Trails-to-the-Past-Minnesota-Olmsted-biographies

Biographies

History of Olmstead County Minnesota

Written by Joseph A. Leonard 1910

CADWELL, JAMIN -----was one of the best men who ever lived in Olmsted county. His sturdy honesty, public spirit and love for home and country endeared him to all with whom he came in contact. Jamin and Julia (Eno) Cadwell were the names of his parents, and they were of old Connecticut families with Revolutionary war records. Jamin Cadwell, the elder, was a tanner and manufacturer of leather goods in New England, but at an early day moved west, and finally to Rock county, Wisconsin where he died in 1845, and wife lived to be nearly 100 years old.

Jamin Cadwell, the subject of this memoir, was born in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, March 28, 1839. and received his education in the public schools of Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin and in an academy in Massachusetts. He first came to Olmsted county in 1859, but shortly thereafter went to Missouri, where he carried on the nursery business for about a year. During the early part of the Civil war he returned to Olmsted county and bought a farm two miles north of Rochester, where he resided until 1895. He there was identified with a number of public enterprises, perhaps the most important being in helping to organize the Rochester creamery, of which he was manager seven years when it was sold to W. J. Eaton & Co. Through hard work and good management he acquired a farm of 170 acres in Cascade township, which of late years has been rented.

May 18, 1878, he was united in marriage with Miss Elzora Newton, and to this union three sons were born, named, Harland J., S. Theodore and Carl C. Mr. Cadwell was a Democrat in politics, a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and for years was a trustee in the Baptist church. His sudden death on September 25, 1910, was a shock to the community, and his earthly remains were laid to rest in Oakwood Cemetery. The least that can be said of him was that he was an honest man, a loyal citizen. a good neighbor and a loving husband and father.

CADY, CLARENCE FILMORE -----is in the implement, lumber and hardware business in the village of Dover and has been thus occupied since 1891. At first he was in partnership with his father, but since 1898 has been associated with his brother Walter E. He is the eldest son of Allen A. and Celia (Wells) Cady, and was born April 14, 1857, on the old home farm in Elmira township, this county.

His parents came from Cambridge, Vermont, in the spring of 1856, coming as far as Galena by rail, thence taking boat to Winona. and thence by team to Elmira township, where they pre-empted 160 acres. The land was wholly without improvements and it was first necessary to build a habitation. They built a small and rude log house without doors or windows and used blankets to cover those openings. Everything else was equally rude and primitive. People of today cannot realize the hardships of those times. Nothing was convenient, but all had to answer the purpose. The cabin was so poor that vermin and even rattlesnakes found their way inside, to the shock and danger of the occupants. Beds and tables were the rudest kinds, or perhaps none at all at first. A little later Mr. Cady built a much better log house, which answered the purpose for a few years, and was really comfortable and homelike. Settlers then went many miles to assist newcomers to get located and comfortable. Mr. Cady in the summer of 1857 walked five miles every morning to help build the old grist mill at Chatfield. He was a carpenter and afterward assisted in erecting many of the early residences in this part of the county. As time passed the farm was added to until in the end a total of 520 acres was secured. In 1859 he built, from lumber hauled from Winona, one of the first frame houses in Elmira township; this building is yet standing. The old land patent signed by President Buchanan is yet in possession of the family.

Wayne and George, two brothers of Allen A., served in the Union army during the Rebellion, for four years, with excellent records. Allen A., upon leaving his farm, came to Dover in 1891 and entered into partnership with his son, Clarence F., as above stated. When this partnership was dissolved Allen A. went to Winona to reside in order to give his younger children better opportunities for getting an education. He passed away July 8, 1908, while on a visit to his sons in Dover after a long life of unselfishness, honor and high purpose. His widow is yet living and resides with her son Walter. She is seventy-six years old. The Cady family is of Scotch-Irish descent and originally immigrated to this country about the year 1780 and settled in Cambridge, Vermont. When Allen A. was twenty-one years old he married Celia Wells and came West and settled in this county, as above described. Allen A. was an active churchman—at first in the United Brethren church and later in the Methodist church. His whole life was filled with kindness and good deeds. In the early times his home was the stopping place for all who needed a night’s rest and sleep. He was one of the leaders in his part of the county in all praiseworthy movements and unheralded benevolences. His descendants may well be proud of their father and of the name they bear.

Clarence F. was reared on the old farm in Elmira township. He is the second oldest man now living in the county who was born in this county. He was educated at the common schools and finished at a select school in Rochester. After this he resided with his parents, assisting them, but after a short time he rented of his father a farm of 160 acres, which he sold in 1895. He is now doing well at Dover. He is a Republican. He is an active member and was clerk of the M. W. A. He is a member of the United Brethren church and was organist for many years. He has been married twice—first to Gertrude Otten, who died in 1887. On March 15, 1900, he married Lillie Burbach, daughter of J. Phillip and Henrietta Burbach, who came to this country from Germany in 1856, and resided here until their death. Clarence had the following children: Two by his first wife—Harold Otten, who is a student and a professor of learning, and C. Shirley, who died young; also two by his second wife—Kenneth G. and Lela H.

George E., a brother of our subject, died in 1902 ; he was a car accountant for the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad; Clinton Colfax, a physician at Harris, Iowa; Allen G. is bookkeeper for the Corliss Engine Works.

CALLAGAN, CHARLES ELWIN one of the successful lawyers and prominent citizens of Olmsted county, was born May 20, 1863, in Livingston county, New York, and was brought by his parents to Minnesota in September, 1865. His parents were Charles A. and Catherine L. Callaghan, who were successful farmers and useful and respected citizens. Soon after the Civil war broke out and while yet a resident of Livingston county, New York, the father enlisted in the Union army and served with much credit for three years as a member of Company A, First New York Dragoons, in the famous Army of the Potomac. He participated in many hard campaigns and sharp engagements, and was mustered out with honor at the expiration of his period of enlistment.

Charles E. Callaghan was educated in the common schools of this county and in Darling’s Business College, graduating from the latter in the spring of 1886. As a boy he took great interest in his studies and invariably stood well in his classes. After leaving school he worked at home during the summers and pursued his legal studies during the winters. He lived in Fillmore county from 1867 to 1876; since the latter date he has lived in Olmsted county. He studied law in the office of H. A. Eckholdt and having completed the required course, was duly admitted to the bar in June, 1889. On October 1 following he opened a law office in Rochester and on April 1, 1890, formed a partnership with Thomas Spillane under the firm name of Spillane & Callaghan. From January 1, 1893, to January 1, 1898, he practiced alone; but at the latter date formed a partnership with George W. Granger, which association still exists with a large practice. During the years 1890, 1891, 1894, 1895, 1896 and 1897 Mr. Callaghan served with the highest credit as city attorney. He has served as postmaster of Rochester since April 1, 1898. He is a Republican and one of the most active and prominent members of that party in the county. He has taken great interest in every campaign since 1888 and has been one of the leading speakers always to be relied on by the party organization of the county. He is one of the leading public men of this portion of the State.

He is a member of the charter commission of Rochester. He is a member and past master of Rochester Lodge, No. 21, A. F. & A. M.; a member of Halcyon Chapter, No. 8, R. A. M., and is the present eminent commander of Home Commandery, No. 5, K. T., and a member of Osman Temple of St. Paul and Winona Consistory, thirty-second degree Scottish Rite Masons; he is also a member and past chancellor of Rochester Lodge, No. 54, K. of P.; also a member of the A. O. U. W.. the Modern Woodmen, the Court of Honor and the Universalist church. He is a member of the board of directors of the Masonic Temple Association.

On November 27, 1890, he married at Racine, Minnesota, Clara B. Sanborn, the daughter of a prominent farmer. Their children are as follows: Howard, born August 4, 1892; Lola, born December 3, 1893; Helen, born March 23, 1897, and Gertrude, born February 25, 1900. Everybody in the county knows Mr. Callaghan and respects him for his varied capabilities, his reliability, his trustworthiness and his high mindedness.

CAMPBELL, ALEXANDER -----of Viola township, Olmsted county, Minnesota, was born in Glengary county, Canada, June 18, 1849, a son of Donald and Elizabeth (Lothian) Campbell, both of whom died in Canada, the mother in 1860 and the father in 1894. To the above union seven children were born, as follows: Duncan, Jessie, Alexander, Kate, James, Bella (deceased) and Daniel.

Of the above named, Alexander, the subject of this review, left the land of his nativity in 1866 and came to Wisconsin. In 1871 the subject of this sketch was one of 900 persons saved out of 1,800 residents of Peshtigo, Wisconsin, which was then destroyed by fire. He was at the hotel when the air became filled with sparks and everything was catching fire. He and others jumped into a wagon, but after running twenty rods at full speed were overtaken by the flames, and hence dashed into the water there and remained all night. In the morning the streets of this formerly active town were strewn with the dead bodies of neighbors and friends who were overtaken and burned to death, or suffocated, while trying to escape. After a residence of ten years there he came to Viola township, Olmsted county, Minnesota, and on October 13, 1877, was united in marriage with Miss Mary M. Mulholland. She was the daughter of Andrew and Christina (Keller) Mulholland, the father’s birth occurring in Ireland on May 20, 1830, and his death on May 19, 1902. Mrs. Mulholland was born May 7, 1835 in Montgomery county, New York, and was married to Mr. Mulholland May 13, 1853. To this union the following eight children were born: James W., born March 15, 1854; Abram F., born May 2, 1856; Mary M., born February 25, 1858; Riley H., born September 9, 1861: Andrew J., born December 26, 1863; Robert A., born July 19, 1867; Cecil E., born December 1, 1869; Cora A. (Swan), born July 19, 1872, and died February 19, 1903. The parents of these children came to Olmsted county in the fall of 1865, and at present the mother is residing with the subject of this sketch. To Mr. and Mrs. Campbell three children were born: Jessie Mabel, February 10, 1880, died nine days after birth; Ray A., May 12, 1881; and Grant A., March 1, 1887, both of whom are at home with parents. Mr. Campbell has 200 acres of fine improved farm land in Viola township, upon which stands a large house fully equipped with all modern conveniences. For fifteen years he has been a member of the school board, is a Republican in politics and a member of the United Brethren Church at Viola. He and son Ray are members of Viola Camp, No. 1728, Modern Woodmen of America, and the family is one of the foremost of the community.

CAMPION, ROGER JAMES -----is now residing on a farm of 240 acres which he rents of his father in Orion township. He carries on diversified farming and stock—raising and cultivates about 100 acres, reserving the remainder for pasture hay, etc. He generally keeps on hand about eighty head of cattle, eight horses, 100 hogs, etc., and is half owner of all the livestock. He is the son of Edward R. and Kate Campion, who came from Queens County, Ireland to Rochester in 1872. The father worked for William La Plant at Rochester for three years, and then for Timothy Halloran for three years. He then rented the place now occupied by the subject of this sketch for one year, and then bought the farm in 1880. Since then this place has been the family home. They have reduced it to a high degree of cultivation and made many valuable improvements. In 1903 Edward R. retired from the strenuous duties of the farm and is now spending his declining years in quietness and peace, conscious of a life well and honorably spent, and having the respect of all who know him. He is a Democrat and has served the town ship in various capacities with fidelity.

Roger J. was born in Orion township December 14, 1879. and during his early career attended the district schools and assisted his father on the farm. He attended school for a while at the graded schools of Chatfield. In 1897 the family moved to the farm now occupied by subject and assisted in making the various improvements. Roger J. is a Democrat and has served as road master. He is a member of the E. F. U. and the K. C. He is a member of the Roman Catholic church at Chatfield.

On September 5, 1905, he married Miss Flora Halloran, daughter of Florence Halloran, a sketch of whom will be found elsewhere in this work. They have three daughters: Florence, Elizabeth and Susan. Roger J. had two brothers: Edward, who died at the age of twenty years, and Lott, who is chief clerk in the principal hotel in Yellowstone Park, and is a graduate of St. Thomas College, St. Paul. Of his sisters, Mary married John McCormick; Margaret is a school teacher; Anna is a stenographer; and Katie is yet in school.

CARTER, CALVIN L. -----was formerly a prominent farmer of Olmsted county, but is now living retired from the active duties of life in the city of St. Charles. He is the son of Archibald and Betsy (Franklin) Carter, his mother being a cousin of Benjamin Franklin. The Carters originally came from England and settled in New England, but finally lived for several generations in the state of New York. The father died in 1853 in the prime of life, but the mother lived until 1890, when she, too, passed away. Their son, Calvin L., was born in Shenango county, New York, April 22, 1849, and while yet a boy and after the death of his father, was brought by his mother to Eau Claire county, Wisconsin, where he attended school for some time. His mother then removed to Olmsted county and in the schools of Dover he finally finished his education, leaving at the age of fifteen years to begin the active duties of life.

In the meantime he had become familiar with the duties of the farm. When he was fifteen years old, assisted by his mother, he bought a tract of eighty acres in Dover township, which he worked for two years. He then became foreman of the camp of the Ingham & Canada Lumber Company, which consisted of over sixty men. He occupied this responsible position with great credit for a period of six years, working as foreman during the winters and as scaler during the summers. He then returned to his farm and began to improve and cultivate the same. As time passed he added to the tract until he owned a total of 1,000 acres and became one of the most prominent, successful and progressive farmers in this portion of the state. He yet owns 800 acres, having sold about 200 acres. His farm is well equipped with good buildings and fences.

Mr. Carter is a Republican and was for two years mayor of the city of St. Charles. He is and has been for six years chief of the city volunteer fire department. He was director for a number of years of the St. Charles State Bank, and has occupied other positions of trust with fidelity and merit. He is a member of the Elks.

He has been twice married: First, to Miss Kate Dow in 1870 and second, to Miss Emma Jane Donahue on May 9, 1878. By his first wife he had three children and by his second one child: Ira C. Carter, an architect at Lake Charles, Louisiana; Sarah E., who married Gus Zielsdorf, at Rochester, Minnesota; Fred L., a member of the United States hospital corps, who served in the Philippines; Lilian A., who is yet in school. The beautiful residence of Mr. Carter in St. Charles was partly destroyed by the cyclone of 1903, but has since been remodeled on a modern scale. The parents of Mrs. Carter were Patrick and Martha Donahue, now residents of St. Charles. Her father is about ninety years of age. Mr. Carter is a fine example of the old pioneer, and is everywhere regarded with the utmost consideration and respect.

CASE, CHARLES CLIFTON -----who now resides on a farm of 400 acres which he is working in conjunction with his brother, Frank Berdan Case, is the son of Cassius Levi and Elizabeth (Berdan) Case. The father formerly resided in Vermont, where he was born, but came to Ohio at an early date and subsequently to Illinois, where he resided for a short time. Eventually he went to Iowa, but in 1854 settled near Chatfield, in Orion township, and became one of the pioneers in this portion of the county. The country here then was very wild and the Indians were encamped in different portions of the county and were none too friendly as shown by their bloody uprising in 1862. The land was rough and covered with scrubby timber and occasionally heavy woods, and a great deal of hard work was necessary to fit it for the plow. The father upon his arrival here first filed a pre-emption right to a 160-acre tract and began to clear and cultivate the soil. Eventually he put it under an excellent state of cultivation and added to it until they have the present fine farm. Cassius L. was thrifty and industrious and was noted in his neighborhood for his genial and cheerful disposition. Everybody that knew him enjoyed his genuine friendships and his pleasing personality. In politics he was a stanch Republican. He served as township treasurer, director of the board of education, and the board of supervisors, and always took an active part in county politics. His record is clean and without taint of wrongdoing, graft, or corruption. In his home he was a loving husband and a kind father. He passed away on March 6, 1899, at the age of sixty-nine years. His funeral was largely attended by those who had known and admired him in his useful and busy life. His widow, a most excellent woman, passed away August 19, 1907. They were married September 28, 1856, two years after he settled in this county.

Charles Clifton Case was born on the home farm on May 29, 1866, and in boyhood attended the district schools, and finally finished his education at the Chatfield high school in 1882. He then returned to the farm and here he has been practically ever since. Since the sons took charge of the old place they have made many important and permanent improvements. In the winters the brothers usually feed as many as 3,000 head of sheep. Generally they have on hand about thirty head of cattle and ten or a dozen head of horses, many of them of the best breeds. They are up-to-date in all their farming operations and are very comfortably situated, with fine residences and homes. They own a section of land in Bailey county, Texas, and several store buildings in Chatfield. Charles C. is a Republican and has served as treasurer of his township and also as director of the school board. He is a Knight Templar in Masonry.

On June 2, 1897, at Rochester, he married Miss Nellie Ivesta Ellis, daughter of Newell and Amelia Ellis, who followed the occupation of farming. They have one daughter, Neta Alene, at home with her parents.

Frank Berdan Case was born on July 3, 1873, and grew up on his father’s farm. He received a fair education and upon attaining his manhood began business for himself. On November 23, 1899, he married Miss Jennie Keeler, daughter of Samuel E. and Nellie Keeler. The mother died in 1908. Frank B. and wife have two children: Florence now attending school, and Leslie, also going to school. The Case family is one of the most prominent in this portion of the county and at all times live up to their high reputation.

CASSEDAY, JONN J. -----who has long been a resident of Rochester, is descended from a family conspicuous for the part taken by them in the wars of this country. He was born in Vermilion county, Illinois, a son of James and Elizabeth (Milton) Casseday, natives of Ohio and Kentucky respectively, a grandson of John Casseday, and a great-grandson of Peter Casseday. The latter was a native of Ireland. but came to America when this country was a dependency of Great Britain and served the Colonies seven years in the Revolutionary war. He married Mary (Polly) McClung, by whom he was the father of six children. The descendents of Peter Casseday have achieved prominence in the various walks of life, some of them becoming renowned as clergymen, journalists and geologists. Branches of the family moved to the southern states and sympathized with the Confederate cause in the Civil war, and some, by marriage, became related to Gen. Sam Houston. John Casseday, son of Peter, served throughout the second war with England. He was a Methodist clergyman and moved near Danville, Illinois, in the early thirties.

James Casseday, son of John, came to Dodge county, Minnesota, at an early period in the history of this state. He was one of the first to respond to President Lincoln’s call for the preservation of the Union. and served in that struggle in the First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. Four of his sons also participated in the Civil war, two, William M. and John J., in the Second Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and two, George W. and Samuel A., in the Second Minnesota Cavalry. All were honorably discharged at the close of the war.

John J. Casseday, on October 26, 1861. enlisted and was mustered in at Louisville, Kentucky. He first participated in the engagement at Mills Spring, then marched with his regiment through Kentucky and Tennessee in time to take part in the battle of Shiloh. Following this he was at the siege of Corinth, thence to Winchester, Tennessee, and was with General Buell in the pursuit of General Bragg’s army through Nashville to Louisville, taking part in the battle of Perryville. Returning South with his command, he was at Triune, the summer campaign of 1863, Hoover’s Gap and Chickamauga. In the last mentioned battle Mr. Casseday received a severe wound in the head, which received no attention for days by reason of his having been captured by the enemy.

After being paroled he returned to his home in Dodge county, Minnesota. In the spring of 1866 he came to Rochester and embarked in the marble and granite business. In this line of business he has ever since been engaged. For a time Andrew Doig was his partner, but he is at present associated with James E. Regan, under the firm name of John J. Casseday & Co.

March 11, 1868, he was united in marriage with Miss Emma J. Stafford, who died February 2, 1902, and they became the parents of the following seven children: Arthur L., George A., Charles J., Edgar D., Herbert J., John B. and Edith E. Mr. Casseday was married the second time, June 12, 1909, to Mrs. Elizabeth Lucky. Mr. Casseday is a Republican in politics and has served two terms as a member of the school board. He is among the oldest living members of the Congregational church at Rochester. Socially he belongs to Custer Post, No. 23, Grand Army of the Republic, and the Masonic fraternity.

CAULFIELD, JOHN -----one of the foremost citizens of Kalmar township, Olmsted county, Minnesota, was born March 29, 1855, in Boone county, Illinois, a son of John and Rosanna (Clark) Caulfield, both natives of Ireland. The father at an early date left the old country and came to America. In 1848 he spent some time in the coal mines of Trumbull county, Ohio, and in 1854 took up his residence in Illinois. He then came to Minnesota, leaving his family in Illinois till he established a home for them in this comparatively new country, and secured 160 acres of land from the government in Kalmar township, which he cleared and improved and resided on until his death in 1906. He was one of Olmsted county’s earliest settlers, and experienced all the trials and hardships of pioneer life, and when he was summoned to the great unknown he left behind many friends to mourn the loss of so good a man and citizen.

John Caulfield, the subject of this review, was educated and reared to early manhood in his adopted state. Both as boy and man he was greatly interested in the welfare of his family, and until fifty years old he remained with his father in whatever under taking the elder Caulfield engaged in. When his father died, in 1906, he purchased a small tract of land in Kalmar township, this being his first venture in real estate. In politics Mr. Caulfield is a Republican, casting his first vote for the late William McKinley, and has held many minor township offices, and for several years he was a member of the Kalmar township board.

March 28, 1888 he was married to Miss Emma, daughter of Samuel M. Dowell, of Mercer county, Pennsylvania, and five children have been born to them, as follows: Samuel, born April 13, 1889; Clark, born July 20, 1900: Irwin, born April 1, 1904; Gyla, born August 17, 1907; and Wilbur, born July 11, 1910. Mr. Caulfield has three sons, who, although young in years are members of the Byron band, and he is proud of their ability in this line. He is a successful farmer, and has a beautiful residence near the Dodge county line.

CHILDS, MAURICE PALMER -----of Dover township, is a son of the old pioneer. Isaac Milton Childs, whose advent in Olmsted county, Minnesota, was in 1856. and his location on Section 12, Dover township. The Childs family originally came from England to America when this country was a colony of Great Britain, and certain members participated on the side of the land of their adoption in the two wars with the mother country. Isaac Milton Childs was of New England nativity, his birth occurring in Connecticut in 1821, and was a farmer by occupation. Together with his wife, Sarah, he came to Olmsted county at a time when it was in its infancy, and together they lived and labored, endured the privations incident to pioneer life and became of the best citizens of the county. Mr. Childs died May 24, 1885, but his widow yet survives, and for the greater part of the time resides with her son-in-law, Willard P. Saxton, in St. Charles, and with Mr. Childs.

Maurice P. Childs was born in Dover township, this county, June 11, 1861, and until nineteen years old assisted in the work of the home farm and attended the district and St. Charles schools. His first tract was 160 acres on Sections 25 and 26, and to this he has since added eighty acres, making altogether 240 acres, all of which Mr. Childs has improved to such an extent as to become one of the best developed, finely improved farms in Olmsted county. He owns also thirty-seven and one-half acres of timber land three miles west of Chatfield. In 1908 he removed to St. Charles and has since made his home there. Mr. Childs is a Royal Arch member of the Masonic fraternity and is a stockholder in the Citizens’ State Bank of St. Charles.

At Rochester, on May 21, 1889, he married Miss Phebe Sprague, and of the three children born to them Percy is the only living one. The other two died in infancy. Mrs. Childs is a daughter of Amaziah and Phebe Sprague, who came from New York state to Minnesota in 1855 and settled at Chatfield. They were among the best people in that locality. Mr. Sprague was a farmer and died July 11, 1878, aged fifty-five years. His wife died March 27, 1902, when sixty-four years old. Both are buried in the Chatfield cemetery.

CHRISTENSEN, HENRY O. -----judge of the probate court of Olmsted county, is of Danish parentage, his father, John Christensen, having come to the United States in 1865. The family came to Olmsted county, Minnesota, and in 1867 settled on a farm in Kalmar township, and here Henry O. Christensen, the second in a family of four sons, was born July 13, 1872. He taught and attended school for some years and, having decided to become a lawyer, entered the legal department of Drake University at Des Moines, Iowa, from which institution he was duly graduated in 1900. He was at once regularly admitted to practice. Succeeding this he returned to Olmsted county and became a member of the law firm of Fraser & Christensen. He was thus associated until 1902, when upon his election as judge of the probate court, he resigned his legal connection with the above firm and has since served continuously in that official position. Judge Christensen is a Democrat in politics.

CHRISTOFFERSON, KNUTE ----- was born in Norway, November 21, 1857, and is a son of Christoffer and Beret who were farmers and well to do citizens of that country. Their son, Knute, passed his early life on his father’s farm at hard work and in the meantime secured a fair education. He remained in that country until he reached the age of twenty-four years, when he came to America and bought a tract of 80 acres in Section 12, Rock Dell Township, and on this place he has resided ever since. He has now a fine farm, well equipped with up-to-date machinery and implements, and well stocked with good animals. He is engaged in raising livestock and in growing the small grains, and is regarded as one of the best agriculturalists of the township. His farm is well improved and has good and substantial buildings, fences, etc. He is a Republican and a member of St. Olaf’s Church.

On August 8, 1888, he married Sara Johnson, the daughter of an adjoining farmer who settled in this township at an early day. Mr. Christofferson suffered the loss of his beloved wife April 12, 1901; she was buried in St. Olaf’s cemetery from the church where she was confirmed and where she had ever worshipped.

CHUTE, CHARLES H. -----proprietor of the “Chute Sanitarium,” at Rochester, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, November 20, 1856, and is a son of John Joseph and Margaret (Dailey) Chute. When two years old he was brought by his parents to Winona, Minnesota, where the family resided about four years, after which they came to Rochester. Here the parents died.

Charles H. Chute attended the Rochester public schools until February, 1876, and then for four years was employed in the street department of the city. Succeeding this he went to Beadle county, South Dakota, and was there when the city of Huron was established. He later removed to Woonsocket and for seven years engaged in the ice business, but he then went to Brule county, South Dakota, entered land from the government and followed farming five years. Becoming discouraged at the poor condition of the crops, he disposed of his interests there and returned to Rochester, where for seven years he was employed as baggage-master by the Chicago & Northwestern Rail way Company.

In 1880, at Huron, South Dakota, he was married to Miss Margaret Hosch, daughter of Frank and Katherine Hosch, farmers of that locality, and two children have been born to them, named Margaret, November 16, 1882, at Forestburg, South Dakota, now with her parents in Rochester, and Mary, August 7, 1884, at Woonsocket, South Dakota, who died July 3, 1888. Conceiving the idea that a sanitarium, under the right sort of management, would be very successful in Rochester, Mr. and Mrs. Chute converted their residence into an institution of that nature, which has since proven the correctness of their reasoning. In June 1903 they were forced to seek larger quarters and acquired adjoining property which they remodeled and added to their sanitarium. Again in 1907 they were compelled to make another addition, and now their establishment has accommodations for sixty-five patients, besides two hospital wards. A competent staff of nurses have charge of all patients and the doctors Mayo personally call for treatments and instructions to nurses. The Chute sanitarium is fully equipped with all modern conveniences, and is the only private institution of its kind in the city. Mr. Chute is a Demorcat in politics but has never held office, preferring to confine his attention to private interests. He has held office in many local social and benevolent organizations, and he and wife are members of the Degree of Honor. They are also members of the Catholic church.

CLARK, JOHN -----(deceased) was born in Ireland and was there reared and educated. Soon after reaching manhood he came to the United States and settled in Illinois and there engaged in farming. In 1856 he sold out and came to Olmsted county and filed on a tract of 160 acres of government land in section 15, Pleasant Grove township, and here made his permanent home. He “proved up” in 1862. and his patent bears the name of Abraham Lincoln. Being one of the earliest settlers, he was forced to endure many inconveniences and hardships; but he was industrious and honest and in time secured a large and valuable property and also the high regard of all who knew him. He became prominent in local affairs and was one of the best citizens of the county. At the time of his death he was the owner of 500 acres of excellent land, all well improved with modern buildings, livestock and up-to-date equipment. He helped to build St. Bridget’s Church, where he worshiped until his death. He passed away in 1888 and now sleeps his last sleep in the adjoining cemetery.

In 1865 he married Miss Mary McGraw, whose parents were well known pioneers of this county, and to this union the following children were born: William resides in Canada and is engaged in farming; Kate, who married a Mr. Taylor; John, James, William, Edward, Charles, Franklin, George and Joseph. Edward is married and is working at the mason’s trade, though living on the old place. John and George are farming the old homestead. The family are members of St. Bridget’s Church. Mrs. Clark, though now seventy-five years old, is in full possession of all her faculties. She is one of the splendid women of the county, a loving wife, a kind, good mother, an obliging neighbor and a faithful Christian. In her home she is very hospitable, and she enjoys the companionship of her children and grandchildren.

CLIFTON, DR. WILLIAM W. -----of Rochester, is a native of Fountain county, Indiana, where his parents, Housen and Permelia (Seeley) Clifton, were early settlers and respected citizens. Housen Clifton, his father, was a physician and came to Olmsted county in 1866, settling on a farm on section eight, Rochester township, where he farmed and engaged in the practice of his profession. He attained much success as a cancer specialist and his patients came from all over the country.

Dr. William W. Clifton was born December 9, 1848, and reared to early manhood in, and educated in the public schools of, his native county. He came to Olmsted county with his parents when eighteen years old, and two years later was converted to Christianity. He subsequently took up the study of theology, was ordained a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, but never followed the ministerial calling. Under his father’s tutelage he studied medicine and succeeded him in his practice. In the treatment of external or surface cancer he has had more success than usually comes to the average practitioner, and his fame has extended to remote localities throughout the land. Dr. Clifton’s medical education was obtained in the Metropolitan School of Physicians and Surgeons, from which he was regularly graduated. In politics he is a Republican with a strong leaning to prohibition and other reforms tending toward the general good of the country.

CONDRON, JOHN -----who since 1903 has been engaged in farming and stock raising in Marion township, Olmsted county, was born December 14, 1859, in Eyota township, this county, the son of Patrick and Mary (Maher) Condron, natives of Ireland. The father, after his education had been completed in the public schools of his native country, came to America and until 1859 resided in Connecticut and New York state. He then came West to Minnesota and bought a farm of 160 acres in Eyota township, which he cleared, cultivated and resided on until his death. He was married in Connecticut to Miss Mary Maher, who was born and reared in Ireland, and to them five children, four sons and one daughter, were born, all of whom were reared and educated in Olmsted county, Minnesota. Mr. Condron was a life long Democrat in his political views, and he and wife were devout members of the Catholic church. When he died, at the age of 86 years, he was highly respected and esteemed by his fellowmen for his many sterling qualities of mind and character.

The subject of this review, John Condron, was the third child born to his parents, and received his education in the district schools of his native township. His boyhood days were passed in assisting in the work of the home farm, and after reaching maturity he was married, on November 22, 1893, to Miss Mary Campion, descended from one of the earliest families of the county’s history, and four children have been born to them, named Stephen, Nora, John and Joseph. Shortly after the above union took place, Mr. and Mrs. Condron moved to their present place in Marion township, where they have reared their children and resided ever since. Mr. Condron now owns 240 acres of fine farm land, all of which is under intelligent cultivation. Although of Democratic tendencies, he usually votes for the man, regardless of party affiliations, and takes an active interest in all local public affairs. He, like his father before him, is a member of the Roman Catholic church.

CONDRON, REV. STEPHEN J. -----was born in Olmsted county, Minnesota, December 26, 1862, and is a son of Patrick and Mary (Meagher) Condron, both of whom were natives of the Emerald Isle. They came to Olmsted county in 1856 and bought 120 acres of wild land a short distance east of Rochester and there passed the remainder of their days. They became prominent and were well known and most highly respected. They were the parents of five children, all of whom are yet living.

Stephen J. was educated by the Sisters of St. Francisco, at Rochester, and was then sent to St. Francis Seminary, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he pursued his literary and religious studies for a period of five years. making great advancement in the paths of spiritual training. He then took a two years’ philosophical course at Grand Seminary, Toronto, Canada; succeeding which, for three and a half years, he studied theology at St. Thomas College, St. Paul, where in due time and after completing his system of profound studies he was ordained by Archbishop John Ireland. These long years of severe study and mental and moral discipline had fitted Father Condron for his important life work in saving souls and in building up the church. His ordination occurred in December, 1890, and immediately he was sent to Avoca, Minnesota, in the capacity of a missionary, and there he labored four years increasing the size of the parish. constructing a church building worth $7,000, and leaving the parish entirely free of debt. He was then transferred to Lake City, where he was stationed for two years, and was then placed in charge of St. Bridget’s Parish, Pleasant Grove township. During his residence here he has built a branch church at Stewartville at a cost of $7,000, and freed the congregation of debt. Father Condron is now pastor of both these congregations. Under his able ministration the parish has prospered greatly in numbers, spiritual enlightenment and grace, and materially under his wise and able government and control. He is yet comparatively young and has before him many years yet of service for the Master.

CONLEY, HON. KERRY E. ----- president of the Conley Camera Company, at Rochester, is a native of Fillmore county, Minnesota, his birth occurring September 1, 1866, and a son of Thomas J. and Diana E. (Huston) Conley. Thomas J. Conley was of Irish descent and a native of Vermont, and always followed farming. In the early fifties, when yet a young man, he located in Fillmore county, Minnesota, and was among the early pioneers of that locality. He remained there until 1876, and then came to and located on a farm in High Forest township, Olmsted county, but ten years later removed to Spring Valley and thence to Verndale, Minnesota, where he died in January, 1908, preceded by his wife in 1906. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and had seven children, five of whom are yet living.

When ten years of age, Kerry E. Conley, the subject of this memoir, was brought to Olmsted county by his parents. His early education was acquired in the public schools of Fillmore and Olmsted counties, and this was supplemented by a course in Darling’s Business College. He then pursued a course in opthalmology at the Chicago Opthalmic College and Hospital, graduating therefrom in 1891. At this time Mr. Conley was engaged in the jewelry business at Spring Valley, and his study of opthalmology had been made with the view of aiding his work in fitting those calling for glasses. His brother, Fred V. Conley, was also associated with him in the business at Spring Valley, and they carried, in connection with their jewelry line, a full stock of cameras. They devised and patented a magazine camera which they endeavored to market, but failing in this they began manufacturing at Spring Valley. They had no previous knowledge of manufacturing or of factory work of this kind, and being thus handicapped, had, for a number of years, a struggle to make both ends meet. However, they eventually succeeded in manufacturing a complete line of cameras and this proved the foundation of their present success. In 1904 they moved their establishment to Rochester, incorporated as the Conley Camera Company, and ever since success has been assured them. Their capitalization is $50,000, their annual business amounts to about $150,000 and they have now about 175 employees in their establishment.

Kerry Conley is a Republican in politics, has filled several minor political positions and in 1908 was elected by his party to the Lower House of the State Legislature. He is a Knight Templar Mason and a member of Osman Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and is identified with the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Baptist Church. On September 21, 1892, at Spring Valley he was united in marriage with Miss Sadie I. Dodge. and two children, Walter H. and Irene M., have been born to them.

CONWAY, PATRICK H. -----was born in Canada, June 24, 1856, and is a child of John and Ellen, who formerly resided in New York, where they were married. Later they moved to Canada, where John, the father, engaged in railroad work. In 1859 they came West to Michigan, and there engaged in farming until 1867, when they came to Olmsted county and bought 160 acres in section 2, Salem township. Here the family resided for many years, increasing their worldly possessions and becoming well and favorably known throughout this part of the county. The father became prominent and occupied various offices with fidelity. He finally passed away in 1906 and was laid at rest in St. John’s Cemetery, Rochester. His widow is still living and resides at Rochester.

Patrick H. spent his youth assisting his parents on the farm and attending the district schools during the winter months. At the death of his father he fell heir to considerable property. In addition, he purchased a tract of 100 acres in Kalmar township. In 1896 he married Miss Caroline Anderson of Marion township and the following children were born to this union: Helen, Elizabeth, John, William, Patrick, Michael A., Mary and Caroline. The family are members of St. John’s Parish Church, and he is a member of the A. O. H. He is a Democrat and is well posted on public affairs. He takes great interest in the education of his children.

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