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

Biographies

History of Olmstead County Minnesota

Written by Joseph A. Leonard 1910

FAHY, JOHN -----was born in County Galway, Ireland, sixty-six years ago, the son of Thomas and Katherine (Martin) Fahy. He was brought to America by his parents when six years old and with them lived in New York City until 1856. The family then came West and took up government land in New Haven township, Olmsted county, Minnesota. Thomas Fahy and wife were of the Roman Catholic faith in religion, and both are now sleeping their last sleep in St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery in New Haven township. They were the parents of six children, named John, Michael, Thomas, James, Stephen and Bridget.

John Fahy, of the fore going children, was married October 5, 1873, to Mary Fitzgerald, daughter of Edward and Mary (Groggin) Fitzgerald, both of whom were born in Limerick, Ireland, and came to New Haven township, Olmsted county, in 1867. Mr. and Mrs. Fitzgerald are now dead, the former passing away May 23, 1900, and the latter October 29, 1901. They were the parents of Anna, Mary, John, William, Katherine and Ellen. To the marriage of John Fahy and Mary Fitzgerald nine children have been born, as follows: Edward, October 26, 1874, now at Faribault; Martin F., September 25, 1876; John C., December 16, 1880; Mary, February 1, 1884, died February 21, 1884; Anna M., November 10, 1886, owns and resides on a homestead near Rapid City, South Dakota; Katherine, January 24, 1890, employed in the State Hospital at Rochester; William, October 1, 1892; Robert, May 15, 1896; and Grace, September 26, 1898. Mr. and Mrs. Fahy have brought up their children in the Catholic church, the faith of their ancestors, of which they, too, are devout members. The farm is devoted to general farming and stock-raising, and the family are among Olmsted county’s best people.

FAITOUTE, SAMUEL DAY -----who for many years was a resident of Rochester and who died in December, 1874 is well remembered by the older citizens for his many excellent qualities of mind, and heart. He was born in New York city on August 21, 1835, to the marriage of Jonathan Faitoute, of New Jersey, and Nancy Pierson Day, also of that state. Jonathan Faitoute was descended from one of the oldest families of Essex county, New Jersey, who came during the Revolutionary war with a band of Huguenots. He was engaged in the contracting, building and real estate business.

Samuel Day Faitoute, the immediate subject of this memoir, received his early education in New York city and was later graduated from Burlington (New Jersey) College. Shortly after the completion of his schooling he married Miss Abbie Frances Woodruff, of New Jersey, and in 1861, owing to failing health, came west with his wife and located in Rochester, Minnesota. Mr. Faitoute purchased a tract of land two and one-half miles west of town, in vested in a large number of sheep, and was among the first in this section of the state to extensively engage in sheep raising. Continued ill health eventually led to his retiring from the active duties of life and brought his life to a close. He was a man of bright intellect, thoroughly upright in all walks of life, and commanded the respect of all with whom he came in contact. Two daughters were born to his marriage with Miss Woodruff: Carrie, the wife of F. S. Haines, and Frances Day, now Mrs. A. C. Gooding. Mr. Faitoute was one of the founders of the public library at Rochester, and was noted for his generous aid and support in all laudable public undertakings.

Mrs. Faitoute was born in Essex, now Union, county, New Jersey, a daughter of Noah and Mary (Miller) Woodruff, and is a lineal descendant of Lord Townley. The progenitor of the Townley family in America came here in 1684 with Lord Effingham-Howard and settled in New Jersey. Descendants fought on the side of the colonies during the Revolutionary war. The Woodruff records have been traced back to the year 1 500. The immigrant ancestor was John Woodruff, who came from Fordwick, Kent, England, to Southampton, Long Island, in 1639. Later he became one of the founders of Elizabethtown, New Jersey (New Jersey was then a part of New York). In 1668 he was commissioned ensign by Governor Carteret and in 1675, during the Dutch occupation, was re-commissioned ensign of Elizabethtown militia by the council of war of New Netherlands. In 1684 he was appointed high sheriff of the county. He was constable of the town in 1674. His descendant, Josiah Woodruff, and Mrs. Faitoute’s great grandfather, born fifty years later, served in the colonial army during the Revolution as a member, at different times, of a company of artillery, one of infantry, the Essex county militia, and a troop of light horse. John Woodruff, son of the emigrant, was high sheriff of Essex county in 1697. Mrs. Faitoute was largely instrumental in the organization of the Daughters of the American Revolution in Rochester, of which she has been regent since its inception. For three years she served as president of the Women’s Rest Rooms, and is also an active member of the Monday Club. In many other ways she has endeared herself to the public in general.

FAWCETT, DR. ARTHUR CLAYTON -----for the past nine years a practicing dentist of Rochester. is a native of Olmsted county, Minnesota, his birth occurring in Marion township on June 2, 1872. He is a son of John H. and Emily J. (Wooldridge) Fawcett, appropriate mention of whom appears in the sketch of Dr. Charles E. Fawcett, of Stewartville.

The education of Dr. Arthur C. Fawcett was acquired in the district schools of his native township, the high school at Rochester, from which he was graduated in 1893, and the Hamline University at St. Paul, from which he was graduated after a four years’ attendance, in 1898, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. When scarcely more than a boy he began teaching school and this occupation he continued at intervals, using the funds thus secured to defray expenses in securing his graduation from Hamline University. Succeeding his course at the latter institution he entered the Northwestern School of Dentistry, at Chicago, from which, after a full course of instruction, he received the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery, on May 1, 1901. Since that date he has practiced his profession in Rochester, where he has been successful from the beginning. Dr. Fawcett is a member of the Minnesota State Dental Society, the Southern Minnesota Dental Society and the G. V. Black Dental Club (incorporated), of St. Paul, and the Chicago Odontographic Society. He also belongs to the Ma sonic fraternity, of which he is a Knight Templar Mason and a Shriner; the Modern Woodmen of America, the Modern Samaritans and the Methodist Episcopal church. On May 14, 1901, he married Miss Grace L. Simmons, and to this union have been born five children: Glenn Willard, Raymond Wilson, Dorothy Grace, John Henry and Joseph Clayton.

FAWCETT, DR. CHARLES E. -----one of the leading practicing physicians of Stewartville, was born at Marion, Olmsted county, Minnesota, October 13, 1869. He is a son of John H. and Emily J. (Wooldridge) Fawcett, and a grandson of Thomas and Delia (McCulloch) Fawcett. The advent of the family in America occurred in Colonial times, and members have achieved distinction in the various avenues of life. Thomas Fawcett settled near New Castle, Indiana, at an early day, but, in 1856, moved to Fillmore county, Minnesota and from there, in 1859, to Marion township, Olmsted county, Minnesota. Here he was engaged in farming and manufacturing until his death in 1880 at the age of sixty-five years.

John H. Fawcett was born in Henry county, Indiana, September 6, 1840, and his schooling was finished at New Castle Academy. When a young man he was clerk in a store, but in 1856 he came to Olmsted county, Minnesota, and farmed until 1866, when he bought the store of C. H. Morrill, at Marion. For thirty-five years he was here engaged in mercantile pursuits. For a like number of years he was postmaster of Marion and during all this time never failed to send in regularly his quarterly reports, and at no time was he ever reprimanded by the department. For many years he also served as town clerk and as a notary public. His superior education and pleasing personality caused him to be a man of more than usual prominence; his honesty and uprightness of conduct commanded the respect of all who knew him. He was a Republican in politics, and a Knight Templar of the Masonic fraternity. In 1900 he retired from the active duties of life and thereafter resided in Stewartville.

Dr. Charles E. Fawcett attended the public schools, the state normal school at Winona and Darling’s Business College at Rochester, then taught school for two years. Having decided to become a physician, he entered the Northwestern University Medical School, at Chicago, and shortly after his graduation therefrom in 1893 located at Stewartville, Minnesota, where he has since been actively engaged in the practice of his profession. Dr. Fawcett is a member of the American Medical Association, the Minnesota State Medical Association, the Southern Minnesota Medical Association and the Olmsted County Medical and Surgical Society. He is a past worshipful master of the Masonic fraternity, is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and of the Methodist church. In 1907 he was elected president of the First National bank, of Stewartville, a position he has since filled.

To the marriage of Dr. Fawcett with Miss Myrta A. Phelps, solemnized November 29, 1894, the following children were born: Gale C., Lois Margaret, Frances Emily and Donald Nathan. Mrs. Fawcett died July 7, 1910.

FITZPATRICK, JAMES ----well remembered by many as a worthy and estimable citizen of this county, was a native of County Tipperary, Ireland his birth occurring in 1835. When a lad he at tended the schools of his native country, but in 1853 immigrated to America and for a time lived in Winona county, Minnesota. He came to Olmsted county in 1859 and located on a farm in Section 27, High Forest township, at which time the county was new and much of it in a wild state. He later bought land and lived in Rochester township, and also, for a time, conducted the Pierce Hotel, in Rochester.

Mr. Fitzpatrick was twice married; first, to Charlotte Omelue, who died in 1878, and second to Miss Mary Ann Condron, on July 11, 1880. To his first marriage John and Mary were born. To his second marriage were born James, Francis, Edward, Stephen. Julia and Mary. Mrs. Fitzpatrick is a member of one of the oldest and best known families of Olmsted county, the Condrons having come here at an early date and becoming prominent in the early and subsequent growth and development of the county.

Mr. Fitzpatrick started out in life for himself a poor boy, but by industry and good management he laid the foundation for the competency that has since come to his family. Mrs. Fitzpatrick lives on the old home place in Rochester township, which is one of the best farming properties in the county.

FLANARY, WILLIAM FRANCIS -----a practicing veterinary surgeon at St. Charles, and already well and favorably known in the community, is the son of William J. and Margaret Flanary. His grandfather came to this country from Ireland and settled in the state of New York and there the father, William J., was born. The latter came West with his mother to Wisconsin and after residing in that state for a while, came in the early seventies to Olmsted county, where William J. and his brother Thomas bought a tract of 160 acres in Elmira township, to which was added at a later date 320 acres more in the same township. This large farm is yet owned by William J., who now resides in Chatfield, to which place he moved eighteen years ago retired from the active duties of life. T. J. Flanary, son of William J. Flanary, resides on the old home farm. Mary and Nora Flanary reside with their father in Chatfield, the latter teaching music in Chatfield and Eyota. He is one of the well known, prosperous and prominent farmers of the eastern part of the county. He is a Democrat and from the start has been identified with the public affairs of the town ship. His wife Margaret passed away in August, 1905, and lies buried at the Chatfield cemetery.

William F. their son, was born on the home farm April 26, 1888, and during his minority attended the district schools and later attended the Chatfield high school. Upon attaining his manhood he attended the Ontario Veterinary College. took the full course and was graduated therefrom and received his diploma as veterinary surgeon. Succeeding this event he attended the university proper and in due time received his degree therefrom. He immediately began to practice his profession as veterinarian and has continued thus ever since with exceptional success. He is well known and has the confidence of the farming and stock raising community. He is a member of the Roman Catholic Church at St. Charles.

FLATHERS, JOHN WESLEY -----president of the board of county commissioners of Olmsted county, is a native of Indiana, his birth occur ring in Hendricks county, September 14, 1845, and he was the eldest of six children born to Lindsey C. Flathers and Mary (Pace) Flathers. The father was also born in Indiana and there was reared, educated and married. In 1855, accompanied by his family, he emigrated West to the fields of Minnesota, pre-empted 160 acres of land in Pleasant Grove township, Olmsted county, and there for nearly forty years engaged in agricultural pursuits. The trip was made by rail to Dunleath, Illinois, opposite Dubuque, thence by passenger boat up the Mississippi river to Winona. and from there by team to Pleasant Grove township. At that time very few settlers had as yet come here. and most of the land was rough and uncleared, but Mr. Flathers set to work with a will, grubbing and clearing, and by hard and conscientious work eventually acquired a competency. While on a visit to California he passed away. To him and wife six children, five of whom are yet living, were born. Mr. Flathers was one of Olmsted county’s earliest and best citizens, and did much toward the growth and development of the community.

When less than eleven years old, John Wesley Flathers was brought by his parents to Olmsted county, and the succeeding few years were spent in attending the district schools and assisting his father on the farm. He later attended the high school at Chatfield, and when slightly past his majority began farming on his own account. In 1893 he moved to his present home immediately ad joining the city of Rochester and here he has since resided. There is nothing startling in the life of Mr. Flathers; he has lived the life of a good citizen, has always paid his just obligations, has contributed from his means so far as able to all laudable public enterprises, and commands the respect of his fellowmen. He is a Republican in politics and held the office of township treasurer for about ten years. In 1886 and again in 1888 he was elected to the lower house of the State legislature, and in 1882 was elected a county commissioner. In 1904 he was again elected to the latter position and has ever since held this by re-election.

On June 1, 1873. he married Olive Collins and to them five children have been born, named Elvira (Mrs. Dr. W. P. Sequist, a dentist of Mankato), Effie (Mrs. Julius B. Larsen), Ivy (dead), Milo (dead), and Clarice. Mr. and Mrs. Flathers are members of the Christian church. Mr. Flathers is a member of the Masonic order, and aside from his political connections is the owner of 260 acres of fine farm land.

FLYNN, LAWRENCE -----is now residing on a farm of 240 acres on section 30, Orion township. He is engaged in mixed farming and is one of the leading agriculturists in this portion of the county. He has on hand at all times considerable livestock and has at the present time about forty head of cattle, nine head of horses, 100 head of hogs and a large flock of poultry. He was born in the parish of Dysart, Ireland, in 1841, and is a son of Bernard and Ellen Flynn, who passed their entire lives in that country, near Galway. Lawrence passed his boyhood in getting an education and in assisting his father on the farm. He left school at the age of seventeen years and thereafter worked for his father until he had reached his twenty-sixth year.

He then concluded to change conditions and surroundings, and accordingly crossed the Atlantic ocean to America, landing in New York, where he remained until 1885, engaged at work in various capacities, and making some money. He then came West to Olmsted county, Minnesota, and bought a farm of eighty acres, to which was added in 1896 another tract of 160 acres. His first land had few improvements, but through his efforts it is now one of the best improved places in this part of the county. He now has an excellent residence, barns, sheds, etc. He is a Democrat and is clerk of the board of education. He is a member of the Catholic church at Chatfield. He was married in the State of New York in January, 1877, to Miss Susan Sneele, daughter of Charles and Bridget Sneele, both of whom passed their whole lives in Ireland. Mr. Flynn and wife have had the following children: Mary; James Stephen, in the railway service at St. Paul; Lawrence Francis, William John and Joseph, the latter three being at home yet with their parents.

FORSTER, ROBERT H. -----has resided ever since he was born on the farm where he now lives—section thirty, Orion township—the farm consisting of 200 acres. He is the son of William and Elizabeth Forster, who came from England to New York in the early fifties and after a short stay there went to Illinois in 1854 and there remained for two years. He then came to this township and pre-empted 160 acres, where his grandson now lives. Here he went to work and before long was in comfortable circumstances. As time passed he accumulated money and property until in 1870 he was able to buy another tract of 160 acres, section thirty, or traded a tract of land which he held in Pleasant Grove township. In the early sixties he already had acquired another tract of forty acres, making in all 360 acres and a splendid farm and home. Much of his farm was wild land when he obtained it, but he went to work with energy and intelligent effort and soon had the stumps and stones removed and all subject to his domination and cultivation.

In those days the question of transportation was all important. At first there were no railroads and the markets were far away and the prices very uncertain. Grain and stock had to be taken to Winona, the nearest shipping point. The childhood of the subject of this sketch was passed amid these surroundings and hardships. William Forster was a man of unusual worth. He was strictly fair and honest and was industrious and hard-working. There were only nine acres cleared when he took possession of the place. He was a Republican and occupied several positions of responsibility and trust in the community with credit and fidelity. In his home he was kind and affectionate. He died February 23, 1909, at the age of nearly eighty-one years and left many to mourn his departure from life. He left a widow, four daughters and one son. He was one of the organizers of the Washington Presbyterian Church. Of his children Mary Jane married E. A. Loomis, a real estate dealer of Colorado; Margaret Ann, who married Alexander McDonald, M. D.; Susan Elizabeth, married P. H. Foote and lives at St. Paul Park, Minnesota; Martha Isabel, married F. A. Steele, an attorney of Seattle, Washington.

Robert H. Forster was born in a log house on the home farm November 12, 1858, and in youth attended the district schools. Later he finished his schooling at the Niles Educational Institution at Rochester. While yet a small boy, and as soon as he was able, he was put to work on the farm. As early as eleven years old he was set to work plowing. even before he could drag the plow around at the end of the furrow. During all the years while being educated he assisted his father on the place, grubbing, clearing, plowing and planting, sowing and reaping, raising livestock and ship ping the same to market. Immediately after leaving school he secured an active interest in a furniture store at Luverne, Rock county, in partnership with his brother-in-law. At the end of two years he returned to the old farm in order to assist his father, and so continued until 1887, when he took entire charge of the place, continuing until 1908.

Mr. Forster has ever taken a deep interest in all laudable public affairs. He is a Republican and at two different county conventions served as chairman, which alone attests his prominence and power with the people. He has held the office of township assessor for the last seven years; has been clerk and director of the Board of Education for several years, and has served through all the chairs of the Odd Fellows and been a delegate to the Grand Lodge. He is a member of the M. W. A.

On November 8, 1882, he married Miss Isabel J. Dorr, daughter of Guston and Helen, farmers of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Forster have the following children: Helen E., married U. L. Robinson, a farmer; Gertrude I., a student at Chatfield; Marie A., yet at home with her parents; R. Louis, who now resides on the farm of 238 acres which he bought of his grandfather in 1908. He is the only son of Robert H. and Isabel J. and was born July 10, 1885. He continued his education until 1901 and then returned and assisted his father until 1908, when he bought this property. On December 16, 1908, at Chatfield, he married Miss Emma M. Jorgenson, daughter of Hans and Anna, prominent farmers near Chatfield.

FOX, SELOM -----is the son of Seth and Emeline Fox, and at present is residing on a farm of 110 acres on section 27, Orion township. The family originally came from England to Vermont, where Seth was a veterinary surgeon and also a thoroughbred stock raiser. He came West about the year 1837, and after a few years spent in Ohio he located at Belvidere, Boone county, Illinois, where he finally died at the age of about fifty years, his widow following him to the grave a week later. They were well-to-do people and lived useful and industrious lives. They had a family of eight sons and two daughters: Marvin W., who is now 71 years old; Henry, who died in 1909, aged 70 years; Austin, who served through the Rebellion in the Union army and is now living at Clarion, Iowa; Joseph, who also served in the Union army and is a gardener at Clarion, Iowa; Orris, a farmer at Dunlap, Iowa; Myron, a prospector; Tilly, who married Harlow Mathews and is now a widow at Rockford, Illinois; Albert, a painter at Rochester; Emma, who died about 1878, and the subject of this sketch.

Selom was born in Belvidere, Illinois, on January 29, 1850, and in youth attended the local public schools and finally entered Beloit College. He left before graduation, owing to the death of his parents, and in 1870 came to Minnesota and settled in Nobles county, where in due time he became well and favorably known and was elected register of deeds and held the position for one term. He then established a stock range and raised cattle for market for thirteen years, but quit in 1885. He then came to Olmsted county and settled on his present farm, but remained at that time only one year and then moved to the adjoining farm of 120 acres and continued there until 1891. He then returned to his present farm and here he has since resided. This farm is now owned by his father-in-law. Mr. Fox is the owner of eighty acres in Anoka county, same State. He is now heavily engaged in farming and stock raising. He is a Republican and has served as clerk of the board of education. He is an elder of the Presbyterian church and has been superintendent of the Sunday-school for twenty-five years.

On March 18, 1874, he married in Nobles county Miss Ida Chapman, daughter of Orange H. and Eliza Chapman. Her parents were farmers and are now living retired from life’s duties in the town of Chatfield. They settled in this county in 1855 and were pioneers and prominent citizens. Her father served in the Union army during the Rebellion and has an excellent war record. Selom and his wife have had ten children, of whom three are dead. The seven living are as follows: Frank L.; Emma, who married Charles McKeely, a farmer of Rice county; Minnie, who married Frank Tesky, a farmer of Eyota township; Ella, who married A. Cravath and is a graduate of the Winona Normal School; Bernice, Blanche and Pearl, who married Floyd Burke, a farmer of Orion township.

FRANKLIN, CHARLES EUGENE -----is a prominent resident of Dover township and has resided on his present farm of eighty acres on section seven since 1888. He is a son of Abel and Jane Franklin, who came from New York to Winona county in 1868 and from there to Olmsted county in 1871. The family has been long in America, coming to the colonies long before the Revolution and first settling presumably in New Hampshire. Abel was born in New Hampshire and was a farmer by occupation. After reaching Olmsted county the family first rented farms and so continued until the present property was bought. After a useful and well spent life the father finally died in 1892, the widow surviving him until 1903.

Charles E. was born in St. Lawrence county, New York, October 9, 1853, and in early life attended the public schools near his father’s place, so continuing until he was fifteen years old. After his arrival in Minnesota, he finished his schooling by attending the high school of St. Charles until he was nineteen years old. He had worked on the farm during the summers, but now he continued with his father, owing to the blindness of the latter, until he reached the age of twenty-four years. Also at home assisting on the farm were subject’s brothers Joel, Elias and Francis who have since died. A sister, Alice, was also at home but she is now married to A. D. Tilton and resides in South Dakota.

Since he bought the place, subject has made many and important improvements in buildings, fences, sheds, windmill and livestock. He is a Republican and a member of the Dover Methodist Episcopal Church. He was an active life member of the Grand Council of the Royal Arcanum, of which he held the office of regent.

On November 13, 1877, at Dover, he married Miss Hattie, daughter of C. C. and Cordelia Lasher. prominent farmers and early settlers of the county. They have two daughters and two sons: Alice, who married C. K. Davis, a grain merchant: Jay E., a farmer at North Redwood; Guy now assisting his father; and Etta May, a teacher in Dover township. The family is well known and universally respected.

FRANZEN, JOHANN HENRY -----is residing on a farm of eighty acres on section 9, Orion township He is a son of Johann and Sophia Franzen, who were farmers in Germany, and in that country passed their entire lives. The father died in 1909 and the mother in 1907. In their lifetime they were useful and industrious citizens of the fatherland. The father served in the German army and participated in the war of 1848.

His son, Johann H., the subject of this sketch, was born at Rensburg, Germany, July 18, 1853, and during his youth attended the National school of Rensburg, but he finished his schooling in his sixteenth year. He then started out in the battle of life on his own account. He first went to Amsterdam and a little later to Rotterdam and worked at various jobs until 1877. Then, having saved considerable money, and wishing to see the world, he worked his way through Batavia, but finally returned to Amsterdam. Still wishing to travel, he then visited China, where he remained for two years, and then again returned to Amsterdam. He then went to South Africa, where for three years he served as overseer on a large plantation. His health then failing, he returned again to Amsterdam. and soon afterward took shipping for America, and was duly landed at Castle Garden, New York. While there he worked out for some time and finally went into the ice business and continued the same for five years, making considerable money. He then came West and bought his present farm in Olmsted county, and has since been engaged in the peaceful pursuit of agriculture. He first built a stone house on the place, and since has made many permanent and important improvements.

On October 9. 1885 he married, in New York Miss Sophia Margaret Blenken. daughter of John Henry and Sophia Blenken. Her father died in 1909 at the age of eighty-two years, but her mother is living with subject and wife. The latter have one daughter, who is the wife of Adah Louden.

FRASER, THOMAS -----senior member of the law firm of Fraser & Fraser, of Rochester, is a native of Olmsted county, his birth occurring November 1, 1866, at Dover. He was the eldest of four sons born to the union of John Fraser, of New York. and Mary A. Carlisle, of Ohio, who came to Olmsted county in 1855, pre-émpted land in Dover township, and have since resided on the old homestead. Mrs. Fraser taught the first term of school in district No. 1, which was the first organized district in Olmsted county. The father was well educated in early life and still keeps himself in formed on the topics of the day. For a time he was engaged as a civil engineer with some railroad concerns, but after coming to Olmsted county devoted his time to farming. He also served for a time as county surveyor. He has always been a clean, moral and upright man and is highly respected and esteemed throughout the county. Both parents’ ancestors were of Scotch extraction. The mother’s came to America during the early colonial times and have been actively and prominently identified with the growth and development of our country.

The boyhood days of Thomas Fraser were passed on the home place, and early in life he was thrown upon his own resources. For three years before attaining his majority he assumed the responsibility of managing a large estate. He was a great lover of books and read extensively of historical matters, and early in life developed a strong and natural liking for the legal profession. He graduated from the St. Charles high school in 1886 and taught school for a time. When but twenty-one years of age he became city engineer of Rochester and was chosen county surveyor of Olmsted in 1888-1892, and the means thus provided enabled him to take up the study of law in the offices of H. A. Eckholdt, at Rochester, and he was admitted before the State Bar Association at St. Paul in 1902.

At the age of twenty-five years Mr. Fraser was elected judge of probate and held this position four years (1892 1896). Refusing another nomination for that office, he shortly afterwards engaged in the general practice of his profession on his own account at Rochester. He has since been thus actively employed. During the years 1898-1902 he served as county attorney and for six years was legal representative for the Winona & Western railroad system. Mr. Fraser has also been identified with the legal department of several other corporations. Sometime after he had established himself in the legal practice at Rochester, a younger brother, Robert, joined him and the firm name was styled Fraser & Fraser. Several men who at one time or another have been associated with this firm have since occupied positions of importance in the administration of county affairs. Mr. Fraser has one of the finest law libraries in southern Minnesota.

In politics Mr. Fraser is a Republican. In 1910 was elected president of the Progressive Republican League of the First Congressional District of Minnesota, in which organization he took a very active interest. In religion he is a Presbyterian, having served as trustee of the latter for seventeen years. He is an extensive real estate owner, possessing several residence lots in Rochester and other places and also about 500 acres of land in or near Rochester.

On July 10, 1893, he was united in marriage with Miss Lillian Boelter, of Rochester, Minnesota, and to them one daughter, Lorraine, has been born. Aside from the active business cares of life, Mr. Fraser has found time to cultivate the social side as well, and as such is identified with the Masonic fraternity, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Royal Arcanum and the Knights of Pythias. He is a Knight Templar and a Thirty-second Degree Mason. Practically the entire life of Thomas Fraser has been spent in Olmsted county and he is numbered among its most highly respected citizens.

FRASER, HON. WILLIAM CARLISLE -----for many years prominently identified with the commercial growth and development of Rochester, is a native of the town of Dover, Olmsted county, Minnesota, his birth occurring May 21, 1869. His parents, John and Mary A. (Carlisle) Fraser, appropriate mention of whom appear in the biography of Thomas Fraser found in this volume, located in Olmsted county in the fall of 1855; and were thus among the first settlers of the locality where the subject of this sketch was born.

William C. Fraser passed his boyhood days in assisting his father and in attending the district schools. Desiring a better education than that afforded by the common schools, he earned the means to defray his expenses at the St. Charles high school and Darlings Business College at Rochester, graduating from the latter in 1890. He learned civil engineering and when scarcely more than of legal age started out in life for himself as assistant county surveyor. He later served as county surveyor from 1894 to 1903, engineer of the city of Rochester from 1893 to 1905, engineer of the city of Faribault, Minnesota, in 1897, and was chief engineer of the Winona & Western railroad from 1898 until the road was sold to the Chicago & Great Western Railway Company. During his incumbency of the last named office he superintended the building of the road from Simpson to Rochester. When thirty-two years of age he was elected president of the Minnesota State Surveyors’ & Engineers’ Association. For the past seven years he has made a specialty of municipal engineering and contracting, and since 1890 has built fifteen water works systems or extensions and eighteen sewer systems or extensions in Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin cities.

From 1893 to 1907 he served Olmsted county as a representative in the lower house of the state legislature, and as such was one of the most capable and efficient members of that body. In 1907 he bought the Stewartville Times and consolidated with the Stewartville Star, incorporating into the Olmsted County Publishing Company with capital stock of $10,000, with Mr. Fraser as president. The paper is now published as the Stewartville Star. Mr. Fraser has a wide acquaintance throughout Minnesota and is recognized as a man of capacity and force. He is an Encampment and Rebecea degree Odd Fellow, a Knight Templar Mason and a Mystic Shriner, and a member of the Royal Arcanum and the Modern Woodmen of America. In politics he is known as a progressive Republican. August 1 7, 1895, he married Miss Jennie S. Gilman and he and wife are the parents of two children.

FREEMAN, HIBBARD A. was born in Cascade township, Olmsted county, August 6, 1860, and is the son of Rozell Freeman, one of the old pioneers of that township. He grew up on his father’s farm and in youth received a limited education at the district schools of the neighborhood.

He remained with his parents until he was twenty-one years old, when he entered the employ of the state at the Insane Hospital and there remained for eighteen years, serving most of the time as engineer and plumber of the institution. He then returned to the farm in Cascade township and remained two years and then came back to Rochester, where he has ever since resided at 715 East Fifth street. From 1902 to 1909 he was a member of the hardware firm of Freeman & Roth, which concern went out of business in the winter of 1909-10. Since the closing of the store Mr. Freeman has lived retired. He is well known and has the high regard of all who are acquainted with him. He is a Republican and a member of the M. W. A. He owns the old homestead of 180 acres in Cascade township and a one-half interest in the electric light plant at Mora, Minnesota. He attends the Universalist church. This is one of the oldest and best families of the county. Mr. Freeman is able, enterprising, public spirited and honest. His father and mother are dead. His sister, Mrs. R. M. Pierce, resides in Los Angeles, California.

On June 10, 1892, Mr. Freeman married Miss Katherine Brogan, of St. Peter’s, Minnesota. To this marriage one child was born—Frances, born January 12, 1899, and is now receiving her education.

FRITSCH, LAMBERT -----deceased, was for thirty-five years one of the best-known farmers in Cascade township, and deserved much credit for achieving success in the land of his adoption. He was a native of Germany, born in the year 1848, but being of the belief that superior advantages existed in the free institutions of the United States, immigrated to this country, and in 1875 settled in Olmsted county, Minnesota. He possessed unusual good, practical common sense, which he exercised for the particular good of his family and the welfare of the community where he resided. By industry and hard labor he accumulated a large acreage of property, and for a number of years was president of the Farmer’s Insurance Company. He died as he had lived—an honored and respected man—on January 1, 1910. His widow survives him and resides with her son on the old home place. Christopher C. Fritsch, son of the foregoing, was born in this township, December 22, 1879. He has always followed farming, stock-raising and dairying, and is the owner of 240 acres, all well improved and equipped with modern conveniences. On national political issues he is a Republican, but is independent in local matters, voting for the best candidate, and not the party. He is unmarried.

FRITTS, GILES H. -----was born June 3, 1850, in Oswego county, New York, and is one of two sons born to Peter W. and Susan Fritts, both of whom were natives of Holland. Peter W. Fritts was a farmer by occupation. He came with his family to Minnesota in June, 1864, and settled on a farm in section 27, Kalmar township, where he made his home until death overtook him on April 16, 1895. He was an honest, industrious and hard-working citizen, was independent in politics and a Free Will Baptist in religion.

Giles H. Fritts attended the district schools in boyhood and remained under the parental roof until he was twenty-nine years of age. On December 15, 1879, at Iberia, Brown county, Minnesota, he married Miss Louisa V. Borst, and about this time bought eighty acres of land on section 27, Kalmar township, where he has since lived. His total possessions when he started out in life for himself was a pair of colts, a pair of horses and two cows. From this small beginning Mr. Fritts has prospered and is now one of the well-to-do men of the community. To him and wife three sons and three daughters have been born, as follows: Susan K., born March 29, 1881 (now Mrs. Gustave H. Burke); Etta M., born February 5, 1884 (now Mrs. James J. Smith); Peter W., born February 3, 1887; Mabel M. (now Mrs. Edward Schartan), born July 18, 1888; Hawley M., born January 30, 1893, and Ernest F., born March 9, 1895. Mrs. Fritts, who was a loving wife and mother, died November 11, 1908.

Mr. Fritts is a Democrat in politics and has held the office of chairman of the board of supervisors and assessor. He is a member of Byron Lodge, No. 135, I. O. O. F., and the Rebecca Lodge, No. 81, of that organization. and is also identified with the Modern Woodmen of America, No. 2225, and the Royal Neighbors of America, No. 1155, all of Byron, Minnesota.

FROST, HERMAN -----prominently identified with the farming, stock-raising and dairying interests of New Haven township, Olmsted county, was born October 3, 1854, in Tioga county, New York, the son of Charles Solomon and Anna E. Frost. His parents came to Olmsted county from New York state in the fall of 1855 and were among the earliest of the pioneers here. After living near Rochester for a time they came to New Haven township and, pre-émpted the land from the government which now comprises the “Frost” farm. The father, who was a native of New York state, his birth occurring early in the nineteenth century, resided on the old homestead until his death, on June 29, 1895. He was highly regarded for his many sterling qualities of mind and character. To him and wife the following children were born: John, February 11, 1845, now in Waseago, Minnesota; Burt, June 1, 1850, farming in New Haven township; Frank, December 9, 1851; Herman, October 3, 1854, our subject; Mary Elizabeth Simmons, November 1 5, 1857, resides in Olmsted county; William Henry, 1861, died November 10, 1862; Charles A., died April 6, 1864; Samuel F., died October 6, 1862. Mrs. Frost passed away on March 30, 1877.

Of the above named children, Herman was educated and reared to manhood in Olmsted county. In 1883 he was married to Amanda A. Harvey, who was born in Ohio, in August, 1859, the daughter of Willis and Harriet O. (Smith) Harvey, who came to Dodge county, Minnesota, in the fall of 1854, and continued to reside there until Mr. Harvey’s death. Then Mrs. Harvey took up her residence with her children in South Dakota. To Mr. and Mrs. Herman Frost these children have been born: Hattie Elizabeth, October 13, 1886, now Mrs. R. Brintnell, of Van Meter, South Dakota; Charles Harvey, November 19, 1892, at home; Sidney Orin, May 16, 1897, at home; and Mary Isabelle, August 31, 1900, also at home.

The Frost family are communicants of the Baptist Church. Mr. Frost, although nationally a Prohibitionist, affiliates with the Republican party in local affairs. For years he served as a member of the school board of New Haven township and was for some time a justice of the peace and member of the Olmsted County School Fair. He owns a fine farm of 295 acres, of which about 220 acres are under cultivation, and is actively engaged in farming, dairying and stock raising. He is also a breeder of thoroughbred hogs. Mr. Frost is a remarkably well read man, and takes an active interest in the administration of county affairs, devoting some considerable time to the Prohibition question, on which he is thoroughly posted. Both the Frost and Harvey families came originally from England, and certain members of both served the Colonial cause in the Revolutionary war. Burt Frost, residing with his brother, is an enthusiastic horseman, and is the owner of several fast trotters.

FUCHS, JOHN -----is one of the successful farmers of Kalmar township. Adam Fuchs, his father, married Elizabeth Koelsth, and both were of European nativity. He came with his parents to America in 1846, and for twenty years resided in Wisconsin. Sebastian Fuchs was the father of Adam Fuchs, and these two, shortly after the close of the Civil war, came to Olmsted county, Minnesota, and each purchased 160 acres of land in section 13, of Kalmar township. Sebastian Fuchs died in 1892. He was twice married, there having been born nine children to his first union and four to the second. Adam Fuchs was only six years old when he was brought to this country by his parents, and has always followed farming.

John Fuchs, son of Adam and grandson of Sebastian, was born in Kalmar township, November 9. 18—. received his education in the public schools thereof, and made his home with his father until the age of twenty-two years. For the succeeding five years he was engaged in the logging business in Washington, where he acquired $2,000 by hard work, then returned to his native township, where he has since been successfully engaged in farming and stock-raising. January 19, 1895, he married Katie Postien, whose father, Charles Postien, died in 1895. To this union four children have been born, the following named three now living: Myrtle, Harvey and Elmer. Mr. Fuchs is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and is one of the rising and progressive farmers of the county.

FULKERSON, JOHN J. -----treasurer of Olmsted county for three terms of two years each, beginning in 1904, is a native of Virginia, his birth occurring at Richmond, October 29, 1854, being a son of John W. Fulkerson. When two years old he was brought by his parents to Olmsted county, Minnesota and for a number of years lived on a farm near Predmore, in Marion township. His early education was obtained in the district schools, but later for two years he attended the fine schools in the city of Rochester.

At the age of twenty years he began clerking for D. H. Moon, in Rochester; but three years later formed a partnership with N. C. Younglove under the firm name of Younglove & Fulkerson in the grocery and provision business. About four years later, having purchased his partner’s interest, he continued the business alone for two years, but then sold out and was engaged in milling until 1890, when he succeeded Henry E. Gerry in business.

From the start Mr. Fulkerson took much interest in the game of politics and in the public welfare. As a consequence he was brought forward in 1904 by his friends as a candidate for the office of county treasurer and in the ensuing campaign was triumphantly elected. After serving one term with much credit he was re-elected to the same office for two terms of two years each. He is credited with having been one of the most painstaking and competent treasurers the county ever had. Previous to his election to this office he served six years as a member of the Rochester school board. No doubt his excellent record in this position had much to do with his nomination to the office of county treasurer.

Mr. Fulkerson is a Knight Templar Mason and is otherwise identified with local public and benevolent institutions and enter prises. In September, 1891, he was united in marriage with Miss Josephine Cook, the daughter of Horace Cook, and to their union the following three children were born: John J., Mary I. and Charles W.

FULLER, JAMES DURHAM -----who died June 16, 1909, was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania, August 16, 1831, a son of Zachias and Eliza (Durham) Fuller, and grandson of Timothy Fuller. The Fullers and Durhams were of Colonial stock and for the most part were farmers. Timothy Fuller spent the early years of his life in New York but later moved to Erie county, Pennsylvania, where he worked at his trade of wheelwright and at farming. Josiah Durham, the grandfather of Mrs. Eliza Fuller, was descended from English ancestry, but served the Colonies in the War of the Revolution. Zachias Fuller was a soldier of the War of 1812, a farmer and moved from Pennsylvania to Illinois, thence to Steele county, Minnesota, in 1857, and from there to Olmsted county, where he afterwards died.

James Durham Fuller received the ordinary schooling advantages of his time in his native state and Illinois, but being desirous of securing a better education he subsequently studied those branches appealing to him and was afterward conceded to be a man of more than ordinary attainments. He was particularly well versed in geology, and few had a finer collection of minerals, prehistoric relics and fossil remains than Mr. Fuller.

In March, 1853, he married Mary McGuire, who was born in Indiana, September 5, 1836 and in March, 1853, located on a farm in Salem township, Olmsted county, Minnesota. Mrs. Fuller died December 13, 1866, leaving four children: James Z., Jessie, Owen Grant and Helen May. For his second wife, Mr. Fuller married Lucia M. Felton, of Massachusetts, and the three children born to this union are named Ralph, Zoe and Paul C. Mr. Fuller continued to reside on the homestead farm until 1896 when he sold the property and moving to Rochester lived there the remainder of his life.

Paul Clifford Fuller, the youngest of the children of James Durham Fuller, was born in Salem township, this county, December 3, 1878, and after attending the district schools and the high school at Rochester, entered the University of Minnesota, from which he was graduated in 1902. Having become a pharmaceutical chemist he was in charge of a drug store at New London, Minnesota, and also one at Raymond, but since November, 1903, he has been engaged in the drug business for himself in Rochester. In 1904. he married Miss Bessie Maurine Newton, and they are the parents of one son, Newton Clifford Fuller, four years old. Mr. Fuller is a Knight of Pythias and a Royal Arch Mason. He has taken an active part in the good roads movement through the Rochester Automobile Club, of which he has been secretary and treasurer since its beginning in 1907. He is the chairman of the membership committee of the State Automobile Club.

FURLOW, SAMUEL C. -----of the firm of C. F. Massey & Co., has for many years been a resident of the city of Rochester. He was born March 22, 1852, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was the eldest son of John and Elizabeth (Young) Furlow, the parents being born in Belfast, Ireland. They came to America early in life and were married in Philadelphia December 25, 1848. For thirty-five years they were residents of Olmsted county and Rochester, and were held in the highest esteem. Mr. Furlow served as street commissioner for some time, passing away at the age of seventy-six years. Mrs. Furlow is still living in the enjoyment of excellent health.

After completing his studies in the Rochester high school. Samuel C. Furlow entered upon a clerkship, associating himself with C. F. Massey in 1876. He became a member of the firm in I890, the name of the partnership being styled Massey & Co. Mr. Furlow has since continued his association with the dry goods firm, being a keen businessman and a recognized authority on fabrics. The store which has been the scene of his activities occupies a large floor space in the Cook Hotel block, and is one of the best business establishments in Rochester.

September 15, 1887, Mr. Furlow was married to Miss Elizabeth Jones, daughter of Thomas Jones, a pioneer of the county. The following children were born to them: Walter S., Allen J., G. Willard and Frederick J.

In politics Mr. Furlow is classed as a Democrat, but he is not a partisan and has never held office because of political affiliation. He was appointed a member of the public library board in 1898 and elected as school commissioner in 1905. He was chosen as member of the Rochester cemetery board in 1902. All of these positions he continues to occupy, with credit to himself and to the advantage of the community. As president of the board of education he is bearing a large share of the responsibility incurred in erecting the new high school building, for which the city recently voted $75,000 bonds. Mr. Furlow is a member of the Masonic orders. Few men have given more time to public welfare, have made fewer enemies, or have acted more conscientiously than Mr. Furlow.

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