Trails to the Past

Minnesota

Goodhue County

Biographies

History of Goodhue County
Franklyn, Curtiss, Wedge
1910

 

 

GEORGE E. CALLISTER, Cherry Grove township was born in the Isle of Mann, January 24, 1864, son of Thomas and Jane (Moore) Callister, natives of the Isle of Mann, who emigrated to America in 1869 locating at Northfield, Minn., where the father farmed for two years, after which they removed to Cherry Grove township, where they purchased 160 acres of land which the father broke and improved, erecting a home, barn and other outbuildings necessary to carry on successful farming, remaining until his death in December 1895. The mother died in the fall of 1900.  George received his education in the public schools of the township, and worked on the farm until in 1895, He then purchased a farm of 80 acres, in 1909 added 80 more, and has since followed general farming and stock raising, making many improvements on his farm. April 4, 1900 Mr. Callister was married to Nona M. Conner, daughter of Frank T. and Caroline (Scott) Conner, the father a native of New Hampshire and the mother of Roscoe township, this county. The father came west in 1863 and located at Roscoe, where he purchased 240 acres of land and carried on general farming. He died on February 29, 1908, the mother having passed away on July 11, 1893. The farm, at the death of the father came into possession of his son Benton and daughter Nona. Mr. and Mrs.  Callister have no children. Mrs. Callister has one brother, Benton D. Conner, now of Minneapolis, and Mr. Callister has two brothers, William R., and John J. both living at Kenyon, Minn.  Mr. Callister is a Republican in his political views, and has held several public offices. He has been town supervisor for eight years, and has served the school board of District 120 for a similar period. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen, and is director of the creamery at Skyberg. The family faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church.

WILLIAM R. CALLISTER, of Kenyon township, was born in the Isle of Mann, March 28, 1857, son of Thomas and Jane (Moore) Callister. In 1869, on the 9th of September, Thomas Callister landed with his family at Castle Rock, Dakota county, Minnesota, where he remained two years. In 1871 he came to Goodhue county and purchased a quarter section of land in Cherry Grove township, where he spent the remainder of his life. There were eight children in Thomas Callister 's family, all of whom are living: Catherine, who married William Kinoig; Jane, married William Lace; Annie, married John Golden; William R., the subject of this sketch; John of Kenyon village; George, of Cherry Grove; Ella, widow of Arthur Norton; Emily, married Arthur Cook. Thomas Callister died December 29, 1895, the mother having passed away September 10, 1899. William Callister received his education in the district schools and remained on the farm with his father until he was twenty-one years of age, when he rented a farm in Cherry Grove known as the old Churchill farm, where he remained six years, when he bought 360 acres in Kenyon township. He remained here two years, then sold this farm, and purchased 280 acres in Sections 24 and 25, Kenyon township, where he now lives. December 27, 1881, he was married to Lizzie Owen, who was born in Green Lake county, Wisconsin, July 13, 1861, a daughter of Robert and Celestia (Beers) Owen, who came to Cherry Grove township in 1871, where they still live. Mr. and Mrs. Callister are the parents of fourteen children: Bert R., born November 27, 1882; George 0., born December 31, 1884; Ella C., born April 1, 1887 ; Merle K., August 13, 1888; Gladys V., October 10, 1890; Warren S., born September 1, 1892; Hazel L., born April 21, 1893; Mona R., born November 25, 1895; Harold G., born January 6, 1897 ; Vernon K., born February 13, 1898 ; Bernice M., July 15, 1900 ; Stanley D., born July 5, 1902; Carol F., born January 20, 1905; and Dorcas L., born October 13, 1907. Mr. Callister was fourteen years assessor of Kenyon township and on the school board nine years. He also served on the Farmers' Elevator board at Kenyon for eight years, and on the board of the Farmers' Co-operative Creamery at Skyberg, since its organization twelve years ago. He was elected county commissioner of Goodhue county, third district, in the fall of 1904, and re-elected in 1908. He was for many years land agent for the Aetna Life Insurance Company in this section. He is a Republican in politics. He is a member of the A. O. U. W and the Modern Woodmen. In religious matters Mr. Callister is liberal and supports each denomination as their needs may require.

AARON CARLSON was born in Sweden, June 28, 1850 and came with his parents to America in 1854 and located in Minnesota, where they took up a homestead of 160 acres in Vasa township, which they broke and prepared for cultivation. They followed general farming until 1873, when they retired and moved to Red Wing, where in February, 1880 the father was killed by a falling tree. The mother died in February, 1906. Aaron Carlson received his education in the schools of Vasa township, and later attended Hamlin University at Red Wing. After finishing his studies he took up farming on his father's farm in Featherstone, which he conducted for six years. In 1879 he went to Trimbelle, Wis., and operated a saw mill for three years. In 1882 he returned to the old farm in Featherstone township, and engaged in general farming, dairying and stock raising. He has 160 acres of land under cultivation and ten acres of good timber in Burnside township. He has made a great many improvements of the place and has a fine home. His farm is located nine and a half miles from Red Wing. Mr. Carlson was married in 1873 to Carrie Ernberg, daughter of Jonas and Sarah (Bush) Ernberg, natives of Sweden. They came to this country in the early days and settled in Vasa township in 1869 where they engaged in farming. The father died in 1902, the mother having passed away in 1897. Mr. and Mrs. Carlson have six children-Augusta, a teacher at the Vasa Orphans' Home; Emily married Victor Larson, a farmer of Vasa; Archie E.. now in Chicago, is with Riebault & Co. ; Harry lives at home ; Mabel married Alfred Carleen of St. Paul, and Frances, who teaches in the public schools of Anoka, Minn. Mr. Carlson is an independent voter. He has served on the town board for two years, as chairman. He and his family are members of the Swedish Lutheran Church of Vasa. 

ALFRED CARLSON, retired hardware merchant living at 1020 East avenue, Red Wing, was born in Sweden, March 28, 1845, son of Gustaf and Louise (Johnson) Carlson, who brought their family to America August 6, 1854, and after stopping a brief time at Red Wing, went to Yasa, being among the earliest settlers of that township. The father preempted 160 acres and carried on general farming for many years. lie then retired from farming and removed to Red Wing, where he met with a violent death, February 16, 1880, as the result of an accident while chopping doAvn a tree. The base of the tree hit him in such a manner as to cause almost instant death. His widow died at Red Wing, March 1, 1906. One of the sons, Aaron, now conducts the old homestead in Featherstone township. Alfred attended school and worked on the farm until attaining his majority, at which time the father presented him and his brother, Frank, with 160 acres jointly, as a reward for their faithful industry.  Here, Alfred carried on general farming until 1877, when he rented the farm out and came to Red Wing, where he entered the employ of Nelson Peterson, hardware merchant as a clerk. In this capacity he remained until 1885 when he purchased a store at Hector, Renville county, Minn., and carried on a general hardware business of his own until 1890, when he sold out his business and retired. One year later he built the beautiful residence which is now his home. Mr. Carlson is a Republican in politics. He was married June 28, 1867, to Engre Nelson, daughter of Ole and Anna Nelson, well-known farmers of Vasa. They came from Sweden to America in 1856 and located for a time at Chisago county, Minn., later moving to Vasa in 1862, where upon 160 acres they carried on general farming until the death of the father. The mother died at Red Wing, January 16, 1901, at the home of Mrs. Carlson. The family faith of the Carlsons is that of the Swedish Lutheran Church.

FRANK A. CARLSON, Red Wing, was born in Sweden, August 12, 1843, and came to this county with the rest of the family as a boy. Brought up on the farm, educated in the public schools, he in 1876 entered the grocery business until 1882. From that year until 1887 he served as county sheriff and from 1887 to 1891 as assistant postmaster at Red Wing. In 1892 he was appointed on the police force of Red Wing and served two years. From 1894 to 1906 he was in the retail liquor business and then retired.  He was married May 9, 1866, to Siguild Turner, also a native of Sweden. To this union were born five children-Rosa, Albert B., Minnie, Anna and Elmer C. The family attends the Episcopal Church .

JOHN H. CARLSON, the well known hardware merchant, of Cannon Falls, was born in Sweden August 22, 1866, and came to America as a baby with his mother in 1869. From 1869 to 1872 they lived in Chicago, and then located in Cannon Falls, where John H. received his common school education. His first situation was with the Cannon Falls branch of the Charles Betcher Lumber Company, and after twenty years in that employ he did similar work two years for the Ballord-Trimble Lumber Company, purchasers and successors of the Betcher retail interests. In 1907 he engaged in the hardware business. The store is well equipped and appointed and aims to carry in stock everything in the hardware line that is needed in the households and on the farms of the people of this vicinity. Mr. Carlson is a stanch Republican and has served the village as recorder. November 29, 1893, he was married to Delia M. Peterson, of Vasa, daughter of Johannes Peterson, a prominent farmer, who, with his wife, is now deceased. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Carlson is brightened by two children, Gladys E. and Irena A. Mildred, the youngest, is dead. The family is connected with the Swedish Lutheran church.

JULIUS CARLSON, of Red Wing, woodworker at the Red Wing Boat Manufacturing Company, was born in Sweden, December 26, 1845, son of Charles Olson and Anna M. Corestenson, natives of the same country. He received his education in the schools of his neighborhood, and when twenty-one years old, rented a place and carried on general farming. Desiring to see something of the world he enlisted as a sailor on a coal and lumber boat, and visited France, England, Denmark, Norway and the northern part of Sweden. While on this voyage he heard much of the opportunities offered in America, and accordingly determined to seek his fortune in this country. His first location was in Milwaukee, and after working on the railroad there a few weeks, he came to Red Wing and did general work until 1873, when he entered the employ of the Kappel Brothers. With this concern he remained twenty-two years, achieving an honorable record as a faithful workman. In 1895 he entered business for himself with Andrew Newstrom, but two years later went to work for William Remschart, the blacksmith and wagon maker. Subsequently, in 1900, he went to Grant county and purchased 250 acres of land, then, after three years, sold out and returned to Red Wing. The first year of his return was spent as a workman for Charles Erickson, after which he entered his present employ. Mr. Carlson votes the Republican ticket and belongs to the Scandinavian Relief and the Scandinavian Benefit Associations.  He was married in 1870 to Anna Tholia, by whom he has seven children. The three oldest, Carl Magnus, Carl Oscar and Johan August, are deceased. Hans Edward is a Minneapolis contractor; John Adolph, William Linus and Charles Fredrick all farm in North Dakota. The mother of these children died in October; 1891, and Mr, Carlson was again married in April, 1893, to Hedda Carlson, daughter of Carl and Anna (Stinna) Anderson, both natives of Sweden. The family faith is that of the Swedish Lutheran Church. Charles Olson, father of Julius Carlson, owned a farm in the old country, and carried on farming in connection with being a painter and carpenter. He died in 1846 and his wife, who afterward became Mrs. Hanson, lived until 1865. Julius Carlson, the oldest son, is the subject of this sketch. Amelia married Gustaf Hanson, now of Grant county, Minn. ; Christine Hanson died in Sweden ; Carl Edward Hanson lives in California ; Matilda married Andrew Haglund, now deceased; Hans A. Hanson lives in Grant county, Minn; John Hilmer Hanson lives in the same county; Oliva Anna is the wife of Alfred Anderson and lives in Otter Tail county Minn. 

F. W. CATE, a prosperous Pine Island farmer, was born in Pine Island township, August 12, 1864, son of Isaac and Caroline (Young) Cate, natives of New Hampshire, who came to Minnesota in 1856 and took up a homestead, which they broke and cultivated, carrying on a general line of farming. The father served in the Civil war and died at Fort Snelling in 1864. The mother died in 1895. They had ten children, of whom eight are living.  F. W. Cate was educated in the common schools and has always been a farmer. He purchased his father's farm and in 1901 bought the Farrington forty acres, and again in 1907 purchased sixty-nine acres near Pine Island village, where he moved in 1909. He now carries on general farming, dairying and raises sheep, owning a flock of about 200. The Cate homestead is still in the family, having never changed hands. Mr. Cate was married November 1, 1888, to Mary Drazan. Their only daughter, Teressa P., married Leon Klingsporn, and has one daughter Blanche P., born February 3, 1909. Mr. and Mrs. Klingsporn reside on the old homestead. Mr. Cate is a member of the Modern Woodmen of Pine Island, and in his politics is a Republican. 

JOHN A. CAVANAUGH was born at Belle Creek February 6, 1871, son of Timothy and Mary (Ryan) Cavanaugh, natives of Ireland.  They came to America and located in Belle Creek township, where they took a homestead of 160 acres, which they broke and improved. Timothy Cavanaugh served in the Civil War as corporal Company G, Seventh Regiment Minnesota Volunteers. Beside doing a general line of farming, the father raised horses and cattle. In 1886 he had 110 acres under cultivation, and in that year he took up his home in St. Paul, where he died in 1894.  The mother is still living in St. Paul. John A. received his education in the common school of Belle Creek and completed the commercial course of study in the high school of St. Paul. He then worked in a railroad office until the summer of 1894, when he came to Belle Creek and took charge of the farm, doing a general line of farming. He has eight horses and twenty head of cattle, also raises pure bred Plymouth Rock chickens as a specialty, and is now erecting a 36x78 stock barn which is modern in every way, also 20x36 grain elevator and 20x30 hog house in connection with same, all with basement bottom. Mr. Cavanaugh was married December 31, 1895, to Annie M. Underdahl, daughter of Engebrecht Underdahl and Johanna Lilleskov, of Norway, who came to America and settled near Cannon Falls, where they carry on a general line of farming. They have now retired from farming and are living in Albert Lea, Minn. Mr. and Mrs. Cavanaugh have a family of six children: Mary T., Thomas E., John H., Bernard F., Joseph I., and Helen J., all at home.  Mr. Cavanaugh is an independent voter and the family faith is that of the Catholic church. At the present time he is serving as town clerk of Belle Creek; he is also secretary of the Farmers ' Co-operative Elevator of Goodhue. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, the Royal Neighbors and the Catholic Order of Foresters, the latter of which he is financial secretary.  Mrs. Cavanaugh is also a member of the Royal Neighbors. 

JOHN CEBULSKI, fashionable tailor at 309 Bush street, Red Wing, is a native of Austria, born December 14, 1868, son of Andrew and Sophia (Frodyma) Cebulski, both of whom were also Austrians by birth. The father was a hero of two wars.  He served in Galicia (a kingdom in the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy) during the outbreak against the Lords in 1843, and twenty years later in the Polish war of 1863. Seeking wider opportunities for advancement than were allowed in the old country, he came to America in 1876, and located at Lancaster, Penn., where he engaged in the cooperage business. In 1881 he went to Buffalo, N. Y., and engaged in the same business until his death, September 8, 1906. His wife died in May, 1903. John attended the schools of his neighborhood and finished with a course in the Catholic Seminary at Vienna, in his native country, and made his home with his aunt. He came to America for visits in 1882-83-84-85, and traveled in nearly all parts of the United States. In 1885 he located at Pittsfield, Mass., and there learned the tailor's trade. Two years later he went to Worcester, Mass., but in 1888 again returned to Pittsfield. Shortly afterward he came westward to Chicago, followed his trade there until 1891, when he went to Janesville, Wis., for a year.  After five and a half years at Edgerton, Wis., he went to New York, and for three months studied tailoring in the New York Cutting School. Thus equipped, he opened an establishment of his own at Spring Green, Wis., where he had a successful business until 1899, when he came to Red Wing, and opened the place where he is now located. He has the largest establishment of the kind in Red Wing, and numbers the best people of the city among his patrons. In addition to his Red Wing place of business, he conducts a branch at Rochester, Minn. Mr. Cebulski is a great believer in education, and has assisted in a financial way, a number of deserving young men desiring to go through college. He is unmarried. His sister, Annie, is married to Albert Niemiec, of East Chicago, 111. One of his brothers, Joe, was killed in the Turkish war, while two others, Albert and Michael live in the east.

JOHN W. CHANDLER, for two decades a prominent figure about the capitol at Washington, was a native of Jamestown, N. Y., where his family name is one of much honor and dignity. His father, W. W. Chandler, (married to Phoebe Windsor) was the owner of a large plantation in Virginia, from whence he went to Jamesstown in the late twenties. There John W. was born, August 18, 1834. The father engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods on an extensive scale, and took an active interest in municipal affairs, Chandler street, which is one of the leading thoroughfares of Jamestown, being cut through land donated by him to the city. During his boyhood, John W. attended the public schools of Jamestown, N. Y., and as a young man, made his first business venture in the hardware business. His success warranted his desiring to start the same business on a larger scale in a newer country, and in the early sixties he came to the Northwest, engaging in the sale of hardware at Pine Island, this county. About 1867 he received an appointment as doorkeeper in the capitol at Washington. In that city he remained twenty years, serving in various public positions, and meeting all the great political characters of note during that period. In 1887 he came to Red Wing, and lived a retired life until his death, April 30, 1903. During this period he took an active interest in public affairs, and his advice on many important matters was eagerly sought by his friends. Mr. Chandler was married at Jamestown, N. Y., to Grace Hatch, who died in 1872, leaving one son, Martin, S., now engaged as editor of the law department of the West Publishing Company, at St.  Paul. In 1885 there came to this country, Margaret N. Nelson, daughter of W. A. and Elsie (Paulson) Nelson, born at Christianstad, Sweden, the father being a well-to-do manufacturer of that city. She entered the home of the Chandlers as a nurse, and the friendship and esteem between this lady and John W.  Chandler ripened into love and marriage, the ceremony being performed September 30, 1893. Mrs. Chandler is one of a family of five children, all of whom have attained prominence in their respective communities. Otto Nelson is district railroad manager at Christianstad, Sweden ; Ander is manager of a chemical establishment at Helsingborg, Sweden; Nels W. is a successful real estate agent in California, and Nanny is married to Nels E. Olson, a well-known Swedish architect. Mrs. Chandler is much interested in both church and charitable work. 

MARTIN SPENCER CHANDLER, now deceased, many years sheriff of Goodhue county, and a man of prominence in the state, was born at Jamestown, Chautauqua county, New York. Feb. 14, 1824, son of Woodley W. and Phebe Winson Chandler, both of New England ancestry. The maternal great-grandfather of Martin S. Chandler was an officer in the Revolutionary War, and his grandfather on the same side was in the War of 1812. The father was a woolen manufacturer and an extensive farmer, being one of the leading men of Chautauqua county for many years. An uncle, Spencer Chandler, from whom Martin S. was named, was city marshal of Nashville, Tennessee, for twenty-three years, and when the Civil War broke out was one of the few men in that city who stood nobly by the old flag. Martin was educated at the Jamestown and Fredonia academies, and learned the tanner and currier's trade, but preferred farming, which he followed in his native town until the fifties, when he came to Goodhue county and opened a farm in Pine Island. During the first year he was in the state he was elected one of the three county commissioners, serving until 1858; in the autumn of which year he was elected sheriff, taking office Jan. 1, 1859, in which position he served for nearly three decades. He was a stanch Republican and from the earliest days of the county was a leader in the party councils. He was a presidential elector in 1872 and was elected messenger to carry the vote of the state to Washington, but declined in favor of Wilford L. Wilson, of St. Paul. Mr. Chandler was several times urged to become a candidate for Congress and other honors were offered him, but many of these he declined. He served the state two terms as United States Surveyor General for Minnesota and in 1888 was delegate at large to the Republican National Convention. Mr.  Chandler was a fine type of pioneer, stanch of character, unswerving of principal, and at the same time a man of the people, well liked and highly respected. He was married, on February 14, 1849, to Fannie F. Caldwell, of Jamestown, New York. To this union were born three children. Two died in infancy, and Florence C. became the wife of Ira S. Kellogg. Mr. Chandler died February 24, 1893, and his death was mourned as a loss not only to his family and friends but also to the county he had served so well, and whose peace and law he, had assisted in establishing.

PETER CHELGREN was born in Sweden January 7, 1846. After spending his boyhood in the old country he came to America in 1868 and took up his residence in Featherstone township, this county, where he worked a short time, and then went to Hastings, this state, where he resided five years. Here, in 1871, he was married to Christine F. Ericson. It was in 1874 that he moved to his farm, previously purchased by him at Cannon Falls, and where he still lives. On this farm of 120 acres he conducts general farming along the latest approved lines. He has made many improvements, including setting out an orchard, which has proved a profitable venture. Pasture and timber land take up about twenty acres, and the remainder is in a high state of cultivation.  Mr. Chelgren has not been unmindful of the advantages of intelligent co-operation, for lie is one of the farmers who have been interested in the creamery, which has for its object the handling of milk with greater economy of time and effort than the farmers could accomplish my making butter themselves. Of this creamery Mr. Chelgren is secretary. He is also a member and stockholder of the Cannon Falls Farmers' Elevator Company, and a member and director of the Spring Garden-Leon Insurance Company, which works in the interest of the farmers.  Mr. Chelgren has also served with credit as clerk in school district No. 14 for over twenty-five years, surely a record of which any man might well be proud. In addition to this, he has served as supervisor of Cannon Falls township. Mr. Chelgren has three children: Mary, living at home; Emma, a teacher in the Redwood Falls city schools, and Victor, a druggist in Dickinson, N. D. 

MARTIN CHELLSON, present supervisor of Cannon Falls township, was born in Sweden October 20, 1864, son of Nels and Anna Chellson, who came to the United States June 29, 1865, stopping first in Red Wing and then coming to Cannon Falls, where they purchased land in section 14, and there spent the remainder of their days, the father dying in 1874 and the mother in 1893. Of the seven children in the family, five are still alive. Martin received his education in the common schools and has since carried on farming operations in this township. He owns 120 acres of land in section 15, 100 being plowed land and twenty woodland. Here he carries on mixed farming with much success. He is a conscientious, hard-working man, highly regarded for his good qualities.  Aside from his position on the town board, he has served nine years as a member of the school board. Mr. Chellson was married in 1888 to Christine Pearson, daughter of Peter Pearson, who settled in Vasa in 1869. The home of the Chellsons has been brightened by the presence of four children, Fred, Florence, Eva and Pearl, all of whom are still under the home roof. 

ELIJA L. CLARK, now deceased, was the pioneer school teacher of Cannon Falls. He taught this school in 1856-57, in a building which he erected for the purpose, principally of basswood, giving it the name of Basswood College. In this building the early church services were also held. Mr. Clark was born in Franklin county, Maine, February 28, 1830, received an academy education, worked in a cutlery factory in Lowell, Mass., four years, and engaged in surveying in Ohio five years, coming to Cannon Falls in 1855. From then until 1862 he did carpenter work, leaving this occupation to respond to Lincoln's call for volunteers, serving in Company F, Eighth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry until promoted to first lieutenant in the 123rd U. S. C. Infantry. He was mustered out at Camp Nelson, Kentucky, in October, 1865. After being in business for many years in Cannon Falls, he went to South Dakota, homesteaded a claim, and remained until 1902, when he retired and returned to Cannon Falls. His interests have always been toward the encouragement of patriotism, and to him is due in some measure the agitation which resulted in locating the Colonel William Colvill monument in this place. Mr. Clark died Feb. 17, 1909, while visiting his daughter, Mrs. W. P. Hitchings, in California., He was married October 30, 1858, to Mary E. Wright, daughter of James H. and Rebecca (Evans) Wright, natives of Indiana, who came to Cannon Falls in the early days and engaged in farming until the end of their life, the father dying November 25, 1876, and the mother September 16, 1887. To Mr. and Mrs. Clark were born three children: E. W. is a coal dealer in Minneapolis; Nellie C. is the wife of W. P. Hitchings, of California ; Frank W. is a sheriff in Arizona.  Mr. Clark was a fine old gentleman in every respect, a figure much honored in the village. Kindly, ever considerate, willing at personal cost to assist in every good movement, he was a distinct addition to pioneer life, and his training of the boys and girls of the early days had much to do tvith the success which many of them achieved in after life.

CORNEL CLEMENTSON, supervisor of Pine Island township, was born in the township, May 30, 1865, son of Knute and Julia (Hoff) Clementson, natives of Norway, who in 1856 came to Pine Island township, Avhere they pre-empted 120 acres of land and engaged in farming. In 1902 they retired and moved to Zumbrota village, where they reside. Cornel Clementson received his education in the schools of the township, after which he engaged in farming. He has a fine farm of 300 acres, has made part of the improvements on the place, and has a good house and buildings. He carries on general farming and stock raising, also dairying, for which purpose he keeps from fifteen to twenty cows. In November, 1904, he was married to Vina Hoff, daughter of Andrew and Jennie Hoff. They have two children: Conrad and Gernelia. Mr. Clementson is a Republican in his political views and has held his present office of town supervisor for five years. He is also clerk of the school board of his district. The family attends the Lutheran church.

ARTHUR T. CLIFFORD, veteran of the Civil War and retired farmer, of Cannon Falls, was born in Prospect, Waldo county, Maine, and after receiving his education worked with his father, coming west with his parents and settling in Stanton township in 1855. He pre-empted a quarter-section of land, brought the wilderness under cultivation and carried on general farming until his retirement, in 1893, at which time he rented his farm and moved to the village of Cannon Falls, where he now resides.  In the month of February, 1864, he joined Company I, 1st Minnesota Heavy Artillery, and served under Colonel William Colvill until discharged at Fort Snelling at the close of the war.  Since then it has always been his delight to associate with the good old comrades of those days, and he has served as chaplain of McKinley Post, No. 96, G. A. R., for many years past. Politically he has not desired to be conspicuous, but has consented to serve as school treasurer eight years and town treasurer two years. As the result of a lifelong consideration of the problems confronting the nation, Mr. Clifford has become a Prohibitionist and looks for the ultimate victory of the principles of that party.  He is interested in church matters also, and has taken a prominent part in the growth of the Congregational demonination of this vicinity. November 28, 1860, Mr. Clifford was married to Sarah E. Ellis, of Grinnell, Iowa. This union has been blessed with two children : Minnie E., the wife of Dr. Wilbur Morrell, and Frank F., a physician in West Concord, Minn. Jonathan L. and Susan B. (French) Clifford, parents of A. T. Clifford, were natives of Maine, where the father was a merchant and farmer.  They came to Stanton township in the early days and continued to add to their original quarter-section until they owned 500 acres. In later life they retired and are both now deceased. It is worthy of note that the Cliffords arrived in Red Wing October 10, 1855, and have since that date been residents of this county. 

J. B. CLOSNER, of Pine Island village, was born in Green county, Wisconsin, January 8. 1855, son of Christian and Catherine (Buhler) Closner, natives of Switzerland, who emigrated to America in 1848, locating in Green county, Wisconsin, where the father was engaged as cooper and later as a farmer. In 1855 they came to Minnesota, pre-empted land in Dodge county, and engaged in farming for a period of thirteen years. In 1868 they removed to Plymouth county, Iowa, where they still reside. J. B. Closner attended the common schools for a short time, but is practically self-educated, hWing acquired the larger part of his knowledge by experience and observation. He has been engaged the greater part of his time in buying live stock around Pine Island and Zumbrota, but has made his home in Pine Island, where he has built a home and resided for twenty-nine years. He has also dealt extensively in cheese, butter and eggs for a number of years. He now rents a dairy farm of 177 acres of land in Olmstead county, which his sons manage. December 25, 1877, he was married to Magdalen Stempfly, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.  B. Stempfly, natives of Ohio. They have six children: Ida, now of North Dakota; Edward G., of North Dakota; Catherine, now of Pine Island; Marjory, of Dodge county; Albert and J. B., at home. Mr. Closner is well and favorably known throughout the county. He has always taken an active interest in the affairs of the community in which he lives, and has served as deputy sheriff for four years, also as justice of the peace for several years, and member of the village council. He belongs to several fraternities, the I. 0. 0. F., the A. 0. U. W. and the M. W. A. and the E. F. U.  In politics, he is independent.

ALFRED E. COLLINGE, of Zumbrota village, was born August 10, 1871, son of Samuel and Hannah (Sutcliffe) Collinge, natives of England, who came to America in 1890, locating at Easton, Pa. In 1893 they came to Zumbrota, where the father engaged in brickmaking for three years, after which he went to Ireland.  The mother died in 1890. Alfred E. received his education in England, after which he took up brickmaking, and in 1890 located in Radford, Va., where he continued to work at his trade.  In 1891 he went to Easton, Pa., and in 1893 came to Zumbrota, where he again engaged in brickmaking. After three years he started in the dray business, and in 1905 in the ice business. He also entered the Vandusen Elevator Company, and 1908 Was chosen its manager, which position he noAv holds. He still continues the dray and ice business. The fraternal affiliations of Mr. Collinge consist of membership in the Modern Woodmen of America, of which he is clerk, the I. O. O. F., the Masons and the M. B. A. By his wife, Matilda Person, a native of Sweden, who came to this country in 1893, Mr. Collinge has four children: Alfred, Hannah, Harry, and Mary Ann, all living at home. The subject of this sketch is a good citizen and capable business man, highly esteemed by his friends and acquaintances. 

JOHN COMPTON, general manager of the Ballard Trumble Lumber Company, at Red Wing, has shown much executive ability in the various positions in which he has been engaged. He was born in Sweden, October 18, 1858, son of John Magnuson and Mary E. Larson, both natives of that country. The father, a general merchant and hotel proprietor, is still living. The mother died in December, 1897. While a school boy in Sweden, John managed to pick up many of the details of his father's business, and this, together with one years' schooling in Red Wing, to which city he came in 1881, fitted him for a business career. His first employment was in the hardware store of Charles Betcher, where he worked two years. In 1884 he went to Minneapolis for Mr. Betcher, working in his store there five years. His work in this capacity won the confidence of his employer, and in 1889 he was given charge of Mr. Betcher 's lumber yard and store at Wheaton, Minn. Here, he remained eleven years. During this time he became a prominent citizen of Wheaton, serving as a member of the village board as school treasurer and as a member of the village council. From 1900, when he returned to Red Wing, until 1903, he was employed as bookkeeper in the office of Charles A. Betcher, afterward taking charge of the retail department of that company until 1906.  During that year this department was sold to the Ballard Trumble Lumber Company, at which time Mr. Compton became associated with the latter company as general manager, a position he has since retained. He is an independent voter and belongs to the Swedish Mission Church. Mr. Compton on December 17, 1884, was married at Red Wing to Augusta Anderson.  Her father died in Sweden and her mother now makes her home with the Compton family. To Mr. and Mrs. Compton have been born three children-Miriam, June 23, 1894; Ruth, December 27, 1896, and Elmer, June 23, 1899. 

THOMAS TAFT COMSTOCK, of Cherry Grove was born in the township, August 19, 1862, son of E. G. and Catherine J. (Winston) Comstock, natives of Massachusetts and New York states, who came west to Minnesota in 1856, and located in Cherry Grove township, Avhere they pre-empted 240 acres of land which the father cleared and broke, built a home, barn and other outbuildings, and carried on general farming, raising horses, cattle and sheep. The father died in 1891, but the mother is still living in Kenyon. Thomas Taft Comstock received his education at the public schools and at Carleton College. In 1892 he entered the employment of the Case Threshing Machine Co., as general agent, which position he held for thirteen years. In 1905 he interested himself in the Cannon Valley Power Co., and the Root River Water Power Co., with which he has since been connected.  He is also interested in agriculture has 240 acres of land under cultivation and carries on general farming, dairying and stock raising. Mr. Comstock was married December 29, 1887, to Jessie M. Andrist of Roscoe, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Spreiter) Andrist, natives of Switzerland, who came to America and located in Wisconsin, removing later to Minnesota where the father died. The mother is still living at West Concord, Minn. Mr. and Mrs. Comstock had two children : Belle M., born January 9, 1889, and Walter J., born June 1, 1899.  The mother of these children died June 1, 1899; and December 31, 1901, Mr. Comstock was married to Anna M. Rapp, daughter of Martin and Mary (Moser) Rapp, natives of New York and Wisconsin. Her father came to Wisconsin in 1862, purchased land, carried on general farming and was also a merchant for a number of years. He died in December 1904. The mother is still living. By this marriage, Mr. Comstock has one child, Lucille Agnes, born May 28, 1903. Mr. Comstock is an independent voter, and has served as town clerk. Fraternally he affiliates with the Elks and the United Workmen. The family attend the Catholic and Methodist Episcopal churches. 

H. E. CONLEY, M. D., of Cannon Falls, is one of those men who fulfill the highest ideals of one of the highest of callings. While choosing to attend quietly to his duties rather than to act in public office, the call to service has nevertheless reached him in so importune a manner as to make it almost impossible for him to decline the positions of trust and responsibility that have been thrust upon him. He is a trustee of the Cemetery Association, health officer of the village, and ex-president of the village council, hWing previously served four terms as an alderman and eleven years on the school board. He is president of the Goodhue County Medical Association and a member of both the state and national bodies also. Fraternally he associates with the Masons, in which he has taken a number of high degrees, the Modern Woodmen, the United Workmen, the Royal Neighbors, the Independent Foresters and the Modern Samaritans. Taking an interest in the industrial growth of the village he has become a trustee in the Cannon Falls Canning Company, and also has other financial holdings. Dr. Conley was born in Palo, Iowa, July 11, 1855, and received his education in the common schools, in the academy at Kossuth, Iowa, and in the Iowa State University at Iowa City, Iowa, graduating in 1884. At once after leaving college he took up the practice of medicine in his native town for a few months, and then practiced with Dr. E. C. Case in Waterville, Me., eight months. In November, 1885, he came to Cannon Falls and opened an office, at once becoming identified with the progress of village events. His office is well equipped and his practice is large in both village and township. Dr.  Conley was married August 28, 1884, at the beginning of his professional career, to Sarah L. Dibble, daughter of Alonzo and Louise (Aiders) Dibble, early settlers and substantial farmers of Cannon Falls, the father dying July 11, 1891, and the mother March 25, 1869. The Conley home has been blessed with the arrival of five children: Mira V., born September 16, 1885, died April 10, 1892; Emma L., born September 15, 1890, died April 8, 1892; Alonzo D. born May 24, 1892; Ora K. born February 19, 1894, and Lewis E., born February 16, 1900, all live at home.  Lewis and Betsy (Hutchins) Conley, parents of H. E., were born in the nortlrwestern part of New York state, and in the early fifties started west, living for a time in Sugar Grove, Cane county, Illinois, and then locating in Linn county, Iowa. From 1855 to 1871 they lived on a homestead in Mitchell county, Iowa, and then went to Kossuth, Iowa, where the father operated a saw mill, getting out lumber for the railroad. They came to Cannon Falls and here ended their days. The father was born in Leroy, Jefferson county, New York, November 20, 1822, and died January 5, 1900. The mother was born in the same locality, June 3, 1827, and died August 23, 1900.

GEORGE COOK is the man to whom belongs the real credit for starting the sewer pipe industry in Red Wing. While employed as superintendent in the stoneware works he at one period occupied his spare time in an experiment which resulted in the making of a two-socket sewer pipe which was placed on exhibition in the window of the Pierce, Simons & Company bank. This pipe was six inches in diameter and was cast from three sacks of waste clay, the moulds being made of plaster paris by Mr.  Cook, and the burning being done in the kilns at the pottery works. In three weeks a company was started which is now one of the leading industries of the Northwest. A complete history of the concern will be found in the story of industries of Red Wing, appearing in this volume. George Cook was born in Akron, Ohio, January 19, 1852, son of Lewis and Catherine (Prior) Cook, both natives of Germany. The father, a cooper by trade, came to America in 1839 and located in Akron, Ohio, built a house and remained over sixty years until his death, August 25, 1902. His wife died in 1888 at the age of 65 years.  George received his education in the Ohio public schools, and took up work with his father, learning the cooper trade. He then started in the pottery business, an occupation which has since engaged his attention. His first employment in the business was with Hart & Ruckel, in his native town, and subsequently he worked eight years in the turning department of the Whitmore & Robertson Company, of the same place. After working in Nebraska and several other states, he came to Red Wing, May 25, 1879 and at once entered the employ of the Red Wing Stoneware Company, as superintendent, a position he has filled with marked ability for some thirty years. When the stoneware companies were incorporated, Mr. Cook became the superintendent of all the factories under the ownership of the concern. In 1891-92 he was honored with a seat in the city council. In politics he is a Democrat. Mr. Cook has been closely identified with the life of the Odd Fellows and the Woodmen, and in the former order has occupied all the official chairs. He was married September 26, 1881, to Thresa Hartman, of this city, daughter, of Frank and Thresa (Ammon) Hartman, the former of whom was a blacksmith by trade. To Mr. and Mrs. Cook there have been born three sons-George A., born June 15, 1882, is an assistant superintendent at the stoneware works under his father; Harry C., born June 18, 1885, is a student in the State University; Burt, born February 15, 1892, is taking a course in the Red Wing Business College. The family faith is that of the Episcopal Church. The residence is at 1304 Fourth street, Red Wing.

HART N. COOK, chief of the Red Wing fire department, is a native of Watertown, N. Y., born December 5, 1857, son of James H. and Sarah A. (Barney) Cook, both natives of New York state. Hart N. received his early education in the public schools of his native city and supplemented this training with a course in the Hungerford Collegiate Institute at Adams, N. Y. After leaving school he assisted his father on the farm and then learned the machinist trade with the Davis Sewing Machine Company. In October, 1883, he entered the St. Paul fire department and in March of the following year was promoted to the position of lieutenant. In July of the same year he was made captain, retaining that position until 1889, when he was promoted to assistant chief engineer. After nine years' faithful service in this capacity he became the chief of the department and served three and one-half years. In 1904 came to Red Wing as chief of the fire department, which position he has since retained, greatly to the satisfaction of the people of the city.

HENRY W. COOLEDGE, a Civil War veteran, is a familiar figure in Zumbrota, where he has been known as an old settler for many years. At Plymouth, N. H., where he was born April 14, 1841, he spent his early boyhood, and at the age of seven came west with his parents, Oliver and Polly (Wheelock) Cooledge, who ended their days as farmers in Columbia county, Wis. In that county he received his education, and in 1865 came to Goodhue county, where he developed eighty acres of land. However, in 1880, he was attracted to Appleton, Alinn., but his farming operations came to an abrupt end there during the grasshopper plague. Subsquently he engaged in the photograph business in Zumbrota village for a short period, then took up the trade of harness making, which he continued until 1893, when he sold out to M. H. Barsfield and retired. His military career began in the winter of 1861, when he enlisted at Milwaukee in Company F, Eighteenth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, in which he served seven months, receiving his discharge at Corinth, Miss., in August, 1862, for disability. Mr. Cooledge was married in 1863 to Rowena M. Nichols, by whom he had two children, Ada M., now of Minneapolis, and George W., now deceased. Mrs.  Rowena Cooledge died May 22, 1892, at Zumbrota. Later Mr. Cooledge was married April 14, 1899, to Mrs. Alice (Cook) Nichols, daughter of Allen and Caroline (Cole) Cook, natives of Baltimore, Md., who came to Wisconsin in July, 1847, and there ended their days on a farm, the father, Allen Cook, a veteran of the Civil war, dying in March, 1873, and the mother in 1856. Mr.  Cooledge has served as city marshal in Zumbrota. He is a member of the I. 0. 0. F. and the G. A. R. and attends the Methodist Episcopal church.

LEON L. CORNWELL, of Pine Island village, was born in Olmstead county, Minnesota, October 12, 1872, and was educated in the common schools of the county, and at Carleton college in Northfield. After completing his studies he taught for twelve years, being superintendent of the schools of Fountain, Fillmore county, and Minnesota, Lyon county. In November, 1903, he was elected cashier of the Citizens' State Bank of Pine Island, which position he still holds. He was one of the organizers of the Zumbro Falls State Bank, August 5, 1907, and was elected president, which office he also still holds. Mr. Cornwell was married on August 28, 1895, to Mattie Sinclair, of Byron, Minn., daughter of George and Rebecca (Fisher) Sinclair, natives of Maine and Indiana. They came west in 1863, bought land and engaged in farming until the death of the father in 1897. The mother is still living at Byron, Minn. Mr. and Mrs. Cornwell have one child, Dorothy M., born June 5, 1899, now attending school. In politics Mr. Cornwell is a Republican. He is a public spirited citizen, has taken an active interest in the affairs of the village, and has held several positions of public trust and honor, hWing been treasurer of the village, treasurer of the cemetery association, secretary of the board of education, secretary of the Commercial Club, and trustee of the Methodist Episcopal church.  He is a member of the Masonic Lodge, No. 37. Thomas and Clarissa (Spencer) Cornwell, parents of L. L. Cornwell, were natives of New York, where they were farmers. They came west in 1856 and located in New Haven, Minn., where they took up a homestead of 160 acres of land. This the father cleared and prepared for cultivation, and added more land to his farm until he had 440 acres, on which he conducted farming and stock raising.  He retired in 1894 and moved to Pine Island village, where he purchased a comfortable home, in which he and his wife still reside.

JAMES CRAM came to Zumbrota in 1856 and for many years after his arrival followed his trade as a joiner. He worked on many of the earliest dwellings in the village, and assisted greatly in the material upbuilding of the place. In 1878 he purchased a stock of furniture and started in the retail business, which he has since followed very successfully, building up a large trade. More recently he has added an undertaking and funeral directing department to his store. After establishing himself here he married Lucinda D. Dickason, daughter of Elbert and Obedience Dickason, who were among the earliest settlers of Columbia, Wis.  The father died in Wisconsin in 1849 and the mother in California in 1901. Three children have crowned the happy marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Cram. Marion L. was born February 7, 1867.  Florence J. was born August 5, 1868, and married D. C. Pierce, of Goodhue. Clyde M., born April 11, 1882, is an army engineer for the government at San Francisco. Mr. Cram is a Republican in politics, has taken an active interest in public affairs, and has served on the village council and school board. The family faith is embodied in the religion of the Congregational Church. Mr.  Cram was born in Scotland, June 18, 1836. His father, who bore the same name, brought his family to America in 1840, and im mediately upon his arrival on the shores of the new country his wife died. After leaving her to her eternal rest, the family went from New York city, where they first landed, to Roxbury, Mass., where the father engaged in the weaving industry, he being one of that band of Scotchmen who came to this country for the purpose of installing 120 looms for weaving Brussels carpets. In 1848 the family moved to Tariffville, Conn., where the father died.  The subject of this sketch started work in a store at the early age of twelve years. Five years later he learned the joiners' trade, which he followed until coming to Zumbrota. 

WILLIAM CROXFORD, of Zumbrota village, was born October 15, 1863, in England, son of William and Lydia (Warren) Croxford, who came to America in 1884, settling in St. Paul, where his father followed his trade as a carpenter until his death in July, 1904. The mother is still living. William received his education in England, where he learned the carpenter trade, and in 1882 came to America, locating at St. Paul, Minn. After following contracting until 1892, he came to Zumbrota, working at the same trade until 1901, when he became general manager of the P. G.  Marvin Lumber Company, which position he still holds. In 1908, Mr. Croxford was elected president of the Zumbrota Clay Manufacturing Company, and in February, 1909, general manager of that company. He was married at St. Paul, June 22, 1884, to Ellen Head, a native of England, who came to America in 1884.  Mr. Head is dead, but Mrs. Head is still living. Mr. and Mrs.  Croxford are the parents of four children : Lydia C., born July 3, 1885, married Josiah H. Lothrop, a farmer of Goodhue county; Albert W., born June 24, 1887, is now acting manager of the F. G.  Marvin Lumber Company, of Zumbrota ; Hattie was born May 17, 1891, and Ellen G. was born August 22, 1895. The last two named are both at home. Politically, Mr. Croxford is a Republican and has been clerk of the school board four years. He is an active member of the I. 0. 0. F., the M. W. A., and the Modern Samaritans. The family religion is that of the Methodist Episcopal church.

JAMES L. CRUMP, of Warsaw township, was born in Canada, September 2, 1860, son of Michael and Elizabeth (Brownell) Crump, natives of Canada. The father, a farmer, came to Minnesota in 1863, and located in Warsaw township, where he worked until in 1867, after which he purchased 160 acres of prairie land, which he broke and cleared, built a home and barn and Carried on general farming until he retired from active life in 1893.  Four brothers arrived here from Canada a few years previous to James, and the youngest brother came here eight years later, in 1871. James Crump died October 27, 1899, but the mother is still living near Dennison, at the old homestead, at the old age of 83. James received his education in the public schools of Warsaw and the Northfield high school. After leaving school, he took up farming at home until he was twenty-one years of age, when he purchased eighty acres of improved land and carried on dairy farming and stock raising. He also owns a half interest in the homestead, a farm of 160 acres. James is one of a family of six children: Hannah, married Martin Olson, farmer and lumberman, now of Hubbard county, Minnesota; Emma, married Charles Saxe, now of Morris, Minn.; Georgie, married Bradford Saxe, of Morris, Minn.; Elizabeth lives at home; Alice lives at home, and James is the subject of this sketch. Mr. Crump is a Republican in politics, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He has served as clerk of the school district No. 51 for twelve years.

WARREN W. CUTSHALL, of Pine Island village, was born in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, March 26, 1835, son of George and Jane Cutshall, natives of Pennsylvania, avIio later removed to Ohio, where they died. The father was a carpenter and joiner.  Warren W. received his education in the common schools and at the age of fifteen years began to Avork at his father's trade, which he followed for twenty years. In 1864 he came to Pine Island and engaged at his trade. In 1872 he bought a saw mill and began the manufacture of lumber. He retired in 1907, selling all the machinery but retaining the building. When he first came to Pine Island, forty-five years ago, he erected a small house in the woods, and in this lived for some time, but later built a fine home. He now owns 133 acres of land in Pine Island and Roscoe townships, besides fifteen acres in the city limits. He was married to Mary M. Dellamater, and to them were born three children.  Leverett is dead; Della M., who lives at home, married Frank Howard, a traveling salesman. The third child died in infancy. Mr. Cutshall is a Prohibitionist in his politics, and at one time served as school treasurer, but has never sought public office.

 

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