulder with such force as
to break her collar bone and at the same time break his gun off at the breach.
Her screams brought the Indians running to her assistance while Marcoe for the
time escaped by locking himself in his cabin. The Indian husband, instead of
taking summary vengeance as he vowed he would have done had the assailant been
an Indian, came across the river and conferred with Mr. Holmes. He sent word
immediately to the commander at Fort Snelling and a squad of soldiers was sent
up who arrested Marcoe and took him to the fort where he was imprisoned six
months and then released. He came back to Shakopee, straightened up his affairs
and left the country.

   The elder Mrs. Apgar, one of four white women that belonged to the
settlement, the other three being her daughter and daughters-in-law, took the
responsibility of seeing that the wounded squaw was properly cared for. She
visited her often and admistered remedies and delicate food. For this kindness
she obtained the lasting gratitude of the squaw. After her recovery, she
frequently brought Mrs. Apgar and family a generous share of the results of a
days hunt.

   Claim jumping was frequent, and sometimes led to sport as when Peter Yost
attempted to jump the claim including the grave yard from which he was driven
off by the boys but frequently more serious trouble ensued.

   July 18th, 1854, nine citizens were arrested for pulling down the claim
shanty of Dr. Kinney of St. Paul on a disputed claim. Twenty-six or seven were
engaged in the affair but fortunately all were not known and the offence could
not be treated as a riot, as the injured party would have been glad to have made
it, for blood ran high in these claim fights. The nine arrested were from the
most substantial citizens and were no less persons than Thomas Kennedy, H. D. J.
Koons, Thomas A. Holmes, John C. Somerville, Comfort Barnes, William H. Nobles,
J. B. Allen, William Smothers, and D.  M. Storer.

   The arrest was made by Dr. Kinney's agent, and threatened to be a serious
matter.

   The claim belonged to Henry D. J. Koons in the judgment of the citizens, and
Dr. Kinney jumped it.

   Another incident of 1855 will illustrate the method sometimes resorted to in
early times for collecting bad debts, a summary method which L. M. Brown
facetiously complained of as disastrous to the business of the legal fraternity.
The circumstances were:

   Charles Sperry was a dead beat and among the victims of his bad debts was one
John Burnham. Finding that Sperry was going off with plenty of money in his
pockets Burnham found him in Peckham's store and demanded his pay at first
quietly, but receiving no satisfactory answer he proceeded to knock him down,
and showed a disposition to repeat his treatment until his demands were complied
with. The fun was partly that Sperry was a big fellow, and had been regarded
from his own bravado as almost a prize fighter, while Burnham was smaller and
made no such pretensions.

   Sperry, however, showed the white feather and promised to pay if Burnham
would cease. But when he saw he was the laughing stock of the company, after
being let up, he repented his promise and again attempted to carry it off with
swagger. But Burnham soon landed him in another comer of the store, and seeing
it was no use he reluctantly paid a $20 gold piece, the amount of the debt.

   The first school in Shakopee was taught in 1854 by Miss Mary Jane Turner.

   In the fall of 1854 the first school was taught in what is how district
number 2 by Mrs. Dr. Lord in Mr. Stemmer's house. The district was organized the
following year. District No. 1 was organized in 1854 and the first school taught
in 1855 by John H. Brown, now judge of the Twelfth judicial district, living at
Wilmar. This school was taught in the second story of the old post-office building.

   The present school system of Shakopee is in process of change. A new school
house is building, the cost of which will be $10,000, and a well graded school
will be inaugurated with the opening of the elegant building.

   The business of Shakopee: The professions are represented by seven attorneys,
five physicians. Two newspapers are supported.

   Shakopee is the junction of the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha
railroad, and the Hastings & Dakota division of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St.
Paul railroad. The Minneapolis & St. Louis passes near, stopping regularly at
the nearest point for Shakopee, though having at present no station. The repair
shops of the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis k Omaha railway were established
here in 1866, and have grown from a small beginning to become an important
feature in the business of the city. They employ clerks and mechanics to the
number of eighty, with a monthly pay roll of ahout $4,000.

   The First National bank was organized in 1865 with a capital stock of
$50,000. D. L. How president; F. L. Balch, cashier. The Farmers' bank of
Shakopee existed first and after one year merged into the present institution.
Present capital, $50,000; surplus, $10,000. Officers: H. B. Strait, president;
D. L. How, cashier; J. M. Schroartz, assistant cashier.

   The Wampach Manufacturing Company was organized July 7th, 1881, for the
manufacture of wagons, carriages and machinery, with a capital of $50,000.
Officers: John Wampach, president; C. J. Strunk, secretary; D. L. How,
treasurer. The business grew out of a blacksmith shop started in 1857 by John
Wampach.

   Shakopee City Mills have grown out of a mill established about 1859 by Reis
brothers, who had a three story stone mill with three runs of stone. After three
years it was allowed to be idle. The city authorities then offered $3,000 to any
one who would erect and operate a flouring mill. In 1875 C. E. Woodward and
company purchased the old mill and machinery, repaired, refitted it and
increased its capacity. After a few months they sold to G. F. Strait and
Company, under whose management it has become an entirely new affair, using the
gradual reduction process with twenty-four sets of rollers and having a capacity
of 200 barrels patent process flour per day. The power is wholly steam.

   In addition to the industries named, Shakopee has two carriage and wagon
shops, two cooper shops, one lime kiln, one pop factory, two breweries, one
brickyard, three tailors, two harness shops, one marble shop, four blacksmith
shops, one feed mill with store, one firm of contractors and builders, three
insurance agents, seven stores with genera] merchandise, two furniture, three
boot and shoe, two hardware, two jewelry, two drugs, one book and music, two
agricultural implements, one lumber, one sewing machines, one pianos and organs,
three meat markets, one barber shop, one bakery, one broom maker, two
restaurants, three groceries, one photographer, one portrait and scenic artist,
four millinery, one livery stable, one veterinary surgeon, ten hotels, eleven
saloons.

  Newspapers: The "Shakopee Independent," established December 1st, 1855 by
Allen Green, was the first newspaper in Shakopee, and it may be added the first
in the Minnesota valley. It is pleasantly remembered by the old settlers as a
very good local paper.

   The "Valley Herald," George H. and Martin Phillips, editors and proprietors,
continued about three years.

   The "Scott County Democrat," established in 1859 by B. M. Wright, continued
about two and a half years.

   The "Shakopee Reporter," M. P. Pierce, editor, was short lived.

   The "Republican Advocate," established September 27th, 1856, by A. B. and
Harvy Russell, continued three and a half years.

   The "Shakopee Spectator," by M. C. Russell and Frank J. Mead, was short lived.

   The "Scott County Mirror," by A. J. Clark, was also of short continuance.

   The "Shakopee Spy," by John B. Brown, lasted two years.

   The "Shakopee Argus" was established in 1861 by John L. McDonald. Hon. Henry
Hinds purchased this paper in 1867 and has since conducted it. It is democratic
in politics.

   The "Shakopee Courier" was established August 18th, 1877 by Charles A.
Stevens, who continues as editor and proprietor. This is a seven column folio,
independent in politics.

   Shakopee was first organized as a township including what is now embraced in
Louisville, Jackson, and a portion of what now constitutes the corporate limits
of Shakopee city. Eight days later the board set off Louisville as a separate
township. An act of legislature approved January 17th, 1871, changed the name of
the town of Shakopee to Jackson, excepting that part included in the corporate
limits of the city of Shakopee.

   The city of Shakopee was first surveyed in 1854, and an addition in November
of the same year. The original plat was located on the south side of the
Minnesota river, principally in section one.

   The year following the entire plat was re-surveyed by E. B. Hood for the
owners, Thomas A. Holmes and David L. Fuller, and the plat then made is still used.

   Additions have been made from time to time until the plat now covers about a
section of land.

   May 23d, 1857, the city was incorporated, and August 13th following, the
organization was completed in Holmes hall as council room. This was in the brick
building belonging to Thomas A. Holmes, on the levee. Nelly King kept a saloon
on the lower floor. Officers: N. M. D. McMullen, mayor; Isaac Lincoln and Peter
Yost, aldermen first ward; A. O. Risley, recorder; R. M. Wright, justice; Edgar
Lincoln, treasurer; Thomas A. Holmes, alderman second ward; J. M. Holland, city
attorney; Thomas Kelly, marshal; Burt Newman and John Kirlinger, assessors; J.
R. Hinds, alderman for second ward. It is reported that Hinds and Joe. Bertholet
cast lots to determine which should hold this office of alderman, and the lot
fell on Hinds. Charles L. Pierson was appointed city surveyor and George H.
Phillips city printer. Kelly was removed from the office of marshal because of
appropriating money collected, to his own purposes, and Alexander McAuley
appointed his successor. M. H. Dunand was the last mayor elected in 1861 under
the first corporation. The charter of the city was then surrendered and it fell
back under the township government.

   March 3d, 1870, the city was again corporated. First officers: H. B. Strait,
mayor; E. G. Halle, recorder; J. B. Huntsman, treasurer; Peter Yost, assessor;
N. M. D. McMullen and Frank McGrade, justices. The council consisted of nine
members, three from each ward; Peter Yost, chief of police.

   1881—H. J. Peck, mayor; Nicholas Berens, treasurer; J. A. Coller, recorder;
Charles Bornarth and J. W. Sencerbox, justices; W. A. Fuller, assessor; G. F.
Lyons, chief of police; council, nine, three from each ward. Meetings are held
in the city hall rooms in Guttenberg's block on Holmes street.

   Shakopee lodge No. 6, A. F. and A. M., was organized December 12th, 1854,
with seven charter members. The first officers of this lodge were Thos. Lombard,
W. M.; J. L. Wakefield, S. W.; E.  G. Covington, J. W.; James Farwell,
secretary; Thos. J. Galbraith, treasurer. For reasons unknown the charter of
this lodge was withdrawn in 1860, and there was no masonic lodge in Shakopee
until the organization of King Solomon's Lodge, No. 44 in December 1863. The
charter of this lodge was received October 28th, 1863. The following were the
first officers elected: John H. Brown, W. M.; H. S. Holton, S. W.; A. B. Jones,
J. W. Present officers: H. D. Carter, W. M.; D.  L. How, S. W.; J. E. Chisholm,
J. W.; D. M. Storer, treasurer; C. H. Lord, secretary; S. E. Leonard, S. D.; W.
E. Davis, J. D.; C. W. Havens, tyler. Present membership; 60.

   A lodge of the I. O. of O. F. was organized in 1855. Its first officers were:
J. M. Keeler, N. G.; Daniel Apgar, V. N. G.; A. O. Risley, secretary; Samuel
Apgar, treasurer. Organization was surrendered in 1864, since when there has
been no lodge in Shakopee.

   The I. O. of G. T. established a lodge in Shakopee in 1858. First officers:
R. M. Wright, G. W. C.; Mrs. J. H. Werden, V. G. W. C.; M. S. Titus, secretary.
This lodge disbanded in 1861 and in 1876 a new lodge was organized which has
since disbanded.

   St. John's society was organized June 24th, 1866 with eight members. First
officers: M. H. Dunand, president; John Reis, vice-president; Peter Yost,
secretary; J. H. Menke, treasurer. The society now numbers over seventy members
and is in a flourishing condition, embracing within its membership the leading
and influential members of the Roman Catholic church. Officers: F. X. Hirsher,
president; H. H. Strunk, vice-president; Nicholas Mayer, secretary; Mathew
Berens, treasurer.

   Weiser Post, Grand Army of the Republic, was organized February 23, 1872 with
twentv-five charter members. First officers: Geo. B. Gardner, commander; F. C.
Butterfield, S. V. C.; G. N. DuBois, J. V. C.; Wm. Wilson, Q. M.; J. W. Lidick,
chaplain; J. B. Whitney, officer of the day; Geo. H. Kunsman, O. of the G.; D.
W. Coulthard, Q. M. sergeant; H. Baumhager, sergeant mayor; C. W. G. Hyde,
adjutant.

   The Scott County Agricultural society was organized with the following
officers in 1872: P. H. Krantz, vice-president; D. W. Coulthard, secretary; P.
J. Whitlock, Daniel Beer, D. D. Dickinson, directors. Fairs have been held
annually under the auspices of this society ever since its organization. Some
time previous to the organization of this association, there was in existence an
agricultural society of which Major R. G. Murphy was president and Mr. D. L. How
secretary. A fair was held under its auspices in 1857, which was the first fair
held in Scott county. This society, however, was short-lived, disbanding shortly
after their first fair.

   The A. O. U. W. was organized in Shakopee in December, 1878, with thirteen
members and officers as follows: C. S. Stoddard, P. M. W.; William Wilson, M.
W.; R. Irwin, F.; C. Case, O.; W. F. Strait, recorder; E. Southworth, receiver;
S. A. Briggs,-financier. The lodge now has a membership of thirty-four.

   The Old Settlers' Association of Shakopee was organized in April, 1874, and
is composed of residents of the city of Shakopee, and the towns of Eagle Creek,
Jackson and Louisville who were residents prior to December 31, 1857, and 21
years of age, First and present officers: Henry Hinds, president; M. S. Titus,
vice-president; D. M. Storer, treasurer; J. W. Senqerbox, secretary.

     The association has been of great value in preserving the history of Scott
county. To Henry Hinds, the president, and one of the settlers of 1853, we are
indebted for much valuable information in regard to the county at large.

     The Shakopee Valley cemetery, situated in the town of Eagle Creek, just
outside the city limits, was established January 20, 1862.

     The cemetery belonging to the Catholic church is located in Koeper's addition.

     The first church built in Shakopee, and also the first in the valley of the
Minnesota, was the St. Peter's Episcopal church, the comer stone of which was
laid by Right Reverend Bishop Kemper, on the 17th day of May, 1854. November,
2d, 1854, the frame of the church building was raised, under the direction of D.
M. Storer, the lot being that now occupied by D. M. Storer's store, but the
building was not completed until December 2d, 1855. Services were first held in
the church by Deacon E. A. Greenleaf, and the Holy Communion was first
celebrated June 28th, 1856. The present pastor is Rev. Wm. R. Powell.

     St. Mark's, Roman Catholic church, was organized January 6th, 1856, on
which day the first mass was said by Rev. G. Keller at the residence of Anton
Entrup. In the summer of the same year a church was built, in which services
were held until the erection of the present elegant structure, the corner stone
of which was laid with imposing ceremonies on the 25th day of June, 1865, by
Right Rev. Bishop Grace. The present officiating priest is Rev. A. Plut, who has
been connected with nearly all the early pioneer Catholic churches in Scott
county from an early date.

     The first Presbyterian church was organized February 20th, 1855, at the
house of Samuel W. Pond, with a membership of nine adults. At present there are
sixty members, of whom Rev. Mr. Candor is the pastor.

   St. Mary's Catholic church, of Shakopee, was built in 1864. Previous to this
time services had been held conjointly with the German Catholic, or St. Mark's
church. Father Stevenson was the first resident priest, who came shortly after
the building of the church. About 120 families are enrolled among its members.
Present pastor is Rev. Edmond Coghlan.

   St. John's congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran church was organized in
1859. First regular pastor, Adam Bloomer. The present pastor is Rev. F. W. Fry,
who has a congregation of about forty-five members.

   The Methodist Episcopal church was organized July 10th, 1853. Rev. S. L.
Leonard, pastor; Barney Young, class leader; Rev. C. Hobart, presiding elder. At
the time of organization there were twelve members, since which time the
membership has increased to about thirty. The present pastor is Rev. Levi Gleason.

   The first regular Baptist church in Shakopee was organized July 16th, 1854,
with seven members. Rev. W. G. Cogswell served as pastor of the church from 1854
to 1857, June 10th, when the church accepted his resignation. This vaoancy was
filled by the Rev. Mr. Utter shortly after. No regular services are held, as
they possess no building of their own.

   The convent Sisters of St. Benedict was organized as St. Gertrude's convent
and academy, May 4th, 1866, and incorporated under the general laws of the
state. Officers: Mary Vogel, president; Catherine Richter, vice-president;
Catherine Kerst, secretary.

   The population of Shakopee city was 2,011 by the census of 1880.

   Samuel Apgar was born October 26th, 1801, in Tompkins county, New York, where
he lived until seventeen years of age, when he began learning the shoemaker and
tanner's trade in Peruville; remained there until 1824, then removed to West
Groton, and two years later to Dryden, where he lived five years, and three
years on a farm. He then returned to Peruville and lived on a farm until 1852,
when he came to Shakopee and kept a small house for travelers. In the spring of
1852 he made a claim adjoining the present site of Shakopee, and lived there
until 1875, when he sold, and has since resided with a daughter. In New York,
September 26th, 1824, he married Melinda Perry, who died in June, 1874. Ten
children were born to them. The living are Sarah, Milo B., Adrian E., and Uphias I.

   Arthur Armstrong was born November 12th, 1828, in Ireland. When three years
of age he went with his parents to New York, and resided in Clinton county until
1865. When he was fifteen years old his father died, and in 1865 he moved to
Clayton county, Iowa, with his mother and family. In 1873 his mother died, and
he removed to Chaska, Minnesota, where he worked at his trade as cooper until
1875; since that date he has been a resident of Shakopee. Elizabeth Cuscade, of
Canada, became his wife February 24th, 1862. They are the parents of six
children: William J., Robert R., Wilbert D., Arthur L., Joseph F. and Mary M.

   Charles Bornarth, born in 1830, is a native of Prussia. Enlisted at fifteen
years of age, and served until 1851. In the spring of 1854 he moved to Canada,
and the next fall came to Minnesota. He resided in St. Paul until the spring of
1857, when he went to Sibley county and worked at farming. In 1862, August 13th,
he enlisted in Company H, Seventh Minnesota infantry; served in that company
until promoted to lieutenant of Company F, Sixty-seventh United States infantry.
Upon being mustered out, in 1865, he returned to his farm and remained until
1866, when for three years he taught the parish school of Marystown, Scott
county. In October, 1869, he came to Shakopee and engaged in mercantile pursuits
until entering his present line of business, civil engineering; also fire
insurance, and is notary public. September 17th, 1856, he married Ellen O'Neill.
They have three children: August carries on stone and marble works at Mankato,
Michael D. is fireman on the St. Paul & Sioux City railroad, and Mary E. resides
with her parents.

   Hon. Luther M. Brown, born February 18th, 1823, is a native of Eutland county
Vermont. When he was five years of age his father was drowned and he moved with
his mother to her native town Newburg New Hampshire. He was educated in the
district schools and the New Boston Academy, teaching winters, from the age of
eighteen, to defray expenses; also read law three years. In July, 1853 he came
to Shakopee. At that time there were but four dwellings in town and less than
one hundred white people in the county. On the 9th day of September, 1853 he was
admitted to the bar of the supreme court of the territory and immediately began
practice here. Judge Brown is considered one of the ablest lawyers of the state.
On the organization of Scott county in 1853 Mr. Brown was appointed the first
county attorney. He was a member of the first territorial legislature in 1857,
was the first judge of the eighth judicial district and was a member of the
state legislature in 1874. On the death of Judge Chatfield in October, 1875,
Judge Brown was again appointed to the district bench. In February 1850 he
married Eliza Woodbury, a native of New Hampshire. They have four daughters; Ora
M. the oldest is now the wife of H. J. Peck attorney at Shakopee, Carrie W. now
Mrs. O. S. Brown, Eva E. and Hattie H.

    Christian E. Busse, a native of Prussia, was born March 20th, 1832. Until 15
years of age he lived with his parents, then was employed about two years as
clerk for a railroad contractor. From that time until 22 years old he was in
merchandise work at Berlin. In 1854 he came to America; stayed in Chicago the
first summer, and spent the following winter in the pineries of Michigan. He
settled in Shakopee, but soon after returned to Chicago, and from there went to
Muskegon, Michigan. In 1857 he returned to Shakopee, then passed three years in
St. Paul. In 1861 he went to Chaska and established a general merchandise store
in company with H. Young, but sold his interest to his partner in the spring of
1862, came to Shakopee and established a sample room and general variety store;
in 1870 he added to his trade tobacco, cigars, fruits and confectionery. Mrs.
Busse was Susana Snell, of St. Paul; married in 1859. They have seven living
children.

    Edmund Coghlan, pastor of St. Mary's church, Shakopee, was born in 1840 in
Mayo county, Ireland, where he received a theological education. From 1874 until
September, 1880, he devoted his time to missionary labor in Africa, then
returned to his native land and remained until December of the same year when he
came to Minnesota and took charge of St. Mary's Catholic church.

    Johan B. Conter, a native of Loraine, France, was born August 15, 1830. When
12 years of age he came to America with his parents. In 1842 he settled at Port
Washington, Wisconsin. About three years after he went to Kenosha where he
worked on a farm one and one-half years at seven dollars per month; after
passing three summers on a boat and winters in the pineries, he went with a
circus four years, after which he worked on different steamboats the greater
part of the time until May 15th, 1854, when he located at Shakopee and began the
trade of plasterer and bricklayer, which he followed about thirteen years. He
commenced lime burning about 1863 and now has facilities for turning out
twenty-four hundred barrels of lime per week. Mr. Conter married Barbara Wagner,
of this place, May 15th, 1858. They have had ten children; the living are
Joseph, Mary, Anna, Emma, John, William and Margareta. Nicholas, John B. Jr.,
and William are dead.

   Dr. James H. Dunn, born May 29th, 1853, at Fort Wayne, Indiana. His father
came to this country from Dublin in 1845 and served under General Scott in the
Mexican war. In 1854 the family located near Winona, and after the death of his
father in 1859, he was adopted in the family of Mr. Jesse Wheeler, of Winona
county. At the death of this gentleman in 1868 Mr. Dunn entered the State Normal
School at Winona, and by his own unaided efforts supported himself until his
graduation in 1871. He was at once employed as lecturer in the State Teachers
Institute by Hon. H. B. Wilson, and later by his successor, D. Burt. During the
intervals he was principal of the Alexandria and Sauk Centre schools, and
completed a course in natural science at the University of Chicago. He then gave
his whole time to the study of medicine, and in 1878, after a three years course
received the degree of M. D. from the University of New York City, having spent
a year of study at Bellevue and other hospitals in that city. In the fall of
1878 he was appointed instructor of natural science in the Normal School at
Mankato, which position he resigned in May, 1880 to enter upon the practice of
his profession at Shakopee.

   John Edert was born in the district of Luxembourg, Europe, October 29th,
1824. He married February 14, 1849, Elizabeth Leis. In May, 1852, he moved to
the United States and lived two and one-half years at Aurora, Illinois. From
October, 1854, until May, 1857, he resided in St. Paul, then came to Shakopee
and erected the St. Paul House, of which he was proprietor nine years. In 1866
he built the Union billiard hall, which he still conducts; he also carries on a
farm of 340 acres in this county and owns 320 acres of land in Renville county.
Mr. Edert held the office of treasurer of Scott county fourteen years. While
residing in Luxembourg two children were born to them, both of whom are
deceased: Susie and Libbie. Anna, now Mrs. J. H. Huntsman, of this place, was
born at Aurora. Another daughter is the wife of Ed. Gellenbeck, also of
Shakopee. Maggie was born at this place in 1866.

   Dr. Carl Augustus Entrup, born June 16, 1857, is a native of Shakopee,
Minnesota. His parents, Anthony and Lizzett Entrup were among the early settlers
of Scott county and located at Shakopee in April, 1855; the father who was a
mason and bricklayer, was killed by the falling of a building in Jordan, June
19, 1876. Dr. Entrup received his literary education at the public school of
this place and the Minnesota Valley Academy; also read medicine in connection
with his other studies, under Dr. Manson. After the death of his father, he
taught school one year, and in 1877 went to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he spent
three years as a medical student; at the expiration of that time, July, 1880, he
received his diploma.

   George Gardner was born September 27, 1828, at Salem, Massachusetts. When he
was but six years of age his father died, and he lived with an uncle until
eighteen years old when he entered the United States navy. In the Mexican war he
was at the surrender of Vera Cruz from which place he went, in the Albany, sloop
of war, to Charlestown, Massachusetts where he was discharged. Mr. Gardner went
in the Concordia to China, thence to the Phiilipean Island, and returned to
Boston; also made a trip to Liverpool and returned. In 1849, he went to
Burlington, Vermont and worked until 1852 for the Vermont Central Railroad
Company; he then had charge of the draw bridge at Alburg until 1856. In May,
1856 he came to Shakopee and for some time was engaged in freighting and
staging; then in 1859 removed to Ramsey county. He enlisted in company A, Sixth
Minnesota Volunteer infantry in August, 1862, and served until discharged, in
August, 1865. From October, 1865, until the fall of 1867, he was in the employ
of the Minnesota Valley Railroad Company, when he took charge of the Shakopee
elevator and is now engaged as wheat buyer and inspector. From 1868, until 1880,
he was station agent at this place. Clarinda M. Manning became his wife in 1850.

   George William Gellenbeck was born August 26, 1828, in the kingdom of
Hanover, Germany, where he lived with his parents until seventeen years of age.
In the spring of 1844, he moved to Cincinnati, Ohio. Went to St. Louis, where he
worked at the coopers trade until 1850. January, 17, of that year he enlisted in
the United States cavalry, and served five years, then came to Minnesota and
established the Five-mile House at Bloomington Ferry, which he sold in 1868, and
came to Shakopee. Mr. Gellenbeck kept the Minnesota Valley House here three
years, then in company with Mr. Strunk, engaged in the drug business two and
one-half years, then sold his interest. In 1873, he built his hotel at the comer
of First and Summerville streets, known as the Occidental; it will accomodate
about twenty guests.

   Henry F. Gross was born June 26, 1838, in France. In 1852 the family came to
America, spent two years in Chicago, then removed to Minnesota and made a claim
in what is now Dakota county. Mr. Gross lived on the farm with his parents two
years, then went to St. Paul and worked at the barber's trade three years. He
was in St. Louis for a time, then returned to St. Paul and enlisted August 15,
1862, in Company G, Sixth Minnesota Volunteer infantry; served nearly two years
in the war with the Indians, and then in the South until August 18, 1865, when
he was discharged. In 1866 he came to Shakopee and established a barber-shop on
First street. His marriage with Mary A. Varner, of St. Paul, occurred November
16, 1865. Annie M., Ferdinand J., Willie H. and Elward H. are their living
children.

   Henry Gutenberg was born August 2, 1857, in St. Paul; he is a son of John
Gutenberg, who was born April 7, 1828, in Prussia, and Dora Vichman Gutenberg,
who died in Shakopee January 6, 1875.  They were married February 20, 1851. In
1853 the family emigrated to America; lived in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, for a
time, and removed to St. Paul about 1855. In the spring of 1857 the father moved
the family to Shakopee, and in company with H. Fanakuch built a hotel; he also
did mason work and dealt in live stock. He was for some time in the butcher
business, and in 1869 established what is now the City Meat Market on Holmes
street, where he carried on a successful trade until his death June 23, 1880.
Since that date his sons, Henry and John Jr., have conducted the business. The
family consists of these two young men and their sisters, Lizzie and Christina.

   W. Heidenreich, born October 13, 1831, is a native of Prussia. He learned the
tailor's trade, and in July, 1856, came to Shakopee; worked the first two
summers at mason's and plasterer's trade, then built a tailor's shop, and about
three years after added a saloon. From the spring of 1864 until October, 1865,
he was in Idaho, engaged in keeping a boarding-house and working at his trade;
then returned to this place and purchased a building which he occupied for a
grocery store, sample room and tailor shop until destroyed by fire in October,
1879. He then erected the brick building which he now occupies; it is 20x60 feet
and two stories in hight. In Prussia, February 22, 1856, he married Paulina
Cornetsky. They are parents of eight children: Bertha P., Anna A., Adolph T.,
Wilhelm Jr., Charles J., Edward J., (deceased) Paulina A. E. and Otto.

   Francis Xavier Hirscher was born May 29, 1827, in Germany. When 17 years of
age he was left an orphan; at that time he commenced to learn the cabinet
maker's trade. In 1849 he came to America; spent six months in Louisville,
Kentucky, worked at his trade one and one-half years in St. Louis, and in 1851
removed to St. Paul. He did cabinet work in the employ of W. M. Stees five
years, and in April, 1856, came to Shakopee. In company with C. Peters he built
the first cabinet shop here; they continued in partnership until 1863, since
which date Mr. Hirscher has conducted the business alone. Philipena Roth became
his wife September 22, 1856. Their children are: Alois, Clara, Joseph, John,
Valentine, Francis X. Jr., George and Mary E.

   Gerhard Hilgers was born August 31, 1838, in Prussia where he received his
education. When 23 years of age he was mustered into the Prussian army and
served three summers; attended school during the winter seasons. Two years of
the time he held the rank of corporal. In 1867 he came to America with his
parents and settled on a farm near Madison, Wisconsin. The following autumn he
came to Jordan and has since resided here. He conducted the Merchants Hotel with
considerable success from 1868 until the fall of 1877 when he was elected to the
office which he now holds, register of deeds. Mr. Hilgers' wife was Adelheid
Weibler, of Prussia; the date of their marriage is November 11, 1865. Their
living children are: William H., Frank H., John H., Michael H., Maria S. and
Casper H. Three have died.

   David Lennox How was born August 23, 1835, at Elbridge, New York. From 1844
until 1848, he attended the Monroe Collegiate Institute, then removed with his
parents to Syracuse where he clerked in a grocery store and attended evening
school. He was employed in a drug store at Dunkirk from 1850 until 1855 when he
went to Adrian, Michigan, and worked for N. Bidwell and Company, druggists. May
27, 1857, he came to Shakopee and in company with D. W. C. Wisner, opened a drug
store. The year following Mr. Wisner retired and Dr. J. S. Weiser was admitted
to partnership. This firm continued in business until 1861; from that date until
1870 Mr. How was associated with his brother in the drug trade. In 1865 he with
Major Strait purchased three-fourths interest in the Jordan flouring mill, also
owned a mill at Chaska, both of which they sold and bought the large mill at
Shakopee, which was burned in 1875 and rebuilt the same year. Mr. How started
the First National bank of this place, also the Scott County bank, at Jordan,
and the prosperity of these institutions is in a measure owing to his business
ability. He has also been largely engaged in farming and stock raising. Mr. How
is one of the early settlers of the county and has held many positions of trust.
He is a member of the Episcopal church, a leading man in the board of trade and
a staunch republican.

   William L. Johnson, born November 28, 1844, is a native of Luzerne county,
Pennsylvania. At the age of 7 years he accompanied his parents to Marine Mills,
Minnesota, where his father kept a hotel and for a time worked at farming. In
1855 he served a term in the legislature and later was elected sheriff of
Washington county. His death occurred in 1859. William Johnson removed to St.
Paul after his father's death, and lived there until his enlistment, August 16,
1862, in Company G, Sixth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. He served two years in
the Indian war, then at the South until discharged August 18, 1865. The
following spring he made a trip to Texas and the next year returned to St. Paul.
In 1872 he opened a grocery trade in Mendota which he conducted until 1874, then
sold and resided at his mother's farm in Ramsey county, until December, 1880.
Since that date he has been proprietor of the Exchange Hotel, Shakopee. Margaret
C. Nealey, of Mendota, became his wife April 17, 1870. Sarah, Mary, Thomas A.
and William L. Jr. are their children.

   F. W. Juergens is a native of Germany, born April 22, 1834, and learned the
blacksmith trade in that country. In 1854 the family came to America; he stayed
at La Porte, Indiana, and his parents came to Shakopee. They made claims at what
is now known as Prior Lake; lived there until the spring of 1855, when they came
to this place and built a house and shop on Second street. Mr. Frank Juergens
came from Indiana to join his parents here. His father died December 19, 1876.
Mr. Juergens carries on blacksmithing and is the oldest man in that business in
Shakopee. His marriage with Regina C. Schutz took place May 14, 1861. Their
children are Frank H., George J., Anna R., Rosa F. and Clara L.

   John Kodylek, artist, a native of Austria, was born June 22, 1845. When 14
years old he entered the Academy of Art at Prague, where he remained three
years, and received the first premium for his works. His art studies were
completed at Vienna, where his masterpiece sold for a large sum. In November,
1865, he moved to New York and in 1867 to St. Jo, Missouri, where he produced
some fine pieces of work, one of which sold for $2,000. Late in 1869 he went to
Iowa and resided about three years at Sioux City. After some time spent in
traveling he went to St. Paul and resided two years. In 1880 he established an
art gallery in this place, which has since been his home. Mr. Kodylek married,
May 14, 1867, Clara Hundt. They have two children: Julia and Arnold.

   John Kauth is a native of Germany, born June 16, 1816. Until 14 years of age
he lived with his parents. He then worked three years at wagon making. In 1846
he came to America, lived six months in Philadelphia, then in Pittsburg until
1849. Until the fall of 1852 he worked at his trade at St. Louis. He then made a
claim of 160 acres six miles south of Shakopee and began clearing up a farm,
using much of the best hard timber in wagon making. It was he who manufactured
the first wagon ever made in Scott county. In 1872 he rented his farm and came
to Shakopee; bought the St. Paul Hotel of this place, of which he is still
proprietor; the house will accommodate fifty guests. In 1845 he married
Margretta Blessing, of Prussia; she has borne him nine children, only two are
living; Mary and William.

   Anton Koerner, Sr., was born November 19, 1828, in Bavaria. When he was but
two years of age his father died, and he lived with his mother until twenty-five
years old. In November, 1853, he came to America, spent one year in New York
city, and was three years engaged in the butchers business in Dayton, Ohio.
Since 1857 his home has been at Shakopee. He was employed in plastering and
mason work until 1862, when he established a meat market on First street where
with the aid of his son Adam, he is doing a successful business. Eva Wich was
married to Mr. Koerner in 1858, and died July 8, 1876. They are the parents of
five children: Lena (deceased), Adam, Barbara, Anton, Jr., and Anna.

   August Logefeil, proprietor of the United States Hotel, was born December 26,
1828, in Prussia. He resided in different places, spent two years working at the
bakers' trade, and four years traveling through all parts of Prussia. In April,
1853 he came to America and in November to Shakopee. Mr. Logefeil made a claim,
in 1855, of 160 acres, near where New Prague is now situated. He built a cabin
of poles, with a roof of hay, and used a hollow stump for a cook-stove. He was
for a time engaged in lime burning, was also in the wood business, and one
season ran a barge on the river; two and one-half years he drove a wagon selling
groceries and notions. Since 1874, he has been proprietor of the United States
Hotel, which he built in that year. The house will accommodate twenty-four guests.

   Charles Lord (deceased) was born July 22, 1817 in Cheshire county, New
Hampshire. At the age of 17 he went to Augusta, Georgia, and passed three years
there in the study of medicine, then returned home and finished his studies,
after which he practiced in his profession six years at Pittsburg Pennsylvania.
In the spring of 1854 he made a claim of 160 acres one and one-half miles east
of Shakopee. He afterwards sold half of it and worked the other eighty acres
until 1864, when he moved to Shakopee and practiced medicine here. He held the
office of alderman six years. Julia A. Buffum, who was born at Westmoreland,
November 7, 1822, became his wife December 13, 1843. They have had nine
children, seven of whom are living. Mr. Lord's death occured April 3, 1881.

   Frank J. Lord, a native of Minnosota, was born June 12, 1854, in Hennepin
county. His father was Charles Lord, Sr., who settled in that county and
afterward removed to Scott county. Frank Lord grew to manhood there, and
received his education in the public schools of Shakopee. He was employed in D.
L. How's drug store one year, then returned to school until 1871; from that date
until 1874 he was with Lord & Halle, then with Strunk & Sons until 1877. In
March of that year he purchased the drug store at the corner of Holmes and First
streets; in February, 1880, he moved his stock to Condon's block, where he
carries a full line of drugs, books and stationery. Miss Mary, daughter of
Honorable Henry Hinds of this place, was married to Mr. Lord, September 4, 1879.

   Samuel Lord, born in 1829, is a native of England. He served an
apprenticeship of seven years at the carpenter trade, and after working in that
country about fourteen years he came to America. Lived one year at Dubuque,
Iowa, and in April, 1858, located at Shakopee. He did contracting in this
vicinity from that date until the spring of 1864, when he went to Montana and
worked at building until 1865, when he returned to Shakopee and continued his
trade here until the spring of 1867; since then he has been foreman in the
carpenter shops of the St. Paul & Sioux City Railroad Company. He married Sarah
Greenwood, of England, November 1, 1852. She was born March 7, 1826. They are
the parents of five children: Mary A., Sarah A. and Mary A. are deceased. The
living are James T. and Grace E.

   Isaac Lincoln was born January 17, 1823, in Barnstable county, Massachusetts.
The family had moved to Worcester in 1837, and here Isaac Lincoln began learning
the blacksmith trade when eighteen years of age. A short time in the summer of
1849 he worked in Springfield, and in the fall removed to Cleveland, Ohio, where
he superintended the blacksmithing in the construction of the Cleveland,
Columbus & Cincinnati railroad. In June, 1856, he came to Shakopee, and that
year erected the first saw-mill in the place, which he operated in company with
his brothers; was also engaged in lime burning. Mr. Lincoln was a member of the
senate in 1863-4; has also held different town offices and has been city
alderman. His marriage with Lois L. Bingham, of Ohio, took place June 4, 1850.
They have five living children: Edgar B., Isaac, Jr., Charles F., Mary H. and
William B.

   E. C. Mather, born August 11, 1836, is a native of Union county, Ohio. In the
fall of 1853 he went with his parents to Iowa; his father died in March, 1861,
and the family resided near McGregor until 1876.   Mr. Mather labored in the
ministry twenty years in north-eastern Iowa, and in the fall of 1876 came to
Minnesota. He had charge of the Methodist church at High Forest, this state,
during the years 1877-8, then for two years was pastor of the Shakopee Methodist
church. Since November, 1880, he has been proprietor of the American hotel in
this place; also keeps an extensive stock of farm machinery. He married Sarah C.
Mather, of Union, Ohio, October 26, 1855. Their children are Eva, Flora, George
C., Stella, Mary D. Abbie G., Sadie P. and Winnie I.

   Frank McGrade (deceased) was born in 1830, in Ireland. When twenty-two years
old he joined the regular army of his country and served until discharged, in
1855. That year he moved to New York city, where he worked in a clothing house
about one year. November 9, 1856, he married Mary Loughrey, at Kellyville,
Pennsylvania, and they at once came to Shakopee, where for a time Mr. McGrade
engaged in the lime business. He held the office of sheriff six years, employing
a deputy nearly two years while he was in the army. He was instrumental in
raising company L, Second Minnesota cavalry, and was commissioned first
lieutenant; was discharged at Fort Snelling, May 4, 1866. He returned to
Shakopee, and soon after went to Jordan, where he purchased half interest in a
stock of general merchandise. In 1867, was elected register of deeds, of Scott
county, and returned to this place ; about two years after he bought a farm
which Mrs. McGrade still owns; was also in the hardware business with George
Reis. For three years he was one of the county commissioners, and was a member
of the city council from 1874 until his death, September 27, 1876. His widow,
four sons and five daughters, are living in Scott county.

   Michael K. Marrinan, born November 4, 1855, is a native of Rochester, New
York, where he acquired his education in the Christian Brothers Academy. In 1873
he came to Shakopee, and read law one year under Judge L. M. Brown. In 1876 he
was appointed clerk of the court, of Scott county, by Judge Brown, and in 1877
was elected to the office which he has since held.

   Nathan McDowel McMullan was born September 18, 1806, in Franklin county,
Pennsylvania. At the age of twenty-two he went to Bedford county, where he was
one year interested in woolen manufacturing; removed to Somerset county, where
he was hotel proprietor and postmaster for ahout three years. In 1844 he went to
Mansfield, Ohio, and carried on mercantile business there nine years; was mayor
of that city in 1851. He was engaged in mercantile trade two years in Van Wert
county, and in 1856 established a hardware store in Shakopee; two years later,
his son took charge of the business. Mr. McMullan was the first mayor of this
place; in 1862 was elected a member of the legislature, held the office of
county treasurer in 1858-9, and has been justice of the peace twenty years.

   Thomas Nealy, of Irish parentage, was born in 1850, at Ottawa, Illinois. His
parents came to America about 1830, and ten years later settled in Illinois.
When Thomas Nealy was a child his parents removed to Nova Scotia, and remained
six years. In 1860 they came to Minnesota and located at Mendota; in the schools
of that place and St. Paul, he received his education. In 1873 he became agent
at the old Mendota station, and three years later at Merriam Junction. Since
August, 1879, he has had charge of the telegraph office at Shakopee. Mr. Nealy's
wife was Kate Kivel, a native of Wisconsin. Their marriage took place
Thanksgiving day, 1872. Mary J., Maurice D., and Thomas H. are their children.

   Thomas R. Newell was born in Lawrence county, Illinois, May 28, 1850. At the
age of twenty years he went to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and worked eighteen months at
the jeweler's trade. In 1872 he removed to Minnesota, and passed one year at
Brainerd in the same business. After residing in Winnipeg city, Manitoba, about
three years, and ten months in St. Paul, he went in 1877, to Le Sueur; then in
June of the same year he established a jeweler's store at Shakopee, on First
street, where he is doing a fine business.

   Alois Plut, pastor of the German Catholic church, at Shakopee, was born June
21, 1841, in Austria. When eleven years of age he began classical studies in the
Rudolphwerth, Gymnasium, where he remained a student eight years; he then
completed his theological studies at Goritz. In June, 1864, he came to America
and spent a short time at St. Vincent College, Pennsylvania. In the fall of that
year he went to St. Paul, and in February, 1865, was sent to the Stillwater
mission, where he remained until September, 1866, when he was given charge of
the New Prague, Scott county church; from there he went, in May, 1868, to
Winona, and since May, 1876, has been pastor at Shakopee. His congregation
includes two hundred and twenty-five families.

   Jacob Ries, Sr., was born December 6, 1830, in Luxembourg. When he was 18
years of age both his parents died. Mr. Ries was given both a literary and
musical education in his native country and in 1854 came to America. He lived
three years in New York, mainly engaged in carpenter work; then made a visit of
six months to his native land, and in the spring of 1857 settled in Shakopee,
which has since been his place of residence with the exception of a time spent
at his farm in Spring Lake. In 1865 he opened sample rooms in his building on
First street and in 1872 started a pop-factory. His present factory of brick was
erected in 1880, and has all the facilities for manufacturing carbonate and
fermented beverages. Josephine Mamer, who was born June 24, 1836, became his
wife October 27, 1857. Of their fourteen children but seven are living: Jacob,
Jr., Anna Mary, Margaret J., Anna, John B., Mary K. E. and William.

   John J. Ring, born in 1832, is a native of Prussia, where he lived until 14
years of age. At that time he came to America and resided on a farm in Kenosha
county, Wisconsin until 1860, when he came to New Market, Scott county,
Minnesota, and bought a farm of 130 acres. He held the offices of assessor and
chairman of the town board several years and was a county commissioner six
years; was elected county treasurer in 1873, which office he held, till the
spring of 1880. Since 1874 he has been a resident of Shakopee, and since
November, 1879, has been proprietor of the Merchants' Hotel. In 1856 he married
Christina Boltas, in Kenosha county, Wisconsin. She has borne him eleven
children. Five daughters and five sons are living.

   George Reis is a native of Saint Louis. His parents came to this country in
1846. His father and two of his brothers visited Minnesota, took three claims of
160 acres each and built their shanties in 1854-'5. In 1857 the family settled
in Shakopee. Here George Reis lived with his parents and attended the public
schools. In 1863 he began the tinners' trade, at which he worked three years,
then attended St. John's college, Stearns county two terms. In 1870 he, in
company with J. M. DePue, bought a hardware store; eight months later DePue sold
to Frank McGrade and the firm of Reis & McGrade continued until the death of the
latter in 1875. Since that date Mr. Reis has conducted the business. His father
died June 4, 1874 and his mother December 25, 1868. Lena Karr, of Belleville,
Illinois, became his wife October 27, 1879. They have one child: Laura.

   August Scherkenbach, born in 1847, is a native of Prussia. In 1870 he came to
America and learned the marble cutters' trade at Belleville, Illinois. In
company with W. A. Clark, he started in the marble and granite business which
they continued with success at Belleville until 1878 when he sold his interest
and removed to Shakopee and continued the same business here. In 1881 he erected
his brick building 16x36 feet in size, where he now keeps a large stock of
monuments and headstones of all designs. At Belleville, Illinois, February 26,
1878, he married Barbara Ackermann who has home him three children: Mary and
Anna, twins, and William. Mary is deceased.

    Jarvis Washburn Sencerbox was born December 20, 1820 in Dutchess county, New
York. He was educated in a district school, in Putnam county, taught by the
author of the Spencerian system of penmanship. Twenty years of his life were
passed in merchandizing in his native state. In 1851 he went to Quincy,
Illinois, where he was engaged in banking, mercantile, and milling business;
afterwards followed banking at Warsaw, and was also interested in coal mines at
Farmington, Iowa. In July, 1855, he went to St. Paul and that season ran a
steamboat of which he was owner and captain. In November of that year his boat
was frozen in about one mile above Carver, where part of the skeleton may yet be
seen. Mr. Sencerbox moved his family to Louisville township in September, 1856
and in the fall of 1858 removed to Shakopee. He was a member of the first board
of county commissioners in the state; has held the offices of register of deeds,
county auditor, deputy, and clerk of the court; iu 1871-'3-'5 he was a member of
the legislature, and in 1874 he and Judge Gilfillan were appointed special
committee on taxes and tax laws. Harriet Lounsberry became his wife October 4,
1843. Anna, Jarvis E., John, George, William, Harriet and Ida are their children.

    B. E. Spencer is a native of Indiana; born, March 26, 1847, in Warrick
county. His parents moved to Indiana in 1839. The family moved to the Minnesota
valley in the spring of 1856, made a claim in Eagle Creek township, and worked
at farming there until 1861, when they sold and came to Shakopee. Mr. Spencer's
death occured in this city April 1, 1875; his widow and son Barzilla are still
residents of this place. The latter is employed as carpenter for the St. Paul
and Sioux City railroad company. He married Maria Montgomery, of Shakopee,
October, 16, 1875. She was born in 1852, in the East Indies. They have one
child: Nellie.

   Captain Charles A. Stevens of the Shakopee Courier, is a native of New York
city. He studied law three years with his brother, the late J. Bancroft Stevens,
and in the fall of 1854, went to Kansas. During the winter and spring of 1855 he
was postmaster at Kansas City, and the following summer returned to New York. In
August, 1856, he came to Shakopee, then went to Le Sueur county, and made one of
the first claims in Montgomery; he taught the first school in that section, in a
log shanty. In the winter of 1856-7, he recorded mortgages for John Kennedy,
register of Dakota county, and in the fall of 1858, engaged in business at Fox
Lake, Wisconsin, with his brother, the late Colonel George Stevens of the Second
Wisconsin Volunteers. He joined company A, Second Wisconsin; afterward enlisted
in company G, Berdan's sharpshooters; served three years and participated in
twenty-nine actions in the army of the Potomac; was mustered out April, 1866.
After leaving the army he was employed ten years by the Chicago, Milwaukee & St.
Paul, and the St. Paul & Sioux City Railroad Companies, as agent, superintendent
of elevators and book-keeper. In August, 1877, he started the Courier at
Shakopee. His marriage with Eliza E. Elliot of Sibley county, took place in 1872.

   George F. Strait born March 22, 1832, is a native of Bradford county,
Pennsylvania, where he lived with his parents, Isaac and Maria Strait. He was
principally occupied in farming and lumbering in that state until November,
1856, when he came to Minnesota and pre-empted 160 acres of land in Scott county
where he resided about eight years. In 1864, he in company with H. B. Strait and
D. L. How embarked in the milling business at Jordan; eight years later this
firm built a mill in Chaska which they sold about one year after and began their
milling trade in Shakopee. Mr. Strait has since been one of the owners of the
Shakopee City flouring mill.

   Horace Benton Strait was born January 26, 1835, in Potter county,
Pennsylvania. He received a common school education and in 1846 went to Indiana,
thence in 1856 to Scott county, Minnesota. Entered the Union army in 1862 as
captain of the Ninth Minnesota Infantry; was promoted to major of that regiment
in 1864 and at the close of the war was serving as inspector-general on the
staff of General McArthur. In 1870, he was elected mayor of Shakopee and
re-elected in 1871-2-8. Since 1866 he has been one of the trustees of the
Minnesota Hospital for insane and is now president of the board. He is engaged
in farming and merchandising, and is president of the First National bank of
Shakopee. Mr. Strait was elected to the forty-third and forty-fourth congress
and re-elected to the forty-fifth.

   The following are some of the bills introduced by him. To encourage the
growth of timber on western prairies; allowing 160 acres of land to settlers
within railroad limits; for the relief of settlers whose crops were destroyed by
grasshoppers; to provide for the erection of military telegraph; for the relief
of settlers on railroad lands; for the relief of citizens engaged in the
suppression of the Indian war of 1862; for the survey of public lauds lying
within meridian lines in the state of Minnesota; to restore to the public domain
the military reservation known as Fort Ripley; to legalize certain settlements
upon swamp lands in Minnesota; to extend the time for payment of pre-emptors on
certain public lands in Minnesota; to equalize the bounties of soldiers who
served in the late war; to extend the provisions of an act approved June 22,
1874, entitled "An act for the relief of settlers on railroad lands;" for the
payment of arrears of pensions, and many other bills of a personal nature. Most
of these have become laws.

   Samuel Burton Strait was born December 14, 1813, in Bradford county,
Pennsylvania, where his parents had located in 1813. When nineteen years of age
he went to Potter county, where for three years he had charge of his brother's
mercantile business. At the expiration of that time the brothers entered into
partnership, and built a flouring mill, saw-mill and pail factory. About three
years after he sold his interest to his brother and returned to Bradford county,
where he carried on farming and blacksmithing some years. In 1846 he went to
Indiana and remained until 1855, when he came to Minnesota. He had 1,000 acres
of land near Jordan and a very large stock. This immense farming business he
carried on with success about twenty years. In 1857 he, in company with Stotard
& Pearson, laid out the town site of St. Lawrence, erected a hotel and dwelling,
and resided there several years. April 3, 1834, he married Emeline Benson, who
died in 1846. Their living children were Horace B., Edgar A., William W. and
Truman D. In 1847 he married Delight Kenicut. She has borne him five children:
Dewit C., Helen (deceased), William F., Mary and Hiram H.

   Harman H. Strunk was born May 14, 1818, in Germany. His father died, and in
1835 he accompanied his mother and family to America. From 1836 until 1854 he
resided in St. Louis, then came to Shakopee. He made a claim and built the first
brewery in the valley; he operated it about nine years, then sold it and built a
distillery. In 1873 he removed to the city to take charge of the drug business
which he had, in company with G. W. Gellenbeck, established here in 1871. The
firm became Strunk & Sons, and in 1874 they bought the property on First street
where they are doing a very large business. They are also agents for the
American and United States express companies. Mr. Strunk has held the offices of
county commissioner, school treasurer, justice of the peace, alderman and mayor.
He married, September 20, 1845, Mary A. Bocklage. Charles J. and Arnold M. are
their children.

   John Wagner, born August 7, 1847, is a native of Prussia. In 1856 he came to
the United States with his parents and located at St. Paul. In that city he
acquired his education, and served three years as apprentice, learning the
wagon-maker's trade. He came to Shakopee in June, 1868, and was employed eleven
years in Mr. Wampach's wagon shops. He is now doing a successful business at the
Star wagon shops, where he established himself in July, 1879; he does both wood
andiron work for light and heavy wagons. Mr. Wagner married, August 8, 1871,
Rosa Coller. Their children are George, John, Jr., August, Amelia and Gertrude.

   R. Walters, a native of Trumbull county, Ohio, was born February 26, 1843. At
the age of fifteen years commenced learning the miller's trade with his father.
When about eighteen years old he went to Iowa and worked at his trade until the
fall of 1862; then enlisted in the Seventh Iowa cavalry and served under General
Mitchell nineteen months; was mustered out at Kansas City and returned to Iowa.
Since -the fall of 1866 he has been engaged in milling in different parts of
Minnesota, and since May, 1874, has occupied the position of head miller in the
Shakopee City mills. Phoebe J. Aplin, a native of New York, was married to Mr.
Walters February 12, 1863. Ralph A. and Charles J. are their children.

   John Wampach, born in 1830, is a native of Luxembourg, where he learned the
wagon makers trade. In 1852 he came to America and worked at his trade two years
in Detroit, Michigan; after living a short time in Ohio and Indiana he removed
to Chicago, Illinois, in 1855, and worked there until 1857. In September of that
year he came to Minnesota and built a blacksmith and wagon shop at Shakopee, on
Second street, where he conducted a successful business. At that time all his
work was done by hand, and from year to year as his trade increased he enlarged
his working facilities. In 1870 he removed to First street and built a shop
45x95 feet in size.

    Theodore Weiland was born January 15, 1849, in Brown county, Wisconsin. In
1857 he went to Green Bay and there attended school four years. Afterward he
resided at Fond du Lac until the spring of 1863, then spent a short time at
Oshkosh and in the spring of 1864 came to Minnesota. He lived at Jordan until
1869 when he returned to Wisconsin. One season he was in the employ of the
Northern Pacific Railroad Company, then went to Jordan again and established a
carriage and wagon factory. In 1879 he was elected sheriff of Scott county and
removed to Shakopee. Mr. Weiland's wife was Louisa Mayer; they were married
January 28, 1874. Mary T., Clements T. and Albert L. are their children.

    Egbert L. Wright, born March 29, 1844, is a native of Crawford county,
Pennsylvania. In 1855 he came with his parents to Shakopee and attended the
public schools of this place. He began to learn the printer's trade in the
autumn of 1859 and since February, 1867, has had charge of the "Argus" office.
Ellen Brown Witter, of St. Paul, became his wife December 4, 1870; she is a
native of Canada. They are the parents of three children: Ida R., Laura B.
(deceased) and Harry P.

    Robert B. Vessey was born February 9, 1830, in England. In 1848 he came to
America; was engaged in farming and milling in New York about three years, and
from 1852 to 1855 he resided in Michigan. He made a claim of 160 acres of land
near Shakopee in 1855, which he sold in the spring of 1864, and then conducted
the Farmers' Hotel of this place until 1866. That year he built the New England
House, of which he was proprietor until 1874, then rented it and built the store
he now occupies in his mercantile trade. In 1876 he sold his hotel and built a
feed mill which is run by steam, and is capable of grinding four tons per day.
Mary E. Brown, of Michigan, became his wife January 13, 1855. Of the twelve
children born to them but five are living.


Additional Comments:
Extracted from 

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

File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/mn/scott/history/1882/historyo/shakopee66gms.txt

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