Trails to the Past

Minnesota

Olmsted County

Biographie Index

 

Biographies 

History of Olmstead County Minnesota

Written by Joseph A. Leonard 1910

 

COOK, EDWARD F. -----the present cashier of the First National Bank of Rochester, is a native of Minnesota, his birth occurring at Rochester, December 9, 1866. He was the fifth child in a family of six born to the union of Martin and Mary (Benedict) Cook, who were born in Canada and Connecticut, respectively. The father came to this country when a young man, and in 1858 located at Rochester, where he spent the remainder of his life engaged in fruit growing and the nursery business. He passed away on March 7, 1897, and was followed by his wife on November 26, 1902. Both were of English extraction, and were highly respected residents of the county.

The education of Edward F. Cook was acquired in the public schools of Rochester, and after graduating therefrom he entered, on January 9, 1885, the Rochester National Bank. He carefully mastered all the details of that line of business and gradually worked his way up to the position of cashier. This he held until August 1, 1905, when he became associated with the W. J. Eaton Egg Company, and remained thus connected until May 1, 1908. He then removed to Spearfish, South Dakota, and was identified with the banking interests of that place until April 1, 1909. At that date he returned to Rochester and has since officiated in his present position.

April 12, 1893, he was united in marriage with Miss Laura, daughter of A. D. Leet, of Rochester, and to them two children have been born, named Donald and Helen. In his political views Mr. Cook is a Republican, and for eight consecutive years he was elected to the office of city treasurer by that party. Socially, he is identified with the Masonic fraternity, the Knights of Pythias and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Mr. Cook has long been associated with the banking interests of Olmsted county and has always commanded the respect and esteem of his fellowmen.

COOK, JOHN RAMSEY -----deceased, one of the oldest and best known residents of Olmsted County, was born at Clear Creek, formerly Richland County, now Ashland County, Ohio, May 31, 1825, a son of Thomas, of Washington County, Pennsylvania, and Mary Shields, and grandson of John ad Sarah (Clark) Cook. 

During boyhood days John R. Cook assisted his father and attended the common schools, studying also during leisure hours, and in this way secured a good, practical education. When twenty-four years old he started out in life on his own resources, came west to Indiana, and after hard work and strict economy opened a general store at Wolf Lake. He possessed the natural aptitude of a trader and his keen business judgment enabled him to accumulate the nucleus of the competency he afterwards acquired. He did not confine his operations to merchandising, however, but dealt in farm lands, and with the profits of these transactions invested in “Fort Wayne” railroad stock. This, from a monetary stand-point, was eminently successful; the stock greatly appreciated in value and netted a handsome return on the investment. A good share of the money thus invested had been acquired by the cheapness of land occasioned by the rush of gold seekers to California, in which Mr. Cook was shrewd enough to invest and realize some $45,000.

In 1856 he came to Rochester, Minnesota, then a small frontier village, and embarked in the dry goods, grocery and hardware business and for years was one of the leading businessmen of southern Minnesota. His activities, however, were not confined to mercantile pursuits, for he disposed of the aforementioned interests in 1864 and became the prime factor in the organization of the First National Bank, of which he was president until his death. At a cost of about $80,000 he built the Cook House, in 1869, and this has since been the leading hotel of Rochester. He also erected the Ramsey Block, corner of Zumbro and Main streets, and the Cook residence, which at that time was an imposing structure built of brick which was brought by team from Winona.  Aside from his real estate holdings in Olmsted County Mr. Cook owned land in Iowa, Indiana, Wisconsin and the Dakotas, and was a partner in the milling firm of Mellen, Cook & Hurlbut, of Rochester. He also owned the establishment now operated by C. F.  Massey & Company.

On September 28, 1858, he was united in marriage with Miss Frances S. Olin, who was born in Jamesville, N. Y., August 11, 1834, the daughter of Salathiel and Rachel (Saeger) Olin, and to them were born the following named three children: John R., Jr., April 30, 1859: Frances May, May 21, 1862, who married Fred A. Gooding, and June, June 19, 1864.  Fred A. Gooding and wife were the parents of two children, named Frances, born November 12, 1892, and John Cook, born September 5, 1894. Mr. Gooding passed away May 6, 1910, and his widow is now residing in Casper, Wyoming.

When but eighteen years old John R. Cook became a member of the Presbyterian Church, and when the church of that denomination was erected in Rochester, he subscribed freely and was liberal in later donations.  He was one of the forceful characters of Olmsted County, and while a close trader and observer of the human mind and nature, his honesty and uprightness of character were never questioned.  In politics he espoused the belief of the Republican party and socially was identified with the Masonic fraternity. On September 10, 1880, Olmsted County lost by death one of her best and most deserving citizens, and many friends mourned that so good a man should be taken away. Quoting from one who knew him well, we will say the following in conclusion: “In the best and broadest sense he was an honest man; he pushed no man to the wall; he took advantage of no man’s extremity; he never had a law suit.”

CORNWELL, FRANK W. -----one of the progressive, intelligent and up-to-date farmers of New Haven township, is a member of one of the pioneer families of Olmsted county. His parents, Joseph M.  and Harriet (Webb) Cornwell, came west to Wisconsin from the state of New York, and about the year 1856 located in Olmsted county, Minnesota, and pre-empted from the government the land now owned by the subject of this sketch. Here the parents lived and labored, giving to their children such advantages as they could afford and gradually increasing their worldly possessions, and here the father died in 1891. The mother is yet living at an advanced age.

Frank W. Cornwell was born in Dane county, Wisconsin October 28, 1854, but was here reared and educated and has spent his life from infancy in agricultural pursuits. The original farm has since been increased until it now embraces 800 acres, the larger part of which is tilled by tenants. Standing in the yard of the old homestead is a building erected out of basswood siding from logs cut on the farm fifty-three years ago. It is still in a good state of preservation and at the present time is used as a hay barn. Mr.  Cornwell does not pretend to be anything but a farmer and is among the best of that occupation in the county. While he is a Republican in politics, and has attended various political conventions, he has steadfastly declined honors at the hands of his party except as to local offices, several of which he has filled as a public duty.

In 1883 he married Miss Elizabeth Hurd, a native of La Crosse, Wisconsin, and their union has been blessed with three children, two living—Edith, born February 20, 1890, a graduate of the Winona Seminary, and Walter, born, November 12, 1895, now in attendance at the Pillsbury Academy, Owatonna. Both children reside at home with their parents.

CORNWELL, WILLIAM HOWARD -----who is now residing at 473 West Wabasha street, Winona, where he has been engaged in the real estate business for the last three years passed the most of his life on the old home farm of 240 acres on sections 1 and 2, Elmira township, this county. He is the son of Charles H. and Emily Cornwell, who came to America with their parents at an early date, from England. The Cornwells located in Connecticut, but in 1856 came to Minnesota and located on the land which today is called the “Home Farm.” Charles H. and Emily were thus among the first settlers, and experienced all the trials and hardships of the new country. He first pre-empted 160 acres and later added to it an eighty-acre tract, all of which is owned to this day by William H.  and his brother, Charles F. At first they were compelled to do their marketing at Winona, where they drove their cattle and hogs and hauled their grain, and where they purchased the most of their supplies. At first their houses and other buildings were rude and primitive, and often it was difficult to keep warm and care for their stock. The father was thrifty, industrious, honest and well informed, and made the most of his opportunities, and steadily gained in property and advanced in the esteem of the community. He occupied various official positions, always with honor to his good name. He is now eighty-seven years old, and is near the end of a successful and useful life.

William Howard Cornwell was born on the home farm, January 17, 1868, and in youth was educated at the district schools. Later he supplemented this with extensive reading and practical observations until today he is unusually well informed and broad-gauged.  After securing his education he continued on the old farm until he and his brother bought it in 1892. They still continued to conduct the place until 1907, when he engaged in the real estate business at Winona. He is unmarried and resides with his sisters. He has two brothers and two sisters: Helen, Addie, Frank S. and Charles F. The parents and children are prominent people and are among the best and most progressive citizens of the county.

COULSON, WILLIAM -----is a son of Joseph and Harriet Coulson and has passed the greater part of his life in this county engaged in farming. He is located on a farm of 480 acres, of which 240 acres are in Elmira township and 240 in Dover township. His father passed away June 27, 1906, and his mother February 28, 1906.  After their marriage in England the parents in 1853 came to this country, landing in New York, but at once coming west to Chicago, thence trekking by ox teams to the La Crosse country in Wisconsin near where they located on a wild farm and began their labor and trials. There they remained for sixteen years, or until 1869, when they came to the present farm in this county. Upon their arrival here they first built a small shanty of timbers obtained in the adjacent woods and of lumber hauled from Chatfield, but at a later date built a better structure. Joseph was a Republican and a member of the Methodist Church, belonging to the latter sixty one years and serving as trustee and steward. Owing to his defective hearing he was compelled to forego all ordinary official positions, though eminently qualified to fill any local office. He and his wife built up a splendid reputation here for good citizenship and excellent conduct.

William, their son, was born in Lincolnshire, England, on August 17, 1853, and when an infant was brought to America by his parents. He attended the district schools in Wisconsin, and after his arrival in this county continued to attend at the Elmira district school, near his father’s residence. During his youth and early manhood he assisted his father on the farm, and from the start took more than ordinary interest in the success of all farm operations.  He learned all the arts and mysteries of farming and stock raising and ever since has been one of the most successful and up-to date farmers of the county. Under his good judgment the buildings have been remodeled and all things have been improved. He is at present engaged in building a fine new residence. He has taken a deep interest in public and political affairs and in all things relating to good citizenship. He is a Republican and has served as a delegate at various conventions and recently was honored by appointment from Governor Eberhart as delegate to the conservation convention at St. Paul. He is at present a justice of the peace and has occupied other important and responsible positions. He is a member of the Methodist Church and of the Woodmen, and is a Knight Templar and a Knight of the Scottish Rite.

On June 1, 1875, he married Miss Eliza, the daughter of Thomas and Lizzie Patterson, who were prominent farmers of Elmira township and among the first settlers. Thomas died in 1908 at the age of seventy-six years. His wife had died in 1875 at the age of forty-two years.  William and Eliza Coulson have had six children, as follows: Josie, died at the age of seven years; Nellie, married T. L. Phelps, auditor of Olmsted county; Newell E., who has obtained a good education; Frank W.. a graduate of Rochester Business College; Paul E., who is still at school; Leona, who is also at school and excels in drawing and painting. No people in the county are better known or more highly respected. All realize the great importance of education for the enjoyment and happy passage of life, and all are ambitious and are keeping step with the progress of events along modern lines.

COVELL, GEORGE I. -----was born in Erie county, Ohio, January 14, 1826, and spent his youth in assisting his parents and in attending the district schools. At the age of eighteen years he learned the calker’s trade and thereafter until January 15, 1854, worked at his trade in the Ohio ship yards. During this period he managed to save considerable of his earnings.

June 15, 1854, he came to Mower county, Minnesota, and pre-empted a tract of government land in section 8, township 104, range 14. He proved up his patent, which was signed by President Buchanan and is in the name of George I. Covell to this day. Mr. Covell claims to have been the first man to pay taxes in Mower county. In 1853, just before coming to Minnesota, he married Phoebe Buck, a native of New York City. This couple lived together on their farm and in High Forest until her death, October 28, 1902; she was laid to rest in High Forest cemetery.

She and her husband were members of the Methodist Episcopal church at High Forest, and although they did not join at the commencement they helped to build the first church structure, which is a part of the present building.  The organizers of the church society were prompted by Mrs. Wilson, who received $100 in 1856 from Boston people with which to build a church. So Mrs. Wilson, Father Beers and wife, Mrs.  John Althouse, J. L. Rockwell and wife, Mrs. Wilson’s son and his wife, George I. Covell and wife put their heads and means together and managed to erect the building. Ever since this church has proved a spiritual blessing to the whole community.

In November, 1893, Bertha Covell, a niece of George I., came to Minnesota from Sandusky, Ohio, and made her home with them until she married Homer Day, in December, 1894. They have the following children: Merrill, born October 1 5, 1895; Belva, born August 15, 1897; Naomi, born March 27, 1899; George J., born September 15, 1906. This family are conducting the farm at the present time. Mr. Covell is a Republican and was a member of the state legislature in 1858, and served as town supervisor for many years. Mr. Covell is dearly beloved by all who know him.

CRABB, JOHN C. -----was born on a farm in Cascade township, Olmsted county, May 1, 1860 and was educated at the common schools and the Winona normal. While yet quite young he secured a certificate and began to teach school and was thus occupied for ten years. He taught in both the common and the graded schools and was regarded as one of the best instructors and disciplinarians in the county. He finally quit teaching and engaged in the general mercantile business at Byron in 1892, and was thus occupied until 1895, when, having become actively concerned in politics, he was elected to the office of clerk of the district court of Olmsted county and served with credit as such for a period of twelve years from January, 1895, to January, 1907.

He was chairman of the Republican county committee from 1895 to 1906. He was considered a strong party man, and the campaigns were spirited when under his management. He is a member of the Republican state central committee and has been a director in the Y. M. C. A. of Rochester since its organization and was president of the board for the first three years after its organization. Recently he was made secretary of the Rochester Land & Loan Company, a newly organized concern. He is a member of the Masons, Odd Fellows, A. O. U.  W., the K. of P. and of the Methodist Church.

On August 13, 1890, he married, in Oronoco township, Miss Alice M. Hannon and they are the parents of one daughter, Elizabeth E. Crabb, born September 28, 1903. Mrs. Crabb died October 7, 1909. Mr. Crabb is the son of James and Lucinda Crabb. the father being a native of Pennsylvania. He came to Olmsted county in the summer of 1855 and was a licensed minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His principal occupations were farming and merchandising.

CRAINE, ARTHUR ELMORE -----has resided on his present farm of 165 acres in section 36, Orion township, Olmsted county, Minnesota. since 1903. He was born August 22, 1850, in Marengo county, Illinois, the son of Giles W. and Eliza A. Craine, and the family, insofar as the records show, hail primarily from the State of Ohio.  Early in life the father, who was a farmer and blacksmith by occupation, left his native State and went to Illinois, where he remained until 1855. He then came West to Winona county, Minnesota. but shortly thereafter came to Chatfield, Olmsted county, Minnesota. and here he and wife spent their remaining days.

After receiving his early education in the district schools Arthur E. Craine, the immediate subject of this review, entered the Utica High School and completed his education in his eighteenth year. For two years thereafter he remained with his father, learning the blacksmith’s trade, and then started out in life for himself, working at his trade five years. In 1875 he purchased a farm in Lyon county, Iowa, but was forced to dispose of same owing to the ravages of grasshoppers.  He worked for a time at his trade in Mankato, Minnesota, and then spent a year at Saratoga. For the succeeding twelve years he conducted a woodworking and blacksmith shop at Fremont, and was also interested largely in well drilling. From 1890 to 1894 he further engaged at Fremont in the manufacture of self-feeders for threshers. In the latter year he came to Chatfield, Olmsted county, and established himself in the machine repairing business, continuing thus two years. Until 1903 he engaged in farming near Saratoga, Minnesota, and then bought his present property in Orion township, Olmsted county, where he has since been successfully engaged at farming and milling. On his property is a mill which has stood there for over fifty years and this Mr. Craine also conducts. 

In 1874 he was married to Nellie M., daughter of James and Hannah Jackson, of Fremont, Winona county and to them have been born Charles, a veteran of the Philippine war and Maud. In politics Mr. Craine is a Republican. and he is one of the progressive and up-to-date farmers and citizens of Olmsted county.

CRAVATH, AUSTIN -----is now residing on a farm of 520 acres on sections 13 and 14, Elmira township, and his post office address is Chatfield.  He rents this fine farm of his father and carries on mixed farming and stock raising and is up to date and prosperous.  He is the son of Lewis and Catherine (Ferrier) Cravath, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work.

Austin was born on the old home farm in this township on August 18, 1883, and in boyhood received his education in the local district schools and spent the summers at work on the home farm. Later he ended his literary education in the high school at St. Charles, but finished his school career in 1898 at the age of fifteen years and returned to the farm and here has ever since lived and labored. He has made up-to-date farming a specialty, particularly the breeding of fine horses and cattle. He feeds large numbers of cattle and other stock during the winter months and during the year cultivates about 200 acres in mixed farm products. His methods and machinery are all modern. He and his brother, John F., are among the best and most successful farmers of this portion of the county and are the leaders in all movements for the betterment of the community. The county has no better citizens. Austin has a fine modern dwelling and other buildings and conveniences, including an automobile, and is thus abreast of the times. On June 26, 1907, he was united in marriage with Miss Ella daughter of Selom and Ida Fox. They have one daughter, Evelyn, who was born May 7, 1909, and is the only living girl in the Cravath family, and is the pride of both her father and her mother.

CRAVATH, JOHN FERRIER -----has been a resident of Elmira township since his birth. His present farm consists of 240 acres of excellent land on section 14, and his post office address is Chatfield. He is the son of Lewis and Catherine Cravath, the father being a native of Michigan and the son of Austin Cravath, whose wife was formerly Margaret Hellam. Austin, grandfather of John F., came to Olmsted county in 1855 and settled on a farm yet occupied by his descendants. He had two sons: Lewis, father of John F., and Myrtillis, the former born in 1854 and the latter in 1857. Lewis grew up on his father’s farm, and in 1880 he married Miss Catherine Ferrier, a resident of this township. The family originally, on both sides apparently, were of Huguenot origin, and came from France to Canada many years ago and finally drifted into the United States, where they have multiplied and become prosperous and prominent.

John F. was born in the old house on section 14, Elmira township, on May 7, 1881 and in youth attended the district school and also the schools at St. Charles and Dover, finishing at the Rochester high school, in his twentieth year, and being thus well equipped from an educational point of view for the life of a farmer. In the meantime, after reaching a suitable age, he spent his summers assisting his father on the farm. After finishing his education he returned and assisted his father for three years, after which he joined his grandfather on the old Cravath place, and there he has ever since resided. He has made many improvements and now carries on extensively mixed farming. During the winters he has as high as 200 head of cattle, and during the summers about 25 head. He usually has on hand also about 10 head of horses, 225 sheep and swine. He is now one of the leading farmers and citizens of this portion of the county. He is a Republican, is a school director and a member of the Woodmen of America. On June 28, 1904, he married at Chatfield Miss Bertha Mary, daughter of Elmer and Francelia Clayton, retired farmers living in Chatfield.  They have three children: Kenneth Clayton, Carlton Goodman and Maurice Ferrier.

CRESAP, CHARLES W. -----for many years engaged in the blacksmith business in Olmsted county, and a man highly respected by his fellowmen, was born in Newcastle, Ohio, December 9, 1833, a son of J. C. and Martha (Reed) Cresap. The father, who was a native of Virginia and descended from an old family of that state, settled in Ohio in 1831 and for years followed his trade of blacksmith there.

Charles Cresap received very little schooling in his youth and from an early age assisted his father in the shop, remaining thus employed until twenty-three years old. He then spent a few months in Iowa, but in 1856 came to Marion township, Olmsted county, Minnesota, and for many years followed the trade learned under the tutelage of his father. When Mr. Cresap came to this part of the country it was wild and unsettled, few settlements had as yet been made and a large part of the land was in a primitive condition, but he possessed the grit and determination to succeed that characterized the early pioneers, his business grew and he prospered. He has seen Olmsted county grow from a few scattered settlements to the richest agricultural county in the United States, and few men have done more to bring about this change. 

In 1879 he was elected enrolling clerk of the state senate and has held town offices at different times. In 1896, owing to the silver plank in the Democratic platform, he could not conscientiously support that doctrine, and accordingly voted the Republican ticket, and has since been identified with that party. At the time Mr. Mc Kinley and Mr. Hobart were the nominees on the Republican national ticket. Mr. Cresap campaigned extensively throughout Olmsted county, meeting in debate some of the ablest speakers of the opposing party. It is generally conceded that he more than held his own in these conflicts of words. For ten years, 1882-1892, Mr. Cresap traveled, selling farm implements, and then engaged in the manufacture and sale of an invention of his own, known as the Cresap “bob-sleigh knee.” He continued thus for a period of three years, when he disposed of a portion of territory, still deriving, however, a moderate income from the royalty on its sales. He then opened a blacksmith shop on Main street, Rochester, which he still personally conducts. Although employing workmen in his establishment, Mr. Cresap still loves to see the sparks fly and hear the ring of the anvil and steadily works at the forge himself. By hard work and shrewd business dealings he has accumulated a competency, and now, when his declining years are at hand, he can enjoy the fruits of his labors and no wish or whim need remain ungratified. Mr. Cresap is essentially a self-made man, and on account of his political and business activities is one of the best known men of Olmsted and adjoining counties.

He has been twice married; first to Miss A. Brown, in 1860, and twelve years later to Miss Emgelia L. Wood. To the latter union three children were born, named Mark W., now holding a responsible position with Hart, Schaffner & Marks, of Chicago; Mabel L., the wife of G. A.  Casseday, of St. Paul, and Charles H., who died in infancy. Although an education was denied him during boyhood days, Mr.  Cresap has since read extensively on all the important topics of the day and is now a fine conversationalist, a delightful companion and a man of considerable learning. He is a man of fine appearance, genial, and with an unstained career both in his political and business connections is one of the best and most highly respected citizens of the county.

CROFOOT, H. M. -----one of the most successful pioneer farmers of Rock Dell township, was born in Lewis county, New York, October 26, 1856 being a son of Benjamin and Jane Kilham Crofoot who were devout members of the Methodist church. The father was a farmer also a carpenter.

H. M. Crofoot spent his boyhood days on the home farm in New York and received his education, as did the other boys of those times, in the country schools. In 1874 he started out in life for himself, coming to Rock Dell township, Olmsted county, Minnesota, where, until 1885 he rented land and followed farming. He carefully saved the money acquired in this manner, and in time was enabled to purchase eighty acres of land. From time to time he added substantially to his holdings until, in 1909, he was the owner of 400 acres of as fine, rich land as can be found in the county, which land is situated in sections 17 and 20 of Rock Dell township.  He associated himself with other lines of industry as well. He was connected with the Rock Dell Cheese Factory, the Zumbro Creamery, the Farmer’s Lumber Yard at Hayfield, the Farmer’s Elevator at Stewartville, and various other concerns always active and interested in everything that is for the benefit of the home, the town, and humanity in general. He was loved and esteemed for his charitable disposition and unquestioned integrity of character.  His reputation for veracity and sound judgment was so well recognized that his advice was frequently sought, and on different occasions he has settled many a petty dispute between neighbors which might otherwise have gone to the courts. 

On March 31, 1881, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary L.  Lamp, daughter of Frederick Lamp, of Rock Dell township, and to them have been born the following children: Lillian, who died October 13, 1910; Jennie, Laura, Minnie, Horace Martin, Mary Lucile and one who died in infancy. H. M. Crofoot died October 21, 1910, honored and respected by the whole community. He was buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Rochester, Minnesota, leaving a widow and five children.

He was a prominent church worker and a public-spirited man, taking an active interest in politics. He served as a member of the school board for about twenty years, and as a member of the town board for many years also, being chairman of the same fourteen years. He acted as delegate to many county and congressional conventions. He was a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and of the Modern Woodmen of America. In October, 1909, he sold his farm. About a year from that time he moved, with his family, to Rochester, Minnesota, where he lived only a few weeks to enjoy the fruit of his activity and industry.

CROW, NELSON V. A. -----deceased, was one of the first white settlers in this portion of Minnesota. He was born October 8, 1822, the son of Benjamin and Eliza (Millis) Crow, both of whom were natives of North Carolina, the home of the family for many years. 

Nelson V. A. first came to Winona county in April, 1854, and pre-empted government land in Elba township, which he grubbed, cleared and resided on until 1863, when he disposed of it and moved to Dover township, Olmsted county. He was at one time the heaviest land-owner of the county, being possessed of 1,900 acres, part in Minnesota and part in Wisconsin. He was one of the most prominent and progressive men of the community, and when death halted his career on June 2, 1905, his loss was mourned generally through the county. He was laid at rest in the cemetery at St. Charles.

In 1849, when the gold excitement in California caused thousands to flock to that state in search of wealth, Mr. Crow joined a wagon train and spent six months on the journey to Sacramento. This wagon train consisted of some sixty wagons, drawn by oxen and cows, and was accompanied by 170 or 180 armed men banded together for protection from the ravages and raids of the Indians. Until 1853 Mr. Crow cast his lot with the army of gold seekers and then came home by way of the Isthmus of Panama.  He was an active member of the Masonic fraternity and was identified with that organization at St. Charles.

He was twice married, first to Nancy Lane, and next to Amanda Lane, a sister of his first wife. To his first marriage four children were born, named Sylvester T., generally known as Jim; George Hiram, John Wesley, and Nelson Manley. To his second marriage there were also four children born, as follows: Millis Walter, Albert Garrison, Sophia and Edward, the first named being the only one now living. The children of the first marriage are all living.

George H. Crow, the son of Nelson V. A. Crow, was born in Boscobel, Grant county, Wisconsin, May 10, 1846, and came with his parents to Olmsted county. finishing his education in the district schools. When the memorable struggle between the North and South broke out, he ran away from home and enlisted with the “Boys in Blue” for the preservation of the Union, in Company K, Ninth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. His father, however obtained his discharge, but on October 12, 1863, he again enlisted, joining Company I, Second Minnesota Cavalry, and served with that command until honorably discharged on November 20, 1865.  After leaving the army, Mr. Crow traveled extensively, visiting nearly every state in the Union. including the Southern ones. He then went to Kansas and pre-empted land, but subsequently disposed of this and came to Olmsted county to take charge of a fine 320 acre farm owned by his father. Here he remained until 1886, when he rented and moved onto a 240 acre farm in Dover township, which he now owns and superintends. He also owns forty acres adjoining the city of St. Charles. He is a member of Custer Post, Grand Army of the Republic, and has attended many of the state and national encampments of that organization. He is a Republican in politics. but has always refused to hold office, preferring to confine his attentions to private interests. On July 4, 1885, he was united in marriage with Miss Sophia Feigert, who was born in Winona county, Minnesota, the daughter of Jacob and Sophia (Miller) Feigert, natives of Ohio. The Feigert family came originally from Hamburg, Germany. To them one daughter. Hester A., was born on May 6, 1894. She is now in attendance at the Rochester High School.

CROW, NELSON V. A. ------for many years engaged in the photography business at Rochester, was born in Augusta, Maine, March 14, 1873, a son of Everard and Lizzie (Smith) Crowell. The father was a native of Belgrade, Maine, his birth occurring October 26, 1848, and he learned photography in his native state. In 1868 he came west and for a time engaged in his profession at Eau Claire, Wisconsin, but in 1878 he came to Rochester, and for many years was actively and successfully employed in conducting a photographic studio. He was one of the best in his line in the state and did exceptionally fine work. To him and wife three children were born, named: Herbert E., Mabel E. and Lulu M. 

Herbert E. Crowell, the subject of this review, received his education in the Rochester public schools and when yet a young man entered his father’s studio, with a view to taking up that line of work. Here he remained until 1900, then spent a year in Des Moines, Iowa, after which he returned to Rochester and bought out the studio business of S. C. Abbott, and has since been successfully engaged on his own account.

June 30, 1898, he married Miss S. M. Hopkins, daughter of C. M. Hopkins, of Rochester.  Mr. Crowell has always taken an active interest in athletics. He is a member of the Baptist church. As a Prohibitionist in politics, he was the nominee of his party in 1906 for the state legislature.  Socially he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Young Men’s Christian Association at Rochester.

CUMMINGS, SAMUEL GRANT -----(deceased) was one of the first settlers of Olmsted county, having made a claim in Cascade township, near the present site of Rochester, in 1854. He was born in New Hampshire, June 10, 1835, and when very small was taken by his parents to New York, where he was reared to manhood and married Miss Lany Hoke. After four years’ residence on his first land here he sold it and moved to Kalmar township, on section 28, and there resided until his death in 1877. Mr. Cummings was of that hardy, courageous type of which pioneers are moulded.  He worked hard and accumulated considerable property, and was identified with most of the events contributing to the development of the community. During the establishment of the Patrons of Husbandry he was an active member of that order, and he was often called upon to fill local positions of trust and honor.  Four children were born to him and wife, viz.: Harley, Naomi, Annette and Roseltha M.

Harley Cummings, the second child and only son of Samuel G. Cummings, was born in Rochester, Minnesota, July 4, 1858, but has passed much of his life in Olmsted county, Minnesota, outside of Rochester. He received a common school education in youth, and was engaged in farming in Renville county, this state, for a time. Subsequently he resided at Fairfax ten years, then returned to Olmsted county, which has since been his home.  September 7, 1881, he wedded Miss Nelia Little, whose parents were natives of Vermont and came west with their eight children in 1855, and pre-empted government land in Salem township, where they lived the remainder of their days. They were the parents of eleven children in all, six of whom are now living.  To Mr. and Mrs. Cummings three children have been born, but two of whom, Etta and Edna, are alive. Mr. Cummings is one of the enterprising, progressive men of the county, is independent in his political views and at present is serving as clerk of the town of Kalmar.

CUMMINS, GEORGE A. -----of Marion township, Olmsted county is a native of West Virginia, his birth occurring September 5, 1841, at Morgantown, Monongalia county. He was the third child in a family of nine born to the union of Joseph and Margaret (Stillwell) Cummins, of Irish and Welch descent, respectively. The father was born in Maryland, but was reared and educated in Virginia, and in 1865 came West with his family to Iowa, where, with the exception of two years spent in Marion township, he  passed the remaining years of his life engaged in farming. 

Until 17 years of age George A. Cummins remained with his parents in West Virginia, attending the district schools and learning the steel melting business. He then went to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where he followed his trade until war was declared between the North and South in 1861. He enlisted with the Boys in Blue in the Thirteenth Pennsylvania volunteer infantry, but served only three months with that command. He re-enlisted in August, 1861, in the Seventh West Virginia volunteer infantry, and served until he was discharged for disability in 1863. The following year he again enlisted in the Pennsylvania volunteer infantry and served with credit until the close of that memorable struggle. He was wounded once, and for three months was a prisoner at Libby and Bell Island. He participated in the engagements at Rumley, Harrison and Antietam, and also Fredericksburg and Gettysburg. He was also a participant in the siege of Petersburg, and at Fort Gregg, and Appomattox.

After the war he returned to Pittsburg and followed his trade until 1872. On June 28, 1869, Mr. Cummins was married to Miss Jane McNickle, daughter of James McNickle, a boilermaker of New York City, and in 1872, accompanied by their family, came west to Marion township, Minnesota. There Mr. Cummins rented a farm and engaged in agricultural pursuits until his retirement from the active duties of life. He and family now reside in the village of Marion, are communicants of the Methodist church. and are highly respected members of the community. Mr. Cummins is a Republican and a member of the G. A. R.. Post No. 144.

CUSSONS, JAMES MARSAR -----was born at Horncastle, Lincolnshire, England, March 13, 1834, and is the son of John and Elizabeth (Jackson) Cussons, who resided there. His father, John, was the son of John, the son of William, the son of David, the son of William, the son of Abram Cussons, who was born in 1683, and died in 1746, at the age of sixty-three years. Abram was the son of John, the son of David.

So far as known, these ancestors were engaged in farming, James’ father being the first to engage in milling. John, the grandfather, was a freeholder of England, and owned a large farm in Lincolnshire. The father first conducted a windmill. but later used water power at Kirkby Bain, five miles from Horncastle, Lincolnshire, and conducted a baking business at Horncastle in connection with the mill, the two occupations then being usually operated jointly. To John and Elizabeth five children were born, James M. being the eldest.

He was educated in a private school at Hunmanby, Yorkshire, and learned the milling business of his father in the Kirkby mill. He remained with his parents until February, 1852, when he came to America and for three years traveled over several different states, working in twenty-one mills to perfect himself in the art of milling.

On February 26, 1855, he married Miss Ann, the daughter of John and Susannah (Glazier) Colton, all former residents of Horncastle, England. Both fathers, John Cussons and John Colton, were local preachers in the Wesleyan Methodist church, and operated flouring mills in the same town in England. John Colton brought his family to the United States in 1843 and first located in Albany, New York, where he remained two years as pastor in the M. E. church. He then resided at Akron, Canal Dover and Shanesville, Ohio for ten years, working at his trade. To James M. and Ann the following children were born: Anne Elizabeth, the wife of Henry H. Rowe, of Chatfield; John Edwin, deceased; Charles Wauzee, manager of the Cussons Milling Company, Stewartville; Susan, deceased; John Colton, vice-president of the milling company; Martha M., with her parents; James Marsar, Jr., in the milling business at Cooperstown, North Dakota; Emma May, with her parents; Mary Allison, the wife of Fred Hoaglan, of Stewartville; Allene, the wife of Donald J. Chatham, of Faribault; Jackson Glazier, secretary and treasurer of the milling company, at Stewartville.

Soon after the marriage of James M.  and Ann, they made a wedding tour of England, and upon their return located at Limaville, Ohio, where he and his father-in-law conducted a mill for two years. Then for a short period he was in the milling business in Michigan with his wife’s uncle, Samuel Colton; then was foreman of a large mill at Petersburg, Kentucky; then conducted a mill in Illinois, and finally came to Chat field, Minnesota, in April, 1861, where he conducted a mill on shares for three years. Then for short periods he operated mills ten miles from Richmond, Virginia, at Hannibal, Missouri, and Chatfield, Minnesota, three years more; Horicon, Wisconsin, one year; Winnebago City, three years, or until driven away by grass hoppers. He then came to Olmsted county “broke.” He again engaged in milling at Chatfield, buying the Elmira Mills in Olmsted county on time, which he conducted until August, 1901, then bought a mill at Chatfield, which was burned down a year later, sustaining a loss of $10,000 over insurance. In 1898 his sons bought the Stewart Mill, at Stewartville, which they recently incorporated under the name of “Cussons Milling Company,” with James M. Cussons as president. He resides in the stone house called “Riverside,” near the bridge. He has been a member of Meridian Lodge, No. 56, A. F. & A. M., over forty years. It has been his custom to refuse political office. In 1904, and continuing for about a year, Mr. Cussons wrote for the American Miller, of Chicago, a series of interesting reminiscences connected with his experiences covering a period of over fifty years.

 

 

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