Bio of Dwelle, Abner (b.1805) Wabasha Co., MN
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Made available to The USGenWeb Archives by: Barbara Timm and Carol Judge
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This bio comes from "HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY" 1884.
Check out Barbara's site for more great information on this book:
http://www.rootsweb.com/~mnwabbio/wab1.htm
There are also some pictures and information from descendents for some 
of the bios on her pages.

Dwelle, Abner, retired farmer, one of the founders and the pioneer settler
of Lake City, was born in Greenwich, New York, January 2, 1805. His
grandfather and father bore the same name-the former was a sea captain-and
both served through the revolutionary war. They were of Massachusetts
birth. The mother of this subject was Miriam Martin, of New York birth.
Her son, of whom we write, passed his youth on a farm, attending the
primitive common schools about three months during the winter till
eighteen years old. He then entered a woolen carding and spinning
establishment, and continued in this kind of occupation sixteen years.
January 8, 1829, he was united in marriage to Miss Electa C. Lawrence, a
native of Onondaga county. In 1837 he went to Kalamazoo county, Michigan,
and cleared a farm in Texas township. Here he remained until his removal
to Wabasha county in 1854. Ten years after his location in Michigan, death
took away his faithful helpmeet. She was the mother of nine children, of
whom seven survived her and are still living, all save one in this state.
The eldest and youngest, Carrie M. and Jennie, reside with their father.
The eldest son, Elijah, is at Pittsbury, G. M., Henry and Thomas L. are in
Lake City, and Albert A. in Chicago. February 17, 1849, Mr. Dwelle
espoused Zilpha Knapp, born in Chase, New York. Since the time of his
settlement here he has dwelt on the same spot. He purchased half-breed
scrip and secured three quarter-sections of land for himself and sons, on
sections 4, 8 and 9. His residence is on 4, within a rod of the site of
the original log cabin. In partnership with Samuel Doughty and Abner
Tibbetts, he platted the city in 1856, and has sold off a portion of his
estate in town lots. He still retains a handsome farm on the outskirts of
the city, and takes a deep interest in both rural and city affairs.
Although seventy-nine years of age, he walks erect, without a cane, and is
in the full enjoyment of all his faculties. Every day, summer or winter,
rain or shine, he may be seen on the streets of the beautiful city which
he founded. His last birthday anniversary was celebrated at his home by a
family reunion, at which were present children and grandchildren, to the
number of nearly a score. During his residence in Michigan Mr. Dwelle was
an active member in the Congregational church, and earned the title of
Deacon, by which he has ever since been known. He is now a firm believer
in the Spirtualistic faith. Politically he was a whig and abolitionist,
and is a republican.
War of Rebellion (Civil War)