Clearwater excerpts from Mitchell, William Bell, History Stearns Co., MN Volume II. Chicago: H.C. Cooper, Jr. and Co. 1915. ========================================================================= 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. FileFormat by Terri--MNArchives Made available to The USGenWeb Archives by: Rebecca B Frank Submitted: August 2004 ========================================================================= Clearwater excerpts Mitchell, William Bell, History of Stearns County, Minnesota. Volume II. Chicago: H.C. Cooper, Jr. and Co. 1915. Page 958 Wilbur F. Fisk, an estimable citizen and worthy pioneer, now deceased was born in Lunanberg, Vermont, September 10, 1830, son of Henry and Lucinda (Keyes) Fisk, who came of a distinguished family prominent in the annals of the Methodist Episcopal Church. About 1835 the family moved to Whitefield, N.Y., where the father died in 1858, and the mother in 1847. In 1851, Wilbur F. Fisk went to Peterboro, N.H. Later he returned to his birthplace. It was in 1857 that he came to Minnesota. He reached Clearwater June 10, and soon after that took in that vicinity the claim that thereafter continued to be his home. February 14, 1865, he enlisted in Company E. First Minnesota Heavy Artillery, and was assigned to garrison duty at Nashville, Tenn., where he was mustered out, September 21 , 1865. He then returned to his farm, took up the round of daily duty, and became a leading and substantial citizen. He died December 23, 1904. Mr. Fisk belonged to that class of men who honestly, faithfully and quietly meet the everyday duties of life, and who make up the solid and safe element of citizenship upon which the nation's prosperity mainly rests. He was a prominent member of the Old Settler's Association. Mr. Fisk was married May 9, 1867, to Sarah M. Townsend and they had two daughters: Lillian Estella and Sarah Emily. Lillian Estella married Azro Darling and they had four children: Sarah E., Howard F., Edith E. and Ira A. Sarah Emily married Willard Dakin and died in 1909, leaving two children Willard F. and Marguerite E. Sarah M. Townsend, now Mrs. Wilbur F. Fisk, is the daughter of Alvin and Harriet (Patrick) Townsend, natives of Pennsylvania. Alvin Townsend was a carpenter by trade. In 1855 he came to Minnesota and settled in Lynden township, where he secured a part of what is now the Clifford place. The following year his wife, and his daughter, Sarah M., came, making the trip from St. Paul in a wagon. Mrs. Fisk is an estimable woman, a good wife and mother, and a good housewife, noted for her hospitality and cheerful temperament, as well as for her abilities as a home maker. She is a member of the Old Settlers' Association, also a member of the Charles Gibbs Circle, No. 11, G.A.R., Clearwater, Minn. She is a communicant of the Congregational Church. Recently she has taken a homestead claim in North Dakota. Pate 959 Benjamin F. Lyons, a leading and influential farmer of Lynden township, was born in St. Paul, September 12 1856, son of Benjamin T. and Lydia (Wince) Lyons. He came to Lynden township with his parents shortly after his birth, was reared on the home farm, and attended school District No. 53, one of his teachers being D.D. Storms. As he reached manhood, his father presented him with a farm o ninety-seven acres. To this he has added form time to time, and has at intervals erected suitable buildings, until he now has a splendid place, well improved in every way. He has the best of equipment and successfully carries on general farming and dairying. Mr. Lyons is one of the progressive farmer of Lynden. He is particularly interested in the welfare of his community and has done good service on the town board. For many years he has been a prominent member of the Old Settler' Association. Benjamin F. Lyons married Ann Mitchell, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Deacon) Mitchell, and they have five children: Maria J. (Wife of Waite Hoskins), James L., W. Hamline, A. Elizabeth and Esther M.. The family faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Clearwater, in which Mr. Lyons has been an official for many years. Page 959 + 960 Benjamin T. Lyons, one of the earliest settlers of Lynden township, is remembered as one of the founders of the county. His memory is honored and revered throughout the community in which he lived, and his kindly influence still lives in his descendants. He was born on a southern plantation in Warrentown, Virginia, and as a youth found his way to Ohio. He was there married, October 15, 1839, to Lydia Wince, also of Virginia, and settled down to farm life in Newark, Licking county, Ohio. In 1854 they moved to Illinois and located in Champaign county. It was in 1856 that they set out for Minnesota with two yoke of oxen, one pair of horse, one cow and a colt. They reached St. Paul September 10 and camped for a month on the present site of that city. In October they drove to Clearwater, and secured 160 acres in section 17, Lynden township. The family took up their home in two log cabins, equipped with an old fashioned fire place. They had lost their freight and had to make the best of such home made furniture as they could manufacture. The beds were made by boring holes in the walls and driving in stout poles for a frame. About three years after their arrival the family moved to section 6, in the same township, where they secured 160 acres of wild land. Here they also lived in a log house, and stabled their stock in a log barn. Later other buildings were erected. Benjamin T. Lyons died November 27, 1888. He was born December 11, 1814. His wife died July 27, 1877. She was born January 16, 1816. He was a staunch Democrat in politics and held many offices. He was an official in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Benjamin T. Lyons was the son of Robert and Sarah (Tolson) Lyons. Robert Lyons was a native of Virginia, a southern planter, and a soldier of the War of 1812. The Tolsons were also well- to-do Virginia planters. Lydia Wince was the daughter of Jacob and Ann (Hittle)Wince. Jacob Wince was a Virginia Farmer. In 1840 he moved his family to Ohio, and settled in Licking county. It is interesting to note that when Benjamin T. Lyons came North, three of his brothers, Henry, Robert and John remained in the South. Henry became a Baptist clergyman. Robert and John joined the Confederate army. Robert was killed at the Battle of Winchester. John, who served as lieutenant, was wounded and take prisoner. Lieutenant John Lyons also had a son, who served int eh Confederate army. On the Union side, Benjamin T. Lyons had two sons, John and James Lyons, who did valiant service for the Stars and Stripes. They fought on the Union side at the battle in which their Uncle Robert was killed. Page 60 + 961 William Henry Lyons, for many years a conspicuous figure in the life and progress of Lynden township, was born in Licking county, Ohio, June 2, 1840, son of Benjamin T and Lydia (Wince) Lyons. He received a good education in Ohio, and was taken by his parents to Champaign county, IL, in 1854. He came to Stearns County with his parents in 1856, underwent with them the rigors of pioneer life, and under the tuition of his father became a proficient farmer. In October, 1862, at the age of twenty-two years, he enlisted in Company D, First Minnesota Mounted Rangers, and was sent to the Northwestern frontier against the Indians. In November, 1863, he was honorably discharged for disability. Then he returned to Lynden, and worked on the home farm until 1882. In the meantime he had taken a homestead in section 6, Lynden township. In 1882 he married and he and his good wife moved onto this farm and started life together. In 1885 the home and other buildings were destroyed by fire, but undaunted by this disaster, they erected a new home, and barns, and continued their work. Prosperity crowned their efforts and they were numbered among the most honored and respected members of the community. The farm was increased to 193 acres, and the thrift, energy and good taste of the owners was everywhere apparent. In the Old Settlers' Association they took deep pleasure, and were very active at all of its meetings. After a life filled with good deeds, he died April 1, 1906, as a result of being injured while working with a circular saw. His remains are laid at rest in the Acacia Cemetery, in Lynden township. A man of quiet habits of upright character, and for more than thirty years a consisted and faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, he was held in high esteem by his friends and neighbors. William Henry Lyons was married October 26, 1882 to Susanna M. Mitchell, born in County Leitrem, Ireland June 28 , 1853, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Deacon) Mitchell. To Mr. and Mrs. Lyons have been born six children: Lydia E., Samuel W., John A., Henry b., Susanna Jane and George R. Lydia E. is a graduate of the St. Cloud High School, and is a proficient teacher. Samuel W. and John A. conduct the home farm. Henry B. graduated from the Clearwater High School, took a special course in engineering at the Southern Minnesota Normal College at Austin, Minn., and is now a successful teacher. Susan Jane is a graduate of the Clearwater High School and is likewise a competent teacher. George R. is a student in the Clearwater High School.. Page 961 + 962 James M. Lyons, a most estimable citizen of Clearwater village, has had his share in the progress and development of the community, and is highly regarded by all with whom he come in contact. He was born in Licking County, OH, August 19, 1846, son of Benjamin T. and Lydia (Wince) Lyons the pioneers. With them he went to Champaign County, IL, in 1854, and with them came to Lynden township, this county, in 1856. He was reared amid pioneer conditions, and learned agricultural pursuits from his father. On February 26, 1864, he enlisted in Company E, Eighth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and served until July 1, 1865, being discharged at Charlotte, NC, and mustered out at Ft. Snelling. For several years thereafter he devoted his time to various pursuits, including logging and rafting. Later he took a homestead in Fair Haven township, and bought 120 acres in section 5, Lynden township. He there erected a shack and engaged in farming about 10 years. He then purchased 160 acres in section 9, Lynden township. This farm he improved and developed, adding forty more acres, and bringing the place to a high degree of cultivation. In 1900 he rented the farm , and purchased a residence in the village of Clearwater. For several years he was the village marshal. On August 24, 1913, he purchased his present establishment. He sells ice cream, confectionery, canned goods, cigars and tobacco, and conducts a restaurant and lunch room. He has built up a good business and has proven himself the right man for the place. Mr. Lyons has been interested in many movements and organizations, and is senior vice commander of the A. C. Collins Post, NO. 112 G.A.R., of Clearwater. Mr. Lyons was married September 19 1878, to Mary F. Ridley, who was born in Silver Creek, Wright County, September 17, 1862. Mrs. Lyons has proven a most capable helpmeet throughout their married life. He is an energetic manager, a keen business woman, and a good wife and understanding mother. Mr. and Mrs. Lyons have tow children: Frank D. and Elsie May. Frank D. lives in Minot, ND. He married Jennie Simley and they have six children: Bessie, James, Harry, Mildred, Howard and ______ Elsie May lives on the old homestead. She married Charles Lumley and they have five children: Lucille, Margaret, Charles, George and Vernon. Mrs. James M. Lyons is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. L. Ridley, natives of Maine. They came to Minnesota in the early days, lived for a while in Minneapolis, and then came to Silver Creek township, Wright county where they engaged in agricultural pursuits. Mr. Ridley died in 1865, and his wife in 1868. Aside from Mrs. Lyons there was in the family one son, Victor E. Ridley, of Sand Point, Idaho. Page 962 Homer T. Heaton, a successful farmer of Lynden township, was born in Waterbury, Green county, Vermont, July 16, 1851, son of Tertius and Fatima (Perkins) Heaton, natives of Vermont, who came west to Wisconsin in 1857, and in 1859 to Stearns county, where they located in Lynden township and here spent the remained of their lives. Homer T. Heaton came to Lynden township with his parents, attended school here, and has devoted his life to farming. He has been a successful farmer and has a good place of 175 acres, which he has improved and developed in various ways, erecting all the buildings himself. Mr. Heaton was married April 3, 1880 to Ida M. Slattery, and they have seven children: Mollie, now Mrs Clarence Bentley; Kate Pearl, now Mrs Willard Clayton; James; Fay A.; Jennie, now Mrs. Clarence A. Miller; Hollis E. and Blanche. Page 962 Clarence A. Miller, a splendid example of the modern type of farmer, was born in Lynden township, July 23, 1883, on the homestead where he still resides. His parents were Daniel D. and Harriet (Dawson) miller. He attended the district schools and learned farming from his father. While still a young man living with his parents, he bought eighty acres in section 20, adjoining the homestead, and by hard work and untiring effort cleared and grubbed it, and brought it to a high stage of cultivation. On his father's death he also came into possession of the homestead, so that he now has a fertile farm of 160 acres, where he successfully carries on general farming. He is of the progressive type, and aims to follow the most modern methods of agricultural science. He has erected a new barn and outbuildings, and is now planning a modern residence. He is especially interested in good stock and he is well started toward a full blooded herd of cattle and drove of swine. Mr. Miller is constable of the township. He and his wife are justly popular among their many friends and neighbors, and their home is one of the most hospitable to be found in Lynden. Mr. Miller was married, December 5, 1911, to Jennie Heaton, daughter of Homer T and Ida M. (Slatterly) Heaton. Page 962 + 963 Daniel D. Miller, now deceased, one of the early settlers of Lynden township, was born in Ohio, April 6, 1843, and was there married April 9, 1867, to Harriet Dawson, who was born in the same state, May 16, 1845. It was in 1867 they came to Minnesota and settle in Lynden township, where he purchased the rights of a homesteader who had settled in Section 20. He opened up a good farm, broke and grubbed the land, and erected a splendid set of building. In course of time it was discovered that the farm contained and excellent quality of lime stone, and for several years Mr. Miller successfully engaged in lime burning. His latter years, however, were devoted to farming. He was always loyal to the town, held many town and school offices, and was highly respected by all who knew him. He died June 1, 1908. His wife died July 16, 1911. Mr. and Mrs. Miller had ten children: E.C., Carrie L, Lee N., Ella, Edna, William B., Clarence A. Lottie L., Olive and Hattie. E.C. is a prominent citizen of Lynden. Carrie L. married Samuel Stokes of Lynden township. Lee N. lives near Clearwater. He married Laura Livingston, who died in October, 1912, after being terribly burned, leaving three children. Ella lives in Annandale. She married F. N. Nugent, and they have four children. Edna lives in Clearwater, Wright county. She married Orville A. Smith, and they have three children. William B. lives in Canada. Clarence A. lives of the home farm. He married Jennie Elizabeth Heaton. Lottie L. lives in Clearwater, Wright county. She married Fred Dixon. Olive lives in Clearwater. She married Hughgene Dixon, and they have two children. Hattie, twin sister to Edna, died at the age of two months. Page 963 + 964 Ernest C. Miller, a prosperous and scientific farmer of Lynden, was born in fair haven township, February 4, 1868, son of Daniel D. and Harriet (Dawson) Miller. He was brought to Lynden township when only a few months old and has since continued to reside here. He attended public schools, leaned farming from his father, and remained on the home farm until 1886. Then he purchased 40 acres in section 16. Later he purchased eighty acres more. All this land was wild. He cleared, grubbed and broke it himself, and has brought it to a high degree of cultivation. He also erected a good house and sightly barns, doing nearly all the carpenter work himself. Year by year he has achieved prosperity until now he is one of the leading men of his community. He is a hard worker, a deep thinker, a wide reader and a good business man. His farming is conducted along the lines of the latest discoveries. His herd of mixed Jerseys have brought him a large income producing the best milk and cream. His Poland-China swine are also the pride of the neighborhood. He has also achieved good results with the usual crops. Mr. Miller, with all his busy life, finds time to devote to public affairs, and he has been director for some years of School District No. 169, as was his father before him. He was one of the members that aided in incorporating the Clearwater Co-operative Creamery, and is also a member to the Farmers' Club. Mr. Miller was married March 20, 1895, to Mary S. Meacham, who was born in Osseo, Minn., June 5, 1877. This union has been blessed with five children: Morris Alvin, born April 12, 1896; Theodore Willis, born April 9, 1900, and died two months later; Julia Olive, born September 14, 1906; Floyd Clifford, born April 30, 1908; and Effie Adelia, born April 15, 1910. Mary S. Meacham, now wife of Ernest C. Miller, is the daughter of William M. and Julia (Chinver) Meacham. William H. Meachan was descended from the Meacham family, which dates in America from 1613, and figures prominently in the Colonial annals. He was the father of six children: John N. of Long Beach, California; Mary S., wife of Ernest C. Miller; Agnes, wife of Henry James of Minneapolis; Adelia, wife of William Delaney, of St. Paul; Rachael, wife of Alva Newman, of Fair Haven township; and; Nettie, a half sister to the children. Page 964 William Mitchell, and his good wife, Elizabeth Deacon, were born in County Leitren, Ireland, there received their education, grew to adult years and were married. After being married for some years, William Mitchell determined to seek for himself and family the wider opportunities and greater freedom of the new world. Consequently in February, 1865, he set sail for America. On reaching New York he at once enlisted in a New York regiment, and was sent south. He was honorably discharged at the close of the conflict at Cloud's Mills, Virginia. Upon his return to civil life he came at once to Stearns county, and took a homestead in Fair Haven township. In July , 1866 his wife and children joined him. After proving up on the homestead he moved to Lynden township, and purchased eighty acres in section 5, Lynden township, where he built up a place which, for that time, was an unusually good one. He became one of the leading men in the community, and died in 1872. To Mr. and Mrs. William Mitchell were born seven children: Susanna M., now Mrs. William Lyons, of Lynden; Eliza Jane (deceased); Alexander of Lynden; Ann, now Mrs. B.F. Lyons, of Lynden; John , of Lynden; Samuel (deceased); and W. L. P., of Montana. The youngest son was born in Fair Haven, and the rest in Ireland. Page 964 + 965 Mitchell Brothers, that the farmer is the backbone of the nation is an expression often used, and as the years pass by it is increasing in meaning. The man who develops a farm, and by toiling early and late thereon, provides food for the use of the human race, is taking an important part as a producer, and is helping to solve one of the greatest problems of mankind. Among those who have devoted their lives to the advancement of agricultural conditions in this county may be mentioned Alexander and John Mitchell, widely known as the efficient proprietors of the Lake Maria Stock and Grain Farm, formerly known as the Poplar Grove Stock & Grain Farm. The place is located in sections 5 and 32, Lynden township, and its many natural advantages have been brought to the highest stage of perfection by cultivation, intelligence and care. Alexander Mitchell was born in 1858 and John Mitchell in 1862. They were born in County Leitren, Ireland, sons of William and Elizabeth (Deacon) Mitchell. The parents came to America in 1866 and located for a short time in Fair Haven Township, this county, Then they came to Lynden township and here the father farmed until his death in 1872. For several years thereafter the mother, and the sons and daughters operated the place. Then John and Alexander bought out the interests of the other heirs, and became the sole owners and proprietors. They are of the most progressive type of farmers, and their success is due to their hard work, their intelligent enthusiasm, and their strictly honest business principles. Their farm, which consists of 350 acres, is one of the best Lynden. They have erected a modern dwelling, and some splendid barns and other outbuildings. John Mitchell has served as supervisor of the township of Lynden for ten years. He was married June 24, 1908, to Mary E. Ross, who was born in Ontario, Canada, April 22, 1877. She moved to St. Cloud in early childhood, with her parents, where she grew to womanhood. She is a graduate of the St. Cloud High School, also of the advanced course of the St. Cloud Normal. She taught successfully in the public schools of Minnesota for a period of ten years previous to her marriage. Page 965 Frederick J. Ponsford, a well known resident of Lynden township, was born in Herkimer county, New York, December 22, 1856, and there spent the first four years of his life. It was in 1860 that he came to Clearwater, in Wright county, with his parents, Joseph and Sarah (Vaur) Ponsford. Joseph Ponsford, the father took a claim of 160 acres, lying partly in Clearwater township, Wright county, and partly in Lynden township, Stearns county. There he successfully farmed for many years, and there his wife died. He died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Orin Dorsey, in Lynden. Frederick J. Ponsford was reared on the home farm. In 1885 he purchased 160 acres of railroad land in section 29, Lynden township, and on this tract he still lives. He has developed an excellent place, erected a comfortable home and suitable outbuildings, and successfully carries on general farming. Mr. Ponsford married Minnie Beilstein, a native of New York State, and they have four children: Walter, Leroy, Mabel and Archie. Walter married Maude Smith and they have had three children: Ruth and Vernon living and Glenn, who died at two years of age. Leroy married Blanche Phillips, and they have had four children: Vivian and Wendell living, and Arnold and Stanley who died at the age of about one year. The family faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Page 965 + 966 D.D. Storms, educator, agriculturist and man-of-affairs, was born in Hannibal Oswego county, New York, August 17, 1839, son of John Post and Elizabeth (Dady) Storms, natives respectively of New Jersey and Massachusetts. The father was a hatter by trade, but also carried on agricultural operations. He and his wife lived for several years in Oswego county, New York and in 1860 moved to Paterson, New Jersey, where they spent the remainder of their days. D.D. Storms received his early education in the public and select schools of Hannibal, and completed his studies at the Academy, at Rome, New York. With this preparation he became a teacher, surveyor and farmer. When he first taught he received $14 a month, and boarded around at the different homes. In 1860 he came west to Onarga, Iroquois county, Illinois to visit his brother, and there he taught school for a short period. But the Civil War broke out and he enlisted in the Band of the Twenty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. About eight months afterward the wand was abolished and Mr. Storms returned to New York state. For some years he taught school winters and farmed summers. In 1867 he started for Denver, Colorado, but on the way stopped to visit his uncle, the Rev. William Dady, who was then preaching at Clearwater. Mr. Storms was so impressed with he advantages of this locality that he abandoned his trip to Denver partly on account of the Indian outbreak on the plains, and purchased 160 acres of land in section 30, Lynden township, this county. For this tract he paid $700. The land was wild and covered with brush. He broke and grubbed the land, built his home and a set of building, and engaged in farming. He also became one of the leading school teachers of the county. Thus teaching and farming, his industry, his strong will and his ability won him success and he became an important factor in Stearns county life. His first was rebuilt from an old wagon shop which he moved from Clearwater. This however, soon gave way to more commodious structures. In addition to his original purchase he bought forty acres of railroad land and homesteaded eighty acres of government land. On his large farm, thus acquired, he lived for many years. In 1904 he retired from the more strenuous duties of farm life and turned the home place over to his son Frank F. In 1907-08 he was at the Standing Rock - Indian Reservation, in North Dakota, with headquarters at Fort Yates, as industrial teacher to the Indians. In the spring of 1914 Frank F. Storms built a cottage home next tot he old home, and D.D. Storms now resides with him. D.D. Storms has taken a deep interest in the affairs of his township, and his opinions are eagerly sought and looked upon with the utmost respect. He has served for a long period as clerk of the school board. For some twenty years, at different periods, he has been assessor. He has also been justice of the peace and town supervisor. He is a member of Clearwater Lodge, No. 28, A.F. & A.M., and has been especially active in the G.A.R. For six years he was commander of the A.C. Collins Post No. 112, G.A.R., and is now senior vice commander. He has been a delegate from the G.A.R. posts in the Sixth Congressional District to National Grand Encampments at Salt Lake City, Utah; Los Angeles, California; Atlantic City, New Jersey, and Rochester, New York, and Detroit, Mich. Mr. Storms was married, April 18, 1863 to Mary Ann Ketcham, who died December 12 1884, leaving one son, Frank F., who was born March 9, 1866. Frank F. Storms is one of the prominent men of the township. He conducts the old home farm and is regarded as a substantial and successful man in every way. He was married April 9, 1886, to Laura Foster, and they have two sons, Lewis D. and Earl F. Earl F. was born December 19, 1890, and married Pauline Kiffmeyer. They occupy the old home residence, making the third generation that has lived there. D.D. Storms came from a patriotic family, his grandfather had served in the War of 1812, and he, with four brothers served in the Civil War, no tow being in the same regiment. The four brothers were: L.P., J. C., H. and E. C. There would have been two more, H. C. and E. G., but they were too young. Page 966 + 967 Samuel Stokes, an influential farmer of Lynden township, was born in Herkimer county, New York, June 5, 1859, son of Luke Hillis and Mary (Weilding) Stokes, who brought him to Lynden township, this county, in 1867. He obtained a good education in the district schools, and was reared to agricultural pursuits. After his father's death he purchased the old homestead of 120 acres, in section 19 and 20, and by hard work and close application to business he has become one of the leading and representative farmers of his county. To the original place he has added eighty acres in section 16. The whole place is an unusually attractive farm property and is in a high state of cultivation. He has remodeled the residence and had erected a large and roomy barn, together with a good set of outbuildings. He has a full equipment of farm machinery, and follow general farming and stock raising. Mr. Stokes was married, December 23, 1886 to Carrie L. Miller, who was born in Lynden township, August 9, 1859, daughter of Daniel D. Miller. Mr. and Mrs. Stokes have two children: Jennie Olive, born December 20, 1887 and Arthur D., born January 16, 1891. Page 967 Luke Hillis Stokes, a pioneer, was born in England, and was there educated and reared. He there married Mary Weilding , a native of the same country. In 1849 they came to America, and located int eh Bronx, Westchester county, New York, now one of the Burroughs of New York City. Later they moved to the northern part of the state and a year later moved, to the westward and settled in Herkimer county, in the same state. His trade was that of carpenter and joiner, and this is the line of work, he followed until 1866. In that year he came to Stearns county, Minn., and secured a farm of eighty acres in section 20, Lynden township. He erected a pleasant home and good barn and outbuildings, and developed the farm. His character and worth soon caused him to be regarded as one of the substantial and representative men of the community. He died in 1886. His good wife died in 1888. In the family there were four children: George W., a retired farmer in Lynden township, now living in Clearwater; Mary (deceased); Mattie (deceased), wife of Isaac Philo (deceased); and Samuel, who owns and operates the old home farm in Lynden township. Page 967 + 968 George W. Stokes, a prominent citizen of Lynden township, was born in the Bronx, Westchester county, New York, August 26, 1850, son of Luke Hillis and Mary (Weilding) Stokes. He was reared in New York state and there received his early education. At the age of sixteen he was brought to Stearns county by his parents, and here he completed his schooling. He was taught pioneer framing by his father, and was still a youth when he purchased a farm of eighty acres in section 16, Lynden township. To this he has later added eighty acres in section 17, and forty acres in section 9, making a good farm of 200 acres. He also erected a complete set of sightly and commodious buildings. He broke the land and brought it to a high degree of cultivation. He was a prosperous and active farmer, and well deserved the success which rewarded his strenuous efforts. He continued farming until April, 1913, when he purchased his present home in the village of Clearwater, where he is now reaping the fruits of his years of toil. He has ever taken an active interest in town affairs. For twenty years he was a member of the town board and for ten years of that time he was chairman. For eight years he was clerk of School District No. 78. When his property was placed in District No. 169 he became treasurer. And so remained until he retired in 1913. He still owns the home farm. It is operated by his sons, David and Roscoe. The family faith is that of the Methodist Church. George W. Stokes was married April 24, 1881, to Mrs. Eliza Beilstein Carlile, and to them have been born four children: Hattie, Roscoe, David and Gertrude. Hattie took a course in the St. Cloud State Normal School, and is now a proficient teacher. Roscoe and David, as noted, live on the home farm. David married Annie Hansen. Gertrude is a student in the St. Cloud Normal School. Eliza Beilstein, now Mrs. George W. Stokes, was born in New York state, February 6, 1857, daughter of Adam and Catherine (Fetters) Beilstein. Mr. and Mrs. Beilstein were born in Germany, and come to America in 1856. They lived in New York state until 1866, and then came to Minnesota and located in Wright county, where they took a homestead. In 1867, Mrs. Beilstein died. Soon afterward Mr. Beilstein took a farm in Clearwater township, in Wright county. Four years later he traded this farm for one in section 8, Lynden township, on which he lived for a short time, after which he took up his home with Mr. and Mrs. George w. Stokes, with whom he lived for over twenty-five years. He died February 8, 1906. To Mr. and Mrs Beilstein were born two children: Eliza and Minnie. Eliza is now Mrs. George W. Stokes, of Clearwater. Minnie is now Mrs. Fred Ponsford, of section 27, Lynden township. Eliza was first married, October 11, 1875 to H. G. Carlisle, who died November 4, 1876, leaving one child, Frederick Edwin Carlile, a farmer of Wright county. Frederick Edwin Carlile married Louise Lyons and the have two children, Lulu and Floyd. Page 968 William Stewart, an active and progressive farmer of Lynden township, was born in county Leitrem, Ireland, August 19, 1866, son of Arthur and Elizabeth (Mitchell) Stewart, who brought him to Lynden township in 1880. In 1894 he purchased the home farm from his father and here he has since continued to live. He has greatly improved the place in many ways, has remodeled and rebuilt the dwelling, and in 1910 erected a large modern barn, which is a model of its kind. At the same time other outbuildings were erected. To his original tract of land he has added until he now owns 240 acres, well stocked and improved. He is engaged in scientific farming and keeps thoroughly abreast of his times by reading, observation and experiments. He is a valuable citizen in every way. Mr. Stewart was married December 28, 1897, to Elizabeth Eickmeyer, who was born in Fair Have township, June 8, 1873, daughter of Christ and Caroline (Bodierson) Eickmeyer. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart have three children: Emily E., born November 22, 1898; blanche E., Born January 13, 1901; and Jessie A. W., born February 22, 1907. The family faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Christ Eickmeyer and his wife, Caroline, were natives of Germany. They came to America in 1867, and located in Fair Haven township, this county and became representative farmers. First they took a homestead of eighty acres, and later they bought eighty acres. Here he farmed the remainder of his life. He died in 1894,and his wife in 1903. Page 968 + 969 Arthur Stewart, for many years a worth resident of Lynden township, was born in County Leitrem, Ireland, and there became a farmer. He married Elizabeth Mitchell, a native of the same neighborhood. It was in 1880 that they came to the United States, found their way to Minnesota and located in Lynden township. Here he purchased 160 acres of land, and engaged in farming. He erected a comfortable home and suitable outbuildings, and successfully conducted agricultural operations until 1894, when he turned the farm over to his son, William, with whom he continued to make his home for many years. In 1906,, he took up his home with his daughter. He died on October 3, 1906. His wife died in March 1908. In the family there were six children: Alexander, now of England; James, who died in Australia; George who lives in Australia; Ellen, now Mrs. Wallace Bowers of Clear Lake, Minn.; William, of Lynden; and Elizabeth, now Mrs. Gustav Eickmeyer of Fair Haven. In the Eickmeyer family there were eight children: Augusta, now Mrs. Henry Throne, of Fair Haven; Lena (deceased); Minnie (deceased), Gustav, who conducts the home farm in Fair Haven township; Anna, now Mrs. William Maurer, of New Rockford, North Dakota; Elizabeth, now Mrs. William Stewart, of Lynden township; Mary , now Mrs. William Rode, of south Haven; Ida, now Mrs. Julius Gasser of Kimball. Page 971 George E. Warner, for many years a respected and substantial farmer of Lynden township, now living in retirement in Clearwater, was born in Quebec, Canada, November 16, 1826, son of Joseph and Martha (Cole) Warner, the former of whom was a native of Vermont, and devoted his life to farming and harness making. George E. Warner was reared and educated in Canada. In 1860 he left that Dominion, and located in Derby line, Vermont, where he worked as a blacksmith for four years. It was in 1864 that he came to Minnesota and took a claim in sections 19 and 20, Lynden township. He developed and improved this place, and brought it to a high stage of cultivation. After nearly four decades of busy endeavor, he sold his farm in 1902 and moved to St. Cloud. There he remained until 1914, when he took up his residence in Clearwater. He has been an active and progressive man during his entire adult years, and is now enjoying the rest, peace and contentment which he so richly deserves. He has taken a deep interest in the affairs of Lynden and St. Cloud, and is an active worker in the Old Settler's Association. The Masonic body has also found in him a valuable member. He joined originally at Clearwater, but was later debited to St. Cloud, Mr. Warner married Sarah Ann Wilcox, who died in 1894, and they had two children, Edward G. and Minnie, both now deceased. Edward G. Married Fannie Lock and they have four children. Two are dead. Charles H. and George H. are married and live at Great Falls, montana. Minnie married John Benton, and the had one child Edna. She is now Mrs. Dicks on, of Coon Rapids. Page 1273 - 1275 LYNDEN TOWNSHIP The town of Lynden is situated in the southeast corner os Stearns county, and was originally covered with brush and timber. A large part of the town is undulating, with a rich and fertile soil. The Mississippi river forms its eastern boundary, while the Clearwater river flows along its southern line. A few settlers arrived in the town in 1853, but it was not until 1856 that any considerable settlement was made. The town is so situated that its history is very intimately connected with the towns of Clearwater and St. Cloud. The settlers of Lynden received their mail and attended church, bought their supplies and sold their produce at these points. For many years the settlers occupied only the eastern side of the town, and a large part of the western side of the town remained unsettled. The farmers were an intelligent, active and progressive class of citizens, and conducted their farming operations in an enlightened and business-like manner. During the early years of the town's existence, the settlers saw hard times, and scant fare, and suffered many privations. T. C. Porter and John Townsend made the first claims in what is now the town of Lynden, in 1853. Their claims were made in sections twenty and twenty-one, on land later owned by W. T. Rigby and B. B. Benson. Mr. Porter sold his interest to Townsend, the following year, for 10 dollars; it was subsequently pre-empted by Joseph and Peter Townsend, brothers of John, who had also arrived in 1853. William and John McDonald came the same year. Porter and the Townsends were natives of Pennsylvania, the former coming to Minnesota before the territorial organization. Jonathan and William Dallas, natives of Indiana, settle on section four, in 1854. In the same year, M. D. Cambell came from Ohio and James Cambell, his brother from New York. They took claims in the fall. Abel Kent, wife and four daughters, accompanied by J. W. Stevenson, came from Ohio in 1855, and settled on sections nine and ten. Tradition says, T. C. Porter ferried the young ladies across the Clearwater river on his back, and escorted them to their new home. George T. Cambell also arrived and took a claim this year. However, he went back to Boston and did not return until 1860. J. W. Stevenson married Emma Kent in the fall of that year. Simon Stevens, another pioneer, lashed two Indian canoes together and took the wedding party across the Mississippi river, and the ceremony was performed on the east bank of the stream, between sundown and dark, by John H. Stevenson, justice of the peace of Sherburne, then Benton county. As soon as they were declared man and wife a party of pioneers secreted in the timber near by fired a salute in honor of the event frightening many of the bridal party into the belief that the Indians were upon them. Joseph Townsend and Harriet Ball were married in October of the same year by the same official and under similar circumstances there being no clergyman or justice of the peace in this town at that time. The first ceremony performed in the town was the marriage of A. B. Darby to Jerusha Ingalls on March 19, 1858. In 1856 the population was increased by the arrival of S. A. Clifford, W. D. Davis, Turman Parcher, L. C. Johnson, Martin Johnson, Stephen Oyster, E. G. Mathews, George E. Warner, T. Heaton, A. C. Powers and B. T. Lyons. They took claims in the eastern part of the town. The same year, Charles Dally, Joseph Pratt, and ______ McConney took claims in the west part of the town, near the Fair Haven line. The first child born was a son of Peter Townsend, named Byron, in August, 1856. The first death was J. W. Stevenson, to whom reference has just been made as the principal in the first marriage ceremony. He died on September 14, 1856. The first school was taught by J. Langley, of Vermont, in the winter of 1858-59, in a shanty, which had been erected for a groggier. The first schoolhouse was built in the summer following, the funds being raised by subscription, and Marietta Vorse taught the first school therein. The first election was held at the house of S. A. Clifford, in October, 1857, in what was then called Clearwater precinct. S. A. Clifford, Truman Parcher and Martin Johnson were judges of election, and A. C. Powers and W. D. Davis were clerks. The town was organized on January 15, 1859, and the first election held on that day at the house of John McDonald, later owned and occupied by Abijah Whitney. A preliminary meeting had been held in 1858, and the name of Corning chosen for the new town, but the fist annual meeting the name was changed to "Lyndon," though now written "Lynden." The first township officers were: Supervisors, Seth Gibbs, chairman; Martin Johnson and Truman Parcher; clerk, W. a. Sumner; constables, T. Heaton and F. H. Thompson; justices of the peace, W. T. Rigby and Jon McDonald; assessor, S. A. Clifford; overseer of the poor, N. W. Merrill; road overseer, Jonathan Sargent; collector, T. Heaton. During the Rebellion, the town furnished its quota of volunteers for the army, and her sons did noble work on many southern battlefields. The following are among the names of those who enlisted during the war: Carroll H. Clifford, Frank W. Clifford, George C. Clifford, Frank W. Lyons, William H. Lyons, James M. Lyons, E. P. Parcher, Frank M. Parcher, Benjamin Rovinson, Adam Bunt, William Dallas, Wilbur F. Fisk, James Langdon, C. H. Vorse and George T. Campbell. There was one lacking to fill the town's quota, and Levi Gleason was drafted and afterwards promoted to chaplain. All of the above named volunteers, except E. P. Parcher, who was killed at the battle of The Cedars, December 7, 1864. Page 1275 - 1276 CLEARWATER VILLAGE Clearwater village is situated partly in Stearns and partly in Wright counties, lying between the Clearwater and Lynden townships. While its history properly belongs in that of Wright county, it is the trading center of Lynden, and many retired residents of Stearns county live there. A portion of the site was claimed in 1855 by Asa White, Alonzo T. Benton, and others, and named El Dorado. During Mr. White's absence that season the land was claimed by Simon Stevens, Horace Webster, and John Farwell, and platted in the spring of 1856 as Clearwater by J. H. Talbott and Simon Stevens. This let to difficulties but he matter was afterward adjusted in a friendly manner. The place soon became a popular center, and was thronged with pioneers looking for homes in Stearns and Wright Counties. A blacksmith shop was opened by Stevens, Webster & Farwell, in 1855. They soon sold to _______Allen, and he in 1856 to George Fuller. Dr. J. D. Wheelock started the practice of his profession here in 1855, and continued to be the village physician for many years. The first white woman to arrive was Mrs Abigail P. Camp, who afterward became Mrs. Thomas C. Porter. She reached here in August 1855, as housekeeper for the townie company. Mrs. J. D. Wheelock, who came that fall, was the second white woman to reside in Clearwater. A post-office was also established in 1855 and the first religious services held. The first hotel was built in 1855 by Stevens, Webster & Farwell, Mrs. A. P. Camp being the landlady. In the spring of 1856 they sold the furniture and rented the house to ______ Allen, the blacksmith. In 1857, Frank Morrison built the Morrison House, which was open for several decades thereafter, and was at one time the largest and best hotel in the county. The religious services held in December , 1855, were conducted at the residence of ____Dow, near the village, by the Rev. Mr. Creighton, of Monticello. In 1857, Rev. Mr. Chamberlain, an Episcopal clergyman, conducted services in the first hotel erected. Later religious meetings were held in a two-story building, the lower story of which was used for a store, and the upper part for a school and public gatherings of various sorts. The ferry, so long in operation at this point, was first established in 1856 by Stevens, Talbott & Co. The first store was opened in 1856 by Seth Gibbs, and Newell Whiting in a building on the river bank near the ferry. The following spring W. T. Rigby opened another store. A third was opened in 1858 by S. A. Heard, and O. S. Lock soon followed with a fourth. Samuel Whiting came to Clearwater in 1857 and started a general store in 1861. It lived to be for many years the oldest store int the county. In 1876 he put up what was then considered the best store building in the county. J. E. Fuller came to Clearwater in 1857 and started a general store in 1865. Major W. w. Webster came to Clearwater in May, 1857, and opened a general store in 1868. L. C. Johnson established a store of the same nature in 1875. Philip Schwab, an early druggist of Rockford, went to Minneapolis in 1867 and in 1868 came to Clearwater and opened a drug and grocery sore. In 1873 he eliminated the drugs. Mr. Schwab was a valuable citizen, loaned money extensively, and invested in many of the village enterprises. J. H. Davis was another early druggist. In 1871 he sold out to S. M. Philips, who, with a partner, E. P. Crossman, for awhile and then alone, continued the business for several years. The first school was taught, by A. C. Powers in the winter of 1856-57. The old building first used as a store served as the first school house. Miss Harvey, afterward the wife of Horatio Houlton, of Elk River, Sherburne county, was the second teacher. The first school building in the place was erected in 1860. It was afterward used as a Catholic church. From 1866 to 1882, Clear Lake, across the river from Clearwater, was the only railroad egress form the village. But when the St. Paul, Minneapolis & Manitoba came through in January, 1882 a station was established here. A stockade was built at Clearwater village during the Indian uprising, and the settlers from the timbered region found shelter therein. Squads of soldiers were located in the town at different times, and for the most part the prairie farms were cultivated. But from the southern part of the township many settler departed never to return. In 1856, the Burbank stage company were running their stages from St. Paul to the Red River of the North by way of St. Cloud, as well as hauling supplies over this route. They found that by making a road from Clearwater to Cold Spring it would save twelve to fifteen miles of travel over the sandy road from Clearwater to St. Cloud. The saving of this distance was a big item to the company, with their heavy traffic. They made a proposition to the townie owners of Clearwater, offering to make a good road from that place to Cold Spring, through the rich and fertile towns of Fair Haven, Maine Prairie and Luxemburg, providing that, in return, they were to have sufficient land for their barns, stables and warehouses. They intended to make this place a base of operations. The boats could bring up their supplies of navigation, whereas, it was only during the high water that the boats could reach St. Cloud. The road to Cold Spring would run through a very fertile country, now fast settling up, and soon immense quantities of wheat, corn, and oats would be hauled to Clearwater and sold to be shipped by boat to St. Anthony, and the money for the grain would be spent in the town for supplies that would be brought up by water at a rate cheaper than it could be hauled by team, as the case was at St. Cloud. Consequently, the farmers could get better prices at Clearwater for their supplies. Then, again, the immense trains of Red River carts that made annual trips to St. Cloud and St. Paul would come by way of Cold Spring to Clearwater, and as they could sent their goods down on the boat and get their supplies up from St. Paul cheaper than they could to go with their trains, this town would become the terminal point of these trains. This alone would be a big item. This, together with the vast fertile country to the southwest with unlimited quantities of the various kids of hardwood for lumber and manufacturing purposes, and together with a splendid water power, capable of running two flouring mills and a saw mill, would naturally point out this place as having all that was needed of natural advantages to make in the near future a large and flourishing city. But, the townie owners, like many others in the early days, were short sighted, and replied to the Burbank company's proposition that their lots were for sale, but not to give away. The result was that the road to Cold Spring was never opened, and the company continued to go by way of St. Cloud. ========================================================================= Copyright Rebecca B Frank 2004. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm =========================================================================