Gass. ^6IZ Bookj\A^zPr d^ / -; — »-•■ Portrait and 9'2 .-4S^ BIOGRAPHICAL OF K WINONA COUNTY, MINNESOTA. Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Repre- sentative Citizens of the County, Together with Biographies and Portraits of all the Presidents of the United States. Lake City Pubushino Co. CHICAGO: CII.VI'.M.XN PFBLISHING COMP.\NV, i'i;iNii;iis AM) r.iNUKHs. 1896. \ , \-v- ^- - pF(Ep/\*^ -(-C-t- ^^^' 5=^^^^^=^^ '9 '/' /y ''^ GEORGE WASHINGTON. HE Father of our Country was bom in West- moreland County, Va., February 22, 1732. His parents were Augustine and Mary ( Ball ) Washington. The family to which he belonged has not been satisfactorily traced in England. His great-grandfather, John Washington, emi- grated to Virginia about 1657, and became a prosperous planter. He had two sons, Lawrence and John. The former married Mildred Warner, and had three children, John, Augustine and Mildred. Augustine, the father of George, first married Jane Butler, who bore him four children, two of whom, L,awrence and Augustine, reached maturity. Of six children by his second mar- riage, George was the eldest, the others being Betty, Samuel, John Augustine, Charles and Mildred. Augustine Washington, the father of George, died in 1743, leaving a large landed property. To his eldest son, Lawrence, he bequeathed an estate on the Potomac, afterwards known as Mt. Vernon, and to George he left the parental resi- dence. George received only such education as the neighborhood schools afforded, save for a short time after he left school, when he received private instruction in mathematics. His spelling was rather defective. Remarkable stories are told of his great physical strength and develop- ment at an early age. He was an acknowledged \eader among his companions, and was early noted for that nobleness of character, fairness and veracity which characterized his whole life. When George was fourteen j-ears old he had a desire to go to sea, and a midshipman's warrant was secured for him, but through the opposition of his mother the idea was abandoned. Two years later he was appointed sur\'eyor to the im- mense estate of Lord Fairfax. In this business he spent three years in a rough frontier life, gaining experience which afterwards proved very essential to him. In 1751, though onh' nineteen years of age, he was appointed Adjutant, with the rank of Major, in the Virginia militia, then being trained for active service against the French and Indians. Soon after this he sailed to the West Indies with his Ijrothcr Lawrence, who went there to restore his health. They soon returned, and in the summer of 1752 Lawrence died, leaving a large fortune to an infant daughter, who did not long survive him. On her demise the estate of Mt. Vernon was given to George. Upon the arrival of Robert Dinwiddle as Lieu- tenant-Governor of Virginia, in 1752, the militia was reorganized, and the province divided into four military districts, of which the northern was assigned to Washington as Adjutant-General. Shortly after this a ver>' perilous mission, which others had refused, was assigned him and ac- cepted. This was to proceed to the French post near Lake Erie, in northwestern Pennsylvania. The distance to be traversed was about six hun- dred miles. Winter was at hand, and the journey was to be made without military escort, through a territory occupied by Indians. The trip was a perilous one, and several times he nearly lost his life, but he returned in safety and furnished a full and useful report of his expedition. A regiment of three hundred men was raised in Virginia and put in command of Col. Joshua Fry, and Maj. Washington was commissioned Lieutenant-Colo- nel. Active war was then begun against the French and Indians, in which Washington took 20 GEORGE WASHINGTON. a most important part. In the memorable event of July 9, 1755, known as "Braddock's defeat," Washington was almost the only officer of dis- tinction who escaped from the calamities of the day with life and honor. Having been for five years in the military ser\^- ice, and having vainly sought promotion in the royal army, he took advantage of the fall of Ft. Du- quesne and the expulsion of the French from the valley of the Ohio to resign his commission. Soon after he entered the L,egislature, where, although not a leader, he took an active and important part. January 17, 1759, he married Mrs. Martha (Dandridge) Custis, the wealthy widow of John Parke Custis. When the British Parliament had closed the port of Boston, the cry went up throughout the provinces, ' ' The cause ol Boston is the cause of us all! " It was then, at the suggestion of Vir- ginia, that a congress of all the colonies was called to meet at Philadelphia September 5, 1774, to secure their common liberties, peaceably if possible. To this congress Col. Washington was sent as a delegate. On Maj- 10, 1775, the congress re-assembled, when the hostile inten- tions of England were plainlj' apparent. The battles of Concord and Lexington had been fought, and among the first acts of this congress was the election of a commander-in-chief of the Colonial forces. This high and responsible office was con- ferred upon Washington, who was still a member of the congress. He accepted it on June 19, but upon the express condition that he receive no sal- ary. He would keep an exact account of ex- penses, and expect congress to pay them and nothing more. It is not the object of this sketch to trace the military' acts of Washington, to whom the fortunes and liberties of the people of this countrj- were so long confided. The war was conducted by him under every possible disadvan- tage; and while his forces often met with reverses, yet he overcame every obstacle, and after seven years of heroic devotion and matchless skill he gained liberty for the greatest nation of earth. On December 23, 1783, Washington, in a parting address of surpassing beauty, resigned his com- mission as Commander-in-Chief of the army to the Continental Congress sitting at Annapolis. He retired immediately to Mt. Vernon and resumed his occupation as a farmer and planter, shunning all connection with public life. In February', 1789, Washington was unani- mously elected President, and at the expiration of his first term he was unanimously re-elected. At the end of this term man}' were anxious that he be re-elected, but he absolutely refused a third nomination. On March 4, 1797, at the expiration of his second term as President, he returned to his home, hoping to pass there his few remaining years free from the annoyances of public life. Later in the jear, however, his repose seemed likely to be interrupted bj' war with France. At the prospect of such a war he was again urged to take command of the army, but he chose his sub- ordinate officers and left them the charge of mat- ters in the field, which he superintended from his home. In accepting the command, he made the reservation that he was not to be in the field until it was necessary. In the midst of these prepara- tions his life was suddenly cut offi December 1 2 he took a severe cold from a ride in the rain, which, settling in his throat, produced inflamma- tion, and terminated fatally on the night of the 14th. On the 1 8th his body was borne with mili- tary' honors to its final resting-place, and interred in the family vault at Mt. Vernon. Of the character of Washington it is impossible to speak but in terms of the highest respect and admiration. The more we see of the operations of our government, and the more deeply we feel the difficulty of uniting all opinions in a common Interest, the more highly we must estimate the force of his talent and character, which have been able to challenge the reverence of all parties., and principles, and nations, and to win a fame as extended as the Hmits of the globe, and which we cannot but believe \vill be as lasting as the exist- ence of man. In person, Washington was unusually tall, erect and well proportioned, and his muscular strength was great. His features were of a beausiful .sym- metry. He commanded respect without any ap- pearance of haughtiness, and was ever serious without being dull. mu JOHN ADAMS. (TOHN ADAMS, the second President and the I first Vice-President of the United States, was (2/ born in Braintree (now Quincj-) Mass., and about ten miles from Boston, October 19, 1735. His great-grandfather, Henry Adams, emigrated from England about 1640, with a family of eight sons, and settled at Braintree. The parents of John were John and Susannah (Boylston) Adams. His father, who was a farmer of limited means, also engaged in the business of shoe- making. He gave his eldest son, John, a classical education at Har\'ard College. John graduated in 1755, and at once took charge of the school at Worcester, Mass. This he found but a "school of affliction," from which he endeavored to gain relief by devoting himself, in addition, to the study of law. For this purpose he placed himself under the tuition of the onlj- lawyer in the town. He had thought seriously of the clerical profes- sion, but seems to have been turned from this by what he termed "the frightful engines of ecclesi- astical councils, of diabolical malice, and Calvin- istic good nature," of the operations of which he had been a witness in his native town. He was well fitted for the legal profession, possessing a clear, sonorous voice, being ready and fluent of speech, and having quick perceptive powers. He gradually gained a practice, and in 1764 married Abigail Smith, a daughter of a minister, and a lady of superior intelligence. Shortly after his marriage, in 1765, the attempt at parliamentarj' taxation turned him from law to politics. He took initial steps toward holding a town meeting, and the resolutions he offered on the subject be- came verj- popular throughout the province, and were adopted word for word by over forty dififer- ent towns. He moved to Boston in 1768, and became one of the most courageous and promi- nent advocates of the popular cause, and was chosen a member of the General Court (the Leg- islature) in 1770. Mr. Adams was chosen one of the first dele- gates from Massachusetts to the first Continent- al Congress, which met in 1774. Here he dis- tinguished himself by his capacity for business and for debate, and advocated the movement for independence against the majority of the mem- bers. In May, 1776, he moved and carried a res- olution in Congress that the Colonies should assume the duties of self-govermnent. He w-as a prominent member of the committee of five ap- pointed June 1 1 to prepare a declaration of inde- pendence. This article was drawn by Jefferson, but on Adams devolved the task of battling it through Congress in a three-daj-s debate. On the day after the Declaration of Independ- ence was passed, while his soul was yet warm with the glow of excited feeling, he wrote a letter to his wife, which, as we read it now, seems to have been dictated bj^ the spirit of prophecy. "Yesterday," he says, "the greatest question was decided that ever was debated in America; and greater, perhaps, never was or will be de- cided among men. A resolution was passed without one dissenting colon\', 'that these United States are, and of right ought to be, free and in- dependent states.' The day is passed. The Fourth of July, 1776, will be a memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversarj^ festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to Almiglity God. It ought to be solemnized with pomp, shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of the continent to the other, from this time forward forever. You will think me tran.sported with enthusiasm, but I am not. I am well aware of the toil and blood and treas- ure that it will cost to maintain this declaration and support and defend these States; yet, through all the gloom, I can see the ra)-s of light and glory. I can see that the end is worth more than all the means, and that po-sterity will triumph, 24 JOHN ADAMS. although you and I may rue, which I hope we shall not." In November, 1777, Mr. Adams was appointed a delegate to France, and to co-operate with Ben- jamin Franklin and Arthur Lee, who were then in Paris, in the endeavor to obtain assistance in arms and money from the French government. This was a severe trial to his patriotism, as it separated him from his home, compelled him to cross the ocean in winter, and exposed him to great peril of capture by the British cruiserg, who were seeking him. He left France June 17, 1779. In September of the same year he was again chosen to go to Paris, and there hold him- self in readiness to negotiate a treaty of peace and of commerce with Great Britain, as soon as the British cabinet might be found willing to listen to such proposals. He sailed for France in No- vember, and from there he went to Holland, where he negotiated important loans and formed im- portant commercial treaties. Finally, a treaty of peace with England was signed, January- 2 1 , 1783. The re-action from the excitement, toil and anxiety through which Mr. Adams had passed threw him into a fever. After suffering from a continued fever and becoming feeble and emaciated, he was advised to go to England to drink the waters of Bath. While in England, still drooping and desponding, he re- ceived dispatches from his own government urg- ing the necessity of his going to Amsterdam to negotiate another loan. It was winter, his health was delicate, yet he immediately set out, and through storm, on sea, on horseback and foot, he made the trip. February 24, 1785, Congress appointed Mr. Adams envoj' to the Court of St. James. Here he met face to face the King of England, who had so long regarded him as a traitor. As Eng- land did not condescend to appoint a minister to the United States, and as Mr. Adams felt that he was accomplishing but little, he sought permis- sion to return to his own country, where he ar- rived in June, 1788. When Washington was first chosen President, John Adams, rendered illustrious by his signal services at home and abroad, was chosen Vice- President. Again, at the second election of Wash- ington as President, Adams was chosen Vice- President. In 1796, Washington retired from public life, and Mr. Adams was elected President, though not without much opposition. Ser\'ing in this oflSce four years, he was succeeded by Mr. Jefferson, his opponent in politics. While Mr. Adams was Vice-President the great French Re\'olution shook the continent of Europe, and it was upon this point that he was at issue with the majority of his countrymen, led by Mr. Jefferson. Mr. Adams felt no sympathy with the French people in their struggle, for he had no confidence in their power of self-govern- ment, and he utterly abhorred the class of atheist philosophers who, he claimed, caused it. On the other hand, Jefferson's sympathies were strongly enlisted in behalf of the French people. Hence originated the alienation between these distin- tinguished men, and the two powerful parties were thus soon organized, with Adams at the head of the one whose sympathies were with England, and Jefferson leading the other in sympathy with France. The Fourth of July, 1826, which completed the half-century since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, arrived, and there were but three of the signers of that immortal instrument left upon the earth to hail its morning light. And, as it is well known, on that day two of these finished their earthly pilgrimage, a coinci- dence so remarkable as to seem miraculous. For a few days before Mr. Adams had been rapidly failing, and on the morning of the Fourth he found himself too weak to rise from his bed. On being requested to name a toast for the cus- tomary celebration of the day, he exclaimed "Independence forever!" When the day was ushered in b)' the ringing of bells and the firing of cannons, he was asked by one of his attend- ants if he knew what day it was? He replied, "O yes, it is the glorious Fourth of July — God bless it — God bless you all!" In the course of the day he said, "It is a great and glorious day." The last words he uttered were, " Jeffe:' son survives." But he had, at one o'clock, resigned his spirit into the hands of his God. ■^ -7^/1^ THOMAS JEFFERSON. "HOMAS JEFFERSON was bom April 2, 1743, at Shadwell, Albemarle County, Va. His parents were Peter and Jane (Ran- dolph) Jefferson, the former a native of Wales, and the latter born in London. To them were bom six daughters and two sons, of whom Thomas was the elder. When fourteen years of age his father died. He received a most liberal educa- tion, having been kept diligently at school from the time he was five years of age. In 1760 he entered William and Marj' College. Williams- burg was then the seat of the Colonial court, and it was the abode of fashion and splendor. Young Jefierson, who was then seventeen years old, lived somewhat expensively, keeping fine horses, and going much into gay society; yet he was ear- nestly devoted to his studies, and irreproachable in his morals. In the .second year of his college course, moved by some unexplained impul.se, he discarded his old companions and pursuits, and often devoted fifteen hours a day to hard stud}-. He thus attained very high intellectual culture, and a like excellence in philosophy and the lan- guages. Immediately upon leaving college he began the study of law. For the short time he continued in the practice of his profession he rose rapidly, and distinguished himself by his energy and acuteness as a lawjer. But the times called for greater action. The policy of England had awak- ened the spirit of resistance in the American Col- onies, and the enlarged views which Jefferson had ever entertained soon led him into active politi- cal life. In 1 769 he was chosen a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses. In 1772 he mar- ried Mrs. Martha Skelton, a very beautiful, wealthy, and highlj- accomplished young widow. In 1775 he was sent to the Colonial Congress, where, though a silent member, his abilities as a writer and a reasoner soon become known, and he was placed upon a number of important com- mittees, and was chairman of the one appointed for the drawing up of a declaration of independ- ence. This committee consisted of Thomas Jef- ferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman and Robert R. Livingston. Jefferson, as chainnan, was appointed to draw up the paper. Franklin and Adams suggested a few verbal changes before it was submitted to Congress. On June 28, a few slight changes were made in it by Congress, and it was passed and signed July 4, 1776. In 1779 Mr. Jefferson was elected successor to Patrick Henrj- as Governor of Virginia. At one time the British officer Tarleton sent a secret expedition to Monticello to capture the Governor. Scarcely fi^•e minutes elapsed after the hurried escape of Mr. Jefferson and his family ere his mansion was in possession of the British troops. His wife's health, never very good, was much injured by this excitement, and in the summer of 1782 she died. Mr. Jefferson was elected to Congress in 1783. Two years later he was appointed Minister Pleni- potentiary to France. Returning to the United States in September, 1789, he became Secretary of State in Washington's cabinet. This position he resigned January i, 1794. In 1797, he was chosen Vice-President, and four years later was elected President over Mr. Adams, with Aaron 28 THOMAS JEFFERSON. Burr as Vice-President. In 1804 he was re- elected with wonderful unanimit}', George Clin- ton being elected Vice-President. The early part of Mr. Jefferson's second ad- ministration was disturbed by an event which threatened the tranquilUtj- and peace of the Union; this was the conspiracy of Aaron Burr. Defeated in the late election to the Vice-Presidency, and led on by an unprincipled ambition, this extraor- dinary man formed the plan of a military ex- pedition into the Spanish territories on our south- western frontier, for the purpose of forming there a new republic. This was generally supposed to have been a mere pretext; and although it has not been generally known what his real plans were, there is no doubt that they were of a far more dangerous character. In 1809, at the expiration of the second term for which Mr. Jefferson had been elected, he de- termined to retire from political life. For a period of nearly forty years he had been continuallj' be- fore the public, and all that time had been em- ployed in offices of the greatest trust and respon- sibility. Having thus devoted the best part of his life to the service of his country-, he now felt desirous of that rest which his declining j-ears re- quired, and upon the organization of the new ad- ministration, in March, 1809, he bade farewell for- ever to public life and retired to Monticello, his famous country home, which, next to Mt. Vernon, was the most distinguished residence in the land. The Fourth of July, 1826, being the fiftieth an- niversary of the Declaration of American Inde- pendence, great preparations were made in every part of the Union for its celebration as the nation's jubilee, and the citizens of Washington, to add to the solemnitj' of the occasion, invited Mr. Jeffer- son, as the framer and one of the few sur\-iving signers of the Declaration, to participate in their festivities. But an illness, which had been of several weeks' duration and had been continually increasing, compelled him to decline the invita- tion. On the 2d of July the disease under which he was laboring left him, but in such a reduced state that his medical attendants entertained no hope of his recovery. From this time he was perfectly sensible that his last hour was at hand. On the next daj-, which was Monday, he asked of those around him the day of the month, and on being told it was the 3d of July, he ex- pressed the earnest wish that he might be per- mitted to breathe the air of the fiftieth anniver- sary. His prayer was heard — that day whose dawn was hailed with such rapture through our land burst upon his eyes, and then they were closed forever. And what a noble consummation of a noble life! To die on that day — the birth- day of a nation — the day which his own name and his own act had rendered glorious, to die amidst the rejoicings and festivities of a whole nation, who looked up to him as the author, un- der God, of their greatest blessings, was all that was wanting to fill up the record of his life. Almost at the same hour of his death, the kin- dred spirit of the venerable Adams, as if to bear him company, left the scene of his earthly honors. Hand in hand they had stood forth, the cham- pions of freedom; hand in hand, during the dark and desperate struggle of the Revolution, they had cheered and animated their desponding coun- trj-men; for half a century they had labored to- gether for the good of the country, and now hand in hand they departed. In their lives they had been united in the same great cause of liberty, and in their deaths they were not divided. In person Mr. Jefferson was tall and thin, rather above six feet in height, but well formed; his eyes were light, his hair, originally red, in after life be- came white and sUvery, his complexion was fair, his forehead broad, and his whole countenance intelligent and thoughtful. He possessed great fortitude of mind as well as personal courage, and his command of temper was such that his oldest and most intimate friends never recollected to have seen him in a passion. His manners, though dignified, were simple and unaffected, and his hospitality was so unbounded that all found at his house a ready welcome. In conversation he was fluent, eloquent and enthusiastic, and his language was remarkably pure and correct. He was a finished classical scholar, and in his writ- ings is discernible the care with which he formed his style upon the best models of antiquity. /T^a^^-i-c^ /cyCC &<~^^^^-^i^ cn^ JAMES MADISON. (Tames MADISON, "Father of the Consti- I tution," and fourth President of the United Q) States, was born March i6, 1757, and died at his home in Virginia June 28, 1836. The name of James Madison is inseparably connected with most of the important e\-ents in that heroic period of our country during which the founda- tions of this great republic were laid. He was the last of the founders of the Constitution of the United States to be called to his eternal reward. The Madison family were among the early emi- grants to the New World, landing upon the shores of the Chesapeake but fifteen years after the settle- ment of Jamestown. Thefather of James Madison was an opulent planter, residing upon a verj' fine estate called Montpelier, in Orange Countj', Va. It was but tweutj^-five miles from the home of Jef- ferson at Monticello, and the closest personal and political attachment existed between these illustri- ous men from their early youth until death. The early edtication of Mr. Madison was con- ducted mostly at home under a private tutor. At the age of eighteen he was sent to Princeton Col- lege, in New Jersey. Here he applied himself to .study with the most imprudent zeal, allowing him- self for months but three hours' sleep out of the twenty-four. His health thus became so seriously impaired that he never recovered any vigor of constitution. He graduated in 1771, with a feeble body, but with a character of utmost purity, and a mind highly disciplined and richly stored with learning, which embellished and gave efficiency to his subsequent career. Returning to Virginia, he commenced the study of law and a course of extensive and systematic reading. This educational course, the spirit of the times in which he lived, and the society with which he associated, all combined to inspire him with a strong love of liberty, and to train him for his life-work as a statesman. In the spring of 1776, when twenty-six years of age, he was elected a member of the Virginia Con- vention to frame the constitution of the State. The next year (1777), he was a candidate for the Gen- eral Assembly. He refused to treat the whisky -lov- ing voters, and consequently lost his election; but those who had witnessed the talent, energy and public spirit of the modest young man enlisted themselves in his behalf, and he was appointed to the Executive Council. Both Patrick Henr>' and Thomas Jefferson were Governors of Virginia while Mr. Madison re- mained member of the Council, and their apprecia- tion of his intellectual, social and moral worth contributed not a little to his subsequent eminence. In the year 1780 he was elected a member of the Continental Congress. Here he met the most il- lustrious men in our land, and he was immediately assigned to one ot the most conspicuous positions among them. For three years he continued in Con- gress, one of its most active and influential mem- bers. In 1784, his term having expired, he was elected a member of the Virginia Legislature. No man felt more deeply than Mr. Madison the utter inefficiency of the old confederacy, with no national government, and no power to form trea- ties which would be binding, or to enforce law. There was not any State more prominent than Virginia in the declaration that an efficient na- tional government must be formed. In January, 1786, Mr. Madison carried a resolution through the General Assembly of Virginia, inviting the other States to appoint commissioners to meet in convention at Annapolis to discuss this subject. Five States only were represented. The conven- tion, however, issued another call, drawn up by Mr. Madison, urging all the States to send their delegates to Philadelphia in May, 1787, to draft a Constitution for the United States, to take the place of the Confederate League. The delegates met at the time appointed. Every State but Rhode Island was represented. George Washing- 32 JAMES MADISON. ton was chosen president of the convention, and the present Constitution of the United States was then and there formed. There was, perhaps, no mind and no pen more active in framing this immortal document than the mind and the pen of James Madison. The Constitution, adopted by a vote of eighty-one to seventy-nine, was to be presented to the several States for acceptance. But grave solicitude was felt. Should it be rejected, we should be left but a :onglomeration of independent States, with but little power at home and little respect abroad. Mr. Madison was elected by the convention to draw up an address to the people of the United States, ex- pounding the principles of the Constitution, and urging its adoption. There was great opposition to it at first, but at length it triumphed over all, and went into effect in 1789. Mr. Madison was elected to the House of Repre- sentatives in the first Congress, and soon became the avowed leader of the Republican partj'. While in New York attending Congress, he met Mrs. Todd, a young widow of remarkable power of fas- cination, whom he married. She was in person and character queenly, and probaby no lady has thus far occupied so prominent a position in the verj' peculiar society which has constituted our republican court as did Mrs. Madison. Mr. Madison served as Secretarj' of State under Jefferson, and at the close of his administration was chosen President. At this time the encroach- ments of England had brought us to the verge of war. British orders in council destroyed our com- merce, and our flag was exposed to constant insult. Mr. Madison was a man of peace. Scholarly in his taste, retiring in his disposition, war had no charms for him. But the meekest spirit can be roused. It makes one's blood boil, even now, to think of an American ship brought to upon the ocean by the guns of an English cruiser. A young lieutenant steps on board and orders the crew to be paraded before him. With great non- chalance he selects any number whom he may please to designate as British subjects, orders them down the ship's side into his boat, and places them an the gundeck of his man-of-war, to fight, by compulsion, the battles of England. This right of search and impressment no efforts of our Gov- ernment could induce the British cabinet to re- linquish. On the 1 8th of June, 1812, President Madison gave his approval to an act of Congress declaring war against Great Britain. Notwithstanding the bitter hostility of the Federal party to the war, the country in general approved; and Mr. Madison, on the 4th of March, 18 13, was re-elected by a large majority, and entered upon his second term of office. This is not the place to describe the various adventures of this war on the land and on the water. Our infant navy then laid the found- ations of its renown in grappling with the most formidable power which ever swept the seas. The contest commenced in earnest by the appearance of a British fleet, early in Februarj% 18 13, in Chesapeake Ba}- , declaring nearly the whole coast of the United States under blockade. The Emperor of Russia offered his serv'ices as mediator. America accepted; England refused. A British force of five thousand men landed on the banks of the Patuxet River, near its entrance into Chesapeake Bay, and marched rapidly, b}- waj' of Bladensburg, upon Washington. The straggling little city of \^'ashington was thrown into consternation. The cannon of the brief conflict at Bladensburg echoed through the streets of the metropolis. The whole population fled from the city. The President, leaving Mrs. Madison in the White House, with her carriage drawn up at the door to await his speedy return, hurried to meet the officers in a council of war. He met our troops utterly routed, and he could not go back without danger of being captured. But few hours elapsed ere the Presidential Mansion, the Capitol, and all the public buildings in Wash- ington were in flames. The war closed after two years of fighting, and on February 13, 181 5, the treaty of peace was signed at Ghent. On the 4th of March, 18 17, his second term of office expired, and he resigned the Presidential chair to his friend, James Monroe. He retired to his beautiful home at Montpelier, and there passed the remainder of his days. On June 28, 1836, at the age of eighty-five years, he fell asleep in death. Mrs. Madison died July 12, 1849. /^^-^c JAMES MONROE. (Tames MONROE, the fifth President of the I United States, was born in Westmoreland C) County, Va., April 28, 1758. His early life was passed at the pkce of his nativity. His an- cestors had for many years resided in the province in which he was born. When he was seventeen years old, and in process of completing his educa- tion at William and Marj' College, the Colonial Congress, assembled at Philadelphia to deliberate upon the unjust and manifold oppressions of Great Britain, declared the separation of the Colonies, and promulgated the Declaration of Independence. Had he been born ten years before, it is highly probable that he would have been one of the signers of that celebrated instrument. At this time he left school and enlisted among the pa- triots. He joined the army when everything looked hopeless and gloomy. The number of deserters increased from day to day. The invading armies came pouring in, and the Tories not only favored the cause of the mother country, but disheartened the new recruits, who were sufficiently terrified at the prospect of contending with an enemy whom they had been taught to deem invincible. To such brave spirits as James Monroe, who went right onward undismayed through difficulty and danger, the United States owe their political emancipation. The young cadet joined the ranks and espoused the cause of his injured country, with a firm determination to live or die in her strife for liberty. Firmly, yet sadly, he shared in the melancholy retreat from Harlem Heights and White Plains, and accompanied the dispirited army as it fled before its foes through New Jersey. In four months after the Declaration of Inde- pendence, the patriots had been beaten in seven battles. At the battle of Trenton he led the van- guard, and in the act of charging upon the enemy he received a wound in the left shoulder. As a reward for his bravery, Mr. Monroe was promoted to be captain of infantry-, and, having re- covered from his wounds, he rejoined the army. He, however, receded from the line of promotion by becoming an officer on the staff of L,ord Ster- ling. During the campaigns of 1777 and 1778, in the actions of Brandywine, Germantown and Monmouth, he continued aide-de-camp; but be- coming desirous to regain his position in the army, he exerted himself to collect a regiment for the Virginia line. This scheme failed, owing to the exhausted condition of the State. Upon this failure he entered the office of Mr. Jefferson, at that period Governor, and pursued with consid- erable ardor the studj- of common law. He did not, however, entirely lay aside the knapsack for the green bag, but on the invasion of the enemy served as a volunteer during the two years of his legal pursuits. In 1782 he was elected from King George County a member of the Legislature of Virginia, and by that body he was elevated to a seat in the Executive Council. He was thus honored with the confidence of his fellow-citizens at twenty- three years of age, and having at this early period displayed some of that ability and aptitude foi legislation which were afterward employed with unremitting energy for the public good, he was in the succeeding year chosen a member of the Congress of the United States. Deeply as Mr. Monroe felt the imperfections of the old Confederacy, he was opposed to the new Constitution, thinking, with many others of the Republican party, that it gave too much power to the Central Government, and not enough to the individual States. Still he retained the esteem of his friends who were its warm supporters, and who, notwithstanding his opposition, secured its adoption. In 1789 he became a member of the United States Senate, which office he held for 36 JAMES MONROE. four j'ears. Every month the Hne of distinction bet^veen the two great parties which divided the nation, the Federal and the Republican, was growing more distinct. The differences which now separated them lay in the fact that the Repub- lican party was in sympathy with France, and also in favor of such a strict construction of the Constitution as to give the Central Government as little power, and the State Governments as much power, as the Constitution would warrant; while the Federalists sympathized with England, and were in favor of a liberal construction of the Con- stitution, which would give as much power to the Central Government as that document could pos- sibly authorize. Washington was then President. England had espoused the cause of the Bourbons against the principles of the French Revolution. All Europe was drawn into the conflict. We were feeble and far away. Washington issued a proclamation of neutrality between these contending powers. France had helped us in the struggles for our liberties. All the despotisms of Europe were now combined to prevent the French from escaping from a t3-ranny a thousand-fold worse than that which we had endured. Col. Monroe, more mag- nanimous than prudent, was anxious that, at whatever hazard, we should help our old allies in their extremity. It was the impulse of a gener- ous and noble nature, and Washington, who could appreciate such a character, showed his calm, se- rene, almost divine, greatness, by appointing that very James Monroe who was denouncing the pol- icy of the Government, as the minister of that Government to the Republic of France. Mr. Monroe was welcomed by the National Conven- tion in France with the most enthusiastic dem- onstration. Shortly after his return to this countr>', Mr. Monroe was elected Governor of Virginia, and held the office for three years. He was again sent to France to co-operate with Chancellor Liv- ingston in obtaining the vast territory then known as the province of Louisiana, which France had but shortly before obtained from Spain. Their united efforts were successful. For the compara- tively small sum of fifteen millions of dollars, the entire territorj^ of Orleans and district of Loui- siana were added to the United States. This was probably the largest transfer of real estate which was ever made in all the history of the world. From France Mr. Monroe went to England to obtain from that country some recognition of our rights as neutrals, and to remonstrate against those odious impressments of our seamen. But England was unrelenting. He again returned to England on the same mission, but could receive no redress. He returned to his home and was again chosen Governor of Virginia. This he soon resigned to accept the position of Secretary of State under Madison. While in this office war with England was declared, the Secretary of War resigned, and during these trj^ing times the duties of the War Department were also put upon him. He was truly the armor-bearer of President Madison, and the most efficient business man in his cabinet. Upon the return of peace he re- signed the Department of War, but continued in the office of Secretary of State until the expira- tion of Mr. Madison's administration. At the election held the previous autumn, Mr. Monroe himself had been chosen President with but little opposition, and upon March 4, 18 17, he was in- augurated. Four years later he was elected for a second term. Among the important measures of his Presi- dency were the cession of Florida to the United States, the Missouri Compromise, and the famous " Monroe doctrine." This doctrine was enun- ciated by him in 1823, and was as follows: ' ' That we should consider any attempt on the part of European powers to extend their system to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous to our peace and safety," and that " we could not view any interposition for the purpose of oppressing or controlling American governments or provinces in any other light than as a manifestation by European powers of an unfriendly disposition toward the United States." At the end of his second term, Mr. Monroe re- tired to his home in Virginia, where he lived un- til 1830, when he went to New York to live with his son-in-law. In that city he died, on the 4th of July, 1831. ^■^^ j, S, cAloury^ JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. QOHN QUINCY ADAMS, the sixth President I I of the United States, was born in the rural V2/ home of his honored father, John Adams, in Quiucy, Mass., on the nth of July, 1767. His mother, a woman of exalted worth, watched over his childhood during the almost constant ab- sence of his father. When but eight years of age, he stood with his mother on an eminence, listening to the booming of the great battle on Bunker's Hill, and gazing out upon the smoke and flames billowing up from the conflagration of Charlestown. When but eleven years old he took a tearful adieu of his mother, to sail with his father for Eu- rope, through a fleet of hostile British cruisers. The bright, animated boy spent a year and a-half in Paris, where his father was associated with Franklin and Lee as Minister Plenipotentiary. His intelligence attracted the notice of these dis- tinguished men, and he received from them flat- tering marks of attention. John Adams had scarcely returned to this country, in 1779, ere he was again sent abroad. Again John Quincy accompanied his father. At Paris he applied himself to study with great dil- igence for six months, and then accompanied his father to Holland, where he entered first a school in Amsterdam, then the University at Ley den. About a year from this time, in 1781, when the manlj' boy was but fourteen years of age, he was selected by Mr. Dana, our Minister to the Rus- sian court, as his private secretary. In this school of incessant labor and of ennobl- ing culture he spent fourteen months, and then returned to Holland, through Sweden, Denmark, Hamburg and Bremen. This long journey he took alone in the winter, when in his sixteenth year. Again he resumed his studies, under a pri- vate tutor, at The Hague. Then, in the spring of 1782, he accompanied his father to Paris, travel- ing leisurely, and forming acquaintances with the most distinguished men on the continent, examin- ing architectural remains, galleries of paintings, and all renowned works of art. At Paris he again became associated with the most illustrious men of all lands in the contemplation of the loftiest temporal themes which can engross the human mind. After a short visit to England he returned to Paris, and consecrated all his energies to study until May, 1785, when he returned to America to finish his education. Upon leaving Han-ard College at the age of twenty, he studied law for three years. In Jnne, 1794, being then but twent>--seven years of age, he was appointed by Washington Resident Min- ister at the Netherlands. Sailing from Boston in July, he reached London in October, where he was immediately admitted to the deliberations o) Messrs. Jay & Pinckney, assisting them in nngo- tiating a commercial treaty with Great Britain. After thus spending a fortnight in London, he proceeded to The Hague. In July, 1797, he left The Hague to go to Por- tugal as Minister Plenipotentiary. On his way to Portugal, upon arriving in London, he met with despatches directing him to the court of Berlin, but requesting him to remain in London until he should receive his instructions. While waiting he was married to an American ladj% to whom he had been previously engaged — Miss Louisa Cath- erine Johnson, a daughter of Joshua Johnson, American Consul in London, and a lady en- dowed with that beauty and those accomplish- ments which eminently fitted her to move in the elevated sphere for which she was destined. He reached Berlin with his wife in November, 1797, where he remained until July, 1799, when, hav- ing fulfilled all the purposes of his mission, he so licited his recall. Soon after his return, in 1802, he was chosen to the Senate of Massachusetts from Boston , and then was elected Senator of the United States for six years, from the 4th of March, 1804. His rep- utation, his ability and his experience placed 40 JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. him immediately among the most prominent and influential members of that body. In 1809, Madison succeeded Jefferson in the Presidential chair, and he immediately nominated John Quincy Adams Minister to St. Petersburgh. Resigning his professorship in Harvard Col- lege, he embarked at Boston in August, 1809. While in Russia, Mr. Adams was an intense student. He devoted his attention to the lan- guage and history of Russia; to the Chinese trade; to the European system of weights, measures and coins; to the climate and astronomical obser\-a- tions; while he kept up a familiar acquaintance with the Greek and Latin classics. In all the universities of Europe, a more accomplished scholar could scarcely be found. All through life the Bible constituted an important part of his studies. It was his rule to read five chapters every day. On the 4th of March, 1817, Mr. Monroe took the Presidential chair, and immediately appointed Mr. Adams Secretary of State. Taking leave of his numerous friends in public and private life in Europe, he sailed in June, 18 19, for the United States. On the i8th of August, he again crossed the threshold of his home in Quincy. During the eight years of Mr. Monroe's administration, Mr. Adams continued Secretary of State. Some time before the close of Mr. Monroe's second term of office, new candidates began to be presented for the Presidency. The friends of Mr. Adams brought forward his name. It was an exciting campaign, and party spirit was never more bitter. Two hundred and sixty electoral votes were cast. Andrew Jackson received ninety- nine; John Quincy Adams eighty-four; William H. Crawford forty-one; and Henry Clay thirty- seven. As there was no choice by the people, the question went to the House of Representa- tives. Mr. Clay gave the vote of Kentucky to Mr. Adams, and he was elected. The friends of all the disappointed candidates now combined in a venomous and persistent as- sault upon Mr. Adams. There is nothing more disgraceful in the past history of our country than the abuse which was poured in one uninterrupted stream upon this high-minded, upright and pa- triotic man. There never was an administration more pure in principles, more conscientiously de- voted to the best interests of the countn.', than that of John Quincy Adams; and never, perhaps, was there an administration more unscrupulously and outrageously assailed. On the 4th of March, 1829, Mr. Adams retired from the Presidency, and was succeeded by An- drew Jackson. John C. Calhoun was elected Vice-President. The slavery question now be- gan to assume portentous magnitude. Mr. Adams returned to Quincj- and to his studies, which he pursued with unabated zeal. But he was not long permitted to remain in retirement. In No- vember, 1830, he was elected Representative in Congress. For seventeen years, or until his death, he occupied the post as Representative, towering above all his peers, ever ready to do brave battle for freedom, and winning the title of ' 'the Old Man Eloquent." Upon taking his seat in the Hou.se, he announced that he should hold him- self bound to no party. Probably there never was a member more devoted to his duties. He was usually the first in his place in the morning, and the last to leave his seat in the evening. Not a measure could be brought forward and es- cape his scrutiny. The battle which Mr. Adams fought, almost singly, against the pro-slavery party in the Government was sublime in its moral daring and heroism. For persisting in presenting petitions for the abolition of slavery, he was threatened with indictment by the grand jur>', with expulsion from the House, with assas- sination; but no threats could intimidate him, and his final triumph was complete. On the 2ist of Februarj-, 1848, he rose on the floor of Congress with a paper in his hand, to address the speaker. Suddenly he fell, again stricken by paralysis, and was caught in the arms of those around him. For a time he was sense- less, as he was conveyed to the sofa in the ro- tunda. With reviving consciousness, he opened his eyes, looked calmly around and said ' ' This is the end of earth;" then after a moment's pause he added, " I am content." These were the last words of the grand ' ' Old Man Eloquent. ' ' ^."/t^^ -^"^ ANDREW JACKSON. GJNDREW JACKSON, the seventh President U of the United States, was bom in Waxhaw / I settlement, N. C, March 15, 1767, a few days after his father's death. His parents were poor emigrants from Ireland, and took up their abode in Waxhaw settlement, where they lived in deepest poverty. Andrew, or Andy, as he was universally called, grew up a very rough, rude, turbulent boy. His features were coarse, his form ungainly, and there was but very little in his character made visible which was attractive. When only thirteen years old he joined the volunteers of Carolina against the British invasion. In 1 78 1, he and his brother Robert were captured and imprisoned for a time at Camden. A British officer ordered him to brush his mud-spattered boots. "lam a prisoner of war, not your serv- ant," was the reply of the dauntless boy. Andrew supported himself in various wa3'S, such as working at the saddler's trade, teaching school, and clerking in a general store, until 1784, when he entered a law ofl&ce at Salisburj', N. C. He, however, gave more attention to the wild amuse- ments of the times than to his studies. In 1788, he was appointed solicitor for the Western District of North Carolina, of which Tennessee was then a part. This involved many long journeys amid dangers of everj- kind, but Andrew Jackson never knew fear, and the Indians had no desire to re- peat a skirmLsh with ''Sharp Knife." In 1 791, Mr. Jackson was married to a woman who supposed her.self divorced from her former husband. Great was the surprise of both parties, two years later, to find that the conditions of the divorce had just been definitely settled by the first husband. The marriage ceremony was per- formed a second time, but the occurrence was often used by his enemies to bring Mr. Jackson into disfavor. In January, 1796, the Territory of Tennessee then containing nearly eighty thousand inhabi- tants, the people met in convention at Knoxville to frame a constitution. Five were sent from each of the eleven counties. Andrew Jackson was one of the delegates. The new State was entitled to but one member in the National House of Representatives. Andrew Jackson was chosen that member. Mounting his horse, he rode to Philadelphia, where Congress then held its ses- sions, a distance of about eight hundred miles. Jackson was an earnest advocate of the Defiio- cratic party, and Jefferson was his idol. He ad- mired Bonaparte, loved France, and hated Eng- land. As Mr. Jackson took his seat. Gen. Wash- ington, whose second term of office was then expiring, delivered his last speech to Congress. A committee drew up a complimentary address in reply. Andrew Jackson did not approve of the address, and was one of the twelve who voted against it. He was not willing to say that Gen. Washington's administration had been "wise, firm and patriotic." Mr. Jackson was elected to the United States Senate in 1 797 , but soon resigned and returned home. Soon after he was chosen Judge of the Supreme Court of his State, which position he held for six years. When the War of 18 12 with Great Britain com- menced, Madison occupied the Presidential chair. Aaron Burr sent word to the President that there was an unknown man in the West, Andrew Jack- son, who would do credit to a commission if one were conferred upon him. Just at that time Gen. Jackson offered his services and those of twenty- five hundred volunteers. His ofier was accepted, and the troops were assembled at Nashville. As the British were hourly expected to make an attack upon New Orleans, where Gen. Wil- kinson was in command, he was ordered to de- 44 ANDREW JACKSON. scend the river with fifteen hundred troops to aid Wilkinson. The expedition reached Natchez, and after a delay of several weeks there without accomplishing anything, the men were ordered back to their homes. But the energy Gen. Jack- son had displayed, and his entire devotion to the comfort of his soldiers, won for him golden opin- ions, and he became the most popular man in the State. It was in this expedition that his tough- ness gave him the nickname of "Old Hickorj-." Soon after this, while attempting to horsewhip Col. Thomas Benton for a remark that gentleman made about his taking part as second in a duel in which a younger brother of Benton's was en- gaged, he received two severe pistol wounds. While he was lingering upon a bed of suffering, news came that the Indians, who had combined under Tecumseh from Florida to the Lakes to ex- terminate the white settlers, were committing the most awful ravages. Decisive action became nec- essary. Gen. Jackson, with his fractured bone just beginning to heal, his arm in a sling, and unable to mount his horse without assistance, gave his amazing energies to the raising of an army to rendezvous at Fayettesville, Ala. The Creek Indians had established a strong fort on one of the bends of the Tallapoosa River, near the center of Alabama, about fifty miles be- low Ft. Strother. With an army of two thousand men. Gen. Jackson traversed the pathless wilder- ness in a march of eleven days. He reached their fort, called Tohopeka or Horse-shoe, on the 27th of March, 18 14. The bend of the river enclosed nearly one hundred acres of tangled forest and wild ravine. Across the narrow neck the Indians had constructed a formidable breastwork of logs and brush. Here nine hundred warriors, with an ample supply of arms, were assembled. The fort was stormed. The fight was utterly desperate. Not an Indian would accept quarter. When bleeding and dying, they would fight those who endeavored to spare their lives. From ten in the morning until dark the battle raged. The carnage was awful and revolting. Some threw themselves into the river; but the unerring bul- lets struck their heads as they swam. Nearly every one of the nine hundred warriors was killed. A few, probabl)-, in the night swam the river and escaped. This ended the war. This closing of the Creek War enabled us to concentrate all our militia upon the British, who were the allies of the Indians. No man of less resolute will than Gen. Jackson could have con- ducted this Indian campaign to so successful an issue. Immediately he was appointed Major- General. Late in August, with an army of two thousand men on a rushing march, Gen. Jackson went to Mobile. A British fleet went from Pensacola, landed a force upon the beach, anchored near the little fort, and from both ship and shore com- menced a furious assault. The battle was long and doubtful. At length one of the ships was blown up and the rest retired. Garrisoning Mobile, where he had taken his little army, he moved his troops to New Orleans, and the battle of New Orleans, which soon ensued, was in reality a very arduous campaign. This won for Gen. Jackson an imperishable name. Here his troops, which numbered about four thousand men, won a signal victory over the British army of about nine thousand. His loss was but thirteen, while the loss of the British was twenty-six hundred. The name of Gen. Jackson soon began to be mentioned in connection with the Presidency, but in 1824 he was defeated by Mr. Adams. He was, however, successful in the election of 1828, and was re-elected for a second term in 1832. In 1S29, just before he assumed the reins of government, he met with the most terrible affliction of his life in the death of his wife, whom he had loved with a devotion which has perhaps never been surpassed. From the shock of her death he never recovered. His administration was one of the most mem- orable in the annals of our country — applauded by one party, condemned by the other. No man had more bitter enemies or warmer friends. At the expiration of his two terms of office he retired to the Hennitage, where he died June 8, 1845. The last years of Mr. Jackson's life were those of a de- voted Christian man. *1 #<-:, ^> '-^^^^^ MARTIN VAN BUREN. yyiARTlN VAN BUREN, the eighth Presi- y deut of the United States, was born at Kill- ed derhook, N. Y., December 5, 1782. He died at the same place, July 24, 1862. His body rests ill the cemetery at Kiuderhook. Above it is a plain granite shaft, fifteen feet high, bearing a simple inscription about half-way up on one face. The lot is unfenced, unbordered or unbounded by shrub or flower. There is but little in the life of Martin Van Buren of romantic interest. He fought no battles, engaged in no wild adventures. Though his life was stormy in political and intellectual conflicts, and he gained many signal victories, his days passed uneventful in those incidents which give zest to biography-. His ancestors, as his name indi- cates, were of Dutch origin, and were among the earliest emigrants from Holland to the banks of the Hudson. His father was a farmer, residing in the old town of Kinderhook. His mother, also of Dutch lineage, was a woman of .superior intel- ligence and exemplary piety. He was decidedly a precocious boy, developing unusual activity, vigor and strength of mind. At the age of fourteen, he had finished his academic studies in his native village, and commenced the study of law. As he had not a collegiate educa- tion, seven years of study in a law-office were re- quired of him before he could be admitted to the Bar. Inspired with a lofty ambition, and con- scious of his powers, he pursued his studies with indefatigable industry. After spending six years in an office in his native village, he 'vent to the city of New York, and prosecuted his studies for the seventh year. In 1803, Mr. Van Buren, then twenty-one years of age, commenced the practice of law in his na- tive village. The great conflict between the Federal and Republican parties was then at its height. Mr. Van Buren was from the beginning a politi- cian. He had, perhaps, imbibed that spirit while listening to the many discussions which had been carried on in his father's hotel. He was in cordial sympathy with Jefferson, and earnestly and elo- quently espoused the cause of State Rights, though at that time the Federal party held the supremacy both in his town and State. His success and increasing reputation led him after six years of practice to remove to Hudson, the county seat of his county. Here he spent seven years, coiLStantly gaining strength by con- tending in the courts with some of the ablest men who have adorned the Bar of his State. Just before leaving Kinderhook for Hudson, Mr. Van Buren married a lady alike distinguished for beauty and accomplishments. After twelve short years she sank into the grave, a victim of con- sumption, leaving her husband and four sons to weep over her loss. For twenty-five years, Mr. Van Buren was an earnest, successful, assiduous lawyer. The record of those years is barren in items of public interest. In 1812, when thirty years of age, he was chosen to the State Senate, and gave his strenuous support to Mr. Madison's administration. In 181 5, he was appointed At- torney-General, and the next yea:r moved to Al- bany, the capital of the State. While he was acknowledged as one of the most prominent leaders of the Democratic party, he had the moral courage to avow that true democracy did not require that ' 'universal .suffrage' ' which admit.'? the vile, the degraded, the ignorant, to the right 48 MARTIN VAN BUREN. of governing the State. In true consistenc}- with his democratic principles, lie contended that, while the path leading to the privilege of voting should be open to every man without distinction, no one should be invested with that sacred prerogative unless he were in some degree qualified for it bj^ intelligence, virtue, and some property interests in the welfare of the State. In 182 1 he was elected a member of the United States Senate, and in the same year he took a seat in the convention to revise the Constitution of his native State. His course in this convention secured the approval of men of all parties. No one could doubt the singleness of his endeavors to promote the interests of all classes in the com- munitj'. In the Senate of the United States, he rose at once to a conspicuous position as an active and useful legislator. In 1827, John Quincy Adams being then in the Presidential chair, Mr. Van Buren was re-elected to the Senate. He had been from the beginning a determined opposer of the administration, adopt- ing the "State Rights" view in opposition to what was deemed the Federal proclivities of Mr. Adams. Soon after this, in 1828, he was chosen Governor of the State of New York, and accordingly resigned his seat in the Senate. Probably no one in the United States contributed so much towards eject- ing John Q. Adams from the Presidential chair, and placing in it Andrew Jackson, as did Martin Van Buren. Whether entitled to the reputation or not, he certaiiilj' was regarded throughout the United States as one of the most skillful, sagacious and cunning of politicians. It was supposed that no one knew so well as he how to touch the secret springs of action, how to pull all the wires to' put his machinery in motion, and how to organize a political army which would secretly and stealth- ily accomplish the most gigantic results. By these powers it is said that he outwitted Mr. Adams, Mr. Clay, and Mr. Webster, and secured results which ;ew then thought could be accomplished. When Andrew Jackson was elected President he appointed Mr. Van Buren Secretarj- of State. This position he resigned in 1831, and was im- mediately appointed Minister to England, where he went the same autumn. The Senate, however, when it met, refu.sed to ratify the nomination, and he returned home, apparently untroubled. Later he was nominated Vice-President in the place of Calhoun, at the re-election of President Jackson, and with smiles for all and frowns for none, he took his place at the head of that Senate which had refused to confirm his nomination as ambassador. His rejection by the Senate roused all the zeal of President Jackson in behalf of his repudiated favorite; and this, probably, more thanan}- other cau.se secured his elevation to the chair of the Chief Executive. On the 20th of May, 1836, Mr. Van Buren received the Democratic nomination to succeed Gen. Jackson as President of the United States. He was elected by a handsome majority, to the delight of the retiring President. ' 'Leaving New York out of the canvass," saj-s Mr. Parton, "the election of Mr. Van Buren to the Presidency was as much the act of Gen. Jackson as though the Constitution had conferred \ipon him the power to appoint a successor." His administration was filled with exciting events. The insurrection in Canada, which threatened to involve this country in war with England, the agitation of the slaver}^ question, and finally the great commercial panic which spread over the countrj-, all were trials of his \\fls- dom. The financial distress was attributed to the management of the Democratic party, and brought the President into such disfavor that he failed of re-election, and on the 4th of March, 1 84 1, he retired from the presidency. With the exception of being nominated for the Presidency by the "Free Soil" Democrats in 1848, Mr. Van Buren lived quietly upon his estate until his death. He had ever been a prudent man, of frugal habits, and, living within his income, had now fortunately a competence for his declining years. From his fine estate at Lindenwald, he still exerted a powerful influence upon the politics of the country. From this time until his death, on the 24th of July, 1862, at the age of eighty years, he resided at Lindenwald, a gentleman of leisure, of culture and wealth, enjoying in a healthy old age probably far more happiness than he had before experienced amid the stormy scenes of his active life. ^ WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON. WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON, the ninth President of the United States, was born at Berkeley, Va. , February 9, 1773. His father, Benjamin Harrison, was in comparatively opulent circumstances, and was one of the most distinguished men of his day. He was an inti- mate friend of George Washington, was early elected a member of the Continental Congress, and was conspicuous among the patriots of Vir- ginia in resisting the encroachments of the British crown. In the celebrated Congress of 1775, Ben- jamin Harrison and John Hancock were both candidates for the office of Speaker. Mr. Harrison was subsequently chosen Gov- ernor of Virginia, and was twice re-elected. His son William Henr\-,'of course, enjoj-ed in child- hood all the advantages which wealth and intel- lectual and cultivated society could give. Hav- ing received a thorough common-school educa- tion, he entered Hampden Sidney College, where he graduated with honor soon after the death of his father. He then repaired to Philadelphia to study medicine under the instructions of Dr. Rush and the guardianship of Robert Morris, both of whom were, with his father, signers of the Dec- laration of Independence. Upon the outbreak of the Indian troubles, and notwithstanding the remonstrances of his friends, he abandoned his medical studies and entered the army, having obtained a commission as Ensign from President Washington. He was then but nineteen years old. From that time he passed gradually upward in rank until he became aide to Gen. Wayne, after whose death he resigned his commission. He was then appointed Secre- tary of the Northwestern Territory. This Terri- torj- was then cntillcd to but one member in Con- gress, and Harrison was chosen to fill that position. In the spring of 1800 the Northwestern Terri- tory was divided by Congress into two portions. The eastern portion, comprising the region now embraced in the State of Ohio, was called ' ' The Territory northwest of the Ohio." The western portion, which included what is now called Indi- ana, lUinois and Wisconsin, was called "the Indi- ana Territor>\" William Henry Harrison, then twenty-seven years of age, was appointed by John Adams Governor of the Indiana Territory, and immediately after also Governor of Upper Loui- siana. He was thus ruler over almost as exten- sive a realm as any sovereign upon the globe. He was Superintendent of Indian Affairs, and was invested with powers nearly dictatorial over the then rapidly increasing white population. The ability and fidelity with which he discharged these responsible duties may be inferred from the fact that he was four times appointed to this office — first by John Adams, twice by Thomas Jefferson, and afterwards by President Madison. When he began his administration there were but three white settlements in that almost bound- less region, now crowded with cities and resound- ing with all the tumult of wealth and traffic. One of these settlements was on the Ohio, nearly opposite Louisville; one at Vincennes, on the Wabash ; and the third was a French settlement. The vast wilderness over which Gov. Harrison reigned was filled with many tribes of Indians. About the year 1806, two extraordinarv- men, twin brothers of the Shawnee tribe, rose among them. One of these was called Tecumseh, or "the Crouching Panther;" the other OUiwa- checa, or "the Prophet." Tecumseh was nor only an Indian warrior, but a man of great sagac 52 WILI.IAM HENRY HARRISON. ity, far-reaching foresight and indomitable perse- verance in any enterprise in which he might en- gage. His brother, the Prophet, was an orator, who could sway the feelings of the untutored In- dians as the gale tossed the tree-tops beneath which they dwelt. With an enthusiasm unsur- passed by Peter the Hermit rousing Europe to the crusades, he went from tribe to tribe, assuming that he was specially sent by the Great Spirit. Gov. Harrison made many attempts to con- ciliate the Indians, but at last war came, and at Tippecanoe the Indians were routed with great slaughter. October 28, 18 12, his army began its march. When near the Prophet's town, three Indians of rank made their appearance and in- quired why Gov. Harrison was approaching them in so hostile an attitude. After a short confer-, ence, arrangements were made for a meeting the next day to agree upon terms of peace. But Gov. Harrison was too well acquainted with the Indian character to be deceived by such protestations. Selecting a favorable spot for his night's encampment, he took everj- precaution against surprise. His troops were posted in a hollow square and slept upon their arms. The wakeful Governor, between three and four o'clock in the morning, had risen, and was sitting in conversation with his aides by the embers of a waning fire. It was a chill, cloudy morning, with a drizzling rain. In the darkness, the In- dians had crept as near as possible, and just then, with a savage yell, rushed, with all the despera- tion which superstition and passion most highly inflamed could give, upon the left flank of the little arm\-. The sa\'ages had been amply pro- vided with guns and ammunition by the English, and their war-whoop was accompanied by a shower of bullets. The camp-fires were instantly extinguished, as the light aided the Indians in their aim, and Gen. Harrison's troops stood as immovable as the rocks around them until day dawned, when they made a simultaneous charge with the bayo- net and swept everything before them, completely routing the foe. Gov. Harrison now had all his energies tasked to the utmost. The British, descending from the Canadas, were of themselves a very formidable force, but with their savage allies rushing like wolves from the forest, burning, plundering, scalp- ing, torturing, the wide frontier was plunged into a state of consternation which even the most vivid imagination can but faintly conceive. Gen. Hull had made an ignominious surrender of his forces at Detroit. Under these despairing circumstances, Gov. Harrison was appointed by President Madi- son Commander-in-Chief of the Northwestern Army, with orders to retake Detroit and to protect the frontiers. It would be difiicult to place a man in a situation demanding more energy, sagacity and courage, but he was found equal to the position, and nobly and triumphantly did he meet all the responsibilities. In 1816, Gen. Harrison was chosen a member of the National House of Representatives, to rep- resent the District of Ohio. In Congress he proved an active member, and whenever he spoke it was with a force of reason and power of eloquence which arrested the attention of all the members. In 18 19, Harrison was elected to the Senate of Ohio, and in 1824, as one of the Presidential Elec- tors of that State, he gave his vote for Henry Clay. The same year he was chosen to the Uni- ted States Senate. In 1836 his friends brought him forward as a candidate for the Presidency against Van Buren, but he was defeated. At the close of Mr. Van Buren 's term, he was re-nom- inated by his party, and Mr. Harrison was unani- mously nominated by the Whigs, with John Tyler for the Vice-Presidency. The contest was very animated. Gen. Jackson gave all his influence to prevent Harrison's election, but his triumph was signal. The cabinet which he formed, with Daniel Web- ster at its head as Secretary of State, was one of the most brilliant with which any President had ever been surrounded. Never were the prospects of an administration more flattering, or the hopes of the country more sanguine. In the midst of these bright and joyous prospects, Gen. Harrison was seized bj' a pleuris3--fe\er, and after a few days of violent sickness died, on the 4th of April, just one month aft;er his inauguration as President of the United States. Z/TL JOHN TYLER. (John TYLER, the tenth President of the I United States, and was born in Charles Q) City County, Va., March 29, 1790. He was the favored child of affluence and high social po- sition. At the early age of twelve, John entered William and Marj' College, and graduated with much honor when but seventeen years old. After graduating, he devoted himself with great assi- duity to the study of law, partly with his father and partly with Edmund Randolph, one of the most distinguished lawyers of Virginia. At nineteen years of age, he commenced the practice of law. His success was rapid and as- tonishing. It is said that three months had not elapsed ere there was scarcel}' a case on the docket of the court in which he was not retained. When but twenty-one years of age, he was almost unanimously elected to a seat in the State Legis- lature. He connected himself with the Demo- cratic party, and wannly advocated the measures of Jefferson and Madison. For five successive years he was elected to the Legislature, receiving nearly the unanimous vote of his county. When but twenty-six years of age, he was elected a Member of Congress. Here he acted ear- nestly andablj' with the Democratic party, oppos- ing a national bank, internal improvements by the General Government, and a protective tariff; advocating a strict construction of the Constitu- tion and the most careful vigilance over State rights. His labors in Congress were so arduous that before the close of his second term he found it necessary to resign and retire to his estate in Charles City County to recruit his health. He, however, soon after consented to take his seat in the State Legislature, where his influence was powerful in promoting public works of great utility. With a reputation thus constantly in- creasing, he was chosen by a very large majority of votes Governor of his native State. His ad- ministration was a signally successful one, aud his popularity secured his re-election. John Randolph, a brilliant, erratic, half-crazed man, then represented Virginia in the Senate of the United States. A portion of the Democratic party was displeased with Mr. Randolph's way- ward course, and brought forward John Tyler as his opponent, considering him the only man in Virginia of sufficient popularity to succeed against the renowned orator of Roanoke. Mr. Tyler was the victor. In accordance with his professions, upon tak- ing his seat in the Senate he joined the ranks of the opposition. He opposed the tariff, and spoke against and voted against the bank as unconsti- tutional; he strenuously opposed all restrictions upon slavery, resisting all projects of internal im- provements b}' the General Government, and avowed his sympathy with Mr. Calhoun's view of nullification; he declared that Gen. Jackson, by his opposition to the nullifiers, had abandoned the principles of the Democratic party. Such was Mr. Tyler's record in Congress — a record in perfect accordance with the principles which he had always avowed. Returning to Virginia, he resumed the practice of his profession. There was a split in the Demo- cratic party. His friends still regarded him as a true Jeffersonian, gave him a dinner, and show- ered compliments upon him. He had now at- tained the age of forty-six, and his career had been ver\' brilliant. In consequence of his devotion to public business, his private affairs had fallen into some disorder, and it was not without satisfac- tion that he resumed the practice of law, and de- voted himself to the cultivation of his plantation. Soon after this he removed to Williamsburg, for the better education of his children, and he again took his seat in the Legfislature of Virginia. By the southern Whigs he was sent to the national convention at Harrisburg in 1839 to nom- inate a President. The majority of votes were given to Gen Harrison, a genuine Whig, much to the disappointment of the South, which wished 56 JOHN TYLER. for Henr>- Clay. To conciliate the southern Whigs and to secure their vote, the convention then nominated John Tyler for Vice-President. It was well known that he was not in sympathy with the Whig party in the North; but the Vice- President has very little power in the Govern- ment, his main and almost only duty being to preside over the meetings of the Senate. Thus it happened that a Whig President and, in realitj', a Democratic Vice-President were chosen. In 1841, Mr. Tyler was inaugurated Vice- President of the United States. In one short month from that time. President Harrison died, and Mr. Tyler thus found himself, to his "own surprise and that of the whole nation, an occu- pant of the Presidential chair. Hastening from Williamsburg to Washington, on the 6th of April he was inaugurated to the high and re- sponsible office. He was placed in a position of exceeding delicacy and diflScultj'. All his long life he had been opposed to the main principles of the party which had brought him into power. He had ever been a consistent, honest man, with an unblemished record. Gen. Harrison had se- lected a Whig cabinet. Should he retain them, and thus surround himself with counselors whose views were antagonistic to his own ? or, on the other hand, should he turn against the party which had elected him, and select a cabinet in harmony with himself, and which would oppose all those views which the Whigs deemed essen- tial to the public welfare ? This was his fearful dilemma. He invited the cabinet which Presi- dent Harrison had selected to retain their seats, and recommended a day of fasting and prayer, that God would guide and bless us. The Whigs carried through Congress a bill for the incorporation of a fiscal bank of jhe United States. The President, after ten days' delay, re- turned it with his veto. He suggested, however, that he would approve of a bill drawn up upon such a plan as he proposed. Such a bill was ac- cordingly prepared, and privately submitted to him. He gave it his approval. It was passed without alteration, and he sent it back with his veto. Here commenced the open rupture. It is said that Mr. Tyler was provoked to this meas- ure b}- a published letter from the Hon. John M. Botts, a distinguished \'irginia Whig, who se- verelj' touched the pride of the President. The opposition now exultingly received the President into their arms. The party which elected him denounced him bitterly. All the members of his cabinet, excepting Mr. Webster, resigned. The Whigs of Congress, both the Senate and the House, held a meeting and issued an address to the people of the United States, proclaiming that all pohtical alliance between the Whigs and President Tyler was at an end. Still the President attempted to conciliate. He appointed a new cabinet of distinguished Whigs and Conservatives, carefully leaving out all strong party men. Mr. Webster soon found it necessary to resign, forced out by the pressure of his Whig friends. Thus the four years of Mr. Tyler's un- fortunate administration passed sadly away. No one was satisfied. The land was filled with mur- murs and vituperation. Whigs and Democrats alike assailed him. More and more, however, he brought himself into sj-mpathy with his old friends, the Democrats, until at the close of his term he gave his whole influence to the support of Mr. Polk, the Democratic candidate for his successor. On the 4th of March, 1845, President Tyler re- tired from the harassments of oflSce, to the regret of neither party, and probably to his own unspeak- able relief The remainder of his days were passed mainly in the retirement of his beautiful home — Sherwood Forest, Charles City County, Va. His first wife. Miss Letitia Christian, died in Washington in 1S42; and in June, 1844, he was again married, at New York, to Miss Julia Gardiner, a young lady of many personal and intellectual accomplishments. When the great Rebellion rose, which the State Rights and nullifying doctrines of John C. Calhoun had inaugurated. President Tyler re- nounced his allegiance to the United States, and joined the Confederates. He was chosen a mem- ber of their Congress, and while engaged in active measures to destroy, by force of arms, the Government over which he had once presided, he was taken sick and soon died. '-^.i»l ^4 -^ Oc^ .sc JAMES K. POLK. (lAMES K. POLK, the eleventh President of I the United States, was born in Mecklenburgh Q) County, N. C, November 2, 1795. His parents were Samuel and Jane (Knox) Polk, the former a son of Col. Thomas Polk, who located at the above place, as one of the first pioneers, in 1735. In 1806, with his wife and children, and soon after followed by most of the members of the Polk family, Samuel Polk emigrated some two or three hundred miles farther west, to the rich val- ley of the Duck River. Here, in the midst of the wilderness, in a region which was subsequently called Maury County, they erected their log huts and established their homes. In the hard toil of a new farm in the wilderness, James K. Polk spent the early years of his childhood and youth. His father, adding the pursuit of a surveyor to that of a farmer, gradually increased in wealth, until he became one of the leading men of the region. His mother was a superior woman, of strong common sense and earnest piety. Very early in life James developed a taste for reading, and expressed the strongest desire to ob- tain a liberal education. His mother's training had made him methodical in his habits, had taught him punctuality and industry', and had inspired him with lofty principles of morality. His health was frail, and his father, fearing that he might not be able to endure a sedentary life, got a situation for him behind the counter, hoping to fit him for commercial pursuits. This was to James a bitter disappointment. He had no taste for these duties, and his daily tasks were irksome in the extreme. He remained in this uncongenial occupation but a few w-^eks, when, at his earnest solicitation, his father removed him and made arrangements for him to pros- ecute his studies. Soon after he sent him to Mur- freesboro Academy. With ardor which could scarcely be surpassed, he pressed forward in his studies, and in less than two and a-half years, in the autumn of 18 15, entered the sophomore class in the University of North Carolina, at Chapel Hill. Here he was one of the most exemplary of scholars, punctual in every exercise, never allow- ing himself to be absent from a recitation or a religious service. Mr. Polk graduated in 1818, with the highest honors, being deemed the best scholar of his class, both in mathematics and the classics. He was then twentj'-three years of age. His health was at this time much impaired by the assiduity with which he had prosecuted his studies. After a short season of relaxation, he went to Nashville, and entered the office of Felix Grundy, to study law. Here Mr. Polk renewed his acquaintance with Andrew Jackson, who resided on his planta- tion, the "Hermitage," but a few miles from Nashville. They had probably been slightly ac- quainted before. Mr. Polk's father was a Jeffersonian Republican and James K. adhered to the same political faith. He was a popular public speaker, and was con- stantly called upon to address the meetings of his party friends. His skill as a speaker was such that he was popularly called the Napoleon of the stump. He was a man of unblemished morals, genial and courteous in his bearing, and with that sympathetic nature in the joys and griefs of oth- ers which gave him hosts of friends. In 1823, he was elected to the Legislature of Tennessee, and gave his strong influence toward the election of his friend, Mr. Jackson, to the Presidency of the United States. In January-, 1824, Mr. Polk married MissSarah Childress, of Rutherford County, Tenn. His bride was altogether worthy of him — a lady of beauty and culture. In the fall of 1825 Mr. Polk was chosen a member of Congress, and the satis- faction he gave his constituents may be inferred 6o JAMES K. POLK. from the fact, that for fourteen successive years, or until 1839, he was continued in that office. He then voluntarily withdrew, only that he might accept the Gubernatorial chair of Tennessee. In Congress he was a laborious member, a frequent and a popular speaker. He was always in his seat, always courteous, and whenever he spoke it was always to the point, without any ambitious rhetorical display. During five sessions of Congress Mr. Polk was Speaker of the House. Strong passions were roused and .storm}' scenes were witnessed, but he performed his arduous duties to a very general satisfaction, and a unanimous vote of thanks to him was passed bj' the House as he withdrew on the 4th of March, 1839. In accordance with Southern usage, Mr. Polk, as a candidate for Governor, canvassed the State. He was elected by a large majority, and on Octo- ber 14, 1839, took the oath of office at Nashville. In 1 841 his term of office expired, and he was again the candidate of the Democratic party, but was defeated. On the 4th of March, 1845, Mr. Polk was in- augurated President of the United States. The verdict of the country in favor of the annexation of Texas exerted its influence upon Congress, and the last act of the administration of President Tyler was to affix his signature to a joint resolu- tion of Congress, passed on the 3d of March, ap- proving of the annexation of Texas to the Union. As Mexico still claimed Texas as one of her provinces, the Mexican Minister, Almonte, im- mediately demanded his passports and left the country, declaring the act of the annexation to be an act hostile to Mexico. In his first message, President Polk urged that Texas should immediately, by act of Congress, be received into the Union on the same footing with the other States. In the mean time. Gen. Taylor was sent with an army into Texas to hold the country. He was first sent to Nueces, which the Mexicans said was the western boundary- of Tex- as. Then he was sent nearly two hundred miles further west, to the Rio Grande, where he erected batteries which commanded the Mexican city of Matamoras, which was situated on the western banks. The anticipated collision soon took place, and war was declared against Mexico by President Polk. The war was pushed forward by his ad- ministration with great vigor. Gen. Taylor, whose army was first called one of ' ' observation, ' ' then of "occupation," then of "invasion," was sent forward to Monterey. The feeble Mexicans in every encounter were hopelessly slaughtered. The da}' of judgment alone can reveal the miserj' which this war caused. It was by the ingenuity of Mr. Polk's administration that the war was brought on. ' ' To the victors belong the spoils. ' ' Mexico was prostrate before us. Her capital was in our hands. We now consented to peace upon the condition that Mexico should surrender to us, in addition to Texas, all of New Mexico, and all of Upper and L,ower California. This new demand embraced, exclusive of Texas, eight hundred thousand square miles. This was an extent of territory equal to nine States of the size of New York. Thus slavery was securing eighteen ma- jestic States to be added to the Union. There were some Americans who thought it all right; there were others who thought it all wrong. In the prosecution of this war we expended twenty thousand lives and more than $100,000,000. Of this money $15,000,000 were paid to Mexico. On the 3d of March, 1849, Mr. Polk retired from office, having served one term. The next day was Sunday. On the 5th, Gen. Taylor was inaugurated as his successor. Mr. Polk rode to the Capitol in the same carriage with Gen. Tay- lor, and the same evening, with Mrs. Polk, he commenced his return to Tennessee. He was then but fifty-four years of age. He had always been strictly temperate in all his habits, and his health was good. With an ample fortune, a choice library, a cultivated mind, and domestic ties of the dearest nature, it seemed as though long years of tranquillity and happiness were be- fore him. But the cholera — that fearful scourge — was then sweeping up the Valley of the Missis- sippi, and he contracted the disease, dying on the 15th of June, 1849, in the fifty-fourth year of his age, greatly mourned by his countrj'men. '7/c^L^o/i^t^^r^2^/^^^^;^^ I ZACHARY TAYLOR. G7ACHARY TAYLOR, twelfth President of I, the United States, was born on the 24th of /^ November, 1784, in Orange County, Va. His father, Col. Taylor, was a Virginian of note, and a distinguished patriot and soldier of the Revolution. When Zachary was an infant, his father, with his wife and two children, emi- grated to Kentucky, where he settled in the path- less wilderness, a few miles from Louisville. In this frontier home, away from civilization and all its refinements, young Zacharj' could enjoy but few social and educational advantages. When six years of age he attended a common school, and was then regarded as a bright, active boy, rather remarkable for bluntness and decision of character. He was strong, fearless and self-reli- ant, and manifested a strong desire to enter the army to fight the Indians, who were ravaging the frontiers. There is little to be recorded of the uneventfiil years of his childhood on his father's large but lonely plantation. In 1808, his father succeeded in obtaining for him a commission as Lieutenant in the United States army, and he joined the troops which were stationed at New Orleans under Gen. Wilkinson. Soon after this he married Miss Margaret Smith, a young lady from one of the first families of Maryland. Iramediatel)' after the declaration of war with England, in 1812, Capt. Taylor (for he had then been promoted to that rank) was put in command of Ft. Harrison, on the Wabash, about fifty miles above Vincennes. This fort had been built in the wilderness by Gen. Harrison, on his march to Tippecanoe. It was one of the first points of at- tack by the Indians, led by Tecumseh. Its garri- son consisted of a broken company of infantry, numbering fifty men, many of whom were sick. Early in the autumn of 181 2, the Indians, stealthily, and in large numbers, moved upon the fort. Their approach was first indicated by the murder of two soldiers just outside of the stockade. Capt. Taylor made every possible preparation to meet the anticipated assault. On the 4th of Sep- tember, a band of forty painted and plumed sav- ages came to the fort, waving a white flag, and informed Capt. Taylor that in the morning their chief would come to have a talk with him. It was evident that their object was merely to ascer- tain the state of things at the fort, and Capt. Taylor, well versed in the wiles of the savages, kept them at a distance. The sun went down; the savages disappeared; the garrison slept upon their arms. One hour before midnight the war-whoop burst from a thousand lips in the forest around, followed by the discharge of musketry and the rush of the foe. Every man, sick and well, sprang to his post. Ever}' man knew that defeat was not merely death, but, in the case of capture, death by the most agonizing and prolonged torture. No pen can describe, no imagination can conceive, the scenes which ensued. The savages succeeded in setting fire to one of the block-houses. Until six o'clock in the morning this awful conflict con- tinued, when the savages, baffled at every point and gnashing their teeth with rage, retired. Capt. Taylor, for this gallant defense, was pro- moted to the rank of Major by brevet. Until the close of the war, Maj. Taylor was placed in such situations that he saw but little more of active service. He was sent far away into the depths of the wilderness to Ft. Craw- ford, on Fox River, which empties into Green Bay. Here there was little to be done but to wear away the tedious hours as one best could. There were no books, no society', no intellectual stimulus. Thus with him the uneventful years rolled on. Gradually he rose to the rank of Colonel. In the Black Hawk War, which re- 64 ZACHARY TAYLOR. suited in the capture of that renowned chieftain, Col. Taylor took a subordinate, but a brave and efficient, part. For twenty-four years Col. Taylor was engaged in the defense of the frontiers, in scenes so re- mote, and in employments so obscure, that his name was unknown beyond the limits of his own immediate acquaintance. In the year 1836, he was sent to Florida to compel the Seminole Indi- ans to vacate that region, and retire beyond the Mississippi, as their chiefs by treaty had prom- ised they should do. The services rendered here secured for Col. Taylor the high appreciation of the Government, and as a reward he was ele- vated to the high rank of Brigadier-General by brevet, and soon after, in May, 1838, was ap- pointed to the chief command of the United States troops in Florida. After two years of wearisome employment amidst the everglades of the Peninsula, Gen. Tay- lor obtained, at his own request, a change of command, and was stationed over the Department of the Southwest. This field embraced Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. Establishing his headquarters at Ft. Jessup, in Louisiana, he removed his family to a plantation which he pur- chased near Baton Rouge. Here he remained for five years, buried, as it were, from the world, but faithfully discharging every duty imposed upon him. In 1846, Gen. Taylor was sent to guard the land between the Nueces and Rio Grande, the latter river being the boundary of Texas, which was then claimed by the United States. Soon the war with Mexico was brought on, and at Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma, Gen. Taylor won brilliant victories over the Mexicans. The rank of Major-General by brevet was then conferred upon Gen. Taylor, and his name was received with enthusiasm almost everywhere in the na- tion. Then came the battles of Monterey and Buena Vista, in which he won signal victories over forces much larger than he commanded. The tidings of the brilliant victory of Buena Vista spread the wildest enthusiasm over the country. The name of Gen. Taylor was on every one's lips. The Whig party decided to take advantage of this wonderful popularity in bringing forward the unpolished, unlettered, hon- est soldier as their candidate for the Presidency. Gen. Taj'lor was astonished at the announce- ment, and for a time would not listen to it, de- claring that he was not at all qualified for such an office. So little interest had he taken in poli- tics, that for forty years he had not cast a vote. It was not without chagrin that several distin- guished statesmen, who had been long years in the public ser\-ice, found their claims set aside in behalf of one whose name had never been heard of, save in connection with Palo Alto, Resaca de la Palma, Monterey and Buena Vista. It is said that Daniel Webster, in his haste, remarked, " It is a nomination not fit to be made. ' ' Gen. Taylor was not an eloquent speaker nor a fine writer. His friends took possession of him, and prepared such few communications as it was needful should be presented to the public. The popularity of the successful warrior swept the land. He was triumphantly elected over two opposing candidates, — Gen. Cass and Ex-Presi- dent Martin Van Buren. Though he selected an excellent cabinet, the good old man found himself in a very uncongenial position, and was at times sorely perplexed and harassed. His mental suf- ferings were very severe, and probabl}' tended to hasten his death. The pro-slavery party was pushing its claims with tirele.ss energy; expedi- tions were fitting out to capture Cuba; California was pleading for admission to the Union, while slavery stood at the door to bar her out. Gen. Taylor found the political conflicts in Washington to be far more trying to the ner\'es than battles with Mexicans or Indians. In the midst of all these troubles. Gen. Taylor, after he had occupied the Presidential chair but little over a j'ear, took cold, and after a brief sickness of but little over five days, died, on the 9th of July, 1850. His last words were, " I am not afraid to die. I am ready. I have endeav- ored to do my duty." He died universally re- spected and beloved. An honest, unpretending man, he had been steadilj- growing in the affec- tions of the people, and the Nation bitterly la- mented his death. ^^^^-^^^^ / f 6 ' ^'^^S^ r(r2() MILLARD FILLMORE. y /I ILLARD FILLMORE, thirteenth President y of the United States, was born at Summer (3 Hiil, Cayuga County, N. Y. , on the 7th of January, 1800. His father was a farmer, and, owing to misfortuue, in humble circumstances. Of his mother, the daughter of Dr. Abiathar Millard, of Pittsfield, Mass., it has been said that she pos- sessed an intellect of a high order, united with much personal loveliness, sweetness of disposi- tion, graceful manners and exquisite sensibilities. She died in 1831, having lived to see her son a young man of distinguished promise, though she was not permitted to witness the high dignity which he finally attained. In consequence of the .secluded home and limited means of his father, Millard enjoyed but slender advantages for education in his early years. The common schools, which he occasionally attended, were very imperfect institutions, and books were scarce and expensive. There was nothing then in his character to indicate the brilliant career upon which he was about to enter. He was a plain farmer's boy — intelligent, good-looking, kind-hearted. The sacred iufluences of home had taught him to revere the Bible, and had laid the foundations of an upright character. When fourteen years of age, his father sent him some hundred miles from home to the then wilds of Livingston County, to learn the trade of a clothier. Near the mill there was a small village, where some enterprising man had commenced the col- lection of a village library. This proved an in- estimable blessing to young Fillmore. His even- ings were spent in reading. Soon every leisure moment was occupied with books. His thirst for knowledge became insatiate, and the selections which he made were contiiuially more elevating and instructive. He read historj', biography, oratorj-, and thus gradually there was enkindled in his heart a desire to be something more than a mere worker with his hands. The young clothier had now attained the age of nineteen years, and was of fine personal appear- ance and of gentlemanly demeanor. It so hap- pened that there was a gentleman in the neigh- borhood of ample pecuniary means and of benev- olence, — Judge Walter Wood, — who was struck with the prepossessing appearance of j'oung Fill- more. He made his acquaintance, and was so much impressed with his ability and attainments that he advised him to abandon his trade and de- vote himself to the study of the law. The young man replied that he had no means of his own, no friends to help him, and that his previous edu- cation had been very imperfect. But Judge Wood had so much confidence in him that he kindly offered to take him into his own office, and to lend him such money as he needed. Most grate- fully the generous offer was accepted. There is in many minds a strange delusion about a collegiate education. A young man is supposed to be liberally educated if he has gradu- ated at some college. But many a boy who loi- ters through university halls and then enters a law office is by no means as well prepared to prosecute his legal studies as was Millard Fill- more when he graduated at the clothing-mill at the end of four ^-ears of manual labor, during which every leisure moment had been devoted to intense mental culture. In 1823, when twenty-three years of age, he was admitted to the Court of Common Pleas. He then went to the village of Aurora, and com- menced the practice of law. In this secluded, quiet region, his practice, of course, was limited, and there was no opportunity for a sudden rise in fortune or in fame. Here, in 1826, he married a lady of great moral worth, and one capable of MILLARD FILLMORE. adorning any station she might be called, to fill, — Miss Abigail Powers. His elevation of character, his untiring industrj', his legal acquirements, and his skill as an advo- cate, gradually attracted attention, and he was invited to enter into partnership, under highly ad- vantageous circumstances, with an elder member of the Bar in Buffalo. Just before remo^'ing to Buffalo, in 1829, he took his seat in the House of Assembly of the State of New York, as a Repre- sentative from Erie County. Though he had never taken a very active part in politics, his vote and sympathies were with the Whig party. The State was then Democratic, and he found himself in a helpless minority in the Legislature; still the testimony comes from all parties that his courtesy, ability and integrity won, to a very unusual de- gree, the respect of his associates. In the autumn of 1832, he was elected to a seat in the United States Congress. He entered that troubled arena in the most tumultuous hours of our national history, when the great conflict respecting the national bank and the removal of the deposits was raging. His term of two years closed, and he returned to his profession, which he pursued with increas- ing reputation and success. After a lapse of two years he again became a candidate for Congress; was re-elected, and took his seat in 1837. His past experience as a Representative gave him strength and confidence. The first term of service in Congress to any man can be but little more than an introduction. He was now prepared for active duty. All his energies were brought to bear upon the public good. Every measure re- ceived his impress. Mr. Fillmore wt.:; now a man of wide repute, and his popularity filled the State. In the year 1847, when he had attained the age of fortj'- seven years, he was elected Comptroller of the State. His labors at the Bar, in the Legisla- ture, in Congress and as Comptroller, had given him very considerable fame. The Whigs were casting about to find suitable candidates for Presi- dent and Vice-President at the approaching elec- tion. Far away on the waters of the Rio Grande, there was a rough old soldier, who had fought one or two successful battles with the Mexicans, which had caused his name to be proclaimed in trumpet-tones all over the land as a candidate for the presidency'. But it was necessary to associate with him on the same ticket some man of repu- tation as a statesman. Under the influence of these considerations, the names of Zacharj- Taylor and Millard Fillmore became the raUj-ing-cry of the Whigs, as their candidates for President and Vice-President. The Whig ticket was signally triumphant. On the 4th of March, 1849, Gen. Taylor was inaugurated President, and Millard Fillmore Vice-President, of the United States. On the 9th of July, 1850, President Taylor, about one year and four months after his inaugura- tion, was suddenly taken sick and died. By the Constitution, Vice-President Fillmore thus be- came President. He appointed a very able cabi- net, of which the illustrious Daniel Webster was Secretary of State; nevertheless, he had serious difiiculties to contend with, since the opposition had a majority in both Houses. He did all in his power to conciliate the South; but the pro-slavery part}- in the South felt the inadequacy of all measures of transient conciliation. The popula- tion of the free States was so rapidly increasing over that of the .slave States, that it was inevitable that the power of the Government should soon pass into the hands of the free States. The fa- mous compromise measures were adopted under Mr. Fillmore's administration, and the Japan ex- pedition was sent out. On the 4th of March, 1853, ^^' having served one term, retired. In 1856, Mr. Fillmore was nominated for the Presidency by the "Know-Nothing" party, but was beaten by Mr. Buchanan. After that Mr. Fillmore lived in retirement. During the terri- ble conflict of civil war, he was mostlj' silent. It was generally supposed that his sympathies were rather with those who were endeavoring to over- throw our institutions. President Fillmore kept aloof from the conflict, without any cordial words of cheer to one party or the other. He was thus forgotten by both. He lived to a ripe old age, and died in Buffalo, N. Y., March 8, 1874. ^^cD FRANKLIN PIERCE. r~RANKLIN PIERCE, the fourteenth Presi- JM dent of the United States, was born in Hills- I ^ borough, N. H., November 23, 1804. His father was a Revolutionarj' soldier, who with his own strong arm hewed out a home in the wilder- ness. He was a man of inflexible integrity, of strong, though uncultivated, mind, and was an un- compromising Democrat. The mother of Frank- lin Pierce was all that a son could desire — an in- telligent, prudent, affectionate, Christian woman. Franklin, who was the sixth of eight children, was a remarkably bright and handsome boy, generous, warm-hearted and brave. He won alike the love of old and young. The boys on the plaj'-ground loved him. His teachers loved him. The neighbors looked upon him with pride and affection. He was by instinct a gentleman, always speaking kind words, and doing kind deeds, with a peculiar, unstudied tact which taught him what was agreeable. Without de- veloping any precocity of genius, or any unnatural devotion to books, he was a good scholar, and in body and mind a finely developed boy. When sixteen years of age, in the year 1820, he entered Bowdoin College, at Brunswick, Me. He was one of the most popular young men in the college. The purity of his moral character, the unvarying courtesy of his demeanor, his rank as a scholar, and genial nature, rendered him a universal favorite. There was something pe- culiarly winning in his address, and it was evi- dently not in the slightest degree studied — it was the simple outgushing of his own magnanimous and loving nature. Upon graduating, in the year 1824, Franklin Pierce commenced the .study of law in the office of Judge Woodbury, one of the most distinguished lawyers of the State, and a man of great private worth. The eminent social qualities of the young lawyer, his father's prominence as a public man, and the brilliant political career into which Judge Woodbury was entering, all tended to entice Mr. Pierce into the fascinating yet perilous path of political life. With all the ardor of his nature he espoused the cause of Gen. Jackson for the Presi- dency. He commenced the practice of law in Hillsborough, and was soon elected to represent the town in the State Legislature. Here he served for four years. The last two years he was chosen Speaker of the House by a very large vote. In 1833, at the age of twenty-nine, he was elected a member of Congress. In 1837, being then but thirty-three years old, he was elected to the Senate, taking his seat just as Mr. Van Buren commenced his administration. He was the youngest member in the Senate. In the year 1834, he married Miss Jane Means Appleton, a lady of rare beauty and accomplishments, and one admirably fitted to adorn every station with which her husband was honored. Of the three sons who were born to them, all now sleep with their par- ents in the grave. In the year 1838, Mr. Pierce, with growing fame and increasing business as a lawyer, took up his residence in Concord, the capital of New Hampshire. President Polk, upon his accession to office, appointed Mr. Pierce Attorney-General of the United States; but the offer was declined in consequence of numerous professional engage- ments at home, and the precarious state of Mrs. Pierce's health. He also, about the same time, declined the nomination for Governor by the Democratic party. The war with Mexico called 72 FRANKLIN PIERCE. Mr. Pierce into the army. Receiving the appoint- ment of Brigadier- General, he embarked with a portion of his troops at Newport, R. I., on the 27th of May, 1847. He took an important part in this war, proving himself a brave and true sol- dier. When Gen. Pierce reached his home in his na- tive State, he was received enthusiastically by the advocates of the Mexican War, and coldly by his opponents. He resumed the practice of his pro- fession, verj' frequently taking an active part in political questions, giving his cordial support to the pro-slaverj' wing of the Democratic partj'. The compromise measures met cordially with his approval, and he strenuously advocated the en- forcement of the infamous Fugitive Slave Law, which so shocked the religious sensibilities of the North. He thus became distinguished as a "Northern man with Southern principles." The strong partisans of slaver>' in the South conse- quently regarded him as a man whom they could safel}' trust in oflBce to carry out their plans. On the 12th of June, 1852, the Democratic con- vention met in Baltimore to nominate a candidate for the Presidency. For four days they contin- ued in session, and in thirty-five ballotings no one had obtained a two-thirds vote. Not a vote thus far had been thrown for Gen. Pierce. Then the Virginia delegation brought forward his name. There were fourteen more ballotings, during which Gen. Pierce constantly gained strength, until, at the forty-ninth ballot, he received two hundred and eightj--two votes, and all other candidates eleven. Gen. Winfield Scott was the Whig can- didate. Gen. Pierce was chosen with great una- nimity. Only four States — Vermont, Massachu- setts, Kentuck}- and Tennessee — cast their elec- toral votes against him. Gen. Franklin Pierce was therefore inaugurated President of the United States on the 4th of March, 1853. His administration proved one of the most stormy our country had ever experienced. The controversy' between slaven,' and freedom was then approaching its culminating point. It be- came evident that there was to be an irrepressible conflict between them, and that this nation could not long exist ' ' half slave and half free. ' ' President Pierce, during the whole of his admin- istration, did everj'thing he could to conciliate the South ; but it was all in vain. The conflict every year grew more violent, and threats of the disso- lution of the Union were borne to the North on every Southern breeze. Such was the condition of affairs when Presi- dent Pierce approached the close of his four- years term of oifice. The North had become thoroughly alienated from him. The anti-slavery sentiment, goaded by great outrages, had been rapidly increasing; all the intellectual ability and social worth of President Pierce were forgotten in deep reprehension of his administrative acts. The slaveholders of the South also, unmindful of the fidelity with which he had advocated those meas- ures of Government which they approved, and perhaps feeling that he had rendered himself so unpopular as no longer to be able to accepta- bly serve them, ungratefully dropped him, and nominated James Buchanan to succeed him. On the 4th of March, 1857, President Pierce re- turned to his home in Concord. His three chil- dren were all dead, his last surviving child hav- ing been killed before his eyes in a railroad acci- dent; and his wife, one of the most estimable and accomplished of ladies, was rapidly sinking in consumption. The hour of dreadful gloom soon came, and he was left alone in the world without wife or child. When the terrible Rebellion burst forth which divided our country into two parties, and two only, Mr. Pierce remained steadfast in the prin- ciples which he had alwaj-s cherished, and gave his sympathies to that pro-slaver>' party with which he had ever been allied. He declined to do anything, either by voice or pen, to strengthen the hand of the National Government. He con- tinued to re-side in Concord until the time of his death, which occurred in October, 1869. He was one of the most genial and social of men, an hon- ored communicant of the Episcopal Church, and one of the kindest of neighbors. Generous to a fault, he contributed liberally toward the allevia- tion of suffering and want, and many of his towns-people were often gladdened b}- his material bounty. 'n-e^.?z/:P JAMES BUCHANAN. 3 AMES BUCHANAN, the fifteenth President of the United States, was born in a small frontier town, at the foot of the eastern ridge of the Alleghanies, in Franklin Count}-, Pa., on the 23d of April, 1791. The place where the humble cabin home stood was called Stony Bat- ter. His father was a native of the north of Ire- land, who had emigrated in 1783, with little prop- erty save his own strong arms. Five years after- ward he married Elizabeth Spear, the daughter of a respectable farmer, and, with his young bride, plunged into the wilderness, staked his claim, reared his log hut, opened a clearing with his axe, and settled down thereto perform his obscure part in the dr^ma of life. When James was eight years of age, his father removed to the village of Mercersburg, where his son was placed at school, and commenced a course of study in English, Latin and Greek. His progress was rapid, and at the age of fourteen he entered Dickinson Col- lege, at Carlisle. Here he developed remarkable talent, and took his stand among the first scholars in the institution. In the year :°n^ he graduated with the high- est honors of his class. He was then eighteen years of age; tall ana graceful, vigorous in health, fond of athletic sports, an unerring shot, and en- livened with an exuberai^t flow of animal spirits. He immediately commenced the study of law in the city of Lancaster, and was admitted to the Bar in 181 2, when he was bu twenty-one years of age. In 1820, he reluctantly consented to run as a candidate for Congress. He was elected, and for ten years he remained a member of the Lower House. During the vacations of Congress, he occa3ionally tried some important case. In 183 1 he retired altogether from the toils of his profes- sion, having acquired an ample fortune. Gen. Jackson, upon his elevation to the Pre.si- dency, appointed Mr. Buchanan Minister to Ru.s- sia. The duties of his mission he performed with ability, and gave satisfaction to all parties. Upon his return, in 1833, he was elected to a seat in the United States Senate. He there met as his associates Webster, Clay, Wright and Cal- houn. He advocated the measures proposed by President Jackson, of making reprisals against France to enforce the payment of our claims against that country, and defended the course of the President in his unprecedented and wholesale removal from office of those who were not the supporters of his administration. Upon this question he was brought into direct collision with Henry Clay. He also, with voice and vote, ad- vocated expunging from the journal of the Senate the vote of censure against Gen. Jackson for re- moving the deposits. Earnestly he opposed the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia, and urged the prohibition of the circulation of anti-slavery documents by the United States mails. As to petitions on the subject of slavery, he advocated that they should be respectfully re- ceived, and that the reply should be returned that Congress had no power to legislate upon the subject. " Congress," said he, "might as well undertake to interfere with slavery' under a for- eign government as in any of the States where it now exists. ' ' Upon Mr. Polk's accession to the Presidency. Mr. Buchanan became Secretary of State, and a? such took his share of the responsibility in th<; 76 JAMES BUCHANAN. conduct of the Mexican War. Mr. Polk assumed that crossing the Nueces by the American troops into the disputed territor}- was not wrong, but for the Mexicans to cross the Rio Grande into Texas was a declaration of war. No candid man can read with pleasure the account of the course our Government pursued in that movement. Mr. Buchanan identified himself thoroughly with the party devoted to the perpetuation and extension of slavery, and brought all the energies of his mind to bear against the Wilmot Proviso. He gave his cordial approval to the compromise measures of 1850, which included the Fugitive Slave Law. Mr. Pierce, upon his election to the Presidenc}^ honored Mr. Buchanan with the mis- sion to England. In the year 1856, a national Democratic Con- vention nominated Mr. Buchanan for the Presi- dency. The political conflict was one of the most severe in which our country has ever engaged. All the friends of slavery were on one side; all the advocates of its restriction and final abolition on the other. Mr. Fremont, the candidate of the enemies of slavery, received one hundred and fourteen electoral votes. Mr. Buchanan received one hundred and seventy-four, and was elected. The popular vote stood 1,340,618 for Fremont, 1,224,750 for Buchanan. On March 4, 1857, the latter was inaugurated. Mr. Buchanan was far advanced in life. Only four years were wanting to fill up his three-score years and ten. His own friends, those with whom he had been allied in political principles and action for years, were seeking the destruc- tion of the Government, that they might rear upon the ruins of our free institutions a nation whose corner-stone should be human slavery-. In this emergency, Mr. Buchanan was hopelesslj' bewildered. He could not, with his long-avowed principles, consistently oppose the State Rights party in their assumptions. As President of the United States, bound by his oath faithfully to administer the laws, he could not, without per- jury of the grossest kind, unite with those en- deavoring to overthrow the Republic. He there- fore did nothing. The opponents of Mr. Buchanan's administra- tion nominated Abraham Lincoln as their stand- ard-bearer in the next Presidential canvass. The pro-slavery party declared that if he were elected and the control of the Government were thus taken from their hands, the}' would secede from the Union, taking with them as they retired the National Capitol at Wa.shington and the lion's share of the territory of the United States. As the storm increased in violence, the slave- holders claiming the right to secede, and Mr. Buchanan avowing that Congress had no power to prevent it, one of the most pitiable exhibitions of governmental imbecility was exhibited that the world has ever seen. He declared that Congress had no power to enforce its laws in any State which had withdrawn, or which was attempting to withdraw, from the Union. This was not the doctrine of Andrew Jackson, when, with his hand upon his sword-hilt, he exclaimed: "The Union mu.st and shall be preserved!" South Carolina seceded in December, i860, nearly three months before the inauguration of President Lincoln. Mr. Buchanan looked on in listless despair. The rebel flag was raised in Charleston; Ft. Sumter was besieged; our forts, navy-j'ards and arsenals were seized; our depots of military stores were plundered, and our cus- tom-houses and post-ofBces were appropriated by the rebels. The energy of the rebels and the imbecility of our Executive were alike marvelous. The na- tion looked on in agony, waiting for the slow weeks to glide away and close the administration, so terrible in its weakness. At length the long- looked-for hour of deliverance came, when Abra- ham Lincoln was to receive the scepter. The administration of President Buchanan was certainly the most calamitous our country has ex- perienced. His best friends can not recall it with pleasure. And still more deplorable it is for his fame, that in that dreadful conflict which rolled its billows of flame and blood over our whole land, no word came from his lips to indicate his wish that our country's banner should triumph over the flag of the Rebellion. He died at his Wheatland retreat, June i, 1868. i-tru^ ^■^^' ^9^ .c-'i'-i^^^ .^^zil <-^c.r-l^ ABRAHAM LINCOLN. Gl BR.\HAM LINCOLN, the sixteenth Presi- Ll dent of the United .States, was born in Hardin / I County, Kj'., February 12, 1809. About the year 1780, a man by the name of Abraham Lincohi left Virginia with his family and moved into the then wilds of Kentucky. Only two years after this emigration, and while still a young man, he was working one day in a field, when an Indian stealthily approached and killed him. His widow was left in extreme poverty with five little chil- dren, three boys and two girls. Thomas, the youngest of the boys, and the father of President Abraham Lincoln, was four years of age at his father's death. When twenty-eight years old, Thomas Lincoln built a log cabin, and married Nancy Hanks, the daughter of another family of poor Ktntucky emigrants, who had also come from Virginia. Their second child was Abraham Lincoln, the sub- ject of this sketch. The mother of Abraham was a noble woman, gentle, loving, pensive, created to adorn a palace, but doomed to toil and pine, and die in a hovel. " All that I am, or hope to be," exclaimed the gratefiil son, " I owe to my angel- mother. ' ' When he was eight years ot age, his father sold his cabin and small farm and moved to Indiana, where two years later his mother died. As the years rolled on, the lot of this lowly family was the usual lot of humanity. There were joys and g^efs, weddings and funerals. Abraham's sister Sarah, to whom he was tenderly attached, was married when a child of but four- teen j'ears of age, and soon died. The family was gradually scattered, and Thomas Lincoln sold out his squatter's claim in 1830, and emi- grated to Macon County, 111. Abraham Lincoln was then twenty-one years of age. With vigorous hands he aided his father in rearing another log cabin, and worked quite. diligently at this until he saw the family com- fortably .settled, and their small lot of enclosed prairie planted with corn, when he announced to his father his intention to leave home, and to gc out into the world and seek his fortune. Littk did he or his friends imagine how brilliant that fortune was to be. He saw the value of educa- tion and was intensely earnest to improve his mind to the utmost of his power. Religion he revered. His morals were pure, and he was un- contaminated by a single vice. Young Abraham worked for a time as a hired laborer among the farmers. Then he went to Springfield, where he was employed in building a large flat-boat. In this he took a herd of swine, floated them down the Sangamon to Illinois, and thence by the Mississippi to New Orleans. What- ever Abraham Lincoln undertook, he performed so faithfully as to give great satisfaction to his employers. In this adventure the latter were so well pleased, that upon his return they placed a store and mill under his care. In 1832, at the outbreak of the Black Hawk War, he enlisted and was chosen Captain of a company. He returned to Sangamon County, and, although onl}' twenty-three years of age, was a candidate for the Legislature, but was defeated. He soon after received from Andrew Jackson the appointment of Postmaster of New Salem. His only post-office was his hat. All the letters he received he carried there, ready to deliver to those he chanced to meet. He studied surv^eying. and soon made this his business. In 1834 he again became a candidate for the Legislature and was elected. Mr. Stuart, of Springfield, advised him to study law. He walked from New Salem to Springfield, borrowed of Mr. Stuart a load of books, carried them back, and began his legal studies. When the Legislature assembled, he trudged on foot with his pack on his back one hundred miles to Vandalia, then the capital. In 1836 he was re-elected to the- Legislature. Here it was he first met Stephen A. Douglas. In 1839 he removed to Springfield and began the practice of law. His success with the jury was so great 8o ABRAHAM LINCOLN. that he was soon engaged in almost every noted case in the circuit. In 1854 the great discussion began between Mr. Lincoln and Mr. Douglas on the slavery ques- tion. In the organization of the Republican party in Illinois, in 1856, he took an active part, and at once became one of the leaders in that party. Mr. Lincoln's speeches in opposition to Senator Douglas in the contest in 1858 for a seat in the Senate, form a most notable part of his history. The issue was on the slavery question, and he took the broad ground of the Declaration of In- dependence, that all men are created equal. Mr. Lincoln was defeated in this contest, but won a far higher prize. The great Republican Convention met at Chi- cago on the 1 6th of June, i860. The delegates and strangers who crowded the city amounted to twenty-five thousand. An immense building called ' ' The Wigwam, ' ' was reared to accommo- date the convention. There were eleven candi- dates for whom votes were thrown. William H. Seward, a man whose fame as a statesman had long filled the lan^, was the most prominent. It was generally supposed he would be the nomi- nee. Abraham Lincoln, however, received the nomination on the third ballot. Election day came, and Mr. Lincoln received one hundred and eighty electoral votes out of two hundred and three cast, and was, therefore, con- stitutionally elected President of the United States. The tirade of abuse that was poured upon this good and merciful man, especially by the slave- holders, was greater than upon any other man ever elected to this high position. In Februarj', 1 86 1, Mr. Lincoln started for Washington, .stop- ping in all the large cities on his way, making speeches. The whole journey was fraught with much danger. Many of the Southern States had already seceded, and several attempts at assassi- nation were afterward brought to light. A gang in Baltimore had arranged upon his arrival to " get up a row," and in the confusion 10 make sure of his death with revolvers and hand-gren- ades. A detective unravelled the plot. A secret and special train was provided to take him from Harrisburg, through Baltimore, at an unexpected hour of the night. The train started at half- past ten, and to prevent anj' possible communication on the part of the Sece.s,sionists with their Con- federate gang in Baltimore, as soon as the train had started the telegraph-wires were cut. Mr. Lincoln reached Washington in .safety and was inaugurated, although great anxiety was felt by all loyal people. In the selection of his cabinet Mr. Lincoln gave to Mr. Seward the Department of State, and to other prominent opponents before the convention he gave important positions; but during no other administration had the duties devolving upon the President been so manifold, and the responsibilities so great, as those which fell to his lot. Knowing this, and feeling his own weakness and inability to meet, and in his own strength to cope with, the difficulties, he learned early to .seek Divine wisdom and guidance in determining his plans, and Divine comfort in all his trials, both personal and national. Contrary to his own estimate of himself, Mr. Lincoln was one of the most cour- ageous of men. He went directly into the rebel capital just as the retreating foe was leaving, with no guard but a few sailors. From the time he had left Springfield, in 1861, however, plans had been made for his assassination, and he at last fell a victim to one of them. April 14, 1865, he, with Gen. Grant, was urgently invited to attend Ford's Theatre. It was announced that they would be present. Gen. Grant, however, left the city. President Lincoln, feeling, with his char- acteristic kindliness of heart, that it would be a disappointment if he should fail them, very re- luctantly consented to go. While listening to the play, an actor by the name of John Wilkes Booth entered the box where the President and family were seated, and fired a bullet into his brain. He died the next morning at seven o'clock. Never before in the history of the world was a nation plunged into such deep grief by the death of its ruler Strong men met in the streets and wept in speechless anguish. His was a life which will fitly become a model. His name as the Savior of his country will live with that of Wash- ington's, its Father. jy-^^T-Kj^^c^c^ <^. ^5*'^^^^^?^^^ ANDREW JOHNSON. 61 NDREW JOHNSON, seventeenth President LJ of the United States. The early life of Aii- I I drew Johnson contains but the record of pov- erty , destitution and friendlessness. He was born December 29, 1808, in Raleigh, N. C. His par- ents, belonging to the class of "poor whites" of the South, were in such circumstances that they could not confer even the slightest advantages of education upon their child. When Andrew was five years of age, his father accidentally lost his life, while heroically endeavoring to save a friend from drowning. Until ten years of age, Andrew was a ragged boy about the streets, supported by the labor of his mother, who obtained her living with her own hands. He then, having never attended a school one day, and being unable either to read or write, was apprenticed to a tailor in his native town. A gen- tleman was in the habit of going to the tailor's shop occasionally, and reading to the boys at work there. He often read from the speeches of distinguished British statesmen. Andrew, who was endowed with a miud of more than ordinary ability, became much interested in these speeches; his ambition was roused, and he was inspired with a strong desire to learn to read. He accordingly applied himself to the alphabet, and with the assistance of some of his fellow- workmen learned his letters. He then called upon the gentleman to borrow the book of speeches. The owner, pleased with his zeal, not only gave him the book, but assisted him in learning to com- bine the letters into words. Under such difficul- ties he pressed onward laboriously, spending usu- ally ten or twelve hours at work in the shop, and then robbing himself of rest and recreation to de- vote such time ns he could to reading. He went to Tennessee in 1826, and located at Greenville, where he married a young lady who possessed some education. Under her instructions he learned to write and cipher. He became prominent in the village debating society, and a favorite with the students of Greenville College. In 1828, he organized a working man's party, which elected him Alderman, and in 1830 elected him Mayor, which position he held three years. He now began to take a lively interest in political affairs, identifying himself with the work- ing-class, to which he belonged. In 1835, he was elected a member of the House of Represent- atives of Tennessee. He was then just twenty- seven years of age. He became a very active member of the Legislature, gave his support to the Democratic party, and in 1840 "stumped the State," advocating Martin Van Buren's claims to the Presidency, in opposition to those of Gen. Harrison. In this campaign he acquired much readiness as a speaker, and extended and increased his reputation. In 1841, he was elected State Senator; in 1843, he was elected a Member of Congress, and by suc- cessive elections held that important post for ten years. In 1853, he was elected Governor of Tenn- essee, and was re-elected in 1855. In all these responsible positions, he discharged his duties with distinguished abihty, and proved himsehf the warm friend of the working classes. In 1857, Mr. Johnson was elected United States Senator. Years before, in 1845, he had warmly advocated the annexation of Texas, stating, however, as his reason, that he thought this annexation would probably prove ' 'to be the gateway out of which the sable sons of Africa are to pass from bondage to freedom, and become merged in a population congenial to themselves." In 1850, he also sup ported the compromise measures, the two essen- 84 ANDREW JOHNSON. tial features of which wer^ , that the white people of the Territories should be permitted to decide for themselves whether they would enslave the colored people or not, and that the free States of the North should return to the South persons who attempted to escape from slaver}'. Mr. Johnson was never ashamed of his lowly origin: on the contrary, he often took pride in avowing that he owed his distinction to his own exertions. "Sir," said he on the floor of the Senate, "I do not forget that I am a mechanic; neither do I forget that Adam was a tailor and sewed fig-leaves, and that our Savior was the son of a carpenter. ' ' In the Charleston-Baltimore convention of i860, he was the choice of the Tennessee Democrats for the Presidency. In 1861, when the purpose of the Southern Democracy became apparent, he took a decided stand in favor of the Union, and held that "slavery must be held subordinate to the Union at whatever cost." He returned to Tenn- essee, and repeatedly imperiled his own life to protect the Unionists of that State. Tennessee having seceded from the Union, President Lincoln, on March 4, 1862, appointed him Military Gov- ernor of the State, and he established the most stringent military rule. His numerous proclama- tions attracted wide attention. In 1864, he was elected Vice-President of the United States, and upon the death of Mr. Lincoln, April 15, 1865, became President. In a speech two days later he said, "The American people must be taught, if they do not already feel, that treason is a crime and must be punished; that the Government will not always bear with its enemies; that it is strong not only to protect, but to punish. * * The people must understand that it (treason) is the blackest of crimes, and will surely be punished." Yet his whole administration, the history of which is so well known, was in utter inconsistency with, and in the most violent opposition to, the princi- ples laid down in that speech. In his loose policy of reconstruction and general amnesty, he was opposed by Congress, and he characterized Congress as a new rebellion, and lawlessly defied it in everything possible to the ut- most. In the beginning of 1868, on account of "High crimes and misdemeanors," the principal of which was the removal of Secretary Stanton in violation of the Tenure of Office Act, articles of impeachment were preferred against him, and the trial began March 23. It was very tedious, continuing for nearly three months. A test article of the impeachment was at length submitted to the court for its action. It was certain that as the court voted upon that ar- ticle so would it vote upon all. Thirty-four voices pronounced the President guilty. As a two-thirds vote was necessary to his condemnation, he was pronounced acquitted, notwithstanding the great majority again.st him. The change of one vote from the not guilty side would have sustained the impeachment. The President, for the remainder of his term, was but little regarded. He continued, though impotently, his conflict with Congress. His own party did not think it expedient to renominate him for the Presidency. The Nation rallied with enthusiasm, unparalleled since the days of Wash- ington, around the name of Gen. Grant. Andrew Johnson was forgotten. The bullet of the assassin introduced him to the President's chair. Not- withstanding this, never was there presented to a man a better opportunity to immortalize his name, and to win the gratitude of a nation. He failed utterly. He retired to his home in Greenville, Tenn. , taking no very active part in politics until 1875. On Januarj' 26, after an exciting struggle, he was chosen b)' the Legislature of Tennessee United States Senator in the Forty-fourth Congess, and took his seat in that body, at the special ses- sion convened by President Grant, on the 5th of March. On the 27th of July, 1875, the ex-Presi- dent made a visit to his daughter's home, near Carter Station, Tenn. When he started on his journey, he was apparently in his usual vigorous health, but on reaching the residence of his child the following day, he was stricken with paralysis, which rendered him unconscious. He rallied oc- casionally, but finally passed away at 2 A. m., July 31 , aged .sixty-seven years. His funeral was held at Greenville, on the 3d of August, with ever>' demonstration of respect. y-'^^c- ULYSSES S. GRANT. HLYSSES S. GRANT, the eighteenth Presi- dent of the United States, was born on the 29th of April, 1822, of Christian parents, in a humble home at Point Pleasant, on the banks of the Ohio. Shortly after, his father moved to Georgetown, Brown County, Ohio. In this re- mote frontier hamlet, Ulj'sses received a common - school education. At the age of seventeen, in the year 1839, he entered the Military Academy at West Point. Here he was regarded as a solid, sensible young man, of fair abilitj', and of sturdy, honest character. He took respectable rank as a scholar. In June, 1843, he graduated about the middle in his class, and was sent as Lieutenant of Infantn.- to one of the distant militars- posts in the Missouri Territory. Two years he passed in these dreary solitudes, watching the vagabond Indians. The war with Mexico came. Lieut. Grant was sent with his regiment to Corpus Christi. His first battle was at Palo Alto. There was no chance here for the exhibition of either skill or heroism, nor at Resaca de la Palma, his second battle. At the battle of Monterey, his third en- gagement, it is said that he performed a signal service of daring and skillful horsemanship. At the close of the Mexican War, Capt. Grant returned with his regiment to New York, and was again sent to one of the niilitar\- po.sts on the frontier. The discovery of gold in California causing an immense tide of emigration to flow to the Pacific shores, Capt. Grant was .sent with a battalion to Ft. Dallas, in Oregon, for the protec- tion of the interests of the immigrants. But life was wearisome in those wilds, and he resigned his commission and returned to the States. Hav- ing married, he entered upon the cultivation of a small farm near St. Louis, Mo., but having little skill as a farmer, and finding his toil not re- munerative, he turned to mercantile life, entering into the leather business, with a younger brother at Galena, 111. This was in the year i860. As the tidings of the rebels firing on Ft. Sumter reached the ears of Capt. Grant in his counting- room, he said: "Uncle Sam has educated me for the army; though I have served him through one war, I do not feel that I have yet repaid the debt. I am still ready to discharge my obliga- tions. I shall therefore buckle on my sword and see Uncle Sam through this war too. ' ' He went into the streets, raised a company of volunteers, and led them as their Captain to Springfield, the capital of the State, where their services were offered to Gov. Yates. The Gov- ernor, impressed by the zeal and straightforward executive ability of Capt. Grant, gave him a desk in his office to assist in the volunteer organiza- tion that was being formed in the State in behalf of the Government. On the 15th of June, 1861, Capt. Grant received a commission as Colonel of the Twenty-first Regiment of Illinois Volunteers. His merits as a West Point graduate, who had served for fifteen years in the regular army, were such that he was soon promoted to the rank of Brigadier-General, and was placed in command at Cairo. The rebels raised their banner at Padu- cah, near the mouth of the Tennessee River. Scarcely had its folds appeared in the breeze ere Gen. Grant was there. The rebels fled, their banner fell, and the Stars and Stripes were un- furled in its stead. He entered the sen-ice with great determina- tion and immediately began active duty. This was the beginning, and until the surrender of Lee at Richmond he was ever pushing the enemy 88 ULYSSES S. GRANT. with great vigor and effectiveness. At Belmont, a few days later, he surprised and routed the rebels, then at Ft. Henry won another victor\-. Then came the brilliant fight at Ft. Donelson. The nation was electrified by the victon.-, and the brave leader of the boys in blue was immediately made a Major-General, and the militarj- district of Tennessee was assigned to him. Like all great captains, Gen. Grant knew well how to secure the results of victor}-. He imme- diately pushed on to the enemies' lines. Then came the terrible battles of Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, and the siege of Vicksburg, where Gen. Pemberton made an unconditional surrender of the city with over thirty thousand men and one hundred and seventj'-two cannon. The fall of Vicksburg was by far the most severe blow which the rebels had thus far encountered, and opened up the Mississippi from Cairo to the Gulf. Gen. Grant was next ordered to co-operate with Gen. Banks in a movement upon Texas, and pro- ceeded to New Orleans, where he was thrown from his horse, and received severe injuries, from which he was laid up for months. He then rushed to the aid of Gens. Rosecrans and Thomas at Chattanooga, and by a wonderful series of strategic and technical measures put the Union army in fighting condition. Then followed the bloody battles at Chattanooga, Lookout Moun- tain and Missionary- Ridge, in which the rebels were routed with great loss. This won for him unbounded praise in the North. On the 4th of February, 1864, Congress revived the grade of lieutenant-general, and the rank was conferred on Gen. Grant. He repaired to Washington to receive his credentials and enter upon the duties of his new office. Gen. Grant decided as soon as he took charge of the army to concentrate the widely-dispersed National troops for an attack upon Richmond, the nominal capital of the rebellion, and endeavor there to destroy the rebel armies which would be promptly assembled from all quarters for its de- fense. The whole continent seemed to tremble under the tramp of these majestic armies, rushing to the decisive battle-field. Steamers were crowd- ed with troops. Railway trains were burdened with closely-packed thousands. His plans were comprehensive, and involved a series of cam- paigns, which were executed -with remarkable energy and ability, and were consummated at the surrender of Lee, April 9, 1865. The war was ended. The Union was saved. The almost unanimous voice of the nation de- clared Gen. Grant to be the most prominent in- strument in its salvation. The eminent services he had thus rendered the country brought him conspicuously forward as the Republican candi- date for the Presidential chair. At the Republican Convention held at Chicago, May 21, 1868, he was unanimously nominated for the Presidenc}% and at the autumn election received a majority of the popular vote, and two hundred and fourteen out of two hundred and ninety-four electoral votes. The National Convention of the Republican party, which met at Philadelphia on the 5th 01 June, 1872, placed Gen. Grant in nomination for a second term by a unanimous vote. The selec- tion w-as emphatically indorsed by the people five months later, two hundred and ninety-two elect- oral votes being cast for him. Soon after the close of his second term. Gen. Grant started upon his famous trip around the world. He visited almost every country of the civilized world, and was everywhere received with such ovations and demonstrations of respect and honor, private as well as public and official, as were never before bestowed upon any citizen of the United States. He was the most prominent candidate before the Republican National Convention in 1880 for a renomination for President. He went to New York and embarked in the brokerage business under the firm name of Grant & Ward. The latter proved a villain, wrecked Grant's fortune, and for larceny was sent to the penitentiarj'. The General was attacked with cancer in the throat, but suffered in his stoic-like manner, never complaining. He was re-instated as General of the Army, and retired by Congress. The cancer soon finished its deadly work, and July 23, 1885, the nation went in mourning over the death ot the illustrious General. VJ '^''^'^CsU^jjkf: u RUTHERFORD B. HAYES. RUTHERFORD B. HAYES, the nineteenth President of the United States, was born in Delaware, Ohio, October 4, 1822, ahnost three months after the death of his father, Ruther- ford Hayes. His ancestry on both the paternal and maternal sides was of the most honorable char- acter. It can be traced, it is said, as far back as 1280, when Hayes and Rutherford were two Scottish chieftains, fighting side by side with Baliol, Wilham Wallace and Robert Bruce. Both families belonged to the nobility, owned extensive estates, and had a large following. Misfortune overtaking the family, George Ha5'es left Scotland in 1680, and settled in Windsor, Conn. His son George was born in Windsor, and remained there during his life. Daniel Hayes, son of the latter, married Sarah Lee, and lived from the time of his marriage until his death in Simsbun.-, Conn. Ezekiel, son of Daniel, was bom in 1724, and was a manufacturer of scythes at Bradford, Conn. Rutherford Hayes, son of Ezekiel and grandfather of President Hayes, was bom in New Haven, in August, 1756. He was a farmer, blacksmith and tavern-keeper. He emigrated to Vermont at an unknown date, settling in Brattleboro. where he established a hotel. Here his son, Rutherford Hayes, the father of President Hayes, was born. He was married, in September, 1813, to Sophia Birchard, of Wilmington, Vt., whose ance.stors emigrated thither from Connecticut, they having been among the wealthiest and best families of Norwich. Her ancestry on the male side is traced back to 1635, to John Birchard, one of the principal founders of Norwich. Both of her grand- fathers were soldiers in the Revolutionary War. The father of President Hayes was an industri- ous, frugal, yet open-hearted man. He was of a j mechanical turn of mind, and could mend a plow, knit a stocking, or do almost anything else that he chose to undertake. He was a member of the church, active in all the benevolent enterprises of the town, and conducted his business on Chris- tian principles. After the close of the War of 18 1 2, for reasons inexplicable to his neighbors, he resolved to emigrate to Ohio. The journey from Vermont to Ohio in that day, when there were no canals, steamers, or rail- ways, was a verj' serious affair. A tour of in- spection was first made, occupying four months. Mr. Hayes decided to move to Delaware, where the family arrived in 181 7. He died July 22, 1822, a victim of malarial fever, less than three months before the birth of the son of whom we write. Mrs. Hayes, in her sore bereavement, found the support she so much needed in her brother Sardis, who had been a member of the household from the day of its departure from Vermont, and in an orphan girl, whom she had adopted some time before as an act of charity. Rutherford was seven years old before he went to school. His education, however, was not neg- lected. He probably learned as much from his mother and sister as he would have done at school. His sports were almost wholly within doors, his playmates being his sister and her asso- ciates. These circumstances tended, no doubt, to foster that gentleness of disposition and that del- icate consideration for the feelings of others which were marked traits of his character. His uncle, Sardis Birchard, took the deepest interest in his education; and as the boy's health had improved, and he was making good progress in his studies, he proposed to send him to college. His preparation commenced with a tutor at home; 92 RUTHERFORD B. HAYES. but he was afterwards sent for one year to a pro- fessor in the Weslej-an University in Middletown, Conn. He entered Kenyon College in 1838, at the age of sixteen, and was graduated at the head of his class in 1842. Immediately after his graduation he began the study of law in the office of Thomas Sparrow, Esq., in Columbus. Finding his opportunities for study in Columbus somewhat limited, he de- termined to enter the Law School at Cambridge, Mass. , where he remained two j-ears. In 1845, after graduating at the Law School, he was admitted to the Bar at Marietta, Ohio, and shortly afterward went into practice as an at- torney-at-law with Ralph P. Buckland, of Fre- mont. Here he remained three years, acquiring but a limited practice, and apparentlj- unambitious of distinction in his profession. In 1849 he moved to Cincinnati, where his am- bition found a 'new stimulus. For several years, however, his progress was slow. Two events occurring at this period had a powerful influence upon his subsequent life. One of these was his marriage with Miss Lucy Ware Webb, daughter of Dr. James Webb, of Chillicothe; the other was his introduction to the Cincinnati Literarj' Club, a body embracing among its members such men as Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase, Gen. John Pope, Gov. Edward F. No3'es, and many others hardly less distinguished in after life. The mar- riage was a fortunate one in everj' respect, as everybody knows. Not one of all the wives of our Presidents was more universally admired, reverenced and beloved than was Mrs. Hayes, and no one did more than she to reflect honor upon American womanhood. The LiteraryClub brought Mr. Haj'es into constant association with j-oung men of high character and noble aims, and lured him to display the qualities so long hidden by his bashfulness and modesty. In 1856 he was nominated to the ofiice of Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, but he declined to accept the nomination. Two j-ears later, the of- fice of City Solicitor becoming vacant, the City Council elected him for the unexpired term. In 1 86 1, when the Rebellion broke out, he was at the zenith of his professional life. His rank at the Bar was among the first. But the news of the attack on Ft. Sumter found him eager to take up arms for the defense of his country. His military record was bright and illustrious. In October, 1861, he was made Lieutenant- Colo- nel, and in August, 1862, promoted Colonel of the Seventy-ninth Ohio Regiment, but he refused to leave his old comrades and go among strangers. Subsequentl}^ however, he was made Colonel of his old regiment At the battle of South Moun- tain he received a wound, and while faint and bleeding displayed courage and fortitude that won admiration from all. Col. Hayes was detached from his regiment, after his recover}', to act as Brigadier-General, and placed in command of the celebrated Kanawha division, and for gallant and meritorious services in the battles of Winchester, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek, he was promoted Brigadier-General. He was also breveted Major- General, "for gallant and distinguished services during the campaigns of 1864, in West Virginia." In the course of his arduous ser\'ices, four horses were shot from un- der him, and he was wounded four times. In 1864, Gen. Hayes was elected to Congress from the Second Ohio District, which had long been Democratic. He was not present during the campaign, and after the election was importuned to resign his commission in the armj-; but he fi- nally declared, " I shall never come to Washing- ton until I can come by way of Richmond." He was re-elected in 1866. In 1867, Gen. Hayes was elected Governor of Ohio, over Hon. Allen G. Thurman, a popular Democrat, and in 1869 was re-elected over George H. Pendleton. He was elected Governor for the third term in 1875. In 1876 he was the standard-bearer of the Re- publican party in the Presidential contest, and after a hard, long contest was chosen President, and was inaugurated Monday, March 5, 1877. He .served his full term, not, however, with satis- faction to his party, but his administration was an average one. The remaining years of his life were passed quietlj' in his Ohio home, where he pa.ssed away January 17, 1893. JAMES A. GARFIELD. rtAMES A. GARFIELD, twentieth President I of the United States, was born November 19, (2/ 1S31, in the woods of Orange, Cuyahoga County, Ohio. His parents were Abram and Eliza (Ballon) Garfield, both of New England ancestry, and from families well known in the early history of that section of our countrj', but who had moved to the Western Reserve, in Ohio, early in its settlement. The house in which James A. was born was not unlike the houses of poor Ohio farmers of that daj-. It was about 20 x 30 feet, built of logs, with the spaces between the logs filled with clay. His father was a hard-working farmer, and he soon had his fields cleared, an orchard planted, and a log barn built. The household comprised the father and mother and their four children, Mehetabel, Thomas, Mary and James. In May, 1823, the father died from a cold contracted in helping to put out a forest fire. At this time James was about eighteen months old, and Thomas about ten years old. No one, perhaps, j can tell how much James was indebted to his < brother's toil and self-sacrifice during the twenty ; }-ears succeeding his father's death. He now lives in Michigan, and the two sisters live in Solon, Ohio, near their birthplace. The early educational advantages young Gar- field enjoyed were very limited, yet he made the most of them. He labored at farm work for others, did carpenter work, chopped wood, or did anything that would bring in a few dollars to aid his widowed mother in her struggles to keep the little family together. Nor was Gen. Garfield ever ashamed of his origin, and he never forgot the friends of his struggling childhood, youth and manhood; neither did they ever forget him. When in the highest seats of honor, the humblest friend of his boyhood was as kindly greeted as ever. The poorest laborer was sure of the sym- pathy of one who had known all the bitterness of want and the sweetness of bread earned by the sweat of the brow. He was ever the simple, plain, modest gentleman. The highest ambition of young Garfield until he was about sixteen years old was to be cap- tain of a vessel on Lake Erie. He was anxious to go aboard a vessel, but this his mother strongly opposed. She finally consented to his going to Cleveland, with the understanding, however, that he should try to obtain some other kind of em- ployment. He walked all the way to Cleveland. This was his first visit to the city. After making many applications for work, and trj'ing to get aboard a lake vessel and not meeting with suc- cess, he engaged as a driver for his cousin, Amos Letcher, on the Ohio & Pennsylvania Canal. He remained at this work but a short time, when he went home, and attended the seminary at Chester for about three years. He then entered Hiram and the Eclectic Institute, teaching a few terms of school in the mean time, and doing other work. This school was started by the Disciples of Christ in 1850, of which body he was then a member. He became janitor and bell-ringer in order to help pay his way. He then became both teacher and pupil. Soon " exhausting Hiram," and needing a higher education, in the fall of 1854 heentered Williams College, from which he grad- uated in 1856, taking one of the highest honors of his class. He afterwards returned to Hiram Col- lege as its President. As above stated, he early united with the Christian, or Disciples, Church at Hiram, and was ever after a devoted, zealous member, often preaching in its pulpit and places where he happened to be. Mr. Garfield was united in ma/riage, Novem- ber II, 1858, with Miss Lucretia Rudolph, who proved herself worthy as the wife of one whom all the world loved. To them were born seven children, five of whom are still living, four boys and one girl. 96 JAMES A. GARFIELD. Mr. Garfield made his first political speeches in 1856, in Hiram and the neighboring villages, and three years later he began to speak at county mass-meetings, and became the favorite speaker wherever he was. During this year he was elected to the Ohio Senate. He also began to study law at Cleveland, and in 1861 was admitted to the Bar. The great Rebellion broke out in the early part of this year, and Mr. Garfield at once resolved to fight as he had talked, and enlisted to defend the Old Flag. He received his commission as Lieutenant- Colonel of the Forty-second Regi- ment of Ohio Infantry August 14, 1861. He was immediately put into active sen-ice, and be- fore he had ever seen a gun fired in action, was placed in command of four regiments of infantr}- and eight companies of cavalr>', charged with the work of driving out of his native State the able rebel officer, Humphrey Marshall, of Kentucky. This work was bravely and speedily accomplished, although against great odds, and President Lin- coln commissioned him Brigadier-General, Janu- ary 10, 1862; and "as he had bee^ the j-oungest man in the Ohio Senate two years before, so now he was the youngest General in the armj-." He was with Gen. Buell's army at Shiloh, in its operations around Corinth and its march through Alabama. He was then detailed as a member of the general court martial for the trial of Gen. Fitz-John Porter. He was next ordered to re- port to Gen. Rosecrans, and was assigned to the " Chief of Staff. " The militarj' history of Gen. Garfield closed with his brilliant services at Chick- amauga, where he won the rank of Major-General. Without an effort on his part. Gen. Garfield was elected to Congress in the fall of 1862, fi-om the Nineteenth Di-strict of Ohio. This section of Ohio had been represented in Congress for sixty years mainly by two men — Elisha Whittlesey and Joshua R. Giddings. It was not without a strug- gle that he resigned his place in the army. At the time he entered Congress he was the youngest member in that body. There he remained hy successive re-elections until he was elected Presi- dent, in 1880. Of his labors in Congress, Senator Hoar says: "Since the year 1864 you cannot think of a question which has been debated in Congress, or discussed before a tribunal of the American people, in regard to which you will not find, if you wish instruction, the argument on one side stated, in almost ever\- instance better than by anybody else, in some speech made in the House of Representatives or on the hustings by Mr. Garfield." Upon January 14, 1880, Gen. Garfield was elect- ed to the United States Senate, and on the 8th of June, of the same year, was nominated as the candidate of his party for President at the great Chicago Convention. He was elected in the fol- lowing November, and on March 4, 188 1, was inaugurated. Probably no administration ever opened its existence under brighter auspices than that of President Garfield, and everj- day it grew in favor with the people. By the ist of July he had completed all the initiatory and prelimi- nary woilc of his administration, and was prepar- ing to leave the city to meet his friends at Will- iams College. While on his way and at the depot, in company with Secretary Blaine, a man stepped behind him, drew a revolver, and fired directly at his back. The President tottered and fell, and as he did so the assassin fired a second shot, the bullet cutting the left coat sleeve of his victim, but inflicting no further injur>'. It has been \-er\- truthfull}' said that this was " the shot that was heard around the world. ' ' Never before in the history of the nation had anything occur- red which so nearh' froze the blood of the people for the moment as this awful deed. He was smitten on the brightest, gladdest day of all his life, at the summit of his power and hope. For eighty days, all during the hot months of Julj- and August, he lingered and suffered. He, how- ever, remained master of himself till the last, and by his magnificent bearing taught the country and the world one of the noblest of human les- sons — how to live grandly in the very clutch of death. Great in life, he was surpassingly great in death. He passed serenely away September 19, 1883, at Elberon, N. J., on the ven- bank of the ocean, where he had been taken shortly be- fore. The world wept at his death, as it rarely ever had done on the death of any other great and noble man. n CHESTER A. ARTHUR. E HESTER A. ARTHUR, twenty-first Presi- dent of the United States, was born in Frank- lin Countj', Vt., on the 5th day of October, 1830, and was the eldest of a family of two sons and five daughters. His father was the Rev. Dr. William Arthur, a Baptist clergyman, who emi- grated to this country from Countj' Antrim, Ire- land, in his eighteenth year, and died in 1875, in Newtonville, near Albany, after a long and suc- cessful ministry. Young Arthur was educated at Union College, Schenectady, where he excelled in all his studies. After his graduation he taught school in Ver- mont for two years, and at the expiration of that time came to New York, with $500 in his pocket, and entered the office of ex -Judge E. D. Culver as a student. After being admitted to the Bar, he formed a partnership with his intimate friend and room-mate, Henrj' D. Gardiner, with the inten- tion of practicing in the West, and for three months they roamed about in the Western States in search of an eligible site, but in the end re- turned to New York, where they hung out their shingle, and entered upon a successful career al- most from the start. Gen. Arthur soon after mar- ried the daughter of Lieut. Herndon, of the United States Navy, who was lost at sea. Con- gress voted a gold medal to his widow in recog- nition of the braver}.- he displayed on that occa- sion. Mrs. Arthur died shortly before Mr. Arthur's nomination to the Vice-Presidency, leav- ing two children. Gen. Arthur obtained considerable legal celeb- rity in his first great case, the famous Lemmon suit, brought to recover possession of eight slaves who had been declared free by Judge Paine, of the Superior Court of New York City. It was in 1852 that Jonathan Lemmon, of Virginia, went to New York with his slaves, intending to ship them to Texas, when they were discovered and freed. The Judge decided that they could not be held by the owner under the Fugitive Slave Law. A howl of rage went up from the South, and the Virginia Legislature authorized the Attorney-General of that State to assist in an appeal. William M. Evarts and Chester A. Arthur were employed to represent the people, and they won their case, which then went to the Supreme Court of the United States. Charles O' Conor here espoused the cause of the slaveholders, but he, too, w-js beaten by Mes.srs. Evarts and Arthur, and a long step was taken toward the emancipation of the black race. Another great senice was rendered by Gen. Arthur in the same cause in 1856. Lizzie Jen- nings, a respectable colored woman, was put off a Fourth Avenue car with violence after she had paid her fare. Gen. Arthur .sued on her behalf, and secured a verdict of $500 damages. The next day the company issued an order to admit colored persons to ride on their cars, and the other car companies quickly followed their example. Be- fore that the Sixth Avenue Company ran a few special cars for colored persons, and the other lines refused to let them ride at all. Gen. Arthur was a delegate to the convention at Saratoga that founded the Republican party. Previous to the war he was Judge-Advocate of the Second Brigade of the State of New York, and Gov. Morgan, of that State, appointed him Engineer-in- Chief of his .staff. In 1861, he was made Inspector-General, and .soon afterward be- came Quartermaster-General. In each of these offices he rendered great service to the Govern- lOO CHESTER A. ARTHUR. ment during the war. At the end of Gov. Mor- gan's term he resumed the practice of law, form- ing a partnership with Mr. Ransom, and then Mr. Phelps, the District Attornej- of New York, was added to the firm. The legal practice of this well-known firm was verj- large and lucrative, as each of the gentlemen composing it was an able lawyer, and possessed a splendid local reputa- tion, if not, indeed, one of national extent. Mr. Arthur always took a leading part in State and city politics. He was appointed Collector of the Port of New York by President Grant, No- vember 21, 1872, to succeed Thomas Murphy, and he held the office until July 20, 1878, when he was succeeded by Collector Merritt. Mr. Arthur was nominated on the Presidential ticket, with Gen. James A. Garfield, at the famous National Republican Convention held at Chicago in June, 1880. This was perhaps the greatest political convention that ever assembled on the continent. It was composed of the lead- ing politicians of the Republican party, all able men, and each .stood firm and fought vigorousl}- and with signal tenacity for his respective can- didate that was before the convention for the domination. Finally Gen. Garfield received the nomination for President, and Gen. Arthur for V^ice-President. The campaign which followed was one of the most animated known in the his- tory of our country. Gen. Hancock, the stand- ard-bearer of tlie Democratic party, was a popular man, and his party made a valiant fight for his election. Finally the election came, and the country's choice was Garfield and Arthur. They were in- augurated March 4, 1881, as President and Vice- President. A few months only had passed ere the newly-chosen President was the victim of the assassin's bullet. Then came terrible weeks of suffering — those moments of anxious suspense, when the hearts of all civilized nations were throbbing in unison, longing for the recovery of the noble, the good President. The remarkable patience that he manifested during those hours and weeks, and even months, of the most terrible suffering man has ever been called upon to en- dure, was seemingly more than human. It was certainly godlike. During all this period of deepest anxiety Mr. Arthur's every move was watched, and, be it said to his credit, that his every action displayed onh' an earnest desire that the suffering Garfield might recover to sen'e the re- mainder of the term he had so auspiciously be- gun. Not a selfish feeling was manifested in deed or look of this man, even though the most honored position in the world was at any moment likely to fall to him. At last God in his mercy relieved President Garfield from further suffering, and the world, as never before in its history over the death of any other man, wept at his bier. Then it became the duty of the Vice-President to assume the respon- sibilities of the high ofiice, and he took the oath in New York, September 20, 1881. The position was an embarrassing one to him, made doubly so from the fact that all eyes were on him, anxious to know what he would do, what policy he would pursue, and whom he would select as advisers. The duties of the office had been greatly neglected during the President's long illness, and many im- portant measures were to be immediately decided by him ; and to still further embarass him he did not fail to realize under what circumstances he became President, and knew the feelings of many on this point. Under these trying circumstances, President Arthur took the reins of the Govern- ment in his own hands, and, as embarrassing as was the condition of affairs, he happily surprised the nation, acting so wisely that but few criticized his administration. He served the nation well and faithfully until the close of his administra- tion, March 4, 1885, and was a popular candidate before his party for a second term. His name was ably presented before the convention at Chi- cago, and was received with great favor, and doubtless but for the personal popularity of one of the opposing candidates, he would have been selected as the standard-bearer of his party for another campaign. He^ retired to private life, car- rying with him the best wishes of the American people, whom he had served in a manner satisfac- tory to them and with credit to himself One year later he was called to his final rest. *> ^^7^-Z£^^ STEPHEN GROVER CLEVELAND. jTEPHEN GROVER CLEVELAND, the twenty -second President of the United States, was bom in 1837, in the obscure town of Caldwell, Essex County, N. J., and in a little two-and-a-half-story white house, which is still standing to characteristically mark the humble birthplace of one of America's great men, in striking contrast with the Old World, where all men high in office must be high in origin and born in the cradle of wealth. When the subject of this sketch was three years of age, his father, who was a Presbyterian minister with a large family and a small salary, moved, by way of the Hudson River and Erie Canal, to Fayetteville, N. Y., in search of an increased income and a larger field of work. Fayetteville was then the most straggling of country villages, about five miles from Pompey Hill, where Governor Seymour was born. At the last-mentioned place j^ouug Grover com- menced going to school in the good, old-fashioned way, and presumably distinguished himself after the manner of all village boj'S — in doing the things he ought not to do. Such is the dis- tinguishing trait of all geniuses and independent thinkers. When he arrived at the age of four- teen years, he had outgrown the capacitj- of the village school, and expressed a most emphatic de- sire to be sent to an academy. To this his fa- ther decidedly objected. Academies in those days cost money; besides, his father wanted him to become self-supporting by the quickest pos- sible means, and this at that time in Fayetteville .seemed to be a position in a countr>' store, where his father and the large family on his hands had considerable influence. Grover was to be paid $50 for his services the first year, and if he proved trustworthy he was to receive $100 the second year. Here the lad commenced his career as salesman, and in two years he had earned so good a reputation for trustworthiness that his employ- ers desired to retain him for an indefinite length of time. But instead of remaining with this firm in Fayetteville, he went with the family in their re- moval to Clinton, where he had an opportunity of attending a High School. Here he industri- ously pursued his studies until the famih' re- moved with him to a point on Black River known as the "Holland Patent," a village of five or six hundred people, fifteen miles north of Utica, N. Y. At this place his father died, after preaching but three Sundays. This event broke up the family, and Grover set out for New York City to accept, at a small salary, the position of under- teacher in an asylum for the blind. He taught faithfully for two years, and although he obtained a good reputation in this capacity, he concluded that teaching was not his calling in life, and, revers- ing the traditional order, he left the city to seek his fortune, instead of going to the city. He first thought of Cleveland, Ohio, as there was some charm in that name for him; but before proceed- ing to that place he went to Buffalo to ask advice of his uncle, Lewis F. Allan, a noted stock- breeder of that place. The latter did not speak enthusiastically. "What is it you want to do, my boy?" he asked. "Well, sir, I want to study law," was the reply "Good gracious!" remarked the old gentleman ; " do you, indeed ? Whatever I04 STEPHEN GROVER CLEVELAND. put that into your head? How much money have you got?" "Well, sir, to tell the truth, I haven't got any." After a long consultation, his uncle offered him a place temporarily as assistant herd-keeper, at $50 a year, while he could look around. One day soon afterward he boldly walked into the of- fice of Rogers, Bowen & Rogers, of Buffalo, and told them what he wanted. A number of young men were already engaged in the office, but Gro- ver's persistency won, and he was finally per- mitted to come as an oflSce boy and have the use of the law librar}-, receiving as wages the sum of $3 or $4 a week. Out of this he had to pay for his board and washing. The walk to and from his uncle's was a long and rugged one; and although the first winter was a memorably severe one, his shoes were out of repair, and as for his overcoat he had none; yet he was, nevertheless, prompt and regular. On the first day of his service there, his senior employer threw down a copy of Black- stone before him, with a bang that made the dust fly, saying "That's where they all begin." A titter ran around the little circle of clerks and students, as they thought that was enough to scare young Grover out of his plans; but in due time he mastered that cumbersome volume. Then, as ever afterward, however, Mr. Cleve- land exhibited a talent for executiveness rather than for chasing principles through all their metaphj-sical possibilities. "Let us quit talking and go and do it, ' ' was practically his motto. The first public ofiBce to which Mr. Cleveland was elected was that of Sheriff of Erie County, N. Y., in which Buffalo is situated; and in such capacity it fell to his duty to inflict capital punish- ment upon two criminals. In 1881 he was elected Mayor of the City of Buffalo, on the Democratic ticket, with especial reference to bring- ing about certain reforms in the administration of the municipal affairs of that city. In this of- fice, as well as in that of Sheriff, his performance of duty has generally been considered fair, with possibly a few exceptions, which were ferreted out and magnified during his Presidential cam- paign. As a specimen of his plain language in a veto message, we quote from one vetoing an iniquitous street-cleaning contract; "This is a time for plain speech, and my objection to your action shall be plainly stated. I regard it as the culmination of a most bare-faced, impudent and shameless scheme to betraj- the interests of the people and to worse than squander the people's money." The New York Su/t afterward very highly commended Mr. Cleveland's administra- tion as Mayor of Buffalo, and thereupon recom- mended him for Governor of the Empire State. To the latter office he was elected in 1882, and his administration of the affairs of State was generally satisfactory-. The mistakes he made, if any, were made ver\- public throughout the na- tion after he was nominated for President of the United States. For this high office he was nominated July 11, 1884, by the National Demo- cratic Convention at Chicago, when other com- petitors were Thomas F. Bayard, Roswell P. Flower, Thomas A. Hendricks, Benjamin F. Butler, Allen G. Thurman, etc.; and he was elected by the people, by a majority of about a thousand, over the brilliant and long-tried Re- publican statesman, James G. Blaine. President Cleveland resigned his office as Governor of New York in January, 1885, in order to prepare for his duties as the Chief Executive of the United States, in which capacity his term commenced at noon on the 4th of March, 1885. The silver question precipitated a controversy between those who were in favor of the continu- ance of silver coinage and those who were op- posed, Mr. Cleveland answering for the latter, even before his inauguration. On June 2, 1886, President Cleveland married Frances, daughter of his deceased friend and part- ner, Oscar Folsom, of the Buffalo Bar. Their union has been blessed b>- the birth of two daugh- ters. In the campaign of 1888, President Cleve- land was renominated by his party, but the Republican candidate, Gen. Benjamin Harrison, was victorious. In the nominations of 1892 these two candidates for the highest position in the gift of the people were again pitted against each other, and in the ensuing election President Cleveland was victorious by an overwhelming majority. ^^^; ^^ ^2>^?-^t/6 «;.!-<^-t<- BENJAMIN HARRISON. rjENJAMIN HARRISON, the twenty-third IC\ President, is the descendant of one of the ^J historical families of this country. The first known head of the family was Maj.-Gen. Harrison, one of Oliver Cromwell's trusted followers and fighters. In the zenith of Cromwell's power it be- came the duty of this Harrison to participate in the trial of Charles I., and afterward to sign the death warrant of the king. He subsequently paid for this with his life, being hung October 13, 1660. His descendants came to America, and the next of the family that appears in history is Benjamin Harrison, of Virginia, great-grandfa- ther of the subject of this sketch, and after whom he was named. Benjamin Harrison was a mem- ber of the Continental Congress during the >ears 1774, 1775 and 1776, and was one of the original signers of the Declaration of Independence. He was three times elected Governor of Virginia. Gen. William Henrj' Harrison, the son of the distinguished patriot of the Revolution, after a successful career as a soldier during the War of 1 8 1 2 , and with a clean record as Go\'ernor of the Northwestern Territory, was elected President of the United vStates in 1840. His career was cut short by death within one month after his in- auguration. President Harrison was born at Nortli Bend, Hamilton County, Ohio, August 20, 1833. His life up to the time of his graduation from Miami University, at Oxford, Ohio, was the uneventful one of a countr>- lad of a family of small means. His father was able to give him a good education, and nothing more. He became engaged while at college to the daughter of Dr. Scott, Principal of a female school at Oxford. After graduating, he determined to enter upon the study of law. He went to Cincinnati and there read law for two years. At the expiration of that time young Har- rison received the onlj' inheritance of his life — his aunt, dying, left him a lot valued at $800. He regarded this legacy as a fortune, and decided to get married at once, take this money and go to some Eastern town and begin the practice of law. He sold his lot, and, with the money in his pocket, he started out with his young wife to fight for a place in the world. He decided to go to Indian- apolis, which was even at that time a town of promise. He met with slight encouragement at first, making scarcely anything the first year. He worked diligently, applying himself closely to his calling, built up an extensive practice and took a leading rank in the legal profession. In i860. Mr. Harrison was nominated for the position of Supreme Court Reporter, and then be- gan his experience as a stump speaker. He can- io8 BENJAMIN HARRISON. vassed the State thoroughly, and was elected by a handsome majority. In 1862 he raised the Seventeenth Indiana Infantry, and was chosen its Colonel. His regiment was composed of the raw- est material, but Col. Harrison employed all his time at first in mastering military tactics and drill- ing his men, and when he came to move toward the East with Sherman, his regiment was one of the best drilled and organized in the army. At Resaca he especially distinguished himself, and for his bravery at Peachtree Creek he was made a Brigadier-General, Gen. Hooker speaking of him in the most complimentary terms. During the absence of Gen. Harrison in the field, the Supreme Court declared the ofiice of Supreme Court Reporter vacant, and another person was elected to the position. From the time of leaving Indiana with his regiment until the fall of 1864 he had taken no leave of absence, but having been nominated that year for the same office, he got a thirty-day leave of absence, and during that time made a brilliant canvass of the State, and was elected for another term. He then started to rejoin Sherman, but on the way was stricken down with scarlet fever, and after a most trying attack made his way to the front in time to participate in the closing incidents of the war. In 1868 Gen. Harrison declined a re-election as Reporter, and resumed the practice of law. In 1876 he was a candidate for Governor. Although defeated, the brilliant campaign he made won for him a national reputation, and he was much sought after, especially in the East, to make speeches. In 1880, as usual, he took an active part in the campaign, and was elected to the United States Senate. Here he served for six years, and was known as one of the ablest men, best lawyers and strongest debaters in that body. With the ex- piration of his senatorial term he returned to the practice of his profession, becoming the head of one of the strongest firms in the State. The political campaign of 1888 was one of the most memorable in the historj^ of our country. The convention which assembled in Chicago in June and named Mr. Harrison as the chief st md- ard-bearer of the Republican party was great in everj' particular, and on this account, and the at titude it assumed upon the vital questions of the day, chief among which was the tariff, awoke a deep interest in the campaign throughout the nation. Shortly after the nomination, delegations began to v'isit Mr. Harrison at Indianapolis, his home. This movement became popular, and from all sections of the country societies, clubs and delegations journeyed thither to pay their re- spects to the distinguished statesman. Mr. Harrison spoke daily all through the sum- mer and autumn to these visiting delegations, and so varied, masterly, and eloquent were his speeches that the}- at once placed him in the fore- most rank of American orators and statesmen. Elected by a handsome majority, he ser\-ed his country faithfully and well, and in 1892 was nom- inated for re-election; but the people demanded a change and he was defeated by his predecessor in office, Grover Cleveland. On account of his eloquence as a speaker and his power as a debater, Gen. Harrison was called upon at an early age to take part in the dis- cussion of the great questions that then began to agitate the country. He was an uncompromising anti-slaver}- man, and was matched against some of the most eminent Democratic speakers of his State. No man who felt the touch of his blade desired to be pitted with him again. With all his eloquence as an orator he ne^•er spoke for ora- torical effect, but his words always went like bul- lets to the mark. He is purely American in his ideas, and is a splendid type of the American statesman. Gifted with quick perception, a logi- cal mind and a ready tongue, he is one cif the most distingui-shed impromptu speakers in the nation. Many of these speeches sparkled with the rarest eloquence and contained arguments of great weight, and many of his terse statements have already become aphorisms. Original in thought, precise in logic, terse in statement, yet withal faultless in eloquence, he is recognized as the sound statesman and brilliant orator of the daj\ During the last days of his administration Presi- dent Harrison suffered an irreparable loss in the death of his devoted w4fe, Caroline (Scott) Har- rison, a lady of many womanly charms and vir- tues. They were the parents of two children. '^^^^ik;^S^ WINONA COUNTY, MINNESOTA. ^. --+++ ^^ ++++ ++++ ++++: ■++t ' ++*^ '-H-+++:H-r' ■++++++ "■++++•■ ^1 INTRODUQT^ORY. *^'W^ JHE time has arrived when it becomes the duty of the people of this county to per- petuate the names of their pioneers, to furnish a record of their early settlement, and relate the story of their progress. The civilization of our , the enlightenment of the age the duty that men of the pres- ent time owe to their ancestors, to themselves and to their posterity, demand that a record of their lives and deeds should be made. In bio- graphical history is found a power to instruct man by precedent, to enliven the mental faculties, and to waft down the river of time a safe vessel in which the names and actions of the people who contributed to raise this country from its primitive state may be preserved. Surely and rapidly the great and aged men, who in their ])rime entered the wilderness and claimed the virgin soil as their heritage, are passing to their graves. The number re- maining who can relate the incidents of the first days jf settlement is becoming small indeed, so that an actual necessity exists for the collection and [ireser- vation of events without delay, before all the early settlers are cut down by the scythe of Time. To be forgotten has been the great dread of mankind from remotest ages. All will be forgotten soon enough, in spite of their best works and the most earnest efforts of their friends to perserve the memory of their lives. The means employed to prevent oblivion and to perpetuate their memory has been in propor- tion *o the amount of intelligence they possessed. Thn pyramids of Egypt were built to perpetuate the names and deeds of their great rulers. . The exhu- mations made by the archeologists of Egypt from buried Memphis indicate a desire of those people to perpetuate the memory of their achievements The erection of the great obelisks were for the same purpose. Coming down to a later period, we find the Greeks and Romans erecting mausoleums and monu- ments, and carving out statues to chronicle their great acliievements and carry them down the ages. It is also evident that the Mound-builders, in piling up their great mounds of earth, had but this idea — to leave something to show that they had lived. All these works, though many of them costly in the ex- treme, give but a faint idea of the lives and charac- ters of those whose memory they were intended to perpetuate, and scarcely anything of the masses of the people that then lived. The great pyramids and some of the obelisks remain objects only of curiosity; the mausoleums, monuments and statues are crum- bling into dust. It was left to modern ages to establish an intelli- gent, undecaying, immutable method of perpetuating a full history — immutable in that it is almost un- limited in extent and perpetual in its action ; and this is through the art of printing. To the present generation, however, we are in- debted for the introduction of the admirable system of local biography. By this system every man, though he has not achieved what the world calls greatness, has the means to perpetuate his life, his history, through the coming ages. The scythe of Time cuts down all ; nothing of the physical man is left. The monument which his chil- dren or friends may erect to his memory in the ceme^ tery will crumble into dust and pass away; but his life, his achievements, the work he has accomplished, which otherwise would be forgotten, is perpetuated by a record of this kind. To preserve the lineaments of our companions we engrave their portraits, for the same reason we col- lect the actainable facts of tlieir history. Nor do we think it necessary, as we speak only truth of them, to wait until they are dead, or until those who know them are gone: to do this we are asliamed only to publish to the world tlie liistory of those whose live?! are unwcnhy of public record. ':ik.^ ^ c ^/^-^^^ w ->^->- i^:^ .^K£ 2*;*; ^sT wJpr "Ts"^ ■ < ■■ : - '^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ Si- John Arnot Hathews. "^ ^^, ^i^ s:«c ^tt oMi -5"-»- "t-H- JOHN ARNOT MATHEWS, a leal-estate and loan agent, who is doing a successful business in Winona, where he has carried on operations since 1855, is a son of Henry II. Mathews, who was born near Elniira, N. Y. The grandfather. Col. Selah Mathews, with several brothers, removed from Orange County to Tioga (now Chemung) County, N. Y., about 1790. The original Ameri- can ancestor was closely' connected by marriage with Governor Fletcher, and in an early day in Colonial history came with him to this coun- try. Colonel Mathews was a Federalist of the old school, and stood at the head of local affairs in Tioga County for many years. His brother. Gen. Vincent Mathews, who died in Rochester, N. Y., in 1847, held the office of District Attorney for the Western District for many years, and served both in the State Legislature and the State Senate, and in the Congress of the United States. For forty years he was recognized as the most prominent lawj'er at the Elmira Bar. General Mathews left Elmira for Bath, where he resided for a short time, and then removed to Rochester, N. Y., where at a ripe old age he died, universal- ly lamented. His portrait now graces the court- rooms in Rochester and Canandaigua, N. Y. When a 3'oung man, in 1819, Henry H. Mathews entered the store of Jolin Arnot, of Elmira, N. Y., and soon after married Isabella Arnot, a sister of his employer and a native of Perthshire, Scotland, who came to America about 1803. He then en- gaged in merchandising at Painted Post with Mr. Arnot, and while there residing filled many re- sponsible positions. Subsequentlj' he returned to Elmira, and was made its Postmaster by Gen. Zachary Taylor, a position which he filled for sev- eral years. John Arnot Mathews, one of Winona's repre- sentative business men, was born in Elmira, N. Y., April 6, 1824, and is the eldest in a family of nine children, eight of whom grew to mature years, while five are yet living and are residents of Minnesota. His boyhood days were passed in his native city and at Painted Post, and he became familiar with business men and methods in his fa- ther's mercantile establishment. At the age of nineteen he returned to Elmira, where he attended school and worked on his father's farm until 1845. 118 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. He then removed to Tioga, Pa., where he became clerk in the store of B. C. Wickhara & Co., with whom he continued two years. In comp.any witli two otiier young men he then bouglit out the store, and carried on an extensive and successful busi- ness until 1853. The following year Mr. Mathews souglit a home in the West. He stopped for a time at McGregor, Iowa, visited many points in the nortlieasiern part of that state, and explored the pine woods of Wis- consin with a view to engaging in the lumber busi- ness. A land-office was then at Stevens' Point, Wis., and he became attracted bj' the opportunities offered for dealing in land-warrants and locating them on time to actual settlers. There was also a land-office at Brownsville, Minn , and from that place he started out on an exploring tour. While at Chatfleld, Minn., he heard parties from Winona speaking of the town, and resolved to come to this place after his return to McGregor. On a small stern-wheel steamer he came up the Missis- sippi, reaching his destination in Julj', 1854. Not being favorably impressed with the location, he took the next steamer for Red Wing, Minn., where there was also a land-office, and then visited Dodge and other counties in Minnesota, after which he returned to McGregor, Iowa. In the succeeding autumn he returned to Tioga, Pa., but had de- termined that he would locate at McGregor. Red Wing or Winona. The land-office was located at the last-named place in the spring of 1855, and in the autumn Mr. Mathews opened here his real- estate and loan office. On the 9th of October of that year Mr. Mathews was united in marriage with Miss Ellen B. Bush, a native of Tioga, Pa., and a daughter of A. C. Bush, of that place. Their wedding was celebrated in Tioga, and they at once started for Winona, arriv- ing here in lime for the land sales in the latter part of October. Mr. Mathews began to buy and sell land- warrants, to locate lands and loan money. For a year he spent half of each day in a land-office, and continued this business until the removal of the ofiice to Faribault. He has now been engaged in loaning money for nearly forty years. He loans on real-estate security and makes a specialty of farm loans. He has done a good business and has ever had the confidence and trust, as well as the high regard, of those with whom he has been brought in contact. Mr. and Mrs. Mathews have no children of their own, but have reared two of his brother Henry's children: Jennie C.,now the wife of E. S.Gregory; and Isabella A., wife of E. J. Chamberlain. Mr. Mathews has always been a supporter of the Dem- ocracj'. He has never cared to become prominent in the councils of his party, but believes in and upholds its principles. For four terms he held the office of Mayor of the city, and took a decided stand against the city issuing bonds for the as- sistance of the railroads; and even when a stock- holder and one of the Directors of the Winona & South-western Railroad and Mayor of the city he was true to this belief. He has always taken a warm interest in everything pertaining to the advance- ment of Winona, and is public spirited and pro- gressive. For almost fort}' years he has been identified with the history of this community, and his worth is recognized by his fellow-townsmen. He is one of the most popular citizens of Winona, is a safe and substantial business man, a true friend, and has the confidence of the people in an unusual degree. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, 119 William W. Caine. WILLIAM W. CAINP:, who resides on section 14, Wiscoy Township, lias to some extent passed an eventful life. He has lived as a pioneer, and during the Civil War was numbered among the boys in blue who defended the Union against the rebellion of the South. He comes from the old Bay State, his birth having occurred in Boston, Mass., on the 22d of August, 1837. His father, Thomas Caine, was a native of the Isle of Man, and the family is of English origin. He married Miss Mary Callis- ter, and to them were born seven children. Thomas, who is a carpenter, resides in Hingham, Mass. Mary died January 17, 1868. John enlisted in the regular army in 1859, became a member of the Seventh United States Infantry, and was one of the heroes who fell at the haid-fought battle of Gettysburg, on the 3d of July, 1863. His remains were interred on the battlefield. Margaret died October 15, 1857. Abigail is the wife of John Jef- ries, an iron-molder of Hingham, Mass. William W. is the next younger. Robert enlisted as a pri- vate of Compan}' D, Third Wisconsin Infantry, April 25, 1861, and was wounded by a minie-l)all at the battle of Chancellorsville, but continued in the service until after the close of the war. He now resides in Dodge County. Wis. William W. Caine began his education in the public schools of Boston, and when twelve years of age went on board a ship, where he remained two 3-ears. In 1852 we find him in the Mississippi Valley, the journey westward having been made by way of the Lakes and by rail. He became a resident of Chester, Dodge County, Wis., and be- gan working as a farm hand by the month, thus serving until 1855, when with ox-teams he made an overland trip to Kansas, settling in Anderson Count}'. There he pre-empted one hundred and sixt}' acres of land, but was driven away from his home by border ruffians. During his stay there he served as a scout, and once was shot with a double- barrelled gun, the charge being imbedded in his foot. Returning to Dodge County, Mr. Caine then continued to work as a farm hand until, feeling that his country needed his services, he responded to the President's call for volunteers to serve three jears. He joined Company D, Third Wis- consin Infantry, August 21, 1861, and was mus- tered into the service at Waupun, Wis. The first engagement in which he participated was at Cedar Mountain, after which he took part in the battles of Antietam, Chancellorsville, Beverly Ford and Gettysburg. He then went to New York City with his regiment in order to quell the riots there, and remained in the city for about a month. The troops then returned to Virginia, followed Lee across the river, and proceeded to Lookout Moun- tain, where a battle occurred. Mr. Caine also par- ticipated in the engagements at Buzzard's Roost, Resaca, Dallas, Pine Mountain, Kenesaw Moun- tain and the Atlanta campaign, then went with Sherman on the march to the sea and through the Carolinas. The last engagement in which he par- ticipated was at Bentonville, N. C. At the battle of Resaca a shell burst near his head and has 120 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. caused a partial loss of bis heaiiug. He was wounded by a piece of shell at the battle of Dallas. At Kingston, Ga., he was promoted to the rank of Corporal, and at Louisville, Ky., he was mustered out, while at Madison, Wis., on the 26th of Au- gust, 1865, he received an honorable discharge. Mr. Caine, when his country no longer needed his services, returned to his home in Dodge Coun- ty, Wis., and there engaged in farming until Oc- tober, 1865, when he came to Winona County, and settled upon the farm which has since been his home. It'comprises eighty acres of good land on section 14, Wiseoy Township, and he carries on general farming with good success, his place being under a high stale of cultivation and well im- proved. On the 2d of September, 1860, Mr. Caine wed- ded Miss Mary Cowell. They have five children, namely: Mary E., wife of Thomas O'Brian, a farmer, residing in Wilson Township; Belbert, an agriculturist living in Wiseoy Township; Elsie, wife of Fred Harvey, a farmer of Wiseoy Town- ship; and Alice and Annie, at home. Mr. Caine has always been a supporter of the Republican party, and is now serving as Assessor of his town- ship, a position he has filled for twelve years. He is also School Clerk. Socially he is connected with the Grand Army of the Republic and with the Odd Fellows' lodge. His life has been well and worthily spent, and all who know him hold him in high regard. William Watts. WILLIAM WATTS, who follows farm- ing and stock-raising on section 16, Saratoga Township, was born in Coun- ty Sligo, Ireland, in November, 1844, and is a son of Henry and Rachel (Londey) Watts, whose fam- ily numbered five children, three sons and two daughters. With his brothers and sisters Will- iam was reared on the home farm, the duties of which were soon made familiar to him, for he earl3' began work in the fields. He received no special school privileges, in fact he is largely self-educated, but he possesses an observing eye and retentive memory and has become well informed. Mr. Watts started out in life for himself at the age of twenty-one, and secured a position as fore- man on a large farm in his native land, of which he had charge until his emigration to America. In 1868 be bade adieu to his friends and home in the Emerald Isle and sailed for the New World, landing in New York City, but he did not seek a residence in the Empire State. Instead he came at once to Minnesota, and located in Saratoga Township, Winona County. Here for six years he was employed as a farm hand by the month, and at the expiration of that period he had $1,378 due him. During four years he was never absent from his work for a single daj'. With the capital he had acquired through ear- nest and untiring labor, through perseverance and good management, Mr. Watts then purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres on section 7, Saratoga Township, of partiallj' improved land. He commenced its further development and culti- vation, and for eight years made it his home, after PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 121 which he sold out and purchased the farm which is now his place of residence. It comprises two liundred acres of rich and arable land, which yields to him a golden tribute in return for tiie care and labor he bestows upon it. He lias also been very successful as a stock-raiser, and makes a specialty of the breeding of Poland-China hogs, in consequence of which the farm is known as the Poland-China Stock Farm. All of the improvements thereon are the work of Mr. Watts, who is an industrious and enterprising man, devoted to his business in- terests and his family. He has worked his way up- ward from an humble position to one of affluence. and though he has met with obstacles and difficul- ties in his path, he has overcome these by deter- mined effort and good management. He well de- serves great credit for his success. In 1876 Mr. Watts wedded Miss Mary J. Mc- Keowen. They have seven children: Rachel M., Annie M., Mary .1., Henry W., Florence, Maggie and Samuel C. Mr. Watts has never aspired to office, and votes with the Populist party. He is a member of the Episcopal Church, and takes an act- ive interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the community. Cyrus Crosgrove. eYRUS CROSGROVE, who occupies a lead- ing position in business circles, and is rec- ognized as one of the representative citi- zens of Winona, is now engaged in the wholesale and retail harness trade. This enterprise is one of the centers of industry in the city, and at its head is a young man whose progressive spirit and in- domitable energy will win him success in what- ever he undertakes. He is numbered among Wi- nona's native sons, his birth having here occurred on the 26th of October, 1862, and he is the eldest in a family of four children, whose parents were Rob- ert and Mary (Sinclair) Crosgrove. Sylvia, the second, is now the wife of J. E. Whiting, of St. Charles; Mildred is the wife of A. D. Palmer, of Austin, Minn.; and Frederick, the youngest, is still at home. The father of this family was born in Ireland, and during his infancy was brought to America by his parents, who settled in New York, where he was reared to manhood on a farm. In the spring of 1856 he came to Winona, having made the journey on foot from Milwaukee. Here he entered land from the Government, near the county seat, and at once began its development and cultivation, which he carried on in connec- tion with his trade of harness-making for some time. In 1870 he opened a retail harness store, which he conducted up to the time of his death, becoming the leader in this line in the city. He was a very energetic man, who carried forward to a successful completion whatever he undertook. He met obstacles and difliculties in his path, but these he overcame by a determined effort and steadily worked his way upward to prosperity. He was called to the home beyond in January, 1892, when fifty-four years of age. His wife, a 122 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. native of Maine, is still residing in Winona. She is a daughter of C. B. Sinclair, one of the honored pioneers and representative citizens of this county. No event of special importance occurred during the childhood and youth of Cyrus Crosgrove. He remained at home and attended the common schools, the State Normal and a business college until twenty years of age, thus acquiring an excel- lent education, which has well fitted him for the practical duties of life. During that time he also learned the harness-maker's trade in his father's shop. He then went to Estelline, S. Dak., where he established a retail harness shop, and during the next ten years conducted three shops at differ- ent points. Upon his father's death he returned to Winona and took charge of the harness business which had been established }'ears before, and which he yet carries on. He has a full and complete stock of harness, his store being the largest of the kind in southern Minnesota. For years his trade has constantl}' increased, until it has now assumed extensive proportions. On the 1st of Juljr, 1890, Mr. Crosgrove was joined in wedlock with Miss Mary Belle Clarke, a daughter of Doran Clarke, one of the pioneer set- tlers of this cit}'. Two children bless this union, Ellen and Robert. Mr. Crosgrove, who votes with the Democrac3',warmly advocates its principles, and served as State Representative while in South Da- kota in 1888. He was also Mayor of the town in which he lived, and was a prominent and influen- tial citizen, who had the confidence and respect of a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. He now holds membership with Winona Lodge No. 18, A. F. & A. M. One of the leading and wide-awake young business men of Winona, he is popular in social circles, where his pleasant and genial manner makes him a great favorite. Were all her native sons like Mr. Crosgrove, Winona would be a model city. Leonard Knapp. t EONARD KNAPP, of St. Chailes, who for I Cy many years was extensively engaged in farming and stock-raising, but is now prac- tically living a retired life, is one of the well known and highly respected citizens of Winona County. A native of New York, he was born in Harrisburg Township, Lewis County, on the 17th of February, 1825. The family was founded in New Plngland during Colonial days, and the grand- father, Wright Knapp, was probably a native of Connecticut. German Knapp, the father of Leon- ard, was born in Genesee County, N. Y., in 1800, and having arrived at mature years, he married Catherine Elliott, a native of Dutchess Count}-, N. Y., and a daughter of Richard Elliott, who was born in Ireland, and died when Catherine was eight years of age. German Knapp was called to the home beyond in his seventy-sixth year. The gentleman whose name heads this notice was reared on the old home farm until his twenty- third year, when he left the parental roof with the intention of trying his fortune in the West. In 1847 he emigrated to Wisconsin, settling in Le Roy, Dodge County, where he secured Government land for Si. 25 per acre. He built a log house, with a trough roof and puncheon floor, in the midst of PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 123 the timber and three miles from a neighbor. There he continued to. live for seven years before his marriage. On the 2d of April, 1851, in his thirti- eth j"ear, he wedded Miss Sarah Thompson, and the next month came to Minnesota, reaching Do- ver Township, Olmsted County, on the 27th of May. The previous winter he had visited this place in company with George Clark, the pioneer resident of Winona. He selected land on section 26, Dover Township, then known as Township 106, Range 11, west. He was the first actual settler in Dover Township, and there were not more than five or six families in Olmsted County. William Potter and Ben Bear and a few residents in Eyota Township comprised the inhabitants of tlie county. In Jul_v of that year Rochester obtained its first permanent settlers, John and George Head. Mr. Knapp had for a neighbor Lewis H. Sininger, of St. Charles, who had come to the county in 1853 and erected a log house near the site of the village, in which he carried on a hotel. William Davison lived in St. Charles Township, two miles north of the town, and there were but two settlers on the prairie east of Mr. Knapp's home. Our subject sought for a stock farm where he could have both water and timber, and found the land he desired in what is now Olmsted, but was then a part of Fillmore County. He had twenty-one head of cattle, and his possessions altogether were valued at aboutiil,000. Mr. Knapp lived in his tent un- til the latter part of Julj', when he built a log cab- in, covering it with haj'. He turned his attention to stock-growing, and in 1861 sold his original farm and purchased an adjoining tract, on which he lived until 1892. He made a specialty of the breeding of cattle and sheep, and brought the first Shorthorn bull into the county. The boundaries of the home farm he extended until it comprised two hundred and fort}- acres, and he also purchased other land, but disposed of the greater part of this on coming to St. Charles. In 1864 Mr. Knapp was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the 24th of March. They had three children, but the eldest died at the age of two years. Kate is now the wife of Horace M. Sherman, of Brown County, Minn.; and Wright is a farmer of Washington. Mr. Knapp was again married, in Rochester, .Ian uary 18, 1867, hissecond union being with Mrs. Lucretia (Harris) Groom. She died November 16, 1880, leaving a sou, George L., now in Colorado. On the 1st of February, 1884, Mr. Knapp married Mrs. Martha J. AVater- man, widow of EUiston C. Waterman, of AVabasha County. She was born in Guilford. Windham County, Vt., July 15, 1833, and was a daughter of David and Abigail (Marsh) Houghton, who came to Minnesota in 1870, and spent their last daj'S in Wabasha Count}'. She was married in Dodge County, Wis., October 16, 1854, to AVilliam D. Woodward, of New Hampshire, and the same fall came to Minnesota, locating in Quincy Township, in the extreme northeast corner of Olmsted Coun- ty. It was a timlier claim, and Mr. Woodward and Mr. Wetmore started a sawmill, tlie machin- ery for which had been brought from Massachu- setts by the former. He soon sold out and not long after settled on a farm in Wabasha County, where he died in 1871. Three years later Mrs. Wood- ward became the wife of Mr. Waterman, and made her home in Wabasha County until his death. Her son had settled on a farm, and she removed to El- gin, where she lived until becoming the wife of Mr. Knapp. By her first marriage she had four sons and one daughter: William Henry, who now operates the farm; David Orlo, of Spokane, Wash.; Mary Ella, who died January 21, 1883, at the age of twenty years; Everett Ellsworth, of Nevada; and Albert Alvin, of Clark County, S. Dak. Since 1892 Mr. Knapp has lived in St. Charles. His home is located on a six-acre tract of land and is a valuable and desirable property. His posses- sions have all been acquired through his own efforts, and he may truly be called a self-made man. His business career has been one of success, and he is now numbered among the substantial citizens of Winona County. When starting out in life for himself amid the wilderness of Wisconsin, hav- ing no near companions, he devoted a good deal of time to close study of a Bible which his mother had given him on leaving home. He first read it with interest, then studied and familiarized himself with it, and soon knew every important text in it; but he found manj' opposing statements and that 124 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. the record of important events was often giren in contradictory ways. He would often read until one or two o'clock in the morning, and made a thorough study of the book, but after a time felt that he could not accept its statements and became an infidel. This was before he had eyer read Paine, Voltaire or other infidel writers. He is a man strong in argument and takes great delight in the same. In politics he is not strictly partisan, but usually votes with the Democracy. James Chambers. JAMES CHAMBERS has been one of the es- teemed citizens and leading agriculturists of this county for about thirty j'ears. He is a veteran of the Civil War, and has suffered se- verely for the Union cause, as he was wounded by a minie-ball, which lodged in the right leg, above the knee, and this resulted in much trouble for the worthy soldier. He enlisted as a private, and when he" left the service bore the rank of Corporal. Mr. Chambers was born in Newburg, Orange County, N. Y., on Christmas Day, 1830, and is the son of Samuel and Jane (McCord) Chambers. They were the parents of six children, among them being William; John, who died in defense of the Old Flag; and Lizzie. John, above mentioned, en- listed as a soldier and was an officer at the time of his death in the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth Regiment of New York Infantry. His death occur- red in the city of Washington in 1864, from ex- posure in the service. He was an exemplary sol- dier, as the record proves. The early years of our subject were passed quiet- Ij' near the beautiful village of Newburg. The boy was trained to farm life, and became thorough- ly familiar with its practical workings by actual experience. When seventeen years of age he be- gan to make his own way in the world, entirely through his own efforts. His first employment was as a farm hand, and he continued in this field of labor until 1845, when he went to Michigan. Settling in Oakland County, he continued there to make his home until he was enrolled as a private soldier, in 1864, when he was placed in Com- pany C, Fifth Michigan Cavalry. He was sent to Grand Rapids, thence to Stevensburg, Va., and his first action on the field of battle was near Rich- mond, under Kilpatrick. Thence he proceeded down tlie Shenandoah Valley, participating in the Battle of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania and many other engagements of lesser importance. He con- tinued to serve until near the close of the war, being discharged March 10, 1866. Returning to Michigan, our subject remained in that state until the summer of 1866, when he con- cluded to try his fortunes farther west, and accord- ingly came to Winona County. He first located in Pleasant Hill Township, and still owns eighty acres of land on section 21. His place is well equipped with good buildings, substantial fences, and various other improvements, and is kept under PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 125 good cultivation. In his political faith Mr. Cham- bers is a Democrat, and though not desirous of holding official positions, has served as a member of the Board of Township Supervisors, occupying the post of Chairman. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and can always be relied upon to use his influence in behalf of all worthy enterprises and measures calculated to ad- vance the public good. June 15, 1866, Mr. Chambers married Miss Amelia S. Cottrelle. One child has been born of their union, Amelia, who is now the wife of Will- iam Goss, a leading farmer of this township. The young couple have three children: John W., Homer and Samuel. The Chambers famil}' num- ber many warm friends in the community with which the^' have been identified for the past three decades, and their hospitable doors are alwaj's open for the reception of their numerous acquaintances and well-wishers. William Hendee. WILLIAM HENDEE, who has been offi- cially connected with the interests of St. Charles, and has long been recog- nized as one of its representative citizens, is now living retired. He was born near St. Catharines, Ontario, September 23, 1819, and is a son of Acil and Elizabeth (Mann) Hendee, the former a native of New York, and the latter of Canada. The fa- ther was a carpenter by trade. He died when William was a year old, after which his widow be- came the wife of Amos Dakins. William Hendee then remained with his mother until fourteen years of age, when he chose an uncle as guardian, who bound him out to another uncle on a farm, where he remained for three and a-half 3'ears. On the expiration of that period he began working by the day as a farm hand. Six months later he sought a home in the West, hoping thereby to benefit his financial condition. He went to Dun- das, Minn., and worked on a farm for one man for sixteen years, his services being emploj'ed in the fields during the summer months, while in the winter season he engaged in hauling logs. Dur- ing the first six years of his long engagement he only lost six days, and his faithfulness to his em- ployer's interest won him the confidence and re- spect of all. He first received $109 per year, and after the first six years he began operating a farm for himself, having from ten to fourteen men un- der his charge. He worked extremely hard, so that his health almost failed him, and in the spring of 1855 he came to Winona County in company with a blacksmith, John Ellsbury, now of Dover. Through the influence of Mr. P^llsbury Mr. Hen- dee returned to this place in the spring and took up a quarter-section of land lying just northeast of St. Charles and adjoining the town. He had about 81,200 in cash, and with this he made a start in his new home. He built a log shanty and at once began to clear and improve his land. In the fall he erected a frame house, 16x22 feet in dimen- sions, then the best dwelling in St. Charles. Here he entertained all the preachers and business men who came to this place. His time and attention were devoted to agricultural pursuits, and he suc- cessfully carried on the farm until October, 1883, 126 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. when he came to the town. He had added to his first purchase of land, and at length disposed of the old homestead by selline; it to his son. He was a most eneigelic and untiring worker, but at length his once, strong constitution was forced to give way before the great strain placed upon it. and for the past ten years he has been a constant sufferer from inflammatory rheumatism. On the 31st of August, 1843, in AVest Flamboro, AVentworth County, Ontario, Mr. Hendee was mar- ried to Miss Mary Cummings, who was born near Hamilton, Canada, on the 1st of March, 1822. For more than a half-century they have traveled life's journey together, sharing with each other in the joys and sorrows, adversity and prosperity which checker the pathway of all, and in 1893 they cele- brated the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage by a golden wedding. In which many friends and relatives joined with them in commemorating the day. In their family were eleven children, viz.: Elizabeth, wife of Henry Talbot, of St. Charles; Selina, wife of Frank Sheets, of Lisbon, N. Dak.; Jacob, who owns the old farm near St. Charles; Acil, who is engaged in wagon-making; Orilla wife of U. S. Usher, of Chicago; Se'lim, who died in St. Charles at the age of twenty -seven ; Priscilla, who became the wife of Casky Coles, of Minneap- olis, and died at the age of twenty-two; Cordilla, wife of AVilliam Parr, the present City Marshal of St. Charles; Arvilla, the wife of Harr3' Stone, a sailor, of Minneapolis; Simeon, who makes his home with his parents; and Rosilla, wife of A. J. Aemon, of Grand Rapids, Minn. Mr. Hendee was reared as a Reformer in Canada, and oncoming to the United States joined the ranks of the Republican part^', with which he has since affiliated, always sujjporling its men and measures. He has never been a politician in the sense of act- ively seeking office, but has served as Assessor and was long the Census-taker. The best interests of the community have ever found in him a friend, and he is recognized as a valued citizen, in whom his friends place the utmost confidence, for all who know him recognize his many excellent traits of character. H. M. Litchtenstein, M. D. HM. LITCHTENSTEIN, M. D., who is actively engaged in the practice of med- icine in AVinona, was born in Koenigs- berg. East Prussia, on the 22d of October, 1866. His grandfather, and the ancestors for several gen- erations remote, were members of the medical pro- fession, and a number of them became quite prom- inent along that line. The Doctor's father, Isa- dore Litchtenstein, was also a physician, and en- gaged in active practice up to the time of his death. which, however, occurred at the early .age of thir- ty-five j'ears. He was a medical practitioner of note in Koenigsberg, and in his professional capac- ity- also served in the army. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch was reared in his native land and acquired his lit- erary education in Stuttgart, Germany. He after- wards studied in the Universities of Berlin, Stras- burg and Tubingen, and was graduated from the last-named institution in February, 1889. Having PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 127 now fitted himself for the medical profession, he engaged in practice for a year at Wurtemberg,and then received an appointment as physician on the German trans-Atlantic steamers going to the ports of New York and Baltimore and to the West Indies. The year 1891 witnessed the arrival of Dr. Litchtenstein in America for the purpose of mak- ing a. permanent settlement. He located in Wi- nona, and has since engaged in active practice, meeting with excellent success and gaining a rep- utation for skill and ability which has brought him a liberal patronage. While in college lie was a thorough student and his studies are yet continued, to the benefit of those who employ his services^ He is a member of the Winona County Medical Society, and is a highly educated man who in this comniunity has won many friends. The Doctor's wife was formerly Miss Carolina Claussen, a native of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. They were mar- ried in 1890. P. Fitzpatrick. PFITZPATEICK is a leading member of the Winona County Bar, successfully en- gaged in practice in the county seat. He is a western man, his birth having occurred in Galena, 111., on the 17th of M.arch, 1851. In the family of seven children, six of whom are yet liv- ing, he IS the eldest. The others are Anna, now Mrs. M. Buck, of LanesborC', Minn.; Mary; Sarah, wife of John Buck, also of Lanesboro; Margaret and John. The parents of this family were James and Mary (McDonald) Fitzpatrick. The father was'born in Ireland in 1813, and came to America during the presidency of General Jackson, being then twenty years of age. For a time he worked at his trade of stonemason in New York, Kentucky and other states, and finallj' made a permanent location in Galena, 111. This w.as about 1845. In Galena he married Mi.ss Marj' McDonald and tiiere continued to make bis home until 1861, when he came to Minnesota, locating in Fillmore County, where he spent his remaining days engaged in farming. His death occurred in 1881, at the age of sixty-eight years. His wife passed away six j'ears previous, being called to her final rest in 1875. F. Fitzpatrick spent the first ten years of his life in his native city and theri accompanied his parents on their removal to Fillmore County, Minn., where he attended such schools as had then been established; but owing to the undeveloped condition of the country at that time, his early educational privileges were somewhat limited. Later, however, he attended the State Normal School of Winona, and was graduated from that institution in the Class of '74. Extensive reading, experience and observation have also added largely to his knowledge and made him a well informed man. On his return from Winona he taught school for a time and then entered the State University of Minnesota at Minneapolis, pursuing the regular three-years course, which he completed in 1878. He then resumed teaching in Fillmore County, and subsequently came to Winona. Wishing to change 128 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. his profession, Mr. Fitzpa trick then entered the law office of Wilson & Gale, one of the leading law firms of the city, and under their instruction read for two years. In April, 1881, he was admitted to the Bar, and since that time has been continu- ously engaged in active practice in Winona. On the 4th of September, 1879, Mr. Fitzpatrick was united in marriage with Miss Marj' Leahy, of Lanesboro, Minn., daughter of John and Julia (No- lan) Leahy. Mrs. Fitzpatrick died May 29, 1883, leaving two children. Mar}', born November 1, 1880, and James, May 25, 1883. In his political views Mr. Fitzpatrick is a Dem- ocrat, and in the fall of 1882 was elected on that ticket to the office of County Attorney, which po- sition he filled for ten consecutive years in a most satisfactory manner, as is shown by his long con- tinued service, which also indicates his personal popularity. At the Bar he is recognized as a law- yer of ability. In argument he is logical and con- vincing, and his courteous manner and gentle- manly bearing win him the confidence and trust of all with whom he is brought in contact. N. B. STEVENS. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 131 •5"S"5"5- **** *+** A*** + +•{•++•!• ■{•+***+***-{"5-* Norman Bronson Stevens. +**'5"i'+***++-i- **-5"5-*- If -+++++*++*++***.i"M. NORMAN BRONSON STEVKNfS, the eldest son of Silas and Seliiia (Bronson) Stevens, was born at Ilouesdale, Pa., May 15, 1828. His early life was largely spent in the family home in Lake County, III., the family having located' there during his childhood. In the spring of IS.iO, possessed of an uncontrollable desire to travel and see the world, he joined a company bound overland for the gold fields of California. Pass- ing through many vicissitudes and enduring in- credible hardships in crossing the plains and Rocky Mountains, the i)arty arrived at I'laccrville, Cal., .July 29, 1850, and at once began mining for gold. Mr. Stevens remained in California, meeting with varying success, until the spring of 1855, when he returned to his home in the East. Au- gust 16, 1855, he came to Winona County and set- tled upon the claim located by his father in 1851 in what is now the city of Winona. IIc! later es- tablished a nurseiy in Burns \'alley, and for many years was engaged in the fruit-tree industry. In this line he was uniformly successful, especially so in the propagation of varieties of fruit suitable to 2 this climate, very many of the trees now in bearing in the surrounding country having been intro- duced by him. - In addition to the latter business, in 1862 Mr. Stevens was appointed by the firm of D. M. Os- borne tt Co. agent for the "Kirby" reaper, and in the development of this business during a series of years he was remarkably successful, carrying off the awards in many severely contested field trials. Having demonstrated his rare ability as a busi- ness man, Mr. Stevens was, in 1868, called on to take the general agency for the entire Northwest of the '-Kirby" reaper, with headquarters at Chi- cago, and in this wider field he fully maintained his reputation for ability and enterprise. When, in 1873, the D. M. Osborne Company decided to send a man to properly represent their great inter- ests at the Vienna (Austria) Exposition of that year, the choice naturally fell to Mr. Stevens, and he spent the entire summer of that year abroad, exploiting tlic merits of the "Kirby." and thus be- coming widely known among the machine men of the world, and winning for his house the highest prize medals over all competitors in many field 132 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. trials. After so ablj discharging tlie arduous du- ties devolving upon him abroad, Mr. Stevens re- turned home 10 Chicago, and feeling the need of rest and recreation, he retired from traveling and spent the following winter in New P^ngland. Returning to Chicago Mr. Stevens remained there until tlie spring of 1876, when he came with his family to Winona. He purchased the residence on the northeast corner of Broadway and La Fay- ette Streets, where he made his home during the remainder of his life. On the 29lh of March, 1879, Alfred Terry, of De- troit, Mich., a representative of the Royal Arcanum, with Mr. Stevens, organized the Pioneer Council of Winona, the first lodge organized in the state of Minnesota. He also received a Deputy- Supreme Regent's commission in the district in which the Pioneer Council is located, and was prominent in the work of the (irder until failing liealtli forced him to abandon it. He was a member of the Old Settlers" Society and was one of the moving spirits among the early settlers of Winona County. In the fall of 1882 Mr. Stevens accepted the position of traveling agent for the L. C. Porter Milling Company, selling goods and establishing agencies in Canada and the Maritime Provinces, and meeting with excellent success until the win- ter of 1885, when failing health warned him against further work, and he remained at home for years, a sufferer from nervous prostration. Dur- ing the summer of 1888 he took a trip to Cali- fornia for his health, revisiting manj' of the scenes of his early trials and privations. Returning home in" the spring of 1889, he there remained until death ended his sufferings. All that human mind could suggest or hands do was done to alleviate his sufferings during those j-ears. After his life work was accomplished he quietly passed awaj', October 6, 1892. Mr. Stevens w.as a man of characteristics posi- tive in the extreme. Whatever he did was done with all his might, and his success in life was due partly to his exceptional energy and a high order of intelligence. His love of travel and adventure was strong to a degree, and being a remarkably close observer, with a wonderful recollection cf places, dates of events, etc., joined to an exceptional command of language, his many writings are in- teresting beyond the common. In his dcscrij)- tion of sights and scenes in both the Old and New World he was particularly happy, and these writ- ings are treasured by his family. Me was for many 3ears a member of the Congregational Church, and contributed liberally to its support. Mr. Stevens was married, September 26, 1860, in Lake City, Minn., to Miss Orilla A. Howe, a native of Millbury, Worcester County, M.ass. She was a member of the noted Howe family, of which the well known Julia Ward Howe is also a member. At a reunion of the Howe familv at South Fram- ingham, Mass.. in 1871, where over five thousand members were present, Julia Ward Howe gave the address of welcome. The original ancestors in this country were three brothers, descendants of Lord Howe, of England, who crossed the Atlantic in the "Maj'flower," and the branch of the family to which .Mrs. Stevens belongs settled at Sudbury, Mass., and kept the Howe Tavern in that town, made famous in Longfellow's song as the "Way- side Inn." Mr. Stevens' daughter by a former marriage, Mary E., is now the wife of Willard S. Farrington, of Portland, Oregon, a son of Dr. Farrington, for- merlv of Winona. ^"#?" PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 133 Almon Sartwell. c^T^ LMON SARTWELL. wlio canie.s on geii- r — \ eral farming on section 28, Wnrren Town- sliip, where he owns !X good f.arm of one hundred and sixty acres, was born on the 2!*th of December, 1819, in Langdon, N. II., .ind is a son of Royal and Elvira (Evans) Sartwell. Both parents were of English descent, and tlie father was a na- tive of the Granite Stale, while the mother was born in Massacliusetls. They had a family of eight children, namely: Phila, wifeof Amos Bean, a res- ident of ^'crnlont; Almon, of this sketch; Maria. who died in 1846; Rosswell, who died in 18G'J; Henry; VA'xza.. wife of Major Flint, who is a resi- dent of Douglas County. Minn.; Ellen, wife of L. B. Tart, a resident of Douglas County; and War- ren, who was drowned. The father served in the War of 1812. He was a wagon-maker by trade and did business in the East until 1855, when with his family he came to Minnesota, where his remaining days were passed. His death occurred August 18, 1862, at the age of seventy-four years, one month and sixteen days, and his wife died June 8, 1872, when seventy-five years of age. In the usual manner of farmer lads Almon Sart- well was reared. His educational privileges were limited to those afforded by the common schools, which he attended until sixteen years of age. That he is now a well informed man is due to his keen observation, his experience, his reading and retentive memory. When he was only about two years old the family had removed to Vermont, and in 1837 went to Erie County, Pa., where Mr. Sart- well continued to reside until 1831t. With a view to trying his fortune on the broad prairies of the West, he then emigrated to Cook County. III.. making the trip by the Great Lakes and by stage. for the railroad center had not then become ac- quainted with the sound of the engine, and palace cars did not make it possible to reach the West after a few hours' travel from New York. Mr. Sartwell first located in Chicago, then a small town of little importance, and began work on the canal which was being built from that city to Peru. III. A year later he removed to Kane County, where he began work as a carpenter, and was also employed in different mills. His next place of residence was in Galena. Jo Daviess County, where he engaged in farming and made his home until the spring of 1855, when he emigrated further westward, crossing the Mississippi into Minnesota. Winona County was his destination, and he settled on the farm which has since been his home, pre- empting a claim of one hundred and sixty acres on section 28. and eighty acres on section 27, Warren Township. The land was undeveloped prairie and oak openings. In true pioneer style he began life in the West, his tirst home beinga log cabin 12x14 feet, in which was no floor save that made by the earth. There he lived for two years, after which he built aboard house. This was replaced in 1868 by his present commodious and comfortable resi- dence. He began farming with ox-teams, and back and forth traveled over the fields until the furrows were turned and crops were planted. Later came the harvests, which brought reward for his labors. Farming and stock-raising have been his life work, and in his undertakings he has met with success. Mr. Sartwell has been twice married. In Octo- ber, 1852. he wedded Miss Susanna Beall, and they became the parents of six children, namely: F"red- erick W.. who died when eleven years of age; Jas- 134 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. per N., who carries on agricultural pursuits in Warren Township; Lena, who died at the age of eight jears; Almou H., deceased; Pliila. also de- ceased; and Susanna B.. now residing in Pennsyl- vania, the wife of Edson Hill. The children who died all passed awaj' in 1863, within a few weeks of one another. On the 7th of November of the same j'ear, Mrs. Sartwell was called to her final rest. Mr. Sartwell was again married, in 1865, his second union being with i^niily Milligan, b3' whom he has two children: Addie L., now the wife of Bert Thompson, a resident of Fillmoie County, Minn.; and Edgar M., who married Miss May Gage, and lives on the old home farm. Mr. Sartwell exercises his right of franchise in the support of the Republican party, with which he has been identified since its organization. His first Presidential vote was cast for AVilliam Henry Harrison. He was among the first Township .Su- pervisors, serving in that office for two terms, was Township Tieasurer for about twelve years, and was Assessor for the long period of fifteen years. His public duties were discharged with promptness and fidelity, for he is alwa^'S true to a trust re- posed in him, whether public or private. Mr. Sartwell started out in life a poor boy, without wealth or influential friends to aid him in the struggle, and by his own e flfoits he has risen to a position of affluence. He may truly be called a self-made man. Hiram C. Wilber. HIRAM C. WILBER, who wore the blue during the late war, now follows farming and stock-raising on section .3.3, Warren Township. He was born in Madison Count}', N. Y., on the 11th of Ma^-, 1833. His father, Hiram C. Wilber, Sr., was a native of Rhode Island, and was of English descent. His mother bore the maiden name of Rox}' May. and her only child was the subject of this sketch. She died in earl}- life, after which the father married Hannah Nickerson, by whom he had ten children. The members of the family are: Charles, who was born February 8, 1852; Caroline, who is the widow of Herman Stage, and resides with Hiram C; Roxy J., who died in 1877; Charles H., who is living with his eldest brother; Lucy, who died November 1, 1870; Linus v., who is County .Superintendent of the public schools in Winona Count}', Minn.; IMary, who makes her home with her brother Hiram; Willie A., whose death occurred on the 8tli of Ain'il, 1861; Rufus W., who is an inmate of the Wilber household; and Myra .J., wife of George Crane, a resident of Fremont, Minn. The father of this famil}' was born in 1802, and his second marriage was celebrated October 6, 1811. The lady was a native of the Empire State, and was born December 12, 1824. Mr. Wilber was a shoe-maker by trade, and followed that business during his earl}- days, but in later life carried on farming. In 1855 he removed to Wisconsin, set- tling in Dodge County, where he made his home until 1863, when he came to Winona County, Minn. Here he made his home until his death, which occurred on the 1st of April, 1887, in the eighty-fifth year of his age. While in New York he served as Supervisor and Assessor, and after coming to Minnesota he was again called to pub- lic office, being appointed Postmaster in Wyatt- ville in 1865, which position he held until his death. He was a competent and faithful officer, and was ever true to a trust, whether public or private. He held membership with the Masonic PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 135 fraternity, and with theMethodist-Cliurch. Wlien called to the home beyond he was laid to rest in Warren Cemetery, and many friends mourned his loss. The life of a farmer's boy was that of tiie youth of Hiram C. Wilber, the subject of this sketch. He earlj' began work in the fields, where he labored through the summer months, while in the winter season his education was acquired. He attended the district schools for some time, and later en- tered an academy, where he acquired a good prac- tical knowle(ige, which has been of much benefit to him in his business career. With his parents he removed to Wisconsin, and thence to Minnesota in 1863. He iiad previously taught school in Wis- consin during the winter of 1855-56, but has prac- tically made farming his life work, although he again engaged in school teaching in Hart Town- sliip, Winona County, in 1867-68, in Warren Town- ship in 1868-69, and in Fremont Township in 1869-70. During tlie late war Mr. Wilber responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting on the 5th of September, 1864, as a member of Company K, Eleventh Minnesota Infantry. He was mustered into service at Ft. Snelling, and was thence sent to Nashville, Tenn., where he was engaged in guard- ing railroads until tlie close of the war, when, on the 16tii of .lul3', 1865, he was honorably dis- charged. He then at once returned to his home in AVinona County, where he iias made his home continuous!}' since. For the first two years after iiis arrival in Minnesota he lived upon a rented farm, and tlien removed to the farm on which he now resides, an eight3'-acre tract on section 33, Warren Township. His time and energies are de- voted to general farming and stock-raising, and in the management of his business affairs he mani- fests good executive ability. He is enterprising and industrious, and is botli public spirited and progressive. Mr. Wilber's duties of citizenship are ever faitii- fully and promptly performed. He votes with the Republican part}-, and has held the office of Town- ship Clerk for about fourteen years altogether. He is now serving as Chairman of the Town Board of Supervisors, for five years has been .Justice of the Peace, and was Notary Public for about fifteen years. He has held various school offices, having served both as School Clerk and School Treasurer. Sociall}- he is connected with the Masonic order, and also with the Grand Army of the Republic. Michael Nagle. MICHAEL NAGLE, one of the honored veterans of the late war, now owns and operates a good farm of one hundred and forty-three acres on section 10, Wiscoy Township. He is a native of the Emerald Isle, his birth having occurred in County Cork, Ireland, on tlie 25tli of September, 1837. His parents, William and Mary (Fitzgerald) Nagle, had a family of nine children. three of whom are now deceased. Those still liv- ing are: Mary, Daniel, Michael, William, Luke and .lohn, the last-named being the only one born in America. Michael Nagle spent the first fifteen years .of his life on his father's farm in Ireland, and then ac- companied his parents on their emigration to Amer- ica. They took passage in a sailing-vessel in 1852, 136 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. and after a voyage of four weeks and three days' duration landed at New York City. They made a location on tlie banks of the beautiful Hudson in the Empire State, and there the subject of this sketch grew to manhood. He continued a resident of New York until 1860, when he resolved to try his fortune in the West, hoping thereby to benefit bis financial condition. He first located in Mich- igan, but continued there onl}- a short time, for in the autumn of the same year he came with the family to Winona County. The father purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Wiscoy Township, and he aided in its cultivation and de- velopment until 1864. On the 27th of August of that year Mr. Nagle responded to the call for troops to aid in crushing out the rebellion, and, donning the blue, was as- signed to Company K, Eleventh Minnesota Infan- try. He was mustered into service at Ft. Snelling, and during most of tlie time until the close of the war was engaged in guarding railroads. He re- ceived an honorable discharge on the 11th of July, 1865, when the war had ended. Mr. Nagle then returned to Winona County, where he has since made his home. His farm of one hundred and forty-three acres is under a high state of cultivation, and well improved with good buildings and all modern accessories. He carries on general farming, and his good management in business affairs, combined with perseverance and diligence, has |)laced him in comfortable circum- stances. Mr. Nagle was married, November 22, 1863, to Miss Bridget Heunigan: To them have been born nine children, and the family circle yet remains unbroken. In order of birth they are as follows: Margaret, Mary A., Kate, Bridget, Agnes, Johanna, .Sarah, Blanche and Cecil. Mr. Nagle and his fam- ily are members of the Catholic Church, and in politics he is affiliated with the Democracy. D. E. Vance. DE. VANCE. There are few professions that exercise a greater influence on man- kind than that of the law, and its repre- sentatives are usually leading men of the commu- nity. Their life calls into action their ability for leadership and their power for influencing the minds of others, and in consequence they become prominent. Mr. Vance belongs to this class of men, and is a well known and highl3- respected at- torney of Winona. Born in Caledonia County. Vt.. near St. Johns- buiy, on the 6th of January, 1841, the subject of this sketch is one of a family of eight children, all of whom are 3'et living. The parents were Aaron and Lucinda (Tucker) Vance. The eldest child, George L., is now Supervisor of Education in Jolict, 111. D. E. IS the second in order of birth. William A. is now serving as Postmaster of Hous- ton, Minn. Albert N. is a wholesale and retail grocer of Decorah, Iowa. Nancy Jane is the wife of D. C. Dyer, also of Houston. Nicholas W. is a banker of Wolsej', S. Dak. Abbie M. is the wife of PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 137 Calvin Vance, of Money Creek, Minn.; and Aaron E. is engaged in raerciiandising in .Joliet, 111. The father of this faniilj', Aaron Vance, Sr., was born October 10, 1812, in Vermont, where he lived until March, 1866,\vlien he emigrated westward, hoping thereby to benefit liis financial condition, lie took up his residence in Money Creek Township, Hous- ton County', Minn. He was a shoemaker b^' trade, and followed that business in New England, but after coming West he embarked in farming, which he carried on throughout the remainder of his act- ive business life. Four years ago he came to Winona to spend his last years, and now makes his home in this city. He has reached the nge of eight3--two, but is still hale and heartland bids fair to live for many years to come. For a long time he served as Supervisor of liis township, and was a public- spirited and progressive citizen, always interested in everything pertaining to the community in which lie made his home and its development. David Vance, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born in the Green Mountain State, and there spent his entire life. He was the wealth- iest man of his town, and was a typical New Eng- lander of the old school. For several years he was a member of the State Legislature, and it w^as his custom to put a change of linen in a bandanna handkerchief and walk thirty miles to attend the sessions of the General Assembly'. For a long time he served as Captain of a militia company, and was recognized as one of the leading spirits of his time. D. E. Vance lived in the style of most New England boys belonging to the middle classes. Amidst pla}' and work his childhood was passed, and under the parental roof he remained until he had attained his majority. At that time he left home for the seat of war, for he believed that his country needed the services of all its loyal citi- zens. On the 13th of June, 1862, he joined Corn- pan j' G, of the Ninth Vermont Infanlr3', and went to the front. He participated in the battles of Winchester and Harper's Ferry, and at the latter place was taken prisoner, but was afterward pa- roled. Later he spent fifteen months in Chicago, acting as Assistant Commissary for the prisoners, and then rejoined his regiment at Newport Bar- racks, N. C. Later he was stationed at Newbern, N. C, guarding property, and afterward was in front of Richmond, taking part in the siege of that city from September, 1864, until April, 1865, when Lee surrendered. His was the first regiment of LTnited States infantry that marched into the city after its surrender, and there he remained for two and a-half months. On the 16lh of June, 1865, Mr. Vance was hon- orably discharged from the service and immedi- ately returned to his home. In December, however, he came West, locating in Chicago, where he re- mained until August, 1866. During that time he attended Eastman's Commercial College of that cit3', and tiien engaged in clerking until the date above mentioned, when he came to Minnesota, lo- cating at Money Creek. Here he taught school until 1877, when he settled in Winona and took up the study of law in the office of Judge Barber. In April, 1878, he was admitted to the Bar, and has since been engaged in active practice. In his pro- fession he has met with marked success, and is now enjoying an extensive patronage. On the 20th of November, 1879, Mr. Vance wedded Miss Alice Maybury, daughter of C. G. and Rebecca (Cole) Maybury, who had a family of six children. Mr. and Mrs. Vance have a family of four children, Jessie M., Mary A., Albert Elmer and Stanley M., all at home. The Republican party finds in Mr. Vance a stal- wart supporter, and an able advocate of its prin- ciples. He has served as a member of the City Council of Winona for several years and labored earnestly for the best interests of the town. So- cially he is connected with the Ancient Order of. United Workmen, and in 1885 served as Grand Master of the lodge for the then jurisdiction of Minnesota, Dakota and Manitoba. He belongs to the Equitable Aid Union; to Orient Lodge No. 20, A. F. & A. M., of Money Creek; and to John Ball Post, G. A. R. He has three times served as its Commander, and is now serving as Adjutant of the post. His career in business circles has ever been honorable and straightforward. In days of war it was that of a faithful soldier, and in times of peace it is that of a loyal citizen, true to all duties. 138 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. J. M. Sheardown. JM. SHEARDOWN, the efficient and popular Clerk of tlie District Court, was born in Channing County, N. Y., on tlie lOlh of January, 1831, and is of English descent. His parents, Thomas 8. and Esther (Grassen) Sheardown, were both natives of England. The fa- ther, who was a Baptist minister, came to Amer- ica in 1820, and located first in Tompkins County, N. Y. The remainder of his days were spent in the Empire State and in northern Pennsylvania. His death occurred in Troy, Bradford County, Pa., at the age of eightj^-four years. Two da3-s previ- ous to his death he had supplied a pulpit. His wife long preceded him to the final home, having passed away in 1854. This worthy couple were the par- ents of twelve children, but onlj' two are now liv- ing: Henry C.,of Tioga County, Pa., and John M. The family name is almost extinct, there being only four male representatives in America, the two brothers and their nephews: Ward B., who is gen- eral agent for the Drainard Mill Companj', of Du- luth; and Thomas W., who is now a physician of Chicago. J. M. Sheardown resided in various places in New York until 1857, and acquired his education in Channing and Steuben Counties. In 1847 he left home and entered upon his business career as clerk in a mercantile establishment at what was then Jefferson, but is now Watkins, N. Y. He re- mained there until 1851. In 1852 he began read- ing law with Mark Crawford, of Havana, N. Y., and was admitted to the Bar in Minnesota in 1860. In September, 1857, he came to Winona, where he has since made his home, with the exception of the four years he spent in the armj'. Upon the breaking out of the war Mr. Shear- down, prompted b}^ patriotic impulses, responded to the country's call for troops, and enlisted in Com- pany B, Fifth New York Cavalry. He was wounded at the battle of Culpeper Court House, W. Va., was there captured and sent to Libby Prison, where he was incarcerated for six weeks, after which he was paroled. He took part in the battles of Bris- tol Station, Warrentown, Gettysburg, Chantilly, Winchester, Rude's Hill, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek and the campaign in the Shenandoah Valley. At length, when his term had expired, he was mus- tered out and returned to his home in Winona. Soon after, on the 31st of October, 1865, Mr. Sheardown was united in marriage with Miss Anna Kemp, daughter of John A. and Phcebe (Cook) Kemp. Three children have been born of this union: Minnie M.; Myrtle A., now the wife of P. W. Henry, who is connected with the Winona Willow-ware Compan}-; and Mabel L. Mrs. Shear- down and her daughters are members of the Con- gregational Churcii. The eldest daughter was graduated from the Normal School, afterwards PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 139 engaged in teaching in the public schools of this city for three years, and is now attending the Pratt Art Institute of Brooklyn, N. V. After Ills return from the war Mr. Sheardown took up tlie practice of law, vvliich he. continued until 1872, when he was elected City Justice of the Peace, %vhich office he lield until the fall of 1877. In that year ho was elected Clerk of the District Court, which position he still fills, cover- ing a period of seventeen consecutive years. His long continuance in oflice is the result of faithful service. He has manifested the same fidelity to dutyaswhenon Southern battle-fields he followed the Old Flag to victory. He was a valiant soldier and is an honored citizen. He is a member of S. B. Sheardown Post No. 189, G. A. R.; the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Royal Arcanum, and the Northwestern Legion of Honor. He now owns a beautiful faiin of one hundred and forty- eight acres, seven miles from Winona, besides his home property and other lots in the cit}'. He has been ;i resident of Winona for tiiirty-seven years, and is recognized as one of its most prominent and representative citizens. John L. Farrar. JOHN L. FARRAR is a farmer and stock- raiser of Warren Township, residing on sec- tion 20, and is an enterprising and progress- ive citizen, both widely and favorably known throughout the community. A native of New Hampshire, he was born near Laconia, the county seat of Belknap County, on the 19th of Jliy, 1831. The family is of English origin. The pa- ternal grandfather, .Tuduthan Farrar, was a farmer, and was also one of the heroes of the Revolution- ary War, aiding the Colonies in their straggle to throw off the yoke of British tyranny. His son, Juduthan Farrar, Jr., was born in the old Granite State, and carried on agricultural pursuits through- out his entire life. He married Miss .'^allie Cate, who was also born in New Hampshire, and they became the parents of nine children: William H., who died in 1882; J. Warren, who is also deceased; Eliza A., deceased, wife of Joseph .Sanborn; Sarah J., who became the wife of Dr. E. A. Hill, and has now passed away; George T., deceased; Rufus L., who is living on the old homestead in New Hamp- shire on which his grandfather settled; John L. of this sketch; ]\Iaria M., wife of Andrew Doran,a resident of Laconia, N. H.; and Martha J., wife of David Turner, who is located in Massachusetts. John L. Farrar was reared in the state of his na- tivity, and began his education in the district schools of the neighborhood in which he lived, completing it in the high school of Woonsocket, R. I. He thus obtained a good knowledge of those branches of learning which are of use to a practical business man, and by reading he alw.ays keeps himself well informed on matters of general interest. He remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority, when he started out in life for himself. He began by working in an insane asylum at Concord, N. H., and there served as an attendant of wards for al)Out three years, after which he [uirsued his studies in the high school, as before mentioned, for two years. On the expiration of that period he entered a 14(1 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. wholesale grocery store in Providence, R. I., in tlie capacity of salesman, but did not long continue in that position, for, attracted by tlie advantages of the West, he resolved to test its opportunities, and caiue to Minnesota in the autumn of 1855. Mr. Farrar made the trip westward by rail and water, and at lengtii took up his residence in War- ren Township, Winona Counl^', where he pre- empted one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 30. He lived upon that farm long enough to hold the claim, and during tiie remainder of tlie year worked as a farm hand in Dane County, Wis., near Blue Mound. He then purchased land in that locality, and continued its cultivation for two years, after which be returned to Minnesota and worked as a farm hand for one year. At length he bought eighty acres of land on section 21, an unimproved tract, to the cultivation and develop- ment of which he at once turned his time .and at- tention. Subsequently he removed to his present farm, which comprises two hundred and forty acres of rich land on sections 20 and 29, Warren Town- ship. He also owns twenty' acres of timber-land. He carries on general farming and stock-raising, and has a highly improved tract of land, which j'ields to him a good income. On the 27th of April, 1858, Mr. Farrar was united in marriage with Miss Calesta J. Cheney' daughter of Stephen A. and Jerusha A. Cheney, and a native of New Hampshire. By their union were born seven children, namely: Orrin L., an agriculturist of Warren Township; Harry C, a graduate of the State Normal and the present effi- cient County Superintendent of Schools; Mildora F. aud Edna, at home; Martha L., who became the wife of Robert E. Brown, and died in 1891; May B. and Alice, who com[)Iete the family. In his political views Mr. Farrar is a Populist. He has been called upon to fill a number of public positions, having served his township as Super- visor (being Chairman of the Board for more than six years), .as Township Treasurer for eight years, and also .as Township Assessor. In the year 1881 he was elected to the Legislature on the Demo- cratic ticket. He is at present .Justice of the Peace, a position which he has filled for more than twenty years with credit to himself and to the en- tire satisfaction of those concerned. Socially he is connected with the Masonic fraternity. He is ever interested in what pertains to the welfare of the community and its upbuilding, and is recog- nized as one of the valued citizens of Winona County. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 141 Verrazano Simpson. VERRAZANO SIMPSON is a worthy repre- sentative of tlie Inisiness interests of Wi- nona, lie is now engaged in the real-estate and loan business, and in liis undertakings is meet- ing with good success. The record of his life is as follows: A native of New Hampshire, he was born in Windham, on the 31st of December, 1832, and is a son of Benjamin F. and Elizabeth (McDer- maid) Simpson, who were also natives of Wind- liam. The paternal grandfather, George Simpson, was born in Windham, and was of Scotch-Irish descent, his ancestors having emigrated to this countiy in 1653. The two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of that event was celebrated by their descendants in 1893. The grandfather was a fann- er by occupation, and spent most of his life in his native town, but died at West Rumney, at the very advanced age of ninety-six years. lie was married a second time, at the age of eighty-two, and had two children by that union, who are still living. Nine children were born of the first mar- riage. Mr. Simpson was a genial, pleasant man fond of joking, and a great lover of music. The maternal grandfather, Archibald McDermaid, was a native of Scotland, and coming to America be- fore the beginning of the nineteenth century, lo- cated on a claim fifteen miles south of the White Mountains, where he spent his remaining days. He also devoted his time and attention to agricult- ural pursuits, and was called to the home beyond at the age of eighty-seven. His wife reached the advanced age of ninety-seven. They belonged to the Scotch- Presbyterian Church. Dr. Benjamin F. Simpson, father of Verrazano, was a i)hysician and surgeon, who practiced in Windham for a number of years, and then remov- ed to Lowell, Mass., where he died in 1883, at the age of eighth-four. His wife still survives him, and is living in Lowell at the age of ninety-three. Like her husband, she holds membership with the Unitarian Church. In their family there are four children, three sons and a daughter, namely: Olena, Odanathus, Verrazano and Longinus. Mr. Simpson, whose name heads this chapter, was reared in Lowell, Mass., and acquired his ed- ucation in its public schools. During his youtli he entered his father's drug store, and for some years did business as a pharmacist. Later he went from Boston to the East Indies as a sailor, and con- tinued before the mast for three years. In 1853 he emigrated westward, having resolved to tr}' his fortune in the Mississippi Valley, and located first in Dubuque, Iowa, where he made his liome until 1855, when he came to Winona, Minn., and purchased a couple of lots, for which he [)aid ^1,800. This was before the Indian title had ex- pired. Upon his land he erected a store building, and was engaged in merchandising until 1857, when he went into the forwarding commission business, and was a steamboat and railroad agent until 1862, representing a number of eastern lines of railroads before roads were built into Winona. 142 PORTRAIT AN13 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. When a road was built to this place and more ful- ly opened up the country to civilization, he em- barked in the real-estate businetis, which he has since successfully followed. On the 20th of November, 1854, Mr. Simpson married Miss Ann, daughter of David and Marj' (Ferren) Manahan, of Lowell, Mass. Their mar- riage was blessed with two children, Elizabeth and Edith. The former is now the wife of E. G. Kevins, of Winona, and they have four children, Guj', Edith, Simpson and Blake. Editii is tiie wife of Ralph Metcalf, and with their daughter, Elizabeth, they make their liome in Tacoraa, Wash. Mr. Simp- son's second wife bore the maiden name of Maiy L. Dyer. For his third wife he chose Miss Joseph- ine Harb, daughter of Henry and Catherine (Arn- old) Ilarb. Tiiey now have one child, Josephine. In his political views Mr. Simpson is a Democrat, and was honored with an election to the office of Mayor of Winona on two different occasions, which position lie filled with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituent*. He has al- ways taken an active interest in the city's welfare, and has ever borne his part in the work of progress and advancement. He has probablj^ erected more buildings in Winona than any other of its resi- dents, and witli the develo[)inent of the commu- nit}- his name is inseparably connected. He also owns quite an extensive amount of farm land and has a beautiful home. He possesses excellent bus- iness and executive ability, is sagacious and far- sighted, and in his undertakings has met a well merited prosperity. Lafayette Hill. r AFAYETTE HILL, one of Winona Coun- 1 O ty's self-made men, who now follows farm- ing and stock-raising on sections 27 and 28, Warren Township, is a native of Vermont. He was born March 27, 1828, and is a son of Randall and Jemima (Blanchard) Hill, who were also born in Vermont. Their family' numbered eight chil- dren, namely: Betsy, Lydia. Rhoda, Randolph T., Frank, Lafayette, .Joseph and Sarah. When Lafa3"ette Hill was a child of two 3ears the family left his native state and removed to Grafton County, N. H., where he grew to manhood on a farm, and in the usual manner of farmer lads the days of his boj'hood and youth were passed. He worked in the fields through the summer months, and in the winter season attended the dis- trict schools until sixteen years of age. During the four succeeding years he gave his father the benefit of his services, and when twenty years of age he started out in life for himself, working as a farm hand for $16 per month. For some time he was employed in this capacity and in operating rented land. As a companion and helpmate on life's journey, Mr. Hill chose Miss Ann M. Chenney, their wed- ding being celebrated in 1853. They continued to reside in New Hampshire until 1857, when they bade adieu to home and friends in New England and started for Minnesota. Since that time they have resided in Winona County. For three years PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, U3 they lived in Utica Township, and then came to Warren Township, where Mr. Hill purchased a farm of one liundred and twenty acres of wild land. He first erected a small board house, and with characteristic eneigy began the cultivation of his propert}', which he transformed into one of the valuable places of the neighborhood. He is a wide-awake and enterprising man, and has made all of the improvements upon his farm, which is now under a high state of cultivation, and sup- plied with all modern accessories in the way of houses, barns and outbuildings. To Mr. and Mrs. Hill were born six children, of whom two are now deceased, Annie and Edwin. Those still living are: Charley, a resident farmer of Warren Township; Delia, wife of Nathan Wood, who is living in Canton, Minn.; Elmer, a farmer in this county; and Frank, who carries on agri- cultural pursuits in this community. The mother of this family died in 1867, and in 1872 Mr. Hill w.as united in marriage with Miss Amanda Wood. Mr. Hill entertains strong tcm[)erance principles, and !iis views are made manifest in his political attiliations, for he votes with the Prohibition party. He has never been a politician in the sense of oflice-seeking, yet has served as Supervisor, School Director, .School Trustee and Pathmaster. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, and to the Methodist Church, in which he has served as Class Leader. More than a third of a century has jjassed since he came to Minnesota, and in these years he has ever lived so as to win friends, who hold him in the highest regard, and his enviable position is well merited. Robert Palm by. ROBERT PALMBY^, who carries on farming on section 14, Wiscoj- Township, claims England as his native land. His birth oc- curred in Cambridgeshire, on the 17tli of November) 1832, his parents being Robert and Mary (Wise- man^ Palmby. The father was twice married, and by his first union had two children, but Robert was the only child of the second marriage. He was born in the village of Wicken, and acquired his education in the public schools, but his privi- leges were very limited. He had no special ad- vantages in his 3'outh, and since the age of seven- teen years he has been entirely dependent on his own resources, so that for his success in life he (hv serves great credit. At that time he bade adieu to friends and na- tive land and started for America, taking passage on a sailing-vessei, which after a voyage of five weeks and one day reached the harbor of New York. Mr. Palmby landed in the city, but at once took up his residence in Orleans County, near Gaines, where he began working as a farm hand by the month, and also on a canal. He was thus employed for four years, after which he started westward, making a location in Richmond, 111. There he carried on a farm on shares for one year, and later spent one season in La Crosse, 111. The year 1856 witnessed his arrival in Minnesota, and saw him located near Houston, in Houston County. During the two succeeding years of his life he eon- 144 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. tinnert work as a farm hand, and then came to Winona County, where, with the capital he had acquired througli liis industry and perseverance in former 3'ears, he purcliased eighty acres of land on section 9, Wiscoy Township. Mr. Palraby now began life in earnest. His farm was bottom land, and he at once began to clear and improve it. Two years later he traded it for another eighty-acre tract of land in Wisco.y Township, whereon lie made his home for three years, when he sold out and purchased the farm on which he now resides. It comprises three hundred and twenty acres of rich land, all in one body, and his time and attention are now devoted to general farming and stock-raising. Tliis has been his place of residence since Marcli, 1882, and its neat and tlirifty appearance indicates his careful supervision. During tlie late war Mr. Palmby manifested his loyalty to his adoiited country by enlisting in Au- gust, 1864, as a private of Company K, Eleventh Minnesota Infantry. He was mustered into serv- ice at Camp Miller, above Ft. Snelling, and tlien went to Naslivillc. Tenn.. whence he was sent to Gallatin, where he engaged *in guarding railroads until the close of the war. He was honorably dis- charged in June, 1865, and since that time has lived in Winona County. Mr. Palmby was married in March. 1857, the lady of his choice being Miss Catherine E. Skinkle, of Houston County. They have four children: Mary, who has successfull3- engaged in teaching sciiooi for about seven years; Robert Heniy, who aids in the operation of the home farm; William, who is now deceased; and Jesse, who completes the familj'. Mr. Palraby, his wife and children have many friends in this community, and are held in higli regard. Tiie iiusband and father is connected witli the Grand Army of tlie Republic, and in politics is a Republican, but has never sought or desired office, preferring to give his entire time and attention to liis business interests. He is a self- educated and self-made man, who iiy enterprise, industry and perseverance has steadily worked his way upward, and by good management has se- cured a comfortable competence. Daniel Baker. DANHX BAKER, who resides on section 26, Hillsdale Townsliip, where he has a finely improved farm, was born in Alle- gany County, N. Y., near Rushford, on the 20th of June, 1839. His father, John Baker, was a native of Vermont, and his mother, who bore the maiden name of Sarah Loomis, was born in Connecticut. Both grandfathers were soldiers in the Revolu- tionaiT War. Daniel was the youngest in the family of ten childien. His parents were early settlers of Allegany County, N. Y.. where their re- spective families had settled soon after the War for Independence. Jolin Baker served in tlie War of 1812. He was a stonemason by trade, but dur- ing the greater part of his life carried on agricult- ural pursuits in connection with .work along that PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. U5 line, and died on tlic old liomc farm at tlie age of iiinetj'-one. In liis political views he was a Dem- ocrat, unflinching in the sunport of the paity of his choice. His wife readied the age of seventy- eight. Of their ten children seven are yet living, one brother, Benjamin F., being now a resident of Winona County. Daniel Baker spent the first eighteen years of his life in the state of his nativity, and then emi- grated westward to Wisconsin, joining his two brothers, who were located in Green Lake County. There he remained until the breaking out of the l:ite war, when, prompted by patriotic iminilses, he res|)onded to the country's call for troo|)S, enlist- ing in Company D, of the Eighth Wisconsin In- fantry. This was the famous "Eagle" Regiment. It was organized September 2, 1861, at Fox Lake, by R. C. Murphj', and was mustered in at Camp Randall, ^Ladison. Wis., on the 12th of October. Col. R. C. Murphy was placed in command, and with his regiment of nine hundred and ninety men departed for the seat of war, -going diiect to St. Louis, Mo., where they weie quartered at Ben- ton Barracks. The regiment won its name from the fact that an eagle, '"Old Abe," accompanied them through the war, usually perched on the flag- staff. The first active engagement in which the Eagle Regiment participated was near Greenville, Mo., wliere they met the enemy under (Jen. Jeff Thompson, the famous '"Swamp Angd" of the Confederacy. They remained in southeastern Mis- souri during the following winter, mainly engaged in guarding bridges and prisoners. In March, 1862, they left Cairo for field service, and with General Pope in ccuiimand assisted in capturing six thousan- he commenced work at the plasterer's trade, .serving a two-j-ears apprenticeship, during which time he received $4.50 per month. His residence in Pennsylvania continued until 1853. when he emigrated westward to St. Louis, Mo., and a few months later went to Keithsburg, HI., where he made his home until the spring of 1855. In that year, by his ar- rival in Minnesota, Winona County gained one of its valued citizens. He pre-empted a tract of one hundred and twenty ncres of land on section .35. Hillsdale Townsliii). and has since made his home thereon. A log cabin had been built upon the place, but it was otiierwise destitute of im- provements, ar.d with characteristic energy he be- gan its further development. In course of time he had transformed it into a rich and fertile tract, and the well tilled fields were made to yield him a golden tribute for the care and labor lie bestowed upon them. He also extended the boundaries of bis farm until it comprised one hundred and fifty-two acres. In connection with farming he also worked at the plasterer's trade until a few years since. Mr. Swindler was married on the 25th of M&y, 1854. the lady of his choice being Miss Lydia Dribblcbiss, a native of Columbia County, Pa., born December 26, 1830, and a daughter of Jacob and Mary (Everett) Dribblebiss. Six children were born of this marriage, namely: Altha A., wife of Robert R. Ricliey. general agent of the Chicago it North-western Railroad Company at Omaha, Neb.; Albert, a general merchant and Postmaster of Stockton, Minn.; A'csta E., who resides at home; George, who died on the 5th of January, 1869; Gertrude M., wife of G. S. Blanchard, a farmer re- siding in Utica Township; and Myrtle B., twin sis- 152 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. ter of Gertrude, and wife of F. M. Curtis, who is located in Lewiston. Their eldest daughter, Mrs. Richey, was the first white child born in this neigh- borhood. Mr. Swindler votes with the Republican party and is a warm advocate of its principles. He been Chairman of the Town Board of Supervisors, was United States Census Taker in 1880, and has been a member of tiie School Board for a number of years. The cause of education finds in liim a warm friend, and he does all in his power to pro- mote the welfare of the scliools. He is a member has held the oflice of .Justice of the Peace, has of the Methodist Church Albert Thomas. Cpr LBERT THOMAS, deceased, was a native / — \ of Maine, born near Augusta, on the 24th of February, 1834, and was one of a fam- ily of five sons, whose parents were Jacob and Elizabeth (Brown) Thomas. The days of his boy- hood and youth were spent upon his father's farm, no event of special importance occurring during tliat period. He acquired a good business educa- .tion in the public schools, and at the age of four- teen started out in life for himself. From that time he was dependent on his own resources, and whatever success he achieved in life was due en- tirely to his own efforts. Between the ages of sev- enteen and twenty-four years he was employed in teaching in the grammar schools in Maine, and with the capital he had thus acquired he then em- barked in the boot and shoe business, establishing a store in Hallowell, Me., where he successfully carried on operations for a period of eight years. Mr. Thomas then determined to try his fort- une in the West, believing that greater prosperity might attend his efforts in this new and rapidlj' growing section of the country. Accordingly he came to Winona Count}' and settled in Stockton, where during the succeeding winter he engaged in teaching school. In the spring of 1858 became to Winona, where he was employed as a teacher in tiie public schools until 1860, when he again went to Stockton and purchased a farm of about two hundred acres. He then carried on general farming in connection with teaching for about eightyears. In 1868 he removed to Winona, where he opened an office as a fire and life insurance agent, carrying on that business until his death. He owned considei-able real estate in the city and also other property. On the 6th of .June, 1849, Mr. Thomas was united in marriage with Miss Mary D. Churchill, who was born in Parker, Me., and is a daughter of Jabez and Phoebe (Ilazelton) Cluirchill. Five children were born of this union, three sons and two daugh- ters, namely: Lizzie, who died on the 7th of Sep- tember, 1851; Fred A., who is Register of Deeds of Bottineau County, N. Dak.; Charles F., who makes his home in Minnesota City as joint agent for the IMilwaukee & St. Paul and Chicago & North- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 153 western Railroads; Walter H., who is engaged in the hardware business in Nortli Dakota; and Al- berta M., wife of Joseph Benson, who is engaged in merchandising at Brown's Valley, Minn. In his political views Mr. Thomas was a Repub- lican, but never sought or desired official distinc- tion, preferring to give his time and attention to his business interests, in which he met with good success, so that he was enabled to leave his family in comfortable circumstances. He belonged to the Masonic fraternity, and in religious belief was a Baptist, holding membership with the first church of that denomination organized in Winona. His life was an honorable and U|)right one, and all who knew him esteemed him highly for his ster- ling worth and the many excellences of his char- acter. He was called to the home l^eyond on the 7th of May, 1869, and his remains were interred in Woodlawn Cemetery in Winona. His widow, a most estimable lady, still survives her husband, and is now living in Stockton, where she has a pleasant home and many friends. John Francis Martin. JOHN FRANCIS MARTIN li.as been promi- nent in tlie agricultural and official interests of Winona County, and during the late war he was found among tiie able defenders of his country who responded to the call for troops and valiantly aided in crushing out the rebellion. He now resides on section 9, Pleasant Hill Town- ship, and devotes his time and attention to gen- eral farming and stock-raising. The record of his life is as follows: A native of France, Mr. Martin was born in the city of Vesoul, in 1825, and is a son of .John and Annie (Pagt) Martin. They had only two chil- dren, .John F., and .Joseph, who died in 1840. The father was called to his final rest in 1828, after which Mrs. Martiu became the wife of .John Mosher. By the second marriage were born live childien: Eliza, Mary, Christine and Authony, all deceased; and Lucinda Mary, the wife of Hubert Merchand, a druggist and land-owner residing in Ohio. John F. Martin was a child of only three years at the time of his father's death. When a lad of ten summers he accompanied his mother on her emigration to America, crossing the Atlantic in a sailing-vessel, which, after a voyage of thirty-six days, dropped anchor in the harbor of New York. They located near Mt. Eaton, in Linn County, Ohio, where Mr. Martin remained until 1838, when he removed to Holmes County, Ohio. In 1840 he became a resident of Coshocton County, of the Buckeye State. He began life for himself at the early age of twelve years, and has since been de- pendent on his own resources. He first began clerking in a store, and was thus employed for about twelve years in Roscoe, Cleveland, and in Louisville. Attracted by the discovery of gold iu 154 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. California, in 1849 he started across the plains for the promised El Dorado. Tlie party with which he made the trip went down the river to Cairo and St. Louis, where liiej' purchased outfits, shipping the same to Independence, Mo. They then started across the plains, making the journey by way of old Ft. Kearney. Tliey left iiome on tiie 20tli of March, and on the 26th of August stopped at what is now Sacrainento. There Mr. Martin engaged in prospecting and mining until 1852, and his trip proved a very successful and a very pleasant one, he gaining a considerable portion of gold dust, and also storing awaj' in his mind many pleasant and interesting reminiscences. In 1852 Mr. Martin, b^' way of the water route, returned to his old home. The trip consumed sixty-four days, but the boat was supplied with provisions for only thirty days. However, the vessel at length reached harbor in safety, and the subject of this sketch again made his way to Ohio, where he was once more employed as a salesman. The same year he went to Cleveland, where he se- cured a position with a wholesale grocery house as solicitor and adjuster, a position which he filled until 1854. Wishing to seek a home in the West, lie then removed to Iowa, and with the capital he had acquired purchased a tract of land of five hun- dred acres near Iowa City, but only made his home thereon from June until October. He then sold out, and in the winter of 1854 came to Winona. Locating at Richmond, he purchased a tract of land of about three hundred acres, securing the same, or the greater part of it, from the Government. He laid out the village of Richmond in 1855, and immediatel}' established a general store, which he carried on in connection with farming. He was thus engaged in business until 1860, when he re- moved to the farm on which he now lives, and es- tablished a general store at Ridgeway. In July, 1864, he joined the army, becoming sutler of the Seventh Minnesota Infantry, and when the war was over he was discharged at Ft. Snelling, in Au- gust, 1865. Immediatelv after he returned to his home and family. On the 13th of March, 1853, Mr. Martin was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth ^lorrison, daughter of Zachariah and Maria (Butler) Morri- son. The lady, who is a native of Holmes County, Ohio, was born on the 4th of July, 1832, and was one of six children, the others being John; William; Isaac, a resident of Effingham, 111.; Maria, wife of Abraham Barnes, who is living in Winnebago; and Louisa, wife of John Broadwell, a resident of Wi- nona. After his return home in 1865, Mr. Martin be- gan farming, which he carried on until 1867, when he was elected Sheriff of the county on the Demo- cratic ticket, and for three successive terms he was chosen to that ofiice. He was also appointed Dep- uty United .Slates Marshal, which position he held for five years. In 1873, after his terra of Sheriff had expired, he returned to his old home in Ohio, and visited many different parts of this country, traveling until 1875, when he took up his residence upon the farm which is now his home. Here he owns two hundred and forty acres of land on sections 9 and 16, Pleasant Hill Township, and his time and attention are now given to the culti- vation of his land and to stock-raising. He is recognized as one of the leading agriculturists in the community, and has a valuable place, whose man}' improvements are indicative of his thrifty care and supervision. In 1891 he was appointed by the Governor as Notary Public, to serve for seven years. In politics he is a stanch Democrat, warmly advocating the principles of his party, and in his social relations is a Mason, having attained the Knights Templar degree. In the various pub- lic offices he has filled he has discharged his duties with a promptness and fidelity which have won for him high commendation, and made him worthy the trust reposed in him. In business he has won suc- cess, owing to enterprise and careful management, and is now the possessor of a comfortable compe- tence. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 155 Volney E. Waffles. VOLNEY E. WAFFLES, who carries on farming on section 7, Wiscoy Township, was born in Mohawk, Ilerliimer Coiint\', N. Y., on the 3d of Jul^', 1843, and is tlie eldest in a family of four children, whose parents were John and Sarah A. (Maxfield) Waffles. The family is of German origin, and was established in the United States in Colonial daj's. The father was a native of New York, and became a harness-maker. For a number of years he carried on a harness and sad- dlery shop, and tluis provided a livelihood for himself and fainil3'. His death occurred February 20, 1887, at the age of seventy-two 3^ears, and his wife died on the 25tli of February, 1863, wlien only forty years of age. The paternal grandfather, Adam Waffles, was a soldier in the Mexican War. In the family to which Volney E. belongs were the following children: Orlando, who died on the 9tli of April, 1880; Clinton, who is supposed to have been killed while serving under General Custer; and Minerva, who died in 1854. Mr. Waffles, our subject, began liis education in the district schools, and completed it in Fair- field Seminary, thus acquiring a good practical knowledge, which has well fitted him for his busi- ness career and for contact with tiie world. He was still under the parental roof when he re- sponded to the countr3''s call for troops to aid in crushing out the rebellion. When it was found that the war was to be no holiday affair, and President Lincoln had issued his call for volunteers to serve three years, Mr. Waffles donned the blue and joined Battery A of the First New York Light Artilleiy. He was mustered in at Utica, and going to the South was first under fire at Williamsburg. He afterward participated in the siege of York- town, the battle of Fair Oaks, the seven-days Battle of the Wilderness, Savage Stat'on, the first assault on Petersburg, and then went on the Katz Cavalry raid through the Virginias, and afterward through the borders of North Carolina. At the battle of Fair Oaks his battery was captured. Mr. AVaffles and others escaped, and were transferred to the Eighth New York Independent Battery. He took part in many skirmishes, and was with Mac- Clellan on his campaign. He was also present at the lime of the surrender of Suffolk, and received his final discharge in the city of New York on the expiration of his term of service. Mr. Waffles then returned to New York and en- tered upon his business career as a clerk in a gen- eral store, where he was employed until 1866. He then sought a home in the West, coming to Wi- nona County, Minn, lie engaged in farming in Wilson Township for about four ^-ears, after which, in 1870, he began teaching school. In the sjjring of 1871 he removed to Milwaukee, where he was employed as shipping clerk in a wholesale grocery- house, which position he held for two years. In the year 1874 he began work on the Chicago, Milwaukee it St. Paul Railroad, and then went into the office as yard clerk, where he continued until 1875. That year witnessed his return to Winona. Here he sought and obtained a position as sales- 156 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. man in a store, and devoted liis energies to that line of work until 1881, when he removed to St. Paul, where he served as Chief Clerk for the Chi- cago, Milwaukee ct St. Paul Railroad Company, a position which he resigned in .Tanuary, 1889. He then returned to the farm where lie now lives, comprising eighty-seven acres of good land on section 7, Wiscoy Township. On the 14th of February, 1866, was celebrated the marriage which united the destinies of Miss Lana E. Miller, daughter of Nicholas and Magda- lene (Abert) Miller, and a native of Burlington, Wis. They have had a family of five children, as follows: Clinton, a resident of Wilson Township; Edwin J., a railroad man living in Colorado; Volney A. and Mabel S., who are at home; and Charles M., who died July 17, 188-4, at the age of seventeen months. In his political views Mr. Waffles is independent, holding himself free to support the men whom he thinks best qualified for the office, regardless of party ties or affiliations. He has served as Justice of the Peace. Socially he is connected with the Odd Fellows' society, and is also a member of the Grand Arm3' of the Republic. All who know him hold hira in high regard, and his sterling worth and many excellences of character make him well deserving of the esteem and confidence of his friends and neighbors. Joseph Leicht. JOSEPH LEICHT, editor and proprietor of the Winona Wesllicier Herokl, is a native of German^'. In tiiat country he received a university education, and in 1867 emigrated to America, locating in St. Louis, where he worked on the Abendzeilung and Nene Welt until 1869. In that year he accepted a position witii the Buffalo County Hepublikaner, published at Fountain Cit3-, Wis., where he continued as an employe until 1871, when he bought out the paper and began publish- ing it as a Democratic sheet. This venture was successful and he secured a large circulation. In Januar3', 1881, Mr. Leicht established the Westlichei- Herold in Winona, and after carrying on the same for six years enlarged its size to 35x48 inches. It is all home print. In 1887 he also es- tablished a literary and newsy Sunday paper, called the Winona, the subscription price of both pa pers being $2 per year. This was the first under- taking of the kind among the German publishers in the United Slates. The Westlicher Herald and the Winona both have a large circulation in Minn- esota, Wisconsin and Nortli and South Dakota, and the new undertaking of publishing twice a week for §2 per year, which was pronounced by some of the fraternitj' a failure, has since been im- itated by other publisheis East and West. The circulation of the two papers has increased to such an extent that Mr. Leicht found it necessary in 1892 to place a big Cox-Webb perfecting i)iess in the pressroom to run off his editions. The papers are neatly printed and enjoy a large advertising patronage. Mr. Leicht is a prominent member in a number PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 157 of social and secret societies, and at the last session of the Supreme Grove of the United Ancient Order of Druids, held in Columbus, Ohio, from August 14 to August 20. 1894, he was elected Su- preme Arch, the highest office of that order in the United States. In politics Mr. Leicht is a Demo- crat, and in 1892 he was the unanimous choice of his party for State Treasurer. lie never accepted a nomination for a city ollice, but in 1893 he had to sul)mit to the wishes of the taxpayers of his ward, and he was elected School Director, which position he still holds. He is working hard for the elevation of our public schools, and in this work he has the unanimous support of all friends of education. William Edward Smith. WILLIAM EDWARD SMITH, business manager of the D. Sinclair Publishing Company of AVinona, is an enterpris- ing and prominent business man, devoted to the best interests of this community and its upbuild- ing. He was born in Bridgeport, Conn., on the 20th of June, 1853, and is the eldest of three sons, whose parents were Haskell G. and Lucretia (Col- lins; Smith. The paternal giandfather, Asbbel Smith, was born iu Vermont, and was of English lineage. He reared a large family and lived to a good old age. The maternal grandfather, Cicero Collins, was a native of Connecticut, and was of English lineage. He also reared a large family and lived to an advanced age. One of his ancestors was the first resident minister of Litchfield, Conu. Haskell G. Smith, who was born in the Green Mountain State, was a railroad man, and for some time was general manager for a road on Long Island. He afterwards retired to a farm near Goshen, Conn., where he spent his last days, his death occurring August 19, 1883, at the age of sixty-seven. His wife, a native of Connecticut, still survives him. Their three children are Will- iam E., Edward C. and Charles C. The eldest son was reared in Goshen, Conn., and began his education in its public schools, after which he attended boarding-schools in Norwalk and New Haven, Conn., preparing himself to take up a scicntific course in Yale College, which he en- tered in 1869. He there continued his studies for three years, fitting himself for a civil engineer, which profession he followed from 1872 until 1874. In that year he returned to the old home- stead, where he remained until 1877, when he came to the West and entered the employ of the North-western Road, in the suppl}' department at Clinton, Iowa. He left that place on the 29th of January, 1878, and came atoncc to Winona. Minn., to fill the position in that company's shops of chief clerk, in which capacity he served for ten months, when he was made traveling auditor. To that position he devoted his time and energies until 1881. when he returned to the shops at AVinona. On the 7th of November, 1879, Mr. Smith was 158 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. united in marriage witli Miss Clara M. Sinclair, daughter of Daniel and Melissa .J. (Briggs) Sin- clair. Three children were born to thera: Donald, who died at the age of eight years; and Gordon and Stanley, who are still with tlieir parents. Mr. Smith is a member of Prairie Lodge Xo. 7, I. O. O. F.; and of Oak Grove Lodge No. 15, Or- der of Druids. His wife belongs to the Congrega- tional Church. On the 1st of January, 1883, he purchased an interest in the Winona Republican, a daily and weekly newspaper, in connection with which there is also carried on a job-printing de- partment and bindery. The publishers also own their building, a fine three-story brick structure at the corner of Third and Center Streets. Almus H. Smith. t of his life he has engaged in the manufacture of brick, but now car- ries on farming. His wife died some years since, passing away at the age of thirty-three. Peter R. Dickson was a lad of onl}^ ten summers at the time of his mother's death. He remained upon the old home farm until twenty years of age, and during that time learned the trade of brick-making, becoming familiar with it in all its details. In 1865 he removed to Illinois, where he worked as a farm hand b}' the month for a year. His residence in Dresbach dates from 1866. Com- ing to this place, he sought a position in a brick- yard and was made its foreman, in which capacity he served for nine years. He subsequently went to Sioux City, Iowa, and was foreman of a brickyard PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 169 at that place for one year, but on the expiration of that period he returned to Dresbach and re- sumed his former position. On the 2d of May, 1869, Mr. Dickson was united in marriage with Miss Minnie Burke, of Dresbach, and to them were born ten children, four of whom are deceased: William G., at home; Mabel, who is successfully* engaged in teaching school; Roland, Hollis, Erwin and Arthur, who are still under the parental roof. The family circle yet remains un- broken, and the household is noted for its hospi- talit3', its members ranking high in the social cir- cles in which they move. Mr. Dickson now owns a pleasant home in Dres- bach. He votes with the Democratic party and warmly advocates its principles. For two terms he served as Chairman of the Township Board, and proved a competent official. He belongs to the Episcopal Church, and has lived an honorable, upright life, which has gained for him the confi- dence and esteem of the entire community. His faithfulness to his employer's interests is well in- dicated by his long service. N. V. A. Crow. NV. A. CROW, one of the extensive land- owners of St. Charles, who is now living a retired life, is a native of Indiana, his birth having occurred in Orange County, on the 8th of October, 1822. His father, John Crow, was born in North Carolina, and when a young man emigrated to the Hoosier State, becoming one of its pioneers. He there married Polly Millis, who was also born in North Carolina, and with her par- ents removed to Indiana. 'Ihey soon afterward went to Illinois, and located a mile and a-half from Geneva, on the Fox River, thirty miles from Chi- cago. Indians still visited the neighborhood and caused the settlers considerable trouble. Mrs. Crow there died, after which Mr. Crow removed to Linn County, Iowa, settling in what is known as the "Big Woods." The subject of this sketch .accompanied his par- ents on their various removals, and was reared to manhood in Iowa. Having attained to mature years, he was united in marriage with Miss Eliza Lane, of Linn County, aft'er which he secured land and began the cultivation and development of a new farm. By their union were born four chil- dren: Sylvester, George, John Wesley and Nelson Monlej'. Mr. Crow was married the second time, in Wisconsin, the lad}- of his choice being Amanda Lane, who died May 20. 1886. The children born of that marriage were: Sophia, who died at the age of six years; Millis Walter, who for three years has engaged in merchandising in St. Charles, where he is doing a successful business; Garrison Albert, who died of consumption at St. Charles, at the age of twenty-six years; and Eddie, who died in Santa Monica, Cal., of typhoid fever when eigh- teen years of age. After his first marriage, Mr. Crow carried on farming for a few years, and then began working in the lead mines near Hazel Green, Wis., where he continued for five j'ears. He engaged in pros- pecting and raining on his own account, but did not meet with the success he anticipated. In 1850, attracted by the discovery of gold in California, he crossed the plains to the Pacific .Slope, leaving home on the 20th of March, and reaching Hang- town on the lOtli of August. He engaged in pros- 170 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. pecting for gold for a month and a-half at that place, and then went to Nevada, where he remained until his return to Wisconsin in April, 1852. He had at first carried on mining beside a stream, but high water caused him to leave that place, and he went to Shelby Blats, where he worked in sluice diggings. . This trip proved fairlj' successful, and he returned home with some capital, making the journey by way of the Isthmus route to New York City. Mr. Crow rejoined his family in Grant County, Wis., and there remained for about three years. In 1855 he came to Winona County, and located a claim in Elba Townsliip, five miles north of St. Charles. He also purchased other claims, and se- cured from the Government about four hundred acres of land. Upon this he settled, continuing its cultivation and improvement until after the break- ing out of the war, when he bought a farm in Olmsted County, upon which he resided until his removal to St. Charles, which has now been his home for eleven years. He still owns the old home farm of two hundred and fortj- acres, besides another tract of the same size, together with his first farm of four hundred acres, a three hundred and twenty acre farm in St. Charles Township, and a small tract of land within the citj' limits. He was principally engaged in the raising of wheat, and in his undertakings he met with prosperity. He has also engaged in loaning money, and to a limited extent has been interested in mercantile pursuits. Mr. Crow is a Royal Arch Mason, and in social and business circles stands high. He has the con- fidence and regard of the entire community, and has many warm friends. His home is an elegant residence, built of brick, and in it he expects to spend his declining days, resting in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. His life has been both a busy and useful one. James F. Hennessy. JAMES F. HENNESSY, the efficient Superin- tendent of the Winona Wagon Works, was born in Elgin, 111., on the 6th of June, 1849, and was there reared until twelve years of age. His father, William Hennessj', was a con- tractor and builder. At a very early age the sub- ject of this sketch went to Chicago, starting out in life on his own responsibility. He was employed as an errand boy until thirteen years of age, when he became a helper in a carriage shop, his time be- ing thus passed up to the age of fourteen, when he took a trip across the plains with a party going to California. Later in the vear, however he re- turned and resumed work at his trade in Chicago, where he remained for a 3'ear. In his sixteenth 3'ear he removed to Dubuque, Iowa, where he worked in a wagon shop, and later took up his residence in Decorah, Iowa, where he made his home until his eighteenth jear. At that time he located in Rochester, Minn., and worked as a journeyman until 1871. He had become familiar with the trade in all its departments and was rec- ognized as a thorough and efficient workman. In 1871 Mr. Hennessy entered the employ of Holmes & Stevens, at Rushford, Minn., who were the founders of the present Winona Wagon Com- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 171 pany, of which he soon became foreman. This company was soon consolidated with the firm of Albertson & Oleson and the style of tlie Rushford Wagon Company was assumed. Mr. Hennessy became foreman of the new shops, and in Febru- ary, 1880, came to Winona as foreman of the Wi- nona Wagon Works. In 1883 he was made Super- intendent, which position he holds at the present time. On the 19th of October, 1876, in the city of North East, Pa., Mr. Hennessy was united in mar- riage with Miss Elsie A. Palmer, and to them have been born seven children, six of whom are daugh- ters: Jessie, who is now a student in the high school; Mabel, Ada, Helen, Kate, Florence and James. Mr. Hennessy holds membership in the Masonic fraternity, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. He is also identified with the Baptist Church, and in political views is a Republican. Much of the success attained b}^ the Winona Wagon Works Company is due to the active and untiring efforts of Mr. Hennessy. He gives his entire attention and skilled training to the details of every department of the business and has a just pride in the, exact division of labor, the lack of friction and the general growth of this concern. He has a happy faculty of knowing how to handle men, has a wide acquaintance with the wants of skilled artisans and ever has in mind their welfare and advancement. A pleasant and agreeable gen- tleman, it does him good to show to the stranger the various departments of the works, and no more pleasant or instructive hour can be passed than one spent in his company, as each particular piece of machinery passes in review. Martin Schulz. MARTIN SCHULZ devotes his time and energies to agricultural pursuits on sec- tion 19, Fremont Township, where he now owns and operates eighty-four acres of good land, that is under a high state of cultivation and well improved with all the accessories and conven- iences of a model farm. He claims Germany as the land of his birth, which occurred in the king- dom of Baden in 1834. His parents, John and Mary (Dear) Schulz, were also natives of that country, and the father followed farming in pur- suit of fortune. Their family numbered nine children, of whom the subject of this sketch is the youngest. Martin Schulz remained upon the home farm until nineteen years of age, when he determined to try his fortune beyond the Atlantic, for he had heard much of the privileges and advantages af- forded young men in the New World. He sailed on the good ship " Henry Hudson," and after a long voyage of forty days, during which they en- countered some very severe weather, the vessel dropped anchor in the harbor of New York. The passenger in whom we are most interested took up 172 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. his residence in Elizabeth town, N. J., and began work at the carpenter's trade, which he followed in that place for about six months. He then remov- ed to Delaware County, N. Y., where he worked at carpentering for about three years, and in 1856 he sought a home in the West. This was his in- troduction to Winona County, and he located in Fremont Township, where he worked at his trade for a year. On the expiration of that period he was obliged to return to New York to act as witness in a large lawsuit, and he continued carpentering in the Empire State until 1862, when he again came West. He then changed his occupation, re- moving to a farm of forty acres which he had purchased during his previous stay here. In February, 1864, Mr. Schulz responded to the call of his adopted country for troops, and enlist- ed in the Union armj', as a member of Company D, Seventh Minnesota Infantry, with which he served until the close of the war, when he was hon- orably discharged. He participated in the battles of Nashville, Spanish Fort, and several minor en- gagements, but was fortunate enough to escape be- ing wounded or captured. When the war was over and peace restored, he returned to his farm, which he has since operated. On the 14th of February, 1861, Mr. Schulz was united in marriage with Miss Miranda Smith, of New York, who died in this count3' in 1887. He is a Republican in his political views, and served as Postmaster of the Clyde postoffice for about thirteen years. He belongs to John C. Fremont Post No. 181, G. A. R., of Fremont, and holds membership with the Presbyterian Church. He devotes his energies to general farming and dairy- ing, and his possessions have come to him as the reward of earnest effort, perseverance and good managment. His life has been well and worthily passed, winning him the respect and confidence of all with whom he has been brought in contact, and as a valued citizen and honored pioneer he well deserves representation in this volume. Daniel Sinclair. DANIEL SINCLAIR, Postmaster, and pub- lisher of the Daily and Weekly Republican of Winona, Minn., claims Scotland as the land of his birth, which occurred in Thurso, on the 12th of January, 1833. His parents, George C. and Margaret (Johnston) Sinclair, were also na- tives of Scotland. The paternal grandfather, Don- ald Sinclair, was a Scotch merchant, and died at the advanced age of ninety-two years. His family numbered eight children. The maternal grandfa- ther, George Johnston, was born in Scotland, was a sea-captain, and was a great traveler. He sailed numerous vessels to the East Indies, and several times circumnavigated the globe. He belonged to the Presbyterian Church, and died in Scotland at the age of seventy-flve. The father of the subject of this sketch also fol- lowed merchandising, and, possessed of good busi- ness .ability, met with a fair degree of success in his undertakings. His death, however, occurred i PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 173 1838, at the early age. of thirty-five. His wife long survived him and in 1849 came with her fam- ily to America, locating first in Meadville, Craw- ford County, Pa., where tiiey resided for seven 3'ears. Her last days were spent in Rochester Minn., where her death occurred in 1888, at the age of eigiity-four. Both Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair were members of tiie Presbyterian Church. In their family were four children, all of whom are yet liv- ing, namely: George, of Ritzville, Wash.; William, wiio is living in Winona; Anna, wife of Hiram W. Stebbins, a resident of Rochester, Minn.; and Dan- iel, of this sketch. Mr. Sinclair, whose name heads this record, was a youth of sixteen when with his mother and her family he crossed the briny deep to the New World. In his seventeenth j'ear he began learning the print- er's trade, which he has made his life work. In the spring of 1856 he came to Winona, where he has since made his home. After working in the Repub- lican office for about two weeks, he purchased a half-interest in the paper, becoming a partner of W. G. Dye. A stock company was established when this paper was first published, and business was carried on under the name of King, Forest, Dye ife Co. until Mr. Sinclair became a member of the firm, and the name was changed to D. Sinclair & Co. Under this style the business was conduct- ed for many years, but in 1886 a stock company was again formed, known as the D. Sinclair Pub- lishing Company. Mr. Sinclair is editor-in-chief, and is well able to fill that position. He is an able and ready writer, who labors for the best interests of the community', and the success which has come to him is well deserved. In 1865 Mr. Sinclair was united in marriage with Miss Melissa J. Briggs, daughter of Isaac and Lucretia (Field) Briggs. Six children were born of their union, a son and five daughters, but Ida, George and Winnefred are now deceased. Clara, Jessie and Fannie still survive, the first-named being the wife of William Vj. Smith, who is busi- ness manager of the Republican. Mrs. Sinclair is a member of the Congregational Church, and is a most estimable lady. The name of his paper indicates the political af- filiations of Mr. Sinclair, who has always been a stanch advocate of Republican principles. He was made Postmaster under President Grant, on the 16th of May, 1869, and filled that office continu- ously until the 1st of July, 1885, when a change of administration led to bis vacating the office. On the 1st of July, 1890, iiowever, he was re-appoint- ed, and still (August, 1894) fills the position. His long-continued service well indicates his fidelity to duty aud the confidence and trust reposed in him by his fellow-townsmen. The postofflce build- ing was completed in November, 1891, and with furnishings and heating apparatus cost $182,000. Mr. Sinclair has witnessed the entire development of Winona and the surrounding country. He came here before the first railroad was built, and in the work of progress and advancement has ever borne a prominent part. Although Mr. Sinclair has never been much ad- dicted to personal activity in politics, he was in 1880 a delegate-at-large from Minnesota to the Republican National Convention at Chicago, and, as chairman of that delegation, is credited (by reason of his persistence in keeping the name of William Windom before the convention) with hav- ing largely contributed to the conditions which resulted in the defeat of Mr. Blaine and the nom- ination of James A. Garfield. 174 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Theodore K. Page. THEODORE K. PAGE, one of the County Commissioners of Wingna County, now living in Wiscoy Township, claims Ver- mont as the state of his nativity, his birth having occurred in Orange County, on the 1 5th of June, 1833. His paternal grandfather, Joseph Page, was a native of Massachusetts. His parents, William and Permelia (Chapin) Page, were both born in the Green Mountain State, and when Theodore was eleven months old removed to Lorain Coun- ty, Ohio, from where they emigrated to Wiscon- sin in 1840, settling in Janesville, Rock County. The father was a farmer by occupation, and in the West gave bis attention to agricultural pursuits. In 1847 he removed to Dodge County, where, with the exception of a few years passed in Nebraska, he resided until called to the home beyond. His death occurred at the age of ninety-one. In poli- . tics he was a strong Democrat of the Jacksonian type. Theodore Page continued at home with his fath- er until he had attained his majority and was early inured to the arduous task of clearing the timber from a new farm. When he had reached man's estate he began to work as a farm hand by the day and month in Dodge County, being thus employed during the summer season, while in the winter months he worked in the pineries. The year 1855 witnessed his arrival in Minnesota and during the succeeding winter he lived in Winona, working on the river. Afterwards he settled in Freeborn County, twelve miles northwest of the present site of Albert Lea, and was the first settler of the township. In the summer of 1856, in Steele County, he was united in marriage with Miss Jane Montgom- ery, who came of one of the old families of AVis- consin. Her father, James Montgomery, had be- come a resident of Wiscoy Township, Winona County, in 1855, and there spent his remaining days, dying in 1865. Mr. Page made a claim in Freeborn County and lived in true pioneer style. A soda-box was the only sawed lumber in his home. He opened up a good farm, transforming the raw land into rich and fertile fields, which he continued to cultivate until 1864, when he sold out and re- turned to Winona County. He purchased a farm in Wiscoy Township, near the home of his father- in-law, and during the Indian scare in 1862 there was but one other family- remained in this vicinity. In 1865 Mr. Page bought the farm on which his son now resides, comprising two hundred acres of good land, a rich and fertile tract, now highly cul- tivated. To Mr. and Mrs. Page have been born the fol- lowing children: James, an engineer and farmer, now residing near Watertown, S. Dak.; Ida, wife of Julius Norton, of Pleasant Hill Township; Charles, PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 175 who was engineer in the Electric Light Works of Omaha, Neb., where he died of diphtheria, Marcli 2, 1894; Jennie, wife of Levi Vail, a railroad man of Wabasha; Orville, a farmer of Iowa; and Wal- lace, at home. Mr. Page has always been a Democrat in politics. In 1886 he was appointed a member of the Board of County Commissioners to fill a vacancy caused by the resignation of John Young. This term lasted one year. In 1892 he was elected a mem- ber of the Board on the Democratic ticket, repre- senting District No. 5, which is composed of the townships of Richmond, Dresbach, New Hartford, Pleasant Hill, Wiscoy and Wilson. He received a majority of seventy-four, being elected over James Finch, of Pleasant Hill, who had served for six years previous. He is now acting on the Finance Committee and is proving a capable and trust- worthy officer. Socially he is a Mason, belonging to Orient Lodge of Money Creek, Houston County. Thomas Roberton. THOMAS ROBERTON is one of the honored pioneer settlers of Winona County, now living on section 20, Fremont Township, where he owns a good farm. The record of his life is as follows: He was born in Glasgow, Scot- land, October 15, 1836, and is the third in a fam- ily of seven children, whose parents were Thomas and Janet (Reid) Roberton. Two of the number died in infancy. The others are: Thomas; Eliza- beth, widow of Duncan Ferguson and a resident of Fremont Township; John, a prosperous farmer of the same township; Joseph, deceased; William, who carried on agricultural pursuits in Fremont Town- ship; Janet, wife of Thomas Nesbit; and James, who died at the age of eighteen years. The parents of this family were both natives of Scotland, and the father was a farmer by occupa- tion. In 1841, accompanied by his famil}', he crossed the briny deep and located in Canada, where he made his home until 1857. That year witnessed his arrival in Winona County. Here he purchased land in Fremont Township, and upon the farm which thus came into his possession he spent his remaining days. His death occurred at the very advanced age of eighty-three years, and his wife passed away at the age of fifty-six. He served as Supervisor of his township in an early day, and though he lived a quiet and unassuming life, his sterling worth was recognized and he was highly respected. Thomas Roberton was reared under the parental roof, remaining at home until the age of eighteen years, when, in the fall of 1855, he came to Winona County, Minn., pre-empting land in Fremont Township. He accompanied his parents and their family in the spring of 1857, and the Robertons have since been important factors in the upbuild- ing and development of this community. The subject of this sketch was married, January 26, 1866, to Miss Agnes Gilmore, who was born June 5, 1843, in Canada, and is a daughter of James and Jessie (Crawfoi'd) Gilmore. Her par- 176 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. ents were natives of Scotland, born near Glasgow, and are still living in Canada, the father having reached the age of seventy-six years. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Roberton were seven chil- dren, but Thomas, their first-born, was killed at the age of twenty-seven years by a street car in Chicago, while attending the World's Fair in the summer of 1893; Nettie is the wife of George Randall, a resident farmer of Fremont Township; Alvin is employed as a bookkeeper in Winona; Isabel, Frederick J., Frank and Willie are still at home. In his political affiliations Mr. Roberton is a Republican, and has served as School Director of his district for twenty years, but is in no wise a politician in the sense of office-seeking. His wife and children are members of the Presbyterian Church, and he contributes liberally to its sup- port, and to other worthy interests calculated to benefit the community. In his business dealings he has been successful, and is now the owner of four hundred and eighty acres of valuable land, comprising one of the finest farms in Winona County. His prosperity is certainly well deserved, being the reward of iionest labor. He was one of the first settlers of the count}', and has ever taken a commendable interest in all that pertains to its welfare and upbuilding, aiding in its advancement and promoting its progress. Reuben E. Maynard, Jr. REUBEN E. MAYNARD, Jr., has spent much of his life in Winona County, and is now one of her leading farmers and stock-raisers, carrying on business along that line on section 6, Saratoga Township. He is a native of the neighboring state of Wisconsin, his birth having occurred in Walworth County, near Lake Geneva, on the 11th of January, 1846. His fa- ther, Reuben Maynard, was born in Washington County, N. Y., July 9, 1815, and w.as of English descent. Upon a farm he was reared to manhood, and in the common schools acquired his education. When he had attained his majority he started out in life for himself, and began work as a farm hand by the month. He married Miss Mehitable Henris, who was born February 21, 1816, and they became the parents of a family of eight children, a son and seven daughters, namely: Marcia, who died Sep- tember 27, 1885; Lestina, who died April 12, 1887; Selina, who resides on the old homestead; Reuben E., of this sketch; Celista, who died April 27, 1879; Ella, wife of William Boyd; Hattie, wife of H. A. Coe, a resident of St. Charles; and one who died in infancy. Mr. Maynard, the father of this family, con- tinued a resident of New York until 1843, when he resolved to try his fortune in the West. He made the journey by way of the canal and Lakes to Walworth County, Wis., and then located near Lake Geneva, where he secured from the Govern- ment a tract of land, pleasantly situated about two miles from the lake. This he cultivated and im- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 177 proved, and transformed it into a valuable prop- erty. It was his home until 1861, when he sold out, and with ox-teams came to Minnesota, settling on the farm where his son now resides. He pur- chased a partiall}- improved farm of one hundred and sixt}' acres on section 6, Saratoga Township, but only ten acres had been broken, while a log cabin constituted the only improvement. This is still standing, one of the landmarks of pioneer days, which indicates the progress and advance- ment which the years have brought to Winona County. Here he continued to spend his remain- ing days, an honored and highly respected citizen, who by his steiling qualities made manj' friends. From a financial standpoint his life was also one of success, and he left to his family a good property. He died on the 18th of March, 1893, and his re- mains were interred in Saratoga Cemetery. Reuben Maj'nard, Jr., spent the first fifteen years of his life in the state of his nativity, and then ac- companied his parents on their removal to Winona County. His school privileges were limited, and he is largely a self-educated man, but by reading, experience and observation he has become well informed. Being the only son of the family, he alwaj'S remained on the old homestead with his parents, and from early life aided in the cultiva- tion of the farm. At the age of twenty-five he assumed its management. He and his mother to- gether own three hundred and sixty acres, which are under a high state of cultivation, and improved with all modern accessories and conveniences. On the 1st of February, 1888, Mr. Maynard was united in marriage with Miss Amanda L. Sheldon, who died May 6, 1889. In his political views Mr. Maynard is a Republican, and has served as Super- visor, but has never been an office-seeker. As be- fore stated, much of his life has here been passed, and an honorable, upright career has won for him the high regard of those with whom he has been brought in contact. The family is one of promi- nence in the community, and in the history of their adopted county the Maynards well deserve mention. Henry Q. Cox. HENRY G. COX, one of the enterprising and public-spirited citizens of Saratoga Township, now residing on section 8, was born in Windsor County, Vt., near Barnard, on the 27th of September, 1829, and is a son of Orrin Cox, who was also a native of the same locality. The Cox family is of English origin, and its estab- lishment in America dates back to 1710, when four brothers of that name crossed the broad Atlantic to the New World. Orrin Cox was a millwright by trade, and followed that business in early life, but in later years carried on farming. He died in the Green Mountain State in November, 1857, and his wife passed away in 1883. In their family were seven children: Esther, now the wife of Ly- man Cox, a farmer of Saratoga Township, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume; Edna, widow of Samuel Archer, a resident of Vermont; Orrin E., who makes his home in Seattle, Wash., where he carries on a ranch, and is also engaged in 178 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. tlie real-estate business; Mary J., wife of George Wheelock, a retired farmer residing in St. Charles, Minn.; .Julia, wife of John Royce, who also lives in St. Charles; and Emma, wife of Harry Rowe, who is located in Brattleboro, Vt. The parents of this family are both deceased, but all the children are yet living. Upon the farm Henry G. Cox spent the days of his boyhood and youth. His educational privi- leges were limited to those afforded by the district schools of the neighborhood. He remained under the parental roof until after he had attained his majority, when, at the age of twenty-two, he left home and removed to New York. There he was employed in factories for about four years, or un- til the spring of 1854, when, attracted by the ad- vantages he had heard were afforded by the West, he sought a home in Illinois, locating in Rock Is- land. Not exactly suited with that locality, after two months he removed to Indianapolis. Ind., and secured work in the machine and wagon shops. Thus his time was passed until 1855, when became to Minnesota. On Christmas Day of 1854 Mr. Cox was united in marriage with Miss Chastina L. Stevens, and to them was born one child, Henry S., who is now proprietor of the Nicollet Hotel of St. Charles. The wife and mother was called to her final rest in 1880, and her remains were interred in the Sar- atoga Cemetery. On the 13th of April, 1883, Mr. Cox was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Ellen Reed, who bore the maiden name of Ellen Aldernean. They have two children. twins, Harryrowe and Harterowe, who were born July 28, -1884. In the spring of 1856 Mr. Cox removed to the farm on which he now resides, entering from the Government one hundred and twenty acres of land on section 7, Saratoga Townsiiip, which he secured through a land-warrant which he had purchased. The following year he built thereon the first frame house in Saratoga Township, and it is now his place of residence. For several years after his ar- rival here he carried on both farming and carpen- tering. In 1857, in connection with Vincent Hicks, he built the first sawmill in this part of the county, locating at what is now Hampton, and for two or three years carried on business along that line. For some time past, however, he has devoted his entire time and attention to general farming and stock-raising. All of the buildings upon the place were erected by him, and stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise. He has a well improved and valuable farm, under a high state of cultiva- tion, and the well tilled fields yield to him a golden tribute in return for the care and cultivation be- stowed upon them. Mr. Cox has always been a supporter of the Re- publican party, and warmlj' advocates its princi- ples, yet has never sought political preferment for himself. He is warmly interested in all matters pertaining to the public welfare, and is recognized as a valued citizen. He started in life a poor boy, and is a self-made man, who by his own well di- rected efforts has risen from an humble position to one of affluence. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 179 Samuel J. Tomlinson. CT AMUEL J. TOMLINSON, one of the well ty^ known publishers of southeastern Minne- sota, and now editor of the AVinona Daily and Weekly Herald and the Weekly News, is a na- tive of Lapeer, Mich., born on the 18th of Septem- ber, 1842. His father, Samuel C. Tomlinson, was a carriage-maker by trade, and emigrated to Mich- igan more than sixty j'ears ago, locating at Detroit, from where he afterwards removed to Lapeer. He became one of its pioneer settlers, and engaged in the saw and grist mill business for a time, but afterwards embarked in carriage and wagon mak- ing, which he carried on for many years. He con- tinued to make his home in Lapeer until his death, which occurred in 1884, on his eighty-fifth birth- day. His wife bore the maiden name of Martha Walton, and both were natives of Pennsylvania. She survived her husband one year, and passed away at the age of eight3'-four. They were mem- bers of the Methodist Church, and Mr. Tomlinson was a very prominent man in the community in which he lived. In the family were seven chil- dren, four sons and three daughters, of whom five are yet living, namely: William, of Luzerne, Mich.; Mary, wife of L. E. Waterbury, of Highland Mich.; Elizabeth, wife of William Graham, of De- troit; Henry R., who is living in Kansas City, Mo.; and Samuel J., of this sketch. The last-named was reared and educated in his native town, and also attended the university at Ann Arbor. At the age of thirteen he entered a printing-office and served a five-years apprentice- ship to the printing and publishing business, which he has made his life work. At the age of nineteen he became the editor of the Clarion of Lapeer, and continued its publication for about a quarter of a century with good success, during which time he became quite widely known in journalistic circles in Michigan. He then purchased a controlling in- terest in the Detroit Evening Journal, and a year later sold out and purchased a half-interest in the Daily News of Elgin, 111., and the Weekly Advocate of that place. There he continued for a year and a-half, when he purchased the Horning Tribune &nd Evening Press of Bay City, Mich., publishing the two papers at the same time. Subsequently he purchased the Republican of Charlotte, Mich., but a year later sold out and bought a half-interest in the Winona Daily Herald and the Weekly News, his partner being .J. H. Johnson. In 1861 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Tomlinson and Miss Abigail A. Gage, daughter of Alvah and Rachel B. (Hungerford) Gage, natives of New York, from where they removed to La- peer County, Mich. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Tomlinson, four sons and two daughters, but two died in infancy. Evangeline C. is now the wife of J. S. McPherson, a resident of Chicago, by whom she has one daughter, Abigail Jean; George Ashley, a vessel-broker of Duluth. mar- ried Miss Laura Davidson, of Bay City, Mich.; Ada Rachel is still with her parents; and Samuel Ar- 180 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. thur is a lawyer, now in the State Law Library of Lansing, Midi. Mr. Tomlinson is a Royal Arch Mason, and his wife belongs to the Presbyterian Church. They have a beautiful home property in Lapeer, but since 1893 have been residents of Winona. In the publication of his papers Mr. Tomlinson is meet- ing with good success. His long experience in newspaper work has made him familiar with the wants of the public along that line, and the Herald and News are bright, entertaining sheets, well de- serving of a liberal patronage. E. W. Rebstock. T7> W. REBSTOCK, who is officially con- r^ C^ nected with the history of this county, and is now serving as City Assessor of Winona, claims German}' as the land of his birth, which oc- curred in Wurtemberg, on the 22d of October, 1832. He came to this country when seventeen years of age, crossing the Atlantic in a sailing-ves- sel in October, 1849, and settled first at Wilbraham, Hampden County, Mass., where he lived for one year. In 1850 he removed to New Britain, Conn., where he made his home until 1858, working in a brass foundry*. He was an expert along that line, and he was thus enabled to command good posi- tions. On leaving New Britain. Mr. Rebstock sought a home in tlie West, and became one of the pioneer settlers of Winona County, Minn., locating near Lewiston, on the 19th of April, 1858. Thirty-six j-ears have passed since his arrival, and he lias therefore witnessed much of the growth and de- velopment of this region, for it was still quite a frontier settlement when he cast in his lot with its citizens. Here he turned his attention to farming, which he followed successfully for eighteen years. His land was alwaj's under a high state of culti- vation, and the well tilled fields yielded to the owner a golden tribute, while the many improve- ments upon his farm indicated to the passer-by the thrift and enterprise of the owner. His life has been a busy and useful one, and his industry has brought him a well merited success. Mr. Rebstock was married in March, 1856, in New Britain, Conn., to Francisca Bickel, a native of Germany, but on the 27th of December, 1873, he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died, leaving five children, namely: Charles, who is now a resident of Tyler, N. Dak.; Emma, wife of A. J. Schmidt, of Winona; E. W., a druggist and Postmaster of Sanborn, Minn.; John, who is employed by the Bridge Company of Winona; and Carrie, at home. Mr. Rebstock is a public-spirited man, always earnestly interested in the development of his adopted county. During his long residence in Utica Township, for several years he held the oflSce of Town Clerk, was also Supervisor for two years. Township Assessor for three years, and served as Justice of the Peace. In all of these various positions he discharged the duties in a prompt and able manner, which led to his frequent PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 181 re-election and won him the confidence of all. In 1876 he was elected Count}' Recorder of Deeds, and in consequence left the farm, removing to Winona, where he has since made his home. In January he entered upon the duties of the office, and for four j-ears served in that capacity with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constitu- ents. In 1882, after an interval of two years, he was re-elected, and served until the spring of 1885, when he was elected Assessor of the city for one year. In 1889 he was again elected to that office, and has since served in that capacity. In 1877 Mr. Rebstock bought a set of abstract books of H. W. Jackson, and in 1878 was joined in business by Mr. Fellows. His ofHce is located in the court house, and he has a very complete set of abstracts and is doing a good business. He enjoys the respect and good-will of the entire pub- lic, this universal confidence having been gained by his straightforward and honorable methods of conducting business. For thirty-six years he has been a resident of Winona County, and therefore deserves mention among the early settlers. In the work of progress and development he has [ever borne his part, and his aid has never been solicited in vain in behalf of any enterprise calculated to promote the general welfare. Mrs. Ann Cecelia Simpson. MRS. ANN CECELIA SIMPSON, who re- sides at No. 226 West Wabasha Street, Winona, was born in Lowell, Mass., on the 17th of March, 1838, and is a daughter of Ar- thur and Catherine (Mellon) Menehan. Her mother died when she was a mere child, and her father afterward married again. At eleven years of age she entered the family of a maiden aunt in Lowell, where she remained until her marriage, at the age of sixteen years, to Verrazeno Simpson. Soon after the young couple started for Iowa, locating in Dubuque, where Mr. Simpson engaged in the dry-goods business until the fall of 1856, when they came to Winona, bringing with them a daugh- ter, who was then nine months old. After twenty years of wedded . life, finding it unpleasant to longer live together, a separation ensued, and on the advice of Judge Mitchell, her attorney, Mrs. Simpson secured a divorce. She built for herself a pleasant family residence on West Wabasha Street, where she yet makes her home. In the family were six children. Elizabeth is now the wife of E. G. Nevins, of Winona. Ben, who graduated at Troy, N. Y., became a civil engineer, and was serving as City Engineer of Winona at the time of his death, which occurred at the age of thirty-one. He had married Maltie Kerdolflf, of Lexington, Mo., and now resides in La Crosse, Wis. Their only living child, Verrazano Kerdolff, nine years old, has lived with Mrs. Simpson since the death of his father, when he was three years of age. Edith is now the wife of Ralph Metcalf, of 182 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Tacoma, Wash. Minnie died in her seventh year. Frances died at the age of nineteen months. Harry died at the age of twenty-one months. Mrs. Simpson has traveled quite extensively during the last fifteen years, visiting many places of interest in this country. She deserves much credit for having reared her family of children. She lives a quiet, retired life m the pleasant home which she erected some years since, and is sur- rounded by the best wishes of many warm friends, who esteem her very highly. She possesses many excellences of character, and those who know her have for her a very high regard. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 185 (sfe) m Louis Sikorski. ■r OUIS SIKORSKI, one of the representative I O citizens of Winona, well deserving of rep- resentation in the history of his adopted county, was born in the province of Pomracrn, Germany, on the 8th of August, 1845, and was the third in a family of four children, whose parents were John and Elizabeth (Klopotek) Sikorski. The father was a hotel-keeper and grocer in his native land. After attending the common schools, the subject of this sketch entered college in Konitz. Prussia, where he pursued his studies for seven years, be- ing then graduated from that institution. He was educated for the priesthood, but instead of enter- ing the Catholic ministry, he embarked in business in the city where he attended college, there mak- ing his home until 1868. That year witnessed his emigration to America, and saw him located in Winona County, Minn. Later he opened a general merchandise store in Trempealeau, Wis., which he carried on for eighteen months, when he returned to Winona, and established here a grocery, which he conducted for two years alone. On the expira- tion of that period he admitted a partner into the business, and their connection continued for about two years, after which he was alone again for three years. He then sold out and began clerking in a dry-goods store, spending his time in that way for 5 four years; but preferring to engage in business for himself, he formed a partnership and opened a clothing establishment. After four years he bought out his partner and was sole proprietor for several years. Mr. Sikorski was married, in 1872, to Josephine Ranswick, of Trempealeau County, Wis., and they are now the parents of four children, two sons and two daughters: Rosie, who is clerking in a music store; and Tracy, Joseph and Harry, at home. Mr. Sikorski is a stanch Democrat in his political views, and in 1878 was elected City Treasurer of Winona, in which capacity he served for two years. In 1881 he was elected to represent his district in the State Legislature, and so ably did he fill the office that he was chosen his own successor. Dur- ing his first term of service lie was a member of the Standing Committee of the House, and served on the Committees on Insurance, Temperance, Schools for Deaf Mutes, Public Parks, Universities and University Lands. In 1893 he was a member of the Committees on Public Accounts and Expendi- tures, Military Afifairs, State Prison and Reforma- tory, State Reform Schools, Soldiers' Home and Geological and Natural History. While thus serv- ing, the three public buildings above mentioned were all enlarged. Mr. Sikorski has done good work in the House, and has labored earnestly for 186 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. the best interests of the community which he rep- resents. At both elections he received the largest majority of any man on his ticket, as he can con- trol the Polish vote, which is very strong in the cit}' of Winona, his fellow-countrymen having great confidence in him and his fidelity to their in- terests. In connection with his other business cares, Mr. Sikorski is a clerk for the Minneapolis Brewing Companj' of Minneapolis. He is a member of the Catholic Church, belongs to St. Joseph's Catholic Society of Winona, to the Polish Legion, and is widely recognized as one of the most prominent and influential citizens of Winona County. Hermon Curtis. HERMON CURTIS, who is now living a retired life in Winona, claims Connecti- cut as the state of his nativity. The place of his birth was New Hartford, and the date Jan- uary 4, 1810. His father, I^lizar Curtis, was born in the Nutmeg State, September 11, 1782, and the grandfather. Job Curtis, was a Connecticut carpen- ter, who belonged to one of the early families of that state. Elizar Curtis was verj- prominent in church circles, and served as Deacon in Torring- ford. Conn. He married Amanda Steele, who was born in Connecticut, April 17, 1783, and both are now deceased. The}' became the parents of eight children, who grew to mature j'ears, but only one resides at the old home in the East. The boyhood days of Hermon Curtis were passed upon his father's farm, where he continued until twenty-four years of age, when he left the parental roof. He was then united in marriage with Miss Sophia Stillman, and started out in life for him- self with a capital stock of about $400. He re- ceived a small amount of land from his father, and to this he added from time to time until he owned two hundred and thirty acres, comprising a rich and valuable farm, which he cultivated and im- proved until 1871. After many years of wedded life, his first wife passed away, in 1851. Two of their children died in infancy, and one daughter, Eugenia, died at the age of twenty-two. A son, Hermon, who came to Winona in 1869, and engaged in the bank- ing business with L. C. Porter, died in Florida, March 22, 1878. His wife and two children now reside in California. Edward F. also emigrated to Winona, and, opening a grocery, carried on business along that line until his death, which oc- curred March 13, 1883. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Wheeler, had previously passed away, leaving three children: Julius E. and Benjamin W., who now comprise the firm of Cur- tis Bros., of Winona; and Helen B., a young lady of fifteen, now living with her grandfather. After the death of his first wife, Edward F. Cur- tis married Miss Alice C. Townsend, of Berkshire County, Mass., who survives him. They had one child, Mary Eugenie, now a maiden of twelve sum- mers. Edward Curtis had been engaged in busi- ness as a commercial salesman for a boot and shoe PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 187 house of New York, and in the West carried on merchandising. He was also a Director of the Board of Trade, and in his political views was a Republican. Hermon Curtis was married a second time, in 1852, the lady of his choice being Miss Charlotte C. Stillman, a cousin of his first wife. She died March 21, 1887. After his removal to the West Mr. Curtis engaged in farming for some time, but made his home in the city. He now lives retired, having acquired a competency that permits him to lay aside business cares. He still owns some farm land, in connection with his home and property in Winona. In his early life he was a Whig in poli- tics, but since the organization of the Republican party has been one of its supporters. For many years he has been a member of the Congregational Church, and in his earlier years he long served as Chorister. His life has been well and worthily passed, and his career has been an honorable and upright one, which may well serve as an example to those with whom he is brought in contact. Wi- nona claims him among her best citizens, and he well deserves representation in this volume. Rev. Philip Von Rohr. REV. PHILIP VON ROHR, pastor of St. Martin's German Lutheran Church of Winona, and President of the Wisconsin Synod, is recognized as one of the most prominent and influential citizens of his adopted county, and was born on the 13th of February, 1843, in Buffalo, N. Y. His father, Rev. Henry Von Rohr, was for- merly Captain in a regiment which served as body- guard to the Prussian king. The ancestry can be traced back to 1444, and the family has fur- nished many representatives to the military pro- fession who have become prominent in army life. There are still many of the name connected with the German army. In 1839 the father of Rev. Mr. Von Rohr be- came the leader of about one thousand families who emigrated to America in three vessels, and on reaching New York they established six vil- lages near Buffalo and Niagara Falls. Mr. Von Rohr later went to Wisconsin, locating fourteen miles from Milwaukee with the intention of fol- lowing farming, but soon after returned to New York and became a minister in Bergholtz, Niagara County, where he continued his labors until his death, which occurred in 1875, at the age of sev- enty-seven years. He was a leader in the ranks of the Lutheran ministry and was President of the Synod of Buffalo for many years. Philip Von Rohr, the eldest in the family of four children, was reared in western New York, and at the age of eleven years he entered the Mar- tin Luther Seminary of Buffalo, his parents having decided that he should become a minister. He carried out their wishes, and in his twenty-first year was ordained in Buffalo. His first work was in Toledo, Ohio, where he remained from October, 188 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 1863, until May, 1866. In June of the latter year he came to Winona in response to a call from the church at this place. The congregation consisted of nine families, with a membership of twenty, and had been organized for four years, but had had no minister. Here Rev. Mr. Von Rohr has remained continu- ously since. Tlie first house of worship in which he held services was a small frame structure 18x30 feet in dimensions. In the second year after his arrival this was enlarged, and in 1870 a church 36x80 feet in dimensions was erected. This served as a place of meeting for fifteen years, when, in 1885, the present substantial edifice was built. It is 57x133 feet in dimensions, has a seating capac- ity of eleven hundred, and is valued at $20,000. It stands on the site of the first church. In 1878, through the instrumentalit}' of Rev. Mr. Von Rohr, was erected St. Martin's ychool, which is 50x60 feet in dimensions and two stories in height. It is divided into two large schoolrooms, a large as- sembly hall and society and recitation rooms. The two [^hundred and fifty pupils are in charge of three teachers, who instruct the students in all the Common and many of the higher branches and teach in both the English and German languages. They are also instructed in the tenets of the church. The membership of St. Martin's Church has in- creased from nine to four hundred families, num- bering thirteen hundred and sixty communicants. Rev. Mr. Von Rohr was also the organizer of St. John's Church, of Wilson Township. He estab- lished it soon after his arrival' in Minnesota and was its pastor for six years. His church is in a thriving condition, and the various societies con- nected therewith are in good working order. There is a ladies' society for general church and missionary work, a young ladies' society, and a young men 's so- ciety for fostering a love of music and providing a high class of entertainments. There is also a mu- tual benefit association organized for aid in case of sickness or death, and a life-insurance society, which was organized under the state laws and has a membership of seven hundred. All these associ- ations have been formed through the earnest efforts of Mr. Von Rohr, who is a most untiring worker in the interests of anything connected with the church. Some time since he became connected with the Wisconsin Synod and for six years has been its President. By virtue of this position he has charge of the seminaries and colleges of that state, including the Northwestern University at Watertown, Wis., which employs eight professors; a theological school, and the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Milwaukee, which was erected at a cost of $60,000. The work of the church in the synod has been carried on in an extremely success- ful manner. - On the 1st of February, 1866, Rev. Mr. Von Rohr was united in marriage with Miss Emma Scliaal,'of Buffalo, N. Y. To them were born thir- teen children, eight of whom are now living, Hugo, Adella, Freda, Edmond, Ada, [Emma, Adolph and Hedwig. Henry died in June, 1886, in his eigh- teenth year, while a student at Watertown, Wis.; and Philip died from accidental scalding, May 7, 1894, when three and a-half years of age. Mr. Von Rohr is a man of fine ph^'sique, tall and well proportioned. In manner he is very genial and pleasant, and in his composition has a strong vein of humor. He is broad minded, well read, and has made friends wherever he has gone among all classes of people. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 189 rioses Stickney. MOSES STICKNEY is one of the worthy citizens that Vermont has furnished Wi- nona County. He resides on section 29, Warren Township, where lie has made his home since 1855, covering a period of almost forty con- secutive years. He is therefore numbered among the early settlers of the county, and has been an eye-witness of the greater part of its growtli and development. Its history is familiar to him from the early days, and he well deserves mention among its honored pioneer settlers. The Stickney family is of Norman-French ex- traction, and was founded in America in the year 1637, at which time some of the ancestors of Moses Stickney landed at Rowley, Mass. His father, Moses Stickney, Sr., was a native of New Hamp- shire, and his mother, who bore the maiden name of Mercy Peffer, was born in the old Bay State. By trade the father was a carpenter and joiner, but in the latter part of his life he also gave some atten- tion to farming. His father served as a member of the Colonial army during the War for Inde- pendence. In the Stickney family were three chil- dren, two sons and a daughter. The subject of this sketch, who is the onlj' sur- vivor, was born and reared on the old home farm, the place of his birth being in Windham County, Vt., and the date March 27, 1815. He became familiar with all the duties of farm life, for as soon as old enough to handle the plow he began work in the fields. He attended the district schools, to which he had to walk a distance of a mile and a-half, but in this way he obtained a fair business education. When he reached man's estate he took charge of the old homestead farm, and cultivated the fields and improved the place for about fifteen years. On the expiration of that period Mr. Stickney sold out and purchased another farm, upon which he lived until 1855, when he again sold, prepara- tory to removing to the West. In the mean time he had married. On the 2d of February, 1846, he was joined in wedlock with Miss Cynthia Brown, and to them were born nine children: Moses A., born November 10, 1846; Cynthia E., who was born October 20, 1848, and died November 16, 1858; Heurj', who was born July 6, 1850, and died in 1871 ; Marshall E., born January 9, 1852; Charles D., June 28, 1854; Samuel E., December 14, 1858; Ida A., April 6, 1860; Clinton A., who was born November 22, 1864, and died April 12, 1865; and Raleigh G., born October 4, 1866. Leaving his Vermont home, Mr. Stickney jour- neyed by way of rail and river toward the set- ting sun until he had reached Minnesota. Being pleased with the country and its prospects, he stopped in Winona County, and soon afterward made a settlement in Warren Township, pre-empt- ing one hundred and sixty acres of land on sec- tion 29. It was mostly oak openings. His first home, a board house 16x18 feet in dimensions, still stands, one of the few landmarks of pioneer days that yet remain. He began breaking prairie with ox-teams and with such crude machinery as was in 190 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. use in that day. Winona contained only a few cabins, and this locality was a frontier settlement, just opening up to civilization. With its develop- ment and progress Mr. Stickney has ever been identified, and has borne his part in the work of advancement and upbuilding. His labors have brought to him a comfortable competence, and he is well situated in life. His farm he sold August 22, 1894, to his son, Samuel E. On attaining his majority Mr. Stickney joined the ranks of the Whig party and voted for Will- iam Henry Harrison. When the Republican party sprang into existence he went to its support, and has since voted that ticket. Mr. Stickney has not gained a national reputation, but in the commu- nity where he lives he is honored and respected and has the high regard of many friends. Robert Crooks. ROBERT CROOKS, a retired farmer of St. Charles, who, having acquired a compe- tency, is now resting in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil, was born in Cooks- town, County Tyrone, Ireland, on the 16th of No- vember, 1816. His parents were Robert and Jane Crooks. The former was a weaver by trade, and in 1840 he left the Emerald Isle, crossing the At- lantic to America. For two years he engaged in mining in Pottsville, Pa., and afterward engaged in coal-mining in Pittsburg. Subsequently he re- sumed his westward journey, continuing his travels until reaching Dubuque, where he engaged in min- ing lead for three years, being paid for each ton that he turned out. In the spring of 1853 he left the mines and sought a home in Minnesota, where he secured a claim on section 32, Elba Township, five miles north of St. Charles. This town then consisted of only two houses, a blacksmith shop and a hotel. Mr. Crooks purchased his land of the Government, securing a quarter-section at $1.25 per acre. He immediately built a log cabin and began to plow and plant. In time bis labors were crowned with success in the shape of abundant harvests, and for twenty-one years he carried on the farm, making it one of the rich and iiighly de- veloped places of the county. To his first pur- chase he added until his farm now comprises two hundred and forty acres. He also had another of two hundred, and one of one hundred acres. These and other tracts of land he has disposed of, but still retains possession of the old homestead. On the 5th of November, 1855, in St. Charles Township, Mr. Crooks was united in marriage with Miss Agnes M. Barr, a native of Paisley, Scotland, born Januarj- 25, 1825. She came to the United States in 1853, and the following jear removed to Winona County in company with her brother, Thomas Barr, for whom she kept house until her marriage. She had been previously married, hav- ing at the age of fifteen become the wife of John King, who died, leaving her with two children: Margaret, who is now the wife of Samuel Stebbins, of Winona; and Alexander, who carried on farm- ing in Elba Township. To Mr. and Mrs. Crooks were born three children, but two are now deceased. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 191 Agnes, born May 22, 1858, died the same j'ear; Mary Jane, born in 1860, died at the age of ten years; Elmer E., born in 1862, is now a shoe-dealer in St. Charles, and the present Ma3'or of the city. He is a good business man and is a wortliy repre- sentative of the official and commercial interests of the town. Both Mr. and Mrs. Crooks are members of the Congregational Church, and take quite an active part in the work of the same. Mrs. Crooks has been a member for fifteen 3'ears of the Society for the Advancement of Home and Foreign Missions. In politics Mr. Crooks is a Republican, and ar- dently advocates the principles of his party. Dur- ing the years in which he carried on his farm he managed his business with such excellent ability that as a result of his enterprise and industry he became a well-to-do man. His life has been worth- ily passed, and is deserving of emulation in many respects. Robert J. Duncan. ROBERT J. DUNCAN. Among the lead- ing and influential farmers of Rolling Stone Township is numbered the gentle- man whose name heads this sketch. He resides on section 12, where he has eighty acres of land, con- stituting one of the good farms of the county. There he carries on general farming and the dairy business, and his place in its neat and thrifty ap- pearance well indicates the enterprise and careful supervision of the owner. Mr. Duncan was born on the 16th of October, 1840, and Is a son of Noyes and Mary (Billings) Duncan. His father, who was a native of Oneida County. N. Y., there spent his early life and during his youth learned the wagon-maker's trade. When a young man he removed to Chautauqua, N. Y., where he carried on wagon-making until 1856, in which j'ear he emigrated to Minnesota. Arriving at his destination, he purchased a farm in Fremont Township, Winona County, and was one of its representative citizens up to the time of his death, which occurred at the age of seventy-five years. His parents were natives of New England, but the family is of Scotch descent. Mrs. Mary (Billings) Duncan was also born in Oneida County, N. Y., and died in 1842, when Robert was only two years of age, leaving three children: Mary, now de- ceased; Harry, who served in the One Hundred and Twelfth Infantry during the Civil War, and died in Suffolk, Va., while in the service; and Robert J., of this sketch. Mrs. Duncan's parents were na- tives of New England, and her father was a soldier in the War of 1812. After the death of his first wife, Noyes Duncan was again married, his second union being with Amanda Howard, by whom he had two children, Mary and Mark, the latter a farmer of this county. In the history of his adopted county Robert J. Duncan well deserves representation, for he is re- garded as a leading and influential citizen, and the record of his life will prove of interest to his many friends. He only remained at home until about twelve years of age, when he began to earn his own livelihood by working as a farm hand. Thus he was employed during the summer months, while in the winter season he attended the district schools. After the breaking out of the late war he respond- ed to the call for troops, for he believed that every 192 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. patriotic citizen should stand by the Union in her hour of peril and aid in crushing out the rebellion. Donning the blue, he was assigned to Company G of the Third New York Infantry. He was the first one to enlist in the town of Stockton, N. Y., and with the company he continued until the 19th of April, 1862, when he was discharged on a sur- geon's certificate of disability. He afterward re- enlisted, but his services were not accepted. While in the army he liad suffered from an attack of t^'- phoid fever, and was confined in the Union Hotel Hospital at Georgetown, D. C, for some time. After being mustered out, Mr. Duncan returned to his home in Stockton, N. Y., and learned the profession of dentistry, which he followed for two years, but on the expiration of that period he re- sumed farming, as he did not like office work. In the spring of 1869 he left his home in the East for Missouri, and in that state purchased a farm, upon which he resided for a few months. He then sold and came to Minnesota, where for about five years he served as Superintendent of the Countj' Poor Farm, discharging the duties of that position in a prompt and acceptable manner. His next place of residence was in Winona City, where he remained for a year. He then rented a farm for two years, after which he purchased the farm on which he now resides. On Independence Daj' of 1862, shortly after his return from the scene of war, Mr. Duncan was joined in wedlock with Miss Mary Kelly, of Stock- ton, N. Y., who died in March, 1875. He later married Miss Helen C. Kelly, a sister of his first wife, and to them h.avc been born two sons, Harry and Herman. Mr. Duncan is a stanch Republican in his political views, and cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln. He may truly be called a self- made man, for since the age of twelve he has been dependent on his own resources, and his success is the reward of earnest effort. Samuel Augustus Johnson. AMUEL AUGUSTUS JOHNSON, the sen- ior member of the firm of S. A. Johnson & Co., hardware dealers of St. Charles, was born in Stoughton, Mass., on the 7th of June, 1826, and is of English descent. His grandfather, Rob- ert Johnson, was a native of England, and was a sea-faring man, being mate of a ship which sailed across the Atlantic. He was on one of his trips at the time of his death, and was buried in the ocean. Royal Johnson, father of Samuel A., was a na- tive of Boston, Mass., and engaged in the manu- facture of shoes. Having arrived at years of ma- turity, he married Sarah Winchester, daughter of Samuel Winchester, who was one of the heroes of the Revolution, and fought at the battle of Bunker Hill. He, too, was born in the Bay State, and came of one of the early families of the Massachu- setts Colony. Royal Johnson spent his last years in Minnesota with his son. He was born in 1800, and was called to the home beyond at the age of seventy-four. His wife passed away in Connecti- cut when in middle life. Mr. Johnson, the subject of this sketch, was a child of seven years when he accompanied his par- ents on their removal to Connecticut. Under his PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 193 father's direction he learned the shoe-maker's trade, serving a regular apprenticeship. He was emplo3-ed at Eastford, Conn., and worked as a jour- neyman four years, then becoming a partner in the old firm with which he had served his apprentice- ship. A branch factory was established at North- ampton, Mass., and Mr. Johnson took charge of the Eastford House, having many men under his control. In 1855 he severed his business connec- tions in the East and emigrated westward, bring- ing with him a capital of about $3,000. His des- tination was Minnesota, and he landed at Winona, but soon after located a mile and a-half north of St. Charles, where, under the pre-emption law, lie secured a claim. He located on the land and at once began to improve the farm. At the time of his arrival there also came to the county his brother, George H. Johnson, now of Blooming Prairie, Wis.; a sister, Mrs. Isaac M. Childs; and his wife's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter, and their two sons, Loren N. and Uriah L. The latter resides in Dover Township, and the former died from the effects of army service. He enlisted in the Union cause during the War of the Rebellion, was taken sick with fever* lost his eye-sight, and being unfit for further duty was discharged. A sister of Mrs. Johnson is now the wife of Isaac M. Higley, and resides in Chatfleld. On the 1st of September, 1852, was celebrated the marriage of Samuel A. Jolinson and Miss Mary C. Carpenter, of Eastford, Conn. To them were born six children: Everett C, who is now en- gaged in business with his father; Richard H.,who is cashier of a bank in Dickinson, N. Dak.; Ella A., wife of J. C. Hendee, of St. Charles; Robert A., who is a member of his father's firm; Alfred P., who is engaged in the hardware business in Gar- field, Wash.; and Winnie, who died in childhood. Mr. Johnson was also found among the boys in blue during the late war. He enlisted in Febru- ary, 1864, in Brackett's Minnesota Battalion, and did service under General Sully in the Northwest, taking part in the Sioux campaign in Dakota, and going up the headwaters of the Missouri and on to Devil's Lake. He participated in the battle of Killdeer, Mont., about thirty-five miles northwest of the present town of Dickinson, where about three thousand were engaged on each side. He spent one winter at Ft. Ridgely, and one at Ft. Randall, on the Missouri, and was discharged in May, 1866, after a service of two and a-half years. Mr. Johnson successfully followed farming from the time of his marriage until May, 1877, when he embarked in the hardware business in St. Charles, with a stock valued at about $2,000. This has been largely increased to meet the growing demand, and since his sons have become members of the firm they have also added a line of agricultural imple- ments. They are men of good business ability, and careful management and close attention to all details have brought them a well merited success. Mr. Johnson sold his original farm and purchased two hundred and forty acres of land nearer St. Charles, to the further improvement and culti- vation of which he devotes his energies in con- nection with his commercial interests. He votes the Republican ticket, and is in close touch with his party. He is highly esteemed as a straightfor- ward, honorable business man, and in the history of his adopted county well deserves representa- tion. 194 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. John R. Qile. JOHN R. GILE, who is now living a retired life at No. 653 East Third Street, Winona, was born in Addison, Steuben County, N. Y., on the 16th of April, 1829, and is a son of John F. and Fanetta (Butler) Gile. The father was born in Hartford, Conn., and at an early day removed to Addison. His wife was a native of Philadel- phia, Pa. John R. spent the days of his childhood and youth in the East, and when twenty years of age accompanied his parents on their removal to Waukegan, 111., the journey being made by way of the Lakes. They remained in Waukegan only a short time, when, on account of the ague, they removed to the present site of Baraboo, Wis., al- though the town had not then sprung into exist- ence. The parents settled permanently on a tim- ber claim on Cedar Creek, seven miles from Bara- boo, in 1849, and there continued until 1853, when they came to Winona County. The father secured a claim seven miles southwest of Winona, and three miles west of Witoka, atGile's Corners, at the head of Burns Valley, and in 1854 began to build a home. He was one of the first settlers in that lo- cality. He assisted in blazing the road to La Crosse, and was connected with many events con- cerning the early history and development of the county. There he improved a good farm, upon which he made his home until his death, which oc- curred in 1873, at the age of sixty-nine years. He was in a runaway and thereby sustained an injury, a log badly hurting his side. A week afterward he was caught in a storm, and died a few hours later, on the 24th of December. He had improved a good farm of one hundred and sixty acres, and on the old stage road he kept a hotel, his hostelry being a very popular place with the traveling pub- lic. For many years he held the office of Postmaster at Wayland, and was recognized as one of the lead- ing citizens of the community. His wife survived him about one year. After the family came to Minnesota, John R. Gile was engaged in running a mill in Wisconsin, but during the high water of June, 1855, he lost nearly all his property there, it being washed away. This caused him to seek a home in Winona Count}', and secured for this locality one of its best citizens. He obtained a farm near his father's, and for ten years successfully carried on agricult- ural pursuits, placing his land under a high state of cultivation. He then sold out and came to Winona. Ere leaving Wisconsin, Mr. Gile married in Baraboo, on the I2th of June, 1855, Miss Sarah Jane Howard, a ladj' of French ancestry, who lost her parents during her early childhood, and was reared by her grandfather. Ten children have been born of this union, eight of whom are yet living, namely: Charles A., the efficient Cit}' Treas- urer of Winona; Maiy A., wife of W. E. Smith, railway agent for the North-western Railroad in Volga, S. Dak.; Josejjh Llewellyn, a farmer of Hart Township; John D., also an agriculturist; Minnie, wife of M. M. Ostrom, of Winona; James B., who is living in Winona; Andrew J., who is in the em- ploy of the Winona Lumber Company; and George W., at home. Eldula and Emma both died in childhood. On coming to Winona, Mr. Gile came into the PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 195 possession of the Winona Democrat, which was then owned by A. J. Reed, to whom he had loaned money for the establishment of the paper. He afterward admitted to partnership J.J. Green, and later other changes were made in the ownership of the paper. The business steadily increased, and a joint-stock company was organized. The paper was invoiced for $9,000, but this move proved an unprofitable one, and Mr. Gile lost all he had in- vested in the venture. The paper was sold at a receiver's sale in 1868, Mr. Gile being the pur- chaser, but later he disposed of it. For some time he was engaged in the commission business as a member of the firm of R. A. Foster & Co., and to this work his energies- were devoted until 1872, when he returned to the farm. From time to time he sold off portions of his farm, and in 1892 dis- posed of the remainder. He also carried on mer- chandising at Wilson, and was Postmaster of that place for four years. Since 1860 he has been a member of the Masonic fraternity. He has taken an active interest in political affairs, being a stanch supporter of the Democracy, and has labored ear- nestly in its interests. He has been an active mem- ber of the central committees, and has served as Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, and as Jus- tice of the Peace. He is devoted to his adopted county, doing all in his power for its advancement and welfare, and as a loyal and valued citizen de- serves mention in this volume. Thomas Adams Peirce, M. D. THOMAS ADAMS PEIRCE, M.D.,a homeo- pathic physician, successfully engaged in practice in Winona, was born in Bath, Me., December 20, 1829, and is a son of Thomas A. and Arabella (Sloane) Peirce, also natives of the Pine Tree State, the former born in 1800, and the latter in 1804. The paternal grandfather, Daniel Peirce, was also a native of Maine, and of English descent. He made farming his life occupation, had a family of four children, and died at the age of seventj' years. The maternal grandfather, Samuel Sloane, was born in Massachusetts and was a ship-builder. He belonged to the Congregational Church, and died in Maine at the age of eighty-two. The Doctor's father was a sea captain, and died in Da- rien, Ga., in 1830. His wife survived him until 1891, passing away at the age of eighty-seven. He was a member of the Methodist Church, while she belonged to the Presbyterian Church. In their family were three children, but Samuel and Ara- bella are now deceased. The Doctor was reared in his native city, and acquired his literary education in Litchfield Acad- emy, of Litchfield, Me. In his seventeenth year he took up the study of medicine and surgery, and afterwards entered the Pennsylvania Medical Col- lege of Philadelphia, there pursuing his studies from 1846 until 1850. He was graduated from the Homeopathic Medical College in 1850, and the same year began practicing in Norristown, Pa., where he remained until the fall of 1854, when he removed to Wilkes Barre, Pa., where he continued the prosecution of his profession until 1858. In that year he emigrated westward, and after a short 196 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. time passed in Waukegan, 111., removed to Galena, where he remained until 1863. Since that time he has made Winona his home, and in the thirty years which have passed has built up a large and lucrative practice. On the 16th of April, 1851, Dr. Peirce was united in marriage with Miss Anna B. Bean, daughter of John and Angeline (Schracls) Bean, of Norristown, Pa. Four children were born of this union, two yet living. John, a bookkeeper of Wa- basha, was married to Dora Black, and they have three children; Harry, who is County Clerk of Whatcom, Wash., married Emma Ten Eych, and has two daughters. The mother of this family died in Waukegan, 111., in 1859. On the 4th of January, 1863, Dr. Peirce married Miss Miranda Weigley, daughter of Wellington and Mary (Cum- mer) Weigiey, of Galena, 111. They have five chil- dren: Mary, wife of Ashley P. Hunter, of Norris- town, Pa., by whom she has two children, Morgan and Peirce; Annie; Warren; Emma, wife of Dr. Carl V. Visher, of Philadelphia; and Arabella. Dr. Peirce is a Master Mason, and his wife belongs to the Congregational Church. He was a member of the School Board of Winona for Sve years, and served as its President for three years. He is a warm friend of the cause of education, and does much to advance the interests and promote the welfare of the city. His skill and ability as a practitioner are widely known and receive recog- nition in a large business. J. F. Qay. Jr. GAY, the efficient and well known Sheriff of Winona Count^^ is recognized as a valued citizen, and has the high regard of many friends. The record of his life is as follows: He was born in Westmoreland County, Pa., June 8, 1845, and is one of a family of seven living children, whose parents were William and Martha (Spear) Gay. The paternal grandparents were Peter and Elizabeth Gay. The former was of Welsh descent, and lived to the advanced age of eighty-seven years, while his wife, who was of German lineage, reached the age of eighty-eight. The father of Sheriff Gay was also a native of the Keystone State, his birth having occurred in 1815. He followed farming as his life occupation, and was successful in his undertakings. His death oc- curred in 1867, at the age of fifty-two years, and his loss was deeply mourned, for he was one of the public-spirited citizens of Westmoreland County, and was always deeply interested in the progress and welfare of the community in which he lived. J. F. Gay spent the days of his boyhood and youth upon his father's farm. No event of special importance occurred during that period. During the winter months he attended the public schools, but with the opening up of spring he began work in the fields, where he labored from the time when the land was first plowed until the crops were harvested in late autumn. On attaining his ma- jority he started out in life for himself, and think- ing that the West furnished better advantages, he turned his face toward the setting sun. His first location was in Ohio, where he lived until 1889, during which time he engaged in merchandising. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 197 In that year he came to Winona, and has since been one of its popular and valued citizens. Mr. Gay was married in September, 1870, in the Buckeye State, the lady of his choice being Miss Mary A. Nevins, of Frederickstown , Ohio, daugh- ter of Aaron and Sarah (Beaver) Nevins. Tlieir family numbered eight children, and the parents were both natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Gay have one daugliter, Mabel. They are peo- ple of sterling worth, and though their residence in Winona County is of comparatively short dura- tion, they have many friends. In his political views, Mr. Gay is a pronounced Democrat, and one of the active workers in his party, the principles of which he warmly advo- cates. In 1876 he was nominated and elected Sheriff of Knox County, Ohio, for two years, and on the expiration of his term was re-elected, run- ning far ahead of his ticket, a fact which indicated iiis personal popularitj' and the confidence re- posed in him. In October, 1892, he was chosen as the Democratic nominee for County Sheriff of Wi- nona Count}-, entirelj' unsolicited by him. In tlie race he came out conqueror, and is now serving in that office with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. He is fearless and true in the discharge of his duties, and has the confidence of even his political opponents. Mr. Gay is a Mason, belonging to Mt. Zion Lodge of Mt. Vernon, Ohio, and to Cceur de Leon Commandery, Winona, Minn. He also holds membership with the Order of Druids, with the Equitable Aid Union and the Knights of Pythias. He is of a pleasant and genial disposition, true to himself and friends, and in the history of his adopted county well deserves repre- sentation. Peter Harman Williams. PETER HARMAN WILLIAMS, a retired farmer now living in St. Charles, is a na- tive of the Empire State, his birth having occurred in Lansingburg, Rensselaer County, nine miles from Troy, N. Y., on the 9th of November, 1833. His father, Peter T. Williams, was there born October 30, 1789, and having attained to mature years was married, .January 26, 1815, to Rachel Alexander, who was born January 25, 1796. The paternal grandparents were Thomas P. and Betsy Williams. The former was born in New York, June 14, 1756, and died April 9, 1834. The latter,born February 23, 1769, passed away Febru- ary 8, 1870, in Raymertown,aged one hundred and one. The mother of the subject of this sketch came from an old New England family, which numbered among its members many sea-faring men, several of them being noted as captains of vessels and for prominence in other naval positions. Peter T. Williams was a soldier in the War of 1812, and in compensation for his services received a land- warrant. He died in Jefferson, Wis., September 14, 1855, and his wife passed away August 1,1863. They were the parents of six children: Amelia M., who died in New York; Gilbert A., of Jefferson, Wis.; Thomas, who died in Jefferson; Henry V., 198 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. who is living in Whitewater, Wis.; Edward F., of Hampton, Franklin County, Iowa; and Peter H., of this sketch. The last-named spent the days of his boyhood under the parental roof, and in his early life car- ried on both merchandising and farming in New York. He there continued to make his home un- til after he had attained his majority. He was a child of six years when the family removed to Cayuga County, settling near Oswego, N. Y. The year 1852 witnessed his arrival in Wisconsin, he being the first of the famil}' to become a resident of that state. He afterwards returned to New York, where be remained until the fall of 1855, when, with his father and mother, he again went to Wis- consin, his parents making a permanent location there. P. H. Williams carried on various lines of busi- ness until 1863, when he came to Minnesota, lo- cating in Saratoga Township, Winona County, seven miles south of St. Charles, there becoming owner of the farm which he 3'et owns. For two years he carried on a hotel at Troy, on the old stage road,' but when the railroad was built his business was destroj'ed. He then turned his at- tention to agricultural pursuits, operating his farm with excellent success from 1866 until September, 1885, when he came to St. Charles. His farm comprised one hundred and sixty acres, but he added to this from time to time, and at length his landed possessions comprised ten hundred and sixty acres, which were divided into three farms of three hundred and twenty, three hundred and sixtj' and three hundred and eighty acres, respectively All are devoted to the raising of grain and are well watered. Mr. Williams engaged in the culti- vation of wheat crops, and thereby accumulated a handsome competency. He is now engaged in the real-estate business, handling town property. At Ft. Atkinson, on the 14th of September, 1858, Mr. Williams married Miss Maggie Byron, who was born August 25, 1837, in Cazenovia, Chenango County, N. Y., and is a daughter of Thomas and Mary (Clark) Byron. Her father died when she was quite young, and when she was ten 3'ears of age her mother removed with the family to Twin Rivers, Wis. From the age of fifteen until her marriage she resided in West Troy and in Jefferson, Wis. Her mother, who reared a fam- ily of eight children, died in Scott County, Minn., September 1, 1868. To Mr. and Mrs. Williams have been born the following children: Flora, who was formerly a successful teacher of Winona County, and is now the wife of P. F. Haynes, a real-estate dealer of Chicago; Annie, the wife of George D. French, of St. Charles; Mary, the wife of Henry Cox, of the Nicollet Hotel, of St. Charles; Nettie, at home; Charlie A., who was graduated from the Wisconsin University at Madison, and is now an attorney-at-law of Chicago; John R., who was graduated from the Illinois University of Chicago, and is now Clerk of the Court under Judge Brentano, of Chicago; Bertie, who died in his sixth year; Elmer, who died at the age of two 3ears; and Johnnie, wlio died in infancy'. Mr. Williams votes with the Democratic party. He served as Alderman for four jears, and on three different occasions has served as Mayor of St. Charles, in which offices he was found true to his duties. His wife belongs to the Episcopal Church. Mr. Williams has lead a busy and useful life and his success has come to him as the reward of earnest labor and good management. He is recognized as one of the most progressive and prominent citizens of St. Charles, and in the his- tory of his adopted count}- well deserves represen- tation. ^V^ PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 199 Nathaniel Cavis Qault NATHANIEL CAVIS GAULT is the senior member of the firm of Gault & Co., manu- facturers of the Schonnmaker Lightning Cable, and is a prominent business man, who labors earnestly for the best interests of Winona. He was born near Concord, N. H., June 30, 1822, and is a son of Obed and Mary (Cavis) Gault, the former of Scotch descent, and the latter of Welsh lineage. The paternal grandfather emigrated from Scotland to New Hampshire in early Colonial days. N. C. Gault was reared on the home farm, and at the age of twentj'-eight married Miss Martha E. Blood, of Lowell, Mass. He devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits until April, 1856, when he emigrated to the West, becoming a resident of Wi- nona. Here, in connection with Moses Gordon, he opened a hardware store, which they carried on until the failing healtli of Mr. Gordon compelled them to close out their business, in 1863. He had a commission from Governor Miller to enroll re- cruits for the army for Companies K and 1, of the Eleventh Minnesota Infantrj', and he himself joined the former company. On reaching Ft. Snelling he received word to call upon Governor Miller, who said to him, "You are too old to carry a musket or act on guard duty, so I will appoint you Quartermaster of the Eleventh Regiment," hand- ing him a commission. In later life he learned that William Windham and Judge Thomas Wilson had been instrumental in securing for him this ap- pointment. Mr. Gault then went to the front with his regiment, and served as Quartermaster until after the close of the war. When the country no longer needed his serv- ices, Mr. Gault was mustered out, and after spend- ing one year in Alabama he returned to Winona, where he engaged in the manufacture of brick. He was appointed to the Internal Revenue service, with which he was connected for some years, and was Oil Inspector for the county for four j-ears. From 1875 until 1881 he was connected with no business enterprise, but on the 28th of June of the latter year he established the manufactory of which he is now the head. The3' manufacture the Schonnmaker Lightning Cable, which is formed of a galvanized steel wire, overlaid with copper tubes, made from sheet copper and twisted into a contin- uous flexible cable; the^' also manufacture copper wire cables. The business hasconstantly increased, until it has assumed extensive proportions, and be- come one of the leading industries of Winona. The factory is 20x70 feet, and has a capacity of about five thousand feet of cable per day. They manu- facture cables in two sizes, of from two hundred and filty to five hundred feet in length, and also manufacture gold and silver plated points, ar- rows and vanes, as well as the necessary standards. The manufacture is exclusively for wholesale trade, and they sell direct to the salesmen. When seventeen j-ears of age, Mr. Gault united with the Baptist Church in his native town. In the fall preceding his arrival in Winona the first 200 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Baptist Church was organized in this place, and he assisted in raising the funds for the building of the house of worship. He has served as Deacon dur- ing his entire existence, and has been one of its most prominent members. He aided m organizing the first Sunday-school, and has been a leader in Sunday-school circles. His wife also shares with him in the good work, and is likewise prominent in the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. Mr. Gault was active in organizing the Old Set- tlers' Societj', and feels a commendable interest in everything that tends to perpetuate the early his- tory of his adopted county. He possesses the con- fidence of his fellow-townsmen in an unusual de- gree, for he has lived an honorable, upright life, well deserving the respect of all. BUEL T. DAVIS. < PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 203 i\ BUEL TURNER DAVIS is the efficient Su- perintendent of the public schools of Wi- nona, and is recognized as one of the able educators of the state, having a reputation for skill and ability in the line of his profession which might well be envied by a teacher of many more j'ears' experience. Professor Davis was born in • Decatur, Macon County, 111 , July 31, 1852, and is a son of Hon. John Davis, who comes of an old family of Macon County, III., and is a Member of Congress from the Fifth District of Kansas, elected on the Populist ticket. He was also a member of the Fifty-second Congress, and received the unan- imous nomination for the Fifty-fourth Congress. His wife bore the maiden name of Martha Powell. She was born in Wolverhampton, England, and is a sister of Maj. J. W. Powell, who is in charge of the Ethnological Bureau at AVasliington, D. C, and Prof. W. B. Powell, Superintendent of the public schools of the Capitol City and of the en- tire District of Columbia. The Davis family came 6 from Kentucky, and the grandfather of Professor Davis was a warm personal friend of Lincoln. Buel Turner Davis was named for two friends of his father, Jesse Buel, a noted author, and Pro- fessor Turner, of Illinois College, where John Davis was educated. The gentleman whose name heads this record was reared upon a farm near De- catur, and began his education in the district schools. He spent three years in the Decatur High School, and during the summer months pursued some special studies at home. At the age of eight- een he went to Kansas to improve a section of land which had been purchased by his father, and spent two years in developing and cultivating the farm. During this time he taught two short terms of country school, and also attended the State Agricultural College of Manhattan during the greater part of two years. His father having ar- rived to take charge of tlie farm, Buel T. entered upon a course at the State Normal School in Em- poria, Kan., after which he returned to Illinois 204 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. and made his liome with his uncle, W. B. Powell, in Aurora. lie was graduated from the high school in that place, and was in the normal department of the public schools, receiving the didactical de- gree iu 1876. He next returned to Kansas and completed the course in the State Normal, receiv- ing therefrom a life diploma, which gives him the privilege of teaching at any time in that state with- out further examination. After spending the suinmer of 1876 at the Cen- tennial in Philadelphia, IMr. Davis was elected Principal of the graded public schools in Chetopa, Kan., and with three assistant teachers had charge of two hundred pupils, giving great satisfaction, as was shown by the complimentary notices in the papers of that place. The Advance said of him: '•He is a man of ver^' superior qualifications, and was an efflcient and popular Principal. He is one of the best and most thorough educators in the state of Kansas, and his experience and ability as a Principal and Superintendent eminently fit and qualify him for any position pertaining to educa- tional matters." Mr. Davis for four and a-half years was Super- intendent of the public schools of Emporia, and had twenty teachers under his direction. During this time public sentiment greatly changed, owing largely to his influence, and the small school build- ings in the cit}' were replaced b}' structures of which the town may well be proud, and great prog- ress was made in the schools. While at Emporia, Mr. Davis was chosen by the Board of Regents to organize the training department in the State Nor- mal, and for some months held the double posi- tion of Superintendent of the public schools and Principal of the training department, drawing double salary. The training department was raised to a high standard under the management of Mr. Davis. On closing his labors in the public schools, he devoted the following four years to the normal. He at once organized a preparatory and model school, embracing classes from the primary through the grammar grades, and in April, 1882, emplo.yed an instructor in kindergarten methods. This fea- ture of the school soon became very popular. After eight years spent in Emporia Professor Davis became proprietor of the Tribune, a paper at Winficld. Kan. He had been a member of the Hnn of John Davis ife Sons, proprietors of the Junction Cit3' Tribune, although engaged in teach- ing at tlie time. He had also established the Little Hatchet, a school paper, which afterward became The Educationalist, and later The Western School Journal, and which is now an important factor in education, published at Topeka, Kan. He estab- lished the Winfield Tribunein 1884, and continued its publication until the fall of 1886, when he re- sumed scliool work. That year he went to Che- topa, and in 1887 to Anthony, where he served as Principal two years. In 1889 he was made Sujwr- intendent of the schools in Atchison, where he continued two years, and in 1891 entered upon the work at Winona. He had visited the National Association at St. Paul, became interested in Min- nesota, and soon after was elected Superintendent of the schools of this city. Eighty teachers are employed under his supervision, of which eighty per cent, are normal graduates and rank as able in- structors. There are eight good brick school build- ings in this city, which are supplied with all modern improvements, and in wdiich there are three thou- sand pupils enrolled. Mr. Davis found the schools in good condition, and has steadily raised their standard of excellence. One important feature is that he has so arranged the grading that a pupil may advance if qualified, and not be held back by delinquent stiJdents. He has also introduced changes which enable the principals to give more time to grading and advancing pupils; a kinder- garten system has been introduced, and the school age has been placed at five instead of six years. Great attention is paid to the selection of primary teachers, as Mr. Davis believes that a rigiit start greatly determines the future success of a pupil. An assistant teacher serves one year witli the prim- ary teacher, and is then placed in an intermediate grade. Mr. Davis was married in 1882 to Miss Emma Waite, of Oregon, 111., a lady highly esteemed for her womanly traits of character. She had for- merly been a teacher in Kansas. To them have been born five children: Buel, John Jay, Mildred, Merton and Josc))hiue. Mr, Davis is a member of the Masonic fraternity, PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 205 and of the Congregational Church, in which be has been an active worker. He is a member of the Teachers' Association, and during the summer of 1894 he iieaded a party of twenty-two teachers who went on a pleasure trip to Asbur}^ Parli. He is connected with the state summer schools, and iias conducted one nearly every year since 1876. He has done much satisfactory work in this line. The course of study in AVinona he has thoroughly revised upon the idea of unit}' of thought and ex- pression. The highest regard of those with whom he is brought in contact is ever given him, and on his arrival in Minnesota the schools of the state received an important acquisition. Qeorge Washington Clark. /">- EORGE WASHINGTON CLARK, who is V^T now living retired in Winona, is one of the honored pioneers of the county, and was the tirst settler on Wabasha Prairie, on the present site of the city. With the growth and develop- ment of this region he has since been pi'ominently identified, and with its history his name is inse))- arably connected. He was born on the 10th of June, 1827, in Copenhagen, Lewis Count}', N. Y. His father, Orrin Clark, was a soldier in the War of 1812, and took part in the battle of Sacket's Har- bor. After his death, which occurred in New York in 1848, he was granted a land-warrant in recognition of his services. This was located in 1855 by his son, George W., in whose possession it yet remains. Tiic Clark family is of Scotch-Irish origin. Some of the ancestors removed from Argyleshire, Scotland, at the time of the great confiscation, and took up their residence in Ireland. John Clark wijs born on the Emerald Isle in lG55,and in 16!)i» was married. In 1717 he came to America and took up his residence in Rutland, Mass., and about 1738 removed to Colerain, from where he went to Hampshire County. His children were: Matthew, Thomas John, William Samuel, James George, Sarah and Elizabeth, all born in Ireland. Matthew married Janet Bothel, and became a resident of Massachusetts at the same time as his father. His children were: Jane. John Alexander, Agnes, William, Hannah and Elizabeth, all born in Rut- land, and James, Margaret, Sarah and Matthew, natives of Colerain. .lames Clark, of this famil}-, was a child of seven years at the time of his fa- ther's death. He became a Captain in the French and Indian War, serving from 1754 until 1763, and comiuamled a garrison at Ft. Stein wa}', near Rome, N. Y. He retained his rank in the Revolu- tion, and was stationed at New London, Conn., guarding the spoils of war captured from liurgoyne at Saratoga. His death occurred in Chester, Mass., in 1800. His children were: John Scott, Royal, Silas, David, James, Orrin and Betsy. John Scott Clark, the grandfather of Winona's pioneer, was the first white male child born in Chester, Mass., the dale being 1762. He entered the Colonial army for service in the Revolution at the age of fifteen, and was with -his father at 206 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. New London, Conn. In 1790 he married Selah Anderson, and they became the parents of the following children: Orrin, Asenath, Electa, John and Lucinda. In 1804 they removed to Copen- hagen, N. Y., where the grandfather died, March 1, 1850, in his eighty-eighth year. In religious belief he was a Baptist and a leading member of the church. His wife passed away June 23, 1888. Orrin Clark, father of George W., married Rebec- ca White Templeton, of Worcester County, Mass., and their children were: Electa, Betsy, Sarah, Rebecca, Orrin, Nathan, Wayne, George W. and John Scott. The father of this family died in Copenhagen, January 13, 1840, in the forty-ninth j'ear of his age, and his wife was called to the home beyond September 23, 1855, at the age of sixty- eight. Their son Wayne came to Winona m 1852, and lived with the subject of this sketcii for one season, after which be returned to Copenhagen, where he still makes his home. He is a prominent man, especially in educational matters, and for fourteen years served as County Superintendent. Another brother, Orrin, came to Winona County in 1854, and purchased a farm of Allen Gilmore, one of the original "six bachelors." This farm ad- joined the claim of our subject, and thereon Oirin made his home until his death, wliich occurred February 10, 1894. He married Miss Cornelia Cottrell, and their onl3- surviving child is Julia A. Clark. John Scott Clark came to Winona in 1852, and died in the summer of 1854, when twen- ty-four years of age. He was buried in what is now Woodlawn Cemetery, but this was six jears before the cemetery was established, and his was the only interment up to 1860. Upon the old home farm, George W. Clark was reared, and the common schools afforded him his early educational privileges, which were supple- mented b}' two terms' attendance at Lowville Academy. In the spring of 1851 he bade adieu to home and friends, having resolved to try his fortune on the broad prairies of the West. He went from Sacket's Harbor to Lewiston, N. Y., thence by rail to Buffalo, b}' steamer to Detroit, and finally reached Milwaukee. B3' team he con- tinued his journey to Dodge County, Wis., where he visited relatives until the 5th of October, when. in company with three young men, he started across the country, reaching La Crosse at the time when its second frame building was in process of construction. Four weeks later, with Silas Stevens and Edwin Hamilton, Mr. Clark started up the river for Wa- basha Prairie, the present site of Winona. On the 13th of November, at half-past one in the morn- ing, they landed on the western bank of the Mis- sissippi, near the present site of the big flouring- raill. Mr. Johnson, who ten days before had reached this place, was asleep in his cabin a mile down the river, and they spent the remainder of the night with him. When day broke, they went to the extreme east end of the prairie, drove a stake as a starting point, and began locating claims. The following spring John Evans reached Winona County. There were now six b.ichelors at this place, and each agreed to hold one claim for him- self and an extra one for six months. The mem- bers of the party were, Edwin Hamilton, Allen Gilmore, George Wallace, Ervin Johnson, Caleb Nash and George Clark. The last-named secured a claim for himself and one for his brother. John Evans settled on one of those claims, and when persuaded to abandon that one immediately removed to the other. During the winter of 1851-52 Mr. Clark lived on the Stevens claim, but in the spring built a log shantj- on his own claim, and has since thereon resided. After about four years he erected a two-story frame dwelling, 22x25 feet, and has since made it his home, although he has greatl}' enlarged it and improved it in the mean time. To the original farm of one hundred and sixty acres he has added from time to time until he now has nearly half a section. The first tract is embraced in the Evans Addition to Wino- na. Some trouble was experienced by land-jump- ers. Mr. BummcU tiied to jump a claim held by Mr. Johnson, and in company with Harry Herrick destroyed the cabin. The first woman to locate permanantly in Winona County was Mrs. Augusta Penller, who located here in March, 1852. The same spring a drove of cattle from Missouri was taken to Winona County for the Indians further north. Mr. Clark and his two brothers bought two cows and decided to make some cheese, for they were PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 207 from NewYork, wbere i;lieese-making was and is one of the cliief iudustiies. The (lucstioii of coagula- tion was an important one, and one of the brothers, being somewhat of a chemist, shot a meadow lark and used its stomacli to nake rennet. 'With this the curd was made and in course of time the Clark brothers liad the first cheese manufactured in Wi- nona County. They also made butter, which was much in demand at gatherings where ladies were expected to be present. On the 11th of February, 1857, G. W. Clark was united in marriage with Miss Jennie A. Loekwood of Waupun. Wis., whose birth occurred Decem- ber 4, 1837. By their marriage were born seven children: Frank AV"., born January 4, 1858; Adah L., January 27, 1860; Jay Scott, November 4, 1862; Florence E., July 28, 1868; Alfred H., March 26, 1870; Jennie A., January 25, 1874; and May, Sep- tember 13, 1878. When Winona was incorporated, Mr. Clark's property was included within the city limits, but the following year was set off by act of Legisla- ture. He is the only resident of the township who owns the land on which he originally located, and yet makes his home thereon. He went through all the experiences of pioneer life and for many years devoted his time and attention first to opening up and then to developing and cultivating his farm. He has labored for the best interests of the community, and is an honored pioneer, who is held in high esteem by both 30ung and old, rich and poor. Benjamin J. Loucks. BENJAMIN J. LOUCKS is one of the more recent arrivals in Winona County, but is recognized as one of the leading citizens of Wiscoy Township. His home is on section 11, where he follows farming. A native of New York, he was bora in Herkimer County, on the 15th of April, 1 838, and is a son of Peter and Dolly (Petiie) Loucks. Their family numbered four children, three sons and a daughter: Elias, Margaret, Uen- jamin and Reuben. The third-mentioned spent the days of his boy- hood and youth in the usual manner of fanner lads, and was early inured to the arduous task of developing the land. His school privileges were very limited, his education being mostly acquir- ed through experience, observation and reading. These, however, have proved to him practical teach- ers. At the early age of eleven years he began to earn his own livelihood, and has since been de- pendent upon his own resources. He may there- fore trul}' be called a self-made man, for he is de- serving all the credit which that term implies. In 1861 Mr. Loucks was found among the de- fenders of the Union. In April of that year be joined the boys in blue and was assigned to Com- pany K, Thirty-fourth New York Infantry. The lirst engagement in which he participated was the long and hotly-contested Battle of the Wilderness. He also took an active part in the siege of York- town, where he was under tire for thirteen days. 208 PORTEAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. From there he was sent to tlie hospital, where he remained for two months, unlit for service. Later he participated in tlie battles of Antietam and Fredericksburg, being for the time assigned to Sedgwick's corps, and on the 30th of June, 1863, was mustered out. Mr. Loucks then returned to New York, where he remained until 1888, wlien he came to Winona County, Minn., and here has since made his homer Soon after his return from the war he was mariied to Miss Mar3^ E. Simmons, the ceremony being celebrated on the 23d of August, 1863. Their union has been blessed with one child, Norman H., a resident farmer of Wiscoy Township. Mr. Loucks is comfortabl}' situated in life, hav- ing by well directed efforts in business and by thrift and enterprise acquired a competence. In politics he is a supporter of the Republican party, and socially he is connected with the Grand Army of the Republic. Fred H. Pickles. FRED H. PICKLES, City Engineer of Wi- nona, although young in years and com- paratively a new addition to the popula- tion of this city, has nevertheless left, in the permanent city improvements made under his ad- ministration, au indestructible monument to his energj' and executive abilitj'. He was born in Nova Scotia, November 5, 1864, and is the son of Rev. F. H. W. Pickles, a Methodist minister of St. John, New Brunswick, and Harriett (Ricketson) Pickles. His paternal grandfather, Michael Pickles, a native of Keithley, Yorkshire, England, arrived in America in 1826. and settled in New Brunswick, where he was united in marriage with Fanny Wil- son, who came of an old Baltimore (Md.) famil}'. The maternal grandmother of our subject was a resident of New York during Revolutionary days, and witnessed many of the stirring scenes of that earlj- period in United States history. Fred H. Pickles graduated at the University of Mt. Allison, New Brunswick, in 1888, and before coming to the United States occupied the positions of Assistant Engineer of the New Brunswick Shore Line Railroad, Assistant City Engineer of St. John for two years, and was also m the employ of James D. Leary, of New York Cit3% in the construction of deep-water docks, grain elevators, and other en- gineering works at St. John. After arriving in the United States, he accepted the position of resi- dent engineer of the bridge crossing the Missis- sippi River at Lyons, Iowa, where he remained un- til the completion of the bridge. Under the employ of C. F. Loweth, of St. Paul, a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, he was em- ployed in various water-works, sewerage and other engineering constructions. Mr. Pickles came to Winona in May, 1892, whither his reputation for close application and careful work had already preceded him, and one week after his arrival was elected to the office of City Engineer. His first important work here was assisting in the com- pletion of the high bridge across the Mississippi River, and in the city pumping plant. Since Mr. Pickles has occupied the position of City Engineer, I PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 209 there have been some ^70,000 expended by tlie city for sewers. He has designed and superin- tended the la}-ing of the briek pavement« of the eit3\ and tlie bricl< engine house in tlie First Ward was also constructed after designs made by him. Mr. Pickles has produced (mainly from notes taken in the field), and now has on file in the City Engineer's Office, the first and only accurate rec- ords ever possessed hy the city of matters belong- ing to bis department of the jjublic service. He has found time amidst his multitudinous official duties to design for neighboring towns, the elec- tric-light plant at Rochester, Minn., and the water works at Rolling Stone, Minn., and at Galesville, Wis., being some of his work. January liJ, 1891, Mr. Pickles was united in marriage with Miss Mary Elliott, daughter of Ed- ward and Elizabeth Elliott, of St. John, New Brunswick. They attend the Congregational Church, of which Mrs. Pickles is a member. Mr. Pickles is not a politician, and would be consid- ered an independent. Francis McCormick Cockrell. FRANCIS McCORMICK COCKRELL, who for many j'ears was engaged in the hotel business in Winona, and was one of the most popular landlords of southern Minnesota, is now living retired, enjoying a well earned rest. A native of Kentucky, be was born in Bourbon County, on the 28th of February, 1814. His grand- father, Peter B. Cockrell, was one of the heroes of the Revolution. Removing to Missouri, he settled in Cooper County, where he spent his remaining days, dying at an advanced age. The family was early founded in Jefferson County, Va. His son, John Cockrell, became the father of our subject. He married a lad}' who came from a prominent Virginia family, and his last days were passed in his Kentucky home at Maysville. Five children were born to them, but only two are now living. F. M. Cockrell when a boy was thrown upon his own resources, and the success which he has achieved m life is due entirely to his own effoi-ts. He therefore deserves grea't credit, for he has worked his wa}' upward from an humble position to one of affluence. He entered upon his business career as a clerk in a store in Maysville, Ky. He afterward engaged in the same business in Cin- cinnati, whence he came to Winona in 1856. Here he became proprietor of the Huff House, which was built by H. D. Huff in 1855, and on the 5th of June was opened to the public by Willis SBON SKINKLE, deceased, was a well I Cy known and honored member of the farm- ing community of Wiscoj' Township, with whose interests he was closely identified from pio- neer times until death removed a valued citizen, and one who had done much to promote its up- building. He was born .in Wayne County, N. Y., May 20, 1834, and was the son of Henry Skinkle. For many 3cars Esbon lived in his native place, and then accompanied his father, to McIIenry County, 111., where he lived until attaining man's estate. He had received a fairly good education in the inferior schools of that period and locality, and "hen eighteen years old began to make his own way in the world. His labors were as a farm hand, for which he received a very insignilicant sura of money. In 1855 he thought to iietter bis condition financially, and coining to this county began to work for Loren Thomas, remaining in his employ the greater portion of the time until his enlistment as a private in tiie ranks of the Union army. He was mustered in as a member of Company K, Eleventh Minnesota Infantry, Au- gust 27, 1864, and until the day of his discharge, June 20 of tlie following year, did guard dut}' at Nashville, in the state of Tennessee. On the establishment of peace, Mr. Skinkle re- turned to Winona County and moved upon a tract of Government land, which included eight}' acres on section 11, Wiscoy Township, for which he paid Si. 25 per acre. He had purchased this claim in 1857, but did not live upon it or begin the work of its cultivation until iiis return from the war. It was thickly covered with timber in some portions, and in clearing this away he spent man}' weeks of arduous toil. The soil richly repaid him for his hard labors, and until the day of his death our subject reaped handsome returns. His attention was given to general farming, and in this industry he was classed among the most progressive and wide-awake men in his community. Esbon Skinkle was married, September 17, 1865, to Miss Elizabeth Caster, a native of the Empire State. There her birth occurred Februar}' 23, 1845. 214 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Her parents were Richard and Dorothy Casler, worthy residents of Heriiiraer County- To our sub- ject and his wife there were born two children: Frank, wlio died at the age of eight years; and Myrtle, now the wife of Norman Loucks, a well-to- do farmer of this township. Mrs. Louck's children are Benjamin, Avis Elizabeth and Harrj' Raj' mond. Mr. Skinkle alwaj'S took an active interest in the success of the Republican party, with which he voted for many years. He was Chairman of the Board of Supervisors in his township, and in various wajs aided in promoting the welfare of his community. He was active in the discharge of his duties as School Director, and whether filling office or not did what he could to further the cause of education. He was prominent in Mason- ic circles, and as a Grand Army man was very in- fluential in Witoka Post. In his death, which occurred April 16, 1891, Wiscoy Township lost one of its best citizens. The fine property which he left stands as a monument to the energy which he pul forth in the labors of life and the good judgment which characterized his efforts, while his high standing among his fellow-men was an equal- ly satisfactory proof of his worth as a neighbor and a citizen. Charles Knopp. eHARLES KNOPP is a well known farmer and fruit-grower of this county. He resides on section 30, Winona Township, where he owns an interest in three hundred acres of fine land. This is now a rich and valuable tract, owing to the high state of cultivation under which it has been placed and to the many improvements made thereon. In appearance it is neat and thrifty; everything is kept in first-class order and indicates the careful supervision of the owners. Mr. Knopp is a native of the neighboring state of Wisconsin. His birth occurred on the 8th of April, 1850, he being the eldest in a family born to Michael Knopp, whose biography appears else- where in this work. The Knopps are of German extraction. The father was born in Nassau, Ger- man}', and came to America when twenty-three years of age. He made no settlement in the East, but came at once to the Mississippi Valley, and settled on a farm in Wisconsin. There he ran a flouring-mill near Green Baj- for about two years, after which -he came to Minnesota, in 1864, and purchased land. He makes his home in the city of Winona, but is engaged in farming and fruit- growing. Although seventy-eight years of age, he is an active old man, and personallj' superintends his business interests. All who know him esteem him highlj-, for he is a man of sterling worth, pos- sessed of many excellences of character. His wife, who was also born in Nassau, Germany, is yet liv- ing, at the age of sixty-seven. Charles Knopp has resided in Winona Count}' during the years of his manhood, for he was a lad of onlj' fourteen years when the family came to PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 215 Minnesota. He had previously resided in the Badger State, and in its common schools began his education, which was completed in the schools of this community. Upon the old home farm he be- came familiar with agricultural pursuits and fruit- growing, which business was to become his life work, and he labored with his father until about thirty-three years of age. He then joined his brother Joseph and engaged in farming three hundred acres of land, the farm which is described above. To its further cultivation and develop- ment he has since devoted his energies, and his la- bors have brought him a comfortable competence. On the 2d of February, 1882, Mr. Knopp was united in marriage with Miss Amelia Roehning, a native of Germany. ' Their family now numbers five children, Samuel, Paul, Walter, Martha Mary and Elsie Elizabeth, and the circle is yet un- broken by the hand of death. In his social relations Mr. Knopp is connected with Friendship Lodge No. 98, A. O. U. W., and Oak Grove Lodge No. 15, Order of Druids, both of Winona. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the Democracy, and is a stalwart advo- cate of the principles of that part}^ His fellow- townsmen have attested their confidence in his ability by calling him to public office, and their trust has never been betrayed. He has served as Chairman of the Board of Supervisors for two terms, has filled the oflice of Town Clerk, and is now serving as Constable of Winona Township. The duties of these offices he has discharged with promptness and fidelity, thereby winning the com- mendation of all concerned. Mr. Knopp has long resided in this county', and those who have known him from boyhood are numbered among his warm- est friends, for they have witnessed his honorable, upright life. Rev. Nicholas Schmitz. REV. NICHOLAS SCHMITZ, of Rolling Stone, was born on the 1 2th of January, 1856, in the village of Neidenbach, Ger- many, and with his parents came to the United. States in November, 1868, when a lad of twelve years. He crossed the Atlantic to New York, and thence came direct to Minnesota, settling in Hamp- ton Township, Dakota County. He remained with his parents upon the farm until 1872, when he be- gan his studies for the ministry. After continu- uing his studies for some years lie was ordained, on the 20th of July, 1882, by Rt.-Uev. R. Seidenbusch, in St. John's University', Stearns Count}', Minn. Rev. Mr. Schmitz celebrated his first mass on the 30th of July, 1882, at New Trier, Dakota County. His first field of labor inclifded all the territory west of Glencoe, McLeod County, and extended to Milbank, taking in all the stations on the Hast- ings & Dakota branch of the Chicago & Milwau- kee Railroad. After nearl}' two years of serv- ice in this field he was called by his Ordinary to Adams, Mower County, Minn. At that place he was greatly beloved by his people and his work proved very successful. In the village of Adams, through his instrumentality, was erected the first Catholic cluuch and pastoral dwelling at that place, and when the buildings were completed there was not a cent owing on either. At Rose Creek, a 216 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. railroad station on the Iowa & Minnesota Rail- church in numbers. There is now a fine church and road, he also built the first church, a structure 40x80 feet. In 1890 he was called by Bishop Cot- ter to his present mission at Rolling Stone, where he lias worked with great success, enlarging his field of usefulness here and greatly adding to the good school under the direction of the Franciscan Sisters of Milwaukee. In connection with tiis work at Rolling Stone, Rev. Mr. Schmitz also has charge of the Oak Ridge Mission, and the one at Elba. Isaac W. Timmons, M. D. ISAAC W. TIMMONS, M. D., one of the lead- ing homeopathic physicians of Winona, and a worthy representative of the medical profes- sion in this county, claims Ohio as the state of his nativity, for his birth occurred in Ross Count}', on the lltli of October, 1833. He is the youngest in a familj' of five children born to Thomas and Eliz- abeth (Draper) Timmons. The former was a na- tive of Maryland, and upon a farm in that state remained until he had attained his raajorit}-, when he married Miss Draper. The lad}', who was born in Delaware, was of English extraction, and died at the early age of thirt\--eight. In 1817 Mr. Tim- mons removed to Ross Count}-, Ohio, wheie he en- gaged in farming and stock-raising. He was one of the pioneers of that county, was recognized as one of its leading citizens, and from 1826 until 1850 he dealt extensively in horses and mules. At the time of the War of 1812 he was only a boy, but he hauled supplies to the soldiers. In his busi- ness he was very "successful, and, overcoming the difficulties in his path, he worked his way steadily upward to prosperity. After the death of his first wife he married her sister, Hester Draper, and a daughter was born of that union. Mr. Timmons was called to his final rest at the age of sixty-eight.. He was a faithful and consistent member of the Methodist Churcii, and his father was a lay reader in the Episcopal Church. His parents were both born in the United States, where his ancestors had lived for several generations, the family having ijeen founded in America at the time of the land- ing of Lord Baltimore. Dr. Timmons early became familiar with farm work, for as soon as he could handle the plow he began laboring in the fields. Up to the time he was eighteen years of age he attended the common schools, and tlien took a course in the graded schools. Not wishing to follow the pursuit to which his childhood labors were devoted, he turned his attention to the medical profession, and for two years read medicine under his brother's instruc- tion. He then embarked in merchandising at Cairo, 111., in 1856, and carried on business along tiiat line until 1862, when, the war having broken out, he closed his store at that place and removed to Centralia, 111. There he served as Deputy Rev- enue Collector until 1869, after which liespent the two succeeding years in attendance at the Homeo- pathic JNIedical College of Missouri, located in St. Louis, from which institution he was graduated in March, 1870. Dr. Timmons first opened an office in Money Creek, Minn., where for five years lie engaged in practice, and then came to Winona, wiiere he has devoted his time to the prosecution of his profes- sion continuously since. He has always been a thorough student of the science of medicine, and PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 217 his abilities, botii iiatiii-al and acquired, liave fitted him for a successful career in hisclioseu \vorl<. His knowledge of medicine and his cheery manner in a sick room make him an excellent ph.ysician, and he now has a good practice. On the 25th of June, 1857. Dr. Timmons was united in marriage with Miss U. E. Robinson, of Ross County, Ohio, and to them have been born six children, namely: Kate E.; Virginia E., who is one of the leading teachers in the public schools of Kansas and Missouri; Jessie M., wife of G. A. Col- lins, foreman of one of the leading lumber com- panies of Winona; Lydia, a highlj- educated lad\% now the wife of C. F. Spencer, editor and proprie- tor of the At water Press, of Atwater, Minn.; S. Luetta, wife of Charles A. Pfeiffer, who is now con- nected with the O'Neill Elevator Company of Chi- cago; and John W., who for several j'ears hiis held a responsible position in the Winona Deposit Bank. The Doctor and his familj- hold membership witli the Methodist ilpiscopal Church, and are among the leading citizens of VVinona, occupying a high position in social circles. He has been a stanch and inflexible adherent of the Republican party since its organization, and was one of nine Republicans in his county who voted for Fremont in 1856. He was also one of the thirty-seven known Republicans in Cairo who supported Lin- coln. Devotion to principle has always been one of his leading characteristics. John Q. Hayes. JOHN G. HAYES, who is now engaged in farming on section 11, Rolling Stone Town- ship, is one of the worthy citizens that Eng- land h.as furnished to Winona County. He was born on the 5th of March, 1835, in Pannard, England, and was the only child born to Jesse and Harriet (Carpe) Hayes. The father was a farmer and miller, and followed those occupations through- out his entire life. He never left his native land, but died in England at the age of seven t^'-five. His vvife passed away when sixty-five years of age. Mr. Ha^'es of this sketch continued under the parental roof until he had attained his majority'. He early began work in the fields, and soon became familiar with all the duties of an agriculturist. When he had reached man's estate he bade adieu to home and friends and took passage on a sailing- vessel bound for America. The hope of bettering his financial condition led to his emigration to the New World, and his hope has been realized. He first made a location in Claremont County, Ohio, where for ten years he worked at the miller's trade, having learned the same with his father while in his native land. On the expiration of that decade he returned to England and embarked in the dairy business, which he carried on for ten 3'ears, when, in 1876, he again came to the United States and purchased the farm upon which he has since made his home. In 1856 Mr. Hayes was united in marriage with Miss Martha Maidnaut, who died while in ?>ugland, leaving four children. Hettie, the eldest, is now an accomplished teacher in the schools of Paris; Susie, Cleopatra and Jesse are still in England. 218 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Mr. Hayes inherited quite a large estate in Eng- land, but as he did not care to remain in that country he placed it in possession of his children. In 1874 he was again married, his second union being with Miss Jennie Randall, of England. Mr. Hayes is a stanch supporter of the principles of the Democracj',but is not strongly partisan. His fellow-citizens have given evidence of their ap- preciation of his worth and abilitj' by electing him to several township offices, and he is now serving hissecond term as Township Treasurer. True to every trust reposed in him, he has won the confi- dence and esteem of all. Mr. Hayes now owns one hundred and twenty acres of rich and valuable land, pleasantly situated five miles from Winona, and carries on general farming. He has also en- gaged to some extent in the breeding of trotting horses. He is a broad minded-man, who keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, and in the community where he lives is regarded as a valued citizen. W. L. ROBILLARD. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 221 Wilford L. Roblllard ^^^■^v^'^v^ '«, -^■-^■-^' \ T «)ILFORD L. ROBILLARD, a well V/ \/ known business man of Dakota, is the senior member of the firm of Robillard & Helsaple, proprietors of a sawmill. The gentle- man whose name heads tiiis record has the honor of being a native of Winona County, for he was born in the town of Dresbach, August 15, 1854. His parents, Wilford and Mary (Maynard) Robil- lard, were both natives of Canada, and came to New York State in 1845. From there in 1846 they went to Freeport, 111. Later, in 1850. they moved from there to Wisconsin, locating in the village of Dresbacli, Winona County, where the father carried on a tavern. To that business he devoted his energies for about twelve years, after which he moved to Dubuque, Iowa, where his last days were spent. His wife passed aw.aj- a few years later. Mr. Robillard and his father-in-law were the first settlers in Dresbach. The latter was a pilot on the river. Both entered land from the Government, and Mr. Robillard operated his farm for some years, after which he sohl it to Mr. Dresbach, who laid out the village and divided the farm into town lots. To Wilford and Mary Robillard were born seven children: Joseph, now a resident of Dresbach; Jos- ephine and Johnnie, both of whom are now de- ceased; Jennie, who is the wife of James Wilkinson, a resident of Dakota; Wilford L, of this sketch; Josephine, deceased; and Mary R., wife of John Brown, a railroad man, living in AVabasha. After the father's death the mother became the wife of Alfred Purdy, and by their union were born three children : Mrs. Hattie Castor, who is now living in Dakota; >Scott F., who is at home with his parents; and George, who is also yet under the parental roof. No event of si)ecial importance occurred during the boyhood and youth of the subject of this sketch. He remained with his parents and ac- quired his education in the public schools, though from the early age of ten years he earned his own livelihood. While still a youth he engaged in service on the river steamers, being employed as watchman and receiving a man's wages. He con- tinued on the river until eighteen years of age, saving some money during that time. He then went to Jordan, Minn., and for one summer worked on a farm. On the expiration of that period he returned to Dakota, where he engaged in chopping wood during the succeeding winter. In the spring he went to the pineries, where for three years he was emplojxd as a cook and in lumbering, after which he removed to the state of Dakota, and there gave his attention to selling farm machinery, making his home in that place for six years. His 222 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. next journey was across the plains to tlie West, to California, but after a short time lie returned home and pui'chased a farm on section 12, New Hartford Township, in this county, comprising two hundred and thirty acres of land. To this heat once turned his attention, and for three years engaged in its cultivation. In September, 1885, Mr. Robillard was united in marriage with Miss Dora Foreman, whose birth occurred May 18, 1863, and who was the daugliter of John Foreman. The latter was a native of Pike County, Mo., born November 1.5, 1829. When a little over two j-ears old he accompanied his father to Pike County, 111., and in 1848 be went with his brother to Stillwater, Minn. Soon after he went to St. Paul, in or near which place he lived up to the time of entering the army. He served as cook on a Mississippi steamer for several years, but when the war broke out in 1861 he gave up his position, offered his services to the Govern- ment, and donning the blue marched to the front. His death occurred in 1866, and his wife passed away shortly after, leaving four children: Silas, who is now Assistant State Oil-tester and resides in St. Paul; Josephine, now the wife of Osgood Fulington, a resident of St. Paul; Edward, who is engaged in editing a newspaper in California; and Dora, novT Mrs. Robillard. Our subject and his wife also have four children, and the family circle yet remains unbroken. They are Ella M., Mary R., Wilford L., Jr., and Josie Belle. After his marriage Mr. Robillard removed to Duluth, Minn., where he engaged in tiie real-estate business with good success for three years. He then returned to his old home in Dakota, and after a short interval of rest embarked in the sawmill business, which he has since followed. He is re- garded as one of the enterprising citizens of the town, and one of its prosperous business men. His success is the result of close application, earnest effort and untiring industr}'. In addition to his sawmill he owns one hundred and sixtj' acres of pine timber-land in the South and one hundred and sixty acres in North Dakota. Mr. Robillard is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and takes an active interest in everything per- taining to the welfare of the communitj' and its upbuilding. Col. John Ball. eOL. JOHN BALL, deceased, was born on the 5th of December, 1835, in Rutland, Jefferson Countj', N. Y., and was a son of William and Arodyne (Hill) Ball, who belonged to old families of the Empire State. In the usual manner of farmer lads the Colonel spent the days of his boyhood and youth, remaining at home with his parents until tweiit^^-two years old. The year 1853 witnessed his arrival in Minnesota, whither he came in company with B. J. Grimshaw. He entered the employ of Thomas Simpson, of Wi- nona, who was then engaged in surveying the Me- nomonee Indian Reservation in Wisconsin. Later, in the fall of 1855, he went to Dubuque, Iowa, and the following year again came to Winona. He passed one 3-ear in Steele County, and until 1861 engaged in surveying and dealing in land, being in the empio}' of the Government during a por- tion of that time. Having determined to enter the legal profession, he took up the study of law with the firm of Lewis & Simpson, and was admitted to the Bar in 1860, but did not engage in practice. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 223 Mr. Ball had watched with interest the progress of events which had preceded and brought on tlie Civil War, and true to the cause of his country he resolved to strike a blow in defense of the. Union when the South began hostilities. Hardly had the smoke from Ft. Sumter's guns cleared away when, as a private, he joined Compan}' K, First Minne- sota Infantry. This company was formed of sev- entj'-six men, who enlisted for three months' serv- ice, but over sixty of them continued in the three- years service. When the regiment was organized Mr. Ball was made Captain, and in 1864 he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel of the Eleventh Minnesota Infantry. He was with his regiment in Kentucky and Tennessee, and as his superior otBcer, Col. J. B. Gilflllan. now Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, was often called awaj-, he practically had command of the regiment. When a private he shared with his comrades their high reputation for bravery and steadiness, and when he became an officer he was noted for his valiant service and for his unUinching discharge of duty. He took part in many of the hard-fought battles of the war, including tlie battle of Bull Run, Ball's Bluff, Yorktown, Fair Oaks, Peach Orchard, Glendale, Malvern Hill, Charleston, Fred- ericksburg, that most important battle of Gettys- burg, and others. On his return from the war, Colonel Ball pur- chased from Col. H. C. Lester his abstract books, completed the set, and in connection with John B. Fellows carried on the abstract business. He was lionored with a number of public offices, to which his worth and ability justly entitled him. He served as School Director and as Alderman, and in the year 1866 was elected on the Republican ticket to represent his district in the State Legisla- ture. After his retirement from that office he was elected County Treasurer, a position which he filled with credit to himself and satisfaction to his con- stituents until his death. John Ball Post, G. A. R., was named in his honor, and indicated the high regard in which he was held by his army com- rades. With the Masonic fraternity he held mem- bership. On the 27th of December, 1865, Colonel Ball was united in marriage with Miss Emma Lewton, of Lewiston, daughter of James J. and Cynthia (Parker) Lewton, who came to Winona in 1858. Her father was a contractor and builder, and both he and his wife died in Winona. Mrs. Ball was a native of Jefferson County, Ky., and the family re- moved from Louisville, Ky., to this place. She is a lady of high education and is refined and cult- ured, which fact is shown throughout her beautiful home. To Colonel and Mrs. Ball were born three children: Marj' Agnes, now the wife of M.P.Han- son, who is in the North- Western Railroad office; William Parker, who resides inGoldendale, Wash.; and Charles G., who is in the employ of the Edi- son Electric Company, of Brooklyn, N. Y. Colonel Ball was wounded at the battle of Bris- tol Station, while leading a charge, and never fully recovered from his injuries. This undoubtedly hastened his death, and he died at the home of his parents in Rutland, N. Y., September 26,1875. He was laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemeteiy, and many friends mourned his loss. His life was indeed ex- emplar}'. He was honest and straightforward in all business dealings, scrupulously self-sacrificing, and was a true gentleman in the highest sense of the term. The Bar passed strong resolutions of respect at his death, and throughout the county friends mourned him like a brother. -«- — 1) 224 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. James Hardwick. .1 AMES HARDWICK, a farmer and dairyman residing on section 30, Winona Township, Q^f- was born on tlie lOtli of June, 1830, in Tickeuham, Somersetshire, England, his fam- ily being an old one of that county. His father, James Hardwick, was born in an old king's palace, on the same estate where occurred tlie birth of his son James. Having arrived at 3'ears of maturity, he led to the marriage altar Miss Mary Ann Baker, who was born in the same neigiiborhood, and they became the parents of eight children, seven sons and a daughter, all of whom reside in England with the exception of the subject of tliis sketcli. Throughout his entire life the father followed the occupation of farming. His death occurred at the age of seventy-six. and his wife passed away many years previous. Upon the death of the mother the family was broken up, and James Hardwick went to live with a farmer iu the neighborhood, with whom he con- tinued for a number of years. He then entered the employ of a merchant, in whose service he re- mained for seven years, when, in the autumn of 1856, he came to America, accompanied by his wife and two children. The voyage across the Atlantic was made in a sailing-vessel and six weeks were consumed in making the trip. On reaching the shores of the New World, Mr. Hardwick came at once to Winona, where he worked for one year, and then removed to the Gilmore Valley, where he purchased eighty acres of land. The tract was covered with timber, but the forest has since been replaced by waving fields of grain, which delight the eye of the passer-by and indicate to him the enterprising and progressive spirit of the owner, who has made his home upon his present farm for thirty-seven years. Ere leaving his native land, Mr. Hardwick was united in marriage with Miss Harriet Hawkins, who was born in Long Asiiton, England. Their union was celebrated on the 4th of July, 1852, and was blessed with a family of four children. James W., the eldest, born June 21, 1853, is the largest dairyman of Winona County. He was onl3- three and a-half years of age when he came here, and therefore alini)st his entire life has been passed in this locality. On the 1st of May, 1877, he married Miss Lillie Cleveland, of Trempealeau, Wis., and to them were born six children : Rosa M. and Nina L., who died in childhood; and Pearl Clara, Winnie Ida, Mabel Olive and Gilbert, who are still with their parents. Mary Ann is the wife of J. J. Keeley, an engineer in the emploj' of the Great Northern Railroad, and they have four sons, Harry J., William, Bertie C. and Earl J. Harriet is the wife of J. C. Cornelian, a resident of Grand Forks County, N. Dak. William I., who is en- gaged in gardening in Winona Township, wedded Miss Mary Gallien, and they have two sons, Ray B. and Allen. Mr. Hardwick and bis son are both supporters of the men and measures of the Republican party. He has several times served as Supervisor of his PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 225 township, and is very prompt and faithful in the discharge of his duties. In an early day he took quite an active interest in school work, but now leaves that to younger men of the community. His son has served as Assessor of the township for seven terms, and as Town Clerk for two terms. Mr. Hard wick is a member of the Episcopal Church. He came to this country with the hope of benefit- ing his financial condition, aud by close attention to the details of his business, by good management and untiring labor he has won a comfortable com- petence. John Bain. JOHN BAIN, one of the representative farm- ers of Winona County, who owns and oper- ates a valuable tract of land on section 17, Fremont Township, is a native of Ontario, Canada, born May 15, 1843. His parents, Robert and Barbara (Ferguson) Bain, had a family of twelve children, five of whom died in infancy. The eldest is our subject, and the others still liv- ing are Barbara, widow of Charles McDonald, a resident of Polk County, Minn.; Duncan, who is en- gaged in farming in tliat county; Robert, a carpen- ter of Polk County ; James, who carries on agricult- ural pursuits in Polk County; Isabella, wife of Thomas V. Nesbit, of Winona County; and Donald, who is a farmer of Polk Count}-. The father of this family was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1818, and when nine years of age accompanied his par- ents on tlieir emigration to Canada. The grand- father of our subject was a carpenter and builder. Robert Bain became a farmer and followed agri- cultural pursuits for many years. In 1868 he came with his family to Winona Countj', making it his home until 1878, when he removed to I'olk Coun- ty-, where he still resides upon a farm. His wife is also a native of the Highlands of Scotland, and both are members of the Presbyterian Church, and people who are greatly respected on account of the many excellent qualities which they possess. John Bain, whose name introduces this review, remained upon the home farm until he had at- tained his m.ajority, and in early life became famil- iar with all the duties that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. The common schools afforded him his early educational privileges, and experience, reading and observation have made him a well in- formed man. As a companion and helpmate on life's journe}- he chose Miss E. A. Nisbit. The wedding was celebrated March 26, 1873, and their union has been blessed with three children, two sons and a daughter, Robert J., Maggie and Neil G., all yet at home. Mr. Bain and his family are members of the Presbyterian Church, and he exercises his right of franchise in support of the Republican party, the principles of which he warmly' advocates. On that ticket he was elected to the State Legislature in 1889, and was re-nominated for a second term, but the increased Democratic vote which was man- ifest all over the country caused his defeat. He has been Supervisor of his township for the long period of fifteen 3'ears, and for eighteen years has been Clerk of the school district, a fact which 226 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. shows his popularity in the community where he is best known, and the confidence and trust re- posed in him by his fellow-citizens. When Mr. Bain came into possession of his pres- ent fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres, he could not pay for it entirely, but has now cleared it of all indebtedness and has a very valuable property. In connection with general farming lie is successfully engaged in stock-dealing, making a specialty of the breeding of Shorthorn cattle and English Shire horses. He is enterprising and pro- gressive in all business transactions, and his pub- lic and private life are alike above reproach, for whether upon the farm, in local office or legisla- tive halls, he is the same honorable and straight- forward gentleman. Frank E. Qartside. FRANK E. GARTSIDE, who for the past ten years has been extensively engaged in the laundry business in Winona, and is now at the head of one of the leading industries of the cit}', claims Pennsylvania as the state of his nativity. The place of his birth is in Pike Township, Bradford County, and the date is Feb- ruary 18, 1862. He is one of a family of six chil- dren, four of whom are yet living. Their parents were Thomas and Permelia L. (Brink) Gartside, the former a native of Englaud, and the latter of the Keystone State. The father was born in Old- ham, near Manchester, England, in the year 1828, and lived in his native country until he had at- tained his majority, when, with the desire to tr}' his fortune in America, he took passage on a sail- ing-vessel bound for New York, in 1849. After arriving in this country he located first near Phil- adelphia, but afterwards engaged in railroading in Connecticut, and in the early part of the '50s became connected with the Erie Railroad, with which he continued for the long period of twenty- seven years, one of its most faithful and trusted employes. During this time his family lived in Hornellsville, N. Y. In 1877 Mr. Gartside retired from active business, and ha? since lived in Brad- ford County, Pa., where he now makes his home, a hrghly respected citizen. His wife, who was born in that county, died in 1894, at the age of sixty- four years. Frank E. Gartside was in early life taken to Hornellsville, where he grew to manhood and made liis home until 1884. In 1881, when nine- teen years of age. he embarked in business for himself, establishing a laundry, which he carried on for three j'ears. He then came to Winona, and established the laundry which he now owns in this city. Since 1885 he has been located on East Fourth Street, in a building erected expressly to meet the requirements of his business. The rapid increase of trade necessitated in 1894 tlie purchase of the large building adjoining on the east. The PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 227 plant is fitted with the newest and most complete machinery, and employment is furnished to twen- ty-five hands. From the beginnino; the trade has constantly increased, until it has now assumed ex- tensive proportions and the business has become a very profitable one. In addition to the laundry trade, Mr. Gartside has just put in a carpet-clean- ing plant, embodying the latest improvements in that direction, and is prepared to do first-class work along that line. On the 25th of October, 1892, Mr. Gartside was united in marriage with D. C. Edwards, a native of Elmira, X. Y. They are both highly respected in the community and have many warm friends. Mr. Gartside is one of the enterprising, wide- awake young men of the cit}', and is deservedly popular with all classes. He is connected with several civic societies, holding membership with Winona Lodge No. 18, A. F. & A. M.; with the Knights of Pythias fraternity, and with the Order of Druids. His political views are those of the Re- publican party, and on that ticket he was elected Alderman of the city in 1888, serving for one term as a member of the council. Bernard riaceman. BERNARD MACEMAN, one of the honored pioneers of Winona County, now engaged in gardening in the cit}^ of Winona, was born in Westcnflander, Belgium, on the 31st of August, 1822, and is a son of James and Cecil Maceman. In the family were ten children, and Bernard was the seventh in order of birth. The father was a farmer by occupation, carrying on ag- ricultural pursuits throughout his whole life. Phys- ically, he was a large, strong man. His death oc- curred when about sixty years of age, in Belgium, where his entire life was passed. Mr. Maceman of this sketch remained at home until his father's death, he being then eighteen years of age. After that he began to support the family, and his earnings were thus used until 1854, when he sailed for America. That was be- fore the day of modern steamers, and he took pas- sage at Antwerp on a sailing-vessel carrying eight hundred and eighty passengers, which after a voy- age of twenty-eight days dropped anchor in the harbor of New York. It was in May that he landed on the shores of the New World, and found him- self among a strange people, whose language he could not speak. He had no capital, and had to depend entirely nce turned his attention to the development of the land. He began breaking prairie with ox-teams, planted crops, and in course of time the rich soil yielded a good return. He was one of the early settlers of the neighborhood, and the county was largely unimproved. Winona contained only one store, and many of the now thriving villages had not then sprung into ex- 1 istence. Mr. Brainard was married on the 1st of May, 1845, to Miss Emily B. Wright, and to them have been born .six children, viz.: George, who now aids in the operation of the home farm; Ira L., who died on the 11th of September, 1848; Frank J., who fol- lows farming at home; Emily J., formerly the wife of John W. Geeslin, an agriculturist of Warren Township; Ira C, who was killed February 8, 1894, by a freiglit train in the North-Western yards at Winona; and William H., who died on the 17th of July, 1877. Emily J. Geeslin died July 17, 1894. Both Mr. and Mrs. Brainard, who are members of the Methodist Church, take an active part in its work and are deeply interested in its welfare. For twenty-five years Mr. Brainard has been Superin- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 249 tendent of the Sundaj^ -school. Everything calcu- lated to elevate humanity receives his approval and support, and he is recognized as a man whose life is worthy of emulation. Socially he is con- nected with the Masonic fraternity', and in poli- tics he is a Republican. Prior to the organization of that party he supported the Whig part^'. He has held the office of Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, and has also been Assessor and Con- stable. C. C. Chapman. eC. CHAPMAN, who is now serving as Postmaster of Minnesota City, was born in London. England, on the 11th of Sep- tember, 1832, and is a son of Egbert Chapman, who was born in Glastonburj', p]ngland, and be- caniean attorn ey-at-law. Having attained to years of maturity, he married Miss Rebecca Payne, a na- tive of Essex, England. In 1850 he bade adieu to friends and native land and with his family sailed for the New World, locating first on Long Island, where for two years he made his home. In June, 1852, he came to Winona County, as a member of the New York Farm and Village Association, en- tered land, and resided thereon for a year. He then made a claim in Minnesota City, which he continued to cultivate and improve for a number of years, transforming it into a rich and valuable farm. He now makes his home with his son, the efficient Postmaster of Minnesota City. Although he lias reached the very advanced age of ninety j'ears, his faculties are but slightly impaired, and he is a well preserved man. For a number of years he served as Justice of the Peace, and is well known throughout the county as one of its iion- ored pioneers and valued citizens. His wife, who was a member of the Baptist Church for some time and a most estimable lady, was called to her final rest wlieu eight^'-five years of age. C. C. Chapman is the eldest in a family of ten cliildren. His early boyhood years were largely passed in the schoolroom, and at the age of sixteen he entered a shoe factory in Ix)ndon, where he served an apprenticeship until twenty-one years of age, when, in a sailing-vessel, he crossed the briny deep to the New World, whitiier his parents had preceded him. In October, 1853, he came West, and was engaged in farming near Minnesota City until the winter of 1856, when he went to the western part of the state with a surveying party engaged in laying the division lines between coun- ties. At the time of the Indian outbreak he was at Spirit Lake, and was commissioned Second Lieu- tenant of what was known as the Watonwau Rifles. Mr. Chapman continued in the service for about eighteen months, and then returned to his home at Minnesota Cit}', after which he engaged in farm- ing until his enlistment for the late war. On tlie 18th of August, 1862, Mr. Chapman re- sponded to the President's call for three-years troops, and joined the boys in blue of Company B, .Seventh Minnesota Infantry, of which he was made Sergeant. He was present at the battle of 250 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Birch Coolie. He remained in the service until the close of the war, and at the battle of Wood Lake was wounded by a gunshot in the light wrist, which prevented him from taking part in active service for a time. He was afterward on detached service until the close of the war, for his injury prevented the use of the right arm. After the surrender of Lee and the cessation of hostilities, he returned to Minnesota, where he once more re- sumed agricultural pursuits. In 1869 Mr. Chapman went to Arkansas, where he was appointed County Assessor by Governor Baxter, thus serving for two years and a-half. He was then postal clerk on the Memphis & Little Rock Railroad for four j-ears, carrying the mail at the time of the siege of yellow fever in the former city. He next gave his attention to the manage- ment of a plantation which he purchased near Forest City, Ark., and which was his home until 1880, when he sold out and returned to Minnesota City. The following year he was appointed Post- master, in which position he has served continu- ously since with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. On the 30th of May, 1860, Jlr. Chapman was united in marriage with Miss Emma Horner, a na- tive of England. In politics he is a Republican, unswerving in his allegiance to the party and its principles. He has always taken an active inter- est in political affairs, and keeps well informed on the issues of the day. For several jears he has served as district school clerk, and tlie cause of education finds in him a warm friend. Socially he is connected with John Ball Post No. 20, G. A. R., of Winona. A worthy representative of one of the honored pioneer families of the county, a vet- eran of the late war, a valued citizen and a man of sterling worth, he well deserves representation in this volume. Joseph P. Schmitz. JOSEPH P. SCHMITZ, a leader in business circles in Winona, is at the head of the well known firm of .Schmitz & Co., wholesale and retail dealers in saddlery and saddlery hard- ware. The record of his life is as follows: He was born in Chicago, 111., on the 11th of August, 1848, and is a son of Ludwig and Susan ( Wirtz) Schmitz. The father was a native of Prussia, born in 1805, and in that country lived until about middle life, when he emigrated to the United States and took up his residence in Chicago, where his remaining days were passed. He was a harness-maker by trade, and all of his sons learned that business and are yet engaged in some department of the work. Mr. Schmitz died in 1850, at the age of forty-five years. His wife, who long survived him, passed away .January 3, 1891, at the age of eight3'-three years. She was born in Prussia in the year 1808, and with her husband came to the United States. This worthy couple were the parents of nine children, eight of whom are yet living, namely: John, who now resides in Clinton, Iowa; Anna, wife of M. Mertes, of Winona; Peter J., of Montana; Henry, a resident of Janes ville. Wis.; Joseph P., of this sketch; Margaret, wife of Frank Curtis, of Ne- vada, Story County, Iowa; Herbert, who is lo- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 251 cated in Clinton, Iowa; and Mary, wife of Cyrus Bond, a resident of Iowa Falls, Iowa. Our subject spent the first seven years of his life in his native city, and then accompanied the family on tlieir removal to Newport, Wis., where he lived until eleven years of age, when he be- came a resident of Kilbourn Citj', Wis. There the succeeding five years of his life were passed, and at the age of sixteen he returned to Chicago, where he worked at the carpenter's trade for about a year. His next place of residence was in St. Louis, where he was engaged in making cartridge boxes and saddle bags for army use for six months. On the expiration of that period he again went to Chicago, but after a short time returned to Kil- bourn City. The spring of 1865 witnessed the arrival of Mr. Schmitz in Winona. Here he began making col- lars in the collar factory of his brother, Peter J. Schmitz, with whom he remained for about three years, when his health failed him and he went on a hunting and trapping expedition down the river, going as far as Burlington, Iowa. A year was thus passed, and the out-door exercise proved very beneficial, he entirely recovering his health. After his return to Winona, he joined his brother, P. J. Schmitz, in the manufacture of horse collars, which they sold at wholesale. The partnership continued for a year, when Joseph bought out his brother's interest and was alone in business for two years. The old partnership was then resumed for a short time, but afterward he was again sole proprietor, until he admitted to the business H. W. Cooper, under thejirm name of Schmitz & Cooper, which partnership continued for five years. He then bought out Mr. Cooper, and during the succeeding year was again alone in business. In 1882 he added a stockof saddlery liardware,and continued to sell to the wholesale trade under his own name, having no partner until 1890, when his nephew, Henry H. Schmitz, was admitted to the business, under the firm name of Joseph P. Schmitz ife Co. To the experience, judgment and sagacity of the older man are added the enterprise and progressive ideas of the younger, and the firm i.s therefore a strong one, which has the confidence of the com- munity and is enjojMng a liberal patronage. In November, 1872, Mr. Schmitz was united in marriage with Miss Annie Wood, a native of Eng- land, and a daughter of James and Betsy Wood. Her father was superintendent in a cotton-cloth factory in his native land until about middle life, when he bade adieu to home and friends, and with his family sailed for America. For five years he engaged in farming in eastern Wisconsin, and then removed to Kilbourn City, Wis., where he made his home during the succeeding eight years. His last days were passed near Mauston, Wis., where he died at an advanced age. To Mr. and Mrs. Schmitz have been born two daughters: Mabel V. and Effie Maud. In his political views Mr. Schmitz has been a Republican since attaining his majority. He be- longs to Winona Lodge No. 18, M. W. A., but takes no vei\v prominent part in civic societies. In 1893 he completed on East Wabasha Street one of the most iiandsome residences in the city, and in that beautiful home now lives with his wife and daughters. He is one of the successful manufac- turers of the city, and through good management and diligence has gained prosperity. 252 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. John Valentine. JOHN VALENTINE, one <.f the representa- tive farmers and pioneers, now living on sec- tion 3, Rolling Stone Township, comes from tlie EmeraW Isle. His parents were .Jolin and Charlotte (Jones) Valentine. The father was born in Dublin, Ireland, and was a tanner by trade. In 1849, accompanied b3' his wife and five children, lie crossed the Atlantic to the New World, and made settlement in New Orleans. Subsequently he went up the river to Burlington, Iowa, where he engaged in the tanning business until the spring of 1855, when he came to Minnesota and made a claim, securing as his land the site of the present village of Rolling Stone. After a year, however, he sold out and purchased a farm in Mt. Vernon Township, where his remaining days were passed. Previous to this time he had never carried on ag- ricultural pursuits, but he was industrious and en- terprising, profited by the experience of others, gained a knowledge of the occupation as he could, and in course of time found himself the owner of a very valuable farm, comprising three hundred acres of rich land. His death occurred on the old homestead, at the age of seventy-two. His wife, who is also a native of Dublin, yet resides at the old home, at the age of seventy-six years. This worthy couple were the parents of six chil- dren. Margaret, the eldest, is tlie wife of P. Pres- ton, a farmer residing in Winona County; Char- lotta is the wife of Peter Giddinger, who is located in Worth County, Iowa; William is the next younger, and is now an attorney-at-law of Wi- nona; one sister has passed away; and another child died in infancy. .John Valentine also claims Dublin as tlie place of his birth, and the date of that important event is October 20, 1844. He was a child of only five summers when his parents bade adieu to the Emer- ald Isle and sailed for America. At the age of eleven he became a resident of Winona County, where he has since made his home. He was reared amid the wild scenes of the frontier, for this was then a pioneer settlement, and soon became famil- iar with the arduous task of developing a farm. To his father he gave the benefit of his services until about thirtj' years of age. He received a good common-school education, and has kept him- self well informed on the issues and subjects of the day liy extensive reading. On the 13tii of November, 1875, Mr. Valentine was joined in wedlock with Miss Catherine O'Con- iier, who was born in Ireland, and when a young girl came to the United States. Four children graced this union, but onlj- two are now living: John Edward, at home; and Eugene, who was born July 21, 1884. Walterdied at the age of two years, and Herbert died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Valentine began their domestic life upon the farm which is yet their home. He has long been numbered among tbe most progressive agriculturists of the community, and is now the owner of more than one thousand acres of land in Winona County. The home place comprises three hundred acres, and is a most valuable and desira- ble property-. The fields are well tilled, excellent improvements have been made, and the place is supplied with all the accessories and conveniences of a model farm of the nineteenth century. Mr. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 253 Valentine carries on general farming and stock- raising, and also deals in grain in Rolling Stone. With Oak Grove Lodge No. 15, Order of Druids, of Winona, Mr. Valentine holds membership. In politics he is a Democrat, and the principles of the part}' receive his stalwart support. For many years he has served as Chairman of the Board of Supervisors of his township, a position which he yet fills, and at this 'writing he is also serving as School Treasurer. He is a diligent man, possessed of good business and executive ability, and his well directed efforts have brought him a success which is richly deserved. His life demonstrates what can be accomplished by perseverance and good management, and furnishes an example well worthy of emulation. Philip Biesanz. PHILIP BIESANZ, one of the representative citizens of Winona Township, living on section 30, is the owner of a brickj^ard and quarrj'. He was born in Buffalo, N. Y., on the 8th of July, 1842, and is one of a family of eight chil- dren, and is of French descent. His parents, John and Mary (Lcberel) Biesanz, were both natives of France. When a young man of twenty-two, the father bade adieu to the friends and home of his childhood and crossed the ocean to the New World. He settled first in Buffalo, N. Y., where he embarked in the manufacture of brick, which he successfully carried on for the long period of thirty years. He then moved to the West, going to Dubuque, Iowa, in the vicinity of that city pur- chasing a farm, on which he spent his remaining days. He died at the advanced age of eighty-two years, and many friends mourned his loss, for he was a highly respected citizen. His wife passed away at the age of fifty-two. Quietly were the boyhood days of ^Mr. Biesanz passed. His time was taken up by play and work, and by study in the common schools, where he ac- quired a fair English education. In his father's brickyard he also learned the trade to which he now devotes much of his time and attention. He remained at home until twenty-two years of age, when, in September, 1864, he enlisted in his coun- try's service, and was assigned to Compan}- C of the Fifth Iowa Cavalry, in which he served until the close of the war. fle participated in the battle of Nashville, and went across the country with his command. When hostilities had ceased, the South having laid down its arms, he received an honora- ble discharge from the service, and returned to his home. Soon after, Mr. Biesanz came to Winona, and for seven years worked by the month in different brick- yards. He had become familiar with the business while at home, and as he was an expert workman, his services were always in demand. At length he bought out iiis employer, and has since engaged in business in his own interest, lie has a large kiln, and turns out about two million brick per year, which, being of a superior quality, finds a ready sale in the market. He also has a large stone-quarry, one of the best in the county, and carries on a stoneyard in the city of Winona. In December, 1869, Mr. Biesanz married Miss Cynthia Salisbury, of Winona, and eight children 254 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. graced theii- union, but Samuel, the second, died at the age of twelve years. The others, who are Liz- zie, Charles, Frank, Frederick, Leona, William and Flossie, are all yet at home. The family is widely and favorably known in this community, and the household is noted for its hospitality. Mr. Biesanz exercises his right of franchise in support of the Republican party, and firmly be- lieves that its principles will produce the best re- sults for the nation. He has been honored by his fellow-townsmen with several local offices, having served as Supervisor of his towuship for two terms, and as Town Treasurer for two terms. Socially he is connected with tiie Ancient Order of United Workmen, and with the Order of Druids of Wi- nona, and in religious belief is a Catholic. He now owns two hundred and six acres of land, and is doing a good business, which has made him one of the substantial citizens of the community. He started out in life for himself, working by the month, and thus labored until by industry, econ- omy and perseverance he had acquired a sufficient capital to begin an enterprise of his own. He has trusted not to good fortune, but has made the most of his opportunities, and by determined ef- fort has overcome the difficulties and obstacles in his path. Thus has lie become one of the repre- sentative business men of the community. HON JOHN LUDWIG. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 257 Hon. John Ludwig. ■{••{•+*'H"5"5'+**++*'5"5-* -■5'+*{'*i"+*S"+'i"'5*'H-"5'*'H*'5»'i' HON. JOHN LUDWIG, who is prominently connected with the business interests of Winona, is now President of the German American Bank. He has been connected with other enterprises in the cit\-, and has thereb}' aided in the growth and development of Winona and in promoting its material prosperit3'. The record of his life is as follows: He was born in Canach, Lux- emburg, Germany, on the 25th of September, 1839, and is a son of Martin and Mary (Holbach) Ludwig, both of whom spent their entire lives in that country. The father, who was an architect and contractor, did a good business and was recog- nized as one of the leading citizens in the com- munity in which lie made his home. He visited America four times, but never made a permanent settlement in the New World, and died in his native land at the age of sixty-seven. John Ludwig first came to this country in 1856, being then a young man of sixteen years. He had acquired a good education in his native land, and after starting out in life for himself he resolved to 9 try his fortune in America, having heard much of the advantages and privileges here afforded. He made a location in Fond du Lac, Wis., where he was engaged in merchandising until the breaking out of the war. He had studied with interest the question which brought on the struggle, the atti- tude of both the North and South, and believed the President's policy was the only safe one for the preservation of the Union. Prompted by pa- triotic impulses, he responded to the call for troops and enlisted in Company C, of the Ninth Wiscon- sin Infantry. While in Milwaukee he was ap- pointed Corporal, and after serving for three years he re-enlisted as Orderly-Sergeant. His meritorious conduct won him further promotion, and in May, 1865, he was commissioned Second Lieutenant. He was always faithful to his duty, and for more than four years followed the Old Flag, which now floats triumphantly over the united nation. He was mustered out at Little Rock, Ark., on the 30th of .lanuarj', 1866, having made an army record of which he may well be proud. 258 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. On his return to the North Mr. Ludwig settled in Chicago, where he engaged in the hotel business for nearly two years. In 1867 he came to Winona and embarked in the hotel business as proprietor of the old Winona House. Later he buill the fine building on Third Street, known as Ludwig's Hotel, and for many" years there carried on op- erations, doing a large business, which netted him a good income. Earnestly desiring to please his customers, he supplied his hotel with all possi- ble conveniences, and the hostelry was therefore popular. Ere coming to Winona Mr. Ludwig was married, having in 1865 wedded Miss Anna Siegfried, of Chicago. They have a family- of seven children: Elizabeth, who is a fine musician and a member of the Chicago Lady Quartette; Charles M., now a student in Rush Medical College; Ida, who was graduated from the high scliool in the Class of '94; Mamie, a graduate of St. Mary's College; Winona, who was graduated from a business college; Emma and Otto. In his political views Mr. Ludwig is a Demo- crat of the most pronounced type. In 1877 he was elected City Treasurer, and held the office for three terms. For four terms he served as Mayor of the cit\', and during his administration many excellent and needed improvements were made. The city water works were built, the roads were greatly improved, the eleetric-light plant estab- lished, also the street railway, all being in the possession of the city. No administration has proved of more substantial benefit than that of Mr. Ludwig, and he has received many mementos and testimonials from the people of Winona, showing their appreciation of his earnest efforts in behalf of public improvement and general advance- ment. In 1888 he was a delegate-at-large to the Democratic Convention in St. Louis, and was a member of the committee appointed to notify Grover Cleveland of his nomination for the Presi- dency. In 1886 Mr. Ludwig was a candidate for State Treasurer, and reduced the Republican ma- jority of forty-five thousand fully one-half. In 1894 he was a candidate for Lieutenant-Governor. In 1892 Mr. Ludwig established the German- American Bank, which at that time was the only German bank in southern Minnesota. He was elected its President, and still serves in that ca- pacity. It is to-day one of the leading financial institutions of Winona, and is a monument to the ability and enterprise of Mr. Ludwig, who is well known as one of the able and enterprising business men of this state. At the Luxemburger Congress held in Chicago in the fall of 1893, he was elected President of the association, which numbers its members by the thousands, all over the United .Slates and Canada, and in 1894 was re-elected to the same office. The sagacit3r and foresight which have characterized Mr. Ludwig's business career and been important factors in his success led him to come to America, and the wisdom of his choice of a home has been made manifest by the prosper- ity' that has crowned his efforts. John Wunder. JOHN WUNDER is proprietor of a fine green- house, situated at the corner of Kansas and Fifth Streets in Winona. There he has three and a-half lots, and lias eight thousand feet of ground under glass. He raises all kinds of flowers, but makes a specialty of cut flowers and potted plants. The place is tastefully and conven- iently arranged, and with an eye to the beautiful, the colors being harmoniously blended, while the entire appearance of the place tells of an owner who thoroughly understands his business. The greenhouse was established m the year 1866, in PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 259 small quarters, 12x48 feet, but the facilities have been constantly increased to meet the growing de- mand, and the quarters are now extensive. Mr. Wunder is a native of Holstein, Germany, born on tlie 1st of November, 1832. His cliild- hood and youth were passed in the Fatherland, where he acquired a common-school education, and also learned the florist's trade. He has always been fond of flowers, and is an adept in naniing different varieties and species, his own conserva- tories being filled with many different kinds. In the year 1851, when nineteen years of age, he bade adieu to the home and friends of his childhood and sailed for the New World. His father located in Davenport, Iowa, and he there made his home until 1855, when he came to Winona. Here he turned his attention to gardening for some time, growing vegetables near Sugar Loaf, and shipping them to neighboring markets until 1866. He still owns the land on which he carried on this work. When he abandoned gardening, he opened his greenhouse, and has since carried on operations along that line. In 1879 Mr. Wunder was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Veith, a native of Hesse, Ger- many, who came to this country a short time be- fore her marriage. In 1891 he was called upon to mourn her loss. She had been in delicate health for some months before her death, but her last ill- ness was of only eight days' duration. Since the demise of Mrs. Wunder, Miss Hettie Rohweder has acted as house-keeper for her uncle, the subject of this sketch. Mr. Wunder votes with the Republican party, which he has supported since his arrival in this country. He belongs to only one civic society, holding membership with Oak Grove Lodge No. 15, A. O. D. Mr. Wunder has made the study of plants a science, and is an expert florist. He has not only a large trade in Winona, but also re- ceives many orders from surrounding towns. He has a greenhouse complete in all appointments, heated b3' hot water, and is prepared to meet all demands. rirs. Mary E, Waterman. MRS. MARY E. WATERMAN, an estima- ble lad}', who resides in Rolling Stone Township, claims New York as the state of her nativity, her birth having occurred in Ot- sego County, of the Empire Stale, on the 28th of October, 1828. She was the ninth child in the fam- ily of I5arnal)us S. and Polly (Chase) Fuller, and is the only surviving one. Her father was born in New York, and spent his entire life as a farmer near Albany, where his death occurred in liis forty- seventh 3'ear. He had inherited quite a large es- tate from his father, and was a well-to-do man. His ancestors were descendants of Sir Samuel Ful- ler, who came to this country in the "Mayflower." Mrs. Fuller was born in Massachusetts, and was a daugiiter of Josiah and Sarah Chase. The Chase family also dates its origin in America back to the landing of the "Mayflower," when William Chase, one of the Puritan fathers, crossed the briny deep to seek a home in the New World. His descend- 260 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. ants are without doubt the rightful heirs to the Chase and Townley estate. The Chase famiij- be- longed to the nobilit}' of England. The lady of whom we write acquired her edu- cation in her native state, and was reared in her New York home, remaining with her parents until her marriage. On the 1st of November. 1851, she became the wife of Harrison B. Waterman, and in the spring of 1852 the3' removed to the West, lo- cating upon a claim in Winona County, Minn, where she has since resided. To them were born nine children. George B. was born Januarj^ 5, 1854, and died August 26, 1881. Clara E., who was born September 11, 1855, died November 17, 1886. She was a highly educated lady, and for a number of years was a successful teacher in the Winona High School. Clarence Chase, born March 28, 1859, now manages the home farm. Amy E., born October 2, 1862, died August 17, 1864. Bon, born August 6, 1864, is still living on the home farm. Lillie and Rose, twins, were born April 3, 1867. Rose died September 10, 1877, and Lil- lie October 15, 1889. M. Edward, born March 8, 1869, was married, March 28, 1893, to Clara Mil- ton, and they have one child, George B. Harry, born October 12, 1871, died March 22, 1873. The children were all born on the homestead farm. In 1882 Mr. and Mrs. Waterman were legally separated, and the former is now living a retired life in this county. When a young man he was admitted to the Bar, and in an early day was quite prominent. After coming to the West he was the first Postmaster of Minnesota Cit}-. Mrs. Water- man, with her three sons, is now living on her good farm, eight miles from the city of Winona, and in the community where she has so long made her home she has a wide acquaintance and manj' friends, who hold her in high regard. Rt.=Rev. Joseph B. Cotter, D. D. RT.-REV. .JOSEPH B. COTTER, D. D., is one of the prominent members of the Catholic hierarchy, being now at the head of the Diocese of Winona. He was born in Eng- land, on the 19th of November, 1844, to Laurence P. and Ann M. (Perrin) Cotter. Bishop Cotter was about four years of age when he came to the United States, and a youth of nearl3' eleven years when the family removed to St. Paul. He attended the cathedral parochial school of that city, and later became a student of St. Francis' Seminary of Milwaukee. Subsequently he entered St. Vincent's College of Westmoreland, Pa., where he pursued his studies three years, and then took a three-years course in St. John's Uni- versity of Minnesota. Our subject was ordained in St. Paul, on the 21st of May, 1871. On the 9th of June follow- ing he assumed the pastorate of St. Thomas' Cath- olic Cliurch in Winona, and its mission churches in Winona County. His zeal in the work of the ministry, and his marked public spirit, urged his advancement in the year 1877 to the deanship of the Winona district of the Diocese of St. Paul, and on the erection of the new diocese, com- prising the counties of Winona, Wabasha, Hous- ton, Olmsted, Fillmore, Dodge, Mower, Steele, Waseca, Freeborn, Blue Earth, Faribault, Waton- wan, Martin, Cottonwood, Jackson, Murray, No- bles, Pipestone and Rock, he was elected bishop of the diocese. His consecration, with that of Rt.- Revs: James McGoIrick, D. D., of Duluth, and I PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 261 John Shanley, D. D., of Jamestown, N. Dak., was received in the cathedral church f)f St. Paul, Minn., December 27, 1889, at the hands of the distin- guished patriot prelate, Archbishop Joiin Ireland. Bishop Cotter has under his charge fifty-one |)riests, ninety-one churches (forty-eight churches with resident pastors, and forty-three mission churches), three academies, one hospital, one orphan asylum, one industrial school, a school for Indian girls, and eighteen parochial schools. Since the establishment of the diocese twelve new churches have been erected in his territory, two destroyed by fire have been rebuilt, and several are in pro- cess of erection. The founding of the Winona Seminary for 3'oung ladies, under the direction of the Franciscan Sisters, marks an auspicious era in the educational work of his administration. Bishop Colter is liroad minded, devoted to America and her institutions, and ever works for the best interests of the community in which he resides. It is said that no one has done more for the cause of temperance in Winona, and in other interests calculated to elevate human it}- he has labored in the same faithful and untiring way. The high esteem and regard in which he is held by all classes of the community have been well earned. Michael Morgan. MICHAEL MORGAN, who for many years was extensively engaged in contracting in Winona, is now living a retired life at his pleasant home at No. 426 Winona Street, enjoying the rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves. His birth occurred in County Mayo, Ireland, on the 25th of September, 1823, and in his native land spent the days of his boy- hood and youth, there remaining until twenty- three years of age, when he removed to England. Settling in Wolverhampton, he worked at the ma- son's trade, which he had learned on the Emerald Isle, and while there he was united in marriage, at the age of twentj-seven, with Miss Mary Welch, also a native of County Mayo, Ireland. Hearing of the advantages afforded in the New World, and hoping to benefit his financial condi- tion, Mr. Morgan emigrated to the United States in 1852. He worked at the mason's trade in New York, where he lived for four years, and in 1856 came to Winona at the solicitation of an old friend, Stephen Mead, who had emigrated hither in 1855. He was the father of Egbert Mead, and here spent the remainder of his days. Mr. Mor- gan had worked for Mr. Mead in the Empire State. On his arrival in Minnesota Mr. Morgan sought employment as a mason, and as he was an efficient workman his labors were always in demand. He was employed by various contractors in brick and stone work, including the firm of Jones & But- ler, the leading contractors of Winona. Mr. Butler is still living in this city. Mr. Morgan has been engaged in the construc- tion of nearl}^ all of the leading buildings of this place, evidences of his handiwork being seen on all sides. About twenty years since he began con- 262 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. tracting in connection with Thomas Hunt, under the firm name of Morgan & Hunt. They made a specially of constructing stone basements for barns, and had a very extensive trade, their patronage steadily increasing from the beginning. Mr. Mor- gan continued business until about 1889, since which time he has lived retired. To the subject of this sketch and his worthy wife were born ten children: John, who is now living in St. Charles; Sylvester, a resident of Wi- nona; Delia, wife of John E. Thibeau, who is liv- ing in Winona; William, who makes his home in this city; Mary, wife of John Pheeney, of Des Moines, Iowa; Sarah, wife of Morris O'Herrin, of Winona; Thomas, who died September 3, 1886, at the age of nineteen years; Maggie, wife of T. J. Cleary; and James, who completes the family, and is still under the parental roof. Mr. Morgan affiliates with the Democratic party, having supported its principles since becoming an American citizen. He has, however, never sought office, preferring to give his entire time and atten- tion to his business interests. He has prospered in his undertakings, and although he began life here as a laborer he has not only built wisely and well in a literal sense, but also in a figurative sense, gaining for himself a comfortable compe- tence, which now enables him to live retired. He has been industrious and enterprising, and his suc- cess is well merited. George B. Mallery. /^ EORGE B. MALLERY has the honor of V T being a native of Winona. He was born in this citj' on the 9th of May, 1860, and is the elder of two children, his brother being Fred A., who was born in 1862, and is now a rail- road man in the employ of the Winona & St. Peter Railroad Company. The parents were Joel and Matilda (Brisco) Mallery. The father was born in Delhi, Delaware County, N. Y., March 2, 1830, and was one of the five children of Peter L. and Anna (Baldwin) Mallery, both of whom were natives of the Empire State. When Joel was a child of three years they removed to Chemung County, settling in Savannah, where Mr. Mallery engaged in the lumber business, and also carried on farming for about seven years. He then em- barked in boat-building, and was engaged in the construction of canal-boats for some fifteen years, after which he emigrated westward. Attracted by the advantages of Minnesota, he sought a home in Winona in 1856, and embarked in the teaming business between La Crosse and Winona before the extension of the railroad, and later in the man- ufacture of lumber. His death occurred in 1880, at the age of seventy-two j'ears. Joel Mallery came to Winona ere his father's arrival, reaching this city on the 30th of June, 1855. Here he has made his home continuously since, and among its early settlers he well deserves mention. He is an engineer, and for many years followed railroading. For several 3'ears he had charge of a locomotive on the North-Western Road, but since 1890 has lived retired. He is now well advanced in years, and deserves the rest which he is enjoying. In early days he was a support- er of the old Whig party. His wife was born in Chemung County, N. Y., and is a daughter of Nathan Brisco. In his father's home George B. Mallery was reared, and at the age of twenty started out in life PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 263 for himself. He first engaged in the grocery bus- iness in connection with O. H. Griswold, and for nine years successfully carried on operations along that line. From the beginning his tnide constant- ly increased, and the venture proved .1 verj' profit- able one, but in February, 1892, Mr. Mallery sold out his interest in the grocery and embarked in the livery business, buying out F. E. Clark. He now has a stable of twenty-two horses, including several very fine animals. His barn is equipped with the latest st^'les of turnouts, and he does a large general livery business. He also has a fun- eral line. Earnestly desiring to please his patrons, he has built up a good trade, and his well directed efforts have brought him the prosperity which he so richly deserves. Mr. Mallery takes considerable interest in civic societies. He belongs to the Odd Fellows' society, holding membership with Prairie Lodge No. 7, and Fidelity Encampment No. 26, in which he has filled all the offices, and is also a member of the Grand Lodge and Grand Encampment. He is a worthy member of Winona Lodge No. 21, K. of P., in which he has served as Vice-Chancellor, and in his political views he is a Republican, having been unswerving in his allegiance to that party since attaining his majority. William Noonan. WILLIAM NOONAN, a contractor and builder of Winona, is a native of Can- ada, born April 11,1839. His parents, James and Jane (Rudsel) Noonan, had a family of eleven children. The father was a farmer by oc- cupation, and followed that business throughout his entire life. He was born in 1792, and died in 1871, at the age of seventy-nine years. His wife passed away the following year, at the age of sixty- seven. No event of special importance occurred during the childhood and youth of our subject, who spent his early life in his native province, there remain- ing until twenty-four years of age, during which time he learned the carpenter's trade. He then came to the United States, with the intention of making a home in the Mississippi Valley; however, he went first to Buffalo and thence to Detroit, Mich., spending some time in those cities. lu 1864 he removed to Chicago, where he remained for two years, working at the carpenter's trade. In 1866 he came to Minnesota, locating in Wi- nona, where he has made his home continuously since, with the exception of two years passed in Wisconsin. For the first eight years after his arrival he worked at his trade in the employ of others, and then began contracting and building on his own account, receiving patronage within a radius of five hundred miles. He has been con- nected with the construction of many of the lead- ing buildings of the city, including fine business blocks, residences, elevators, mills and churches, and has done much work both in Minnesota and Wisconsin. In 1888 and in 1890 he went to West Superior, where he erected buildings, the aggregate cost of which was about 11,000,000. By close 264 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. study, earnest effort to please his customers, and an uncommon insight into the underlying principles, Mr. Noonan has deservedly gained an enviable reputation as a contractor and builder. In 1862 was celebrated the marriage of the gen- tleman whose name heads this sketch and Miss Eliza Fortune, also a native of Canada, and a daughter of James Fortune. They have a family of five children, four sons and a daughter, David J., William, Mary Agnes, Albert and George II., all of whom reside in this city. Mr. Noonau keeps well infoimed on the issues of the day, votes with the Democratic party, and has taken quite an active interest in local politics. In 1877 he was appointed to fill an unexpired term as Alderman of the First Ward, in 1878 was elected to that office, and in 1880 was re-elected, serving in all for five years in a most creditable manner. His popularity as a broad-gauged man and the confidence rejiosed in him are indicated by the fact that in a Republican ward he was elected by a majority of one hundred and seventy. He has ever been actively interested in the growth and development of the city, and is a public-spirited and progressive man. In his business dealings he is ever straightforward, taking no undue advant- ages, and the faithfulness with which he lives up to bis part of a contract has won him an envia- ble reputation and gained him a large trade. William A. Chamberlin, fl. D. WILLIAM A. CHAMBERLIN, M. D., who is engaged in the practice of med- icine in St. Charles, is a native of the Green Mountain State, his birth having occurred in Putney, Windham County, on the 30th of November, 1852. His parents, William M. and Nancy Sophia (Kellej') Chamberlin, were also na- tives of Vermont. The grandfather was Cyrus Chamberlin, and the great-grandfather was one of the heroes who aided the Colonies in their struggle for independence. They came from an old Colo- nial family, which in pioneer days was founded in tiie Green Mountain State. The father was a civil engineer and machinist, and his entire life was passed in the East. The Doctor spent his boyhood days upon his fa- ther's farm, there remaining until seventeen years of age, when he became a student in Powers' In- stitute, of Bernardston, Mass., where by a three- years course he was prepared to enter college. It was his intention to enter Dartmouth College, but his health failed him and he had to abandon that hope. He completed the academical course in 1875, when twenty-two j'ears of age. By teach- ing and in other w.ays he had earned the money necessary to pay his tuition, and therefore may truly be called a self-educated as well as self-made man. In the summer of 1875 he visited California on a pleasure trip, and the following winter again taught school, in West Brattleboro, Vt., where he had lived from the age of five years. In 1876 Dr. Chamberlin visited near Corry, Pa., where he engaged in teaching for a year. In the mean time he read medicine with Dr. Wright, of Columbus, Pa., and Dr. AVhitney, of Lottsville, Pa. Returning to the Empire Stale in 1877, he spent tiie summer season upon the farm, and in the autumn entered the medical department of the PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 265 University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, wlii(!h he also attended in 1878-79, taking a complete regu- lar course, although he did not graduate. In July, 1879, he came to St. Charles, but he bad ho partic- ular point in view for a location. He wished, how- ever, to live in Minnesota on account of the climate. He visited Dr. Guthrie, asking for the privilege of re.ading with that physician, who, however, on see- ing his credentials, advised him to engage in prac- tice, as there was no state law to prevent it. He had assisted other physicians, and in December, 1879, became Dr. Guthrie's partner. This partner- ship was continued until the fall of 1881, when Dr. Guthrie removed to California, and Dr. Cham- berlin entered Rush Medical College of Chicago, from which he was graduated in February, 1882, with the degree of M. D. Returning to St. Charles, he soon won a liberal patronage, and has re- mained here almost continuousl}' since. In the year 1883 he purchased a drug store, which he car- ried on until 1891, when he sold out with the intention of going to the South to locate per- manently, but after a time he returned to St. Charles, and is now numbered among its leading physicians. He has attended special lectures at Ann Arbor and Rush Colleges on the subject of surgery and clinical work, is a member of the American Medical Association, and in 1893 at- tended its annual meeting, which convened in Mil- waukee. He belongs to the Minnesota State Med- ical Society, before which he read an article on obstetrics, and also holds membership with the Southern Minnesota Medical Society, and the so- cieties of both Winona and Olmsted Counties. In March, 1882, Dr. Chaniberlin married Miss Etta Warner, daughter of J. R. Warner, formerly of St. Charles, but now of Hainline, Minn. The lady was born in Winona County, and was a teacher of music before her marriage. They had one sou, William, who died at the age of twenty-two months. Dr. Chamberlin is a member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, takes an active interest in its work, and is a leader in the musical department of the church. In his political views the Doctor is a Republican. He was elected Maj'or of St. Charles in 1890, and was tilling that office at the time of the construc- tion of the Winona &. South-Western Railroad, in which the city assisted by giving $12,500 in bonds, and also by giving the right of wa}'. The Doctor also served as a member of the School Board. David Whetstone. D AVID WHETSTONE, a farmer of Rolling Stone Township, residing on section 12, is numbered among the early settlers of Wi- nona County, dating his residence herefrom 1855. On his arrival here he found the county but sparse- ly settled. Its leading cities were then small vil- lages, or had not yet sprung into existence, and the greater part of the land was wild and unim- proved. He has watched with interest its progress and advancement, and in the work of develop- ment has ever borne his part. To the early settlers is due much of the credit of making the county what it is to-day, for they laid the foundation upon which its present prosperity has been built. Among those deserving of prominent mention is Mr. Whet- stone. This gentleman was born near Cincinnati, Ohio, July 7, 1821, and was the fifth in order of birth 266 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. in a fainil3' of eight children, whose parents were John and Susan (Earner) Whetstone. The father was a native of North Carolina, and spent the days of his boj'hood and youth upon a farm in that state. When a young man he left his childhood's home and removed to Ohio, where he remained for several years. He then became a resident of Ripley County, Ind., where he remained until his death, which occurred at the age of sixty-five. His father was one of the heroes of the Revolution- ary War and was of German extraction. The mother of David Whetstone was also born in North Car- olina, and her death occurred at the advanced age of ninety- years. Her parents were natives of the same state, and her father aided the Colonists in the struggle which made this an independent na- tion. Her father lived to the advanced age of one hundred and seven years, and obtained the prize given the oldest man in Indiana. Mr. Whetstone, whose name appears at the be- ginning of this record, acquired his education in the common schools, which he attended through the winter season. During the summer he work- ed upon a farm, aiding in the planting and harvest- ing of crops, and in such other duties as fall to the lot of the agriculturist. When he was tvventj'-three years of age, his father gave him forty acres of land, and he began farming on his own account. He cul- tivated that tract until 1855, when he sold out and came to Minnesota, locating on a farm in Winona County, near Lewiston. The land which he pur- chased was a tract of raw prairie, on which not a furrow had been turned or an improvement made, but he at once began its development, and in course of time, waving fields of grain were seen in the place of the barren prairie. That farm contin- ued to be his home until 1882, when he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land where he now resides. To this he has added ninety-two acres, having in all two hundred and sixty acres. On the 4th of October, 1844, Mr. Whetstone married Nancy Parker, who was born in Dearborn Count}', Ind., on the 3d of March, 1825. She is a daughter of Henry and Katie (Ramer) Parker, the former of whom is of German and Irish ex- traction. To Mr. and Mrs. David Whetstone were born thirteen children, but four of the number died in eai-ly life. George, the eldest, is now a farmer in Rolling Stone Township; Jane is the wife of Jonathan Lewis, a resident of Lewiston, Minn.; Mary is the wife of George Ingram, of Winona County; Daniel is an agriculturist of Rolling Stone Township; Susanna is the wife of James Sweazey, of Winona; David follows farming in this countj'; Silas devotes his energies to the same occupation; Lydia is the wife of Frank Kennedy, of Winona; and John is engaged in gardening in this county. Mr. Whetstone is an Elder iu and has charge of the congregation of the German Baptist Church that is built on )iis farm near Lewiston. For forty- five years he has been one of its members, and du- ring nearly this entire period has been engaged in preaching, giving his services to the cause without charge or compensation of any kind, His life has been in harmony with his professions, and his ca- reer has ever been a straightforward and honorable one. To George Whetstone, son of the subject of this sketch, and his wife have been born seven children, all of whom are now living: Nancy, David and Charles (twins). May, Lawrence, Joiin and Esther, all residing at home. Mr. Whetstone has recently sold the place on .section 12, and will remove in the spring of 1895 to a new home four miles south of Utica, in this county. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 267 Nathan fledberry Cross. NATHAN MEDBERRY CROSS is a farmer and stock-raiser of Saratoga Township, re- siding on section 27, and is a citizen who has been true to public duty and to private trust. He was born in Chautauqua County, N. Y., near the town of Nasliville, November 9, 1835, and is a son of Joel Cross. The father was born in Mil- ford, N. Y., July 21, 1800, and was a son of Jerris Cross, who came of an old English family. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Julia A. Medberr}-, and was born in the Empire State, on the 4th of May, 181 "2. Her parents were Joseph and Meliitable (Jackson) Medberr3-. In the Cross family were four children, namely: Jonas J.; Agnes, who died in 1876; Nathan M., of this sketch; and Julia, wife of Stephen Irons, a native of Penn- sylvania. The father of this family having passed awa3', the mother afterward married James Ball, and to them were born five children, tvvo of whom are yet living, Joseph D. and Jeptha. The subject of this sketch was born and reared upon a farm. The first thirteen years of his life were spent in his native state, and he then went to McKean County, Pa., where he remained until he had attained his majority. When he had reached man's estate be started for the West, with the in- tention of trjing his fortune upon its broad prai- ries, for he believed that superior advantages were afforded to those of the older states of the East. He went first to Pierce County, Wis., where he spent the winter, and then crossed the Mississippi, going to Ottawa, Minn., where he pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres of Government land. He lived upon it long enough to establish his claim to the place, and made some improvements upon it during the next two years. He then returned to Pierce Count}-, Wis., and in the spring of 1861 came to Winona County, where he worked out by the month, engaged in breaking prairie and in other farm labor. He was thus employed until 1864, when he removed to the farm on which he now resides, securing one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 27, Saratoga Township. Of this sixty acres had been broken, and with characteris- tic energy he at once began its further develop- ment. On the 10th of April, 1865, Mr. Cross enlisted as a private of Company I, First Minnesota Infan- try, and was mustered into service at Ft. Snell- ing, from where he was sent to Washington, and thence to Virginia, where he was engaged in doing guard duty uutil after the close of the war. On the 28th of July, 1865, he received an honorable discharge and returned to his home. On the 7th of April, 1866, Mr. Cross was united in m.arriage with Miss Annie Lane, and to them were born the following children: Newton, who died in 1881; Willie, who is engaged in clerlcing in a store in St. Charles; Cora, at home; Burton, 268 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. who died at tlie age of two and a-lialf years; and Merton. The mother of this family was called to the home beyond on the 8th of September, 1888. Mr. Cross was married, December 27, 1891, to Mrs. Dent, widow of .John B. Dent. She bore the maiden name of Nellie Hyatt, and by her first mar- riage she had four children, namely: Frank B., who carries on farming in Wisconsin; William H., who is also living- in the Badger State; and Ethel and Archie J., who arc still with their mother. Mr. Cross advocated the principles of the Repub- lican party for several 3'ears, but now supports the men and measures of the Populist part}'. He has long served as Township Treasurer, and for twen- ty-four years has held one or another local office, a fact wliicli indicates faithful service and the con- fidence and trust reposed in him b\' his fellow- townsmen. His attention is now largely given to his farming interests, and he owns a valuable and desirable place, comprising three hundred and sixty acres of rich land, which yield to him a good in- come. Jerod Brown. JEROD BROWN, a farmer residing on section 7, Dresbach Township, claims New York as the state of his nativity. He was born in Clinton County on the 4th of March, 18.30, and under the parental roof was reared to man- hood, the days of his boyhood and youth being quietly passed. When he had arrived at man's estate he started out in life, and has since been dependent on his own resources, so that whatever success he has achieved is due entirely to his own efforts. His first work was in a sawmill, where he received $16 per month in compensation for his services. This mill was located on the Hudson River, and he was there employed for about three 3'ears, after which he started westward, having de- termined to tiy his fortune on the broad prairies of the Mississippi Vallej-. He started in April, 1852, and on the 8th of May reached Bunnell's Landing. Soon after he came to Dakota, where he engaged in chopping wood and working on the railroad. He followed various pursuits whereby he might earn an honest living until his marriage, when he turned his attention to farming. On the 4th of November, 1855, Mr. Brown was united in marriage with Miss Harriet C. Mott, daughter of Annis Mott. They began their do- mestic life on section 1, New Hartford Township, where Mr. Brown had a farm of one hundred and sixty acres. There he made his home for thirty- five years, giving his time and attention to agri- cultural pursuits. He prospered in his undertak- ings, and his enterprise and industry were re- warded bv a comfortable competence. He after- ward removed to his present home, where he owns ten acres of land, which is devoted to the raising of berries. This is his only business, and it yields him an income sufficient for his present wants, and he has a snug sum laid by for a rainy da}'. To Mr. and Mrs. Brown were born five children, three of whom are yet living. Ann Eliza, born January 10, 1857, died December 30, 1861; Olive 'T., born .January 25, 1860, is the wife of Edward PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 269 F. SUippey, who resides on the old homestead farm in New Hartford Township; Leonard J., born Oc- tober 21, 1862, lives on the farm with his sister; Vincent C, born March 21, 1866, makes his home in Appleton, Minn.; and Charles L.. born March 26, 1873, died November 3, 1882. Mr. Brown is numbered among tlie pioneer set- tlers of Winona County. On leaving his old home iu the East lie went by stage from Glens Falls to Port Edward, and thence by rail to Buf- falo, N. Y., where he took passage on a boat bound for Detroit, Mich. From that place he proceeded by rail to New Buffalo, Mich., and thence took a boat to Milwaukee, whence he proceeded to the end of the railroad, a distance of twenty-nine miles. Here he again took a stage and went across the country to Galena, 111., and thence bj- boat continued on his wa\- to Homer, Minn. Here he went through all the experiences and hardships of frontier life. His first home was a log cabin, which was later replaced by a good frame residence. He also built a good frame barn, cleared his land of the timber, and has transformed one hundred and sixty acres of raw prairie into one of the finest farms of the countv. riark Willson. MARK WILLSON is President of the Mer- chants' Bank of Winona, and one of the leading financiers of Winona County. His connection with the banking interests of this community has continued since 1868, and the in- stitution of which he is now the head has become one of the solid financial concerns of the city. Mr. Willson is a native of Newmarket, Ontario, Canada, born FebruaiT 27, 1820, and is the only son of .John I. and Mary Willson. His parents re- moved to western Pennsylvania in 1824, locating at Sugar Grove, Warren County, where they spent their remaining days. The family there lived un- til 1863. Mark Willson was reared in his father's home, and on entering upon a business career embarked in merchandising, which he followed in the Key- stone State until 1863. He has also been promi- nently connected with political affairs, and has ever discharged his duties with a promptness and fidelity which have won for him the commenda- tion of all concerned. On attaining his majorit}' he was elected Justice of the Peace, which position he filled for the long period of twenty-five years. He also served as Postmaster and in other offices, and was erer true and faithful to the trust reposed in him. His lo3'alty to friends and to public trust is one of his chief characteristics. ' In 18.53 Mr. Willson was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Hallock, of New York City. Ten j-ears later he severed his business connections in the East, .and sought a home in Minnesota, going first to Hastings, where he had friends living. There he opened a mercantile establishment and carried on business for three years. During that time he served .as Mayor of Hastings for one year. 270 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. In 1866 he brought his family to Winona, where they Lave since resided, being numbered among the prominent citizens of the communitj'. Here Mr. Willson carried on a dry-goods store for two years, when, in 1868, he disposed of his business and became connected with banlting interests. He took an active part in the organization of the Second National Bank, which began business April 29, 1871, with a capital stock of 1100,000. He was elected a Director, and in October was made Assistant Cashier, which office he tilled until Jan- uary, 1873, when he was elected Vice-President. In January, 1875, he resigned that position and aided in the organization, on the 18th of May, of the Merchants' National Bank of Winona, of wliich he became President and also member of the Board of Directors. On the 1st of July, 1879, it was voted to change the organization from a national to a state bank, under the laws of Minne- sota, and to transfer its entire business to the new organization. Tlie Merchants' Bank of Winona sprang into existence in August, 1879, and Mr. Willson has since been its President. The success of the institution is largely due to his untiring efforts. In his political views Mr. Willson is a stanch Republican, having supported the principles of his party since its organization. He is an exemplary and public-spirited man, in whom the best inter- ests of the community And a friend. His success in business is owing to careful attention to all de- tails, diligence and enterprise, and his prosperity is well deserved. Edson Gates. T7> DSON GATES, deceased, was born in Eliz- r cy abethtown, Essex County, N. Y., March 28, 1831. His parents were Willis and Almira (Hulett) Gates, the former a native of New- Hampshire, born October 11, 1793, and the latter a native of Hampton, N. Y., born December 10, 1806. They were married January 12, 1823, in Hampton, N. Y., at the home of her father, Mason Hulett. The latter married Hannah Kidder, a de- scendant of Oliver Kidder, who lived and died at Weathersfield Corners, Rutland Cauiit>', Vt. Ma- son Hulett was born in Rhode Island, and died in Hampton, N. Y. Edson Gates was a descendant on his father's side of Amos Gates, his great-grandfather, who settled in Stowe, Mass. His son, Isaac, Edson 's grandfather, was born October 22, 1747, and was eighty-three years old when he died. His wife was Mary Wheeler. They had nine children, Willis Gates, Edson 's father, being the youngest. He lived to the age of eighty years. Edson 's par- ents immediately after tlieir marriage removed to Elizabethtown, where his father owned quite a tract of timber-land, which necessitated building mills to prepare the lumber for market. Our subject lived with his parents until he was twenty-six years old, with the exception of one year in Chazy, Clinton County, N. Y., where he took charge of a lady's farm. He came to Minne- sota in the spring of 1857, arriving in Stockton, PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 271 Winona County, where he had a sister living. He made this his home, taking trips around the coun- try, finally buying eighty acres of land in Ulica Townsiiip. In the winter of 1860 he went back to his native state and married Millie A. Braisted. They were married at her father's home, April 2, 1860. and immediately started for their western home. Edson found after arriving at iiis farm that there were for sale sixty acres across the road, which he immediately purchased, and proceeded to erect a comfortable house on this land. Here he resided until the spring of 1865, when he sold to John Stock. In company with several others he went to Missouri and purchased a farm of three hundred acres, but for various reasons decided not to live there, and finallj' sold the farm. In the fall of 1865 he moved to Winona and resided on the corner of Washington Street and Broadway for one and a-half years. He then erected a house on East Fifth .Street, where he resided two years, after which he sold his home and bought on John- son Street, where he lived until his death, April 12, 1894. Mrs. Millie (Braisted) Gates was born in Brid- port, Addison County, Vt., June 15,1835. She was the eighth child in a family of eleven, and re- moved with her parents in her infancj' to Essex County, N. Y., where she spent the most of her life until she was married. Her parents were William and Anna Braisted. Her grandfather, William Braisted, Sr., went to Bridport, Vt., from New Jer- sey when the country was quite new. His wife's name was IMary Little. The farm on which he re- sided has always been owned by William Brais- ted, a brother of Mrs. Gates now residing there. William Braisted was born October 14, 1795, and died May 24, 1875. Anna Russell, his wife, was born July 17, 1799, and died April 13, 1885. Her father, William Russell, was a native of Scot- land. He was a farmer by occupation and some- what of a musician. They lived and died in Ad- dison Countj', Vt. Edson and Millie Gates were the parents of three children. Minnie, born September 10, 1862, died at the age of fourteen days; Burton N., born November 24, 1863. died at the age of ten months; and William W.. born August 22, 1866, died at the age of sixteen months. They adopted a child, the daughter of his youngest brother, who was drowned in Kansas. Jessie Maud Gates came to them at the age of one and a-half years and has ever been considered as one of the famil}'. Mr. Gates is remembered as a genial, social man, who was fond of doing charitable deeds in a quiet, unostentatious way, was a modest, unobtrusive, whole-souled man, and politically was a stanch advocate of Republican principles. Franklin Laberee. FRANKLIN LABEREE, deceased, was born in Whitefield, Me., on the 17th of Novem- ber, 1828, and died in Winona on the 23d of July, 1893, respected by all who knew him. While in his native stale he served an apprentice- ship to a ship-carpenter, and became an expert workman, gaining great proficienc}'. For twenty- eight years he was an employe of the North-West- ern Railway, doing carpenter work. His services were used for the fine interior finishing work on the palace cars until that branch of the business was transferred to Chicago, after which he was em- ployed for the interior finishing of depots, etc. During the late war Mr. Laberee responded to 272 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. the call for troops, enlisting in Company F, Thir- tieth Wisconsin Infantry, on the 11th of Au- gust, 1862. He served for three years and one month, and when tlie war was over was honorablj' discharged, on the 20th of September, 1865. Mr. Laberee was married on the 4th of March, 1869, in Winona, to Mrs. Sarah Jane Eastey, whose maiden name was Alden. She is a native of Milo, Yates County, N. Y., but was reared in Steuben County, that state. To them was born one son. Rolla J., who is now in the employ of the Chicago & North- Western Railway Company. Mr. Laberee was a trusted employe, and the con- fidence reposed in him was well deserved, for he was always faithful to the company and its best interests. His time and attention were almost en- tirely given to tlie work, which was in no way neglected. He voted with the Democratic party, but was not actively interested in politics. W PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 275 ^M: -t — f- w $>;g- ^•^ nt^ «§•«;$ ^^ 3!^ sse w iMi, Marshall Bailey Webber. ^J«i. jSiw; i?i^ ^Xv>- 'VK^ *>i«* »f«r -^v; *K. ^ ^^iMi -J— »- "«-^ MARSHALL BAILEY WEBBER is a wor- thy representative of the Bar of Winona County, and is successfully engaged in practice in the city of Winona. He was born in Raymond, Racine County, Wis., on the 2d of August, 1850, and is the son of Samuel and Sabra A. (Baile}') Webber. Their family' numbered four children, three of whom are yet living. He is descended from the Puritan forefathers who founded the colony of IMassachusetts. His grand- father, Loriug Webber, was a native of the old Bay State, and was a Puritan Baptist of the strict- est type. He was born February 16, 1791, and in 1837 emigrated to the territor}' of Wisconsin, where he secured from the Government a large tract of land, and engaged in farming, locating in Racine Countj-, Raymond Township, at which place he died on the 1st of .January, 1885, at the advanced age of ninctj-four years. The grand- mother on the father's side was Sarah Upham, who was born in Brimfield, Mass., January 18, 1794, and died March 21, 1886. The grandfather and grandmother on hia mother's side were of New 10 Hampshire stock, his grandfatlier being Jonathan Bailey, who was born in Weare, N. H., January 19, 1792, and was engaged in teaching and farm- ing. His grandmother was Sarah Marshall, who was born in Deerfleld, N. H., January 28, 1790. Jonathan Bailey and wife emigrated from New Hampshire to the stale of Wisconsin in Septem- ber, 1841. with a family of several children, includ- ing the m(jther of the subject of this sketch, who was then but a small girl. Jonathan Bailey- died in Clifton, Pierce County, Wis., June 11, 1866, and his wife died in the same place, January 17, 1865. Sabra Amelia Bailey, mother of Marshall B., was born in Unity, Sullivan County, N. H., July 13, 1826, and was united in marriage with Samuel Webber October 2, 1842. Samuel Webber, the father of Marshall B., was born July 11, 1822, in Holland, Hampton Counts', in the state of Mas- sachubetls, and for tliree years previous to his father's emigration to Wisconsin worked in the cotton factory at Sturbridge, Mass. On coining to the then territory of Wisconsin, he engaged in farming with his father, Loring Webber, upon a 276 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. section of lanrt upon which he now resides in Raymond, Racine Count}', Wis. He is now tiie oldest resident in that county, and has always been one of the public-spirited, leading and influ- ential citizens of his county, throughout the com- munity being held in the highest esteem by old and young, rich and pooi' alike. Marshall B. Webber was reared amid the wild scenes of the frontier, and lived witli his parents upon the home farm until eighteen jearsof age, assisting in the work of his father's farm. His early education was acquired in the common schools, which he attended during boyhood, subsequently entering the Racine High School. After leaving the latter, he continued his studies for a couple of j'ears in the Rochester Academy, preparatory to his entering Hinsdale (Mich.) College, from which institution he was graduated with honor, carrying off the prize membership of his class, June 17, 187,5. Thus he obtained an excellent literary education, which furnished the solid found- ation on which to rest the knowledge he would gain along special lines. September, 1875, witnessed the arrival of Mr. Webber in Winona, Minn. Here he began reading law in the office of Hon. W. H. Yale, and in the fall of 1877 was admitted to the Bar of Wi- nona County, since which time he has been active- ly engaged in the practice of his profession. He first formed a partnership with Governor Yale, which continued for about three years, when he was elected Prosecuting State's Attorney, which position he filled for two years. On being elected Prosecuting Attorney, the partnership existing be- tween himself and Governor Yale was dissolved, since wiiich time he has been alone, devoting his energies entirely to his increasing legal business, and is now recognized as one of the leading attor- neys of the state. He is attorney for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Company, and also for the Chicago, Burlington & Northern, and has been extremely successful in the trial of cases, his ability, both natural and acquired, being such as to command the admiration of all, and justly winning for him a well earned reputation as a lawyer and citizen. On the 2d of January, 1879, Mr. Webber was united in marriage with Miss Agnes M. Robertson, daughter of John and Matil- da (Goheen) Robertson, both of whom were na- tives of the state of New York. She is a most estimable and cultured lady, and. like her hus- band, holds an enviable positon in social circles. Where true worth and intelligence are received as passports into good society, Mr. and Mis. Web- ber are always found. In his political views Mr. Webber has always been a Republican and a firm protectionist, but is not what may be termed a politician. He is a member of the order of the Knights of Pythias, being one of the first members of Winona Lodge No. 21, in which lodge he has occupied all the chairs. He is an earnest and enterprising young man, devoted to the interests of the city and state, and his support and co-operation are withheld from nothing that tends to benefit the comniunitj'. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 277 John Staniels French. JOHN STANIELS FRENCH, one of the self- made men of Winona County, who now carries on general farming and stock-rais- ing on section 9, Saratoga Township, is a native of the old Granite State. He was born and reared on a farm, his birth occurring on the I81I1 of Februar}-, 1826. His father, George French, was a native of New Hampshire, and when he had arrived at years of maturity married Eflie Baker. They became the parents of a family of seven chil- dren: Lydia N. and George, both deceased; Na- thaniel B., who has also passed away; John S., of this sketch; Andrew J.; David D., who makes his home in Humboldt, Iowa, where he does business as a mechanic; and Chaunce.y, who is engaged in the painting business in Humboldt. By occupation the father of this family was a farmer, and carried ou business along that line for many 3ears. He served in the War of 1812, and died in New Hamp- shire, where both he and his wife spent their last days. John S. French acquired his education in the district schools, which he attended at intervals until sixteen years of age. He then started out to make his own way through life, and his untiring labors and perseverance have been the factors which have brought him success. He first worked as a farm hand by the month, receiving about $4 for his services. He continued to make his home in the state of his nativit}' until about 1850, when he went to Massachusetts, there spending the two succeeding years of his life. With the hope of benefiting his financial condition, he emigrated to the West in the fall of 1852, settling first in Illi- nois, where he was employed ou the construction of the Illinois Central Railroad, laying tracks from La Salle to Bloomington. When that task was conii)leted he returned to his home. While in the East Mr. French was married to Miss Catherine A. McGillis,the wedding being cel- ebrated in May, 1854. They traveled life's jour- ney together for almost forty years, and the lady w.as to her husband a faithful companion and help- mate, but on the 2.itli of January, 1893, she was called to the home bej'ond, and her remains were interred in St. Charles Cemetery. Man^' friends mourned her loss, for she was widely known in this community. Two children were born of this un- ion. George D. married Miss D. Williams, by whom he has a son, George Bayard, and their home is in St. Charles. Edward B. now carries on the old homestead. He wedded Jfery Bell, and they have three children, Edith Lillian, Revertie May and one unnamed. Soon after his marriage John S. French started with his young wife for Minnesota, and took up his residence in Saratoga Township, Winona Coun- ty, where on section 9 he entered from the Gov- ernment one hundred and sixty acres of good land, paj'ing the usual price t>f ijl.25 per acre. He built a log house and lived in true pioneer style, exper- iencing all the hardships and privations of front- ier life. Winona was the nearest tr'ading-post and the county was but sparsely settled. Mr. French 278 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. was industrious and enterprising, and in course of time had placed his once wild land under a high state of cultivation. He had also secured many improvements, which add to the value and attract- ive appearance of the place, and indicate the pro- gressive spirit of the owner. Farming and stock- raising have been to him a profitable business, and although he started out in life a poor boy, depend- ent entirel}' upon his own resources, he has stead- ily worked his way upward by good management, diligence and perseverance, and is now the pos- sessor of a comfortable home and property. Since the organization of the Republican party he has suppoited its principles. He is a member of no church or societj', is an independent thinker, true to his views, and is a citizen who manifests a com- mendable interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the communitv. Edgar A. Bradley. T7> DGAR A. BRADLEY, a leading contractor 1^ Cy and builder of Winona, who occupies a prominent position in business circles, claims New York as the state of his nativity, his birth having occurred in Madison County, on the 5th of December, 1848. His father, P. Bradley, came to Winona in the fall of 1866. He was en- gaged in dealing in cattle, and also took contracts for the construction of the Milwaukee & Green Bay Railroad. He was also interested in the erec- tion of a number of public buildings, and took contracts for laying about five miles of water mains in this city. Here he continued to make his home until 1892, when he removed to Lake Park, Iowa, where he now resides. Edgar A. Bradley' spent the first eight years of his life in his native state, and then accompanied the family on their removal to Lake County, 111. They settled near Waukegan, and in 1860, when he was twelve years of age, removed to Minnesota, locating on a farm in Fillmore County. At the age of eighteen he became a resident of Winona, and has since been connected with its business in- terests. He learned the carpenter's trade with .lohn Keenan, and worked most of the time as a journeyman until thirty years of age, when he be- gan business for himself as a contractor. Since 1880 his time has thus been passed, and in his undertaking he has met with success. He has not only erected a number of residences, but in con- nection with his father he also graded several miles of the Green Bay Railroad, and keeps an outfit for removing houses. This branch of his business yields to him a good income. He employs from seven to twelve men, and is now enjoying a constantly increasing trade. On the 24tli of November, 1875, Mr. Bradley was united in marriage with Mrs. Maiy Moak, who bore the maiden name of Mary Grant. She is a native of Chicago, and came to Winona in 1854 with her parents, W. W. and Clarissa (Avery) Grant. Her father was a carpenter and contractor, and continued that lineof business until his death, which occurred in 1864. He erected on Second -PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 279 Street, between Main and Center Streets, one of the first hotels in the city, known as the Grant House, and was its landlord for several years. He aided in the erection of the old Huff House, and was recognized as one of the best contractors and build- ers in this locality. Mrs. Grant survived her hus- band for a number of years. Their son, Frank Grant, is now a carpenter of Winona. Their daughter Mary in early womanhood became the wife of Harry Moak, a conductor on the Winona & at. Peter Railroad. He died in Minneapolis, and his widow. became the wife of Mr. Bradley, as before stated. The worthy couple have a beauti- ful home at No. 1120 West Broadway, which was erected in 1892. They hold an enviable position in social circles, and their household is noted for its hosi)itality. Mr. Bradley votes with the Re- publican party and warmly advocates its princi- ples, but has never been a politician in the sense of office-seeking, preferring to give his entire time and attention to his business interests, in which he has met with good success. He has lived in Wi- nona through all the days of his manhood, and those who have longest known him are among his best friends, a fact which indicates an honorable and well spent life. L. Q. Wilberton, M. D. f G. WILBERTON, M. D., one of the skill- I C) ful physicians of southeastern Minnesota, is now successfully engaged in practice in Winona. A native of New York, he was born in Hornellsville, on the 18th of April, 1853, and is the only child of George and Martha (Merrill) Wilberton. His father was born in Albion, N. Y., about the year 1827, and completed his education in Albion University, from which he graduated at an early age. His entire life was spent in Hor- nellsville, N. Y., and he became a very successful merchant of that place, doing a good business. He was also one of the contractors on the early build- ing of the FIrie Railroad. He was an indefatiga- ble worker, an energetic business man, and made a notable record for one so young. His death oc- curred at the early age of twenty-seven years, in the 3'ear 1854. His wife was born in Hornellsville, N. Y., and was a daughter of Andrew Merrill, a leading farmer of that vicinity. The paternal grandfather of the Doctor was a native of New York, born near Poughkeepsie. He was appointed land agent of the Government for that region, was a man of prominence in the community in which he lived, and was numbered among the honored pioneers of central New York. The l&ading part which he took in public affairs made him well known, and his sterling worth was recognized by many friends. Dr. Wilberton was reared in the Empire State, and acquired his early education in the public schools of Rochester. After graduating from the high school of that city, he entered Cornell Uni- versity, where he continued his studies for some time. On leaving school he became a teacher in the Lima Seminary at Lima, N. Y., where he re- mained for a year. He then determined to enter the medical profession and make its practice his life work. To this end he began reading medi- cine in the office of Dr. White, of Rochester, N. Y., 280 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. and subsequently entered the Hahnemann College of Philadelphia, from which institution he was graduated in the Class of '80. Dr. Wilberton at once came to Minnesota, lo- cated in Winona, and has since been continuously engaged in active practice at this place, with the exception of twenty months spent abroad. Au- gust 29, 1891, he sailed for the Old World for the purpose of further perfecting himself in the science of medicine by study in the leading schools of Europe. He spent one year in Vienna, studied for three months in Berlin, three months in London, several weeks in Paris, and returning in the spring of 1893 to his native land, at once resumed prac- tice in Winona. On the nth of September, 1882, Dr. Wilberton was joined in wedlock with Miss Sarah Dow, daugh- ter of James C. Dow, a native of the state of Maine. Mrs. Wilberton is a gradiiate of Kent College in Maine, having taken the degrees of A. B. and A. M. Her brother. Prof. James J. Dow, is Superin- tendent of the Blind Asylum in Faribault, Minn. The Doctor and his wife have two children, Laura and George. Dr. Wilberton is a member of the American In- stitute of Homeopathy, and has been honored with an election to the vice-presidency of the Minne- sota State Homeopathic Association, a position which he is now filling. He is an earnest worker, well informed on everything connected with the science of medicine, and devoted to his profession. Me is recognized as one of the representative phy- sicians of Minnesota, and has a reputation for skill and ability which places him among the best in the state. Samuel C. Dick. AMUEL C. DICK, deceased, was for some years a well known and leading citizen of Winona County, and his widow, a most estimable lady, resides in Dakota. Mr. Dick was born in Steubenville, Ohio, on the 19th of April, 1816, and was a son of William and Jane(McClin- tock) Dick, the former a native of Ireland, and the latter of Scotland. Crossing the Atlantic to Amer- ica, William Dick took up his residence in Ohio, where he followed the tailor's trade, and made his home until his death, which occurred in about the year 1849. Samuel C. Dick remained with his parents until seventeen years of age, when he started out in life for himself, taking up the blacksmithing trade in Morefield, Ohio, where he served a three-years ap- prenticeship. On the expiration of that period he joined a brother, and for some time thereafter was emplo^'ed in Londonderry, Ohio, at blacksmithing. The year 1848 witnessed his emigration westward. He made his first location in Le Claire, Iowa, where he remained for three years, working at his trade. His next place of residence was in the sec- tion of Port Byron, 111., where for two years he carried on a brickyard. In the mean time he built two churches and several residences, doing busi- ness as a contractor. While iu this place, Mr. Dick renewed the ac- quaintance of a young lady whom he had formerly known in Ohio, Miss Elizabeth Young, who was PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 281 then visiting her sister in the section of Port By- ron. Their friendNJiip ripened into love, and on the 9th of Maj', 1850, they were married. The lady is a daugliter of Hercules and Anne (Chan- dler) Young, both of whom were natives of Penn- sylvania. In their family were eleven children: Mrs. Rachel Chandler, born in September, 1806, now deceased; Mrs. Sarah Stockton, who was born March 8, 1808, and is now living in Fulton Coun- try, 111.; James, Dinah and Eli, all now deceased; Mrs. Ann Baker, of Illinois; Morgan, now a resi- dent of Arkansas; John, who is deceased; Mrs. Hannah Craft, now living in Martin County, Minn.; Margaret Carroll, born in September, 1828, now living in Lansing, Iowa; and Mrs. Dick, who was born July 21, 1824. To Mr. and Mrs. Dick were born ten children, eight of whom are yet living. Thomas C, the eldest, who was born March 10, 1851, is now living in Dakota, Minn., and is a carpenter by trade. Mar- garet E., born August 4, 1853, died on the 3d of August, 1857. Anne E., born November 13, 1855, is now the wife of William Foote, of Preston, Minn. A daughter born July 12, 1858, died in infancy. Emma L., a graduate of the Winona Normal School, born July 23, 1859, is now the wife of T. T. Geddes, a clothier of Anoka, Minn. Clarence F., born November 18, 1861, also a grad- uate of the Winona Normal .School, is engaged in the commission business in Keokuk, Iowa. Will- iam W., born May 24, 1864, follows farming in Winona County. Charles G., born November 5, 1866, a bright and promising young man. who graduated from the Winona Normal College, is now studying medicine. Ulysses S., born October 19, 1868, is employed as a traveling salesman by a wholesale paper-bag firm. Elizabeth M., who com- pletes the family, was born April 15, 1871, and is now emplo3'ed as a teacher in the high school of Preston. Five of the family have taught school in Winona County. Mr. and Mrs. Dick began their domestic life without cajiital. For two years the)- resided in Iowa, and then removed to Illinois, where they remained until the fall of 1855, at which time they came to Minnesota, locating in Richmond, Winona County. Here Mr. Dick established a grocery and general store, which he carried on until the fall of 1858. At that time he removed to a farm, having purchased a tract of wild land, which he at once began to clear and improve. From that time he successfully followed farming until the spring of 1889, and transformed the once raw prairie into rich and fertile fields, which yielded him a comfort- able income. He also erected good buildings and made the place one of the best improved farms of the community. It comprised one hundred and eighty acres, and this valuable propertj' makes his family in good circumstances. Mr. and Mrs. Dick were ever thoughtful of the welfare of their children and provided them with good educational advantages which would fit them for the practical duties of Ufe. Mr. Dick erect- ed two schoolhouses in his neighborhood, one of which was named in his honor, and for some time he served as clerk of the school district. He also held other ofDces of trust, having been Justice of the Peace for six years and also Treasurer of his township. In politics he was a Republican, in his social relations was a Mason, and in religious belief he was a Methodist. His wife and nearly all of his children belong to the same church. He was ever a kind and affectionate husband and father, de- voted to the interests of his family, and they in turn are an honor to him. His wife is a lady held in high esteem, and to her husband ever proved a faithful helpmate. 282 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Philo B. Palmer. PHILO B. PALMER, one of tlie pioneer settlers of Winona Count3', now living a retired life, claims Pennsylvania as the state of his nativit^y. The date of his birth is April 21, 1824, and the place .Susquehanna. His parents, James S. and Hannah (Heath) Palmer, were both natives of New England. The paternal grandfatlier, who was born in Vermont, was of English descent, and was a preacher of the Friends' or Quakers' Church. When ninety \'ears of age he rode three hundred miles on horseback on a missionary tour. His death occurred at the age of ninety-three. The maternal grandfather, Jacob Heath, was also born in Vermont, and came of an old English fam- ily. He spent most of his life on the frontier, en- gaged in clearing land and in the work of the ministry, as a preacher of the Methodist Episcopal faith. Ho was a soldier during the War of 1812. His last daj's were passed in northern Pennsylva- nia, where he died at the age of sevent3'. James S. Palmer was a carpenter bj' trade, and in 1856 left the Empire State, emigrating to Wi- nona, where he aided in the erection of some of its first houses. He made the shingles, which are still in use, on one of the oldest houses on Second Street. He, too, defended his country during the War of 1812, and was wounded in the leg at the battle of Plattsburg. Both he and his wife were active members of the Methodist Churcli, in which he served as Steward. This worthy couple were the parents of fire children, two sons and three daughters, of whom three are yet living, namely: Abigail, widow of J. L. Brink; Elizabeth, wife of Calvin Hitt, of Dover, Olmsted County, Minn.; and Philo B. Mr. Palmer, of this sketch, remained in the coun- ty of his nativity until twent}'-two years of age, his time being passed in attendance at the district schools of the neighborhood, and in clearing and developing the farm. He was thus early inured to arduous labor, but thereby developed a self-reli- ance and force of character which have proven of incalculable benefit to him in later jears. In 1855 he sought a home in Minnesota, and entered one hundred and sixty acres of land in Dodge County and eighty acres in Winona County, and purchased some property in Winona. Here he carried on carpentering for some time, and then embarked in business as a dealer in agricultural implements, having a large trade, which came from all over the country. He did a very successful business, and thereby acquired a handsome competence. About 1879 he retired to his farm some six miles from the city, and made it his home for six years, after which he returned to Winona. January 3, 1858, Mr. Palmer was united in mar- riage with Miss Helen L. Perry, daughter of Sam- uel and Minerva (Mather) Perrj'. Four children were born to them: Laura M., who died at the age of four years and four months; Mary L., wife of Forest Stansfield, of Winona; Albert L., who mar- ried Miss Millie Cosgrove, and is engaged in the grocery business in Austin, Minn., as a member of the firm of Harrobiu & Palmer; and Clara H., who is engaged in teaching in Ortonville, Minn. The PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.' 283 mother of this family passed away in October, 1884, and on the 8th of January, 1894, Mr. Palmer wed- ded Mrs. Angeline (Van Housen) Townsend, widow of Squire Townsend. Mr. and Mrs. Palmer are members of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church, in which Mr. Palmer has served as Class-Leader and Steward for thirty-five years. In his political views he is a stanch Repub- lican, and has held some minor offices. The cause of temperance finds in him an inflexible adherent. He has been Chairman of the Executive Commit- tee of the Old Settlers' Association of the county, a position he has filled for many years. When Mr. Palmer came to Winona the land was still in pos- session of the Government, tiie first sale not oc- curring until October, 1855. He sold his farm in Illinois in 1854, with the intention of removing to Iowa, but came instead to Winona, and has been instrumental in inducing probably fifty families to locate here. He used to haul grain and lumber a distance of seventy-five miles, and has gone through all the experiences of pioneer life, but now has a fine home and other city property, and is resting in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. Harry Cassius Farrar. HARRY CA.SSIUS FARRAR, who is now serving as County Superintendent of Schools, and makes his home in Stockton, has the honor of being a native of Winona Coun- ty, his birth having here occurred on the 3d of May, 1861. His parents, John L. and Calista J. (Cheney) Farrar, had a family of seven children. The father, who is represented elsewhere in this work, was a native of New Hampshire, as was his wife, but they met for the first time in the West. His early years were spent in his native state, and at the age of twenty-four he left home. On the tide of emigration which was steadily progress- ing toward the setting sun, he drifted westward, and for two years spent the winters in hunting deer. He then purchased a farm, in 1855, married Miss Cheney, and began life in earnest. Since that time he has devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits. He has always been a man of progres- sive spirit, taking an active interest in public affairs which are calculated to promote the general welfare, and at an early day he served as a member of the State Legislature. He also held a number of local offices, serving as Township Clerk, Township Treasurer and Justice of the Peace. The cause of education has found in him a warm friend, and one who labors untiringlj' in its interest. He has long been officially connected with the schools, and his labors along that line have been productive of good results. He votes with the Democratic party, of which he is a local leader, and in politics, as in all other matters, he is true to his convictions and fearless in the expression of his opinions. The early life of H. C. Farrar was spent upon his father's farm and in gaining a rudimentarj* education in the district schools. His father's be- lief in education and in its necessity led him to be supplied with good advantages for obtaining at least a practical knowledge, which would be of much benefit to him in any ordinary business ca- reer which he might undertake. After leaving the public schools, Mr. Farrar entered the State Nor- 284 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. mal School at Winona, which he attended for four years, spending three 3'ears of that time in the normal department. He was also engaged in teach- ing for a limited time during tliat period. In 1888 he was graduated from the normal school, and from that time was constantly engaged iu the profession of teaching until he was elected, in the fall of 1892, to the office of County Superintend- ent of Schools, which position he occupies at the present time. Mr. Farrar has within his jurisdiction in this county one hundred and fifteen schools, and to the arduous duties of County Superintendent he devotes his entire attention. He is deeply inter- ested in educational development, which is so marked at the present day, and has done much to- ward advancing tlie standard of excellence in the schools of Winona CountJ^ His is a responsible position, hut the office is ably filled, and he has the confidence of the majority of voters in the county. Mr. Farrar was married on the 3d of October, 1889, to Miss Mabel C. Nettleton, of Minnesota, daugliter of Charles Nettleton, a native of New York. The father died in this state in 1892, at the age of seventy -two years, but his widow is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Farrar have a family of three children: Vera, Harold Cheney and the bab3'. W. D. Abbott. WD. ABBOTT, a member of the law firm of Brown & Abbott, of Winona, was born in Steele County. Minn., July 13, 1859. His grandfather, William Abbott, was bom in the town of Saubornton, N. H., in 1800, in the same house which was the butiiplace of his son, A. J., and his entire life was passed on the old home- stead farm, where he died at the age of fort3'-five. His father was a native of Pembroke, N. H., and spent his entire life in the old Granite State, dying in Sanbornton at a ripe old age. He was a son of Samuel Abbott, who long prior to the Revolution removed from Andover, Mass., to Pembroke, where he spent his remaining days. He located among the Indians, who were sometimes trouble- some, and experienced all the hardships and priva- tions incident to life on the frontier. Farther back than Samuel Abbott, the ancestry of the fam- ily cannot now be traced. A. J. Abbott, the father of W. D., was born in Sanbornton, N. H., in 1829, and after arriving at years of maturity wedded Mary H. Piper, also a native of that city, and a daughter of Daniel Piper, who spent his entiie life in the Granite State. Mr. and Mrs. Abbott there lived until 1856, when, hoping to better their financial condition, thej' emigrated westward and made a home in Steele County, Minn., where the father followed farming during his active business life. He still resides on the old homestead, but is now retired. He went to the county in an early day, and is numbered among its honored pioneers. W. D. Abbott spent his early life in the county of his nativity, and the common schools afforded PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 285 liini li is first educational privileges. There lie be- came familiar with the ''three R's," and later took a preparatory course in Pillsbury Academy. Sub- sequently he continued his studies in Carlcton College, of Northfield, Minn., from which he was graduated in 1883. Having studied law, he en- tered upon the practice of his chosen profession in Waseca in 1885, and there continued in active business until the fall of 1892. At that time Mr. Abbott came to Winona and entered the law ofHce oi Lloyd W. Bowers, who was then the attorney for the Winona it 81. Peter Railway Company, and with him continued until June, 1893, when Mr. Bowers was appointed Gen- eral Counsel for the Chicago & North-Western Railwa3- Company, and removed to Chicago. Mr. Abbott then formed a partnership with L. L. Brown, under the firm name of Brown ife Abbott, and this connection still continues, the firm occupying the law office of Wilson & Bowers. They received the appointment as attorneys foi- the Winona & St. Peter Railway Compan}', and are also successfully engaged in general law practice. Mr. Abbott was married, in the fall of 1886, to Miss Lorena M. Adams, daughter of Thomas Adams, a farmer, residing near Faribault, Minn. She was one of five children, an LISHA B. HUFFMAN, one of the highly r C) respected citizens of Homer, who is now practically living a retired life, was horn on a farm in Trafalgar, Canada, October 6, 1825, and is a son of Jacob and Filizabeth (Finch) Huff- man, both of whom were natives of New York. The father was born iu January, 1786, and died February 2, 1851. He was a farmer by occupation and owned a valuable tract of land. He was only about two years of age when with his parents he went to Canada. He enlisted forthe War of 1812, and continued in the service until its close. His wife was called to her final rest in 1871. In their family were eleven children, but only two are now living. John died in Michigan in 1888; Christo- pher has also passed away; Henry died in Minne- sota in September, 1886, at the age of seventy-two years; Mary and Nancy, twins, are both deceased; Paul G. has passed away; Nathauiel died April 18, 1874; Lorana is deceased; Phcebe is the wife of William Livingston, a railroad man of Canada; Elisha is the next younger; and Joseph has also passed away. Mr. Huffman of this sketch remained upon the home farm until twenty-six years of age. Some time previous he had assumed its management and the care of his parents. At length, on leaving home, he began to learn the trade of blacksmithing, wagon-making and repairing, and afterward em- barked in business for himself, carrying on opera- tions along that line for five years. On the expira- tion of that period he emigrated westward and spent one year in Iowa. On the 12th of Novem- ber, 1857, he arrived in Minnesota, making the journey by wagon. He came to Homer and located on a farm on section 28, Homer Township, where PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 295 be purchased forty acres of land. To this he added from time to time as his financial resources were increased until he had four hundred acres of val- uable land, the greater part of which is under a high state of cultivation. He built a good house and barn, made other improvements, and the well tilled fields and neat appearance of the place indi- cated the thrift and enterprise of the owner. He carried on general farming, and was the first man who ever raised a thousand bushels of wheat in one season in this locality. lie also engaged in black- smithing, and that work proved to him a prolitahlo source of income. On the 6th of January, 1848, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Huffman and Miss Caroline E. Cur- rey, daughter of Ephraim and Nanc}' Currey. who were natives of Canada. The father died in Can- ada, September 6, 1864; the mother was called to the home beyond October 10, 1887, and she was laid to rest in Homer Cemetery. In their family were eleven children, of whom five are yet living, namely: Hamilton, Carleton, George, Caroline (who was born October 24, 1830,) and Walter. Mr. and Mrs. Huffman are now parents of eight chil- dren: Miles J., who was born .January 28, 1849, and is the present County Attorney of Scott's Bluff County, Neb.; Henry H., who was born Jul}- 6, 1850, and is now in South Dakota; James N., who was born February 25, 1853, and is living in Homer; Jacob W., who was born May 12, 1855, and is a farmer of Minnesota; Ephraim E., who was born March 30, 1857, and is located in Huntsville, Ala.; Eilizabeih B., who was born March 16, 1859, be- came the wife of William Horton, and died Feb- ruary 28, 1890, leaving two children; Elsie C, who was born May 27, 1864, and died February 19, 1866; and Mary A., who was born January 6, 1870, and is still at home with her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Huffman have always given their ehildren good educational privileges to fit them for the practical duties of life and have supplied them with other advantages. About four years ago Mrs. Hufl'man suffered from a paralytic stroke, and has since been a cripple, but she hears her misfortune uncomplainingly. She has been a faithful com- panion and helpmate to her husband, and together as man and wife they have traveled life's journey for forty-six years. Mr. Huffman is an enterprising and progressive farmer and carried on agricultural pursuits until September, 1891, when he removed to Homer, and has since made his home in this place. He has led a busy and useful life, and has always been a hard worker. He yet engages in labor to a limited ex- lent, for he cannot bear to sit down in idleness, that quality being utterly foreign to his nature. In politics he has been a Republican since he became a subject of the United States and warmly advo- cates his party's principles. He has served as Jus- tice of the Peace, as Assessor and in all the other town offices, and has ever been true to the trust reposed in him by those who gave him their sup- port. 296 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Richard Perrin. RICHARD PERRIN is one of AVinona Coun- ty's well known agriculturists, who in bis business career has won success, and in all the relations of life has gained the confidence and esteem of those with whom he has been brought in contact. He carries on general farming and stock-raising on section 15, Saratoga Township, where he owns valuable property, comprising two hundred and forty acres of rich land, which is im- proved with good buildings and all the accessories of a model farm. Mr. Perrin was born in Yorkshire, England, on the 13th of August, 1825, and is a son of John and Emma (Wilkes") Perrin, who were also natives of the same country. By occupation the father was a farmer, and followed that business through life. The family numbered eight children, three sons and five daughters, of whom Richard is the eldest. Sarah and Elizabeth are both deceased. Thomas and John follow in order of birth. Mary Ann has also passed awa^-. Priscilla is the young- est living; and one died in infancy. When a child of five years, Richard Perrin left his native land and was brought by his parents to America, the family crossing the Atlantic in a sailing-vessel, which after a voyage of six weeks dropped anchor in the harbor of New York. The family located in Monroe County, N. Y., near Rochester, and there Richard was reared to man- hood. His education was acquired in the district schools, which he attended at intervals until about sixteen years of age. Reading, experience and ob- servation, however, have made him a well informed man. His father was in limited circumstances, and, as he was the eldest child, he remained at home and gave to his parents the benefit of his services until twenty-five years of age. He then started out in life for himself, and began by rent- ing land. This he did for five 3-ears, making his home in New York until the spring of 1855, when he emigrated to the West. The journey was made by way of the rivers and lakes to Beloit, Wis. Near that city he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, and for two years carried on farming, but on the expiration of that period he removed to Waupun, Wis., where he rented a farm until 1866. In that year he came to Winona County, and has since been numbered among the agriculturists of Saratoga Township. He bought eighty acres of partially improved land on section 15, where his home now stands, and began the de- velopment of a farm that has become one of the most desirable places of the neighborhood. As his financial resources have been increased he has ex- tended its boundaries, until it now comprises two hundred and forty-eight acres of rich land, which yields to him a golden tribute in return for the care and cultivation he bestows upon it. On the 3d of April, 1849, Mr. Perrin was united in marriage with Miss Jane Drake, a native of New York, who was born in 1829. The}' have two children. Emma became the wife of Peter Bralt, a farmer of Saratoga Township, and they have three children: Jean, Harry and Ada, Jennie is PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. .297 the wife of Clarence Statser. They reside on the old homestead, and have a daughter, Ora M. In his political affiliations Mr. Perrin is a Dem- ocrat, but has never aspired to public office. In 1890 he was called to mourn the loss of his wife, who passed away on the 30th of August, and was laid to rest in Saratoga Cemetery. She had been to him a faithful companion and helpmate on life's journey, and her loss was mourned by her family and many friends. Mr. Perrin's success is well deserved, and he also merits the high regard in which he is held. Watson I. Lamson. < ■\ «)ATSON I. LAMSON, one of the hon- \/ \y ored veterans of the late war, now liv- ing in Winona, was for some years connected with the agricultural interests of this county. He has also represented his constituents in several offices, thus becoming well known, and in this volume is deserving of representation. Mr. Lamson is a native of Massachusetts, his birth having occurred in Mt. Washington, Berkshire County, on the 23d of April, 1844. His father, William Lamson, was born in Massachusetts, Sep- tember 1, 1815, and in early life engaged in the insurance business. He married Miss Lucy A. Lee, who was born in the old Bay State, January 12, 1820, and with his family started for the West in 1861. He first located in Rockford, 111., and after about three years came to Winona County, Minn., settling first in the village of Homer. He pur- chased eighty acres of land, and continued its cul- tivation for several years, when he was taken sick. Not being able to meet pa}'ments upon his farm, he lost his properly, but afterward bought one hun- dred and five acres, which he owned up to the time of his death. He passed away on the 8th of Sep- tember, 1892, having for four years survived his wife, who was called to the home beyond in April, 1888. In their family were four children, but Watson, the second in order of birth, is the only one now liring. Adelberl, born December 9, 1842, died April 24, 1887; Livingston M., born January 9, 1846, is also deceased; Mary W., born September 23, 1847, died November 23, 1854. In his political affiliations the father of this family was a Repub- lican, and was honored with a number of offices. In connection with his other work he engaged in teaching school to some extent. He was an excel- lent mathematician, and never failed to solve any problem which was given him. No event of special importance occurred during the childhood and youth of Watson I. Lamson, who lived upon the home farm until after the breaking out of the late war, when he bade adieu to parents and friends and started for the scene of battle. On the 13th of August, 1862, he enrolled his name as a member of Companj^ B, Seventh Minnesota Infantrj'. The company, commanded by Capt. S. B. Sheardown, was engaged in fighting the Indians for about a year, and then went to St. Louis, from where they were ordered to Missis- sippi. There they took part in the battle of Tu- pelo, which continued at intervals for three days, and were afterward at Nashville. Later Mr. Lam- son took part in the siege of Mobile, where he was under fire for about six weeks, and there re- mained until honorably discharged, in August, 1865. He was never wounded by a bullet, but his health was greatl_y imi)aired and never has been fully recovered. 298 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. When the war was over, Mr. Lamson returned to his parents' home, and there remained until his marriage, at the a.^e of twenty-five years. On the 5th of August, 1869, was celebrated his union with Mar^' E. Richardson, whose death occurred April 23, 1870. On the 24th of March, 1875, he was again married, his second union being with Lucy O. Hammond, daughter of M. H. Hammond, a na- tive of Connecticut, who removed to Michigan in 1836, and came to Minnesota in 1865, locating in Pleasant Ridge, Homer Township. There he reared his family, and there his death occurred in 1872. His widow is still living with Mrs. Lamson, at the age of eighty-four years, and is a well preserved old lady, wiio has many friends in this community. Mr. and Mrs. Lamson have two children: William H., born June 19, 1878; and Herbert H., born Jan- uary 10, 1880. They are good and intelligent lads and are an honor to their parents. At the time of his first marriage, Mr. Lamson purchased eighty acres of land, but his wife died shortly after, and he did not then remove to the farm, but instead went to Kansas, where he spent about two years. After his second marriage he added thirty acres and located thereon, devoting his time and attention to farming until 1887, when he removed to Homer; there he resided until 1894, when he removed to his present home at No. 263 East Howard Street, Winona. In the mean time he had further extended the boundaries of his farm until it now comprises one hundred and eight acres. He yet retains possession of this, having it now rented, and it yields to him a good income. Mr. Lamson has been a hard worker and by a busy life has achieved a success which is well merited. In politics he is a Republican. He served for one term as Town Treasurer, and for ten years has been Chairman of the Town Board of Supervisors. So- cially he is connected with the Grand Army of the Republic. William Kaiser. ■« T «^ILLIAM KAISER, who is engaged in \/\/ plastering in Winona, was born on the 4th of November, 1832, in Hotlenbach, Russia, where he remained until about nineteen years of age, when he sailed for America. In his native land lie had learned the mason's trade, hav- ing provided for his own maintenance for some time. At length he determined to seek a home beyond the Atlantic, hoping thereby to benefit his financial condition, and in a sailing-vessel crossed the briny deep to New York. He did not tarry long, however, in the eastern metropolis, but went at once to Scranton, Pa., where he worked at his trade for a year. He then resumed his westward journey, and took up his residence in Cincinnati, Ohio, where the succeeding ten years of his life were passed. On the expiration of that decade he came to Minnesota, locating in New Ulm, where he made his home for a shorttime. The year 1862 witnessed his arrival in Winona, where for nearly a third of a century he has engaged in business as a plasterer, taking large contracts for such work. The lady who now bears the name of Mrs. Kaiser was in her maidenhood Amelia Kaiser. She was born in Baden, Germany, and their marriage was celebrated in 1858. Ten children graced their union, but three of the number are now deceased. Those still living are: Minnie, wife of Henry Hess, a resident of Winona; Charles, who makes his home in this city; Albert, who is living in Fosston, Minn., where he is engaged in the banking busi- ness; Edward, a printer, who resides with his father; Carrie, William G. and Hattie, who are yet under the parental roof. The family is one of prominence PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECX)RD. 299 in the community, and its members hold an envi- Hble position in social circles where true worth and intelligence are received as passports into good society. Mr. Kaiser votes with the Republican party and is a warm advocate of its principles, but has never sought or desired public office, preferring to give his entire time and attention to his business inter- ests and to the enjoyment of his home. He is now the owner of a pleasant residence on King Street, together with a business block on Center Street. These represent his own labor and are monu- ments to his tlirift and enterprise. He is one of tlie leading men in his line of business, and has re- ceived a fair share of the public patronage, where- by he has secured a good income. He has had no special advantages in life, but has made the most of his opportunities, and his success is due to ear- nest application, untiring effort and good manage- ment. Edwin D. Wilmot. T7> DWIN D. WILMOT, who follows farming 1^ C) on section 12, Saratoga Township, is rec- ognized as one of the prosperous and pro- gressive agriculturists in Winona County, and in its history well deserves mention. The record of his life is as follows: He was born in Oneida County, N. Y., May 23, 1844, and is a son of Allen G. and Sarah (Remore) Wilmot. The father was a native of the Empire State, and was of French descent, while the mother was of German lineage. They became the parents of ten children, seven sons and three daughters, of whom eight are now living, namely: Edwin D., of this sketch; Stewart J., Sarah J., Louisa, Isaac G., Julia, Henry and Solon. Eugene and an infant are deceased. Edwin D. Wilmot was born and reared on a farm, and the occupation with which he was famil- iar from earliest youth he has made his life work. He attended the district schools of New York, and completed his education in the public schools of Winona. In 1856 he came with his parents to Minnesota, the family locating in St. Charles, where the father secured land from the Govern- ment and began the development of a farm. Ed- win was thus inured to the arduous labor of break- ing and cultivating new land, and became familiar with farm work in all its departments. He was still at home with his parents at the breaking out of the late war, but in 1862 he bade adieu to home and friends and entered the service. It was on the 15th of August of that year that Mr. Wilmot enrolled his name among the boj's in blue of Company D, Seventh Minnesota Infantiy. He was mustered into service at Ft. Snelling,and his first engagement was under Sibley, at Big Mound, N. Dak., during the Indian troubles, June 24, 1863, and on the 28th at Stony Lake, the severest engage- ment of the expedition. He was then sent South, and participated in the battle at Tupelo, after which he went on the raid through Missouri, in pursuit of Price, where a running light was kept up for many days. Later he went to Nashville, and took part in the battle at that place. With his command he also met the enemj' at Spanish Fort, and participated in the siege and capture of that stronghold. He went through as a private, and on the 17th of August, 1865, was honorably discharged, for the .South had laid down its arms, the Union was preserved, and the war was over. Mr. Wilmot immediately returned to his home, and in 1866 he began farming in his own interest, purchasing one hundred and fifty acres of land in Saratoga Township. It was partly improved, and he at once began its cultivation, and made it his 300 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. home for three years. On the expiration of that period he removed, in 1869, to the farm on which he now resides, and which has been liis home con- tinuously since. He first purchased one htindred and sixty acres on section 12, ijut as his financial resources have increased he has added to this un- til now two luindred and ninety acres of rich and valuable land pays a golden tribute to the care and cultivation he bestows upon it. He also carries on stock-raising, and is the owner of one of the best farms of the neighborhood. Mr. Wilraot was married, on the 1st of March, 1868, to Miss Idella Watson, and their union has been blessed with four children, all of whom are yet living, namely: Minnie, now the wife of Mon- roe Ball, a resident farmer of Saratoga Township; Alfred, Daisy and Pearl, all at home. Daisy is a graduate of the high school, and also of the nor- mal school of Winona, and by her study has fitted herself for the profession of teaching. The family is one of culture and refinement, the household is noted for its hospitality, and its members are highly respected peojjle of the community. Mr. Wilmot started out in life a poor boy, with no capital save a young man's bright hope of the future and a determination to succeed. He has labored earnestly, and his diligence and persever- ance have made his career a prosperous one. He is now in comfortable circumstances, and can sup- ply his family with all the comforts of life. In politics he has alwaj'S been a Republican, and warmly advocates the party principles. He be- longs both to the Odd Fellows' society and the Grand Army of the Republic. John C. Laird. JOHN C. LAIRD, of Winona, was born in Lewisburg, Union County, Pa., October 6, 1825, and is a son of Robert Hoyt and Maria (Nevins) Laird. The father was horn in Derry, Northumberland County, Pa., June 22. 1796, and was of Scotch-Irish descent. In 1820 he married Mrs. Maria (Nevins) Fruit, a widow. Her fa- tlier, Christian Nevins, was born in Holland, No- vember 1, 1759, and married Lucretia Chamberlain, who was born in 1765. The great-grandfather of our subject on the maternal side, John Hayes, was born in Londonderry, Ireland, and came to Amer- ica in 1730. His son, Robert Hayes, was born in Northumberland County, Pa., in 1742, and wedded Mary Allison. Matthew Laird, the great-grandfather of our subject, was born about 1765, and became a resi- dent of Cumberland County, Pa. His son, Moses Laird, married Jane Hayes, and their son, Robert H., became the father of John C. Laird, of this no- tice. The grandfather of Mrs. Maria Laird was a Revolutionary soldier. He was born in Hunter- don County, N. J., September 27, 1736, and was the eldest of twelve children born to William and Elizabeth Chamberlain, who were natives of Eng- land, and came to America in 1680. Col. William Chamberlain served in the Colonial army, and his commission bears the date of September 9, 1777. He was a member of General Armstrong's brigade and General Wayne's division, and took part in the battles of Franklin, Princeton and Brandy- wine. At the last-named his son Louis was killed. He was also present at the surrender of Cornwallis, October 19, 1781. His services were recognized as so valuable to the American forces that the Eng- lish offered a reward of £500 for his head. His PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 301 old uniform epaulettes are still in possession of the family. Robert Laird and his wife lived and died in Pennsylvania. He made farming his life work and was quite an influential citizen. His death occurred at the age of ninety-one years. John C. Laird was one of a family of eight children. He was reared on the old home farm, and at the age of twenty-five determined to go to California, but his family objected and instead he emigrated to northern Illinois in 1850. In the fall of that 3'ear he went up the Mississippi to Winona Prairie, passing St. Paul, which then contained a popula- tion of five hundred. He stopped at La Crosse when there were but five families in the town. After two weeks he went to Galena, and thence to Freeport, 111. In the spring of 1851 he entered a claim above La Crosse, but clerked in a store until the following fall, when he was made Deputy Reg- ister of Deeds of La Crosse Count}-, under William T. Price, since United States Senator. His eldest sister, Catherine, now the wife of Abner S. God- dard, taught school in La Crosse in the winter of 1851. In May, 1852, Mr. Goddard came to Winona, being one of its first settlers. He was appointed the first Postmaster of the place, but died the fol- lowing August. His widow afterward married A. B. Smith, and was long a resident of Winona, being one of the best known and most highly re- spected ladies of the count}'. She had three chil- dren when she came here, but two died soon after her arrival. One son, Charles Goddard, enlisted before he was seventeen years of age for service in the Civil AVar, and was wounded at the battle of Gettysburg, after which he returned to Winona. He was elected Register of Deeds, but died before the time came for him to enter upon the duties of the office. John C. Laird arrived in Winona in August, 1852, and the following year made a claim. His time was largely spent in driving settlers over the coun- try until 1855. In the spring of that year he was joined by his brothers, Matthew J. and William H., and the firm of Laird Bros, was formed. They would go up the Chippewa River and buy lumber, which they would raft down and sell to the set- tlers who were rapidly flocking to this place. The venture proved a very profitable one, and from this grew the extensive business of the firm of Laird, Norton DWIN HILL, an attorney-at-law of St. I CJ Charles, Minn., was born on the 6th of Februar.v, 1834, in Franklin County', Vt., and is a son of Rufus and Mary (Farwell) Hill. His father was a native of Troy, N. Y., and when a lad of nine years went with liis parents to Ver- mont, where he afterward carried on farming. In the early part of his life he also engaged in brick- making. By his marriage he had a family of twelve children, seven of whom grew to matiue years, while six are yet living. George, who was born October 18, 1828, is now a retired black- smith of Eyota, Minn. Charles A., born October o! 1831, is now engaged in fainiingnear Morristown. Vt. Hiram W. is editor of the Times of St. Charles. Willard F., born March 12, 1842, was a soldier in the late war, enlisting in the Thirty-sixth Wiscon- sin Infantry. After serving for about a year he was taken sick and died in the hospital at Cilv Point. Georgiana A., born January 9, 1851, is living with her mother in St. Charles. Charlcna D., born in 1853, is now the wife of E. Wheeler, a resident of Dane County, Wis., and a brother of Ella Wheeler Wilcox, the poetess of Wisconsin. The parents of this familj- were married in May, 1824, in P'airfax, Vt., where the father engaged in brickmaking. Having saved some money, lie, in connection with his brother, purcliased land and carried on a sawmill, becoming fairly well-to-do. In the year 1856 he bade good-bye to his Vermont home and emigrated westward, locating in New Lisbon, Wis., where his remaining days were passed. He was born in 1800, and died on the 18th of August, 1879. He witnessed the last bat- tle of the War of 1812, which took place on Lake Chaniplain. He was a Republican in politics, and was a highly esteemed citizen. After her husband's death Mrs. Hill came to Winona County, where she is yet living, at the advanced age of eight}-- six, her birth having occurred in 1808. She, too, is a native of the Green Mountain .State. During his earlj^ boj'hood days Edwin Hill re- mained with his parents and acquired a fair English education, but at the age of sixteen lie started out ill life for himself and began shoemaking in Mas- sachusetts. After he had attained to man's estate he chose as a companion and helpmate on life's journey Miss Mary L. Powell, of Eau Claire, Wis., their wedding being celebrated on the 4th of July, 1861. The lady is a daughter of John Powell, a native of Wales, who became one of the early settlers of the Badger State. At the time of his marriage Mr. Hill was serv- ing as Sheriff of his county, and also owned a farm, being thus quite comfortably situated. His possessions were all acquired through his own efforts, and were the just reward of his ear- nest labors. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Hill was blessed with the presence of ten children, seven of whom are yet living. Minnie E., born July 12, 1862. died on the 18th of April, 1870. Ulysses S. G., born November 17, 1864, was a bright young man. and at the time of his death, which occurred September 15, 1884, was employed as bookkeeper 314 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. in his uncle's store in Eau Claire, Wis. Jennie boin October 31, 1867, is now the wife of Floyd J. Stebbins, a druggist of Thief River Falls, Minn. Nettie St. Charles, born March 14, 1870, was the first child born in the town after St. Charles was made a city. Maud M., born April 30, 1871, was a bright and interesting little girl and loved b}' all who knew her. Slie died December 2, 1880. Maggie, born January 13, 1874, is now at home. Ben F., born September 2, 1876, is employed in the drug store of Mr. Stebbins at Thief River Falls, Minn. Goldie. born April 24, 1879, is at home. Bessie, born February 16, 1882, is still under tlie parental roof. Edwin, born February 23, 1885, completes the family. Mr. Hill is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and has taken the Knight-Templar degree. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the Republican part}-, but has never been an aspirant for office, preferring to give his entire time and attention to his business interests, lie has made a success of the law, and holds an enviable position among his pi-ofessional brethren. Nathan Brown. NATHAN BROWN, who follows farming on section 1, New Hartford Township, was born on the 24th of April, 1820, in Clin- ton County, N. Y., and is a son of Charles and Sarah (Newton) Brown. The father was a native of Rhode Island, and a farmer by occupation. In the family were eight children: Renolds, now of Dakota, this county; Mrs. Mary Guynarup, now deceased; Nathan; Mrs. Elizabeth Baker and Mrs. Mercy Boyington, both deceased; Leonard, who is living on the old homestead in Washington, N. Y., which belonged to his grandfather; Jared, now of "Dakota, AVinona County; and Sarah, wife of James Wilson. Tlie father of this family was a successful man of business. He had no educational privileges in his youth of any importance, but was a great Bible student, and was a member of the "Iron-J.acket" Baptists. He served in the War of 1812, and his father was one of the heroes of the Revolution. The latter lived to the advanced age of ninety-two years, and Charles Brown passed away in 1870, at the age of seventy-nine. He had a strong constitution, and death came ver^' sud- denly. He several times visited his children in Winona County, and while at the home of his daughter, Maiy, he passed away. His wife, who was a native of Vermont, died at the age of about tifty-eight years. Nathan Brown enjoyed no special advantages in his youth, and from early life has been inured to hard labor. His school privileges were indeed lim- ited. After attaining to man's estate, however, he began to realize the need of an education, and through his own efforts has obtained a practical business knowledge. He has also read quite exten- sively, and is now well informed on the leading questions of the day. He was still a young man when he determined to come West. He had left home on attaining his majority, and began work for himself, scorning no labor which vvould yield him an honest living. He was industrious and en- terprising, and by economy and perseverance he PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 315 had secured a capital of about $8,000 at the time of his removal to tlie West. It was in 1849 that Mr. Brown started for Min- nesota, and on the 29th of September arrived in Winona Collnl3^ He liad obtained a permit to engage in business as an Indian trader. Lan|+++-H-t-, _ F+^-|-l-+++T ,-+-1-4- ++-I-, 1++++ W ++++P -t-l-4-+ t+++ ^■^++ - +++■■ ■^++++++++-' ■'.-I-+++++-' *-|-.+-l-+-K H. A. COREY. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 329 •{••{••{•+ •!"5>+*****+**'5"!- it -•$•({••{*•{••{# •^•^•^•j* *^*^*2*^* ^taSttS**!*, Hamden A. Corey. •{••{••{••{•^•"{••{••5""{'*5''5*"5*'5*'5*'5**5* + -* ***'!"5"5-** •!"}-+*****"i^ ir HAMDEN A. COREY is one of the old set- tlers of Wiscoy Township, Winona Coun- ty, for he has made his home within its boundaries, upon his present homestead, for up- wards of fort}' j-ears. When he came here in 185y he took up three hundred and twent}' acres from the Government in company witli his brother Syl- vester. It was necessar}' for him to begin farming in an humble way, and his first home was in a log- cabin, 15x18 feet in dimensions. Under its roof he lived until 1869, when he removed to the house which is still his residence, and which was the lirst one built of brick in this township. The birth of our subject occurred in Northamp- ton, Mass., January 20, 1822, his parents being Rev. Alpheus P. and Lilly (Pratt) Corey, natives of Massachusetts. They were married in the Bay State, and to them were born six children, namely: Almira, Mrs. Johnson, of La Crosse, Wis.; Julia, wife of Rev. D. Wilson, also of Wi-sconsin; Sylves- ter, whose home is in Money Creek Township. Houston County, Minn.; Augusta, wife of Har- 13 mon Waldron, of Winona; Minerva, deceased; and our subject. The mother of these children died in 1833, when Hamden was only eleven years old, and his father afterward married a Miss Brewster, by whom he had three children. He followed the shoem.aker's trade, and being an industrious and enterprising business man, gained a good compe- tence for himself and family. He had been a Free- will Baptist preacher for many years. Our subject passed his early years on a farm, and received his preliminar}- education in the dis- trict school. Later he attended a seminary at Bris- tol, Racine County, Wis. On attaining his major- ity, he began working for farmers by the month, and continued so doing until he came to the West. This event occurred in the spring of 1846, the journey being made b}' the canal and the Lakes as fur as Kenosha. Wis. For a time he worked on a farm in Bristol Township, Kenosha County, taking a place on shares, and during this period he went to school through the winter months. In 1848 he returned to New York, and was there until the 330 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. following 3'ear. wheu lie moved upon a piece of Goveruraent land in Winnebago Count3', Wis., whiclj he had entered in 1847. The tract com- prised one hundred and twenty acres, and on a cleared piece of ground lie erected a shanty with some lumber which lie had obtained, and tiiere he resided until 1855. wlien he sold out, and with three yoke of oxen started for Minnesota. Soon after his arrival here he became a permanent farmer of Wiscoy Township, where he has since been en- gaged in general agricultural duties and stock- raising. May 29, 1849, Mr. Corey married Miss Lydia Page, and of their union were born three children: Sylvester A., who lives in Mitchell, Iowa; Wheeler, a merchant of Wheeler Station. Iowa, on the Wi- nona . m. on tiie 21st of February, 1891, be passed away. His remains were taken back to Chicago, and he was laid to rest in Mt. Hope Cem- etery. Hans Hanson. HANS HANSON, deceased, was for many years a well known citizen of Winona County, and w.as highly respected by all who knew him. He was born on the 29th of De- cember, 1830, in South Lan, Norway, and in his native land was reared to manhood. No event of special importance occurred during his boyhood and youth. His educational privileges were meager, being tlioso afforded by the common schools, but he always endeavored to keep himself well in- formed on topic- of general interest. Having arrived at years of maturity, Mr. Hanson was married, in October, 1849, the lady of his choice being Miss Christine Myhrie, a native of Norway. Their wedding was celebrated in that land, and there tiicy remained until the following year, when they bade adieu to earlj- friends and sailed for the New World. That was before the days of steamers, and after a long voyage in a sail- ing-vessel they reached the harbor of Quebec. On reaching this country they at once made their way to Wisconsin, where they spent the succeeding fifteen years of their lives. On the expiration of that period they crossed the Mississippi into Min- nesota, and located on section 9, Homer Township, where Mr. Hanson purchased two hundred and eighty acres of land. He afterward bought eighty acres adjoining the first purchase, and thus became the possessor of a valuable tract of three hundred and sixty acres, all in one body. He crossed the Atlantic a poor man, and began life in a strange country without capital, but a pair of strong arms and willing hands stood him instead of money, and he at once bej^an work. The success which comes as the result of industry, perseverance and good management crowned his efforts and made him one of the prosperous farmers of the community. To Mr. and Mrs. Hanson were born nine chil- dren: Hans, now of this county; Ola, at home; Mrs. Mary Larson; Mrs. Annie Thompson, who departed this life on the 23d of June, 1893, leav- ing five children; Mrs. Tillie Erickson; Mrs. Angle Bergh; Mrs. Christine Bergh; Hannah, wife of Eric Balrud; and Mrs. Minnie Gilbertson. Mr. and Mrs. Balrud now occupy the old home farm. The3' were married on the 9th of December, 1891, and their union has been blessed with two children: Gilbert, born Maj- 6, 1893; and Bertine, May 3, 1894. The parents are well known and highly respected people, and their friends in the communit}' are man 3'. In his political views Mr. Hanson was a Repub- 336 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. lican, and warmly advocated the principles of the party, but never sought political preferment. In his religious belief he was a Lutheran, and was a consistent member of the church with which he held membership. He might truly have been called a self-made man, for his prosperity was the result of his own earnest application and untiring labor. He continued to carry on farming and stock-raising until his death, which occurred on the 12th of April, 1878. Many friends mourned his loss, for they knew him to be a high-minded gentleman, of sterling worth and strict integrity. Mrs. Hanson, who was born in Norway', on the 11th of March, 1828, still survives her husband, and bids fair to live for many years to come, for she is well preserved, both physicall}' and men- tally. -She, too, is a member of the Lutheran Church. Her life has been devoted to her family, who know her to be a faithful and loving wife and mother. At the time of this writing she is visiting with her daughter in Wisconsin, but makes her home on the farm in Winona Count}'. The children are doing well in life, and all are mem- bers of the Lutheran Church, and highly respected people. William Parkhurst. WILLIAM PARKHURST, one of the in- telligent and highly respected farmers of Winona County, now living on sec- tion 31, Winona Township, and one of its oldest citizens and honored pioneers, was born in Fram- ingham, Mass., on the 30th of June, 1803. He was reared upon the old homestead, and at an earl}' age began work in the fields, so that he was soon familiar with all the duties that fall to the lot of an agriculturist. On attaining his majority, with the tide of emigration which was steadily flowing westward, he made his way to Illinois, which was then one of the frontier states. He there engaged in teaching school for a number of years, and also carried on farming until 1853, when he came to Minnesota. His first settlement was made in Fill- more County, where he secured a homestead claim, on which he resided until 1865. In the spring of that year Mr. Parkhurst came to Winona County, where he has since made his home, and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of laud in the Gilmore Valley, constituting his present farm. He was married on the 16th of March, 1837, the lady of his choice being Miss Hannah Work, who died, leaving two children, Henry and William. The former now resides in St. Louis County, Mo., but the latter was called to the home be3-ond during his boyhood days. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Parkhurst was again married, October 2, 1841, his second union being with Miss Laura Smith, a native of Vermont, born in Williamstown. Six children graced this union: Alice, now the wife of A. C. Smith, a resident of Sargent County, N. Dak.; Charles, who is still on the home farm: Harriet, wife of E. O. Maxham, who is located in Winona; Alfred, who' is living on the old homestead, which he operates in con- nection with his brother Charles, the two taking care of their parents in their old age; Emma, wife of J. H. Richards, of Seward, Neb.; and Lizzie, wife PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 337 of Henry Robinson, who is also living in Sargent County, N. Dak. Mr. Parkburst is descended from a family which traces its ancestry back to George Parkhurst, who was born in England, and in 1643 sailed from his native land to America. His wife comes from a family which has long been established in the New World. The Parkhursts are noted for longevity, and the gentleman whose name heads this record lias now reached the advanced age of ninety-one. He has long resided in Winona Count}-, and has l)ecome widely known. Througiiout the commu- nity he IS held in the highest regard, and the his- tor}' of Winona County would be incomplete with- out this sketcii of one of its oldest and most honored citizens. Both he and his estimable wife are members of the Congregational Church. Frank L. Randall. FRANK L. RANDALL, the honored and efficient County Attorney of Winona County, is numbered among the native sons of Minnesota, his birth having occurred at Ft. Ridgely, Nicollet County, November 20, 1856. His grandfather, William Randall, was a native of Vermont, and was probably of English descent. He served in the War of 1812, and made farming his life work. His death occurred at the age of seventy. The maternal grandfather, LTrban B. Auskau Lange, was a native of Copenhagen, Den- mark, and came to America about 1828, locating in Philadelphia. He was a practical watch-maker, surveyor and inventor. Removing to Illinois, he located near Quincy about 1839, and there died in 1858, at the age of seventy. He was a great hunter, taking much delight in that sport. Benjamin Randall was born in the Green Mount- ain State, and having arrived at mature years he married Wilhelmina II. L.ange, a native of the Keystone State. They became the parents of eight children, seven of whom are yet living, namely: Mary Louisa, wife of George H. Noble, of Winona; Frank L., wife of Dr. B. M. Randall, of Graceville, Minn.; Rev. William E., of St. Louis; Richard A., a Well known lawyer of Winona; Dr. Henry R., deceased; A. Josejjhine, a teacher and elocutionist; and Freili, of Winona. The father was a school teacher in Missouri for many years, afterward ran a canal-boat and subsequentl}^ engaged in merchan- dising in Peoria. Later he moved to Ft. Snelling, Minn., where he was engaged in business as a sut- ler for four years. For three terms he served as a member of the Territorial Legislature. In 1853 he went to Ft. Ridgely, where he remained until 1867, when tlie fort vvas abandoned. He then en- gaged in manufacturing and merchandising until 1889, when he removed to Winona, where lie has since made his home. He served with the citizen soldiery during the Indian War at Ft. Ridgely, where, in connection with J. C. Ramsey, he com- manded the defensive forces. He is one of the pioneers of the state, and belongs to the Old Settlers' Association of Minnesota. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity and to the Odd Fellows' society, and at St. Peter he was President of the School Board. He also served as Alderman and Mayor, and in 1883 was a member of the Legis- 338 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. latuve. He is recognized as one of the prominent citizens of this state, and is widely and favorably known. Frank Randall was reared in St. Peter, Minn., and after acquiring his early education in its public schools he entered St. John's College, of Prairie du Chien, Wis. He followed farming from the age of eighteen until twenty-three, after which he engaged in teaching school for some years. At length he determined to enter the legal profession, and in 1875 began reading law with G. S. Ives, of St. Peter. In 1880 he was admitted to the Bar, and immediately opened an office at Tracy, Minn.' where he continued practice for a year. The suc- ceeding five years were passed in New Ulm, where he did a good business, and in 1885 became to Winona, and formed a partnership with Mr. Taw- ne\', the connection continuing for five years. In 1893 he was joined by his brother, Richard A., and they now do business under the firm name of Ran- dall & Randall. On the 3d of May, 1886, was celebrated the marriage of Frank Randall and Miss Winona E. Pierce, daughter of Z. B. and Mary E. (Ross) Pierce. Three children have been born to tliem : Hortense, Cotter and Mar}'. Mr. Randall is a mem- ber of the Catholic Church, and in politics is a Democrat. In November, 1892, he was elected to the office of County Attorney, which position he is now filling in acreditable and acceptable manner. At the early age of twenty jears he was appointed Count}' Superintendent of Schools of Nicollet County, and was elected to that office in 1877. He has taken an active interest in educational affairs, aided in building the large school in Tracy, and was a member of the board when the New Ulm school was built. The best interests of llie community ever find in him a friend, and the county finds in him a valued citizen and woitliy official. At the Bar his ability is also recognized. Michael Einhorn. MICHAEL EINHORN, a farmer residing on section 30, Homer Township, is one of the worthy citizens that Germany has furnished to America. He was born in Selz, April 8, 1828, and is a son of Peter Einiiorn, also a native of German}'. Having arrived at years of maturity, the father there married Mar- garet Wisham. He was a contractor and builder, and followed that business in his native laud until 1844, when, with the hope of bettering his finan- cial condition, he sailed for America. Locating in Cook County, 111., he there purchased land and turned his attention to farming, which he carried on up to the time of his death. He passed away in March, 1851, and left a widow and six children to mourn his loss. He was the owner of one hun- dred and sixty acres of land, and upon his farm his wife remained for two years, when she, too, passed away, in March, 1853. The parents there- fore did not long enjoy their new home. Upon the mother's death the heirs sold the propert}', re- ceiving for it about ^8 per acre. Michael Einhorn continued a resident of Cook County until 1862. He was a young man of six- teen years at the time of his emigration to Amer- ica. When he had attained his majority his father gave him §200 in money and he started out in life for himself. He first turned his attention to farm- ing, but soon after went to Chicago, where for fourteen years he was employed by the McCormick Binder}' Company. He was frugal and industrious, and, saving his earnings, he had on the expiration PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 339 of that period a not inconsiderable sum. As be- fore stated, he left Cook County in 1862, and came to Winona County, Minn. In Wilson Township he purchased one hundred and forty acres of land at $10 per acre, and upon that farm madeliis home for five years. In the mean time it had more than doubled its value, and lie sold out for 135 per acre, tiius realizing a good profit, lie next purchased a quarter-section of land in Wilson Township. Tills was an unimproved tract, for which he gave $5 per acre. Not a furrow had been turned there- on, but with ciiaracteristic energy he began its de- velopment, and the raw prairie was soon made to j'ield to him bounteous harvests in return for the care and labor he bestowed upon them. For fif- teen years he continued its cultivation and made it a valuable tract. At length he sold out for $4,000 and removed to Winona, where the two succeeding years of iiis life were passed. On pur- chasing another farm he became tlie owner of a one hundred and sixty acre tract, on which he made his home for four years. He then sold that property and bought the farm on whicli he now resides. On the 6th of May, 1851, Mr. Einhorn was united in marriage with Miss Barbara Kraudwick, daughter of Arnold and Annie (Schwartz) Kraud- wick. Both parents were natives of Germany, and came from Prussia to America in the year 1843. They located on a farm in Cook County, 111., where they made their home for some time, and then came to Winona Count}', settling in the town of Wilson, on the Chatfleld road. There Mr. Kraudwick en- gaged in keeping a tavern, which was largely pat- ronized by the traveling public, and therefore yielded to him a good income. He carried on bus- iness along that line until his death, which occurred on the 2d of February, 1867. His wife met her death October 29, 1880, when seventy-nine years of age, being cruelly murdered by robbers, who killed her and then took all her money, which amounted to a considerable sum, as she did a large business and handled considerable cash. The rogues also flred the house, but it did not burn. Mr. and Mrs. Kraudwick had four children, of whom two are now living. To Mr. and Mrs. Einhorn were born fourteen children, of whom the following are living, the others having died in infancy: Michael, born Oc- tober 11, 1856; Mary, November 24, 1859; Tracy, November 8, 1860; Annie, August 29, 1863; Henrj', September 8, 1865; Elizabeth, April 2,1867; So- phia, May 18, 1869; Bernard, December 20, 1871; Herman, May 22, 1873; Catherine, March 7, 1875; and George, May 22, 1877. Michael was married April 11, 1882, to Anna Carpenter, after whose death he married Mary Koenig; Tracy became the wife of Nicholas Lombard, April 13. 1885; Annie wedded Conrad Koenig, October 12, 1886; Mary be- came the wife of Bernard Weiser, November 13, 1888; and tlenry was married to Bertie Harvey, November 13, 1891. Mr. Einhorn is a self-made man and deserves great credit for his success in life. He started out empty-handed, and, depending entirely upon his own resources, he has steadily worked his way up- ward, overcoming the difficulties and obstacles in his path by diligence and earnest effort, and thus has won prosperity. He is not only recognized as a leading farmer, but is also one of the progress- ive and public-spirited citizens of the county. In his political views he is a Democrat, and he and his family are members of the Catholic Church. 340 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. James Holt. JAMES HOLT, a prominent farmer and stock- raiser of Winona Countj', now living retired in the village of Utica, was born on a farm in Somerset County', Me., November 19, 1825, being the second of six children born to the union of Timothy and Betsy (Smitt) Holt, also natives of Maine. The children in order of birth were: Sarah, Mrs. Stephen Judkins, deceased; James, our subject; Mary J., the wife of Taylor Davis, a farm- er of Maine; Mehitable, Mrs. George Shaflon, also of Maine; Alvira, wife of Otis Emerson, a hatter residing in Methuen, Mass.; and one that died in infancy. The Holt famil}' originally resided in England, but emigrated to America in an early day and set- tled in Maine. The parents of our subject were very poor, and in 1863 they came to Minnesota, where the3' made their home with their son James until they died. The father departed this life in 1874, and the mother passed away in 1879, be- ing laid to rest beside her husband in the Utica Cemeter3-. Both were consistent members of the Reformed Church. In politics he was a Democrat, and a Arm believer in the principles of that part}'. July 14, -1853, James Holt married Miss Thirza, daughter of John 6. and Thirza (Smith) Dugley, natives of Maine, and of English ancestry. The family removed to Wisconsin in 1850, and settled in Green Lake County, where Mr. Dugley bought some land and proceeded to make a home for his family. That count}"^ was then in its primeval condition, and its clearing and cultivation neces- sitated a large amount of hard labor and persever- ance. The father was called to the land be^'ond May 21, 1876. The mother is still living and is quite active for one of her years (eighty-five). Mrs. Holt was born in Franklin County, Me., April 25, 1835, and is an amiable and estimable ladj'. The family of Mr. Holt consists of four chil- dren. Newton M., who was born May 24, 1854 was a carpenter and bridge-builder, and formerly was with the American Bridge Company', but is now living retired in California. Leroj' J. was born September 6, 1855, and now resides on the old homestead in Winona County. Alvira was born January 27, 1858, and is the wife of D. M. Brown, a stenographer of Minneapolis. Willard F., whose birth occurred Maj' 23', 1860, is a carpen- ter and builder of Sioux Falls, Iowa. Walter E. was born June 24, 1873, and died January- 17, 1881. In 1849 Mr. Holt started westward from Maine, and the following year reached Wisconsin, stopping in Green Lake County. He was young and energet- ic, willing to work at anything honorable whereby he might get a start in life. For eleven years he re- mained in Wisconsin, being emplo3'ed at various occupations during that time, but inainl}' engaged as a farmer. By industry and economy he was en- abled to save a neat sum of monej', and when, in 1861, he came to Winona County, he was enabled to purchase one hundred and sevent\^-five acres on section 12, St. Charles Township. The land was in its primitive state, and all the improvements now on the place were put there by our subject. In this undertaking he was very successful, and added from year to year to his possessions until he PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 341 became the owner of three hundred and thirty-tive acres of as valuable farm land as can be found in the county. One hundred and seventy-five acres of tins he still retains, the remainder belonging to his son Leroy. For a number of years Mr. Holt carried on gen- eral farming and stock-raising, making a specialty of sheep and Norman horses. In tliis line of in- dustry he was one of the most successful men in the county, and also became widely known in the state. In 1882 he retired from active farm life, giving over the management of the farm to his son Leroy. For some time after coming to Utica he employed his leisure time in working as a black- smith, which trade he had learned in his youth; He IS not obliged to work, having accumulated a sufficient amount of this world's goods to keep hiin and his family in comfort for the remainder of their days, but it is an utter impossibility for him to remain idle. Politically he is a stanch Populist. He is public spirited and ever ready to assist in all the needed improvements of his home locality, and is highly esteemed in the community in which he lives. Mrs. Ruth M. Cogswell Rowell. MRS. RUTH M. COGSWELL ROWELL is a direct descendant of the Rt.-Hon. Sir Humphre}^ Cogswell, otherwise Lord Humphrey Cogswell, of England, to whom, in 1447, was first granted the coat of arms which ap- pertaineth to the name of Cogswell. Paintings of these ensigns armorial are still retained in the family. She is of the seventh generation in de- scent from John Cogswell, who was born in West- bury, Leigh, County of Wilts, England, in lo92, and who married, Septembei' 10, 1615, Elizabeth Thompson, daughter of Rev. William and Phillis Thompson. Kev. William Thompson, the father of Elizabeth Thompson (the great maternal ances- tor of all the descendants of John Cogswell), was vicar of the Westbury parish church from 1603 to 1623, the time of his death. Westbury parish church was very ancient, dating to the time of William the Conqueror. Westbury, England, was granted its charter of incorporation l\y Henry IV. The place is of great antiquity. It occupies the site of the old Roman military and trading station, Verlucio. It is ninety-eight miles from London. The name is of Saxon origin, and here, according to tradition, was the pal.ace that belonged to the West .Saxon kings. The inhabitants are supplied with water from springs and a small stream that flows into the Avon. On the register of the West- bury parish church are found recorded at this date the marriage of John Cogswell and Elizabeth Thompson, as also .accounts of the baptisms and burials of their ancestors. Edward Cogswell, the father of .lohn Cogswell, was a man of wealth, and bequeathed not only large suras to his wife and children, but also cer- tain sums to his godchildren. His wife, who sur- vived him less than a year, on her decease be- queathed not only property to her children and 342 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. godchildren, but also suins to Westbury Church and to the poor. John Cogswell with his wife and children em- barked on board a ship, May 23, 1635, at Bristol, England, and sailed for New England. He took with him from England farming implements, housekeeping utensils, valuable pieces of carved furniture, embroidered curtains, damask table linen, much silver plate and a Turkey carpet. He also brought several farm and household servants, and sums of money. lie settled in Ipswich, Mass., where in 1636 we read of a giant of three hundred acres of land being given him, as also deeds of lots for building purposes. Mrs. R. M. C. Ro well's great-grandfather, Nathaniel Cogswell, was a lead- ing merchant and prominent citizen of Ilaveriiill, Mass. He married, January 31, 1740, Judith Bad- ger, the only surviving daughter of Joseph and Hannah (Peaslee) Badger, her father being also a merchant in Haverhill, Mass. Her mother was a woman of culture, having been a member of the first high school taught in Boston, Mass. Nathan- iel Cogswell was a man of integrity and business capacity, and deeply religious, as was his long line of ancestry. His wife was a person of commanding figure and cultured manners. After a successful business life he retired in 1776, and settled in At- kinson, N. H., where he at once became active in establishing religious and educational institutions in the town. Prior to the completion of the meet- ing house (to which completion he contributed freely), meetings were conducted in his own house. During the Revolutionary War his patriotism was shown b}' his advancing large sums of money to provide equipments and provisions for the soldiers. These loans of money, by reason of a depreciated currency', proved almost a total loss. Besides pro- viding money, Mr. Cogswell gave eightsons to the array, who served with distinction, and fulfilled an aggregate term of service of more than tliirty- eight years, said to be tlie longest rendered by any family in the country. They were tall men, their aggregate height measuring fifty feet. They all survived the war and became prominent in profes- sional and civil life. Mrs. Rowell's grandfather, Hon. Thomas Cogs- well, was born in Haverhill, Mass. He married, February 26, 1770, Ruth Badger, daughter of Gen. Joseph Badger, of Gilmanton, N. H. They at first resided in Haverhill, Mass., but at the close of the war he purchased a farm and built a frame house (said to be at that time the best house in the state) neai- his father-in-law in Gilmanton, N. H. The house is still standing, with furniture in it fur- nished by him, and all in good repair and occupied by Cogswells. Hon. Thomas Cogswell was a commissioned offi- cer in thearmy of the Revolution during the whole war. He was Captain, then Major (January 1, 1777), then Lieutenant-Colonel (November 26, 1799) and afterward Wagon-master General. He led a com- pany in the battle of Bunker Hill, was present at the siege of Boston, and continued in the service until peace was declared. We subjoin an extract from a letter penned by George Washington: "Majoi Cogswell has always been represented to ine as an intelligent, brave and active officer." "Given at headquarters, June 7, 1881. (Signed) "George Washington." At the close of the war his country called him into another sphere of action. When peace was declared, as a citizen he displayed such firmness and benevolence, with all that goes to characterize a good statesman, that he was at once called upon to hold offices of trust. He was twice nominated for Representative to Congress from New Hamp- sliire. He filled with dignity and honor the office of Judge of the Court of Common Pleas from 1784 to his death in 1810. His great generosity to the first Congregational Church while living (donating them a sacramental service, as well as other presents), and respect to his memor3', in- duced the church to erect a stone to mark the spot of liis burial. (For confirmation, see the book entitled "Cogswells of America.") Rev. Frederic Cogswell, the father of Mrs. Rowell, an ordained minister in the Cliristian Church, was the son of Hon. Thomas Cogswell, of Gilmanton, N. H. He commenced his work in the Gospel ministiy while a young man. He married, May 18, 1817, Hannah Rogers Peave}', daughter of Col. Anthony Pcavej', of Farinington, N. H. Mrs. Rowell was born in the town of Pike, Alle- gany County, N. Y., March 3, 1821, in which PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 343 slate her parents then resided, her father being engaged iu evangelistic work, in company witli his cousin, Joseph Badger, editor of the Christian Pal- ladium, and his brother-in-law, John L. Peavey. When she was two years of age her parents re- turned with her to New England, where she was reared and educated, her parents and all her peo- ple being New Englanders. When she was nine years old she gave her heart to Christ in a meeting led by her father (in the house of Robert Foster, editor of the Christian Herald) in the city of Ports- mouth, her fatiier being pastor of the Christian Church in that city. In the schools of Portsmouth she received mucii of her early education, which was afterward continued in the academy at Roch- ester, N. II. While attending this school she had the privilege of being with her father's only sis- ter, the wife of Hon. Nathaniel Upham. Mrs. Up- ham was a noble woman, and did much to mould the character of her niece. She was the mother of Prof. T. Upham, of Bowdoin College, and sev- eral other illustrious ciiildren. June 9, 18-14, the lady whose life is here given married Warren Rowell, son of Hon. Charles Row- ell, of AUenstown, N. H. In 1853 they removed with their children to Homer, Winona County, Minn. In 1856 she commenced her work in the ministry, thus following in the footsteps of her ancestors, her parents both being preachers. When her maternal grandmother died it was said in a lo- cal paper that she was a mother in Israel, seven of her children having been preachers. Mrs. Rowell was for some time pastor of the Advent Christian Church in Utica, also in Winona. She at length resigned her position as pastor, and went on a num- ber of missions West and South, having preached the Gospel in nine different states. She has written articles for publication which have been printed in nine different pajjers in different states. In 1891, from a sense of duty, she retired from the Advent Christian Church and State Conference, and by let- ter united with the Free-Will Baptist Church of Winona; she also became a member of tlie Yearly Meeting, with which she is still connected. She was a member of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union almost from its organization. In 1888 she was appointed President of the Woman's Chris- tian Temperance Union for Winona County. In June, 1889, she was elected President of the First District Woman's Christian Temperance Union, which office she held until April, 1894, when a sad bereavement, and also a call to more effectual evan- gelical work in the ministry, induced her to re- sign that position. While holding that office she traveled largely over the four counties com- prising it, organizing unions and lecturingon tem- perance and different departments of Woman's Christian Temperance Union work. Though now over seventy-three years old, she is still busy, preaching the Gospel of Christ from time to time, doing evangelical work, Sunday-school work, and also state and local work for the Woman's Chris- tian Temperance Union. She is State Superintend- ent of Hospitals, and is also earnestly engaged in the local and quarterh' mission work of the Free- Will Baptist Church, having been elected Presi- dent of the Quarterly Mission Board. We subjoin the following extract from a Wi- nona County History printed in the j^ear 1883. "In connection with the early historj- and settlement of the town of Homer, there is no name, perhaps, that figures more prominently than thai of Mother Rowell. Born of illustrious parents, she was reared and educated in all that appertains to true woman- hood, and inherited from her ancestors those great moral and intellectual trails of character which enabled her in after years to wield such an inflii- ence in the wilds of the West, that unborn gener- ations will yet feel. * * * Tlie education of the people in Christian and moral principles has been the life work of Mrs. Powell; but few women, in- deed, could stand to do the amount of missionary work that she has done, and nothing but a strong will power, supported by the sustaining influence of an all-wise Providence and the convictions of right, could have sustained her in the performance of the amount of physical labor required of her in at- tending to her itinerant life's work; always ready at a little warning to go to the sick-room, and soothe the dying with words of cheer, preach the funeral sermon and attend the last sad rites of the dead, meanwhile speaking words of hope and con- solation to the living; then again on the rostrum or pulpit, explaining the great mysteries of salvation 344 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. through Christ; and when we reflect that she has done all this at great pecuniary sacrifice to herself, we must conclude she is a sincere worker in the Master's cause. Besides her ministerial duties, she has given birth and reared to honor five children, two of whom are now dead. The eldest, JNIary Adeline, graduated in the normal school in Wi- nona, taught three years in the public schools in the city, and also taught in the collegiate institute at Red Wing. She married an estimable gentle- man of that place, and now resides there. Her second child. Fred C, is also a graduate of the normal school at Winona. He taught success- fully several district schools, married an accom- plished young lady in Pleasant Valley, by the name of Anna M. Preston, and now lives upon the farm with his father. Her third child, Anna M., a highly educated young lady, w.is also a teacher, and for her amiable qualities was very highly respected. She married E. G. Lord, son of the County Superintendent, O. M. Lord, but their earthl}' lives were soon cut short, she dying in a little over a year, leaving an infant son, and he soon followed, both d}'ing of consumption. The fourth child died at the age of thirteen months. The fifth and last, Warren C, is now at- tending the city schools at Red Wing, and is a very promising boy. and expects to graduate next year. Who can say that Mrs. Rowell has not done her part in the Christian work and development of Winona County, and in the education of the youth in all those virtues that adorn society and form the palladium of our civil and religious liberties.' May her life be spared to continue the good work." Mrs. Rowell's youngest son, Warren C, has graduated with honor from the State University at Minneapolis, and has his business office at Nos. 408 and 409 Boston Block, Minneapolis, Minn. S. D. VAN GORDER. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 347 -?— >-■ "t-^-f- P^ ^ tM=$ ^ ^ **i^ *^;*i S. D. Van Qorder. m \A^ ^li£, ^!5i -i — ,„- D. VAN GORDER, of Winona, is tlie owner of extensive stone-quarries along the Mississippi, and takes large contracts for furnisliing stone for river improvements. He is a man of excellent business ability, and his dil- igence, enterprise and good management have brought him a success of which he is well desprving. Mr. Van Gorder was born on the 4th of Novem- ber, 1837, in Chemung County, N. Y., and is a son of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Westbrook) Van Gorder. The grandfather, Jeremiah Van Gorder, was one of three brothers who emigrated from Am- sterdam, Holland, to America long before the Rev- olution. He settled in New Jerse3', and when the Colonies tried to throw off their yoke of British tyranny, he joined the Colonial array and served with distinction as an officer of the Revolution. He died some years after independence had been achieved, from the effect of wounds received in battle. Jonathan N. Van Gorder was born in Sussex County, N. J., in 1785, and when nineteen years of age removed to New York, with a colony locat- ing in Chemung County, where he spent his re- 14 raaining d.aj's. He was a shoemaker bj' trade, and followed that occupation in early life, but later bought a sawmill and engaged in the lumber busi- ness for many years. After retiring from active business life, he came to Winona and spent his last years with his son, S. D., in whose home he passed away in 1864, at the age of seventy-nine. He was for years one of the leading citizens of Chemung County, public spirited and progressive. Mr. Van Gorder married Miss Elizahi-th Westbrook, daugh- ter of Hon. James Westbrook, who served as a member of the Legislature in 1812, at which time the slaves were set free in New York. He was one of the most prominent and influential citizens of the ?]mpire State, and his name was Inseparably connected with its early history. His father, Maj. Lowell Westrbrook, won his title while serving in the Revolutionary army, under Washington. He was a member of the State Senate of New York while his son was serving in the House, in 1812. Mrs. Van Gorder died in 18.59. In her family were ten children. At a very early age S. 1). \'an Gorder started out in life for himself, and when a youth of fifteen 348 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, he was captain and owner of a boat on the Erie Canal. At tlie age of sixteen he became Postmas- ter in the village where he then lived, and was rec- ognized throughout the community as a }'Oung man of much promise and ability. Industry and enterprise have been nuniliered among his chief characteristics through life and liave been impor- tant factors in his success. In June, 1856, when eighteen years of age, Mr. Van Gorder emigrated westward and cast in his lot with the earlj' settlers of Winona, where he has made his home almost continuously since. He has been connected with many of its leading industries and business interests. He helped to build the stone road to Sugar Loaf and was later one of the promoters of a sash, door and blind factory, estab- lishing the enterprise in company with Messrs. Simpson and Evans. He then embarked in the saw- mill business with L. C. Porter, and this partner- ship continued for four years, after which he en- gaged in contracting for the construction of rail- roads. In 1861 he established a lumber-^ard, which he conducted three years and then sold out. He then entered the emplo}' of the railroad com- pany as superintendent of the timber and lumber department, receiving for his services $200 per month and expenses. After a year and a-half he was taken ill with typhoid fever and for six months was unable to do any work. He then se- cured a charter for a ferry-boat across the Missis- sippi, which he ran until 1880, and then sold to the city. During that time he also owned a steamer. In later years Mr. Van Gorder has taken many Government contracts to furnish stone for river improvements, and is engaged in the stone-quarry business. He now owns thirteen hundred acres of land along the Wisconsin bank of the river, oppo- site the city, in which are fine stone-quarries, and to their management he now devotes the greater part of his time and attention. They yield an ex- cellent quality of stone, which finds a ready sale in the market, and the income derived therefrom has made the owner one f>f the prosperous citizens of the community. Mr. Van Gorder exercises his right of franchise in support of the Democratic party. In early life he took an active part in politics, but does not do so at present. In 1887 he was elected Chief of Po- lice for a two-years term and in 1 880 was re-elected, serving in all for four years. Since 1864 he has been a member of the Masonic fraternity, and now belongs to Winona Lodge No. 18, A. F. & A. M.; Winona Chapter No. 5, R. A. M.; and Coeur de Leon Commandery No. 3, K. T. Henry S. Cox. HENRY S. COX, landlord of the Nicollet Hotel, St. Charles, Minn., was born De- cember 25, 1866, in Saratoga Township, Winona County, Minn. He is a son of Heniy G. and Chastina (Stevens) Cox, both of whom are natives of Vermont. Our subject remained at home willi his parents until he was twenty years of age. He then en- gaged as a bridge-builder on the Chicago, Milwau- kee ' influential in organizing the original fire department of Wi- nona, when the business men protected themselves hy a volunteer company. He continued his close PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 373 connection with the fire department until its effi- ciency bad been fully established, and was a mem- ber of the advisory or directing board of fire pro- tection. On the 15th of October, 1887, lie resigned as a member of the company, and at that time the department presented him with a fine cane, which was highly prized as a token of their esteem and respect for him. The best interests of tlie com- munity ever found in him a friend, and his hearty support and co-operation were ever given to all enterprises which he believed would prove of pub- lic benefit. He passed away September 23, 1890, and throughout the communit}' the loss of this valued citizen was mourned. Mrs. Dobbs is a ladj- of refinement and culture, and is well known as the proprietress of an excel- lent boarding-house. Mer pleasant home is situated in the center of the city, close to the normal school, and the comforts of home life are had by those who share her roof. She possesses many sterling quali ties and is endeared to all who know her. Alexander C. Sinclair. (Tpr LEXANDP:R C. SI^•CLA1R. Tliough he / — \ has passed from the scenes of time, Mr. .Sinclair is still remembered by a host of warm personal friends, and especiail3' bj' the citi- zens of St. Cliarles Township, where for so long he made his home. He was a man of great energy and force of character, who through his own in- dustry and perseverance accumulated a valuable property, including his well improved farm on sec- tion 32. The birth of our subject occurred in New Hamp- shire, December 20, 1824, and liis parents, Joseph and Ann (Cornell) Sinclair, were also natives of tliat state. His father followed the trade of a car- penter in addition to the occupation of a farmer- In 1854 he decided to try his fortune in what was then considered the far West, and with iiis family he started for Minnesota. The}' went by rail to Peoria, HI., and from there proceeded by stage to Dixon, 111., where they took passage on a boat and came direct. to Winona. They arrived on the 19tii of August, and within a few hours after landing the wife and mother died of cholera. This was a sad blow to the family. Two days after placing the remains of tiieir loved one in the cemetery at that place they proceeded to St. Charles Township, and located a claim on .section 32, where they en- tered one hundred and sixty acres of Government land. A small log cabin stood on one corner of the property, and in this humble abode the family made their home for about six years. At the ex- piration of that time they erected the commodious building that now occupies the site of the former cabin. This is one of the best farm houses in the neighborhood, and the farm is the best improved in the section, having all the necessary farming implements and stock of all kinds that are generally found on a first-class estate. On the 18th of Februar}-, 1846, Mr. Sinclair was united in marriage wiili Miss Betsj-, daughter of Nathan and Clarissa Merrill, natives of New Hamp- shire. Four children blessed their union, of whom one died in infancy'. Clarissa, the eldest, married 374 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. WillianQ Groger, and resides on a farm adjoining the old homestead; Ann died December 12, 1863; and Ella married Angus Ross, a banker of Rock County, Minn. Mr. Sinclair was vrbat may be termed a self-edu- cated man, not having had the advantages of good schools in his youth, but with the aid of good books and the current literature of the day, com- bined with his natural intelligence, he became well posted in both local and national affairs. In his business career he was very successful, and was widely and favorably known, having the esteem and confidence of his neighbors. For twenty years be- fore his death he was a great sufferer from asthma and lung trouble, but bore his sufferings patiently until the end came. His death occurred February 4, 1892, and his remains were laid to rest in the pri- vate cemetery of the family on his farm. He was greatly missed by his friends and mourned by the entire community. Politicall}' he always affiliated with the Republican party, but was never actively engaged in public affairs, preferring to give iiis attention to his private intei'ests. Nicholas Schell, Jr. NICHOLAS SCHELL, Jr., one of the leading merchants of Rolling Stone, is now at the head of a good store, stocked with a full line of general merchandise, and is doing a con- stantlj' increasing business. He was born in Fisch- bach, Marche County, in Luxemburg, Germany, on the 24th of December, 1854, and is a son of Johfl and Katie (Loutsch) Schell. Their family numbered seven children, of whom Nicholas was the fourth in order of birth. The father worked as a common laborer in his native land until 1869, when, with the hope of bettering his financial con- dition, he sailed for America. Coming to Min- nesota, he bought a farm in Rolling Stone Town- ship, Winona Count3', and during the remainder of his life c&rried on agricultural pursuits. He was in very limited circumstances at the time of his arrival, but he worked hard, and as the result of his enterprise and perseverance secured a com- fortable competence, leaving to his family a good property. He was called to the home beyond at the age of sixty-nine j'ears; his wife passed away at the age of seventy-two. They were laid to rest side by side in Rolling Stone Cemetery. Both were members of the Catholic Church, and throughout the community were held in high regard. Nicholas Schell spent the first fifteen years of his life in the Fatherland and then came with his par- ents to the United States. He worked upon the home farm until sixteen years of age, and then be- gan working as a farm hand by the month in the neighborhood. In this way he passed the summer, while in the winter season he attended the public schools. His early educational privileges were afterwards supplemented by a course of study in St. John's University. He paid his own tuition with money which he acquired by labor in the field, and thus is a self-educated, as well as a self- made, man financially. When twenty-one years of age Mr. Schell began teaching school in Mt. Vernon Township, Winona County, and then took charge of the Oak Ridge PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 375 school, which he successfully taught for a period of ten years. His long-continued service there well indicates the confidence reposed iu him by those interested, and plainly demonstrates that the confi- dence was not misplaced. At length, after this period of successful teaching, he turned his atten- tion to agricultural pursuits and purchased eighty .acres of land. He afterwards rented a farm, which he operated through the summer months, while in the winter season he was for three terms employed as a teacher in the Rolling Stone schools. In 1889 he sold his farm and embarked in merchandising, which he yet follows. Mr. Schell was married on the 6th of October, 1880, the lady of his choice being Miss Mary Kira- mel, daughter of Nicholas Kimmel, one of the ear- ly settlers of this county. He votes with the Dem- ocratic party and is a stanch advocate of its prin- ciples. For two years he served as Assessor of Mt. Vernon Township, for about eight years was Town Clerk, and was also clerk of the Farmers' Fire In- surance Company of Rolling Stone. He is a man of pleasant, genial manner, and his gentlemanly deportment, his earnest desire to please his cus- tomers, and his fair and lumest dealing have won for him a liberal patronage, which is well merited. John Evans. JOHN EVANS, deceased, was one of the hon- ored pioneers of Winona of 1856. He was born in England in 1800, and during the days of his early manhood emigrated to the New World, locating first in Canada. He afterward removed to Michigan, and in 1833 left that state to become a resident of Ohio. He later removed to Wisconsin, and in April, 1852, he came to Minne- sota. It was his intention to locate at Lake City, on Lake Pepin, but instead he decided to settle on Winona Prairie. He made a journey up the river on a steamer to Menomonee, and then started out to seek a location. The claim which he entered comprised what is now the finest residence part of Winona. He became the owner of one hundred and fifty-two acres, and during the first winter after his arrival he spent his time in getting out rails, splitting enough that year to fence forty acres of land. He then began the cultivation and development of a farm. Mr. Evans took a very active part in securing Winona as the county seat, went to the State Legislature for that pur- pose, and bought the two lots on which to build the court house. He was a valued and prominent citizen, and had the high respect of all who knew him. His death occurred in 1856, and his wife passed away fifteen years later. In their family were two children, a sou and daughter. The former, R. B. Evans, was born in Detroit, Mich., August 3, 1833, and at the .age of eighteen years came to Winona. He now resides on the Evans Subdivision, which was laid out by his fa- tlier. and is a part of the original claim which was entered from the Government in 1852. When he began business for himself, R. B. Evans settled on a farm in the Gilmore Valley, three miles from the river. He also had a farm seven miles awaj-, on tlie ridge, where he lived for thirteen years. In 1882 he returned to the city, and now is living on a part of the old homestead. In 1855 he built 376 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. the first stable in Winona, and embarked in the livery business. This was the first in tiie place. In 1857 Mr. Evans was united in marriage with Miss Mary Parks, a native of Ohio, who came here with her cousin, Erviu Johnson, who married Abi- gail Evans, a sister of our subject. In 1857 he returned to Pennsylvania, where he engaged in the oil business, but after a time again came to Minne- sota, where he died in 1869. His wife passed awa}- in 1862. Their daughter, Winona Johnson, mar- ried Dr. Flowers, of Ohio, and died a few years later. For his second wife Mr. Johnson married a sister of Mrs. Evans, who still lives in North Bloom field, Ohio. She has one daughter, Myra, who is married and lives in the Buckeye State. To R. B. Evans and his wife were born four chil- dren. George, who married Frankie Bozburg, was a successful insurance solicitor. He died in New Mexico after a year's illness. May 2, 189.3, at the age of thirty-six years. Edwin died at the age of four years. Anna died at the age of thirteen. Frank was the 3'oungest of the family. Martin H. Fuller. MARTIN H. FULLER, deceased, was a na- tive of Vermont, born near Poultney, Rutland County, on the 12th of Decem- ber, 1829. His father was Hooker Fuller, and the family numbered seven children, four sons and three daughters. The parents both died when Martin H. was only about seven years of age, and he then went to live with an uncle, b\" whom he was reared to manhood. His educational privi- leges were those afforded by the common schools. He had no special advantages in his youth, but he endeavored to make the most of his opportunities, and his life was, a successful, as well as an honor- able and upright, one. At the age of twenty-two, Mr. Fuller began to earn his own livelihood by working as a farm hand by the month. Attracted b}- the AVest and the better advantages which he believed it afforded, he emigrated to Michigan about 1851, locating in Marquette, where he continued his residence for fifteen j-ears. On the expiration of that period, in 1866, he came to Minnesota, locating in Saratoga Township, Winona Count}*. Here he purchased the farm which he owned at the time of his death. It comprised eight}' acres on section 30, and when it came into his possession was but partially im- proved. In connection with his agricultural pur- suits, he also carried on a distiller}^ in Tro}- for about eight ^'cars. His farm was placed under a high state of cultivation, many improvements being made thereon, and it became one of the val- uable and desirable places of the neighborhood. Mr. Fuller was twice married. In 1854 he was united in marriage with Miss Bogart, and to them was born one son, John H., who is now living in St. Paul, where he was employed as assistant jard- raaster on the"Soo Line," and the Chicago, Milwau- kee & St. Paul Railroad. Mrs. Fuller died in 1856, and on the 5th of June, 1867, Mr. Fuller married Miss May E. Dustman. Three children graced this union, but Marian and Myrtle, twins, both died in infancy. Ralph H. resides at home and carries on the farm. He is a wide-awake and enterprising young man, highly respected in the community, and after his father's death he succeeded to the office of School Treasurer. Mr. Fuller had served as School Treasurer for the long period of twenty-five j'ears. He had also PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 377 served as Assessor and Township Supervisor, and in tiiese various offices iiad discharged his duties witli a promptness and fidelity that had won him high commendation and led to his frequent re- election. He was always true to a trust, whether public or private, and thereliy won the confidence of all with whom he was brought in contact. With the Masonic lodge he held membership. He owned one hundred and twenty acres of land, and thus left his family in comfortable circumstances. He took an active interest in public enterprises, and was recognized as a valued citizen. His death oc- curred July 7, 1894, and he was laid to rest in Saratoga Cemetery, amid the deep regret of many friends. His widow and son still occupj- the old homestead and are prominent people of the cora- rauuity. Wilson C. Brown. WILSON C. BROWN, Chief Clerk of the Winona & St. Peter Land Company, and oVie of the highly respected citi- zens of this county, comes from the far-off state of Maine. He was horn May 14, 1847, in East Wil- ton, Franklin County, and there remained until the age of ten jcars, when he removed to Kenne- bec County, Me., witli his parents. His father, Charles T. Brown, was general agent for the North Wayne Edge Tool Conipany, of JIaine. and re- sided in the Pine Tree State until the year 1860, when he emigrated westward, becoming a res- ident of St. Peter, Minn. He represented his district, tlic Nineteenth, in the State Legislature continuously from 1866 to 1869, serving one term in the House and three terms in tiie State Senate, and from 1872 to 1874 lie was United States Surveyor-Ocneral of the state. He was a prominent man in public affairs, his worth and ability well fitting him to be a leader of the people. He was also President of the Board of Trustees of the asylum at St. Peter from the time of its or- ganization until his death, the building having been erected under his supervision. He died in St. Peter, November 30, 1879, and thereby Minne- sota lost one of its most valued citizens. Wilson C. Brown acquired his education in the common schools, and with his parents came to Minnesota in 1860, when thirteen years of age. At the age of seventeen he entered the United States land office at St. Peter in the capacity of clerk, and thus served for five years under Abder Tibbits, and later with ex-Governor Swift. In that office he remained until 18G9, when he came to Winona, and entered the service of the Winona & St. Peter Railroad Company as chief clerk of its land department. Later, in 1876, he held the same office with the Winona ^;^^ PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 407 Amasa Qleason. •T^ MASA GLEASON. This sentlemnii, who r — \ is a native of Saratoga County, N. Y., has been a resident of Winona Countv since 1853, and has done good work by aiding in the rapid development of Pleasant Hill Township. He has been snecessful in his efforts to acquire a good home, and has accomplished his purpose by strict attention to business and thorough responsi- bility in all he undertakes. He owns and occupies one hundred and twenty acres of land on sections 3 and 10, which is well stocked and thoroughlj- tilled. The entire work of iniprovemenl has been done by its present owner. The house, barn and other buildings are substantial, conveniently lo- cated, and adequate for their respective purposes. Mr. (ileason was born September 15, 1825, and was the son of Joseph and .Temima Gleason. His educiition was confined to the district school, which he attended duiing the dull seasons of farm work. His father died when he was a child of three years, and he was therefore carefully trained by his widowed mother. Amasa remained at home until nineteen years of age, when he began earning money by working out on farms b}- the month. He was thus occupied for two or three years, when he determined to try his fortune in the western country, and in 1848 went to Michigan by way of the canal and Lakes. He located in Lenawee County, residing there for two years, and then went to Wisconsin and purchased land in Fond du Lac County. The tract was in its original state of wildnes8,and aft«r working hard to improve it for three years, our subject sold out and removed to La Crescent, this county, where he took up another claim of Government land. He cleared a small por- tion of this and lived there until 1856, when he sold out and became identified with the agricultur- ists of Pleasant Hill Township. His claim here consists of one hundred and twenty acres of Gov- ernment land, for which he paid 81.25 per acre. It is located on sections 3 and 10, Pleasant Hill Township, and is regarded as one of the finest and most thoroughly improved farms in this locality. On first making his home in this county Mr. Gleason erected for his family a log cabin, which was 14x14 feet in dimensions. As years passed by and he grew more prosperous this rude struct- ure was replaced bj' a more commodious and mod- ern dwelling, and the family was made more com- fortable. Mr. Gleason has received substantial aid in what he has accomplished from his devoted wife, who was formerly Miss Harriet Spalding. They were married March 30, 1856, and immediately moved onto a wild tract of land, which they im- proved in a profitable manner. Their children are five in number: Joseph W., who was boin January 10, 1857, and is a prosperous farmer of this county; Mary, born August 27, 1859; Roland, who was born January 19, 1862, and is living in Martin County, where he is following farming pursuits; George, who was born June 19, 1864, and is also a farmer, living at home; and P^dnali J., who was born June 16, 1867, and married George Wilson; she resides about lialf a mile from the old home- stead. Mrs. Gleason was born in Lower Canada, Febru- 408 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. ar^- 26, 1827. She crossed over to the States in 1854, locating at La Crescent, Minn., where her marriage with our subject toolt place. They were subjectod to great inconveniences in the early settlement of the county, but bravely overcame all obstacles which beset their path, and rose to a position of affluence. Mr. Gleason helped to organize the first school in the township, and has ever since been greatly interested in the cause of education. He lias been Supervisor and prominent in all mat- ters pertaining to the welfare of his community. For many years he has been identified with tlie Methodist Episcopal Church, and has greatly aided the spread of the Gospel in his townsliip. William C. Swett. WILLIAM C. SWETT, deceased, was one of the honored veterails of the late war. A native of Ohio, he was born Septem- ber 8, 1825, and died September 19, 1875, at the age of fifty years, respected by all who knew him. The days of his boyhood and youth were spent in his father's home, where he remained until twenty- five years of age. He then started out in life for himself and gave his attention to farming, which he followed during his active business career. On the 28th of September, 1849, Mr. Swett was united in marriage with Miss Sarah S. Whitlock, daughter of Levi C. and EmelineC. (Sissan) Wliit- lock, both of whom were natives of Connecticut. Her father was a native of that state and a farm- er by occupation. Emigrating westward, he lo- cated in Winona County, Minn., in the year 1 859. and died May 20, 1894, at the age of ninety years. He carried on agricultural pursuits during the greater part of his life, but during his last years lived retired in the town of Pickwick. He had a family of eleven children, eight of whom are now living. His wife died about 1890. Mr. and Mrs. Swett were in very limited cir- cumstances at the time of their marriage, but de- cided to try their fortune in the West, and com- ing to Winona County, Minn., entered eighty acres of land from the Government, to which he afterward added by purchase another tract of eighty acres. This he at once cleared, plowed and planted, and in course of time good harvests were garnered, and the wild land was transformed into rich and fertile fields. Mr. Swett continued Lis farming until after the breaking out of the late war, when he responded to the countrj^'s call for troops, and went to the .South. The rigors and hardships of army life, however, undermined liis health, and after a year and a-half of service he was discharged in one of the hospitals of New Orleans. He then returned home, wrecked in health and almost blind, but in these trying days his wife indeed proved a helpmate to liim, and by her capable management of the farm all indebted- ness was paid off and linancial affairs were placed in a good condition. After the death of her husband, l\Irs. Swett con- tinued on the farm for ten years, rearing her fam- ily and managing the business interests. About 1885 she removed to Dakota, where she has a good home, but did not dispose of the land until the fall of 1893. About the time of her husband's death, she applied for a pension, but the petition PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 409 was not granted until about four years later. Sbe now receives $12 per month, to which slie is justly entitled. Four cliildren were born to Mr. and Mrs. Swett, but only two are now living. Elbert W-, born July 22, 18,50, died on the 13th of .Tuly, 1867, be- ing drowned in the Pickwick mill-pond when a youth of seventeen years. Levi B., born May 17, 1855, resides on the old liomestead, where he carries on farming. Eliza W., born February 10. 1859, died on the 22d of July of the same j"ear. Sarah J., born July 18, 1862, is now engaged in dress- making in La Crosse, Wis. In his political views Mr. Swett was a Republican, joining the ranks of tiie party on its organization, for he was a stalwart op])onent of slavery, and the Union found in him one of its able defenders, and he continued among the loj'al boys in blue until physical disabilitj- rendered his service no longer possible. He be- longed to the Christian Church, as does his wife, and throughout the community was held in high regard. Mrs. Swett has many friends in Dakota, and, like her husband, deserves mention in the history of their adopted county. Alexander Cramer Mason. iT^ LEXANDER CRAMER MASON, who is r — \ now living a retired life in Winona, was born in Cliambersburg, Franklin County, Pa., on the 12tii of April, 1818. His father, George Mason, who was a native of Virginia, kept a hotel on the old Pennsylvania Turn[)ike, and teamed across the mountains to Pittsburg. He married Catherine Reinhart, who died in 1827. Alexander Mason spent his boyhood days upon the farm and in a country mill. At the age of twenty years he began learning the stonemason's and bricklayer's trade, serving a three-years ap- prenticeship, and when that time had expired he started out as a journeyman. Throughout his business career iie followed those lines of trade. Later he went to Harrisburg, Pa., where he had pre- viously worked for some time on the first railroad bridge at that point. Leaving that place in 1841, he started for the South, locating in Vicksburg, where he followed his trade until the spring of 1844. In that year he returned to Cincinnati, Ohio, and made his home in the Buckeye State until 1865, during which time he worked on the new court house in Cincinnati for a part of three years. He also worked in Toledo, but at length he determined to go further west, and Minnesota was chosen as the scene of his future labors. On his arrival in this state Mr. Mason settled in Plain view, Wabasha County, where he remained for three 3'ears, when, in 1868, he came to Winona. Since that time he has made his home in this city and has been recognized as one of its leading citi- zens. For a part of one season he was employed on the construction of tlie normal school building. The following year he sec ured a small farm five miles from Winona, and there he lived for seven years, while through the summer months he worked as a contractor and builder in Winona. For eight- een years his (iroseut residence has been his home. He continued contracting for some years and won success in his undertakings, so that he is now en- abled to live retired, resting in the enjoj^ment of the fruits of his former toil. On the 7th of April, 1847, in Cincinnati, was cele- 410 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. brated the marriage of Mr. Mason and Miss Hester Maria Biles, who was born in Washington, Wash- ington County, Pa., on the 16tli of June, 1820. Mrs. Mason's parents were William P. and Mary (McCauley) Biles, both of whom were native? of tlie Keystone State. Mr. Biles was by trade a car- penter. The3' had a family of eight children, three sons and five daughters, only three of whom are now living. The eldest, Eliza, widow of William Donaldson, resides at Plainview, Wabasha County, Minn., and has attained the age of eighty-eight years. Mrs. Mason was the seventh child in order of birth. Margaret, the j^oungest, is the wife of Adam Keck, of St. Louis. Mr. Biles died in Ohio in 1851, at the age of nearly seventy-three, and his wife survived him several years, dying at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Mason, in Winona, in 1877, aged ninety-three years. Mr. and Mrs. Mason became the patents of seven children, who grew to mature years. George Ed- win is a leading contractor of Cincinnati, Oliio. William Alexander was reared in Winona, but for fifteen years lived in Cincinnati, where he was in partnership with his br(>ther George. He married in that city, and tliere died at the age of fort^-four jears, just at twelve o'clock on the night of De- cember 31, 1893, as the bells were announcing the death of the old and the birth of the new year. Mary Kate is now the wife of Henry Willis, a dealer in coal and lime of Winona. Franklin Biles, who is well known in Winona, where he served as bookkeeper and also carried on a store for a time. is now in St. Louis. Edwin Keck, who was in partnership with his brother Franklin in Winona until their store burned out, is also now located in St. Louis. Hester Ellen died July 31, 1884, at the age of twenty-six years. She was educated in the normal school, and at the age of twenty began teaching, being thus employed in the country schools of Winona and Renville Counties until failing health caused her to abandon that work. She died of quick consumption after six months' illness. She was a bright student and a faithful and successful educator. In her social relations she was considerate of her friends, always kindly disposed, and those who knew her held her in the highest regard. She held membership with the Methodist Episcopal Church, as does her sister, Emma Jeannette, who is the youngest of the familj' and is still at home. In early life Mr. Mason was a supporter of the Democracy and voted with it until 1860, when he cast his ballot for John Bell. Since the organiza- tion of the Prohibition party he has been one of its most stalwart advocates. For forty-nine j-ears he has not tasted a drop of liquor. On the 22d of August, 1845, he joined the Sons of Temper- ance, and to that old pledge taken so long ago he has ever been true. Mr. Mason is always found loyal to the cause lie espouses and to a friend. He is a man of sterling worth and strict integrity, and his honorable, upright life has gained for him the confidence and esteem of all with whom he has been brought in contact. ++++ _^ ++++ ■ ■ ■ ■ a*A ++++k w ++++W ii-+++ t- +++■¥ "s+4-i-+++++y' PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 411 Adam Bohn. protect the settlers on the frontier. In the fall of 1863 he .was sent .South, and his first regu- lar battle was that of Raleigh Cross Roads. He was unfortunate enough to be captured in tins en- gagement, which took place June 10, 1864. He was taken to Mobile, and was detailed to take care of the wounded in the hospital. Subsequently he went to Selma, thence to Montgomery, and finally to Macon, Ga. He was there until .Sher- man had started on his raid from Atlanta, and was then sent with other prisoners to AndersonviUe. He had made some money while working in the hos- pital, and. as his captors had not searched him, he was much better off than most of the other pris- oners, as he had the wherewithal to purchase rations from the guards. Nevertheless he was con- fined in the dreaded AndersonviUe Prison from PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 415 August, 1864, until May, 1865. Previously, at the battle of Brice's Cross Roads he had been wounded by a minie-ball, which struck his col- lar bone. When he went into the service he weighed one hundred and eighty-eight pounds, but on his discharge tipped the scales at only one hundred and twenty pounds. From Anderson- ville he was taken to Jacksonville, and from there to Annapolis, Md., where he was confined in the hospital from May 9 until July. He received his honorable discharge on the 2d of Jul}-, 1865, and at once returned home. A short time after the last-named event our subject purchased ten acres of land in Houston County, just across the line from this county. His homestead now comprises two hundred and ten acres, which is a desirable and valuable piece of property, having been well improved, and yield- ing abundant crops in return for the proprietor's care and industry. Politicallj' he is a Democrat, and socially he is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. September 11, 1858, Mr. Gordon was married, and his union has been blessed with the following children: Catherine, who died February 20, 1885; Annie, who was called to her final rest July 1, 1882; Lizzie, wife of Frank Monohan, of Witoka; James, Mary J., William and Joseph. The family are members of the Catholic Church, and have hosts of sincere friends and well-wishers in the community where they dwell. Henry Stinson. HENRY STINSON has been for about thirty years identified with the upbuilding and growth of Winona County, as he located within its borders only a few months after the close of the war. With the exception of about three years, since his coming here he has owned and operated the farm where he now has his home. This is situated on section 20, Pleasant Hill Town- ship. Henry Stinson is one of ten children, six sons and four daughters, born to Gilford and Lucy (Townes) Stinson. Their other children are named as follows: Adeline, Ann Jeanette, Colby, Ruell, Sumner, Elbridge, Solan and L.S.T. The brothers Colby, Elbridge. Ruell and our subject were all in the Union service during the Warof the Rebellion, and Colby was killed on the battlefield of Pitts- burg Landing. Elbridge died at Little Rock, Ark., in the hospital, from disease contracted during the service. The birth of Henry Stinson took place in Lin- coln County, Me., January 30, 1834. He was born and reared on a farm, and continued to live with his parents until he was twenty-six years of age. In company with the other members of the family he went to Wisconsin in 1849, and resided for a number of years in Racine County. Afterwards he was for a time a resident of Adams County. From there he enlisted as a private in Company C, Fifty-first Wisconsin Infantry, this event occur- ring March 17, 1864. His first service was in St. Louis, whither he had been sent by way of Mil- 416 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. waukee, and aftei- spending some six weeks in the Missouri metropolis lie was sent to Kingsrille, in tlie same state. From there he proceeded to Mad- ison, Wis., where at the end of the war he was dis- charged with the rank of Corporal. For a few months after his return from army service Mr. Stinson lived at his old home in Wis- consin, but soon came to Minnesota and for three years rented land in Homer Township, this county. Afterward he settled on a farm in Pleasant Hill Township. The place where he now dwells is sit- uated on section 20, Pleasant Hill Township, and has been placed under good cultivation and im- provement since it came into his possession. The owner is a practical and thorough agriculturist, using the most advanced ideas as well as the old and tried in the management of the farm. In 1854 Henry Stinson married Miss Candaec Irene Gerry. They have become the parents of seven children, who are named respectively, Ida, Cyrus, Annie, Rena, Ada, Lydia and Jennie. They are all being given excellent school advant- ages and are being fitted to take their places in society and in the battlefield of life with credit to themselves and to their parents. Politically Mr. Stinson is affiliated with the Re- publican party and is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He faithfully uses his influence and means to promote good citizenship and the prosperity of the localit}' in which his home is made. He bears a high reputation among his townsmen as a man of honor and high integrity in all his dealings. Leonard L. Mann. < EONARD L. MANN, who carries on farm- I O ing on section 34. Wiscoj' Township, and also engages in the work of the ministry, is one of the worthy and honored citizens that New York has furnished to Winona County. He was born in Schoharie County of the Empire State on the 22d of July, 1821, and is a son of Levi and Lucy R. (Greenwood) Mann. The father was a native of Worcester, Mass., and the family is of English lineage. Leonard Mann is one of four children. He was reared on a farm, and the work connected with the life of an agriculturist was made familiar to him in early life. He attended the district schools and acquired a good practical education. Not content to become a tiller of the soil, and wishing to enter the ministry, when twenty-one years of age he went to Hamilton, N. Y., in order to prepare him- self for that work. There he continued his studies for four years, and for one year was a student in Worcester, Mass. He was licensed as a minister of the Baptist Church before going to Hamilton, and on leaving school he took charge of a church in Ulster Count}', N. Y. He continued in the active work of the ministry from that time until 1860, when he came to Winona County and located on the farm on section 34, Wiscoy Township, where he yet makes his home. He has eighty acres of land, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation, making good improvements thereon, PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 417 the neat appearance of the place indicating his thrift and enterprise. To some extent he has also continued his ministerial work, serving as a local preacher. On the 26th of Majs 1847, Mr. Mann was united in marriage with Miss C. Freeman, and to tlicm were born three children. The mother of this fam- ily was called to her final rest in December, 1859, and in 1860 Mr. Mann was again married, liis sec- ond union being with Miss A. Sinclair. Their union was blessed with three children, as follows: William, Minnie and Lenora K. Mr. Mann votes with the Republican party, but has taken no active part in political affairs. He devotes all his time to his farm work and to the ministry, laboring earnestly in the Master's vine- j'ard. His life has been a power for good, and his influence has been felt by many with whom he has come in contact. ,• T'^-'i-'f ■■.■ -i-r •+■•+■ •4.- V ,-t i3-V«-^v- »- -^m^ # INDEX. # «t|ii#" ^''f^fSiS^I » > * -C «" ISIOGRAFl^ICAL. A Abbott, W. D 284 Abell, Austin 163 Abell, Otis 240 Adams, John 23 Adams, John Q 39 Ailing, Samuel A 231 Arthur, Chester A 99 B Bain, John 225 Baker. Daniel 144 Ball, Col. John 222 Ball, Joseph D 322 Ballmann, Berend 385 Beck, C. C 212 Berry, Hon. Charles H 149 Bierce, C. A 394 Biesanz, Philip 253 Blake, James C 413 Bohn, Adam 4" Bradley, Ed^ar A 278 Brady, Thomas 395 Brainard, Lucius 248 Braley, Silas 161 Brammer, Samuel 324 Breed, Nelson 396 Brown, Jerod 268 Brown, Nathan 314 Brown, Wilson C 377 Buchanan, James 75 Butler, Charles 303 Caine, William W 119 Canfield, Herman 319 Chamberlin, William A 264 Chambers, James 124 Chapman, C. C 249 Christie, William G 3'6 Clark, George W 205 Cleveland, S. Grover 103 Cockrell, Francis M 209 Cooper, August J 352 Corey, Clark G 285 Corey, Gilbert M 30S Corey, Hamden A 329 Cotter. Rt.-Rev. Joseph B 260 Cotton, Samuel E 246 420 INDEX. Cox, Henry G I77 Cox, Henry S 348 Cox, Lyman B 244 Crooks, Robert 190 Crosgrove, Cj'rus 121 Cross, Nathan M 267 Crow, N. V. A 169 Curtis, Hermon 186 D Davis, Buel T 203 Denno, John 234 Dick, Samuel Ci 280 Dickson, Peter R 168 Dobbs, John 372 Doud , Chauncey 287 Drew, James M 351 Duncan, Robert J 191 Duncanson, William 357 Dyar, Alvano B 235 Fakler, Conrad 412 Farrar, Harry C 2S3 Farrar, John L 139 Ferrin, Lewis B 331 Fillmore, Millard 67 Fitzpatrick, P 127 Fleischer, Jacob F 361 Forsyth, Asa 401 French, John S 277 Einhorn, Michael 338 Evans, John 375 Fuller, Clarke A 160 Fuller, Martin H 376 G Gallagher, Rev. P.J 359 Gardner, Sylvester 245 Garfield, James A 95 Garlock, William 387 Gartside, Frank E 226 Gates, Edson 270 Gates, Oscar J 39 1 Gault, Nathaniel C 199 Gay, J. F 196 Gensmer, Martin F 307 Gerrish, Charles 239 Gile, Charles A 210 Gile, John R 194 Gleason, Amasa 407 Gordon, John 414 Gould, Hon. Ozro B 167 Grant, Ulysses S 87 H Haesly , Jacob 325 Hanson, Hans 335 Harders, John 404 Hardwick. James 224 Harris, Nathan 369 Harrison, Benjamin 107 Harrison, William H 51 Harrison , Willard 302 Haj'es, John G 217 Hayes, Rutherford B 91 Hendee, William 125 Hennessy, James F 170 Hesselgrave, Abraham 233 Hill, Edwin 313 Hill, Lafayette 142 Hillmer, Joseph J 381 Hiltz, William 403 Holt, James 340 Horan, Rev. John 306 Hufifman, Elisha B 294 Jackson, Andrew 43 Jefferson, Thomas 27 Johns, Jacob 386 Johnson, Andrew 83 Johnson, Samuel A 192 K Kaiser, William 298 Keenan, John 318 Knapp, Leonard 122 Knopp, Charles 214 Knopp, Michael 289 L Laberee, Franklin 271 Laberee, Moses 368 Laird, John C 300 Lake, Zaphna H 389 Lambert, Nic 378 Lamson, Watson 1 297 Leicht , Joseph 1 56 Lewis, William 1 59 Lincoln, Abraham 79 Litchtenstein, H. M., M. D 126 Lord, Hon. Orville M 405 Loucks, Benjamin J 207 Ludwig, Hon. John 257 INDEX. 421 M Maceman, Bernard a27 Madison, James 31 Mallery, George B 262 Mann, Leonard L 416 Martin, Hon. Fares B 321 Martin, John F.., 153 Mason, Alexander C 409 Mathews, John A 117 Maynard, Reuben E., Jr 176 Mazy, Henry 354 Michel, Chris 3S8 Monroe James 35 Morgan, Michael 261 Murray, David A 390 N Nagle, Michael 135 Nelson, Abraham 355 Nelson, Ole 384 Noonan, William 263 Page, Theodore K I74 Palmby, Robert 143 Palmer, Philo B 282 Parkhurst, William 336 Peirce, Thomas A., M. D 195 Perrin, Richard 296 Pickles, Fred H 208 Pierce, Franklin Ji Pierce, Marshall N 383 Polk, James K 59 Quimby, Asahel B 3^7 Randall, Frank L 337 Rebstock, E. W 180 Reynolds, Joseph 333 Roberton, Thomas 175 Robillard, Wilford L 221 Rohweder, Prof. Hermann 397 Rowell, Mrs. Ruth M 341 Ruehman, Henry 320 Sartwell, Almon 133 Schell, Nicholas, Jr 374 Schmitz, Joseph P 250 Schmitz, Rev. Nicholas 215 Schulz, Martin 171 Sheardown, J. M 138 Sikorski, Louis 185 Simpson, Mrs. Ann C 181 Simpson, Hon. Thomas 399 Simpson, Verrazano 141 Sinclair, Alexander C 373 Sinclair, Daniel 172 Skinkle, Esbon 213 Smith, Almus H 158 Smith, William E I57 Spalding, Samuel W 380 Speelman, Dingman 330 Staples, Franklin, M. D 392 Stevens, Norman B 131 Stickney, Moses 189 Stinson, Henry 415 Swett, William C 408 Swindler, James H 151 Taylor, Zachary 63 Thill, John 360 Thomas, Albert 152 Tibbetts, Oliver W 379 Timmons, Isaac W., M. D 216 Tomlinson, Samuel J 179 Tucker, Otis C 230 Tyler, John 55 Tawney, Hon. James A. •365 Valentine, John 252 Van Buren. Martin 47 Vance, D. E 136 Van Gorder, S. D 347 Von Rohr, Rev. Philip 187 w Wafiaes, Volney E 155 Wahl, H. S., M. D 293 Waldron, Harmon 349 Waltham, John 228 Walz, Michael F 353 Washington, George 19 Waterman, Mrs. Mary E 259 Watkins, J. R 311 Watts, William 120 Webber, Marshall B 275 Whetstone, David 265 Wilber, Hiram C 134 Wilberton, L. G., M. D 279 Williams, Peter H 197 Willson, Mark 269 Wilmot, Edwin D 299 Winona Wagon Company, The..37o Wander, John 258 Yale, Hon. William H 242 -OS. ^t:^ .20_ Portraits. Adams, John 22 Adams, John Q 38 Arthur, Chester A 98 Berry, Hon. Charles H 148 Buchanan, James 74 Cleveland, Grover S 102 Corey, Hamden A 328 Davis, Buel T 202 Fillmore, Millard 66 Garfield, James A 94 Gerrish, Charles 238 Gould, Hon. Ozro B 166 Grant, XHysses S 86 Harrison, Benjamin 106 Harrison, William H 50 Haj'es, Rutherford B 90 Jackson, Andrew 42 JeflFerson, Thomas 26 Johnson, Andrew 82 Lincoln, Abraham 78 Ludwig, Hon. John 256 Madison, James 30 Mathews, John A 117 Monroe,James 34 Pierce, Franklin 70 Polk, James K 58 Robillard, Wilford L 220 Stevens, Norman B._ 130 Tawney, Hon. James A 364 Taylor, Zacharj- 62 Tyler, John 54 Van Buren, Martin 46 Van Gorder, S. D 346 Wahl, H. S , M. D 292 Washington, George 18 Watkins, J. R 310 Webber, Marshall B 274 ^*- v^!^^^^^'