Trails to the Past

Minnesota

Goodhue County

Biographies

History of Goodhue County
Franklyn, Curtiss, Wedge
1910

 

 

GEORGE E. GATES, Red Wing, collecting and insurance agent, was born at Beloit, Wis., July 31, 1852, son of Philander and Phoebe A. (Abbot) Gates. He was brought to Red Wing at the age of six years, and has many boyhood recollections of men and events long since passed into history. The public schools of that period gave him an opportunity for a good common school education, and as a youth he learned the tinner's trade. This he followed until 1896, when he opened an establishment of his own, successfully conducting same for ten years. The confinement, together with the contact with the metallic fumes necessary in this business, undermined his health, and in 1906, at the advice of his physicians, he gave up his tinning store, and later engaged in the collecting and insurance business, performing all the details usually attended to in such an office. Mr. Gates votes the Republican ticket, is a Baptist and a member of the Foresters and the Modern Samaritans. He was married in this city, July 4, 1876, to Harriet Roberts, daughter of S. W. and Lucinda (Growl) Roberts, natives of Michigan. They came to Red Wing November 4, 1862, and for twenty years Mr. Roberts engaged in the teaming business. Then he became a skilled veterinary surgeon and in 1883 went to Ellsworth, Wis., where he practiced his profession until the time of his death. His wife died December 5, 1903, at Red Wing. To Mr. and Mrs. George E. Gates have been born three children-Zaidee A., born at Red Wing, January 1, 1878, died May 22, 1903; Bessie M., born August 4, 1879, married Dr. E. Van Camp, of St. Thomas, N. D. Dr. and Mrs. Van Camp now live at Athens, Mich., where they have two children Lawrence, born November 1, 1905, and Edith, born August 14, 1907. Lawrence, the third child of Mr. and Mrs. Gates, was born December 18, 1881. and died October 16, 1882.

IRVING R. GATES, local agent of the Standard Oil, is a native of this county, born at Roscoe, Minn., February 23, 1861, son of Philander and Clarissa J. Gates, early pioneers of this county.  Irving R. received his education in the public schools of Red Wing. After leaving school he started in business for himself, running a dray line and doing general teaming for ten years. He also had the local agency for the P. C. Hanford Oil Company, which in 1888 was merged in the Standard Oil, in whose employ he has since remained. He now serves fourteen towns in Minnesota and Wisconsin, being highly regarded for his promptness and honesty as well as for his geniality and ability. During his early career he was the owner of a livery stable for several years, and supplied a team of horses for the hose cart of the fire department. Aside from this he has had more or less dealings with the municipality during his entire business career. A Republican in politics, Mr. Gates belongs to the Red Men and the Modern Woodmen. For twenty years he was a member of the volunteer fire department of the city, and during this time served several terms as treasurer of the Phoenix Hook and Ladder Company, and at the present time is a member of the Red Wing Fire Department Relief Association. Irving R. Gates was married at Red Wing, May 30, 1891, by the Rev. J. W. Hancock, to Caroline C. Carlson, a native of Sweden, who came to America with her parents in 1881. They located in Red Wing and in this city the father died. The mother now makes her home with Mrs. Gates.  Mr. and Mrs. Gates have one son, Richmond D., born June 9, 1896. The family residence is at 119 Seventh street, Red Wing. Mr.  Gates' holdings include an eighty-acre farm near the city limits, known as "Sunny Brook Farm." This he conducts in connection with his other business.

JOSEPH A. GATES, M. D., of Kenyon Village, was born in Olmstead County, Minnesota, September 11, 1870, a son of Elnathan J. and Jane (Waldron) Gates, the former a native of Vermont and the latter of Pennsylvania. Elnathan J. Gates came to Minnesota in 1856 and in 1860 to Olmstead County, where he died May 20, 1904. The mother is living in Rochester, Minn. Joseph A. received his education in Rochester, Minn., graduating from the high school. He then entered the University of Minnesota, where he graduated from the medical department in 1895. Immediately after his graduation he located in Kenyon village, and commenced the practice of his profession. Dr. Gates has always taken an active interest in politics. He has been for eleven years, a member of the village school board. He served as president of the city council in 1900 and was elected a member of the State Legislature for three terms, 1904, 1906 and 1908. He built the Kenyon telephone exchange in 1901 which covers all the territory to Kenyon. He also served as editor of the Kenyon Leader for several years, and is a director in the Citizens' State Bank of Kenyon. June 10, 1896, he married Jennie Clark, of Rochester, Minn. They have five children : Elnathan, Russell, Nellie, Joseph and Jennie. Fraternally Dr. Gates is a member of Kenyon Lodge No. 201 A. F. and A. M., Tyrian No. 6 R. A. M., Faribault Commandery No. 8 K. T. and Osman Temple, St. Paul. He is a member of the A. O. U. W. and M. W. A. of Kenyon, the B. P. O. E.  No. 1166 of Faribault. Dr. Gates is a Republican in polities and affiliates with the Methodist Episcopal church.

PHILANDER GATES was one of the early settlers of the county and a familiar figure in the early days. He was born in Alleghany county. New York. August 8, 1815, son of Abel and Mary B. Gates, both descended from early New England stock. His boyhood education was received in the schools of his native county, after which he took up farming with his father. As a young man he went to Rockford, 111., and started his business career as a grain buyer. While in that city he married Phoebe Herrick, who died in 1852 in the city of Chicago, where he went from Rockford. He remained in Chicago as a grain trader several years. January 28, 1856, he married Clarissa J. Nichols, of Riga, N.  Y., and together they moved almost immediately afterward to Beloit, Wis., where they remained two years. In Roscoe, Minn., which was their next location, Mr. Gates farmed for a while, and in 1862 located in Red Wing, where he conducted a trucking line between La Crosse and Red Wing, that being in the days before the railroad, when merchandise had to be brought here either by boat or drays. He continued in the drWing business for many years, retiring in 1888, when he sold his extensive business to the firm of Gates & Glardon, the latter of whom still carries on the enterprise. For several years Mr. Gates was also a Red Wing grocer, under the firm name of Gates & Allyn. He was a Republican in politics, and for two years served as a member of the city council. Being a quiet man, he did not seek office, but was nevertheless interested in all public movements that had for their object the upbuilding of the city. He died May 6, 1907, his wife having gone before him, May 11, 1903. By his first wife Mr. Gates had four children : Mary, Sarah and George E., of Red Wing, and William of Fortunia, Cal. By his second wife he had three children, all of whom live in Red Wing.  Clara M. is the wife of J. A. Palmer. Irving R. is the local agent for the Standard Oil Company, and Jennie May is the wife of M. N. Cudgel, she being the member of the family to whom the editors of this work are indebted for the above facts concerning her honored father.

NELSON B. GAYLORD, first settler of Belvidere, was a man well suited for pioneer life. Staunch of mind and body, fearing neither difficulties nor hardships, he worthily carved the way for the prosperity of modern times. He was born in Pennsylvania, November 1, 1823, migrated to Illinois in 1837 and came to Goodhue county, with his brother George, in the spring of 1855, taking up his residence on Rock creek, in the northern part of what is now Belvidere. Later he moved to a location near Wells creek. In 1858 he started the milling business by grinding grain and coffee for his neighbors with a large hand coffee mill.  In 1861, he erected a grist mill, which had a large business. He opened a general store and in 1878 was appointed postmaster.  Mr. Gaylord took an active part in public affairs, and served in various township and school offices. He also served in the Civil war and later joined the G. A. R. He was married July 8, 1847, to Hanna Lewis. Of the children born to this union, Edwin, Ada, Lot, Archard and Osmer are living. On April 10, 1895, he was married to Caroline Maze Cook, born in Albany, New York, April 6, 1848. daughter of W. H. and Christina (Garrett) Maze, natives of New York. The family came to Columbia county, Wisconsin, in the early days and purchased 160 acres, where the father carried on general farming for a time and then moved to Pine Island township, where he farmed until his death. The mother died in Belvidere. Caroline Maze married her first husband, Jacob C. Cook, at Pine Island, April 5, 1865. Mr. Cook was born in Freedom, Cattaraugus county, New York, March 13, 1825.  A carpenter and wheelwright by trade, he came west in the early days and worked for a time in the employ of D. C. Hill, also living for a time in Pine Island. He died in Red Wing, July 28, 1878. By this marriage three children were born: William P., who died at the age of three months ; Allan C., who after twenty years in the mail service is still employed as a Red Wing mail carrier, and Ralph E., now employed at the Red Wing Sewer Pine works. After her marriage to Mr. Gaylord, Mrs. Gaylord lived with him at Belvidere Mills until his death, December 27, 1903, after which she moved to Red Wing, where she now resides at 707 Potter Street.

PERRY GEORGE, of Belvidere township, was born in Sheldon, Wyoming county, New York, April 8, 1847, son of Peter and Anna Maria (Wagner) George, natives of Luxemburg, Belgium, who came to America in 1834 and located in Wyoming county, New York, where they purchased land and carried on a general line of farming until the spring of 1861, when they sold the farm, emigrated west to Minnesota, and settled in Hay Creek township, remaining until the spring of 1862, when they removed to Belvidere township and bought eighty acres of land, which the father improved, erecting a home, barn and other outbuildings, and carrying on a diversified line of farming. In 1870 they retired and lived with the son on the homestead. The father died in August, 1890, and the mother February, 1901. Perry received his education in the public schools of New York state and Red Wing, being taught at the latter place by Rev. J. W.  Hancock. He worked on the farm with his father until 1868, when he rented eighty acres which he farmed, also running a threshing machine for five years. In 1869 he purchased eighty acres in Belvidere township. This was wild land, which he broke, improved and cultivated. In 1872 he purchased the homestead, adding eighty acres, making a farm of 210 acres, on which he conducts general farming and stock raising. Mr. George was married June 10, 1871, to Caroline Isensee of Belvidere township, daughter of Henry and Caroline (Opperman) Isensee, natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. George have been blessed with ten children : Alex H., a druggist of Chicago, died at the age of 26 years ; Charles L., is a dentist of Park Rapids, Minn.; Maud married Martin McHugh of North Dakota; Alfred P. is a dentist of Chicago; William H. lives at home; Caroline L. is a teacher living at home; Julia M., Grover C. and Florence E. lives at home, and Julius died in infancy. Mr. George is a Democrat in his political views and has taken an active interest in public life, being a representative in the State Legislature from Goodhue county in 1879. He has also served as county commissioner, was town supervisor one year, chairman for fifteen years, also clerk of school district 33 for twenty years, assessor for twelve years, and justice of the peace for twenty-five years. The family attend the Lutheran and Episcopal churches.

LARS J. GJEMSE, farmer and business man, was born December 8, 1866, on his grandfather's farm in Wanamingo township, received his early education in the schools of the neighborhood, afterwards took a course of three months at St. Olof's College at Northfield, and later four months at Carleton College. leaving college, he secured a position as teacher in Goodhue county, teaching subsequently in seven different districts, being well liked and much respected. In 1897 he engaged in farming on forty acres of land, which he inherited from his grandparents.  He purchased twenty acres more in 1908 and rented 200 acres, all of which he has under cultivation. In 1906, he built a house. A year later his barn was destroyed by lightning. He then rebuilt a new barn fifty by thirty-two. He now follows general and mixed farming on a large scale. Mr. Gjemse was married April 18, 1899, to Anna Hilan a Norwegian, born in Norway, October 17, 1869, and this union has been blessed with five children: Harald, Clara, Minda, Joseph and Louis. Mr. Gjemse is a Republican in politics, and has served as assessor for five years. He belongs to the United Brotherhood of America, also to the Modern Samaritans. He has served as president of the Goodhue County Farmers' Telephone Company of Wanamingo for two years, and one year as secretary. He helped to organize the Farmers' Elevator Company, holding the position of president since its organization. He is a good citizen and highly respected in the community in which he lives. He and his family attend the Lutheran church.

WILLIAM P. GLARDON, who has given general satisfaction to the people of Red Wing as president of the board of public works, is engaged in the draying and transfer business, dealing also in coal and wood on a large scale. He was born at Lawrenceburg, Ind., April 17, 1858, son of Peter F. and Sarah E. (Cox) Glardon.  the former a native of France and the latter of Boone county, Kentucky. Peter F., the father, was born September 6, 1820, and came to this country with his parents in 1831, settling in Butler county, Ohio. He then lived for a time in Indiana, and was married December 30, 1852. In November, 1865, after having served with valor as captain in the Civil War, he migrated with his family to Wisconsin, settling in Trenton, Wis. In 1867 he came to this city and started the cooper business, which in 1872 he sold to O. Eames, becoming superintendent for Mr.  Eames. He died in this city in October, 1895, and his wife passed away in February, 1906. William P. was brought to Red Wing as a boy and attended the public and high schools. After leaving school he worked several years with his father, and did other work until he became manager of the Eames livery business for five years, and for two years engaged in a similar business for himself, with Edward Johnson as partner. In 1886 he started the draying and transfer business, which he has since continued with much success. He also deals in coal and wood, owns eighteen horses and employs a number of men. His office is at 209-211 Broadway. Mr. Glardon is a director of the Modern Woodmen, in which society he has occupied all the chairs. He is a Democrat in politics, and the family faith is that of the Episcopal church. William P. Glardon was married in April, 1883, to Caroline Lillienthal, of White Water, Wis., daughter of William Lillienthal, natives of Germany, who came to the United States in 1870 and located at Rome, Wis., where the father worked as a stone mason. Mr. and Mrs. Lillienthal now live at Palmyra, Wis. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Glardon has been blessed with six children: Jessie M., born July 28, 1884; Walter E., born October 14, 1885 ; Mollie, born May 3, 1887 ; Frances, born October 19, 1890 ; Margaret, born August 9, 1895, and William D., born August 9, 1898. The family residence is a pretty home at 468 Seventh street. Mr. Glardon has three brothers, all living in Red Wing. They are George, Walter and Frederick. 

JAMES M. GOODHUE. Minnesota Territory was organized March 3, 1849, and nine days thereafter James M. Goodhue (after whom Goodhue county was named) arrived in St. Paul with press, type, etc., to commence the publication of a newspaper. Mr. Goodhue was a graduate of Amherst College, and a lawyer by profession, and like many another a man before and since his day and generation, became a newspaper editor by accident. Says Mr. Niell "He had been invited to take the oversight of a press in the lead regions of Wisconsin during the temporary absence of its conductor, and soon discovered that he increased the interest of the readers in the paper. From that time he began to pay less attention to the legal profession and was soon known among the citizens of the mines as the editor of the Grant County Herald, published at Lancaster, Wis." While residing at Lancaster he became interested in the territory of sky-tinted waters (Minnesota). "In April. 1849, he found St. Paul nothing more than a frontier Indian trading settlement, known by the savages as the place where they could obtain Minne Wakan, or whiskey, and wholly unknown to the civilized world.  It was Mr. Goodhue's intention to call his paper "The Epistle of St. Paul," and he had so announced in a prospectus published in February preceding. In the first isue of his paper, however, which was made on the 28th day of April, he announced a change of title, in the words following: "The paper was to be called 'The Epistle of St. Paul,' but we found so many little saints in the territory jealous of St. Paul that we determined to call our paper 'The Minnesota Pioneer.'  "The editor of the Pioneer," says Minnesota's historian, Neill, "was unlike other men. Every action, and every line he wrote, marked great individuality. He could imitate no man in his manners, nor in style ; neither could any man imitate him. Attempts were sometimes made, but the failure was always very great. Impetuous as the whirlwind, with perceptive powers that gave to his mind the eye of a lynx, with a vivid imagination that made the very stones of Minnesota speak her praise ; with an intellect as vigorous and elastic as a Damascus blade, he penned editorials which the people of this territory can never blot out from memory. His wit, when it was chastened, caused ascetics to laugh. His sarcasm upon the foibles of society was paralyzing and unequaled by Macauley in his review of the life of Barrere.  When in the heat of partisan warfare all the qualities of his mind were combined to defeat certain measures ; the columns of his paper were like a terrific storm in midsummer amid the Alps.  One sentence would be like the dazzling, arrowy lightning, peeling in a moment the mountain oak, and riving it from the topmost branch to the deepest root; the next, like a crash of awful thunder; and the next like the stunning roar of a torrent of many waters. To employ a remark made at his funeral, 'With the ingenuity of Vulcan, he would hammer out thunder bolts on the anvil of his mind, and hurl them with the power and dexterity of love.' "As a paragraphist he was equaled by few living men. His sentences so leaped with life that when the distant reader perused his sheet he seemed to hear the purling brooks and see the agate pavements and crystal waters of the lakes of Minnesota, and he longed to leave the sluggish stream, the deadly malaria, and worn-out farms, and begin life anew in the territory of the sky-tintecl Avaters. When the immigrant from week to week was disposed to despond and give away to the distress of homesickness, the hopeful sentences of his paper in relation to the prosperous future chased that dismal feeling away." Such were the characteristics of James M. Goodhue, the pioneer editor of Minnesota, who was born at Hebron, N. H., March 21, 1810, and who died at St. Paul on Friday evening, August 27, 1852, at half-past eight o'clock. His usefulness had just commenced. At the beginning of his manhood's glory he was called to the brighter shores of the Eternal Beyond. Minnesota never had, and never will have, a truer, more ardent or enthusiastic friend than James M. Goodhue.

FRANCIS GOUDY, Sr., one of the large farmers of Stanton township, has been assessor of his township for about thirty-five years, and has also served a long period as school clerk. He comes of good old stock, his ancestors being of that sturdy and devoted race who people the northern part of Ireland. Born in County Down, in that country, August 3, 1838, he came to America in the dawn of his early manhood and settled at once in Stanton township. He worked four months as a farm hand, then rented a farm a short time, and subsequently made his first start as a land owner by purchasing eighty acres. On this land he built a log cabin, and lived in it five years. From this small beginning has grown his present prosperity. He now owns 563 acres of tillable land, aside from several tracts of timber.  He has made all the improvements on the place, which is eight miles from Cannon Falls village and four miles from Stanton village. Aside from general farming, he engages in dairying and owns some excellent stock. Mr. Goudy faithfully adheres to the Republican party, and affiliates with the Masonic lodge at Cannon Falls. He was married in 1865 to Bridget McWeeney, who has proven a good wife and mother. To this union has been born a goodly number of sturdy children. They are William R., A. P., Francis, James A., Marie M., Nathaniel, Robert J., John T., George H. and Elizabeth A., all of whom are at home. Annie, the fourth child, is dead. Mr. Goudy was one of the organizers of the Stanton cheese factory and was secretary and manager of the same for about ten years of its first existence. He also assisted in organizing the Stanton Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company, in 1895, of which company he was elected treasurer and still holds that office.

ROBERT GOUDY, of Stanton township, was born in Ireland March 1, 1832, son of William and Betty Ann (Reid) Goudy.  Robert and his brother came to America in 1857, direct to Stanton township, where they bought and improved land, living with their sister and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. McCorkell, who had come six months previous, until they could put up a shanty of their own. By hauling their products to Hastings and Red Wing, and bringing back lumber, they were enabled in a short time to build a home. Since their first arrival they engaged in farming and continued to improve the place. In 1869 their brother, Nathaniel, and sister, Elizabeth Ann, came to this country and have since made their home with the brothers. Elizabeth has eighty acres of her own in Section 20. In 1879 Robert paid a visit to the old home in Ireland. He is a Republican and is a stockholder in the Stanton cheese factory. The brothers have some fine land which they have brought to a high state of cultivation. Through hard work and thrift they have become prosperous and are highly respected.

SIDNEY SMITH GRANNIS, now living in retirement in Red Wing, has for many decades been one of the prominent men of the county, and has assisted materially in the industrial growth of this section of the country. He was born in Irasburg, Vermont, October 21. 1820, son of Sidney and Betsey (Strobridge) Grannis, both of whom were born and brought up in Claremont, N. H., where they were also married. The father in early youth served a seven years' apprenticeship to the trade of clothier, and with his brother Evander started in that business in Irasburg., After some five or six years there, they closed out their business, and Sidney, the father of the subject of this sketch, removed with his family to Utica, N. Y., and later to Morrisville, in the same state.  At the age of eighteen, Sidney S. bought his time for $200, to be paid later, and started in life for himself. In the summer of 1856, in company with Abraham Howe, he came west with a view to engaging in the lumber business. They first visited Fond du Lac, Wis., and took notes of some twenty-five saw mills ; afterward going up the Wolf river into the pine woods as far as New London and Royalton, near Green Bay, where John Moore, a son-in-law of Mr. Howe, was engaged in lumbering, both logging and milling.  Finding nothing there to suit them, they went to William Howe's, some fourteen miles from Racine, Wis. It was here decided that Mr. Grannis should make a trip alone to Minnesota, still looking for a suitable business location. Accordingly, about July 1, he started for Dunleith, opposite Dubuque, and from there took the steamer Fannie Harris for St. Paul. After arriving in St. Paul he went to Stillwater and then up the St. Croix river to Taylor's falls. Finding nothing to suit him there, he went to Prescott and then to Hastings. There were disadvantages in a location there, so he came to Red Wing and here found what he wanted. Arrangements were made with William Freeborn for a location at the end of Bluff street, from LaGrange to Levee street, at the top of a bold rock or ledge. The price of this location was to be $750.  Upon his return home with a fworable report, a company was organized with S. S. Grannis, George H. Grannis, Peter Daniels and William Howe, the firm name being Grannis, Daniels & Co.  In October, Mr. Grannis visited Red Wing and completed arrangements, afterward returning to the old home at. Morrisville, N. Y.  April 20, 1857, S. S. Grannis, Peter Daniels and a party consisting of Elijah Atkins, Almeric Childs, Charles M. Grannis, Orson Blanchard, Harvey Miller, William Ingram, Ira McClenthen and wife set out from Morrisville to Red Wing to set up the mill.  Work was at once started clearing the recently purchased property in Red Wing, and on June 1 S. S. Grannis went back to Morrisville after machinery. This was properly placed and on July 20 the first log was sawed. Among the first output was some timber of the Cannon Falls bridge. In the spring of 1858, William Howe, one of the partners, located permanently in Red Wing.  In the course of the summer Mr. Howe and Mr. Grannis bought the acre lot, No. 12, block 2, Freeborn & Co.'s addition, of Robert Todd, and each erected houses, Mr. Howe's being the one now numbered 712 and Mr. Grannis the one now numbered 722 Bush street. The business at the mill continued to increase, and from it came the timber for the county courthouse, built by D. C. Hill.  In the fall Mr. Grannis brought his wife and two children here, and established his home. In 1859, Mr. Grannis was elected a member of the city council, and October 8 of that year he and his wife, together with their daughter, now Mrs. Ellen McCord, of this place, united with the First Presbyterian church of Red Wing by letter from the Congregational church at Morrisville, N. Y.  About this time, in 1860, he was chosen a school director, and in this year also several additions were made to the machinery in the mill. November 11, 1861, he was elected elder in the Presbyterian church, a position he held for thirty-two years, and then resigned. In the spring of 1862, Mr. Daniels, one of the partners, returned after an absence of nearly five years and with him came Abraham Howe, whose son, A. Howe, Jr., was the engineer at the Grannis mills. In the spring of 1863, George P. Grannis came out from Morrisville, N. Y., and the Grannis interests in the mills were sold out, the firm becoming Daniels, Howe & Co. Mr. Grannis at once started the plans for sawing shingles, using a scheme by which he planned to cut many more from a log than was then the practice. In the fall of 1863, Mr. Grannis was elected a member of the legislature, and took his seat the following January.  During his term in the legislature Mr. Grannis put through a bill giving the city of Red Wing a city charter, and authorizing the city to issue bonds for its school districts, for the purpose of raising school funds. In this connection it may be mentioned that Mr. Grannis was the one who purchased for the city the land where the Central school now stands from D. C. Hill, whose residence was moved across the street, where it now stands, in a remodeled and improved condition. A bill for the location of an insane asylum in Red Wing, in which Mr. Grannis was interested, failed to pass. The machinery for sawing shingles, erected on a boat, was in operation before July 11, 1864, and the output from the beginning' was very large. Early in the winter Mr. Grannis acquired land in Hartland hewily covered with timber. Following this came negotiations for the purchase of the Central Point mill property of Spotswood, Scott & Sterrett from A. G. Hudson, the trustee. Later the Drew property was also purchased. It was in the engine room of this mill that F. F. Philleo and his son William, in 1867, started the manufacture of terra cotta flower pots, one of the early beginnings of the pottery industry in the county. The whole property was afterward sold to the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Construction Company. In 1866, Mr. Grannis was appointed surveyor general of the third of the seven lumber districts then existing in the state. It is interesting to note that during these eight or ten years Mr. Grannis purchased, including the property already mentioned, the shingle machinery from the Starr mill at Lake City, the Central Point mill property, the machinery from the Florence mill, from the Trenton, Hastings and Frontenac mills, and from the Sanderson & McGlaslien mills, as well as the Drew mill property. In June 1865, George H. Grannis returned from the east and with Sidney S.  improved the Central Point mill property to a considerable extent.  In 1865, Mr. Grannis was elected county commissioner for the first district, representing Red Wing, Burnside and Grant. In the summer of 1864, S. S. Grannis, Hon. E. T. Wilder and J. C.  Pierce were appointed a committee to purchase a town farm. A suitable place was selected in Burnside, and in 1866 the house was built by Ole K. Simmons, with Alexander Coons as poormaster.  The succeeding years were spent by Mr. Grannis in increasing his lumbering operations and in acquiring additional property. In 1870. Mr. Grannis met with an accident on a shingle saw, cutting off about half of the length of all the fingers and thumb of his left hand. The shock and pain were great, and from the effects Mr. Grannis has never fully recovered. Subsequently he spent many years at the Central Point property and finally retired. Mr. Grannis was married in 1842 to Sarah Shaw Howe, of Westmoreland. N. H., by whom he had six children: Ellen M., born in 1843; Sidney Howe, born in 1845; Sidney, born in 1847; Hiram, born in 1851 ; Edward H., born in 1854. and Mary Etta, born in 1860. Sidney H., Sidney and Hiram died young. Edward H. was assistant surgeon in the Third Wisconsin infantry company for several years, with the rank of captain. He enlisted in the United States service with his regiment and went to Puerto Rico. Was promoted to surgeon with rank of major and was mustered out with his regiment in 1899. Since then he has remained in the service of the state of Wisconsin. Ellen M. McCord resides in Red Wing, and Mary Etta Carlsrud, who has two daughters, lives in Minneapolis. Mrs. Grannis died in 1884.

AMHERST F. GRAVES, now deceased, was probably one of the best known men of his time in Red Wing, his positions as postmaster and hotel proprietor making him a conspicuous character.  It is to the credit of his memory that all who knew him were his friends, and his record was above reproach in both public and private life. He was born at Plattsburg, N. Y., December 26, 1832, his parents being Myron and Fanny Graves, both natives of the Empire state. Myron Graves was a tinsmith by trade, an occupation which he followed practically all his life. In the fifties he located in Oshkosh, Wis., and there remained several years, later coming to Red Wing, in the sixties. Here he ended his days, and his wife, who survived him, passed away a short time afterward in Racine, Wis. Amherst F., after attending the schools of his native state, learned the tinsmith trade with his father, and worked at this vocation until 1865, when, in April of that year, he came to Red Wing and entered the employ of F. L. Baker. In this establishment he remained twelve years.  From 1875 to 1887 he served as postmaster of Red Wing, a record of which service will be found in the postal history of the county.  During this time he also engaged in the meat business, which he conducted all the twelve years of his government appointment.  He then became manager , and landlord of the St. James hotel, remaining in this capacity three and a half years. ln 1889 he retired from active business and lived in retirement from that date until his death, February 13, 1906. He was a Republican in politics, a Methodist in religion and a Mason by fraternal affiliation. He also had an honorable record as an officer in the Civil War. He enlisted as second lieutenant in Company B, McClellan's Dragoons, October 22. 1861. and was discharged November 8, 1863. He at once re-enlisted as veteran volunteer in Company I, 12th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and served with valor until the finish of the conflict. Mr. Graves was married at Wells Creek, Minn., October 3, 1865, to Matilda Mosier, daughter of Benville and Sarah (Yohn) Mosier. Her father was a miller by trade and came west to Iowa in 1845. In 1854 he removed to Rock Island, 111., remained there two years, and in 1856 came to Minnesota and located at Hay Creek, this county, being one of the first settlers in that township. Here he successfully conducted farming operations for several years, and in 1884 retired, taking up his home in Red Wing, where he ended his days, May 16, 1899. His wife died November 19, 1899. To Mr. and Mrs. Graves were born two children: Myron B. born June 30, 1866, is now proprietor of the Golden West hotel, Minneapolis. He married Margaret Vally. Harry B. was born at Red Wing May 8, 1867. He is the proprietor of a restaurant at Minneapolis. By his wife, Jessie Sanburg, he has one daughter, Violet M., born June 27, 1900.

FRED O. GREEN, a successful general contractor and house mover, of Red Wing, is a native of this state, born September 23, 1872, in Kandiyohi county. His parents were Peter and Marie (Johnson) Green, the former of whom was a carpenter by trade who settled in Welch township, this county, in 1852, and became a farmer, an occupation which he followed for the remainder of his life. His death in 1876 was regarded as a distinct bereavement to the community in which he lived. The mother now makes her home at 915 Putnam avenue, this city. Fred 0. had the advantages of a thorough education in the Red Wing public schools, and then took up the trade of carpentering, which he followed four years. At the end of this period he saw an opportunity for the establishment of a general contracting business, in which he accordingly embarked. This industry he has since continued.  In politics a Republican, he nevertheless to a large extent votes independently, in accordance with the issues of each campaign.  He is a popular member of the Ropal Arcanum and attends the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Green was married July 3, 1894, at Red Wing, to Tillie S. Anderson, daughter of John and Christine Anderson. The father is dead and the mother is now Mrs. John Jackson, of Hartland, Wis. To Mr. and Mrs. Green have been born four children-Ruth, born April 14, 1895 ; Herbert, born June 12, 1896 ; Frances, born July 5, 1899, and Leland, born September 22, 1901. The family residence is a pleasant home at 1210 West Third street, Red Wing.

MICHAEL H. GREGOIRE, proprietor of Maple Grove Farm, was born in Belgium, August 28, 1853, son of John B. and Gertrude (Hubberty) Gregoire. The father was a native of France and the mother a native of Belgium. They came to America in 1856 and located in Sheboygan county, Wisconsin, where they purchased 320 acres of land and built a home and all necessary buildings, carrying on general farming until in 1889, when they retired from active life. The father died in May, 1905. The mother makes her home with her daughter in Chicago. Michael H. received his education in the public schools of Wisconsin and worked on the farm at home until in 1878, when he rented 120 acres of his father, which he conducted for five years. In 1883 he came to Minnesota and purchased 160 acres of improved land and built a home, barn and other outbuildings, and has carried on a general line of farming. In 1893 he bought 160 acres more in Belvidere, and also has 160 acres of improved land in North Dakota. All his land is under cultivation. He makes a specialty of raising fine horses and stock. On January 29, 1878, he was married to Annie Smith, daughter of Michael Smith, who located in Wisconsin, where the mother died and the father passed away in 1902. Mr. and Mrs. Gregoire have been blessed with eleven children: Edward M., of North Dakota; Elinora C., who has charge of the printing department at the Sisters' Home, Notre Dame College, Milwaukee, Wis.; John (deceased); May, married Clements Mageras, of Belvidere; William; Alvina; Arthur ; Grace and Gertrude, twins, live at home ; Michael and Caroline (deceased). Mr. Gregoire is a Democrat in his political views, and was assessor of Belvidere for five years; also has been clerk of school district No. 101 for the past fifteen years.  He is a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator of Goodhue and the Mercantile Association of Goodhue. Fraternally he affiliates with the A. O. U. W. of Goodhue, and has held different offices, now being Master Workman of Goodhue. The family faith is that of the Catholic church.

CARL GRENDAHL, of Wanamingo township, son of Ole and Gertrude (Kyllo) Grendahl, was born in Norway, May 24, 1872. His parents were natives of Norway and came to America in 1879, locating in Roscoe township. Here they purchased 120 acres of land. At the end of six years the farm was sold and the family moved to Canada, where the mother died in 1897. Carl received his education in the public schools of Roscoe, and when his school days were over he engaged in farming in Roscoe until the year 1901, when he removed to Wanamingo township, becoming one of the prominent farmers of that township. Mr. Grendahl was married June 15, 1903, to Dena Stai, daughter of Ole and Ram Stai, natives of Norway, who came to this country in the year of 1866, settling in Spring Creek, and eight years afterwards, in 1874, he moved to Wanamingo township and bought 140 acres of farmland in Section 36. Mr. and Mrs. Grendahl have two children, one son and one daughter: Clara, born June 11, 1905, and Melvin, born September 27, 1906. Mr. Grendahl is a Republican, stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator Company of Wanamingo. He and his family attend the Lutheran church. 

CLIFF W. GRESS, cashier of the Citizens' State Bank, of Cannon Falls, is well known in banking circles, having been president of the Minnesota Bankers' Association in 1905-06. No less is he honored at home, where he has been president of the school board for the past sixteen years. He was born in St. Paul, April 23, 1864, and was taken to Northfield by his parents when a small boy, receiving there his early education. After leaving school, lie secured a clerical position in the Citizens' State Bank, of that city, serving successively as bookkeeper, teller and assistant cashier. In 1893 he removed to Cannon Falls, and established the Servier-Bess banking house, which in 1895 was converted into a state bank, with Mr. Gress as cashier. He was married April 18, 1893, to Marion Heald, daughter of Charles T. and Amelia (Aiken) Heald, the former of whom is a banker of Canton, 111. Mr. and Mrs. Gress attend the Congregational church.

SEBER R. GRESETH is a native born son of Roscoe, where he still resides, having first seen the light of day September 7, 1871. He received his education in the district schools and finished with a short course in the Red Wing Seminary. He also studied electricity for several months. In 1897 he worked for a time as a miller in Wisconsin. The greater part of his life, however, has been spent on the home farm, and for twenty-one years he has operated a threshing machine. In 1901 he took charge of the homestead, which he still manages carrying on general farming and stock raising. The farm is well under cultivation, and the crops raised are of the best. Mr. Greseth is a Republican in politics and has been assessor of the township for the past eight years. He was married, May 15, 1902, to Thonine Thompson, daughter of Thosten and Runda (Boraas) Thompson, who came from Norway and located in Wanamingo township, where the father is still living, the mother having died in February, 1907.  To Mr. and Mrs. Greseth has been born one child, Regnar Theodore, December 20, 1903. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran church. Rollof F. and Margaret (Rolfseng) Greseth, parents of Seber R., were natives of Norway. The father, after coming to America, located in Roscoe township, and purchased eighty acres. This he afterward sold and purchased 280 acres in the same township, still later selling eighty acres, leaving a fine farm of 200 acres, where the family still resides.  He and his wife still live on the home farm, being highly respected by their neighbors and friends.

GUNDER S. GRESSETH, of Roscoe township, was born in Norway, May 22, 1860, son of Sever Olstad, and Rebur Gresseth, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1865 and located in Roscoe township, where they bought 160 acres of land, which the father broke and improved, carrying on general farming until his death in 1896. The mother died in 1899. Gunder S. received his education in the common schools of Roscoe and later took a course at the Red Wing Seminary. This he completed in 1881, and returned to the farm, where he remained until 1886 when he purchased 80 acres of land in Roscoe township, which in 1893 he sold and returned home, remaining two years. Then he rented 80 acres in Roscoe township, where he farmed for twelve years.  In the fall of 1907, he purchased 120 acres and has since carried on general farming and stock raising. He has also been in the real estate business for the past five years. February 27, 1885, Mr. Gresseth was married to Annie O. Tiller, of Hader, daughter of Ole and Annie E. (Storsve) Tiller, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1866 locating in Hader, on a farm carrying on general farming until the death of the father. The mother is still living on the homestead in Hader. Mr. and Mrs. Gresseth have eight children : Rosie H., Selma E., Gerd A., Melvin E., Emelus, Hilma S., Orlando, and Seref, all of whom are living at home. Mrs. Gresseth died December 24, 1907. Mr. Gresseth is a Prohibitionist in politics, has been chairman of the Prohibition political committee of Roscoe township, and was clerk of school district 81, which office he held for three years. The family are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church, of which Mr. Gresseth has been trustee and deacon for the past twenty years. 

ANTON GROSSBECK, whose farm lies largely within the village limits of Zumbrota, is of Teutonis origin, born in Germany, July 17, 1855. His parents, Wenzel and Frances Grossbeck, came to America in 1856, farmed near La Crosse, Wis., from that year until 1879, then moved to Wabasha county, this state, where the father ended his days as a farmer. The mother, now ninety-two years of age, makes her home with her son, Anton. The subject of this sketch was educated in the public schools of La Crosse, and assisted his father on the farm until 1877, when he came to Mazeppa, Minn., and purchased eigthy acres. To this tract he added from time to time until he owned 210 acres, largely timber land, which he cleared and prepared for crops, improving the place by erecting a pleasant home. In 1898 he sold out and purchased 110 acres within the village limits of Zumbrota.  In addition to this he owns seventy-one acres in section 30, Zumbrota township, near his village property. Here he carries on general farming. Mr. Grossbeck is a hard working, industrious man, and a law-abiding citizen, a genial companion and a loyal friend. He votes the Republican ticket, but has never cared to engage actively in political affairs. His wife, Sophia, whom he married October 23, 1895, was born in Pine Island township, January 24. 1857, daughter of Henry and Sophia Ahneman, natives of Germany. Mrs. Grossbeck is a thorough housekeeper, and a good wife.

ADOLPH GROSSE, Hay Creek township, was brought to this county by his parents during the early rush of German immigration.  He was born in Prussia, Germany, August 21. 1848, son of Frederick and Mary (Herder) Grosse, also natives of Prussia.  The family came to America in 1857 and in the city of Chicago, for two months, the father, Frederick, followed his trade of stone masonry. September 27, 1857, they landed at Red Wing, then a small village, and lived in Red Wing until the spring of 1858, then went to Hay Creek township where, after the proper preliminaries, they homesteaded 160 acres of land. In connection with breaking the land, improving the place, erecting farm buildings, etc., Frederick Grosse followed his trade as a mason until 1868, and died in October, 1879. Adolph was nine years of age when he came to America. He was sent to the neighborhood schools, and grew up on the farm. Upon his father's death he inherited the home farm of 160 acres, but makes his home on a place of 40 acres adjoining the village of Hay Creek. He owns in all 200 acres of good land, upon which, until 1907, he carried on general farming. He has now turned the management of the place over to his son Edward. Mr. Grosse 's public record has been one of honor and distinction. For twelve years he ably served the county as a commissioner and, aside from this, has been chairman oi Hay Creek township several terms, town clerk seventeen years and a justice of the peace for a long period. At the present time he is secretary of the Hay Creek Mutual Fire Insurance Company. In fraternal circles he is a member of the Odd Fellows, the United Workmen, the Foresters, the Sons of Herman and the Red Men. Mr. Grosse was married September 27, 1868, to Minnie Ahlers, daughter of Charles Ahlers, an early settler of this county. To this union have been born thirteen children of whom the eight living are Edward, Emma, William, George, Arthur, Fred, Clara and Laura. Mrs. Grosse died April 3, 1893.

HALVOR P. GROVEN was born in Wanamingo township, where he still resides, September 2, 1856, son of Saave and Anna Groven, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1852, settling in Dane county, Wisconsin, where they remained four years. In 1856 they came to Wanamingo township, where they pre-empted several acres of wild land, which the father broke and improved, built a home and carried on general farming until August 13, 1862, when he was killed by lightning. The mother died in June, 1895. Halvor P. received his education in the public schools of Wanamingo. In 1884 he purchased 130 acres of the homestead, making a great many improvements. In 1890 he built a new home, and in 1908 he erected a barn fifty-four by fifty feet. He now follows general farming and dairying with considerable success.  Mr. Groven was married July 1, 1885, at Holden church, to Sophia Jargo, daughter of Knute and Asborg (Aker) Jargo, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1845, locating at Dane county, Wisconsin, where they engaged in farming, and where the father still lives. The mother died in February, 1908. Mr. and Mrs. Groven have been blessed with nine children: Selma A., who is a trained deaconness ; Clara C., who is attending St. Olof's College; Laura C., a high school student; Andreas F., Helga S., Gerhard M., Christine C., Harold P., and Kenneth M. The last named died when one year old. Mr. Groven is an independent voter, is now serving as supervisor, and is also director of the school board in District 18. The family attend the Lutheran church of Holden, of which Mr. Groven is treasurer. 

BAKER C. GROVER was born in Bethel, Oxford county, Maine, November 18, 1840, son of James and Amelia Baker, natives of Massachusetts and Maine respectively, the former of whom died in 1865 and the latter in 1840. He received an academy education in his native town, and followed farming until April, 1868, when he came to Zumbrota and engaged in farming, also being interested in several other enterprises including a cheese factory and a livery barn. He still owns the livery stable in partnership with his son, James D. having been in this business thirty-three years. He also deals in lands and stocks and owns a quantity of local stocks including shares in the Zumbrota Clay works. He is now practically retired. In addition to his local interests he owns a stable in Grafton, N. D., which is now conducted by his son, H. B. He is a Republican in politics, served in the legislature in 1876-77; was town clerk eight years; member of the village council ten years; postmaster eight years and eleven months and member of the school board nineteen years, seventeen of which he was its president. Mr. Grover was married August 27, 1863, at Bethel, Me., to Lizzie Rose, daughter of Duane and Maria (Clark) Rose. To this union have been born seven children: Frank, who died in infancy; H. B., now a liveryman in Grafton, N. D. ; Howard, who died in infancy; Lillian, who died in 1901: James D., who is his father's partner under the firm name of B. C. Grover & Son ; Charles L., of the firm of Wedge and Weiss and Luella, now Mrs. William Beyers, of Alberta, Canada.  Mr. Grover is a Mason and attends the Congregational church. 

JAMES D. GROVER, Zumbrota, is a native-born son of this county, having first seen the light of day in Zumbrota, March 29, 1872. Since that date he has continued to make his residence in the village of his birth. His parents, Barker C. and Lizzie Grover, came here in the early post-bellum days. The former was born in Bethal, Oxford county, Maine, in 1840, and there in 1863 married Lizzie Rose, who was born in Plymouth, Mass., in 1840. Together they came to this county in April, 1868, and here B. C. Grover became a prominent resident, taking up farming and the livery business. He has served in the legislature and held many other positions of public trust and honor. James D. attended the graded and high schools of Zumbrota and took up work in his father's stable, in which employment he has since remained, being now part owner of the stable, the firm name being B. C. Grover & Son. The subject of this sketch served five years in the national guard and has been constable eight years. He votes the Republican ticket, and belongs to the Masons and the Woodmen. He was married, May 25, 1901, to Elina S. Stageberg. 

ENOS F. GROW, a veteran of the Civil War. now in the railway mail service, was born in Granville, Licking county, Ohio, March 16. 1843, a son of William S. and Mary Jane (Case) Grow.  William S. Grow moved to Granville, 0., in 1839, and to Cincinnati, O.. in 1844. Ten years later he came to Red Wing and purchased 240 acres in Burnside township, and upon these rich acres he carried on successfully an extensive farming business.  Desirous to take up his residence in the then rapidly growing village of Red Wing, he sold his farm and in 1858 engaged in the livery business on Plum street, on the lot now occupied by Red Wing's beautiful city hall. July 1, 1861, when the call came for volunteers, he placed his life at the disposal of his adopted country, and enlisted in Company I, Second Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. He was appointed first lieutenant and was then promoted to quartermaster, serving until January 28, 1863, when he was called home on account of the illness of his beloved wife.  He was then appointed provost marshal and served until the close of the war. From that time until about 1872, he occupied a farm of 160 acres which he had previously purchased in Belle Creek township, this county. Later he moved to Lac qui Parle county, where he farmed for a time, afterward going to Dawson, Minn., where he spent his declining years until his death, in November, 1906. His widow still makes her home at Dawson. Enos F. received his education in the public schools, and in the high school at Ottawa, 111. After leWing school he engaged in the livery business with his father, continuing the same until April 20, 1861, when he enlisted in Company F, First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, as a private. He was promoted to corporal, and although wounded at Savage Station, while participating in Mc-Clellan's change of base from Chickahomony to the James river, took part in every engagement of the regiment as follows: First Bull Run, July 21, 1861 ; Edwards Ferry, October 22, 1861 ; Yorktown, May 7, 1862; Fair Oaks, June 1, 1862; Peach Orchard, June 29, 1862; Savage Station, June 29, 1862; Glendale, June 30, 1862; Nelson's Farm, June 30, 1862; Malvern Hill, July 1, 1862; Vienna, September 2, 1862; Antietam, September 17, 1862; First Fredericksburg, December 11, 12 and 13, 1862; Second Fredericksburg, May 3, 1863; Gettysburg, July 2 and 3, 1863, and Bristow Station, October 11, 1863. After his discharge he returned to Illinois, where he farmed four years. In 1868 he came to Red Wing, farmed with his father one year and was then appointed deputy sheriff, a capacity in which he served until 1879. He later entered the railway mail service, his first run being on the C., M. & St. P. R. R. from Minneapolis to Chicago. His present run is on the Chicago Great Western, between Rochester and Minneapolis.  On national questions, Mr. Grow votes the Republican ticket. On local and state questions he votes independently. In the Odd Fellows he has held all the chairs, and has also occupied several offices in the Masonic order. The family attends the Baptist Church. Mr. Grow was married August, 1872, to Sophia F. Wifgon, whose father was a stationary engineer, and came to America in 1851. He located in Red Wing in 1868, and carried on truck farming until his death at the home of Mr. Grow, November 6, 1896. To Mr. and Mrs. Grow were born two daughters. Jennie W. married E. A. Gustafson, of Red Wing. Florence C. married G. W. A. Buell, also a resident of Red Wing, assistant road master of the C., M. & St. P. R. R.

GUNDER H. GUNDERSON, of Minneola, was born in Norway October 5, 1858, a son of Hemming and Beret (Gunderson) Meehle, who came to America in 1872, settling in section 16, Minneola township, where they purchased forty acres of land and engaged in farming the remainder of their lives. The father died April 17, 1889, and the mother January 25, 1896. Gunder received his education in Norway and America, after which he took up farming with his father until the latter's death, when he came into possession of the property. On this, together with an adjoining eighty-acre farm, which he rents, he carries on general farming.  Mr. Gunderson was married March 11, 1896, to Ragnheld, daughter of Andrew and Beret Anderson, of Norway. Three children blessed this union-Herman, born September 10, 1897 ; Borghild, born September 21, 1899; Alma, born August 17, 1902; all living at home. Although he has never sought public office, Mr. Gunderson is prominent as a Republican voter. The family worship at the Lutheran Church.

NELS GUNDERSON, of Wanamingo township, was born in Norway in 1844, and there received his education, after which he learned the blacksmith's trade. He then came to America and located in Wanamingo township, where he worked at his trade until 1879, when he purchased 120 acres of land in Section 9, which he improved, building a fine house and outbuildings, and where he has since followed general and diversified farming.  Mr. Gunderson is married, his wife also being of Norwegian birth, and they have four children: Dina, now at Beltrami county; Tilda, now at Los Angeles, Cal.; Andrew, now at Lawson, Canada, and Joseph, who lives at home, looking after the farm and caring for his parents. Mr. Gunderson is a Republican in his politics, but has never sought public office, being too busy with his own duties. He is a hard worker, and has through his own efforts acquired the prosperity which he now enjoys. The family attend the Lutheran church.

 

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