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THOMAS MALEY, of Goodhue, is the inventor of
Maley's Quack Grass machine, a device for ridding farmers of
one of their greatest grass pests. A working model which was
on exhibition at the Minnesota state fair last year met with
high approbation and has proven of great, practical value. It
is patented in the United States and Canada and is sure to
result in an important industry. The inventor of this machine
was born in Great Barrington, Mass., September 1, 1856, and
came west with his parents as an infant, receiving his
educational training in the public and high schools of
Zumbrota. In early life he sold implements for L. D. Woodbury,
and later dealt in pianos and organs, subsequently teaching
school . As an educator he was particularly successful, and
among those who passed under his tuition were such men as
Edgar Biglow, representative from Goodhue county, and Charles
Taylor, mayor of Mankato. After teaching school for several
years, Mr. Maley entered the employ of the La Grange mills, at
Red Wing. He then returned to the farm, remaining two years,
and later worked for the St. Anthony and Dakota elevator,
buying grain. In August, 1888, he moved his family to South
Dakota, and lived there until the following year, in the
meantime spending a short time in Zumbrota, attending to the
sad duties of burying his wife. He came to Goodhue in 1889,
engaged with the T. B. Sheldon Company, of Red Wing, erected
an elevator and purchased grain for that company until 1902,
when he built a large elevator, since which date he has been
local manager for the Red Wing Malting Company. In politics
Mr. Maley is a Republican, and has served as supervisor, road
master and school clerk. While in North Dakota he was chief of
the fire department. In times past he has been an officer of
the Modern Woodmen and the United Workmen, in both of which he
still maintins his membership. Mr. Maley was married in 1878
to Ivate Woodbury, of Zumbrota, daughter of Lorenzo and
Katherine (Glidden) Woodbury, natives of Vermont, who came to
this state in 1865 and located in Wabasha county, where they
carried on general farming near Mazeppa. To Mr. and Mrs. Maley
five children have been born. Levi William, a graduate of the
State University, is in the electrical and telephone business
in Fargo, N. D. Elsie died in South Dakota. Bertha and Harold,
twins, graduated from the Zumbrota high school and are both
located in that village. Eva Elizabeth, also a graduate of
that school, is a clerk for F. E. Mervin, of Zumbrota.
The mother of these children died in April, 1889, and Mr.
Maley was married in 1904 to Rose J. Eastman, by whom he
has two children, Lysle and Oryall, both attending school in
Zumbrota. Mrs. Maley 's father, Christopher Eastman, was a
member of the 1st Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and
participated in the charge at Gettysburg. William and
Elizabeth (Leonard) Maley, parents of Thomas H. Maley, were
natives of Ireland. The father was a farmer and tanner by
trade, and at the age of sixteen years located in
Massachusetts, where he remained on a farm a short time and
then took up the trade of tanner until 1857, when he moved to
Minnesota. He was one of the first persons to take the trip
from Chicago to Galena by rail, making the journey in the
first regular train that was run over that line. Locating near
Mazeppa, he took up 160 acres, which he cleared and broke,
erecting a house of native lumber. He later added to his
possessions until he farmed a place of 243 acres, continuing
until his death in 1876, after which his wife went to
Aberdeen, Wash., where she lived until October, 1906. There
were two children older than Thomas, who are deceased. Mary
Jane, the younger sister, married Levi Woodbury, now a retired
hardware merchant of Zumbrota. A younger brother, Leslie, is
now living in Aberdeen, Wash.
JOHN P. MARK, proprietor of Belle Rock Farm, of
Belle Creek, was born in Wisconsin August 2, 1857, son of John
and Louise Peterson, natives of Sweden, who came to America in
1845, settling in Boston, Mass., where they remained until
1849, when they emigrated west to California, the father
engaging in prospecting for four years, after which he
returned to Boston, and removed to Wisconsin the same year,
locating at Stoughton.
Here he purchased eighty acres of land, of which a part
was improved. They remained in Wisconsin until 1862, after
which the father sold his farm and moved to Minnesota,
settling in Leon township, where he bought eighty acres of
prairie land, which he improved, and carried on general
farming, built a home and other buildings necessary, remaining
twelve years. In
1874 he sold and came to Belle Creek township and purchased
160 acres of land, which he improved in many ways. The father
died in 1902 and the mother in 1901. John P. received his
education in the public schools and the Swedish parochial
schools and worked on the farm with his father until in 1880,
when he took up a homestead of 160 acres of land in Dakota
territory, which he proved up, and bought 160 acres more,
built a home and all buildings necessary and carried on
general farming for fourteen years, after which he returned to
Belle Creek township on account of the death of his brother,
to assume the management of his father's farm, which he has
since continued, carrying on general farming and stock
raising, also making a specialty of dairying. He has now under
construction a barn 36x64. Mr. Mark was married March
15, 1880, to Christine Anderson, of Red Wing, daughter of
Peter and Katie Anderson, natives of Sweden, who came to
America in 1870 and located at Red Wing, where the father
worked at various labors. The mother died in 1892, but the
father is still living with his daughter. Mr. and Mrs. Mark have been blessed
with five children: Louise C., Chester, Levi E., Inez H. and
Ward J. Mr. Mark has held several prominent offices, and is a
member of the Episcopal church. Fraternally he affiliates with
the A. O. U. W.
GUY C. MARSHALL, of Minneola township, was born
in Wabasha county, this state, September 1, 1867, son of Russ
and Rachel (Luke) Marshall, who came from Pennsylvania and
located in Plainview, Wabasha county, in 1862, and engaged in
farming until 1890, when they retired and spent the remainder
of their days with their sons, Clarence and John, the father
dying November 20, 1901, and the mother September 20, 1905.
Guy C. attended
the schools of Elgin township, Wabasha county, and farmed for
a time with his father. He learned the barbers' trade, worked
at it, three years, then farmed for a while, later clerked in
a hotel at Plainview and in 1900 came to Minneola township and
took up farming on the Reitman estate, where he has since
remained. He was married April 9, 1895, to Sophia Reitman,
daughter of John and Christine E. (Katterjohn) Reitman,
natives of Germany. To this union has been born one child,
Angeline, who first saw the light of day in Plainview,
September 6, 1901. Mr. Marshall votes the Republican ticket
and belongs to the Foresters. John and Christine E. Reitman
came from Germany at an early day and lived for a time in
Indiana. In March, 1866, they came to Minneola township,
purchased 160 acres, improved the farm, erected a home and
became prominent citizens. The father died December 31, 1904, and the mother still
occupies the old homestead at the age of seventy-six years.
They had twelve children.
JOHN MARTENS, Belvidere township, was born in
Hanover, Germany, July 23, 1846, son of Deitrick and Margaret
(Platrig) Martens, natives of Germany. The father died in
August, 1846, and the mother passed away in Belvidere. John
received his education in the public schools of Germany, after
which he learned the trade of brick and stone mason, which he
followed until 1865.
He then went to England, where he was employed in a
sugar factory, remaining nine months. In 1866 he emigrated to
America, coming to New York, where he stayed for a short time,
working in a sugar factory, then came west to Minnesota,
settling in Belvidere township, where he purchased 160 acres
of wild land in section 14, which he cleared and improved,
later purchasing an additional 160 acres in section 22. Here
he built a home, barn and other outbuildings and now carries
on general farming. He also has 160 acres in section 26 and
160 acres in Gilford township, Wabasha county, all of which is
under cultivation.
He raises Percheron horses and fine stock, including
fullblood and short-horn Durham cattle. In November, 1871,
Mr. Martens was
married to Anna C. Schmidt, daughter of Hans and Mary (Fitch)
Schmidt, natives of Germany, who came to America in 1865 and
located in Belvidere township, where they purchased land and
carried on general farming until the death of the father in
1893. The mother is still living at Red Wing. Mr. and Mrs. Martens
have had thirteen children: Mary, married to Dick Burfiend,
now of Washington; John, a granite worker at Lake City;
Margaret, married to Henry Reinke, of Belvidere; Katie,
married to Adolph Amundson, of Belvidere; Johanna, married to
Henry Siewert, of Gilford, Wabasha county; Edward S., now of
Montana; Henry, who lives near Goodhue; Frank, Emma, Bernard,
Charles W. and Lawrence, who are at home, and Dick, who died
in infancy. In his political views Mr. Martens is a
Republican. He has been director of school district 33 for
seven years and is a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator of
Goodhue, in which township he also owns other property. He and
his family are members of the German Lutheran church, of which
he has been a trustee for thirteen years.
FREDRICK L. MARVIN, who conducts an extensive
produce business in Zumbrota village, the amount of his
transactions reaching something like $25,000 a year, was born
in Rome, Ohio, June 28, 1845, son of Albert and Anna (Rogers)
Marvin, the former a native of New York state and the latter
of Ohio. In 1855 the family moved to Monticello, Iowa, where
the father engaged in retailing agricultural implements until
1880, when he retired.
Albert Marvin was a staunch Republican, and a noted
stump speaker. He several times toured the state of Iowa
during political campaigns, and also served Jones county in
the legislature.
He died in June, 1887, at
eighty years of age, and his wife lived to be eighty-eight.
At, once after leaving school in Iowa, Frederick migrated to
Nebraska. In 1870 he took up 160 acres in Johnson county, that
state, and carried on general farming. In 1887 he went to St.
Paul and in September of that year came to Zumbrota, where he
has since engaged in buying and shipping eggs, poultry, fruit
and vegetables. This has not only proven a profitable venture
for Mr. Marvin, but has also furnished the farmers with an
outlet for their garden crops and poultry products. Mr. Marvin
belongs to the United Workmen, but has never sought the
excitement of public life, either in fraternal or political
circles. He was married October 24, 1866, at Monticello, Iowa,
to Jennie S. Tucker, daughter of Samuel Tucker, a wagon
manufacturer. Both her parents are deceased. A son and a
daughter have blessed the Marvin home. Frank A., born in
Nebraska, is in the gas business at Watertown, S. D.; Lillian
B., was also born in Nebraska.
EDWARD M. MATCHAN, of Roscoe township, was born
in Canada, June 27, 1862, son of George W. and Mary Ann
(Shield) Matchan.
Edward received his education in the public schools of
Zumbrota and assisted his father with the farm duties until he
was 20 years of age, when he assumed management in partnership
with his father and has since conducted the home farm. He has
210 acres, and is very much interested in fruit growing,
making a specialty of apples and grapes. He was married
November 30, 1883, to Julia Boyd, of Zumbrota, by whom he has
two children : George W., born December 24, 1889, a druggist
in North Dakota, and Eva M., who lives at home, and attends
school at Zumbrota. Mr.
Matchan is a Republican. He has held the office of
chairman of the town board for one and a half years, and has
been clerk of the school board and chairman for the long
period of twenty-five years. He has also been road master and
overseer. Fraternally, Mr. Matchan affiliates with the I. 0.
O. F. and of which order he is a past officer, the Modern
Brotherhood of America, and Modern Samaritans. The family
faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal
church.
ROBERT E. MATHEWS, a retired farmer living at
Zumbrota, was born in Ohio, April 15, 1859. His parents,
Thomas and Mary (Halfyard) Mathews, came to America in 1853,
locating in Ohio, where the father engaged in farming until
the breaking out of the Civil War in 1861, when he enlisted in
the Eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry as a private and was killed
in the battle of the Wilderness. The mother died in Ohio in
1895. Robert E. spent his early days in Ohio, receiving his
education in the public schools of that state. In December,
1874, he came to Red Wing and took up farming, remaining there
until 1879, when he removed to Zumbrota, still engaged in
farming. In 1883 he became the owner of a fine farm of 160
acres, on which he carried on a general and diversified
farming for ten years, after which, in 1893, he retired from
active work and bought a home on East avenue in Zumbrota. Mr.
Mathews was married, July 1, 1883, at Zumbrota to Anna J.
Miller, daughter of Alfred J. and Amy A. (Davis) Miller, who
came from Nova Scotia, first settling in Illinois and later
removing to Zumbrota. The father died in 1882 and the mother
is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Mathews had three children:
Leslie E., born August 23, 1884; Margie A., born October 7,
1886 ; Robert A., born September 21, 1889. Mrs. Mathews died October
14, 1898, at Zumbrota and Mr. Mathews was married June 24,
1908, to Emma E. Miers, of Zumbrota, daughter of Simon and
Catherine (Weiss) Miers, the father being a retired farmer of
that place. Mr. Mathews is a Republican in his political views
and is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the
Modern Samaritans. He and his family attend the Methodist
Episcopal church.
HANS MATTSON, pioneer and soldier, was born
December 23, 1832, in Onnestad, Skane, Sweden; died March 5,
1893. The "North," at the time of his death, gave the
following biography of him: "He received a good education in
Kristianstad; served a year and a half in the Swedish army as
cadet of the artillery.
Emigrated in the spring of 1851, arriving at Boston
June 29. Suffered
in the hardships and disappointments incident to ignorance of
the English language, and inability to perform hard manual
labor. Went west to Illinois in 1852, settling the next year
in Minnesota, which henceforth remained his home. Was married
in 1855 at Vasa, Goodhue county, Minnesota, to Cherstin
Peterson, who, with five children, survives him. Quit farming
and went into mercantile business, but was caught in the
crisis of 1857. Read law at Red Wing and was admitted to the
bar, but soon gave up practice to become county auditor of
Goodhue county. Commenced to take active part in politics as a
Republican.
During the summer of 1861 organized a company of young
Goodhue county Swedes and Norwegians, with whom, in the fall,
he reported at Fort Snelling, was elected its captain and went
south with the Third Regiment in November. Was promoted to
major the following year; was on his way back after having
been home, sick, on furlough, when the regiment surrendered at
Murfeesboro. Was made lieutenant colonel after the surrender
of Vicksburg, and in April, 1863, was promoted to colonel,
remaining in command of the regiment until September 16, 1865,
when it was mustered out at Fort Snelling, Minn. Assisted in
establishing 'Svenska Amerikanaren ' in Chicago. Was in 1867 appointed
secretary of the Minnesota board of emigration, returning on
his first visit to Sweden in 1868. Was in 1869 elected
secretary of state for Minnesota, but left before the
expiration of his term with his family for Sweden, as general
agent in northern Europe for the Northern Pacific Railroad
Company. Returned
to the United States early in 1876. Was elected a presidential
elector the same year. Helped establish 'Svenska Tribunen,' of
Chicago, having previously commenced the publication of the
Minnesota 'Stats Tidning, ' at Minneapolis, with which latter
he remained identified until 1881. On July 2, 1881, was
appointed consul general to India. Filled this important
position with great credit for two years, when he returned
home and tendered his resignation. Was appointed manager of a
land grant company in New Mexico and Colorado. In 1886 Was
elected secretary of state for Minnesota, and re-elected in
1888, serving two terms. In 1887 he organized the Security
Savings and Loan Association, of Minneapolis, Also
president at the
time of his death. Two years later he formed a company for the
publication of 'The North.' Was one of the principal
promoters, in 1888, of the 250th anniversary celebration of
the landing of the first Swedish settlers on the Delaware, and
collected the addresses delivered on this occasion in a small
souvenir. In 1891 wrote and published a volume of
recollections, which in the Swedish version is known as
'Minnen,' while the English edition is entitled 'The Story of
an Emigrant.' Mattson's knowledge Was confined to no
particular class of people. Swedish-Americans naturally looked
up to him as a leader, for he possessed in an eminent degree
many of the requirements of leadership." The "Valkyrian" for
August, 1897, says of Mattson: "His character shows us, in
general features, the product of the two factors, Swedish
birth and education combined with a long and active life under
the protection of the American flag. Very few
Swedish-Americans have led such a romantic life as his. It Was
rich in sudden changes and new departures ; and behind the
outlines of this life lay an interesting world which at first
sight looked less important, but which in fact is more
instructive to him who desires to study it in the light of the
spirit of the times in which he most vigorously appeared as
the Swedish pioneer in America."
THERON B. MCCORD was a
prominent man in the early commercial activities of Red Wing,
and is still remembered with respect by the older residents,
although he moved away in the early seventies. He was born at
Granville, 111., August 18, 1830, son of William McCord. His
early education was received in the schools of Illinois, and
he worked in that state for a time, coming to Red Wing in the
middle fifties. After several years' employment with Mclntire
& Sheldon, the pioneer merchants, he became connected with
the potteries. In 1873 he moved with his family to Royalton,
Wis., and there he entered into the general mercantile
business, which he continued until his death, August 20, 1893,
becoming one of the prominent citizens of that place. In 1896
Mrs. McCord returned to Red Wing, where she now makes her
home, at 722 Bush street. Mr. McCord was a Republican in
politics, and for four years served as register of deeds in
Goodhue county. He was also a veteran of the Civil War, having
served three years in Company D, 10th Minnesota
Volunteer Infantry. In fraternal association he was a
Mason. Mr. McCord was married at Red Wing June 10, 1867, to
Ellen M. Grannis, daughter of Sidney S. and Sarah (Howe)
Grannis, whose sketch appears in this volume. To this union
was born one son, Sidney G., November 26, 1868. He married
Laura Vasburg, of Waupaca, Wis., August 12, 1893. Of their
five children, three are living and two are dead. Mary G. was
born August 11, 1897. Kenneth and Catherine, twins, were born
August 18, 1900, and the latter died the same day. Theodore
and Robert, twins, were born November 6, 1904, and the latter
died November 5, 1905.
JESSE MCINTIRE, one of the
most prominent men of pioneer Red Wing, was born in
Springfield, Mass., August 25, 1821. and there received his
boyhood education. At the age of twenty-two years, October 23,
1843, he married Caroline Parker, and together they went to
Windsor, Vt., where they remained until 1856. Three years of
life there strengthened them in their determination to seek
life amid the wider opportunities of a newer country, and in
1856 they came to Red Wing, then a little settlement under the
shadow of Barn bluff. Here the family has since been located.
Soon after settling in Red Wing he engaged in the general
merchandise business with T. B. Sheldon, under the firm name
of Mclntire & Sheldon. In 1861 the partnership was
dissolved and the stock sold. Four years later, 1865, in
company with a number of friends, he organized the First
National bank, and served either as its cashier or president
during the entire period of time from that year until the fall
of 1905, when he retired from business. His wife died in the
winter of 1906, and he followed her to the grave September 3,
1907, having passed his eighty-sixth birthday. At the time of
his death it was well written of him: "Mr. Mclntire came here
in the very early days of the Red Wing settlement and did not
relax his hold on business affairs or in the daily life of
those about him until 1905. He was in the prime of life when
he came to Red Wing, and that he for nearly fifty years
maintained his place as one of the prominent business men of
the city indicates something of the force and character of the
man. He was a good business man, successful in the best sense,
a success built upon personal integrity and maintained by
straightforward and fair dealing with all with whom he had to
do through a long business career. But he was more than a
business man. He was a most kindly neighbor, and as a citizen,
loyal to all the best interests of the city. He was a member
of the board of managers of the State Training School for many
years, served on the board of education for a long time, and
has been a member of the city council. In all these positions
he was efficient and faithful. lie helped to organize Christ
church and for many years past was one of its vestrymen. He
was also a member of Red Wing lodge, No. 8, A. F. & A. M.
Conservative by nature, even-tempered and gentle in manner, he
was a gentleman of the old school. He came here from New
England, as one of that group of men, many of whom have passed
beyond and a few of whom still remain, who have helped to
indelibly impress upon the civic life of Red Wing something of
those high and enduring qualities that are associated with
that section." The name of Mclntire is perpetuated by two
sons-Henry P. and
Frederick J.
ALEX MCKINLEY,
of Stanton township, has seen a larger part of the progress of
modern times in Goodhue county, and has reclaimed his land
from the rocky prairie wilderness. When he first came to this
state, he landed at Hastings and walked to Stanton township,
where he purchased eighty acres of land and began to clear a
farm. He built a log cabin out of such timber as was standing
in the neighborhood, and kept house for himself, hauling his
grain to Hastings with oxen. Near the close of the Civil War
he enlisted in Company H, First Minnesota Heavy Artillery, and
was stationed at Chattanooga, Tenn., from shortly after his
enlistment, February 1, 1865, until October of the same year,
when he was discharged with the regiment. After returning home
he at once resumed farming, which is still his
occupation. In
1877 he wooed and wed Mary Van Guilder, daughter of Frederick
and Harriet Van Guilder, natives of New York state, who came
to Stanton township in 1865, at the close of the Civil War,
and have since continued to live here. A short time ago they
celebrated their golden anniversary, at which time their
friends, both near and far, gathered to wish them many more
happy years together in the afternoon of life. To Mr. and Mrs.
McKinley have been born three children : Mary, the eldest,
attends Hamline University and will graduate in 1910 ; Fred
and John, the two younger children, live at home, and assist
their father. The family conducts general farming on the
place, about three miles out of Cannon Falls village. Some of
their eightysix acres is wild land and pasture, but sixty-five
acres are under the plow, giving an excellent opportunity for
general mixed farming. They also do some dairying and sell
considerable butter.
As a father, Mr. McKinley has naturally been interested
in education, and has served as school trustee. He votes the
Republican ticket, and affiliates with the G. A. R. post. Mr.
McKinley has reached the honorable age of. sixty-two years,
having been born November 1, 1847. His parents, John and Mary
(Dunn) McKinley, came from Scotland and located first in
Maryland, where the father worked in a cotton factory. He came
to Goodhue county in 1863 and remained until January, 1864,
when he returned to Maryland. In 1867 he took up his permanent
home in Stanton township and here ended his days. His wife, mother of
Alex, died many years before.
JOHN MCNAMARA, with his
partner, T. W. Lally, conducts a large hardware store in
Goodhue village, owning an establishment which many merchants
in much larger places would be proud to possess. Fie has the
distinction of being a native born son of this county, having
first seen the light of day in Belle Creek township, August 4,
1862. In that township he received his education, and after
leaving school took charge of the home farm until the fall of
1906, when he entered his present business, buying out the
interest of Parkins and Chalmers. Mr. McNamara is a Democrat
in politics and has served on the village council three years.
He is a member of the Woodmen, the Catholic Foresters and the
Red Men, in which latter lodge he is an officer. June 27,
1882, he was married to Susan Dally, by whom he has seven
children; John Joseph, who is in the store with his father;
Daniel Francis, who works in a clothing store in Goodhue
village ; Mary Rowena, Thomas Sylvester and James Francis, who
are twins ; Leo and Francis. John and Ann (Malloy) Lally,
parents of Mrs. McNamara, lived on a farm in Belle Creek, the
former dying December 23, 1868, and the latter November 16,
1879. John and Mary (Kane) McNamara, parents of the subject of
this sketch, came to America from Ireland in 1849 and after
remaining in New York state for a while went to LaSalle, 111.,
where they lived four years. In the middle fifties they came
to Belle Creek township and there the father purchased 160
acres, to which he added from time to time until he owned 480
acres, upon which he carried on general farming until within a
short time of his death, when he retired and enjoyed a period
of pleasant rest until May 26, 1906, when he died. His wife is
still living on the old homestead at the age of 73 years. To
this union were born six children: Margaret (deceased),
Michael, Johanna, Edward (deceased), John and James. The
family faith is that of the Catholic
church.
WILLIAM J. MCWATERS, a
native of Minneola township, now living in Zumbrota village,
was born January 8, 1862, son of James and Esther (Kinneer)
McWaters, of Ireland, who came to America in 1844 and located
in New York state, where the father engaged in farming and
railroading. Coming west in 1856 to Minneola township, they
bought 160 acres of wild land, which they cleared and
cultivated, following general farming until 1889, when they
retired and moved to Zumbrota. William J. received his
education in Minneola township and farmed with his father
until twenty-four years old. He then went to Polk county,
Minnesota, where from 1886 to 1894 he farmed 400 acres of land
which he rented from his father. In 1894 he returned to the
old homestead in Minneola township. This he purchased and has
since continued to improve. June 19, 1890, he was married to
Jennie Haugan, daughter of Halvor and Anna Haugan. They have
two children: John E., born April 8, 1891, and William J.,
born October 1, 1892. Both are at home. Mr. and Mrs. McWaters
now live on the farm in Minneola township. Mr. McWaters is a
man of energy and deserves all the success won by him. He is a
member of two fraternal organizations, the Red Men and the
Modern Woodmen of America. He is a communicant of the Lutheran
church, and politically associates with the Republican party.
Mr. McWaters has served as town clerk and assessor, also as
school clerk of district 66.
BENNETT I. MELIN, of
Burnside township, has seen life in three countries-Sweden,
where he was born ; Mexico, where he has worked, and America,
which has been his home practically since early youth, and of
which he is a prosperous and well-to-do citizen. He was
brought to this country by his parents in 1856, at the age of
three years. While looking about for a location they stayed
thirty days in St. Paul, and then settled in Carver county,
this state, remaining there three years. After a short time in
Afton, Washington county, Minnesota, they again returned to
Carver county, and there remained until 1863, sharing in the
pioneer development of that section of the country. Their
first home in Goodhue county was on a farm in Featherstone
township, where they remained from 1863 to 1865, going in the
latter year to Burnside township, where the family residence
was established. The father died in 1881. Bennett I. was
twelve years of age when his family came to Burnside. His
education was obtained in the district schools and at
Minneapolis, since which time, with the exception of a short
period spent in the sugar industry in Mexico, he has made his
residence on the old homestead. Mr. Melin is a Republican as
far as broad and general principles are concerned, but to a
large extent he votes independently. He has been town
treasurer and a member of the school board. In 1879 Mr. Melin
was married to Julia Anderson, daughter of John Anderson, who
settled in this county in 1860.
CONRAD MEYER,
formerly an active farmer of Goodhue township, has now rented
his large farm and is enjoying a life of comparative rest,
after many years of hard work. He has served as town
supervisor and road overseer and in many other ways has
assisted in the general prosperity of the township. Mr. Meyer was born in
Germany April 3, 1850, and after receiving his schooling in
his native country took up farming and carpenter work. In 1866
he came to America, and followed his trade three years as a
carpenter in Milwaukee, subsequently working on farms in
Goodhue until 1873, when he purchased eighty acres of his own.
To this he soon added 160 acres more, and on the homestead of
240 acres carried on farming until 1901, when he retired.
Since that date he has rented his farm to others. Politically
he has always been a Republican, and religiously he is a
member of the German Lutheran church, of which he has been
trustee nine years. Mr. Meyer was married in July, 1875, to
Maggie Tipke, of Goodhue, daughter of Peter and Catherine
(Behrens) Tipke, natives of Germany, who, after migrating to
America in 1868, located in this township and purchased first
eighty acres and then 160 acres, where they carried on farming
many years. The mother died March 4, 1900, but the father is
still living, having reached the advanced old age of eighty
years. Henry Meyer and Dorry (Dickman) Meyer, parents of
Conrad Meyer, came to America in 1860 and located in Iowa,
later going to Illinois, in which state the father died in
1870, the mother having passed away in Germany in 1861. Aside
from Conrad, they have three children living. William is a
real estate dealer in Iowa, and the sisters are Lena and
Annie.
GEORGE F. MEYER, one of the hard-working and
industrious German citizens of Hay Creek township, is still
hale and hearty at the good old age of eighty-one years. He
was born in Prussia, Germany, in May, 1828, his parents being
Casper and Caroline Meyer, who lived and died in that country.
George F. grew to boyhood and manhood in his native kingdom,
working on the farm and attending the common schools. With
frugality and hard work he saved enough money to come to
America, and in 1856 made his venture to America, bringing
with him his bride, Mary Tebbe, whom he had married the year
previous. The trip from St. Louis to Red Wing was made by
boat, after which they hired a conveyance to take them to Hay
Creek, where George F.
Meyer homesteaded 160 acres, he and his brother William
being among the first settlers in that township. He broke and
improved the land, erected buildings and for many years
carried on general farming. In 3866 he built a water-power
flour mill, and in 1891, when the railroad came through,
changed the motive power to steam. The mill is now managed by
his sons. He also rents out his 200 acres of highly improved
land. During the Civil War, Mr. Meyer was drafted, but
provided a substitute.
He has been treasurer of the township at different
times and has served several terms as chairman. To George F.
and Mary Meyer have been born six children : William, Mary,
Kate, Henry, Annie and
Louis.
CHARLES H. MEYERS, county auditor, is a native
born son of this county, having first seen the light of day at
Red Wing, February 22, 1858. He received such education as the
country schools of his district afforded and then attended the
high school at Red Wing. Being an ambitious youngster, he
started work in the store of Henry Gross at Red Wing, while at
an early age. Later he saw the necessity for a more thorough
business education, and consequently entered the Bryant and
Stratton business college at St. Paul. In the fall of 1882 he
went to the Red River Valley and conducted a general store
until 1891. In 1892 he engaged in the shoe business on Third
street in Red Wing. In 1904 he cast his lot in the political
arena, after disposing of his shoe stock. He was a candidate for
county auditor and the same year received an appointment as
deputy city clerk. His services in this office deserved the
election as city clerk which he received in 1906. He was in
charge of the duties of this office, when he resigned to take
the office of county auditor in January, 1909. He is also
clerk of the school board, having served as a member of that
body since 1898, three years of which time he was clerk, and
two years president. His political platform is that of the
Republican party, and his religious faith that of the
Methodist Episcopal church. His fraternal affiliations include
membership in the Odd Fellows, the Foresters, the Modern
Samaritans and the Knights of Pythias, in several of which he
has held office.
Mr. Meyers was married October 17, 1883, to Emily
Schreiner, daughter of Rev. William Schreiner, a clergyman of
the German Methodist church, at that time stationed at Ft.
Dodge, Iowa. The
mother died at Ft. Dodge in 1902 and the father is now living
a retired life at Glad Brook, Iowa. To Mr. and Mrs. Meyers
have been born five children : Grace L. was born September
26, 1884 ; Leon
C., born May 3, 1886, is city clerk of Red Wing ; Amy L. is
attending music school at Chicago; Milton Wallace was born
April 3, 1892, and Leslie V. was born February 14, 1901.
A J. MILLER, one of the early pioneers of
Zumbrota, was a native of England, born in Southfork, May 21,
1833. In that bonny corner of old England he spent his early
boyhood and at the age of twelve years came to this country
and lived in New York until 1859, when he came west and took
up a homestead in Goodhue county, five miles east of Zumbrota,
where he lived for the remainder of his days. In the early
times he experienced all the hardships incident to pioneer
life. He hauled his wheat to Lake City with a yoke of oxen,
taking several days for each trip, and sleeping out of doors
when night overtook him, letting the oxen forage as best they
could on the grass along the trail-for road it could hardly be
called in those days.
Ready cash was scrace, and Mr. Miller was glad to cut
wood at twenty-five cents a cord. In the latter part of his
life affairs took on a different aspect. Being a shrewd
business man, he invested his money in real estate, and at his
death left a fortune of $80,000, all gained by his own
efforts. He died February 22, 1882, aged fifty years, nine
months and one day, and was laid to rest in Mazeppa cemetery.
A. J. Miller was married, October 27, 1861, to Amy A. Davis,
of Chester Wabasha county, who proved a most able helpmeet in
all his undertakings.
 HARRISON MILLER, another sturdy old pioneer, died
at his home in the township of Stanton August 21, 1909. He was
born in Vermont in February, 1828, and in January, 1854, was
married to Harriet Ellis, daughter of Noah Ellis of Thedford,
Vermont. He then bought a farm in Wisconsin near Beaver Dam,
where they lived four years. In the spring of 1858 they moved
to Stanton, having purchased the farm the fall before. On this
place they have lived for fifty-one years. He carried on
general farming and became one of the substantial residents of
the community.
Mrs. Miller died on the farm in April, 1906. Four
children survive : Alvin Miller, of Seaside, Ore. ; Nelson
Miller, a prosperous farmer of Stanton ; Mrs. Cora Whitson,
who is still living on the old farm, and Dr. F. C. Miller, who
resides in Olivia, Minn., and has an extensive practice. Mr.
Miller was a Mason and a member of the United Workmen. As a
neighbor he was liked, as a father and husband he was loved,
as a citizen he was respected, and as a friend he was held in
truest regard. It is such men as he who, from the beginning,
have made Goodhue county a place of peace and quiet, and saved
it from the disorderly years which so often mark an early
settlement in a wild territory.
N. J. MILLER, Stanton township, was born in
Goodhue county, Minnesota, January 3, 1861, son of H. D. and
Harriet (Ellis) Miller. The father is a native of Vermont and
came to Stanton in the early days, being among the first
settlers. After arriving here he purchased 220 acres of land,
which he broke and improved, hauling his products, which
consisted mostly of grain, to Hastings and St. Paul, bringing
back lumber for his home and buildings, doing all himself. He
also had large flocks and herds of stock, having brought sheep
and cattle here with him. His wife died in 1907.
N. J. was educated in the common schools, and worked with his
father on the farm until his marriage. After marriage he
carried on his father's farm eighteen years, subsequent to
which he purchased eighty acres of land, across the road from
his father's farm, and engaged in general farming and
dairying, which he still continues, making a specialty of
raising sheep of which he owns a flock of over 100. Mr. Miller
was married in 1882 to Edith Vanguilder, daughter of Stephen
and Caroline (Knowlton) Vanguilder, the former a native of
Vermont and the latter of Boston. They came to Cannon Falls
in 1855, where the father engaged in his trade of carpenter.
He died in 1897 and the mother in 1906. They had eight
children: Ida, Ira, Edith, John, Cecil, Mabel, and Stephen.
Two children died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have five
children: Inez, married to William Moorehouse, of Stanton;
Beatrix, Archie, Beryl, and Herschel, who are at home. Mr.
Miller is a Republican, but has never sought or held public
office.
OTTO F. C. MILLER, a
Zumbrota meat dealer, is a native of the village, born October
13, 1878, son of August Miller and Mrs. Anna (Pagel) Miller,
who previous to her marriage with Mr. Miller was Mrs. Anna
Wallauer. The parents, natives of Germany, came to America in
1872 and 1869, respectively, and settled in Wisconsin, later
coming to Goodhue county and locating in Red Wing in 1874. In
that city, the father followed his trade of meat cutting and
in 1876 was married to Mrs. Wallauer. In 1877 he
started in business for himself. In 1886 he took E. V.
Ramharter as a partner and later sold the entire business to
him. Subsequently he engaged in stock buying until 1901. In
that year he and his son started in the meat business as
partners, under the firm name of August Miller & Son. In 1906 his son sold
out his interest to Hospodarsky and Lapprell, who with August
Miller, carried on the business for about nine months, when
they purchased the business. Otto Miller then started a new
meat market and August Miller worked with him until 1908, when
he moved to Deer Lodge, Tenn., where he owns 900 acres of farm
and timber land. There the mother and father still live. Otto
F. C. attended the public schools of Zumbrota and after school
took up the meat business. In 1901 bought out the firm of
Kolbe & Kalass, and as mentioned before in this sketch,
carried on business with his father until 1906, when he sold
out. He spent the next year in preparing his present residence
on Fourth street and in 1907 again took up the meat business.
He is interested in the Zumbrota Clay Manufacturing Company,
is an independent voter and belongs to the German Lutheran
Church. The father served both as alderman and marshall of the
village. O. F. C. Miller was married, June 9, 1903, at
Goodhue, to Annie S. Hilderbrandt, daughter of Christ and
Sophia Hilderbrandt, natives of Germany, who came to America
in 1864 and located in Goodhue county, where they engaged in
farming. Mr. Hilderbrandt died in 1878 and his wife in 1902.
August Miller was one of the men who assisted in building up
the village of Zumbrota. He is a kind and honest man and well
liked by all who know him.
JAMES R. MILLS, of Stanton
township, was born in London, Ohio, August 24, 1840, son of
Lewis and Ann (Havener) Mills, natives of Virginia, who came
to Ohio in the early days and engaged in farming and stock
raising. In 1856 they emigrated west, traveling by team to
Dubuque, Iowa, and from there by boat up the Mississippi river
to Red Wing. They located in Warsaw township and took up' a
homestead, which the father broke and cultivated. His life in
the west, however, was destined to be short, and he died a
year after coming to Warsaw, in February of 1857. The mother
lived until 1876. They had a family of six children: John, who
left home in 1856 and was never heard from; Margaret, now of
North Dakota; Joseph and William, deceased ; Silas, a farmer,
and James J., the subject of this sketch. James received his
education in the schools of the county, and worked at home on
the farm. In 1865 he enlisted in Company I, Heavy Artillery,
remaining until the end of the war. After the war, he returned
home and engaged in farming, and has now 200 acres of land
which he managed, carrying on general farming, until he
retired in 1889 and rented his farm. He also has 160 acres
in Polk county. He is a Republican and is a member of the G.
A. R.
DANIEL J.
MIX, now residing on section 29, Featherstone
township, where he
owns and operates 160 acres of farm land, was born in Genesee
county, New York, October 22, 1854, a son of Daniel and Sophia
(Park) Mix, who moved to Woodson county, Neosho Falls, Kansas,
when Daniel J. was but a few weeks old, and there ended their
days, the father at the age of eighty-two and the mother at
the age of fifty years. Daniel J. received his education in
the public schools, the district where he attended having been
organized by his father. It was taught by his older sister,
she being the first teacher in that district. After leaving
school, Daniel J. continued to work on the home farm until
1875, when he came to Red Wing, and for fifteen years was
engaged in running a threshing machine. He spent the next four
years in operating a portable sawmill in Pierce county,
Wisconsin, and then purchased his present farm, where he has
made many improvements in the way of buildings and equipment.
He does general farming and raises stock to some extent. Mr.
Mix is a Republican in politics and has been a justice of the
peace for many years. He was married, December 24, 1883, to
Clara Anderson, daughter of Nels and Justine Anderson, born in
Sweden, the native home of her parents, in 1863. The family
came to America in 1867 when Mrs. Mix was a small girl, stayed
in Pennsylvania for a short time and then located in Boone
county, Iowa, where the mother died. Subsequently the father
came to Pierce county, Wisconsin, and farmed for about fifteen
years before his death. Mrs. Mix received a common school
education in the schools of Iowa and Wisconsin. To Mr. and
Mrs. Mix have been born three children, all of whom first saw
the light of day in Featherstone township. Frank Jay assists
his father at home.
George Park goes to the Red Wing schools, and Raymond
Lorenzo is a pupil in the district schools. Mr. and Mrs. Mix
attend the Methodist Episcopal church in the town of
Featherstone.
PETER J.
MOGAARD, of Belle Creek township, was born in Norway, April
18, 1842, son of John and Mollie (Mulnuse) Mogaard, natives of
Norway. The mother died in 1859 and the father in 1897. Peter
received his education in Norway and worked with his father
until he came to America, in 1866. He located in Olmstead
county, Minnesota, where he remained for three years, when he
went to the Pineries at Eau Claire, Wis., where he worked one
year; then he spent one year in Menominee, Wis., and in 1871
came to Goodhue county and purchased eighty acres of land in
Wanamingo township, where he engaged in farming for six years.
He then sold and came to Belle Creek township and purchased
160 acres in Section 21, and later added eighty acres
adjoining. This he broke and cleared and built a home and a
large barn, and continued to improve and cultivate his land
until now he has one of the finest farms in the county. He has
carried on general and diversified farming and dairying, also
making a specialty of raising Shorthorn cattle. On April 7,
1866, he was married to Bertha Moslet, in Norway. She was a
daughter of John 0. and Mollie (Lean) Moslet, natives of
Norway, who came to America in 1867 and located in Wanamingo
township and engaged in farming. The father died in 1879 and
the mother in 1906. Mr. and Mrs. Mogaard have had six
children: Michael, of North Dakota; Cornelius, Henry and
Paulena, who live at home; John, who is a physician at
Chicago; and Simon, now of South Dakota. Mr. Mogaard is a
Republican in his politics, but has never sought public
office. He is a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator at
Wanamingo. He and his family are communicants of the Norwegian
Lutheran church.
JOHN MONEY, of Roscoe
township, was born in Switzerland, October 20, 1851, oldest
son of John and Elizabeth (Bringgold) Money, natives of
Switzerland, where the father was a cooper and carpenter. They
emigrated to America in 1854, settling in New York state,
where they engaged in farming. In 1877 the mother died, and in
1882 the father came west to Minnesota and took up his
residence with his son, where he died May 20, 1903. John received his
education in the schools of the town of Louise, Lewis county,
New York, and after finishing his studies, worked on the farm
with his father, also at coopering, and in a saw mill. In 1878 he came west
to Minnesota and landed at Red Wing March 13. He bought 40
acres of land in Roseoe township, which he cleared and
improved, and built a home, barn and all out buildings,
carrying on a general and diversified line of farming. In 1891 he added 50
acres, which he cleared, and improved. Later on he built a saw
mill and general repair shop, a business which is now
increasing rapidly. In 1875, March 8, he was married to
Elizabeth Meyers, of New York state, daughter of Edward and
Catherine Meyers, natives of Germany, who came to America in
1851 and located in New York state, where the father engaged
in farming. They are both living. Mr. and Mrs. Money have one
son, John Edward, born in New York state March 8, 1876, who is
interested in business with his father. He is married, his
wife being Mabel Josephine Belden. They have four children:
Lillian, George, Bernice, Harley. Mr. Money is a democrat in
his political views, and has been clerk of the school board
for the past 24 years. He has also served as town supervisor
for one year, and road master for a number of years. They are
members of the Lutheran church.
CHARLES MONSON, of Vasa
township, was born in Sweden, April 27, 1853. His parents were
Andrew and Nancy (Swanson) Monson, natives of Sweden, who came
to America in 1856 and located in Vasa township, where they
pre-empted government land, consisting of 160 acres which the
father broke and cleared, living in a dugout for a year. Later
the father built a log house, and carried on general farming
increasing his land until he had 210 acres, and also improving
by erecting a more comfortable home and other outbuildings.
Three years before his death he retired from active life. He
died in the month of July, 1899. The mother perished in a snow
storm on December 13, 1856, being lost on the prairie. The
body was found by a searching party a few days later. Charles
received his education in the district schools of Vasa, and
worked on the farm with his father until 1875, when he bought
160 acres of land in Murray county, which he broke and
improved. In 1879 he sold this land, returned home and located
in Belle Creek township, where he purchased 120 acres of land
in Section 21. Here he built a home and other buildings, and
has since carried on general and diversified farming, also
raising horses, cattle and sheep. Mr. Monson was married
August 28, 1878, to Mary Hobart, daughter of Peter and Inger
Hobart, natives of Sweden, who came to America in 1872 and
located in St. Peter, Minn., later removing to Vasa township,
and again removed to Murray county, where they bought eighty
acres of land and carried on general and diversified farming
until their death. Mr. and Mrs. Monson have been blessed with
ten children: Agnes, now of St. Paul; Mrs. A. V. Anderson, of
Belle Creek; Hilman, Harry, Andrew, Esther, Edith and Mary X.,
and Elizabeth and Edgar (deceased). Mr. Monson is a
Republican in his politics. The family faith is that of the
Lutheran church.
MINER C. MORGAN, of Zumbrota
township, was born in Seneca county, New York, April 28, 1846,
son of Charles and Elizabeth (Marlatt) Morgan, natives of New
Jersey. The father was a machinist and patternmaker by trade.
Both parents are deceased, Miner received his education in New
York state and left school to enlist in the Union army at
Trumansburg, N. Y. in Company A. Fiftieth New York Volunteer
Engineers as artificer, February 13, 1863. He was discharged
from the army June 13,
1865, at Fort Barre Va., when he returned to New York
state, and December 1865, went to Illinois. In March 1867 he
came with his brothers to Zumbrota township and purchased 160
acres of wild land, which they broke and improved, built a
home and other outbuildings, and carried on general farming.
In 1894 he bought his brother's interest in the farm and has
since continued to do general farming. December 31, 1884. Mr.
Morgan was married to Caroline A. Danielson, daughter of Henry
and Elizabeth (Anderson) Danielson, farmers of Belvidere
township. The father died March 6, 1909. but the mother is
still living in Belvidere. Mr. and Mrs. Morgan
had no children of their own, but had adopted a boy, Charles
Kivett Morgan, who is now a civil engineer at Minneapolis. Mr.
Morgan is a Republican in his politics and has served on the
town board nine years, being chairman of the township for
three years; as well as a member of the school board for
fourteen years. He is a member of the A. 0. U. W. and G. A. R. Post No.
121, and he and the family attend the Presbyterian
church.
ARTHUR E. MOSHER, of
Zumbrota village, was born in Zumbrota township, May 11, 1871,
and received his education hi the public schools. After
finishing his schooling he engaged with his father in the
harness business, to which enterprise a line of shoes was
later added. He continued in this business until 1906, when he
was appointed assistant cashier of the First State Bank of
Zumbrota, proving himself so efficient, that after two months
was elected cashier, which position of trust he held at the
time of the consolidation, being now connected with the
Security State Bank.
He is also interested with Mark II. Powers in the
insurance business.
Mr. Mosher has been village treasurer two years, being
also a member of the Modern Samaritans. He was married January
25, 1901 at Winona, to Florence Angle, of Sparta, Wis.,
daughter of O. F. Angle, one of the prominent business men of
that place. Mr. and Mrs. Mosher have three children-Geraldine,
born February 9, 1903, and Dorothy, born May 15, 1906;
Florence S., born August 3, 1909. Arthur E. Mosher is the son
of William and Julia E. (Smith) Mosher, the former a native of
New York state and the latter of Hartford, Conn. They came
west in the early fifties and settled in Mazeppa,
Minn.
WILLIAM E.
MOSHER, of Zumbrota village, was born in Onandaga county, N.
Y., March 11, 1843, son of John and Louisa (Marvin) Mosher,
both natives of New York state. The father came west in the
spring of 1859, locating at Chester, Wabasha county, and
purchased farm land on which he lived until 1871. when he retired from
active labor and moved to Lake City, where he died October 28,
1875, the mother having passed away in 1850 in New York state.
William E. received his early education in New York state,
coming west with his father in 1859, where he assisted with
farm work until the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, when he
joined the union army, enlisting at Fort Snelling, October 15,
1861, in Company G, Third Minnesota Volunteer Infantry,
serving until January, 1861, when he reenlisted in same
company remaining
with his regiment until September 23, 1865, when he received
his honorable discharge at Fort Snelling, when the regiment
was mustered out. He was taken prisoner at Murfreesboro,
Tenn., November 18, 1862, and was confined in a Southern
prison when the Indian outbreak occurred. He was accordingly
paroled, and sent to Minnesota to fight the Indians. While
fighting in the South he participated in the siege of
Vicksburg and, was also at the capture of Little Rock, and
engaged in numerous other battles. After the war he returned
to his farm in Chester. In the spring of 1866 he moved to
Mazeppa and opening a harness shop, which he conducted until
1869, when he sold out and removed to Red Wing, engaging in
the same business. In 1872 he left Red Wing, going to
Zumbrota, where he followed his trade for one year, then went
to Swift county and homesteaded 160 acres of land, which he
proved up, worked and improved, erecting a home and other
necessary buildings. He subsequently returned to Zumbrota and
moved his family to Swift county, where they remained on the
claim until 1878. Returning to Zumbrota, he again engaged in
the harness business until the spring of 1907 under the firm
name of W. E. Mosher & Son. Mr. Mosher still owns the
store building. He is at present connected with the Butter and
Eggs Company, of Red Wing, and has also been its buyer for the
past five years. He has been oil inspector of the county for
three years. Politically, he is a Republican and has been a
member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen for twentyeight,
years. He belongs to the Scofield Post No. 121. G. A. R., is
commander of the Post, and is also president of the Old
Settlers' Society of Goodhue county. Mr. Mosher was married
October 15, 1867 at Mazeppa, to Julia Smith, of that place,
daughter of W. B. and Mary (Bridges) Smith, both of New
England stock, natives of Deep River, Conn. Upon coming west
in 1857, they located in Mazeppa, Minn., where the father was
a farmer and clerk. He died May 29, 1886, and the mother in
1866 both in Mazeppa. Mr. and Mrs. Mosher have four
children-Jennie E" born May 19, 1869, married A. E. Mclntire,
connected with the St. Paul Daily News; Arthur E., born May
11, 1870, is connected with the Security Bank of Zumbrota;
Prof. W. J., born January 29, 1876, graduated from the State
University, and is a teacher in Red Wood Falls, Minn; Glen W.,
born March 14, 1881, lives at Huron, S. D., engaged in real
estate business, the firm name being Wilson & Mosher. Mr.
and Mrs. Mosher attend the Methodist Episcopal church. They
are good citizens, and are highly esteemed by all who know
them.
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