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

Biographies

History of Olmstead County Minnesota

Written by Joseph A. Leonard 1910

GERRY, HENRY E. -----of the firm of Rowley & Gerry, Rochester, was born in Sudbury, Middlesex county, Massachusetts, August 3, 1848, a son of Charles and Oressa (Haynes) Gerry, natives of New Hampshire and Massachusetts, respectively. Ancestors on both sides of the family took an active part in the growth and development of the East, some coming to this country in early Colonial times, and the name of Gerry is well known throughout that portion of the country.

Charles Gerry was a farmer by occupation, and to him and wife a family of fifteen children (two dying in infancy) were born. For a period of fifty years this family circle was unbroken by death, and this is a most remarkable record. In 1860 the family removed west to Minnesota, and here the father engaged in the raising on a small scale of sheep and stock. In the spring of 1861 they moved onto the O. P. Whitcomb place, some twelve miles east of Rochester, near the Lutheran church, where the family remained seven years. They then returned to Massachusetts, that the children might have the best educational advantages possible. The elder Gerry was a very successful farmer, and while in Minnesota purchased the Hodges farm, near Eyota, which he sold before returning to Massachusetts, and also bought land in Sauk Center, which he disposed of before returning East. They located at Sudbury, Massachusetts, and here Mr. Gerry was elected and served as selectman, being one of the first to hold that office. He died at the age of seventy-eight years and his wife at the age of seventy-six years.

Henry E. Gerry was the eleventh child born to them and received his education in the Sudbury schools, and after returning from Minnesota took a course in the Sudbury Academy. He then for a time clerked in a general store at Maynard, Massachusetts, and after two years went to Boston in the employ of Pierce, Dana & Company, wholesale grocers. In 1873 he returned to Rochester, Minnesota, and for about three years was in the employ of J. D. Blake & Company, of that city. After associating himself with D. N. Moon in the general grocery business, buying him out in 1881, in company with D. S. Hibbard, succeeding this firm four years later, retiring in 1892 and became connected with the firm of Leet & Knowlton, and in 1897, in partnership with J. M. Rowley, he bought out the clothing department of that concern and has thus continued down to the present time.

In 1875 he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Helen Bear, daughter of Benjamin and Maria Bear, pioneers of Minnesota, and to their union the following children have been born: Helen Lua, Bessie E., Edgar Leslie, Harold and Benjamin F. Mr. Gerry is essentially a “home man” and takes great delight in the companionship of wife and children. Socially he is identified with the Masonic fraternity, the Knights of Pythias, the Court of Honor and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He and family are members of the Methodist church.

GIERE, OSCAR T. -----of Rochester, is a son of the old pioneer, Amund N. Giere, who settled on government land in Rock Dell township, this county in 1856. The father was a native of Norway, and together with Miss Carrie Gjesme immigrated to America and in 1846 settled in Wisconsin, and in 1855 they were united in marriage. For ten years Amund N. Giere was employed in sawmills, etc., but in 1856, when he first came to Olmsted county, he secured a tract of government land in Rock Dell township and farmed thereon the rest of his life. He passed away on March 1, 1903, but the mother still survives him and resides on the old homestead, which is under the management of a son, Alexander Giere. The father during his life was a devout member of the Norwegian United Lutheran church, and served it as delegate to several synod conferences and as trustee locally. He was one of Olmsted county’s earliest and best citizens and his death was mourned generally throughout the community. It was this sturdy class of pioneer men who really are responsible for the present standing of the county, and too much credit cannot be extended to them for their many admirable qualities of mind and character.

The early education of Oscar T. Giere was secured in the public schools of Rock Dell township, and his birth occurred December 5, 1876, on the old homestead. His attendance at the district schools was supplemented by courses in the United Lutheran Academy, of Minneapolis, and the Curtiss Commercial College, of that city, graduating from these institutions in 1896 and 1898, respectively. For nine months he was then engaged as bookkeeper in Sanborn, North Dakota, but he then returned to Rochester and on April 13, 1899, was appointed deputy auditor of Olmsted county, retaining that position until August 8, 1902. Then, for fifteen months, he was employed as bookkeeper in the offices of the Minnesota Condensing Company, Rochester, and the following two years in a similar capacity in the Rochester clothing store. He resigned this position to again accept the position of deputy auditor, July 17, 1905, and served as such until June 14, 1910, when he resigned to promote his candidacy before the Republican primaries, September 20, 1910, for the office of county auditor. Mr. Giere is a conscientious man and a good citizen, and is one of the men who would creditably fill any public position entrusted to him.

On September 16, 1903, he was united in marriage with Miss Martha L. Neumann, daughter of Albert and Bertha Neumann, and to them have been born two sons and one daughter, named, Leonard R., Ruth E. and Howard N. The family are communicants of the United Lutheran church, of this city. Mr. Giere is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Modern Woodmen of America. Ancient Order of United Workmen, and is an ex president and present treasurer of the Sons of Norway. He has been prominent in political affairs for the past ten years and is well and favorably known throughout the county.

GILCHRIST, AARON -----who is now residing on a farm of 160 acres in Section 29, Elmira township, is a son of Christian and Sarah Gilchrist, who passed their lives in Lebanon county, Pennsylvania the father dying in that state in 1900 at the age of eighty-four years and the mother later at about the same age.

Their son, Aaron, the subject of this sketch, was born in Burks county, Pennsylvania, December 24, 1840, and received his education at the district schools. He left school at the age of seventeen years and then for some time he worked in the iron mines of that state. When he was nineteen years old he went to Ohio, and for a while worked on a farm. Coming west he finally fell in with a cattle drover to whom he hired and assisted him to drive his herd of cattle to Minnesota. Upon his arrival here he liked the country and concluded to make Olmsted county his permanent home. He hired out and worked at farming for some years and in the meantime saved his earnings. Later he farmed on shares until he was finally well enough off to buy his present farm. He has made farming a success and has become well and favorably known throughout the eastern portion of the county as a man and a citizen of more than ordinary worth. He has now a fine farm well provided with good buildings and improvements.

On July 1, 1866, he married Miss Maria Gardner, daughter of James and Elizabeth Gardner. They have had eight children, as follows: John. a successful farmer; Sarah, who married Leon Lilly, a farmer; George, Charles, Fred, William, Emma and Adeline.

GILLESPIE, JOHN H. -----son of John Gillespie and grandson of John Gillespie, well remembered in Olmsted county for his many admirable qualities, was born in Sterling, Scotland, August 10, 1823, and there spent his boyhood days and received his early education. He came to America about the year 1847, preceding his parents one year, and for a time resided at Picton, Canada, engaged in farming. He subsequently moved to Toronto, thence to Rochester, New York, and from there to Cleveland, Ohio, and Fort Wayne, Indiana. At the latter place he farmed and had charge of a toll gate on a turn pike road and later became a stockholder in the road. He then came to Olmsted county, Minnesota, and being supplied with considerable means for that time, he bought a farm in Cascade township for $3,000. Eighteen months later he sold this property at a profit of $2,000, and in a brief time bought and sold two other farms, making substantial gains on each transaction. Following this he was engaged in mercantile pursuits at Rochester, but later sold out and moved to Arcadia, Wisconsin, where for nearly a score of years he was engaged in various occupations, serving for a number of years as president of the Bank of Arcadia. He then disposed of his holdings there and returned to Rochester, where he lived in practical retirement until his death, September 25, 1907. In 1848 he married Eliza Hollister, by whom he became the father of three children, John H., Mrs. D. Search and Mrs. John Pennington, and after her death he married Amanda Pennman, who bore him two children, Charles P. and Mrs. Helen Parks. Mr. Gillespie was a man of strong character and noted for his thrift, honesty and up rightness of character. He was of the Presbyterian faith in religion and a member of the Masonic fraternity.

John H. Gillespie was the eldest son of John Gillespie, appropriate mention of whom immediately precedes this sketch. He was born in Thornbury, province of Ontario, Canada, November 3, 1849, and in 1864 came with his parents to Olmsted county, Minnesota, where he has since made his home. In youth and early manhood he assisted his father in farm work and acquired a good, practical education. He is known as one of the substantial, progressive farmers of the county and is the owner of one of the best farms in Cascade township. He is also interested in Rochester property, where he owns considerable valuable possessions.

Mr. Gillespie is not only a farmer of the best kind; he is a man of wide information, is especially well versed upon all the important public issues of the day, and is always found in the front rank of those whose moral and material aid contributes so largely to the progress and development of the locality wherein he resides. On June 12, 1874, he married Miss Mary E., daughter of Joel Crowner, of Wilna, New York, and they are the parents of these children: Ivan J., born December 31, 1876, and died March 8, 1894; Lilian Gertrude, born December 13, 1881; Arthur Corliss, born August 6, 1884: Charles Cyril, born March 24, 1887, and Pearl Lucy, born March 14, 1892. Mr. Gillespie is a Baptist and a Republican. He has occupied several local positions of honor and trust, among them being that of school trustee and treasurer.

GILMAN, NATHANIEL F. -----one of the few remaining pioneers who came to Minnesota in the early fifties, was born in Stanstead county, Quebec, Canada, June 7, 1833, a son of John and Lida (Gustin) Gilman, the father’s birth occurring in 1790, in New Hampshire, and the mother also being a native of that state. John Gilman, a merchant and farmer by occupation, was a man of some distinction and wealth in Canadian commercial circles.

His son, Nathaniel F., the immediate subject of this sketch, when twenty-one years old, came to Minnesota and pre-émpted land in Racine township, Mower county, which he improved and farmed until civil war was declared between the North and South. August 21, 1862, in Dodge county, Wisconsin, he enlisted with the “Boys in Blue” for the preservation of the Union, in Company , Twenty-ninth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and served with that command until wounded by a shell from a Union battery. This occurred at the battle of Port Gibson, and was in the hip, and after a long siege in a hospital he was honorably discharged from the service and returned home to his farm in Minnesota. He was not strong enough to work this, however, so disposed of it, and in the fall of 1864 came to Rochester, Olmsted county, and erected a saw and planing mill in the northern part of the city, which he operated successfully until the cyclone of 1883. He then for a number of years engaged in carpentering, and for the past ten years has been living a retired life.

He was a charter member of Rochester Post, G. A. R., of which he has served as junior vice commander, senior vice-commander, and in 1909 commander. Mr. Gilman was one of the first settlers on E. Fifth street, where he owns considerable property. He is also interested to some extent in Canadian bank stock. He is a Republican in politics and a member of the Methodist Church.

In 1867 he was united in marriage with Miss Anna Morris, born July 6, 1844, in Portage County, Ohio, the daughter of John and Mary (Watkins) Morris, of Welch descent. To Mr. and Mrs. Gilman the following named children have been born: John Gustin, May 21, 1868, died April 7, 1877, of scarlet fever, now at rest in Oakwood cemetery, Rochester; Mary Ann, August 25, 1869, died of same disease April 28, 1877 ; Jennie S., June 7, 1872, the wife of William C. Fraser, of Rochester; Walter David, August 16, 1873, died April 21, 1897; Mabel Lydia, born April 25, 1878; Harry Foster, June 15, 1881, now editor of a paper in Glen Ullin, North Dakota, learned the business under the tutelage of Hon. Joseph A. Leonard, of Rochester, who was the author of this history; Herbert Spencer, September 17, 1883; and Clarence Edwin, October 20, 1887, died July 25, 1896.

GOETTING, GEORGE W. -----proprietor of Goetting’s ten cent and variety store on Broadway, Rochester, was born in Lake City, Minnesota, January 1, 1875, the son of August and Helena (Wanner) Goetting. The parents were pioneers of Wabasha county, Minnesota; the mother is still living and resides at Mazeppa, Minnesota.

Their son, George W., was educated in the public schools of his native town and the Winona Business College. He early became interested in newspaper work, and in time became one of the editors and acquired a part interest in a Winona publication. He followed that line for fourteen years and then disposed of his holdings to engage in the mercantile and lumber business in northern Minnesota, where he remained two years. On May 5, 1907 he came to Rochester and opened a five and ten cent store at his present location on Broadway, and as his business increased added thereto, until at the present time he has a full and complete line of articles usually to be found in an establishment of the kind, and has a double store.

He was married November 30, 1905, to Miss Anna McAdam, daughter of Thomas and Mary McAdam, of Eyota, this county, and their one child, Ruth Helena, died when five months and two days old. Mrs. Goetting is a member of St. John’s Catholic church. Mr. Goetting was a member of Company C, Twelfth Minnesota, during the Spanish-American war, and he is identified with the Masonic fraternity, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Elks, and the Commercial and Automobile Clubs of Rochester. Although a Republican in politics, Mr. Goetting does not hesitate to vote for a man especially deserving of office, regardless of his party affiliations.

GOLDBERG, NELS -----is the son of Tollef and Carrie, and was born in Rock Dell township July 8, 1860 (see elsewhere sketch of the parents). Nels grew up on his father’s farm in this county and in youth was given a fair education at the district schools.

On June 29, 1888, he wedded Miss Julie Larson, daughter of Iver and Ingeborg, pioneer settlers of Rock Dell township. To this marriage were born the following children: Theodore, born May 1, 1889, was given a good education, is a graduate of a commercial college at Austin, Minnesota; Ida, born November 22, 1891, has a good education, holds a teachers’ certificate from the normal school at Austin; Inez, born April 3, 1895; Norman, born May 29, 1897; Elmer, born September 17, 1901. On March 8, 1904, this family suffered the irreparable misfortune of losing the wife and mother, who passed away to the intense grief of her family and was laid to rest in Zion cemetery. All missed her loving care and attention after she had been laid in the grave. It was some time before they could adjust surroundings to meet her absence. But time, which assuages all sorrows, has quieted their grief in a measure.

The farm now consists of 135 acres in Section 11 and is under a high state of tilth and is improved with good and substantial buildings. Mr. Golberg is a progressive and up-to-date farmer. He is a member of the United Lutheran Church, of which at present he is secretary and treasurer. He holds stock in the Zumbro Creamery Company, in the Farmers’ Elevator Company and in the Farmers’ Telephone Company. The family are in comfortable circumstances and have the high regard of their neighbors.

GOLDBERG, TOLLEF -----one of the earliest settlers in Olmsted county, was born in Norway, November 12, 1829, a son of Ole and Carrie Golberg. Both parents came to America May 17, 1851, resided here several years, and now lie at rest in St. Olaf’s Cemetery.

Tollef Golberg was educated in the Lutheran schools of his native country, but early in life conceived the idea that greater chances for success existed in America, and accordingly immigrated to the United States and located in what is now Rock Dell township, Olmsted county, Minnesota. This portion of the country was as yet unsurveyed, and Mr. Golberg squatted on section 10. When the government surveyors started work on Rock Dell township, he assisted them in running the lines for that and adjoining townships.

On May 3, 1852, he married Miss Carrie Nelson Giere, of Iowa, and to them the following children were born: Carrie, born January 17, 1853 (now deceased), who became the wife of Louis Erickson, a farmer of Rock Dell township; Ole, born September 29, 1854, being the first male child born in the county; Mary was the wife of Ole Skjervem (now deceased), a Rock Dell farmer; Bertha J. married Carl Jeglun, a Dodge county farmer; Nels, married to Julia I. Larson, and farming in section 11 ; Olina, the wife of B. O. Roe, of Dodge county, and the mother of thirteen children; and Caroline, wife of Peter Johnson, of Wisconsin, had five children. After spending many happy years in Rock Dell township, surrounded by many loving friends and relatives, Mr. and Mrs. Golberg were summoned to the Great Unknown, and now lie peacefully at rest in the family lot in the United Lutheran Cemetery. The death of Mr. Golberg cast a gloom over the entire community where he had lived for so many years, and his funeral was one of the largest known to this section of the country.

Ole, the second named child above, was the first to be baptized in East St. Olaf’s Church, and for this reason and the fact that his grandfather was the first settler in the county, the parish was named St. Olaf’s. Ole is now a member of the United Lutheran church and was one of its founders. He and family withdrew from St. Olaf’s in 1889 and have since affiliated with the former organization. In 1875 he purchased the old homestead and five years later was united in marriage with Miss Serina Roe, who was born December 12, 1862 the daughter of a Dodge county pioneer, and to this union have been born the following children: Tollef, born in 1882, and died same year; Oscar, born in 1883, and also died same year; Theodore C., born August 12, 1884, deceased 1889 ; Otto M., born June 18, 1887; Clara, born January 23, 1890, now teaching; George T., born December 2, 1892, at home; Obert Selmer, born September 29, 1895, died in infancy; Selmer L., born May 5, 1898; Ruth C., born August 16, 1904. In 1882 Mr. Golberg and wife adopted Lydia Strum and have reared her as their own daughter. The Golberg family is one of the oldest and most highly respected in this portion of the county, and have been uniformly successful in whatever line of endeavor they have undertaken.

GOODE, MARK S. -----was born in Olmsted county in 1867 and is a son of Abraham J. and Huldah J. Goode, early settlers of this county. The father and mother were both natives of New York state, the father’s birth occurring in 1827. In his early years the father moved to Pennsylvania, locating near Pittsburg, where he finished his education and learned the carpenter’s trade. In 1849 he removed to Baraboo, Wisconsin, where two years later he was married to Miss Huldah J. Van Valkenburgh. To this union the following children were born: William B. (deceased); Lucy E., now Mrs. George Smith, of Tacoma, Washington; Cora E., of Pamona, California; F. Edwin (deceased); J. Paul, professor at University of Chicago; Martha R., now Mrs. A. E. Frost, of Pamona, California: Jane E. (deceased), and Mark S. In 1845 the family moved to Mississippi returning to Wisconsin in 1856. In 1860 the father removed to Olmsted county, purchasing a tract of land in section 36, High Forest township, where he made his home. In 1864 he enlisted in Company C, Third Minnesota Infantry, serving with credit until mustered out at the close of the war. While in the service his family lived in the village of Pleasant Grove. In 1868 he purchased a tract in section 2, Pleas ant Grove township, and there passed the remainder of his days. He died August 16, 1893, and was buried in Marion Cemetery under the auspices of the I. O. O. F. He was prominent here in his lifetime and enjoyed the high regard of his friends and neighbors.

Mark S., subject of this review, was born in the village of Pleasant Grove, his boyhood being spent on the farm which he now owns. He received a fair education at the district schools. At his father’s death he bought the old home place and has owned the same ever since. He now owns 146 acres, all well improved, where he is devoting much of his time to the rearing of fine driving horses, registered Short Horn cattle and Oxfordown sheep. On this farm. also, are produced Plymouth Rock and White Leghorn chickens. He is thoroughly up-to-date in all farming operations, being one of the best farmers of the county and one of its most prominent citizens. In 1895 he was married to Miss Mildred E. Pearson. He has two daughters. He takes the stand of a Republican.

GOODING, ALPHONSO -----was one of the foremost citizens of Olmsted county. Honored by the community in responsible positions of fidelity and trust, he signally fulfilled all the requirements demanded of him with unusual ability and conscientiousness. As a private citizen he was courteous and considerate and as a businessman he won success.

He was born January 30, 1829, at Henrietta, New York, a son of Ebenezer and Mary (Marsh) Gooding. The first authentic record we have of the Gooding family was of Mathew Gooding who was born in North Pemberton, Somersetshire, England, and served as a soldier under Cromwell. His son George was born in 1633 and was the first of the family to come to America. On February 9, 1685, he was married to Deborah Walker. His death occurred October 19, 1719 Their son, Mathew Gooding, the youngest of four children, was born at Dighton, Massachusetts, June 12, 1695, and in 1723 he married Abigail Richmond. He died March 15, 1756, leaving seven children. The fifth child, William, was born at Dighton, Massachusetts, August 25, 1736, and on September 4, 1760, was married to Bathsheba Walker, who was born in Massachusetts, October 18, 1743. William Gooding, with his brothers Joseph and Job, served in Capt. Elijah Walker’s company, Colonel Pope’s regiment, and marched to Rhode Island on the alarm of December 8, 1776. His death occurred April 2, 1778 and his wife died October 22, 1822. Their oldest son, William Gooding, 2^nd, was born January 18, 1761, was married to Lydia Andrews, who was born September 3, 1760, and died January 30, 1803, his wife passing away May 29, 1813. Their third son, Ebenezer, was born January 15, 1787, and on December 8, 1808, married Mary Marsh who was born June 13, 1788. They were the parents of nine children, of which family Alphonso Gooding was the youngest. Ebenezer Gooding died October 10, 1856, his wife’s death occurring November 10, 1860.

After independence of the colonies had been secured, following the Revolutionary war, William Gooding, accompanied by his two brothers, James and Elnathen, moved from Massachusetts to Ontario county, New York. At a still earlier period in the history of the Colonies the family became connected by marriage with the well-known New England families—Phillips and Rogers—whose advent in America was coincident with the landing of the Pilgrim Fathers. They are also direct descendants of Governor Winslow, who came on the Mayflower in 1620, and on May 17, 1621, married Susannah White, this being the first marriage of white persons in New England. Their daughter Elizabeth married Gilbert Brooks, whose daughter, Bathsheba Brooks, married James Walker, whose eldest son, Lieut. James Walker, married Sarah Richmond. Their son, Col. Elnathen Walker, married Bethia Tisdale, whose daughter, Bathsheba, married William Gooding, 1st.

Alphonso Gooding passed his boyhood life on a farm, receiving such education as could be afforded at the time. He was a keen observer and a discriminating reader, and thus in after life acquired an education most practical and valuable in the busy world. When yet a young man he came west to Illinois, where on March 18, 1852, he married Harriet Lacey, who was born in Cataraugus county, New York, August 4, 1831. He later moved to Wisconsin and from there in 1858 came to Olmsted county, Minnesota, and located on a farm eight miles from Rochester in Eyota township. In 1865 he moved to Rochester, which remained his home for the balance of his life.

For a time he was engaged in the grocery business with C. H. Morrill. Succeeding this association he engaged in the milling business at Oronoco as a member of the firm of Gooding, Hebbard & Allis, subsequently known as Gooding & Allis. Their mill was destroyed by fire in 1879. Later he was in the grain business with G. W. Van Dusen and continued thus associated until the business was sold out to a British syndicate about 1890. His prominence in this community, his reputation for the strictest integrity, and his high ability are shown by his nomination to the responsible position of county treasurer and by his triumphant election. During the two terms which he served he still further advanced his excellent reputation as one of the most substantial and level-headed business men and financiers of this portion of the State. On October 5, 1906, Alphonso Gooding died, lamented by everyone who had the honor of his friendship and confidence.

The family of Alphonso and Harriet Gooding is as follows: Frank E., born January 29, 1853, married Isabella Phelps, of Ripon, Wisconsin, June 22, 1896, whose children are: Walter P., born December 21, 1897, and Isabella, born May 3, 1899; Fred A., born October 12, 1856, married Frances May Cook, March 28, 1889, died May 6, 1910, whose children are Frances, born November 12, 1892, and John C., born September 5, 1894; Ada L., born October 4, 1858, married Charles N. Ainslie, October 9, 1884, whose children are George G. Ainslie, born March 7. 1886; Arthur F. Ainslie, born November 19, 1889, and Kenneth C. Ainslie, born March 27, 1894; Will G., born September 5, 1862, married Ella Furlow, who died June 24, 1892, subsequently married Mae Sheridan; his child Lora, born October 25, 1885, by his first marriage; Orlen L., born October 28, 1867, married Lou J. Crouch, June 28, 1892; Arthur C., born June 20, 1871, married Frances Day Faitoute, October 9, 1895, whose children are Arthur Faitoute, born September 22, 1898, and Richard Day, born January 1, 1904. The photo of the family above is of ----Back row Arthur C, Fred A, Frank G, William G, Front row Orlen L, Harriet, Alphonso, Ada

GOVE, ROYAL H. -----who came to Rochester in 1866, and lived here the remainder of his life, was a native of Orange county, Vermont, his birth occurring January 16, 1830. In youth he attended the public and high schools of his native town, Strafford, and subsequently entered academies at Thetford, Vermont, and Meriden, New Hampshire. When eighteen years old he became a clerk in a grocery house at Boston, Massachusetts, and later for three years taught school in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Jacksonville, Illinois. He then farmed in Vermont for two years. During and prior to this time he had devoted many of his leisure moments to the study of law, and in 1856 located at Kilbourn City, Wisconsin, for the practice of his profession. He temporarily gave up legal pursuits during the early sixties and was engaged in buying grain for G. W. Van Dusen, of this city. Again turning his attention to law, he was for years actively and successfully engaged in the practice here. In addition he served as city assessor and city justice, and from 1877 to 1889 was city attorney. For a number of years he was in partnership with R. A. Jones, who afterward became Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Washington Territory.

Mr. Gove was one of the best known members of the Masonic fraternity in Minnesota. For nine terms he was worshipful master of his lodge, and arose to the position of Grand Master of the State. He was also high priest of his chapter, and a Knight Templar in the York Rite branch of the order; was a Knight Commander of the Court of Honor, and was elected to the thirty-third degree of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Masonry. In religion he was of the Presbyterian faith; in politics a Republican.

August 21, 1851, he married Nancy A. Farnham, a native of Vermont, and to them nine children were born, named Henry C., Arthur L., Royal A., Herbert H., Rose, Leonora A., Ruth, George and Archie P. Mr. Gove passed away on February 28, 1903.

Archie P. Gove, the youngest of the children, was born in Rochester, this state, February 14, 1874, and received his education in the public and high schools of his native town, graduating from the latter in 1893. When about twenty-one years of age he began his newspaper career as a reporter on the Daily Bulletin, then owned and conducted by C. E. Elliott & Son. He possessed a natural aptitude and liking for that sort of work, remained with his first employer for years, carefully mastering the details of the business and working his way through all departments, and in January, 1910, upon the retirement from business of C. E. Elliott & Son, he became sole proprietor of the newspaper office. Socially Mr. Gove is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and he affiliates with the Presbyterian church. He is also serving as a member of the city library board.

GRANGER, GEORGE W. -----who has distinguished himself in the practice of law and otherwise at Rochester, was born April 5, 1869, in the town of Cascade, this county. His parents, Abner and Louisa (Topliff) Granger, were both natives of Otsego county, New York. the former born at Cherry Valley, October 26, 1840, being the son of Julius Granger, of the same place, who was the son of Seba Granger. The family is of old Colonial stock and is descended from an ancestor who came to the Colonies long before the Revolution. Seba Granger moved from Massachusetts to New York and was a farmer by occupation. Julius Granger was also a farmer and lived in Otsego county. He had six children, of which Abner was the fourth. The latter was educated in the common schools of Otsego county. At the age of fifteen years he went to Springfield, New York, and there remained until his marriage in 1867, when he came West to Rochester, located in Cascade township and engaged in farming and dairying. He continued thus occupied for thirty-two years, leading an honest and industrious life, and then moved to Rochester, where he has since resided. He married Louise, daughter of Harvey Topliff, of Otsego county, February 25, 1867. Their children were as follows: George W., the subject of this sketch; Charles T., a graduate of Hahnemann Medical College, Chicago, and now enjoying a large and successful practice in medicine and surgery at Rochester, and Kate E., at home with her parents. The father, Abner, is a member of the Odd Fellows and the Workmen.

George W. Granger was educated in the country schools and in the Rochester city schools, graduating from the high school in 1886 as the valedictorian of his class. In September. 1887, he began the study of law in the office of Burt W. Eaton and continued thus engaged until he was admitted to the bar, June 6, 1890. He remained in the office of Mr. Eaton as clerk until October, 1891, when he formed a partnership with Joseph A. Bear under the firm name of Bear & Granger, which legal association existed until July, 1893. Mr. Granger then practiced alone until January 1, 1898, when he formed a partnership with C. E. Callaghan under the firm name of Callaghan & Granger. This partnership is still in existence with a large and lucrative practice and an excellent reputation. From January 1, 1893, to January 1, 1899, he served with much credit as county attorney, being elected to that important office on the Republican ticket.

Mr. Granger is secretary of the Rochester Water Company. He is a member of Rochester Lodge, No. 21, A. F. & A. M.; Ashlar Lodge, No. 23, A. O. U. W., and Rochester Lodge, No. 54, K. of P. Of the latter he has twice served as chancellor commander, and since 1890 has been chairman of the committee on law of the Grand Lodge, K. of P., of Minnesota. On June 24, 1896, he married Ophelia Cook, a native of Rochester, who died April 5, 1898 leaving a daughter—Ophelia C., who was born March 16, 1898.

On February 14, 1900, Mr. Granger married Dr. Gertrude Booker, a native of Quincy, this county, and the daughter of J. A. Booker, a native of Brunswick, Maine, and Jane (Short) Booker, a native of Waddington, New York. After attending the country schools of this county and the Winona high school, she entered Asbury Hospital, Minneapolis, in October, 1892, from which institution she graduated in June, 1894. In September, 1894, she entered the medical department of the State University and received her degree of Doctor of Medicine in June, 1897. She practiced her profession at Dover and Eyota until January 1, 1898, when she became associated with Drs. Mayo, Stinchfield & Graham and is thus occupied at the present time.

GREENWOOD, LEROY A. -----one of the progressive men of Olmsted county, was born in Pennsylvania, a son of Stephen and Louisa M. (Buck) Greenwood, and a grandson of James and Betsy (Rice) Greenwood. Stephen Greenwood became a resident of Minnesota in December, 1859, coming here from Marquette county, Wisconsin, and purchasing one-half of section 31, in Farmington township., His industry and enterprise made him one of the foremost men of the day.

Leroy A. Greenwood followed the occupation of a farmer, as did his father before him. He was brought to Olmsted county by his parents when a very small boy, and here grew to manhood, assisting his parents and attending the district schools. He took an active interest in public affairs and in all that promoted the general welfare and improvement of the community.

He married Miss Elizabeth Healey, of La Grange county, Indiana, a daughter of William and Jane Healey, who were natives of England. Mr. and Mrs. Greenwood affiliated with the Presbyterian church, at Rochester. Two of their sons, Arthur Lee and Ray S., are the only survivors of four children, and each is the owner of eighty acres located on section 28, Cascade township. Ray S. married, on December 15, 1909, Miss Louisa Clemens, of Rochester. The Greenwood brothers represent fully the better class of the younger men of Olmsted county, and thus carry with them the example left by their father and grandfather. Both are Republicans and are identified with the Presbyterian church.

GRIFFIN, JOHN J. -----was born in Canada, June 11, 1854, and is a child of James and Mary Griffin. His youth was spent on his father’s farm, attending to the various duties there, and getting a common-school education at the neighboring district schools. He began for himself soon after reaching manhood and slowly began to accumulate means with which to engage in an independent business. In 1887 he finally bought 160 acres in section 14, High Forest township, and began to improve and cultivate the same. As time passed he added another tract of thirty acres to his farm, which now consists of 190 acres in sections 14 and 15. On this place he has spent about $8,000 in improvements, until now he has one of the best places and homes in this vicinity. Mr. Griffin is progressive and enterprising and is abreast of the times in all methods, machines and implements. Mr. Griffin has been successful in nearly everything he has undertaken. He owns stock in the Elevator and the Creamery Companies. He is a member of St. Bridget’s Church. He is a Democrat and has served four years as supervisor.

On May 25, 1888, he married Miss Elizabeth Sheehan, of Canada, and they have had the following children: Grace, born in 1889; Susan, born in 1891; Kittie, born in 1893; Charles, born in 1895. He is one of the substantial and prominent farmers and citizens of this part of the county. On August 26, 1903, Mr. Griffin and family suffered the serious loss of wife and mother, who passed away with faith in a future state and was laid to rest in St. Bridget’s Cemetery.

GRIFFIN, RICHARD JOSEPH -----was born September 3, 1854, in High Forest township, Olmsted county, Minnesota. James Griffin, his father, was one of the very first settlers of Olmsted county, and was a man deserving of extended notice. He was a native of Ireland, born in County Queens in 1818, a son of Jeremiah Griffin; he married Mary Thomas, born in County Kilkenny, Ireland, in 1818, a daughter of Benjamin Thomas, of English birth. The family immigrated to Canada in early times, where Jeremiah Griffin died. About the year 1852 James Griffin came to the United States and lived one year in Illinois, then in the early fall of 1853 came to live in Olmsted county, Minnesota, and pre empted 160 acres of land from the government on section 15, High Forest township. At this time there were probably more Indians than white people in the county; wild animals were more numerous than domestic ones; the few settlements were in isolated localities, and the march of civilization had but faintly made an impress upon the broad acres. Here Mr. Griffin built his cabin in the wilds; here he grubbed, cleared, improved, endured the chilly blasts of winter, the privations and discomforts of pioneer life; here he reared his family and here he passed the balance of his days. When a lad eight years old he took the Father Matthews pledge of total abstinence from intoxicating liquors, a pledge he religiously kept throughout the after years of life. His temperate, outdoor life was the means of his retaining a splendid condition of health until death overtook him. He died as he had lived, an honored and respected man, on February 4, 1905, preceded by his wife October 5, 1892. They were the parents of seven sons and three daughters, five of the former and one of the latter now living.

The early life of Richard J. Griffin was passed after the usual manner of the boys of his day. He helped on the home farm and attended the district and private schools, and when a young man started out at farming for himself, subsequently working at the blacksmith’s trade. He then came to Rochester and was engaged in newspaper work on the Record and Union for a time. In 1890 he became local agent for the St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company, continuing thus until 1898, since which time he has been the general agent of that company. He is the senior member of the firm of Griffin & McGovern, who, in addition to insurance, are extensively engaged in handling real estate. Mr. Griffin is a Democrat in politics, and he expresses the fervent hope that he may die as he has always lived, an American Roman Catholic.

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