History of the Minnesota Valley ========================================================================= USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, material may be freely used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material, AND permission is obtained from the contributor of the file. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for non-commercial purposes, MUST obtain the written consent of the contributor, OR the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. If you have found this file through a source other than the MNArchives Table Of Contents you can find other Minnesota related Archives at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/mn/mnfiles.htm Please note the county and type of file at the top of this page to find the submitter information or other files for this county. Made available to The USGenWeb Archives by: Doug Peterson ========================================================================= History of the Minnesota Valley North Star Publishing Company Minneapolis, Minnesota 1882 reprinted by Unigraphic Evansville, Indiana 1975 Last Updated: 01 April 2001 Township Extracts for Le Sueur County include: Kasota Washington Cleveland Cordova Elysian Still to complete or do: Ottawa Sharon Lexington LeSueur Page 495 Hampshire, has borne him two sons, Albert and Arthur. S. Gibb, farmer on section 22, was born in Meigs county, Ohio, in 1851. On attaining majority he came to Minnesota, locating in Ottawa, where he has since lived. He was united in marriage with Parthina Snodgrass, of Indiana. They are the parents of three children: John L., Jennetta J. and Harriet G. Homer E. Gibbon, teacher, was born in Marion county, West Virginia, in 1847. Removed to Ohio when but ten years of age. In 1862 he enlisted in Company F, 85th Ohio infantry, and served three months; re-enlisted in the 129th Ohio infantry and served until discharged in 1864. His advent into this state was in 1873; he settled soon after in Ottawa, where he is employed in teaching school. His wife, who was Rose L. Mead, is a native of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Gibbon are members, of the Methodist Episcopal church. L. N. Gray, blacksmith and wagon manufacturer, was born in Delaware county, Indiana, in 1856; he learned the trade of blacksmith and wagon- maker, which he has since followed with success. He is now manufacturing the well known and reliable Gray wagon. Married Miss Harriet Smith, a native of Minnesota. They are the parents of one child, an infant. James Hayes, section foreman for the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha Railway Company, was born in Troy, New York, in 1855. Came with his parents to Tyrone township, Minnesota, in 1857. He settled in Ottawa in 1877. His wife was Miss Grace Luscombe, of Michigan. They have one son, James Nicholas. William R. Jones was born in Iowa county, Wisconsin, in 1851. Came to Minnesota in 1859 and settled in this county, and is now a resident of Ottawa township, on section 25. He married Miss Mary Hughes, who his borne him two children: Uriah and William R. Andrew Miller, who lives on section 14 of this town, was born in Germany in 1824. Came to America in 1840 and settled in Ohio; in 1869 removed to Minnesota locating soon after on his farm. His wife was Miss Matilda Klauke, of Prussia. Fred., Annie, Lizzie, Mary, Minnie, Christian, Sophia, William and Ersena are their children. Charles Needham, postmaster and dealer in general merchandise, was born in Cayuga county, New York, in 1833. Came to Minnesota in 1854, and settling in Le Sueur county engaged in general merchandising. In 1865 enlisted in Company G, First Minnesota heavy artillery. Held the rank of junior second lieutenant, and was later promoted to regimental adjutant; was mustered out after a service of six months. Augusta Eldridge, native of Nova Scotia, became his wife and has borne him three children: Maland J., Artrude O., and Ambertie. T. M. Raney was born in East Tennessee in 1825. In 1855 he came to Minnesota and settled on his present farm on section 26, Ottawa township. In 1862 enlisted in Company B, First Minnesota mounted rangers, and served one year. He married Miss Susanna Watson, a native of Indiana. Sylva O., Troy O., Minnie, Mate, Man, Edgar, Nellie, Josie, Charles E., Bessie, Leon and Blanche are their children. Louis A. Roberts, son of Anthony Roberts, of St. Louis, was born in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, in 1843. When a child of two years he came to Minnesota and lived in Anoka until coming to LeSueur county in l853. Since then he has been a resident of this place, and is one of the earliest settlers of the county. Married Millie Jarvis, who was born in Sibley county, Minnesota. They reside on section 33. KASOTA Kasota claims the oldest inhabitant in the Minnesota valley above Carver county, in the person of Reuben Butters, who erected the first board house in the county in the fall of 1851, locating at the present town site on section 28. Mr. Butters, in company with Geo. W. Thompson and James Lindsey, arrived on one of the small steamers then navigating the Minnesota river, bringing with them a sufficient amount of lumber to erect a one-story house. Of these old pioneers Mr. Butterts is the only one remaining, Mr. Thompson having gone to Le Sueur the following spring, and Mr. Lindsey having left in 1855. The township of Kasota lies in the south-western portion of Le Sueur county, and is one-fifth larger than the other townships. There are three railroad stations in the township: East St. Peter, on the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha railroad, on the east bank of the Minnesota river, opposite St. Peter; Kasota, two miles above on the same road, and at the junction of the Winona & St. Peter road, and Caroline, at the crossing of the two railroads two miles above Kasota. East St. Peter exists merely in name, there being Page 496 but three houses, an elevator and depot. A strong iron wagon bridge crosses the Minnesota river at this point, connecting with St. Peter. The village of Kasota, consisting of about one hundred houses in section 34, is about one-half mile from the union depot which serves for the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha and Winona & St. Peter railroads. The life and thrift of Kasota lies in the peculiar and handsome red sandstone which has become so popular for building purposes throughout the Northwest. There are now two large quarries in operation, the first having been opened in 1865 by Rueben Butters, who still owns but leases the quarry. The second is operated by a son of J. W. Babcock. Both are constantly crowded with orders, and are the source of a handsome income. Caroline is merely a railroad station two miles above Kasota, originally called Lime. It was not until 1863 that any organization was formed, the Baptist a forming a society in that year with twenty members, Ezra Miller being the first, and only local clergyman ever located in the town. In 1870 the Episcopalians organized with twenty members, holding services every two weeks in the second story of the school-house. The only church edifice in the township is located at Caroline, and was built by the Methodists. J. W. Babcock, one of the earliest comers, had the town site of Kasota surveyed in 1851 by Folsom, and subsequently by T. Carter. C. Schaefer opened a general store in 1854, and was followed by Reuben Butters, who still continues. There are now two stone quarries, two grist mills, one hotel, one general store, one blacksmith and one wagon shop and one saw-mill. From 1854 to the building of the St. Peter bridge J. W. Babcock operated a ferry across the Minnesota river. A post office was established in 1854 with J. W. Babcock postmaster. The first election was held on the 11th of May, 1858, there being sixty- one votes cast. Town board - J. P. Buel; chairmen, A. Pettis, and S. W. Davis; C. A. Shaeffer clerk; T. G. Carter, assessor; H. Morrill, collector; D. Birdsell, justice. Elizabeth Hunt taught the first school in a private residence having an attendance of from fifteen to twenty scholars. This was in 1858. A substantial two story stone school-house was built in 1860. The attendance now averages fifty-five scholars. There are nine district schools in the township. A stranger whose name was not known was killed by a falling embankment while excavating for the Babcock mill in the fall of 1852, being the first death on record. A short time after Mrs. Pettis, wife of A. Pettis, died and was buried at Lake Emily. Isaac Davis and Catherine Pettis were married in 1854, being the first marriage. The first white person born was Clara Babcock, daughter of J. W. and M. E. Babcock, in 1854. She died in 1861. The cemetery in section 33 on the bluff just above and back of the town was laid out in 1854, and is the principal one. There is a small cemetery at East St. Peter, and one at Caroline both of which were laid out more recently. One of the most remarkable crops ever raised in Kasota was in the summer of 1853 when R. Butters harvested 900 bushels of potatoes from five acres of land, realizing for the entire lot $2 per bushel. Everybody raised potatoes the next year, and they were a drug on the market at ten cents per bushel. In 1877 a post-of floe was established at Caroline, and Conrad Smith appointed postmaster, which position he still occupies, also carrying on a general mercantile business. There is a lime kiln at this place. Lake Washington post-office is in the southwestern part of the town. Julius Baker was born in 1849 in Cortland county, New York. In 1855 he accompanied his parents to Minnesota and until 1861 lived in Traverse township, then removed to St. Peter. At the age of eighteen years he began learning the milling business; has worked in the mills at Minneapolis seven years, and the remaining time in St. Peter and vicinity. In company with Mr. Edson he leased the Kasota mill, which they are now operating under the firm name of Edson & Baker. In 1877 Mr. Baker married Miss Annie Johnson. They are the parents of two children. Roy is living, Minnie died at the age of two years. E. E. Boutwell was born in Montague, Franklin county, Massachusetts, in 1837. His father, Charles F. Boutwell, was a cousin to ex-Secretary Boutwell, also to the late Hon. J. P. Hale, of New Hampshire. Mr. Boutwell came to Minnesota when twenty-one, and settled on a farm in Kasota township, where he still lives. In l862 he enlisted in Company H, Fourth Minnesota, and after a service of about one and one-half years returned to his farm. His marriage with Miss F. K. Moore Page 497 took place in 1869. Eddie E. and Grace M. are their children. Two have died. R. Butters, one of the three first settlers of Le Sueur, was born in 1816, and is a native of Maine. At the age of twelve years he began as a clerk in a store, and continued in the mercantile business from that time until coming to Minnesota in 1851. During that year he, in company with James Lindsey and George Thompson came up the Minnesota river to where Kasota is now located. Here they settled nearly fifty miles distant from any white person, and built a small shanty in which they spent the winter of '51 and '52. in February, 1852 they erected the first house in Le Sueur, and in 1854 laid out the town site of Kasota. Mr. Butters has been engaged in farming most of his time since coming to this state. He was a member of the first state legislature and has since served his district seven terms; has been county commissioner a number of years and held several other offices of less importance. S. B. Carpenter, whose birth place was Brattleboro, Vermont, was born in 1829, and when four years old accompanied his parents to Ohio. He assisted his father, David Carpenter, who was a farmer, until reaching the age of twenty-one, then went to Worcester, Massachusetts. In the fall of 1854 he returned to Ohio, and in the spring of 1855 went to Wisconsin. There he rented a farm one season, and the following spring came to Kasota and settled on his present farm, which is on the banks of Lake Emily. At Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1854, he married Sarah Wheelock, a native of that place. They are the parents of two children: Charles W. and M. A. George E. Case was born in Manchester, Michigan, in April, 1841. He removed with his parents to Ohio when three years old, and to St. Anthony, Minnesota, in 1851. This was his home until he enlisted in 1862 in Company D, Sixth Minnesota. He was mustered in as sergeant, promoted to lieutenant, and was mustered out in 1865 as captain. He then engaged in railroad building; having a contract in Texas he went there in 1870, and in 1875 went to the mountains and to California, where be engaged in mining; returned to Minnesota in the spring of 1876, and has since devoted his time to farming and railroad building. In 1872 he bought his firm, which is situated on the banks of Lake Emily. He was elected to the state Senate in the fall of 1880. Miss Katie Hunt a native of New York, became the wife of Mr. Case in 1869. The children are Mary M., Martin W. and Mabel A. Asa Cheadle, one of the pioneers of Le Sueur county was born in Ohio in 1824. He grew to manhood on a farm, receiving in the meantime a good common school education. In 1855 he came to Minnesota, locating in Cleveland township, Le Sueur county; came in 1863 to his present farm in Kasota. He has been called to fill all the town offices, and was county commissioner three years; in 1860 was elected to the legislature. He was married in 1846 to Miss Jemima Witham; they have six children: Sarah K., wife of Richard Peel, of St. Paul; Angeline, wife of N. M. Reed, of Kasota; Charles B., a resident of Cottonwood county; Adelaide, wife of William Moses, of Kasota; Abbie and Lucy live at home. O. E. Edson is a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1842; in 1855 the family removed to Illinois where they lived until 1860. At the age of fifteen he began learning the trade of miller and has since continued it with the exception of the time spent in the army. He enlisted in 1861 in Company B, First California cavalry in which he served until 1863; was then commissioned second lieutenant of the Third California; served as such until the close of the war. He settled in Wisconsin and engaged in the pursuit of his trade until 1874; then came to Minneapolis; in 1880 he went to New Ulm and in June, 1881 he, in company with J. Baker, leased the Kasota mill, in which they are doing a thriving business. In 1869 he married Martha A. Smith. Their children are: Julia M., Edna V., and Imogine V. M. L. French, deceased, was born in New York in 1807. There he lived until 1839 then removed to Michigan and remained until 1855; came to Minnesota and located on a farm on the banks of Lake Emily. With the exception of two years spent in the mining districts of Montana be resided with his family on the farm in Kasota. Married in 1835 Louisa M. Stores, a native of New York. In 1877 Mr. French died; his widow and six children survive him. Ernest died at twenty-three years of age; Fannie is the wife of S. W. Pettis; Edmond F. resides in Mexico; Maretta died at the age of eighteen; Willard lives in Murray county, Minnesota; Enos J. lives in California; J. W. in Nevada and Arthur B. in Kasota. Nicholas Kolbert is a native of Prussia, born in 1830. After attaining majority he came to America and until 1856 resided in Iowa and Ill- Page 498 inois. He then removed to Minnesota and soon after settled on a farm in Kasota, where he has since lived. He was married in 1858 to Miss Mary Klages, who died in 1865 leaving four children. John, Michael, Catherine, and Charlie. His second marriage was in 1871 with Miss Christina Siderstron. S. F. Holbrook was born in Windham county, Vermont in 1822 but when one year old went with his parents to New York, remaining until 1854, engaged in railroad and lumber enterprises. Removed to Sparta, Wisconsin, in 1854; was there in the hotel, livery and omnibus business, also carried the United States mails during his entire residence of twenty-four years. In 1879 be located at Kasota and built the large eating house which is generally acknowledged to be one of the best in the north-west. Mr. Holbrook married in 1846 Miss Sophia Woodworth who died in 1863, leaving two sons: D. W. and E. A. Mrs. Susan E. Britton became his second wife in 1866. She bad three children: Charles, died at seventeen years of age; Lorin and Susan H. live at home. E. P. Hull is a native of London, England, born in 1828. He left his native country with his parents when seven years old and emigrated to Canada. Commenced learning the blacksmith trade which he followed until coming to Minnesota in 1855. His first home in this state was on a farm in Blue Earth county where be lived six years, then came to his present farm on section 17, Kasota township. In 1852 he married Miss Charlotte Woods. Jacob Klaseus is a native of Prussia, born in 1824. On coming to America in 1851, he settled in Troy, New York, but subsequently removed to Boston, Massachusetts, remaining until 1856; came to Minnesota and settled on section 7, Kasota township, and still resides there. Married in Boston in 1853, Mira Theressa Tower, who died. Miss Rose A Chedpun became his second wife. He has fourteen children: Joseph, Jacob, Mike, Frank, George, Beatrice, Josephine, Mary, Herman, John, Kate, Sophia, William and Leo. John P. Koenen, whose native land is Prussia, was born in 1827. In 1853 came to America and located in Illinois, but in 1856 he migrated to Minnesota and has since been a farmer on section 15 of Kasota. Married Miss Mary Miller in 1857 and is the parent of six children: Peter, Phillip, Ella, John, Frank and Annie. William Nason, Jr., was born in 1833 in Washington county, Vermont. With his parents moved to Ohio in 1849 and resided in that state until 1855. He then came to Minnesota and settled in Kasota on the farm where he now lives. His father, William Nason, Sr., came about two years later and was a member of the first board of supervisors. Miss Mariah C. Holister and Mr. Nason were wedded in 1859 and have a family of six children, all living at home. R. L. Nason was born in Lamoille county, Vermont in 1841 and when eight years old removed to Ohio with his parents. In 1857 he, in company with his father came to Minnesota and soon after settled in Kasota where he has since resided with the exception of his service in the army. He enlisted in 1861 in the Second Minnesota and served until the close of the war, then returned to his farm. Was elected to the state legislature in 1875 and served one term. John Ofenloch was born in Germany, in 1843. In 1867 he came to America and settled in Lake county, Indiana; three years later he removed to Minnesota, and after a brief visit in St. Paul, settled in Ottawa township, LeSueur county for one year. In 1871 be came to Kasota and built a blacksmith shop in which he still does business. Married in 1873 to Miss Mary Menten. Henry, Emma and Louisa are their children. Alex Pettis was born in Vermont, in 1823, and while a child accompanied his parents to Canada, where they remained four years, then went to Ohio and in 1835 migrated to Illinois. In 1855 came to Minnesota and settled in St. Peter, and continued living there until 1877, since that time has resided on the farm. Mr. Pettis participated in the defence of New Ulm during the Sioux outbreak of 1862. Married in 1850, to Miss Louisa Davis, who has borne him three children: Orange S., Mary A. and Cornelia M. Mr. Pettis' father was in the war of 1812, and died in Illinois in 1853. John R. Pheeney was born in Ohio in 1855, and when five years old removed to Winona, Minnesota, with his parents. Was educated in the public schools, and at the age of sixteen entered the freight office of the Winona and St. Peter Railway Company, remaining until December, 1880; the last two years he served as cashier. He was then made station agent for the Winona and St. Peter, and Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha railways at Kasota, which office he still Page 499 holds. Miss Mary Morgan became his wife in 1878. They have one son, Charles A. C. Smith is a native of Switzerland, born in 1817. In 1852 he came to America. Until 1856 he lived in Illinois, then came to Minnesota, and has since been a resident of Kasota. In 1862 he went into the Indian war, and when at New Ulm, had his horse shot while riding him. In 1875 his fine set of buildings was erected, and the same year the lime kiln was built. He was appointed postmaster of Caroline post-office in 1878. Married Mary Swirtz in 1860. Mary and Caroline are their children. David Street was born in Ohio, in 1841. When eighteen years of age be went to Kentucky and there engaged in the saw-mill business until 1861. He then joined the Second Kentucky regiment of infantry, in which he served during the entire war. He went to Illinois and bought a saw-mill which he ran about four years; in 1869 came to Minnesota, settled in Kasota, built a sawmill, and still continues in the manufacture of lumber. In 1863 Miss Sarah A. Hite became the wife of Mr. Street. They have seven children. E. R. Vernon was born in England in 1830, find came to America in 1850. When a boy he went to sea; followed a sea-faring life ten years, and on coming to America, settled in California. There he gave his time and attention to mining and farming until 1859, then returned to his native country. After remaining about one and one-half years he came again to this country and has since engaged in farming in Kasota townships. His wife was Miss Sarah A. Bland, married in 1859. Eight children have been born to them. A. J. Wakefield was born in Ohio, in 1828. Came to Minnesota in 1866, settled in Kasota township, near Lake Washington, and in 1871 bought his present farm. In 1874 he was appointed postmaster of Lake Washington. Was nominated representative to the state legislature in 1875; although running ahead of his ticket, he was defeated, as the district has a large democratic majority. Married in 1851, Esther Skelton, who has borne him nine children, all are living. James Warrant is a native of England, born in 1813. He lived there until attaining the age of twenty-three years, then came to America and settled first in Canada. He was a farmer in that country until 1856, then came to Minnesota and again began the life of a farmer in Kasota township, and has since resided on section 15. Married in 1832, Miss Margaret Kay. They are the parents of eleven children, six of whom are living. John Weger, native of Norway, was born in 1822. He came to America in 1850 and until 1861 lived in Wisconsin, then came to Minnesota; settled in Kasota, and in 1862 went into the army; served one year in the Minnesota mounted rangers then joined the Second Minnesota cavalry, in which he served until the close of the war. Returned to Kasota and has since been a resident here; has been town clerk for the past four years, and postmaster since 1879. He was united in marriage with Miss Eliza Kennedy in 1860; they have two sons, John B. and Charles K. WASHINGTON Although one of the smallest of the Le Sueur county townships, Washington has produced several of the more prominent county officials, and is the home of numerous energetic farmers. John L. Meagher, the present efficient judge of probate, who has held the office since 1875, was one of the first settlers of the town, taking a claim at what is now Marysburgh, on the southern boundary; being appointed postmaster in 1858 and having bold the position to the present time. In 1858 P. W. Smith took a claim in the next section and from that time forward the improvement of the town has been uninterrupted. There are three good schools in a flourishing condition, being well fitted out with late improvements. Church members attend neighboring churches. The Small town of Marysburgh has a post-office hotel, school and cemetery. Anselm Biehn is a native of Germany, born in 1828. He came to the United States in 1856, and after a residence of one year in Illinois, came to Minnesota in the spring of 1857. He was among the early settlers of the town and now owns a nice farm on sections 4 and 9. He married in Mankato in 1859, Miss Phillips. Anselm, Anna, Catharine, Sarah, Peter, Joseph, Lawrence, Henry and Felix are their children. Henry Biehn was born in Germany in 1826. His youth was spent in his native land and in 1854 he immigrated to Washington township where be now resides; his farm is located on section 4. He was married in Chicago in 1856 and is the father of five children, of whom four are living; Mary, Eliza, Louisa and Catharine. The only son, Henry, died. John L. Meagher was born in Cork county, Ire- Page 500 land, in 1826; immigrated to Boston, Massachusetts in 1848 and later removed to Maine. Came to Minnesota in 1857; settled on section 15, Washington township; has held the office of postmaster since 1858; served in the legislature in 1863 and '64; was county commissioner three years; was chosen probate judge in 1875, which office he still holds by re- election; was the first justice of the peace and is the present town clerk. June 19, 1852, in New Hampshire, he was married; Patrick W., Michael, John, Mary Antonious, James, and Mary Josephine are his living children. Five others are dead. Patrick W. Smith was born in Ireland in 1835; he came to America in 1852 and settled first in Kentucky. Coming in 1868 to Minnesota, he located on section 13, Washington township. In the fall of 1862 he enlisted in the first Minnesota mounted rangers and served one year; re-enlisted in the fall of 1864 in the 11th Minnesota in which he served until the close of the war. Was married in Minnesota to Mary Oakes and has had eight children, six of whom are living. Mark L. Wildes, born in 1828, is a native of Maine where he lived until 1849, when he spent two years in travel, then returned home and in 1857 came to Minnesota; resides on section 7, Washington township. In 1862 he enlisted and served one year. Mr. Wildes has held the various town offices and been county commissioner of Le Sueur county, also county superintendent. Rebecca, daughter of Captain Burke, became his wife in 1865 and has borne him five children: William F, Hattie R., Annie L., Mark L., Samuel H. M., Sarah B., and Nettie D. CLEVELAND Cleveland was one of the first of the interior townships to be settled. Among the most prominent of the early settlers are R. H. Everett, Mrs. L. Meeker (wife of H. Meeker, now dead) George Forsyth and J. W. Chambers who came during of prior to 1855. The next season followed Andrew Wilfert, Adam Wright, Dennis Hill and Freeman Talbot. The first business house was that of Forsyth & Agnew, it being a general store with small stock, opened in 1856. This firm was succeeded the following year by Borer & Weiss who continued but one year, Mr. Borer retiring. In 1857 the present thriving village of Cleveland was started, and from that date business enterprises increased until the village became one of the most influential in the county. During 1858 and for years afterwards there was a great rivalry between Cleveland and Le Sueur as to the location of the county seat. Cleveland having several times secured a majority of the county votes in her favor and being beaten through some informality connected with the election, at last became so incensed that a detachment of armed citizens made a partially successful effort to remove the seat by force. It was not until 1875 that Cleveland succeeded in carrying her point, and enjoyed her hard earned glory for little more than a year, Le Sueur Centre being finally settled upon as the county seat. The first death occurred in 1857; Mrs. L. Jones, who had been there but a short time, being the victim. In 1856 a son, Job, was born to Mr. and Mrs. David Lloyd; he is still living. The same year a daughter was born to William Forsyth. The first child born in the village was L. Lampman, in 1858, a son to N. B. and M. E. Lampman. Educational matters received but little attention until 1858, a school then being opened in a town hall with an attendance of upwards of fifty scholars. Rev. A. Montgomery was one of the first teachers. In 1865 a frame school-house, two stories, was erected, but gave place to a larger and finer building in 1880, with patent seats and modern improvements. There are seven other districts in the township. The Methodists in 1870 organized a society with forty nine members, and at once proceeded to erect a house of worship, with Rev. Joshua Barnard as pastor; he held the charge for three years. They were followed in 1874 by the Presbyterians, who organized a society with over twenty members, building a neat frame edifice. A Welsh church was organized in 1880 and a building erected, present pastor, Rev. Mr. Jones. In section 27 the German Lutherans have a church and cemetery. There are two other cemeteries, one on section 20 near Savidge lake, the other a Catholic, on Scotch lake, the former laid out in 1876 the latter in 1878. The Catholics were the first in the town to form a society and build a church; Father Somereisen, in 1862, awakened much interest and succeeded in forming an organization with fifty to sixty families, who at once proceeded to build a place of worship. There are two good saw-mills located on sections 5 and 34. There is a Masonic lodge, a dispensation hav- Page 501 ing been issued in 1861, as Cleveland lodge, and in 1864 a charter granted changing the name to Concord, No. 47, A. F. and A. M.; Presiding officers, W. H. Hall, W. M.; F. L. Rauson, S. W.,H. Zimmerman, J. W.; J. W. Chambers, secretary. Cleveland is a temperance town, voting no license. The present business is represented by two stores, two blacksmith shops, three wagon shops, one hotel, one gun store. Postmaster L. Lampman. Mrs. Eliza Brown, whose maiden name was Eliza Hoffman, was born in Indiana in 1837. In 1857 she was united in marriage with William Brown. Ten years subsequently she came to Minnesota, and is now living in Cleveland, Le Sueur county, on section 22. She is the parent of six children, four of whom living. J. W. Chambers was born in 1843 in Washington county, Ohio. At the age of twelve years he came to Minnesota and settled in Cleveland, where he was employed by W. B. Dodd in the construction of what is known as the Dodd's road. Returned to his native state in 1858 and remained two years, then again came to Minnesota. In 1861 enlisted in Company K, Seventh Minnesota. After the war be returned to Minnesota and engaged in farming in Cleveland. He married in 1868 Miss F. Enfield, who died in June, 1879. Mary is their only child. Florian Drenttel, a native of Germany, was born in 1837. Came to the United States in 1872 and for four years made his home in St. Peter, Minnesota. He then came to Cleveland, Le Sueur county, where he has since resided. He was married to Miss Estella Klinger, a native of Germany. They are the parents of four children. D. Dugaw was born in Lake county, Ohio, in 1848. When a child of three years he moved with his parents to Illinois and there lived seven years, then went to Wisconsin, where he remained until 1868. From that state he migrated to Martin county, Minnesota, and engaged in farming one year, then came to Cleveland, locating where he now lives. In 1872 he married Miss Jane Rogers, who has borne him two children, Charles and Henry. R. H. Everett is a native of Champaign county, Illinois, born in 1833. In 1855 he removed to Minnesota and settled in Cherry Creek Run, now known as Cleveland. His marriage with Miss Ann Flowers, which occurred on the 8th of January, 1856, was the first in the place. Mr. Everett enlisted in Company E, 11th Minnesota, and received an honorable discharge in July, 1865. Has a farm of 1,000 acres, with about 400 under cultivation. In 1869 Mr. Everett was elected to the legislature by the republicans. In 1872 changed his views and advocated the election of Horace Greeley, since which time he has been a democrat. He was a delegate to the democratic convention in Cincinnati, in which he cast his vote for General Hancock. They have eight children living. W. A. Flowers was born in Ohio in 1832. He lived on a farm until 1842, then moved to Indiana, where he remained until 1856. Coming thence to Le Sueur county, Minnesota, he settled in Cleveland. Enlisted in 1865 in Company G, First Minnesota heavy artillery. Miss Margaret Jones became his wife in 1859, and has borne him six children: Mary E., William W., Henry H., John C., Dora E. and Mabel. John R. Roberts, deceased, was born in 1833, in Oneida county, New York. He came to Minnesota in 1857, and on the 18th day of August, 1862, enlisted in Company E, Ninth Minnesota. On the 6th of December, 1862, he was wounded at the battle of Nashville, from the effects of which he died January 4, 1863, in the city of Nashville, Tennessee. At the time of his death be held the rank of second lieutenant. George Forsyth is a native of Scotland, and was born in 1836. Came to the United States in 1850, and four years later located on section 26, Cleveland township. He served in the civil war in Battery G, First Minnesota heavy artillery. Returning from the war he again resumed his farming pursuits in Cleveland. Was married in 1860 to Miss Angeline Huntly. Six children have been born to them, five of whom are living. Nelson Goldsmith was born in Kentucky in 1803. He came to Minnesota in 1864 and now lives in section 18, Cleveland township. He was united in marriage with Miss Nancy Daws in 1823. They are the parents of fourteen children, ten of whom are living. Benjamin W. Harriman was born in West Virginia in 1830. He moved to Dakota county, Minnesota in 1854 and remained there nine years; then moved to Cleveland in 1863 and located on section 14, on which he still resides. In the spring of 1865 he enlisted in the First Minnesota and was honorably discharged with the regiment. He has Page 502 served as county commissioner of Le Sueur county. Was married in 1859, in West Virginia to Mary E. Brown; John, William, Charles, Sophia, Levi, Howard, Mary and Benjamin jr. are the children. Jesse Hankins, professor of music, was born in Ohio in 1854, and was raised as a farmer. The family moved to Illinois when be was an infant, and in 1859 came to Waterville township, Minnesota; he lived there until 1877, then settled in Cleveland where he pursues his profession as musician. On the 3d day of May, 1877, he was united in marriage with Miss Leona Gilpatrick. Two sons, Roy and Ray have been born to them. Mr. Hankins is a son of John Hankins, of Cordova township. Denison Hill was born in Ashtabula county, Ohio, in 1838. With his parents be moved to Wisconsin in 1843 and ten years later went to Iowa; in 1856, be came to Minnesota; located at Cleveland, and is one of the proprietors of the sawmill. During the Indian outbreak he acted as scout and later during the war was deputy United States marshal; was also Indian agent at Winnebago agency two years. Mr. Hill's marriage with Caroline Green occurred in 1864. Five children have been born to them: Viola, William, Emma, Nora and Caroline. Thomas B. Hobson was born in Indiana in 1820. Came to Minnesota in 1856 and is now living on section 30, Cleveland township. He served in the defense of the Union three years; joined the Seventh Minnesota in 1862. His wife was Mary Linder, who has borne him six children; four have passed away and two are living. H. A. Johnson is a native of the state of New York and there received a common school education, passing his boyhood on the farm. He came to Winona county, Minnesota in 1855; to Cleveland in 1857, and has since engaged in blacksmithing and carriage making. Miss Maria Green, daughter of Mathew Green, of Cordova, became the wife of Mr. Johnson in 1876; they have one girl, Esther. N. B. Lampman was born on the 25th of March 1832, in Oneida county, New York. He remained on the farm until 1853, then for one year followed engineering in Illinois. Returning to New York he engaged in that business, and the next year removed to Pennsylvania. After working as civil engineer for some time, he started for Minnesota, landing first in St. Peter. Shortly after, however, he located in Cleveland. For eight years past he has been engaged in the interests of the North Star boot and shoe company of Minneapolis. Mr. Lampman was united in marriage in 1857 with Miss Mary E. Reid, of New York. They have had six children: the eldest, L. Lampman was the first white child born in the village of Cleveland, and is now engaged in the mercantile trade. Carl Leth is of German birth. He came from his native land to America in 1856 and the year following to Minnesota. He is a farmer located on section 29 of Cleveland. In the year 1856 he married Miss Mary Ponworth who has home him four children, two of whom died in infancy. Mrs. Lydia Meeker, widow of H. Meeker, was born in Ohio, in 1824. When ten years old she went to Indiana and in that state made her home nineteen years. There, in 1852, she married H. Meeker and with him came to Minnesota in 1855, locating in Cleveland township, on section 24. Her husband died on the 3d day of February, 1857, His widow with four children survive him. J. J. Oehler is a native of Switzerland, and was born in 1810. Coming to America in 1856, he chose Minnesota as his future home and located in Cleveland. He has a farm of eighty acres situated on sections 29 and 32. He was married in his native country in 1853 to Miss Elizabeth Cramer, and is the parent of two children. Joseph Pofpaff is a native of Germany, and was born in 1830. He immigrated to New York in 1854; removed to Minnesota in 1871. His home is now on his farm in Cleveland, on section3l. He was united in marriage with Miss Sophia Plum, in his native country; seven children have been born to them, all except two are living. Joseph Ponwitt, who is a native of Germany, was born in 1836. Coming to America when twenty years old, he settled the next year in Cleveland township. He still resides on his farm on section 19. His wife was Geto Philpman, married in 1862; six children have been born to them, of whom one died in infancy. Lorenzo D. Randon was born in Kentucky in 1843. In 1861 enlisted in Company B, 28th Kentucky infantry; served in the battles of Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta, Janesborough and others; was mustered out in December 1865; returning from service to Louisville, Kentucky, he remained only a short time, then came to Cleveland, Minnesota. His time is devoted to the manufacture of lumber, in which he does a Page 503 thriving trade. Married in 1871, Miss M. McHeron; four sons have been born to them, Charles, William, Thomas and Lewis. George Rinkel was born in Germany in 1833. Came to America in 1854 and the same year proceeded to Minnesota; he located in the fall of 1860 in Cleveland, on section 30. He was united in marriage with Widow Fetman in 1860 and has had seven children. Mr. and Mrs. Rinkel own eighty acres on sections 29 and 30. Charles Rogers, farmer, on section 11, was born in Ohio in 1852. When a lad of eight years he removed to Wisconsin, where he remained on a farm ten years; removing again in 1870 he settled in Martin county, Minnesota, and eight years later came to Cleveland. He was married in Martin county to Mary Jane Neal and has three children; Fayette P., Arthur I., and an infant. Lafayette Root, whose native state is Ohio, was born in 1836. In 1857 he came west and located in Minnesota. He resides in Cleveland township, on section 20, and is engaged in farming. During the war he served in Company H, sixth Minnesota infantry; he enlisted in 1862. In 1867 he was united in matrimony with Ella Brown, who died two years later. Minnie Scahndel was born in Germany in 1822. Came to the United States in 1855 and located at St. Peter, Minnesota; after a residence there of ten months she came to Cleveland and settled on section 11. She is the parent of seven children; Matilda, Betsey, August, Julia, Hammond, Julius, and Addie, all of whom are living. Hon. Freeman Talbot is a native of Ireland, born in 1811. He went in 1818 to western Canada with his parents, but removed to Minnesota in 1856 and settled in Cleveland. During the Indian outbreak he was commissioned captain of a company to go the relief of New Ulm and took an active part in the service. In 1872 and '73 Mr. Talbot was the choice of both political parties for state senator. He married in 1832, Miss Ann E. Clark, a native of Canada. Of the ten children born to them, five are living; Martha is the wife of W. B. Hall, of Winnipeg; Mrs. J. W. Kelly is a resident of Lake Jefferson; Charles H. resides in Winnipeg; Edward R. R. was killed during the late war; Louisa is the wife of Rudolph Yager; Benjamin is a resident of Dakota territory. Daniel Vanvleet was born in Ohio in 1846. In 1851 he accompanied his parents to Illinois where he lived seven years. In 1868 removed to Martin county, Minnesota, and after farming in that county eight years settled on section 11 of Cleveland township, where he still remains engaged in farming. Married in 1870, Miss Annie Dugaw, who has borne him one son and one daughter: David and Annie. Christian Vollmer was born in Germany in 1816. In 1856 he came across to America. His present home is in Cleveland township, on section 29; he came to Minnesota in 1865. Mr. Vollmer was married in 1857 and is the parent of four children. Andrew Wilfert, whose native country is Germany, was born in 1833. Came to America in 1854 and settled first in Indiana, and two years later he chose a home in Cleveland. Here he has since lived except the time spent in his country's service; enlisted in 1862 in Company K, Seventh Minnesota; participated in the battles of Tupelo and Nashville, also many other minor engagements; was honorably discharged in July, 1865, after a service of three years. The same year he married Miss M. Weiss. Their children are Emily, Henrietta, Annie, Felix A., Ellis, Maggie and Mary. Mr. Wilfert has served as chairman of the town board of supervisors several years. Moses E. Wilson was born in Ohio in 1845. During his youth he learned the trade of stone mason, in which, together with contracting, be has since engaged. In 1862 he enlisted in the 16th United States regulars; served until honorably discharged in 1864; participated in many severe, engagements. In 1873 he came to Minnesota and now resides in Cleveland in the pursuit of his trade. His marriage with Miss Emma Bramshe occurred in 1879. One son, John. Adam Wright was born in Indiana in 1820, and there spent his youthful days. In 1845 he was united in marriage with Miss Mary A. Yager. In 1856 they came to Minnesota and located in Cleveland township on section 28. They have four children. Mr. Wright has held several town offices. His father lived until reaching the age of eighty-four years. SHARON Sharon is one of the most populous and wealthy townships in the county. It lies directly east of Ottawa and the southern half of Le Sueur towns. It embraces within its borders a portion of the fertile prairie which follows the valley, nearly every acre of which is now under cultivation. Fully two-thirds of the surface was originally timber [intend to obtain Pages 504 - 508] Page 509 1856 he to Minnesota and located on his present farm in Lexington, on section 15. Four families and a small number of single men were the neighbors whom Mr. Stafford found on locating. In Vermont in 1856 he married Miss Lois Dickinson, who died in May, 1878. His second marriage took place in September, 1879, in the state of New York, with Miss Annetta Gannon. She had two childrent. Stephen Tooker, farmer on section 35, was born in New York in 1857. Until sixteen years of age he lived on the farm and in 1873 came to Minnesota and settled with his parents in Cordova township, Le Sueur county; subquently he located on his present farm in Lexington. He was united in marriage in 1879 with Miss Hattie Sykes. They have one son, an infant, John R. J. L. Whipple, M. D., was born in Ohio in 1829. When nineteen years of age he began the study of medicine in Rome with Dr. Porter Key, and with whom be remained two and one half years. After attending a course of lectures in Cleveland, Ohio, he went to Toledo and entered the office of Dr. Moser, where be studied two years. Removing to to Wisconsin in 1854 he practioed his profession two yeurs in Reedsburg, then made his home in Illinois. Enlisted in 1861 in Company 12, 11th Illinois infantry; served only six weeks when be received an injury and was honorably discharged. In 1863 came to Cleveland, Le Sueur county, and has since been pursuing his profession in differeut parts of the county. Became a resident of Le Sueur Centre in 1880. Married Lucinda Hurst in 1848. They have four children. CHAPTER LXV. CORDOVA - ELYSIAN - WATERVILLE - KILKENNY - MONTGOMERY - LANESBURGH Cordova, one of the centre townships of the county, was first taken possession of by settlers in the fall of 1856, A. Hess, H. Nelson, Henry Richardson and S. Wheeler taking claims of 160 acres each. In thc spring of 1857, they were followed by a large number of families. Mr. Richardson had brought with him a large load of general merchandise which he began business with after building a log store, early in 1857, continuing for three years. A second store started the same season by C. Clark, but was short lived. Shortly after his arrival S. Wheeler started a saw mill, as they were obliged go to St. Paul and pay as high as $80 per thousand feet for lumber. With some of the first products from his mill he built the first frame building, which was for years used as a hotel. During the first year of their sojourn they were called upon to mourn the lose of one of their number, Harvey Nelson, who died of consumption. The next event of interest was the marriage of William McConkey to Miss Mary Hess, in the summer of 1857. Early the following year a son, Andrew, was born to this couple, the first birth. In the fall of 1858 a school was opened in the log building erected by Ricardson for store purposes, by Miss Kate Hess, there being seven scholars. Three years later a more commodious school house was built. There are now four district schools in the township. Mission services were held in the school-house from 1859 to 1879, when two societies were organized. The Disciples of Christ and United Brethren; neither society built until 1881. The United Brethren had the first local pastor, Uriah Cook. A post-office was establisbed in 1857. Duran Densmore receiving the appointment, and holding the office a number of years. Cordova is also an anti-liquor town, and has a flourishing temperance organization, the Sons of Temperance, organized in 1877 with twenty-five members. Cordova village was incorporated in 1878, but has never acted as a separate corporation from the township. The business now consists of three general stores, one hardware, two blacksmiths, one wagonshop, two hotels, two saw-mills; there s also one school, One cemetery, two churches; present postmaster, W. V. Courtright. Niles Cottingham was born September 14, 1842, in Indiana, and lived there until eighteen years of age. Went to Iowa in 1860 and one year later settled in St. Peter, Minnesota, which was his home four years. In 1862 he enlisted in Company B, First Minnesota mounted rangers; served against the Indians fifteen months. He learned coopering in Cleveland township and one year later removed to Lexington; after a residence of eight years there, located in Cordova, where he now resides. On the 29th of July, 1866, Miss Melissa Moler became his wife. Gay, Ada, Lucy, Mildred and Mary are their living children. Page 510 Edith died in 1868 at the age of nine months. John Hankins was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, in 1826. In 1856 he located in Kankakee county, Illinois, but in 1860 moved to Minnesota, and has since been a resident of Le Sueur county. He was the first man from Waterville to volunteer his services against the Indians at the Sioux outbreak in 1862; he participated in the movement against them from Fort Ridgely to Swan lake, March 15, 1864, he enlisted in the Third Minnesota light artillery, and after a service of thirteen months was discharged, having been crippled in the right hand. Since returning to Waterville he has held numerous town offices. Married in 1848 Mary J. McBane, who has born him five children: Nathan S., Jesse and Jennie are living. Orange K. Hogle was born in 1819, in Ohio, where he remained until twenty-seven years of age, then spent two years in Illinois. He removed to Indiana, and in 1856 came to Minnesota; after a residence of eight years in Rice county he located in Cordova, Le Sueur county. Here he has served as postmaster seventeen years, also kept hotel; in April, 1881, he resigned his position as postmaster. In addition to village property he owns a farm on section 14. He was married in 1844 to Miss Mary Hankins, who has borne him one son and two daughters; only one is living. Patrick Hunt is a native of Ireland, born in 1828. Until twenty years of age he lived in his native country, then in 1848 came to America. For five years his home was in Massachusetts; he then located in Wisconsin, remaining fourteen years. Since that time he has lived in Minnesota, and is now located on section 16 of this town. His marriage with Miss May Hughes took place in 1858. Of the five children born to them two are living. O. A. Jackson was born in Indiana in 1825 and there lived until 1860. When about six vears old he began learning the coopers' trade. During the fall of 1860 he settled in St. Peter, Minnesota, which place was his residence three years. During the Indian troubles in 1862 be joined the volunteer company called the "St. Peter Guards" and with them was stationed at New Ulm. From St. Peter Mr. Jackson moved to Cleveland and three years later bought a farm of forty-seven acres in Cordova township, on which he has since lived. Married in 1848 Miss Nancy Sheldon, who was born in 1833. Of the thirteen children born to them only five are living. Adam Lueus was born April 12, 1823, in Ohio. When eight years old he moved to Indiana, where he received his education and learned the trade of millwright. He made a trip to California in 1850 and for two years engaged in mining. June 14, 1853, he married Mary Parker, a native of Ohio. They removed to Illinois, bought a farm and remained until 1864, when they came to Cordova. Here Mr. Lueus owns a saw and shingle-mill, also a grist-mill. He has served as justice of the pease and supervisor. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Lueus; six are living: Harriet, Hortense, Leona, Nancy, Charles, and George. Rose A. McCoy, eldest living daughter of Patrick and Bridget McCoy, was born in Le Sueur Centre, May 13, 1861. Her father was one of the first settlers of the county; located here in 1856 with a comfortable fortune which be had acquired in California. This was his home until his death, which occurred in August, 1865. He was the parent of four children, three of whom are living. Miss McCoy began her education at the age of twelve years and on returning home at the age of seventeen, began her career as teacher in the district schools of the county. Her home is on section 4, Cordova township. John G. Parker, born in 1826, is a native of Ohio. At the age of six years he went to Indiana, and after a residence of twenty years in that state, moved to Illinois. Enlisted in 1861 in the First independent battery of Indiana artillery and was discharged eighteen months later. Came to Minnesota in the fall of 1862, and in 1864 re-enlisted in the Third Minnesota heavy artillery, was discharged with the rank of second lieutenant of Company L. At the surrender of Harper's Ferry, in 1862 he was severely wounded; participated also in three battles with the Indians in 1864. Married Miss Cassandra Hankins in 1855. They have had two children; one is living. James F. Richardson was born in Rochester, New York, on the 5th of December, 1858, and is one of a family of seven children, six of whom are boys. When two years of age he came with his parents to Cordova and has since resided here; received a common school education. He owns a farm adjoining the village of Cordova. His mother was a native of Limerick county, Ireland; his father of Tolland county, Connecticut. Their children are, Stephen, James F., Mary E., John C., Adam and Arthur. Jonathan H. Robbins was born in 1835 in In- Page 511 diana. In August 1862, he enlisted in the 87th Indiana, Company F, and was discharged after a service of more than two years on account of disability, caused by wounds received in battle. September 20, 1862 he was wounded in the battle of Chickamauga, and escaped death almost miraculously; was struck by shots six times. He was taken to the hospital where he lay confined in bed forty-four days. On being lifted from the field of battle, his knapsack was found to have been pierced by bullets in many places, as was also the coffee can which hung on his cartridge belt at his side. Three times the next soldier at his right fell dead, also one at his left. In 1869 he came to Minnesota and settled on section 14, Cordova. His wife was Miss Ann Smith, married in 1860. Four of the five children born to them are living. Mrs. Mary Sierbert, whose maiden name was Mary Smith, was born in Germany, in 1842. She came to America in 1868; received her education in her native language. Since coming to Cordova her home has been on section 31. Her late husband, Henry Sierbert, who was also a native of Germany, died in 1879. Four children were born to them. William T. Unger was born on the 18th of February, 1827, in Franklin county, Pennsylvania. When eight years old he moved to Richland county, Ohio, where he learned the trade of a blacksmith, serving an apprenticeship of seven years, after which he received a diploma. After spending several months in Indiana, and in Ohio, he located in Indiana, remaining nine years; in 1852 went to Wisconsin and the next year came to Minnesota; lived in Rochester thirteen years. He is now located in Cordova in the pursuit of his trade. Married Rachael Watson in 1842, who has born him twelve children: Nancy, Mary, Catherine, Rose A., Susan, and John are the living. ELYSIAN The township of Elysian, organized in 1858, is one of the centre of the most southern tier of townships in the county and differs somewhat in the nature of its natural surface, being more hilly and the soil more sandy than most of the county. There are two large, clear lakes within its borders, German and Lake Francis, besides numerous smaller lakes. Among the earliest settlers in Elysian were M. Logan, Geo. Johnson, Edward Morshing and Godfrey Dean, all of whom took the most available claims of 160 acres in the spring of 1855 and proceeded at once to open farms and build log houses. During the summer and fall of that year large numbers of new settlers arrived and proceeded to make themselves homes. As early as 1857 a school was established and a small log building erected, which served for several years. There are now seven school districts in the township and six substantial school-houses. In 1859 the German Lutherans organized a church society with eleven families; also building a log house of worship in which occasional services were held by district missionaries. A new frame edifice superseded the old log building in 1870, and was in charge of Rev. H. Springler, for four years thereafter. A few years ago a second church was erected on section 30 by a society of the United Brethren. A Methodist Episcopal church and cemetery is located near the centre of the town. In September of 1856, the inhabitants were thrown into a state of great excitement by the announcement that a great fire was approaching their section of the country from the south-west. The ground was deeply covered with dry leaves and great damage was feared, but the sturdy pioneers at once devised a plan which proved successful in saving their houses and stock. There is a chain of lakes reaching nearly across the town, and the settlers at once proceeded to rake leaves, plow, ditch, and burn the strips of land between the lakes, completing their labors just in time to effectually stop the ravages of the fire. A few however, living on the southern shores were not so fortunate, having to take refuge in the center of their fall plowed fields, and even then being nearly smothered by beat and smoke; some lost their all, while others saved their houses and portions of their stock. Nearly all the hay which was put up in the sloughs was destroyed, causing much suffering to the remaining stock. In 1857 the village of Elysian was surveyed, and the following year a post-office established, Aug. Lang being appointed postmaster and holding the position until 1880. The first death recorded was that of a Mr. McCormick in the summer of 1857. He was buried in a private yard, there being no cemeteries laid out until about 1870. The following year, 1858, Charles Folzmann married Miss Augusta Sperber. The present postmaster of the village is G. Raeker. The business of the village can be summed up as follows: Two general stores, three Page 512 hotels, two blacksmiths, two wagon shops, steam saw-mill, two shoe shops and one carpet weaver. John Chadwick was born in New York in 1828. When a lad of eight years he left his native state for Ohio, locating in Lake county. His home was there for twenty-two years, attention being given chiefly to farming. Coming to Minnesota in 1857 he bought a farm, and still lives in Elysian township. Enlisted in 1864 in the First Minnesota heavy artillery, and at the close of the war was honorably discharged. His marriage with Miss Vashti Covill took place in 1850. Four children have been born to them, three of whom are living. A. D. Chase was born in Maine in 1845; when seventeen years of age came to Minnesota. He is now located in Elysian township, on section 32. Miss Henrietta Smith became the wife of Mr. Chase in 1869. She has borne him three children, all of whom are living. William Clarke is a native of England, born in 1839. When twelve years of age he came to America, and first settled in Chicago; remained there seven years; after spending the winter in Iowa he came to Elysian and settled on section 34 in 1857. He has been chairman of the board of supervisors for the past three years. Married in 1866 Miss Helena Fitzgibbon, who has borne him ten children; nine are living. Ephriam Davis was born in 1809, and is a native of New York. Came to Ohio, having previously learned the trade of a cooper; after a residence there of twelve years he located in Watertown, Wisconsin, where he remained twelve years; in 1858 came to Minnesota, and since that time his home has been in Elysian township. Enlisted in 1861 in Company H, Third Minnesota, and served three years; was taken prisoner at Murfreesboro, but was soon after paroled and returned to Minnesota; served against the Indians at the battles of Birch Coolie and Wood Lake. Miss Sarah Simons became his wife in 1864. Aug. H. E. Lange was born in Prussia in 1828. He resided there until 1851, then came to America and worked as a jeweler in Washington five years; in 1856 he came to St. Peter, Minnesota, and the next spring removed to Elysian; is engaged in general merchandising here. Represented his district in the legislature in 1878; was postmaster for fifteen years, and has also officiated as town treasurer and clerk. During the war Mr. Lange served only six months, being discharged on account of sickness. His first marriage took place in 1868, but his wife died seven months later. His second marriage took place in 1879. Frank M. Long was born in 1839 in Ohio. There he lived until 1861, when he enlisted in Company B, 26th Ohio, and served four years and seven months; was in the battles of Stone River, Shiloh, Chickamauga, Franklin, Nashville, Mission Ridge and other minor engagements. Was mustered out in the rank of orderly sergeant. He visited Minnesota in 1856, and finally settled in Le Sueur county Elysian township, on section 32. In September, 1871, he married Martha Lewis. They are the parents of four children. Ira Myrick was born in New York in 1820, where he resided until 1851, then came to Wisconsin. He erected the first frame building in La Crosse and remained there three years. Was elected county treasurer of La Crosse county in 1853, but resigned on account of his proposed removal to Minnesota. Built a saw-mill near Le Sueur, but subsequently removed it to Elysian, where he has since lived and given his attention to the manufacture of lumber. Has served as county commissioner and justice of the peace. Married in 1843 Miss Rosaline Bigelow, a native of New York. Of the six children born to them, four are living. A. E. Prosser was born August 14, 1836, in Orange county, Indiana. In 1855 he started for Minnesota, coming from Dubuque to St. Paul on the steamer "Lady Franklin." Arrived at St. Peter May 10, 1855, and preempted a farm. For some time he was in the office of the "St. Peter Courier." He moved on the farm in 1858, and is settled on section 33, Elysian. Enlisted in 1864 in Company H, Second Minnesota. Has held nearly all the offices in the gift of the citizens; is now supervisor and justice of the peace, also reporter to the agricultural department at Washington. In December, 1857, he was wedded to Miss Elizabeth Ulven, who has borne him eleven children; ten are living. George H. Sterling was born in Orleans, New York, in 1829. When twenty years of age he migrated to Scott County, Iowa, and remained two years, thence to Muscatine. Came to Minnesota in April, 1853; made a trip from St. Paul to St. Louis on a raft; visited Illinois on his return, and again reached St. Paul in September, 1854. The first buzz-saw used in sawing cord-wood in that city was operated by him. On coming to Elysian Page 513 in 1856 he found only one family had reached it before him. He first settled on section 26, but subsequently sold and bought on section 27. Miss Ellen Fitzgibbons became the wife of Mr. Sterling in 1855. They have had ten children; seven are living. Asa B. Swaine was born at Athens, Bradford county, Pennsylvania, in 1822. When six years old he went to Vermont and lived there nineteen years, then went to Ohio and remained there three years. Went to Wisconsin in 1844; lived there until 1865, then came to this state. In the spring of 1862 he recruited Company H, 80th Wisconsin, of which he was chosen captain. He was principally on special duty in Iowa and Minnesota. Four companies of the 30th Wisconsin built and located Fort Wadsworth, and were later ordered to join Sherman. Mr. Swaine was discharged from service in 1865. Married in November, 1845, Miss Catherine Cross. They had eight children; four are living. One son, George D., is a practicing physician at Le Sueur. J. O. Swain was born in Bradford county, Pennsylvania, in 1824. When quite young he went to Vermont and remained two years then to Ohio two years; returning again to Vermont, he remained until attaining the age of fifteen; after spending five years in Ohio, he went to Wisconsin, and in 1856 came to Minnesota; has been chairman of supervisors in Elysian a number of times; assessor sixteen years and superintendent of schools in the township four years; is at present a county commissioner, and in 1873 was a member of the legislature. January 23, 1845, he was married, and has six living children. William Warner is a native of Northamptonshire, England, where he was born in 1839. Came to America in 1863, and for ten years resided in Wisconsin. He located in Elysian township in 1863 and now lives on section 23. He was united in marriage in 1864, with Miss Mary Somers who has borne him five children; all are living. WATERVILLE Waterville occupies the southeastern corner of Le Sueur county, and is one of the most prosperous and thickly settled townships. It contains two of the most attractive lakes in that section of the state; Tetonka, four miles in length, and Sakata, three miles; both have clean sandy shores, the water is of crystal purity and abounds in all kinds of fish. The township was first settled by immigrants coming from the south and east. Among the earliest and most enterprising were Jacob Dawald, Samuel Drake, Michael Ferch, Amos Robinson and Charles Christman. Early in the spring of 1857 A. Tidball and L. Z. Rogers paid the county a visit. Mr. Tidball at once locating, followed in the summer by Mr. Rogers and his family. Both gentlemen opened general stores soon after their arrival; Mr. Tidball built the first frame building at the present town site, and occupied it as a general store for many years. Mr. Rogers upon his second arrival brought a large stock of merchandise and immediately opened a store which he still runs. It was in this year that the town of Waterville was surveyed and a post- office established, with Samuel Drake as postmaster. He resigned in August and Mr. Rogers was made his successor. On the 29th of August, Major Lewis Stowe, who was then acting as deputy, turned over the office to Mr. Rogers, bringing the complete outfit including all unclaimed mail matter, in an ordinary cigar box. A hotel was built the game year by Jacob Dawald, which has been changed and added to since, it being now the leading house in the village. The first death which occurred was in the fall of 1855, the young son of Samuel Drake, who died of small pox. In the spring following another son was born to Mr. Drake, which was the first white child born in the town. During the same year Michael Ferch and Miss Francisca Densbabach were united in marriage. Of the many towns in that vicinity during the great Indian scare of 1861, Waterville was the only one which felt safe, and no guards were put out. She, however, claims the honor of having taken the last Sioux scalp, for which a liberal bounty was received. Educational matters received some attention in 1857; a small frame building was erected, and school opened by Miss Davison (now Mrs. Dr. Hitchcock) with an attendance of thirteen scholars. This building gave place to a large one a few years subsequent. The Waterville district is now independent, having a $9,000 schoolhouse, graded, with departments as follows: Primary, intermediate, grammar and high; principal, Prof. Hedger. In the township there are nine districts, eight of which have good buildings; the ninth is a fractional district, the building being located in the adjoining town, Morristown. [intend to obtain Pages 514 - 524] Page 525 to America and to Minnesota. In 1859 settled in Montgomery township on section 8. He started a small store, and soon after moved to the village and engaged in general merchandise business. He came here a poor man, but industry and economy have won for him a competence. He now owns 1,200 acres of land. His wife was Mary J. Krahl, also a native of Saxony, married in 1869. William, Charles, Mary, Edward, Herman and George are their children. L. Schrauth was born in Ohio in 1848. His youth was spent on the farm; received a common school education, and left Ohio in 1860 for Faribault, Minnesota. In 1877 he located in Montgomery and embarked in the hardware trade under the firm name of Bohrauth & Brother. His wife was Miss Maggie McBreen, married in 1874. Fred, Mary and John are their children. T. W. Sheehy was born in county Limerick, Ireland, in 1829. He immigrated to Connecticut in 1850; lived there two years, then spent four years in South Carolina and two years in Kentucky. After engaging in the mercantile trade in St. Paul several years with a brother, he in 1875 went to Faribault and embarked in business under the firm name of Murphy & Sheehy; the partnership continued until 1880; Mr. Sheehy then came to Montgomery, and is now in the mercantile trade with his son John P. as partner; they have a fine store and do an extensive business. Miss Catherine Brown, also of Irish birth, and Mr. Sheehy were married in 1859. Casey, John P., Mary, Margaret, Richard N. and William M. are their children. J. J. Thomas was born in Winnebago county, Wisconsin, in 1857. He acquired a knowledge of the trade of a cooper. Came to Minnesota in 1881 and located in Montgomery. He married in 1876 Miss Ida Grey. They have two boys: Albert and Walter. W. H. Woods, M. D., was born in Ohio in 1823. He was educated in the medical profession from childhood. After attending college in Cleveland and Ann Arbor, Michigan, he graduated at Euclid, Ohio. Came to Minnesota and settled in Owatonna in 1856; remained until 1866. Removed to Le Sueur and resided there two years, and in 1868 moved to Madelia. Since 1879 he has lived at Montgomery, engaged in practice. Dr. Woods was the attending physician upon the notorious outlaws, the Younger brothers, after their capture at Madelia until their removal to Faribault. He has in his possession six teeth from the mouth of James Younger and the clothing of Charles Pitts, who was killed in the capture. In 1818 Dr. Wood married Miss O. Taisley. They have had fifteen children; eleven are living. LANESBURGH Lanesburgh occupies the extreme north-eastern portion of the county, and was one of the first interior towns to invite settlement. Settlers began taking claims as early as 1854. Frank Heil and A. Stahl taking the lead. They were soon followed by J. Reueck, F. W. Rolars, A. Richter and others. Much of the most available land being in the western portion of the township, quite a settlement was formed by 1869, and a post-office established. Frank Maertz, postmaster. A Catholic society was also formed, a church built and cemetery located. There are now at this point one general store, one shoe shop, blacksmith shop, grist and saw mill. Present postmaster Joseph Haieal. The German Lutheran society have a good church edifice and cemetery located upon section 6. Six good schools; are located at convenient points throughout the township. Upon section 3, Frank Redley runs a brewery built in 1877. A fraction of the town of New Prague lies in the northern part of section 8, there being but a few private dwellings in this fraction, however. Joseph Petricka is a native of Bohemia, born in 1833. He spent his youth in his native country. In 1869 he came to America; he subsequently located in Lanesburgh township, on section 4, where he now resides with his family. He was united in marriage with Miss Mary Swoboda, who has borne him eight children. CHAPTER LXVI WAR RECORD OF LE SUEUR COUNTY First Infantry, Company A. Privates-Abel Biddle, must. May 18, '61, dis; for disab'y Mar. 2, '63. J. T. Halsted, must. Apr. 29, '61, w'd in battle of Bull Run, dis. for disab'y Sep. 1, '62. Company G. Privates-James Belote, must. May 23, '61, tran. to U. S. cav. Oct. 24, '62. Jerome Farnsworth, must. May 23, '61, died July 23, '63. S. H. Johnson, must. May 23, '61, dis. for disab'y. Dec. 8, 61. [Pages 526 - 532 to be done] [Extracts from Pages from 526 - 532] War Record of Le Sueur County Second Infantry Company E, mustered July 5, 1861 Corporal - Solon Cheadle. re-en. Dec. 26, '63 Drafted - Willard Thayer, must. Oct. 5, '64, dis. with regt. (page 526) Third Infantry Company I, mustered November 9, 1861 Privates - Byron Canfield, re-en. Jan. 1, '64 dis. with regt. (page 526) Fourth Infantry Company D Privates - P. A. Briggs, must. Oct. 1, '61, dis. for disab'y Mar. 26, '62 Joseph Everett, must. Oct. 1, '61, dis. on ex. of term, Dec. 21, '64 (page 527) Drafted - John Dickey, must. June 2, '65, dis. with regt. Owen Davis, must. June 2, '65, dis. with regt. James Davis, must. June 3, '65, dis. with regt. Company H, mustered December 20, 1861 Recruits - George Flowers, must. Sep. 1, '64, dis. June 12, '65 Company I, mustered December 23, 1861 Wagoner - William Raridan, re-en. Jan. 1, '64 Privates - A. J. Moler, dis. on ex. of term, Dec. 26, '64 G. R. Moler, dis. Dec. 31, '63, re-en. Jan. 1, '64, dis. with Regt. Recruits - A. S. Gish, en. Dec. 28, '61, re-en. Jan. 1, '64, died Oct. 7, '64, of wd's rec'd at Alltoona, Ga. J. W. Gish, en. Dec. 27, '61, dis. for disab'y July 18, '62 (page 528) Seventh Infantry Company K, mustered September 24, 1862 Privates - T. B. Davis, dis. per order June 9, '65 W. H. Pettis, dis. for disab'y, May 11, '63 C. C. Pettis, dis. with regt. Recruits - Joseph Davis, en. Jan. 29, '63 (page 529) Tenth Infantry Company G, must. Sept. 28, 1862 Privates - Wellington Canfield, dis. with regt. Recruits - J. H. Davis, must. Aug. 11, '63, dis. with regt. J. H. DeLaughter, must. Mar. 4, '64, dis. with regt., absent (page 530) Eleventh Infantry Company E Privates - M. S. Cheadle, must. Aug. 26, '64, dis. with regt. R. H. Everett, must. Aug. 25, '64, dis. with regt. (page 531) First Regiment Heavy Cavalry Company E Privates - William A. Flowers, must. Feb. 15, '65, dis. with comp. (page 531) [Pages 642 - 649 to be done] Nicollet County {Pages 661, 667, 671 - 672 to be done] END OF FILE