Nicollet and LeSueur Counties
Volume II (biographies)
William Gresham
1916
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Nicollet and LeSueur Counties
Volume II (biographies)
William Gresham
1916

Last Updated: 25 December 2001


This file contains transcriptions for:
Hon. H. Howard Flowers
Edward C. Davis
William H. Jaeger
Rudolph Jaeger
Stephen H. Briggs
Henry F. Pettis
Martin F. Ponwith
Ebenezer R. Davis
Hon. Mahlon R. Everett
Otto Wendelschafer
William W. Dickie
Martin L. Flowers
Charles Roscoe Davis
Henry W. Wendelschafer
Hon. Charles Russell Davis
Albert Eben Davis


HON. H. HOWARD FLOWERS

The Hon. H. Howard Flowers, representative in the lower house of the 
Minnesota General Assembly from the twenty-seventh district and speaker of 
the House in the session of 1915, president of the Frist State Bank of 
leveland, LeSueur county, for seventeen years postmaster of that village 
and for many years one of the leading merchants of Cleveland, is a native 
of that same district, having been born on a pioneer farm on September 11, 
1865, son of William A. and Margaret (Jones) Flowers, the former of whom was
born in Champaing county, Ohio, in 1832, and died in Pennsylvania in April, 
1915, and the latter, born in Wales in 1840, died at her home in Cleveland, 
LeSueur county, in 1882, both of whom were pioneers in LeSueur county.

William A. Flowers was the son of Charles and Margaret (Rhodes) Flowers, 
the former a native of New York state and the latter a native of New Jersey,
born in 1808, who died in 1892.  Charles Flowers was a farmer and merchant, 
and he and his wife were the parents of five children, three sons and two 
daughters, whom they reared in the faith of the Methodist institution, 
Asbury College, now DePauw University, at Greencastle, Indiana, and became 
a school teacher.  After teaching awhile in Indiana he came to Minnesota in 
1856 and located at Ottawa, in LeSuer county, where he taught for several 
years, spending his summers on famrs in that neighborhood.  He was married 
in 1859 and taught but a few winters thereafter, devoting the remainder of 
the active years of his life to the development of his extensive farming 
interests in Cleveland township, having been one of the most substantial 
landowners and influential residents of that neighborhood.  Mr. Flowers was 
a Republican and ever took an active interest in local political affairs, 
serving his township very usefully in several official capacities.  He was 
a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at St. Peter and for years 
took an active part in the affairs of that order.  He and his wife were 
faithful members and influential workers in the Methodist church, he having 
been a trustee in the church for many years, and their six children, Ella, 
William, Howard, John, Dora and May, all of whom are living, were reared in 
that faith.  Following the death of his wife, in 1882, Mr. Flowers spent 
much time in the East, in and about the place of his birth, and his death 
occurred in Pennsylvania in 1915, he then being eighty-three years of age.

H. Howard Flowers received his elementary education in the district school 
in the neighborhood of his boyhood home in Cleveland Township supplementing 
the same by attendance at the high school at St. Peter, up??? completing 
which course he entered a business college at Fayette, Ohio, from which he 
was gradtuated in 1886.  Upon his return from college Mr. Flowers began 
teaching school in LeSueur county and was thus engaged until 1889, in which 
year he engaged in the agricultural implement business at Cleveland, which 
business he presently merged into a general hardware and general merchandise
business, which he continued with much success until 1913, when he sold his 
store.  In the meantime, in 1902, the First State Bank of Cleveland was 
organized and Mr. Flowers was elected first president of that institution, 
a position which he has occupied ever since that time, long having been 
regarded as one of the leading bankers in this part of the state.  In 
addition to his extensive banking and other interests in and about Cleveland
Mr. Flowers is the owner of eleven hundred and fifty acres of land in 
LeSueur county and Canada and is regarded as being very well circumstanced.

Even from the days of his youth Howard Flowers has given his most thoughtful
and intelligent attention to political affairs hereabout.  As a Republican 
he early became one of the acknowledged leaders of that party in LeSueur 
County and his excellent judgment and thorough acquaintance with local 
conditions gave much weight to his counsels in the deliberations of the 
party managers.  His first public service was as village recorder at 
Cleveland, a position he held for eight years, rendering excellent service 
in that capacity.  For ten years he was clerk of the local school board, in 
which position he was enabled to do much toward elevating the standards of 
education in his home village.  He was actively interested in the 
consolidation of the Cleveland township schools in the school now at 
Cleveland.

Under President McKinley's first administration, Mr. Flowers was appointed 
postmaster of Cleveland and for seventeen years held that position, his 
service in that connection ever having been satisfactory to the patrons of 
that office.  In 1912 Mr. Flowers was elected representative from the 
twenty-seventh Minnesota legislative district and served with distinction 
in the lower house of the General Assembly during the session of 1913.  In 
1914 Representative Flowers was re-elected and the fine record which he had 
made during the preceding session, coupled with his universal personal 
popularity among the other members of the House, made him the logical 
choice of that body for speaker of the House when the 1915 session convened.
Speaker Flowers performed a signal service in behalf of the state of 
Minnesota during the period of his service as presiding officer of the 
House of Representatives and became at once a personage of state-wide 
importance, his firm rulings on numerous questions of fital concern to the 
people and his vigorous grasp of the basic principles underlying certain 
issues of large import that were raised during that session, attracting 
attention even beyond the confines of the state; his official course earning
for him not only th eunbounded confidence of the people but their warm 
gratitude, and it is harldy too much to say that Representative Flowers 
occupies a place in the hearts of the people of the state second to none 
other.

In 1889, H. Howard Flowers was united in marriage to Mary Diller, daughter 
of John and Sarah (VanAntwerp) Diller, prominent residents of this section 
of the state, and to this union four children have been born, as follows: 
Frances, who married William Lloyd; Frank, cashier of the First State Bank 
of Cleveland, and Gladys and Harry, who are in high school.  The Flowers 
have a beautiful home in the village of Cleveland and take a leading part 
in all social and cultural activities in that community, being held in the 
highest esteem by all thereabout.  Mr. Flowers is a Mason and a member of 
the local lodge of the Modern Woodmen, in the affairs of both of which 
orders he takes a warm interest.
(pages 33-35)

EDWARD C. DAVIS

Edward C. Davis, leading member of the E. C. Davis Seed Company, is 
counted one of the promising young business men of St. Peter, Nicollet 
county, Minnesota. He is a native of the state of Iowa, born in Competine 
township, Wapello county, that state, on February 10, 1887, son of Edward
DeLos and Maggie (Eller) Davis, one of a family of nine children, eight 
of whom are living.

Edward C. Davis is the second child of the family and acquired his 
elementary education in the common schools of his native township, 
attending also the high school. He then went to the Iowa Agricultural 
College at Ames for higher study, spending one year on the academic 
course and then taking the regular four-year college course. He was
graduated from that institution in 1911 and in August of the same year 
came to St. Peter where he assumed charge of the agricultural school, 
remaining in that position two years. The following six months he spent 
as an instructor in the agricultural school of Minnesota State University 
and then devoted six months to agricultural extension work throughout the 
state. Since coming to Nicollet county, Mr. Davis has won for himself a 
pleasing degree of esteem among the people of this community. He is modest 
and retiring in disposition, a thorough student of his chosen work and his 
expert knowledge of agricultural matters has been of great value to the 
farming element of Nicollet county, Mr. Davis engaged in his present 
business in August of 1914 and is gratified at its steadily increasing 
proportions.

Through the local lodge at Martinsburg, Iowa, Mr. Davis is a member of 
the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and shortly after becoming a resident 
of St. Peter he was made a Knight Templar. Already a man of influence in 
his chosen line, Mr. Davis bids fair, because of his many excellent 
qualities, to become well and favorably known over a vastly wider field 
of influence.
(page 95)


WILLIAM H. JAEGER

William H. Jaeger of LeSueur Center, Minnesota, is cashier of the First
National Bank of that place. He was born in Cleveland, LeSueur county, 
and is the son of Rudolph and Louisa Jane (Talbot) Jaeger. His early 
education was acquired at home and in the public schools. After leaving 
school he secured employment, at the age of sixteen, as clerk in a store 
in Cleveland, where he remained until he was twenty-one. At this age he 
purchased a small store in Cleveland and entered business for himself. He 
remained in this work until 1896, and in the fall of 1898 he was elected 
to the office of register of deeds of LeSueur county and took up his 
residence at the countv seat. After serving his term as register of deeds 
he became interested in banking and was elected to the position of cashier 
of the First National Bank of LeSueur Center, which position he still retains.

William H. Jaeger was married to Amy Ruth Darling, of Nobles county, a 
daughter of A. P. Darling.

Mr. Jaeger is one of the highly respected citizens of LeSueur county 
and is always active in any matter that pertains to the betterment of 
conditions for the people. He is a member of the Odd Fellow's lodge.
(pages 102-103)


RUDOLPH JAEGER

Rudolph Jaeger, of Cleveland, now deceased, was one of the best known 
and most respected citizens of LeSueur county. He was born in Germany 
in 1821, and was possessed of a liberal education before he emigrated 
to this country. He was well versed in both the German and the English 
language, and was taught the trade of a cabinet-maker. He was a graduate 
from the Polytechnic Institute in Berlin.

Mr. Jaeger came to America in 1846 and landed in the city of New York, 
where he worked until 1848. In that year he went to Chicago and remained 
there until 1856 and from there he came to Cleveland, LeSueur county, 
Minnesota, where he lived until his death in 1898. At the outbreak of 
the Civil War he enlisted in Company K, Seventh Regiment, Minnesota 
Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war, when he was 
honorablv discharged.

On December 25, 1865, Rudolph Jaeger was married to Louisa Jane Talbot, 
who was born in London, Ontario, in April, 1844. She was the daughter 
of Freeman and Eliza Talbot, who came from London, Ontario, to LeSueur 
county in 1856. To Rudolph and Louisa Jane (Talbot) Jaeger were born 
five children: Carrie E., now the wife of Martin L. Flowers, who lives 
on a farm near Cleveland; Rudolph B., who married Frances Cheadle and 
who lives on a farm in Otter Tail county; William H., who married Amy 
R. Darling, of Nobles county, and who is now in the banking business 
in LeSueur Center, and two daughters who died in infancy. In addition 
to these children they, reared in orphan girl whose mother died when 
she was an infant. Cecil Maude Coburn, daughter of Willis and Edith 
Coburn. The Coburn girl, though never legally adopted, was always 
considered and treated as one of the family. She is now the wife of 
George L. Cheadle, Jr., who lives on a farm near Cleveland.

Rudolph Jaeger was a quiet, unassuming man of sterling character and 
was always content to live modestly. He held the office of town clerk 
of LeSueur Center for seventeen years and was honored by his party with 
the nomination for the office of probate judge, but was defeated in the 
final election. He was an active member of the A. K. Sparo Post, Grand 
Army of the Republic, of St. Peter, Minnesota.
(pages 136-137)


STEPHEN H. BRIGGS

Stephen H. Briggs, successful farmer, able business man, leading citizen and
former public official, was born in Boone county, New York on April 22, 1836
a son of Abiathar and Huldah (Coombs) Briggs.

Abiathar Briggs was a son of Abiathar and Johanna (Rounsville) Briggs, 
natives of Massachusetts, and settled in Courtland county, New York, where 
they spent their last days, the former dying at the age of seventy-eight 
years; the latter at seventy-five years.

Abiathar Briggs, Jr., was born at Middleboro, Massachusetts, and when a 
young man served in the War of 1812.  In 1856 he moved to the state of 
Wisconsin, where he lived about three years.  In 1858, Mr. Briggs came to 
Nicollet county, Minnesota, where he homesteaded a farm and then returned 
to Wisconsin, where he secured his family, whom he moved to this county in 
1859.  At a later time, Abiathar Briggs moved to Traverse where he died at 
the age of seventy-five years.  Huldah, hte wife of Abiathar Briggs died in 
New York, at the age of sixty-seven years.

Stephen H. Briggs received his education in the common schools and at the 
Courtland Academy, New York, after which he taught school in New York state 
for one year and then moved with his parents to Wisconsin, where Mr. Briggs 
engaged in the profession of a school teacher for three eyars.  Moving to 
the state of Minnesota, Mr. Briggs continued in his dutites as a school 
teacher for a short time, after which, in 1860, he bought forty acres of 
land in section 12, Traverse township, this county.  On his farm Mr. Briggs 
built a frame house in 1862, which now serves as a part of his present 
residence which is toady one of the best of the community.  From time to 
time he has added to his acreage, until now he is the owner of nearly two 
hundred acres of land on which he engages in general farming and in the 
raising of live stock.  Mr. Briggs specializes in live stock culture, now 
being the owner of a herd of about thirty cattle as well as twelve head of 
good grade hourses.  As a business man, Mr. Briggs has demonstrated his 
ability as an organizer, promoter and manager, having been one of the 
organizers of the co-operative creamery at Traverse Station, a concern which
Mr. Briggs managed for many years.  About the year 1880 he built a grain 
elevator at Traverse Station, which he managed until 1907, and he has been 
the promoter of other enterprises all of which have been notably successful.
  Some time ago Mr. Briggs surveyed a portion of his farm which adjoins 
Traverse Station.

On October 28, 1862, Stephen H. Briggs was married to Cynthia Doty, who was 
born in Tompkins, New York, and who, at an early age came to Nicollet county
Minnesota.  To the marriage of Stephen H. and Cynthia Briggs have been born 
the following children:  Frank, an employee of the state insane hospital, 
who married Mary Kretschmer and they are the parents of four children, Byron,
Marion, Margarette and Raymond; George A., a graduate of Gustavus Adolphus 
College, who makes a specialty of bee culture on the home farm, where he 
owns more than hone hundred swarms of bees; and Mary E., a musician and 
piano teacher, living at home.

Mr. Briggs has taken a conspicious part in the political career in 1875, of 
his community for many years.  He started his political career in 1875, when
he was elected to the office of county surveyor; he also has been the 
occupant of the offices as assessor, township treasurer for Traverse 
Township, during a term of fifteen years; clerk of the school board and a 
member of the school board for many years.  Mr. Briggs has served his 
township as supervisor and was postmaster Traverse for some time.
(pages 195-196)


HENRY F. PETTIS

Henry F. Pettis, successful farmer, and a citizen prominent in the business 
and official life of Kasota township, LeSueur county, Minnesota, was born 
in Pike county, Illinois, on June 9, 1852, a son of Charles and Sarah 
(Hosford) Pettis, natives of Vermont and Connecticut, respectively.  Charles
Pettis was a son of Stephen Pettis and wife, the former a veteran and a 
colonel of the War of 1812, who moved from Vermont to Ohio and then to Pike 
county, Illinois, where he spent his last days.  Stephen Pettis was four 
times married.

After spending his early days and receiving his education in the public 
schools of Vermont, Charles Pettis moved to the state of Ohio with his 
father.  Here Mr. Pettis lived until after his marriage, when he moved to 
Pike county, Illinois, he there engaging in farming and in his early trade 
as a carpenter until 1853, when, together with his eldest daughter and 
eldest son and other relatives, he came to Minnesota, and located on eighty 
acres of land on the banks of Lake Emily, in LeSueur county.  On this land 
he lived as a "squatter," until his death in 1856, after which the land was 
pre-empted by the administrator of the estate of Mr. Pettis.  Later the 
widow of Charles Pettis pre-empted some adjoining land on Lake Emily, living
on her ninety-seven acres of land for some time and then selling it shortly 
before her death in 1889.

Charles and Sarah Pettis were the parents of nine children: Stephen W., 
Catherine, John, Eliza, Olive, Melissa, Emily, Charles, who was a veteran 
of the Civil War, and Henry F.

Henry F. Pettis received a common school education after which he remained 
on the home farm in LeSueur county, until the death of his mother and then 
moved to a farm of twenty acres in Kasota township, which he had purchased 
some years previously.  Later, Mr. Pettis moved to the farm which was 
originally the property of his eldest brother, Stephen, and on this place, 
which now contains one hundred eighteen acres, he lives as a general farmer 
and as a raiser of high grade Shorthorn cattle and Norman horses.  Mr. 
Pettis also is owner of one hundred and seventy acres of land in Kasota 
Township, this county, the first twenty acres of which he purchased in 1872.

In addition to his general agricultural pursuits, Henry F. Pettis takes an 
active place in thebusiness life of this community, being a director of the 
Pettis Elevator Company, an office which Mr. Pettis has occupied since the 
organization of the company in 1908.

On February 25, 1873, Henry F. Pettis was married to Mary Randolph, who was 
born in Whiteside county, Illinois, a daughter of James Randolph and wife.  
On July 2, 1911, Mr. Pettis was married, secondly, to Mrs. Harried (Handly) 
Pettis, widow of Stephen Pettis, a brother to Henry F. Pettis.  By her 
former marriage Mrs. Pettis is the mother of two children, Dora and Cecil.

Mr. Pettis has taken a place of note in the official life of Kasota Township
and of LeSueur county.  For ten years he served on teh township board; 
during four years was a county commissioner, and for twelve years a member 
of the school board.  Fraternally, Mr. Pettis is a member often Independent 
Order of Odd Fellows and is a member of the Knights of Pytias, in this 
county.  Mr. Pettis is one of the highly respected and esteemed citizens of 
Kasota township and LeSueur county, being a man who has taken no small part 
in the present development of this community.
(pages 205-206)

MARTIN F. PONWITH

Martin F. Ponwith, a well-known and progressive farmer of Cleveland 
township, LeSueur county, is a native of that same township and has 
lived there all his life.  He was born on March 29, 1875, youngest of 
six children of Joseph A. and Henrietta (Feldman) Ponwith, who for years 
were among the best-known pioneers of that section, leaders in good works 
and highly respected throughout the entire countryside.

Joseph A. Ponwith, Sr., was born in Germany on March 17, 1836, youngest 
son of Hans and Dora (Wiegman) Ponwith, both natives of the old country, 
the former of whom died there, leaving seven children, Mary, Sophia, 
Potuve, Dora, Christiana, Elizabeth and Joseph A.  In 1856 the Widow 
Ponwith came to America, accompanied by her youngest son, Joseph A., 
and settled at Buffalo, New York.  The next spring Joseph A. Ponwith 
came to Minnesota, stopping at Winona, from which place he walked to St. 
Paul.  After looking about there a bit he came to this part of the state 
by boat, seeking a homestead site, and stopped at St. Peter.  By that 
time the best land in the St. Peter neighborhood had been pre-empted 
and not finding anything just to his liking, he walked back to St. 
Peter, in the neighborhood of which city he worked on a farm for the 
next five or six months, at the end of which time he returned to St. 
Peter and some time later bought a forty-acre in Cleveland township, 
LeSueur county, where he started farming for himself in 1858.  Having 
no team or implements other than a grub-hoe and an ax, he started in 
with these useful implements of agriculture and his first crop was 
raised with a hoe.  In 1861 he married Henrietta Feldman and sold his 
partly improved tract of forty acres and bought an eighty-acre tract 
on which not a stick of timber had been cut and there he started anew 
to establish a home.  In 1862, when the Indian troubles broke out, he 
and his wife were compelled to walk to St. Peter for protection, he 
not having yet been able to secure a team, and he carried their first-
born babe all the way.  For some years this brave pioneer couple 
encountered many difficulties and overcame many hardships, but presently 
began to see their way clear and prosperity began to smile on them, 
Mr. Ponwith long having been regarded as one of the most substantial 
farmers in Cleveland township.  He is the owner of a fine farm of six 
hundred acres, well improved with modern buildings, and is accounted 
quite well-to-do.  He removed from the farm in 1897 and resided in St. 
Peter, and made his home there until the death of his wife, in 1906,
and then returned to the country and made his home with his children.  
Mr. Ponwith is a Republican and has served the people of his neighborhood 
as a member of the school board and in other useful ways.  He and his 
wife are earnest members of the German Lutheran church and have helped 
to build two churches of that denomination, ever having been helpful in 
all good works to their community, being held in the highest esteem 
thereabout.  To them six children have been born: Alvina (deceased), 
Herman, Emma (deceased), Henry (deceased), Joseph A., Jr., and Martin F.

Martin F. Ponwith received his education in the district school in 
the neighborhood of his home in Cleveland township and as a young man 
started farming on a portion of the old home, which portion, a well-
cultivated tract of one hundred forty-nine acres, he has owned since 
the time of his marriage in 1901, besides which he owns an eighty-acre 
tract and a forty-acre tract in other sections of the same township.  
In connection with his general farming he engages quite extensively in 
stock raising and is known as a progressive and enterprising young farmer, 
who is doing well his part in the development of the natural resources 
of his home neighborhood.

In 1901 Martin F. Ponwith was united in marriage to Ella Davis, daughter 
of Henry C. Davis and wife, prominent residents of the Cleveland 
neighborhood, and to this union two children were born, Sadie, born on 
May 17, 1902, and Alice, October 18, 1904, the mother of whom died on 
April 25, 1912.  Mr. Ponwith is a member of the German Lutheran church, 
to the good works of which he gives his earnest attention.  He is a 
Republican and has ever given his intelligent attention to the political 
affairs of the county, though never having been included in the office-
seeking class.  He is an active, energetic and progressive farmer, and 
is held in high regard throughout the entire community.
(pages 236-237)

EBENEZER R. DAVIS

The late Ebenezer R. Davis was a native of Canada, but counted among the 
pioneer band who found their way to LeSueur county, Minnesota.  He was born 
in 1832, a son of Orange Davis who left the Dominion of Canada in 1837 with 
his family, to escape being drafted into the army.  Ebenezer R. Davis was 
only five years of age at the time his parents moved from his birthplace to 
New York state, where they spent some time, then moved on west as far as 
Pike county, Illinois.  They remained there until 1853, when the father, 
Orange Davis, came to LeSueur county, securing a tract of land from the 
government on the shores of Lake Emily.  The next year the family joined 
the elder Davis, who divided his time between farming and making shingles.  
He was an industrious and honorable citizen of LeSueur county, who bore well
his part in a wild, unsettled country.  He died at St. Peter, to which 
place they had retired; his wife died at her daughter's home, at Lake Emily.
these good people had endured the privations and hardships only known to 
pioneers in Minnesota, in the fifties and sixties.

Ebenezer Davis, son of Orange Davis and wife, was only a mere boy when he 
accompanied his parents to Illinois from New York state.  In 1850, during 
the gold excitement in far-off California, young Davis joined the throng of 
fortune-hunters in that country.  He remained in California until 1852, when
he returned to Illinois, and with his mother and the other members of the 
family, came to Minnesota in 1854, the father having immigrated here in 1853
prepatory to the coming of his family.  Ebenezer R. remained at home until 
1855, when he obtained land in his own name, the same now being known as the
Gault farm, which he sold in 1858, purchasing the one he later lived on for 
a half century.  He was united in marriage in 1855 to Louisa J. Pettis, born
on November 7, 1837, daughter of John and Ann (Cummings) Pettis.  Mrs. Davis'
parents, however, had died when she was yet quite young, the mother passing 
away in Ohio and the father was stricken by cholera in St. Louis, Missouri, 
the same year.  The daughter was taken into the home of an uncle, Charles 
Pettis, who brought her with the family to LeSueur County, where they made 
their home on the shores of Lake Emily.  It was there that Charles Pettis 
made his permanent home, remaining until overtaken by death in 1857, while 
his wife survived him and lived to a ripe old age.  In the John and Ann 
Pettis family there were six children born, three of whom are still living. 
 These besides Mrs. davis are her brother, Charles, who makes his home with 
her, and Thomas, who resides in Illinois.

Mr. and Mrs. Davis lived on their farm at Kasota for over fifty years, and 
there he died on May 11, 1909, and after that sad event, Mrs. Davis moved to
St. Peter, purchased a handsome residence on North Minnesota avenue, where 
she has since made her home.  In numerous capacities Mr. Davis had been 
associated with those things which were calculated to develop this county 
and state.  In the first instance, it was he who aided in making the 
original survey of the town plat of St. Peter, he having carried the chain 
for the surveyor in charge.  In addition to operating his farm he was 
connected with the management of the Kasota flouring-mills.  Many a pioneer 
recalls him as having a stirring, enterprising way about him, which caused 
him to be much admired by his fellow citizens.

In all charitable works, helping the worthy poor and unfortunate, Mr. Davis 
was ever foremost.  His religion was of that type that caused others to be 
happy and live exemplary lives in the community.  Many persons living in 
this and adjoining counties, have reason to cherish his name for his 
generosity and sterling traits of character.  No children were born to Mr. 
and Mrs. Davis, but the childhood and youth of many in the community knew 
them as fast friends, and mourned with older ones when he passed away.
(pages 264-265)

HON. MAHLON R. EVERETT

The Hon. Mahlon R. Everett, former state senator from LeSueur county and 
one of the best-known lawyers in this part of the state, now serving as 
city attorney of Waterville, is a native of Ohio, having been born in 
Champaign county, that state, January 11, 1842, son of Epenetus and Anna 
(Rittenhouse) Everett, both natives of the state of New Jersey, who moved 
to Ohio in 1828 and resided in Champaign county, that state, the remainder 
of their lives.  They were the parents of nine children.  Anna Everett 
died in 1848.  Epenetus Everett survived until April 1, 1885, he being 
eighty-five years of age at the time of his death.  Following his first 
wife's death he married again to which second union there were six children 
born.

Mahlon R. Everett was reared on the farm on which he was born in Ohio, 
receiving his elementary education in the district school in the 
neighborhood of his home and in the high school at Urbana, which he 
supplemented by a course in Wittenberg College at Springfield, Ohio, in 
the meantime teaching school for two or three terms.  In 1864 he left 
college to go to California and he spent about three years in that state, 
teaching school while there; returning to Ohio in 1867.  He remained at 
his old home but, short time, however, and in that same year again turned 
his face West, coming to Minnesota and settling in LeSueur county.  He 
located at the town, of Cleveland, where he soon began reading law in 
the office of Add & Bernop at St. Peter, later entering the office of 
Cadwell & Severance at LeSueur, and was admitted to the bar in 1872, 
ever since which time he has been in active practice of his profession 
in LeSueur county and for ten years practiced law at LeSueur in partnership 
with Joseph Cadwell.  Mr. Everett, maintained offices at Cleveland and 
LeSueur until 1881, in which year he moved to Waterville and has been 
in practice there since.  For a period of twenty-five years he was 
closely identified with banking business.
In connection with his extensive legal practice Mr. Everett has given 
a considerable share of his time to public affairs and has done a good 
citizen's part in that connection his interest in civic affairs having 
been of large service to the community.  For nine years during the 
earlier years of his residence here, Mr. Everett served very efficiently 
as county superintendent of schools for LeSueur county, his labors in that 
connection having been productive of much good in the way of advancing 
educational standards.  He then served the county for six years as county 
attorney, to which office he was elected in 1886, and shortly after moving 
to Waterville was elected first mayor of that village.  In 1898 he was 
elected state senator from LeSueur county on the Democratic ticket and 
served for eight years as a member of the upper house of the Minnesota 
General Assembly, being honored by the people of the county by being 
elected for a second term, his service in the Senate distinguishing him 
as one of the most active and influential members of that body.  At 
present Mr. Everett is serving at city attorney of Waterville and in 
this, as in all his public service, is giving his very best attention 
to the duties of the office.  Since retiring from the Senate in 1906 
he has devoted his attention to his private practice and is also local 
attorney for the Chicago Great Western Railroad Company.

On March 2, 1873, Mahlon R. Everett was united in marriage to Maud 
Chance, born on July 18, 1849, who died on May 10, 1887, leaving four 
children, Grace L., Maud V., Thomas L., who died in 1914, and Marian T.  
Mr. Everett married in 1899, Nora R. Cox, which union has been without 
issue.  Mr. Everett is a Royal Arch Mason and a Knight Templar, a member 
of the blue lodge and the chapter at Waterville and of the commandery at 
Faribault.  He also is a noble of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles 
of the Mystic Shrine, holding affiliation with Osman Temple at St. Paul, 
and is likewise affiliated with the local lodges of the Knights of Pythias 
and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, though of late years he has 
not been giving much attention to lodge affairs.  Mr. Everett occupies a 
high place in the esteem of both bench and bar in this part of the state 
and is held in high esteem by all.
(pages 280-282)


OTTO WENDELSCHAFER

Otto Wendelschafer, prosperous farmer, was born on February 27, 1886, 
and is the son of Adam and Mary (Dietz) Wendelschafer, both of whom were 
born in Germany. The parents were married after coming to the United States.

Otto Wendelschafer was educated in the local schools of his township, 
after which he assisted his father on the farm and began to work for 
himself. When but a small lad he left the farm that he now owns and 
which is his home, and lived with his father on the farm in Nicollet 
county for twenty years. In 1909 he came back to the farm of his birth, 
where he now owns one hundred and ninety-four acres of land. The house 
was here when he returned, but a most substantial barn and other 
outbuildings have been erected.

In 1910 Otto Wendelschafer was united in marriage to Nellie Haney, the 
daughter of Samuel E. Haney and wife, a biographical sketch of whom is 
presented on another page of this volume. Mr. Wendelschafer and wife 
are active and influential members of the German Lutheran church at 
St. Peter.
(pages 285-286)


WILLIAM W. DICKIE

William W. Dickie, one of the best-known and substantial farmers of 
Cleveland township, LeSueur county, is a native of the bonnie land of the 
heather and the thistle, havning been born in Scotland on October 16, 1856, 
eldest son of John and Margaret (Watt) Dickie, both natives of Scotland, the
former of whom was born on October 16, 1828, and the latter, April 24, 1833,
who became pioneer residents of this section of Minnesota.  Early in the 
year 1857 he and his wife and their infant son, William, the immediate 
subject of this biographical sketch, came to America, proceeding at once to 
Minnesota, settling near Scotch lake, in Cleveland township, LeSueur county.

John Dickie was born on a farm in Scotland, the youngest of the nine 
children of William and Elizabeth (Penny) Dickie, the others having been 
William, Alexander, Peter, Elsie, Isabelle, Mary, Margaret and Christina.  
John Dickie grew to manhood on the home farm in Scotland and married 
Margaret Watt, a neighborhood lassie, youngest of the three children of 
Alexander and Agnes (Delgarno) Watt, the others having been Alexander and 
Isabelle.  Early in the year 1857 he and his wife and their infant son, 
William, came to America, proceeding at once to Minnesota, settling near 
Scotch lake, in Cleveland township, LeSueur county.  John Dickie bought 
forty acres there on which he established his home in the wilderness and 
there he and his family lived through the hardships and difficulties which 
confronted the pioneers of that period, suffering the terrors of the Indian 
uprising and all the dangers of that time.  Mr. Dickie was a good farmer, 
however, and a substantial citizen and presently began to prosper in his 
pioneer farming, it not being long before he was recognized as one of the  
leading factors in the development of that region.  After awhile he added 
to his original homestead by the purchase of an adjoining tract of 
seventy-five acres, to which he later added an additional twenty acres and 
became a very substantial farmer.  During the Cival War Mr. Dickie 
demonstrated his patriotic devotion to the land of his adoption by enlisting
for service in the Union cause in Company E, Fourth Regiment, Minnesota 
olunteer Infantry.  He enlisted on January 2, 1865, and was mustered out 
with his regiment, at the close of the war, at Louisville, Kentucky, July 
19, 1865.  John Dickie and his wife were earnest members of the Christian 
Church and their nine children, William W., Peter, John, Margaret, Mary, 
Catherine, Harriet, Rose and Elizabeth, were reared in that faith.

William W. Dickie was not a year old when he was brought to America by his 
parents and he grew to manhood on the old home farm in Cleveland township.
  His first schooling was gained in a little log shanty in the neighborhood 
of his home and he grew up a witness to all the trials and hardships which 
the pioneers of that period were compelled to face.  Being the eldest child 
in a growing family, he early began helping his father in the work of the 
farm and lent valuable assistance in the labors of developing the home acres.
He has remained a farmer in Cleveland township all his life and now owns a 
fine farm of one hundred and thirty-five acres, on which he has prospered 
fairly well, being regarded as one of the substantial residents of that 
community.  Mr. Dickie has not neglected his duty to the public and has 
served the township faithfully in several public capacities.  He is a 
Democrat and served for years as a supervisor, for some time having been 
chairman of the board of supervisors.  He also has served as a member of 
the school board and in both these positions of public trust and 
responsibility rendered admirable service in behalf of the people.

In 1880 William W. Dickie was united in marriage to Sophia Harriman, 
daughter of B. W. and Susanna (Brown) Harriman, who came to Minnesota from 
West Viriginia about the year 1855, settling in Dakota county, whence they 
presently moved to LeSueur county.  To William W. and Sophia (Harriman) 
Dickie nine children have been born, as follow: Charles, who married 
Florence Davis; Anna Belle, who married Fred Davis; Elizabeth, who married 
Thomas J. Lloyd, and Paul C., Walter, Hubert, Irene, Raymond and Helen.  
Mr. and Mrs. Dickie are earnest members of the Christian church, Mr. Dickie 
having been an officer of that church, either as a deacon or trustee, for 
the past thirty-five years or more, and their children have been reared in 
that faith.  The Dickies are earnest in all good works in the neighborhood 
in which their home has been so long established and are held in high 
regard throughout that entire community.  Mr. Dickie is a member of the 
Modern Woodmen, in the affairs of which he takes a warm interest.
(pages 299-301)

MARTIN L. FLOWERS

Martin L. Flowers, a well-known farmer of Cleveland township LeSueur 
county, was born on a pioneer farm in that same township on January 21, 
1870, son of George and Catherine (Rhoades) Flowers, the former of whom 
is a native of New Jersey, born on February 17, 1831, and the latter of 
Ohio, born on October 2, 1841, both of whom are still living, making 
their home in the household of their son, the subject of this biographical 
review, spending their declining years in quiet comfort, with many vivid 
recollections of pioneer days in this section, both having undergone all 
the hardships and privations which the early settlers in Minnesota were 
compelled to face during the time this region was being made a fit 
habitation and abiding place for the people of the white race.

George Flowers is a son of George and Elizabeth (Everett) Flowers, who 
left their home in New Jersey when their son, George, was an infant in 
arms, and migrated to Ohio, where they spent the remainder of their 
lives and where the younger George grew to manhood.  In 1855, he then 
being about twenty-three years of age, George Flowers, Jr., came to 
Minnesota with the determination to try his fortunes in the rich country 
then being opened to settlement hereabout.  He obtained a quarter of a 
section of wild land in Cleveland township, LeSueur county, and there 
began to prepare a way for the establishment of a home in the wilderness.  
He raised his first crop with no other implement than a hoe, having 
neither oxen nor horses to aid him in his task of bringing the wilderness 
under cultivation, and he reaped his first field of wheat with a sickle.  
The second crop he cut with a cradle and thought that method a great 
improvement over the former primitive fashion.  In the meantime the 
young pioneer was doing his part in promoting the common good and made 
himself useful in all coming pioneer activities, being one of the men 
who cut the Dodd road through this country.  Mr. Flowers married a 
pioneer lass in 1860 and had thus an additional incentive to push his 
work of bringing his farm under cultivation.  Recognizing the crucial 
period of the Union's great struggle during the Civil War, he enlisted 
on September 1, 1864, in Company H, Fourth Regiment, Minnesota Volunteer 
Infantry, and with that valiant regiment went to the front, taking part 
in several important engagements, participating in Sherman's campaign 
to the sea, marching in the Grand Review at Washington at the close of 
the war, and was mustered out with the regiment on June 12, 1865.

At the end of his military service, Mr. Flowers returned to his farm 
and as the years passed he prospered in his operations until he presently
became the owner of a fine farm of four hundred and forty acres, which 
he still owns.  In 1902 he and his wife retired from the active duties 
of the farm and moved to the pleasant village of Cleveland, where they 
made their home until 1912, in which year they returned to the home of 
their son, Martin L., where they are now living, honored and respected 
by all.  Mr. Flowers is a staunch Republican and has ever lent his time 
and his influence in behalf of the principles of that party in local
campaigns.  Seven children have been born to them, of whom all are 
living save Mahlon, the third in order of birth, and George, the fifth, 
the latter of whom died at the age of three years, the others being 
Elma, Elsworth, Martin L., Hannah and Orange.

The mother of these children is the daughter of Jacob H. and Mary 
(Kaiser) Rhoades, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Holland, 
who left their home in Ohio when their daughter, Catherine, was a young 
girl and drove through to Minnesota, settling in Cleveland township, in 
LeSueur county, having been six weeks making the trip.  Mr. Rhoades 
bought a quarter of a section of land there, but after some years 
disposed of his interests and moved to Kansas, where his wife spent 
her last days, after which he went to live in the home of another 
daughter in Oregon, where his death occurred some years later.  Jacob 
H. Rhoades and wife were the parents of six children, all of whom are 
now deceased save Catherine, who married Mr. Flowers on December 6, 
1860, and George, the deceased having been Joseph, Margaret, Elizabeth 
and Charles.

Martin L. Flowers received his education in the district school in the 
neighborhood of his home in Cleveland township, and as a young man 
started farming on his own account.  In 1894 he bought the eighty-acre 
farm on which he since has made his home and has made it one of the 
model small farms in his neighborhood.  In addition to his general 
farming he has given considerable attention to stock raising and has a 
fine herd of Holstein dairy cattle, being recognized as one of the 
progressive farmers of Cleveland township.

In 1889 Martin L. Flowers was united in marriage to Carrie E. Jaeger, 
daughter of Rudolph Jaeger and wife, and to this union three children 
have been born, Lura E., Rudolph M. and Georgia Anna.  Mr. and Mrs.
Flowers are members of the Methodist church.  Mr. Flowers being one of 
the trustees of the church, and their children have been reared in that
faith.  The family takes a proper part in the general social activities 
of the neighborhood and is held in high esteem thereabout.  Mr. Flowers 
is an ardent Prohibitionist and is one of the most uncompromising foes 
of the liquor traffic in his section, being active in all movements 
designed to advance the interests of the anti-liquor campaign in this 
state, and particularly in this vicinity.  He is a member of the local 
lodge of the Woodmen and takes a warm interest in the affairs of that
order.
(pages 310-312)


CHARLES ROSCOE DAVIS

Charles Roscoe Davis, a well-known and enterprising young business man of 
Clevelan, LeSueur county, member of the progressive firm of Lloyd Brothers 
& C. R. Davis, dealers in general hardware, agricultural implements and 
automobiles at Cleveland, is a native of LeSueur county, having been born 
on a homestead farm in Kasota township, September 26, 1882, son of Henry C. 
and Melissa (Pettis) Davis, both members of pioneer families and prominent 
residents of that section, whose respective fathers had left Pike county, 
Illinois, in 1853, and had homesteaded land in LeSueur county, where they 
established their permanent homes.

Henry C. Davis was born in Pike county, Illinois, July 6, 1844, youngest son
of Orange R. and Adelaide (Barlow) Davis, both natives of Canada, who 
migrated from the Dominion to New York state and thence to Illinois, where, 
in Pike county, Orange R. Davis operated a farm until 1853, in which year 
he came to Minnesota and entered a claim to a quarter of a section of land 
in Kasota township, LeSueur county.  The next year he established his family
on this homestead tract and there he and his wife spent the remainder of 
their lives, long having been accounted among the most prominent and 
influential residents in that section.  They were the parents of ten 
children:  Thomas, S. William, Orange R. Ebenezer R., Louisa B., Isaac B., 
Sarah Ann, Caroline, Harriet and Henry C., the latter of whom, father of the
subject of this biographical sketch was about ten years of age when he came 
to Minnesota and here he spent the rest of his life, becoming one fo the 
most substantial residents of Kasota township, as well as one of the best-
known men in this part of the state.  Henry C. Davis grew to manhood on the 
Kasota township homestead and in due time pre-empted a quarter section of 
land for himself in the same township and there established his home.  
In early days he served as deputy sheriff of LeSueur county and for many 
years was constable of Kasota township.  During the time of the Indian 
outbreak he was a member of the Home Guards and participated actively in 
the bloody engagements with the Souix.  He was one of the detail of soldiers
which brought the thirty-eight condemned redskins from New Ulm to Mankato 
and was a member of the detail which had charge fo the execution of those 
bloodthirsty leaders of the uprising.  For thirty years or more, Mr. Davis 
was a practical auctioneer, crying sales throughout this part of the country
and became very well known hereabout.  He prospered in his agricultural 
ventures and presently became the owner of about four hundred sixty acres 
of excellent land in LeSueur and Nicollet counties.  He was a Republican and
a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.  He and his wife were 
members of the United Brethren church and ever took an active part in the 
good works of their neighborhood.  They were the parents of nine children, 
all of whom are still living, save Ella, the third in order of birth, who 
died in 1913, the others being Chester H., Lily M., Annetta D., Stella M., 
Albert E., Cecil I., C. Roscoe and Harriet E.

Melissa (Pettis) Davis, mother of the above children, was born in Pike 
County, Illinois, February 7, 1842, daughter of Charles and Sarah (Hosford) 
Pettis, the former a native of Vermont and the latter of Connecticut.  As a 
young man, Charles Pettis emigrated from Vermont to Ohio, where he married 
and a few years later moved to Illinois, settling on a farm in Pike County, 
where he lived until 1853, in which year he came to Minnesota and entered a 
claim to a quarter of a section of land in Kasota township, LeSueur county.
  The next year he brought his family out here and established his home on 
the north side of Lake Emily, and there spent the reaminder of his life, 
long having been regarded as among the leaders in the community life of that
section.  Charles Pettis started a pioneer store on his place, now known as 
Pettis Station, and operated the same for years in connection with his 
farming.  He and his wife were the parents of nine children, Steven W., 
Catherine P., John L., Anna E., Olive G., Melissa J., Emily F., Charles C. 
and Henry F.

Charles R. Davis received his elementary education in the district school 
in his home neighborhood in Kasota township, supplementing the same by a 
course in Gustavus Adolphus College at St. Peter, from which excellent old 
institution he was graduated in 1901.  Upon completing his schoooling, Mr. 
Davis engaged in the grain business at St. Peter and was thus engaged for 
four years, at the end of which he went to Pettis Station, where for four 
years he was engaged in the grain business, having his headquarters in the 
general store of C. Roscoe Davis and C. A. Davis.  In 1908 he formed a 
partnership with Thomas J. and William Lloyd in the general hardware and 
agricultural implement business in the village of Cleveland and has been 
thus engaged ever since, in the meantime having continued his operations in 
grain until 1915, when he disposed of that branch of the business, and is 
now devoting the whole of his attention to the growing interests of the
mercantile establishment with which he is connected.  In 1912, following in 
the foosteps of his father, who for years was one of the best-known 
auctioneers in this section of Minnesota, Mr. Davis entered the 
auctioneering business and has made quite a success of the same, carrying 
on this branch of his business independent of his commercial interests.  He 
is an excellent and enterprising young business man and enjoys the full 
confidence of commercial circles throught this section.

In 1912 Charles R. davis was united in marriage to Stella Baker, daughter 
of R. B. Baker and wife, well-known residents of this community, and to this
union twin sons have been born, Roscoe W. and Russell M., born on March 4, 
1913, a mighty interesting pair of youngsters.  Mr. and Mrs. Davis take a 
proper part in the social activities of Cleveland and are held in high 
esteem by their many friends thereabout.  Mr. Davis is a Republican and 
gives a good citizen's attention to political affairs, though never having 
been included in the office-seeking class.  He is a member of the Equitable 
Fraternal Union, in the affairs of which he takes a warm interest, and is 
likewise warmly interested in all movements designed to promote the general
interests of the community in which he is so active a factor.
(pages 333-335)




HENRY W. WENDELSCHAFER

Henry W. Wendelschafer, deputy sheriff of LeSueur county, secretary 
and treasurer of the Cannon Valley Furniture Company, at Waterville, 
and one of the most energetic and enterprising young men in that section, 
is a native-born son of LeSueur county, as were both his father and mother, 
both members of pioneer families, prominent in the early life of this region. 
He was born in Washington township, LeSueur county, May 9, 1890, son of Fred 
W. and Emily (Wilfret) Wendelschafer, the former of whom also was born in 
Washington township and the latter in Cleveland township.

Fred W. Wendelschafer, one of LeSueur county's best-known citizens, is a 
son of G. C. and Dora (Wilkins) Wendelschafer, both natives of Germany, 
the former of whom was born in 1833, son of Frederick and Catherine 
Wendelschafer, who came to the United States with their family in 1852,
settling in Illinois, where they remained until 1857, in which latter 
year the family came to Minnesota, settling in LeSueur county, the fourth 
generation of this family now being actively represented in the social, 
civic and business life of this community.

G. C. Wendelschafer was reared in Germany and in 1852 came with his 
father and family to America, locating in Illinois. In 1856 he came 
to this section of Minnesota and bought a homestead right to a quarter 
of a section of land in the heart of the woods in Washington township, 
LeSueur county, paying for the same two hundred and fifty dollars, and 
proceeded to develop the same. The next year his father and his family 
joined him here and the long struggle to convert the wilderness tract 
into a fit habitation and abiding place began, but Mr. Wendelschafer 
was of the true pioneer stock and he persevered, presently having a 
good home and a profitable farm, to which he gradually added until at 
the time of his death he was the owner of two hundred and forty acres 
of fine land. The year after locating here G. C. Wendelschafer returned 
to Illinois, where he married the girl of his choice and she bore him 
seven children: G. C. H. Wendelschafer, Alvina, who died at the age of 
six years; Fred W., father of the immediate subject of this biographical 
sketch; Bertha, Archie, who died at the age of three years; Emil and 
Theodore. Upon the death of the mother of these children, G. C. 
Wendelschafer married, secondly, Mary Fonhoff, and to this second union 
four children were born. Louis (deceased), Emma, Lena and Carl, the latter 
of whom died in infancy. G. C. Wendelschafer was a Republican and from 
the time of settling in this country was active in the civic affairs 
of his county. He served as county commissioner for some time; served 
as representative in the lower house of the Minnesota General Assembly 
from LeSueur county for one term and for fourteen years served his 
county faithfully as county treasurer.

Fred W. Wendelschafer was reared on the homestead farm in Washington 
township, receiving his education in the district school in that 
neighborhood and as a young man started farming on his own account 
in the township in which he still lives, today being a large landowner 
and one of LeSueur county's best-known citizens, the owner of an 
extensive and widely known summer resort at Jefferson lake, near which 
place he makes his home. Fred W. Wendelschafer married Emily Wilfret, 
who was born in Cleveland township, LeSueur county, her parents, having 
been pioneers of that section, and to this union four children have been 
born, Dorothy, Henry W., Alice and Arthur. Mr. and Mrs. Wendelschafer 
are members of the German Lutheran church and their children have been 
reared in that faith.

Henry W. Wendelschafer was reared on the home farm in Washington 
township and received his schooling in the district school in that 
neighborhood. He worked for his father until he was nineteen years 
old, at which time he entered the service of the Patterson Auto Company, 
at Minneapolis, and was there for two years, gaining a comprehensive 
knowledge of the business. He then returned to LeSueur county and in 
December, 1912, bought the auto garage and machine shop of Spire Brothers, 
at Waterville, and was engaged in the sale and repair of automobiles 
there until the fall Of 1915, when he and Sanders Linquist organized 
the Cannon Valley Furniture Company, incorporated on September 14, of 
that year, and has since been engaged in the manufacture of furniture 
at Waterville, Mr. Wendelschafer being secretary and treasurer of the 
company, which is prospering, building up a large trade throughout this 
section.

Mr. Wendelschafer is enterprising and energetic and from the days of
his youth has taken an active interest in civic affairs. In January,
1915, he was appointed deputy sheriff of LeSueur county and is now 
serving in that official capacity. He is a member of the Masonic lodge 
and the Modern Woodmen of America, in the affairs of which organizations 
he takes a warm interest, and is highly regarded by all who know him, 
enjoying the full confidence and respect of business, circles and the 
community generally.
(pages 339-341)


HON. CHARLES RUSSELL DAVIS

The Hon. Charles Russell Davis, of St. Peter, who since the year 1902 
has represented the third Minnesota district in the lower house of 
Congress and who for years has been a leader of the bar in this section 
of the state, is a native of Illinois, having been born on a farm in 
Pike county, that state, son of Sidney W. Davis, of the Dominion of 
Canada, and Mary (Pettis) Davis, a native of the state of Ohio.

Sidney W. Davis was born in 1825, son of Orange R. and Adalaide (Barlow) 
Davis, the former of whom was the son of a native of Wales, who settled 
in Montreal in the early days, and the latter of French descent, born 
in Montreal, whose parents had settled in that province upon coming 
to this side of the Atlantic.  In 1838 Orange R. Davis and family 
left Canada and moved to Jefferson county, New York, where they 
remained a year, at the end of which time they emigrated to Illinois, 
settling on a farm in Pike county, just outside the corporate line of 
the town of Pittsfield, the county seat.  Sidney W. Davis was fourteen 
years of age when his family located in the Pittsfield neighborhood and 
there he grew to manhood.  In 1846 he married Mary Pettis, of Ohio, 
who died leaving two children, a daughter, Lillian D., who is now living 
in St. Paul, this state, widow of William McOuat, and Charles R., the 
immediate subject of this sketch.  Following the death of his wife, 
Sidney W.  Davis remained in Illinois until he came to Minnesota, in 
the early fifties, and preempted a tract of land in LeSueur county near 
Lake Emily and established a new home there, quickly becoming one of the 
dominant figures in the pioneer life of this section.  Not long after 
arriving here Mr. Davis recognized the possibilities of the live-stock 
business and presently became a large dealer in that line.  At first 
he shipped dressed hogs to the Eastern markets, but as the development 
of the business led to other methods he began shipping live stock, and 
it was- not long until he was recognized as the largest shipper between 
Sioux City and St. Paul.  For the better convenience of his growing 
interests Mr. Davis, in 1867, moved to St. Peter and thereafter made 
that point his headquarters, making his home there the remainder of 
his life.  In addition to his extensive livestock business, Mr. Davis 
had a hand in practically every enterprise of importance hereabout 
during the early days and for many years was regarded as a leader in 
the community life.  He was also an extensive dealer in the grain 
line.  During the Civil War he filled large contracts for supplies 
for the government and in all his enterprises prospered, eventually 
becoming a very well-to-do citizen. In all his dealings he was direct 
and straightforward and held the full confidence of the entire community, 
being held in the highest esteem by all.

Sidney W. Davis lived to a ripe old age; had witnessed the development 
of this favored region from its practically wilderness state to its 
present well-established condition and there were few men who had 
contributed more to the development than he, either in a social, civic
or commercial way; so that at his death, in April, 1913, he then being 
eighty-seven years of age, there was sincere mourning throughout this 
whole region, for he had done well his part in the scheme of things 
in the great Northwest.  His Uncle, Benjamin Davis, who remained on 
the home farm in Pike county, Illinois, attained national celebrity 
as the men who brought to its highest state of culture that popular 
pet of all pomologists, the "Ben Davis" apple, which takes its name 
from the man who first produced it.

Charles R. Davis was an infant when he came with his father to this 
section and he consequently was reared here.  During his high-school 
days at St. Peter he enjoyed  the preceptorship of Professors Porter 
and McGill, the latter of whom was elected governor of the state of 
Minnesota in 1888.  He was graduated from the high school and afterward 
received instruction in the higher branches in the private school of 
Professor Creary, at which institution he was a classmate of John A. 
Lundeen, who afterward became an instructor in mathematics at West 
Point and subsequently colonel, commanding at the Presido, California.  
Later, Mr. Davis entered upon a course in the Bryant & Stratton 
Business College at St. Paul, during which course he gave particular 
attention to the study, of penmanship, which branch he taught during 
the latter period of his attendance there.  Upon completing his schooling, 
Mr.  Davis engaged in the mercantile business at St. Peter, in which 
he continued for two years, at the end of which time he went to Omaha, 
Nebraska, where he remained for about two years.  He then returned to 
St. Peter and shortly afterward he entered the law office of the Hon. 
Alfred Wallin, where for nearly, three years he devoted himself to 
the study of the law under that able preceptor.  He was admitted to 
the bar, and shortly after he entered into a partnership with Mr. 
Wallin, and offices were opened at New, Ulm, the firm's legal business 
became quite extensive.  Several years later Mr. Wallin moved to North 
Dakota, where he became the first chief justice of the supreme court 
of the new state, and Mr. Davis continued his practice alone and 
still retains the same suite of rooms in St. Peter occupied by the 
firm of Wallin & Davis, the rooms in which Mr. Davis began the study 
of law under the kindly direction of the distinguished jurist.  After 
his election to Congress, when the necessities of his official position 
required his continued absence in Washington, Mr. Davis admitted George 
T. Olsen into partnership in his legal business, under the firm style 
of Davis & Olsen, and this mutually agreeable partnership has since 
continued, Mr. Olsen necessarily being in charge of the office the 
greater part of the time, while Mr. Davis is absent on affairs of
state.

Charles R. Davis began his official career early in life and it is 
but proper to say in this connection that in all his relations to 
the public service he has been faithful and true, discharging every 
official obligation with an eye single to the common welfare.  Shortly 
after his admission to the bar, Mr. Davis was elected city attorney 
and served in that capacity for eighteen years.  He was elected county 
attorney and served the public in that important capacity for twelve 
years, during which time he prosecuted some of the most notable 
criminal cases in the history of the state.  On April 25, 1888, Mr.
Davis received a commission as captain of Company I, Second Regiment, 
Minnesota National Guard, and served for four years in that connection.  
In the year last mentioned, Mr. Davis was elected on the Republican 
ticket to represent Nicollet county in the lower house of the Minnesota 
Legislature, in which capacity he performed such admirable service 
in behalf of his constituency that he later was elected state senator, 
representing the seventeenth senatorial district of Minnesota for four 
years.  During his service in the Legislature, Mr. Davis became quite 
a prominent figure in that body, being a member of a number of the 
more important committees, among which was the committee on the
judiciary.  It was during his service in the Legislature that the special 
investigation of the affairs of the hospitals for the insane was ordered 
and he was chairman of the legislative committee which had charge of 
that investigation, his attitude in that connection creating much 
antagonism on the part of those who had charge of the finances of these
institutions.  In 1902 Mr. Davis was elected to represent the third 
congressional district of Minnesota in the lower house of Congress 
and has been re-elected at each succeeding election since that time, 
his distinguished and honorable course in the House of Representatives 
having been a continual incentive to the people of this district to 
retain him in that responsible position.  During his service in 
Congress, Mr. Davis has become a national figure, long having been 
recognized as one of the most forceful representatives in Congress.  
His committee assignments include places on some of the most important 
committees of the Lower house, among which is a place on the powerful 
committee on appropriations, and his able service in Congress has 
earned for him the full confidence and the high regard of his confreres 
in that body.  Able in counsel and skilled in debate, Congressman Davis 
has represented his constituency in the third district with marked 
ability, and his continued re-election is regarded by the people 
hereabout as but a proper expression of their appreciation of his 
conscientious discharge of every obligation thus imposed.

Charles R. Davis was united in marriage to Emma Haven, who was born in
Chicago, the home of her parents at the time of her birth having been 
located on the present site of the great Marshall Field store, and to 
this union four children have been born, two of whom died in infancy, 
Isabella B., who married Walter C. Poehler, a prominent official of 
the Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce, and Russell H., now a captain of 
the United States marine corps, stationed in Pekin, China.  Captain 
Davis has had service in Cuba, Nicaragua, Haiti and Panama, and 
participated in the memorable naval "Parade" around the world commanded 
by Admiral "Bob" Evans in 1908.  Captain Davis married Gertrude Gensler, 
of Washington, D. C., who is prominent in Washington social life, and he 
is one of the most popular officers in his branch of the service.  Mrs. 
Davis, wife of Congressman Davis, is a daughter of Aaron Haven and Emily 
Parker, formerly of Boston, Massachusetts.
(pages 416-419)


ALBERT EBEN DAVIS

Albert Eben Davis, well-known farmer and stock raiser and a citizen 
active in the official life of Kasota township, LeSueur county, 
Minnesota, was born at Lake Emily, Kasota township, on May 21, 1879, 
a son of Henry C. and Melissa (Pettis) Davis, natives of Pike county, 
Illinois, the former born on July 6, 1844, a son of Orange P. and 
Adelaide (Barlow) Davis; the latter born on February 7, 1842, a 
daughter of Charles and Sarah (Hosford) Pettis.

Orange P. and Adelaide Davis were natives of Canada, living in that 
country for many years, after which they moved to New York state, 
later going to Pike county, Illinois, where Orange P. Davis lived 
as a farmer until 1853, when he came to Minnesota and homesteaded 
one hundred sixty acres of land in Kasota township, where he established 
a home and with his wife lived there for the remainder of their days.  
Orange P. and Adelaide Davis were the parents of ten children: Thomas, 
S. William, Orange R., Ebenezer R., Louisa B., Isaac B., Sarah Ann, 
Caroline, Harriett and Henry C.

Henry C. Davis was but ten years of age when he came with his parents 
to Minnesota, where he finished his education and became a farmer, 
working on the home place until he had reached maturity, after which 
he pre-empted a quarter section of land in Kasota township, this county, 
and lived for many years as a successful farmer of this community, at 
one time owning four hundred and sixty acres of excellent land in 
LeSueur and Nicollet counties, Minnesota.  In addition to his 
agricultural pursuits, Henry C. Davis, for some years, was a well-
known auctioneer of LeSueur county, crying many of the large sales 
in this part of the country.

Henry C. Davis was prominent in the official life of LeSueur county, 
serving as deputy sheriff for many years, as well as having served 
as constable of Kasota township, during several terms.  Politically, 
Mr. Davis was a Republican.  During the time of the Indian outbreak 
Mr. Davis was a member of the defensive forces and had a part in 
several engagements which resulted in the subjugation of the blood-
thirsty Indians.  Mr. Davis was a member of the Independent Order of 
Odd Fellows and together with his wife was an active member and worker 
of the United brethren church.  Henry and Melissa Davis were the 
parents of nine children:  Chester H., Lily M., Ella (deceased), 
Annetta, Stella M., Albert E., Cecil I., C. Roscoe and Harriet F.

Melissa Pettis moved from her native home in Pike county, Illinois, 
and then, in 1854, with her parents, moved to Minnesota, where the 
father homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land in Kasota 
township, LeSueur county, establishing a home on the north side of 
Lake Emily, where the elder Pettis conducted a store in connection 
with his agricultural pursuits.  The parents, Charles and Sarah 
Pettis, had a family on nine children: Stephen W., Catherine F., 
John L., Anna B., Olive G., Melissa J., Emily F., Charles C. and 
Henry F.

Albert Eben Davis received his early education in the common schools 
of Kasota township, LeSueur county, after which he was a student of 
the St. Peter, Nicollet county, public schools, for three years.  
Following his school days Mr. Davis became a farmer, living on the 
old home place at Lake Emily for about three years and then, in 1904, 
he purchased his present farm of one hundred and twenty acres in 
Kasota township, LeSueur county, where he now lives and engages 
in general farming.  In addition to his general farm activities, 
Albert Eben Davis makes a specialty of stock raising dealing chiefly 
in Durham cattle and Poland China hogs.

On June 14, 1904, Albert Eben Davis was married to Bessie Kendall, 
who was born in Washington township, LeSueur county, Minnesota, a 
daughter of John and Caroline (Hugunin) Kendall.  To the marriage 
of Albert and Bessie Davis have been born two children: Leslie 
Kendall and Alberta Eloise.  

Albert Eben Davis has been a member of the township board, for 
eight years and during the past five years has been chairman of 
the board.  He has served with his usual efficiency as a member 
of the school board and is conceded to be one of the valuable
citizens of LeSueur county, in which he is so widely known and 
highly respected.  He is a member of the Knights of Pythias at Kasota.
(pages 449-450)


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