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

Biographies

History of Olmstead County Minnesota

Written by Joseph A. Leonard 1910

McGOVERN, JOHN E. ----- of the firm of Griffin & McGovern, general agents of the St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company and extensively engaged in real estate operations, was born in Rochester, Minnesota, December 12, 1863, a son of Patrick H. and Catherine McGovern, natives of Albany, New York, and County Mayo, Ireland, respectively.

James McGovern, his grand father, immigrated to America in the early forties, first settling at Albany, New York, then removing to Canada, then to Wisconsin, and finally to Rochester, Minnesota, in 1861, where he died in 1906. He and wife were the parents of six children, of whom Mrs. M. Kain, of Haverhill township, Mrs. T. Twohey, of Simpson, and Edward W., of North Dakota, are the only survivors. Patrick H. McGovern was born in 1843 and died in 1904. He came to Olmsted county with his parents when eighteen years old and, like his father before him, was a farmer.

John E. McGovern is the oldest son in a family of six boys and six girls, all living, and, after attending the district schools finished his education at St. Francis Academy, Rochester, Minnesota. He taught district school three terms, then engaged in farming. Farm life becoming distasteful after the death of his wife, he came to Rochester and embarked in the insurance business, at which he has ever since been actively and successfully engaged. In 1898 he formed his present partnership with Richard J. Griffin, under the firm name of Griffin & McGovern.

For his first wife Mr. McGovern married Catherine Lawler, daughter of the old pioneer, John J. Lawler a biography of whom appears elsewhere in this work, and by her he became the father of two children. His second wife was Miss Josie Norton daughter of Patrick Norton, one of the best known and most upright citizens and businessmen in the early history of Rochester, and to this marriage eight children have been born. Mr. McGovern is a Democrat in politics, has served as clerk of Haverhill township seven years, has been and is now a member of the city school board, and for years has been secretary and chairman of the Democratic county central committee. He is a member and for years has been president of the Ancient Order of Hibernians of Olmsted county and is vice-president of the insurance fund of the state association of that order, and is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Knights of Columbus. In religion he has not changed from the faith of his ancestors, being a Roman Catholic.

McKEOWN, S. R. ----- is one of the prominent farmers of the south eastern part of the county and is residing on a farm of 200 acres on Section 36, Elmira township. He is one of the old settlers and is the son of William and Mary Jane (McBurney) McKeown, both of whom Were natives of Ireland. They crossed the Atlantic ocean to Canada in 1837 and there resided until 1850, when they moved to the states, settling in Cook county, Illinois (where Chicago is now located). There they engaged in farming and so continued until 1855, when they removed to Olmsted county and settled on the farm now owned by the subject of this sketch. The land was then in a wild state, without any improvements. They went to work and first built a log house with a roof of boards and shingles, Mr. McKeown doing all the work. The first few settlers were then just appearing in the county and the Indians were still to be seen here and there in camps along the streams. As a rule they were friendly, but occasionally trouble arose and danger was imminent. Here they passed through all the hardships and trials of pioneer times. The most of their supplies of flour. etc., were obtained from Winona. Not a foot of ground was broken on the place. But the prospect did not daunt them, and they went to work with willing hearts. The farm originally consisted of 240 acres, but in later years Mr. McKeown gave to each of his two sons eighty acres. In time a home of comfort and refinement was built. Mr. McKeown was a Republican and became prominent in the public affairs of the township. He was one of the organizers of the school district and of the township and was public-spirited, generous and kind hearted to all. After a long life of usefulness and honor, he passed away December 4, 1902, aged eighty-nine years. His wife was his faithful helpmeet through all his trials and hardships. Her parents were John and Rebecca McBurney. She died in 1899 at the age of seventy-seven years.

S. R. McKeown, the subject of this review, attended the public schools until he was twenty-one years old, the attendance being confined to the winter months, the summers being spent at hard work on the farm. Having made up his mind to become a farmer, he continued at work on the old place after attaining his majority. And here his life thus far has been spent, except a few months of absence for recreation and pleasure. He is one of the progressive, active, successful farmers and prominent citizens of this portion of the county. He is a Republican and a member of the school board. Since taking absolute charge of the farm, he has made a number of important improvements.

In his father’s family were twelve children, as follows: Annie, deceased, married Hiram Hazelton; John, living in Fillmore county; Maria, deceased at the age of 44 years; Mary Jane, married William Watts, a farmer of Winona county; Rachel, the widow of John Powell, living in Montreal, Canada; Joseph, a retired farmer, living in Winona county; David, a black smith in Winona; James, a farmer of this county; Nelson, who died at the age of 44 years; Rebecca Wilmina, who married Henry Doyle, a farmer of Fillmore county; Margaret, who was born in Cook county, Illinois, in 1853, and has resided nearly all her life on the old farm. The family is well known in this portion of the county and none is held in higher esteem and respect.

MELONE, JAMES ARTHUR -----has been for years one of the well known insurance men of Minnesota. Born July 1, 1867, at Norwich, Ohio he was a son of William and Jane (Stevenson) Melone, both of whom were natives of that state and descended from old, pioneer families. David Melone, the grandfather of James Arthur, settled in Washington, Pennsylvania, at an early date, but in 1825 removed to Muskingum county, Ohio, where he followed farming the rest of his life. When war was declared between the North and South, William Melone, the father of our subject, enlisted at New Concord for the preservation of the Union, in Company A of the Fifteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry and served with credit throughout the stirring campaigns around Missionary Ridge, Lookout Mountain and many others. R. B. Brown, of Zanesville, Ohio, the present commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, was a member of the same company and served with Mr. Melone throughout the entire war. At the conclusion of that memorable struggle they were honorably discharged at Columbus, Ohio and Mr. Melone immediately returned to his home in Norwich. He was appointed agent there for the Baltimore & Ohio railroad and held that position until his voluntary retirement in 1904. He is still living, active and hearty, takes a keen interest in the important topics of the day and is highly esteemed and respected by all who know him. Six children were born to the union of Mr. and Mrs. Melone.

The early education of James Arthur Melone was acquired in the public schools of Norwich, Ohio, and this, when he came to Rochester in 1884, was supplemented by a course in the high school here. Previous to his arrival in Olmsted county he had studied telegraphy, and for one year after his graduation from high school was employed by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company in Ohio. In 1889, however, he returned to Rochester and engaged for two years as bookkeeper in the offices of Mr. David Stevenson, the general agent for the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He then, until 1900, acted as special agent for Mr. Stevenson, when, upon the death of the latter, he formed a partnership with A. C. Stevenson, styled Stevenson & Melone, and continued the business. They now have commodious quarters in the new Wagoner block, and, aside from their own immediate transactions, operate a number of branch agencies throughout southern Minnesota.

On October 28, 1903, Mr. Melone was united in marriage with Miss Grace, daughter of Adolphus Van Sickle, of Chicago, and they have two children, Jane and James Arthur, Jr. Mr. Melone also is a stockholder and secretary and treasurer of the Rochester Telephone Company. In 1899 he was elected mayor of the city of Rochester. Aside from the active business cares of life he has found time to cultivate the social side as well, and as such is prominently identified with the Masonic order and the Knights of Pythias. Of the former organization he is a Knight Templar and Scottish Rite Mason and a member of the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.

MERCER, JOHN W. -----was born in Licking county, Ohio, 1832, and is a son of Aaron and Mahala Mercer, both of whom were born in Virginia, and were of Irish descent. The father was a fuller and carder by trade during his early years, but later in life took up farming and continued the same until his death.

John W. spent his boyhood at work on his father’s farm and in the meantime secured a limited education in the country schools. When he was 17 years old he began to run a carding machine, having learned how from his father, and continued thus employed for two years. This work was done in Indiana, where the parents had settled in 1844.

After that he worked around among the neighbors and was thus engaged until 1853, when he married Miss Cathrine Haney, and to this union the following children were born: Mary Ann (deceased); Mrs. Susan E. Whited; Mrs. Elizabeth Kepler; Nancy J. (deceased); Liddie R. (deceased); Mrs. Ellen Whited; Jacob (deceased) ; George W.; Mrs. Katie A. Tyler; Mrs. Jessie B. Weeks; Mrs. Clara Bell (deceased); Mrs. Daisy Baker (deceased).

In 1862 John W. Mercer enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Indiana Infantry regiment, under Capt. James Bissell, and was with General Sherman in the Atlanta campaign. He participated in twenty-three different engagements besides many skirmishes and hard campaigns. He served with high credit until the end of the war in 1865, when he was honorably mustered out and returned to his home. Soon after his discharge at Indianapolis he came to Minnesota and bought a tract of 65 acres in section 3, Pleasant Grove township, Olmsted county, and upon this farm he has remained ever since. During his long life here he has become well known and has the high regard of all who know him. He is a member of the G. A. R. and of the United Brethren church. He is a strong Republican, and takes much interest in the success of the party ticket. He has ever been public spirited and willing to aid all worthy movements.

MERCER, WILLIAM L. -----superintendent of schools in Olmsted county, was born in Kalamazoo county, Michigan, October 8, 1873, one of four children, all living, born to the marriage of Francis and Lulu (Lloyd) Mercer. His father was a farmer by occupation, and served his country during the War of the Rebellion as a member of Company F, Twelfth Michigan Volunteer Infantry. When peace was declared he was honorably discharged by the War Department of the United States Government. He died June 20, 1910.

His son, William L. Mercer, was reared on the home farm in Kalamazoo county, Michigan, and after attending the public schools. pursued a course in the high school at Vicksburg, Michigan. This was supplemented by a one year’s course in the University of Michigan, and in 1897 he was graduated from Kalamazoo College. From the latter institution he received the degree of Bachelor of Science, and the year following was given the same degree from the University of Chicago. For a time, Mr. Mercer taught in the country schools of Michigan, and after completing his high school and college courses, he was offered and accepted the position of principal of the school at Climax, Michigan, where he remained two years. For the succeeding seven years he was at the head of the Buchanan, Michigan schools, and then, for a period of three years, was a principal of the high school at Rochester. Upon the resignation of George F. Howard as County Superintendent of Schools in 1909, Mr. Mercer was appointed to succeed him by the County Board on October 15, that year, and has officiated in this capacity ever since. In politics he is a Republican, and he is identified with the Masonic fraternity, in which he has attained the Royal Arch degree.

August 15, 1900, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Gardner and they have three children, Anna Louise, Lulu Helen and Catherine Ruth. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

MICH, JOHN -----was born in Germany, January 28, 1861, and is a son of Peter and Mary Mich, well-to-do and prominent people of the Fatherland. The father finally passed away in the old country. and in 1881 his widow and her sons, John, Nicholas and Matthew, and one sister, Susanna, crossed the Atlantic ocean to the United States and came west to Haverhill township, this county, bought a tract of land and settled on the same. This property was owned by the mother until her death in 1902; she now lies at rest in St. John’s Cemetery, Rochester.

Her son John, the subject of this review, received a common school education and in youth learned all the details of farm work and management. He did not stop at the superficial knowledge of farm operations, but studied along modern and scientific lines and tried to surpass his neighbors in up-to-date-methods and contrivances. The result has been that he is one of the most successful agriculturalists in this part of the state. In 1898 he bought 119 acres in section 14, and this property has been his home ever since. It is probable that his buildings could not be duplicated for less than $8,000. It is a current report in the neighborhood that his crops, owing to his superior methods of intensive farming, average per acre much more than do his neighbors. His immense stacks and overflowing granaries seem to prove the truth of the reports. He is taking much interest in the education of his children. He is the owner of elevator and creamery stock. He is a member of St. Bridget’s Church, the Catholic Order of Foresters and the German Catholic St. Joseph’s Benevolent Society.

On February 6, 1893, he married Miss Dora Schmelzer, who was born in Cascade township, February 18, 1864, her parents being early settlers of that portion of the county. Her father died in 1899, but her mother is still living. To Mr. and Mrs. Mich the following children were born: Cecily M., born June 17, 1898, died April 26, 1901 ; Clara D., born October 30, 1900; Mary L., born June 12, 1902; Emily S., born January 7, 1905; John A., born September 3, 1906; Cecily, born May 16, 1908.

MITCHELL, WILLIAM H. -----the present sheriff of Olmsted county, was born at Winona, Minnesota, June 16, 1861. He is one in a family of ten children, seven now living, born to William and Sarah (Hall) Mitchell. William Mitchell was a native of Scotland and there worked at his trade of dyer. When twenty-eight years old he came to the United States and was married at Huntington, Indiana, and always, in this county, was engaged in farming. He moved to Olmsted county in 1861, first settling in Farmington township, but later removing to Dover township, where he died.

William H. Mitchell has never known any home but in Olmsted county. He was educated in the common schools, and upon attaining his majority started out for himself as a farm hand, working for two years by the month. He then rented a farm and from means thus acquired bought land in Eyota township, where he now owns 188 acres. Mr. Mitchell started out in life for himself without a dollar in his pocket, and such means as he has accumulated has been through hard work and his own, unaided efforts. In politics he is a believer in the policies of the Republican party, and as such has served by election four years as county commissioner. In 1908 he was nominated and elected sheriff of the county, and two years later, in 1910, was re-nominated for that position. Socially he is a Royal Arch Mason and a member of the Eastern Star of that fraternity, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Independent Order of Red Men and the Modern Woodmen of America.

In December, 1884, he was united in marriage with Miss Lucy V. Brown, by whom he is the father of three children—Marion, now Mrs. P. H. Coleman, and Doris and Bernice.

MOODY, ROBERT----- one of the oldest and best known citizens of Olmsted county, was born near Belfast, County Antrim, Ireland, September 10, 1838, the oldest in a family of ten children born to the union of Alexander and Mary (Nimmons) Moody.

His father was a farmer and grocer in the old country, and Robert being the oldest son, most of the work of the home place fell to his lot. He was educated in the public schools of his native country and early in life, due largely to the advice of an uncle, Hugh Nimmons, who was residing in Farmington township, Minnesota, came to America, accompanied by three brothers, and for two years worked on the farms of his uncle and others. He then bought 160 acres, later adding 240 more to his holdings, which be cultivated and improved. When civil war broke out between the North and South, Mr. Moody enlisted for the preservation of the Union in Company C, of the Tenth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and served with credit throughout that memorable struggle. He was present at the engagements of Nashville, Mobile and Island No. 10 and other battles and campaigns, and also participated in the Indian troubles of Minnesota. The only wound suffered by Mr. Moody was in a saber charge at Nashville, when he received a nasty gash which troubled him for some time. At the close of the war he was honorably mustered out and immediately returned to his home in Olmsted county.

In 1866 he was united in marriage with Mrs. Lorinda L. Bulin, who was born in Oswego county, New York, the daughter of Cornelius and Elizabeth (Austen) Holden, and to them were born the following two children: Robert, born in 1867, and Laura Louisa, born October 29, 1875. Robert Moody has been lifelong Republican in his political views and has served thirty-six years as school treasurer. Socially he is identified with Rochester Lodge, No. 13, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Presbyterian church. He is one of the oldest and best citizens of the county and is highly respected and esteemed by all who know him.

MOORE, JOHN WILLIAM -----is a son of Thomas and Anna Moore, who came from England to the United States in 1852, and immediately after their arrival were married in New York. They came west and after a short time spent in Illinois they came to Olmsted county about the year 1853, but after staying here about one year they returned to Illinois and engaged in farming until 1874. when they again came to Olmsted county and bought a farm of about 360 acres. Here they lived happily together until 1892, when Mr. Moore retired and on March 17, 1910, was called by death. His widow is still living in Chatfield with her son, James Moore. Thomas Moore was one of the best and most prominent citizens of the county and was a prominent member of the Republican party.

John William Moore was born in Searsburg, New York, April 27, 1853, and was educated primarily at Elgin, Illinois. In youth he learned farming and this has been his life’s occupation. After coming to Olmsted county he worked by the month on farms for two years and then worked a few years with his father. He then bought eighty acres in Orion township and paid for it from his own savings. In 1893 he bought the sixty-five acres on which he is now residing. After paying for his land he began to make needed improvements, putting up a good residence in 1898 and a fine barn later. He is one of the prominent citizens of the township, is a Republican, and was a school director from 1894 to 1909.

On April 22, 1880, he married Miss Ellen McLaughlin, a daughter of John and Eliza, both of whom are natives of Ireland, where the father died April 6, 1907, and where the mother is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Moore have three children: Thomas J., a dentist at Plainview; William A., who is studying dentistry, and Annie E., who is yet in school.

MORIARTY, JEREMIAH -----located on section 34, Haverhill township, Olmsted county, was born there on May 3, 1868, the son of Jeremiah Moriarty and Mary (Bresnahan) Moriarty, both of whom were natives of Ireland. The father was born in 1824, and was reared and educated in the old country, but when 19 years old immigrated to America and for a time secured employment by the day in the Eastern states. He came West to Olmsted county Minnesota, about 1858, secured a farm of 200 acres from the government, improved and cultivated same and in time became one of the successful farmers of the community. Mr. Moriarty was a life-long Democrat in his political views, a devout member of the Catholic church, a good and true citizen and friend, and one of the highly respected citizens of the county’s history.

The boyhood days of Jeremiah Moriarty, the subject of this review, were spent in Haverhill township, assisting his father on the farm and attending the district schools. On June 14, 1897, he was married to Miss Anna Cronin, daughter of Patrick Cronin, and five children one son and four daughters, have been born, named Mary, Josephine, Jeremiah, Loretta and Anna, all having been reared on the old home place. Mr. Moriarty is a Democrat in politics and has served on the township board for a number of years. Socially he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Knights of Columbus, and he and family are communicants of the Roman Catholic church.

MORRIS, STEPHEN W. -----now engaged in farming and stock raising on section 5, Marion township, Olmsted county, was born in Shelby county, Indiana, December 29, 1847, the son of Joseph C. and Susan (Headlee) Morris. The father was a native of Pennsylvania, his birth occurring March 10, 1815, and when four years of age removed with his parents to Rush county, Indiana, where he was reared and educated. For seven years he taught in the district schools of that locality, and was there married. In 1865 he came to Olmsted county, Minnesota, and bought a farm of 160 acres in Cascade township, upon which he lived and farmed for ten years. He then moved into the city of Rochester, and for about twelve years successfully engaged in the insurance and real estate business. Then, in company with his son, Stephen W., he went to Minneapolis and continued his real estate and insurance operations until 1902. That year he returned to Olmsted county, and located on a farm of 260 acres in Marion township, which his son had purchased in 1878. In politics the elder Morris was a Republican, and for one term he served as treasurer of Cascade township. To him and wife, a native of Indiana, a family of ten children were born.

The early education of Stephen W. Morris was acquired in the district schools of Shelby county, Indiana, and when seventeen years old he came with his parents to Minnesota. He later entered the literary department of the University of Michigan, and also was a student of law, being admitted to practice in 1874. For about eight years he practiced the latter profession in Rochester, and then, as above stated, went with his father to Minneapolis and engaged in the real estate and insurance business. He returned with his father shortly afterwards, and has since resided on his fine farm in Marion township, actively and successfully engaged in farming and stock raising. In his political views Mr. Morris is a Republican, in religious a Congregationalist. He is regarded throughout the county as a progressive and public-spirited man.

MORRISON, HON. DANIEL A. -----one of the old and highly respected citizens of Olmsted county, and who has been prominent in state and local political affairs, was born in Franklyn, Venango county, Pennsylvania November 8, 1842, a son of Ananias and Mary (Gaston) Morrison. His maternal grandfather, John Gaston, died from the effects of wounds received in the second war with England. Both parents were natives of Pennsylvania and resided in that state until 1846, when they removed to Elmira, New York.

After a seven years’ residence there they emigrated west and settled at Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and there Daniel A. Morrison was educated in the public schools. When his schooling was completed he took up the study of the printing business in the office of the Commonwealth, and subsequently, in 1859-60, published the Journal, at Markesan, Green Lake county, Wisconsin, it being the first enterprise of that nature in the town. Mr. Morrison was then but eighteen years of age. When civil law was declared between the North and South he enlisted for the preservation of the union at Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, in the Thirty-second Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, commanded by Col. James H. Howe, and his first service was provost duty at Memphis, Tennessee. When General Grant endeavored to reach the rear of Vicksburg, the Thirty-second joined his command and accompanied him as far as Oxford, Mississippi. where they were delayed three weeks owing to bad roads. Because of the condition of the roads Mr. Morrison was forced to return to Memphis, then went to Vicksburg by boat, and after the siege of that place participated in the destruction of the railroad from Vicksburg to Meridian, about 200 miles to the rear of Vicksburg. Subsequently he joined General Sherman’s command at Chattanooga and took part in the stirring campaigns of the march from Atlanta to the sea. He then accompanied Sherman to Richmond and took part in the battle of Bentonville, and after General Johnson’s surrender proceeded to Washington by way of Richmond and took part in the grand review.

At the conclusion of the war he located at Rochester, Minnesota, and engaged in the mercantile business, his geniality, business tact and executive ability insuring success from the start. He was soon called upon to participate in the administration of local public affairs, and in 1875 6-7 served as mayor of the city. In 1878 he was elected to the state senate and while a member of that body served on the following important committees: Hospital for the insane, state library and engrossing, and internal improvements, being chairman of the last named. He introduced and had carried the bill locating the second insane hospital at Rochester, and during his temporary occupancy of the lieutenant-governor’s chair, at which time he presided over the senate, the famous deadlock over the high license bill was broken and Senator Morrison gained fame and distinction as a presiding officer. In 1878 he was reelected to the state senate. For over forty years Mr. Morrison has resided in Rochester, and during that time few have been more actively and prominently connected with her varied interests. His long and creditable career in the state senate contributed in no small degree to the prominence Rochester and this part of the state has maintained, and the honors conferred on the soldier-statesman have been most worthily be stowed. In politics Senator Morrison is and always has been a staunch Republican, and socially he is identified with the Masonic fraternity and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being at one time grand master of the state of the latter organization.

In July, 1865, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah M., daughter of Edwin Beeton, of Wisconsin, and to them have been born Luella, now Mrs. H. C. Steadman, of Rochester; Arthur L., of Butte, Montana; Minnie, now Mrs. E. C. Clark, of Minneapolis, and Edwin, deceased in infancy. After retiring from the senate Mr. Morrison was elected to and served several terms in the city council, and now is president of the utility board controlling the electric plants. He is highly respected and esteemed by all who know him, and his efforts in the interests of home and country will long be remembered.

MORSE, CLINTON D. ------lumber merchant of Rochester, is a native of Spring Valley, Minnesota, his birth occurring January 14, 1873. He received a good practical education in youth, and in 1892 came to Rochester, where, for about six years, he was employed in the lumber yard of P. L. Dansingburg, subsequently engaging in the same line of business for himself at St. Peter and Mankato. In 1894 he returned to Rochester as a member of the Hayes-Lucas Lumber Company, which succeeded P. L. Dansingburg, and has since made this city his home. There is no better known lumber man in southern Minnesota than Mr. Morse, and his square business dealings and invariable courtesy have won him the respect and confidence of his fellowmen. March 9, 1895, he was united in marriage with Miss Edna Gustine by whom he is the father of three children, named Marjorie M., Carolla and Hayes. Mr. Morse is a Republican, a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Royal Arcanum and the Masonic fraternity.

MORTON, JOHN M. -----now living a retired life in Rochester, was born in New York state, April 6, 1843, the son of William R. and Polly (Sherman) Morton, who were of old New England stock, the mother being a direct descendant of Roger Sherman. The father was a native of Scotland and came to America when six years of age. He learned the trade of weaver and for many years followed that profession, being widely known as an expert weaver of broadcloth, etc. In later life, however, he turned his attention to milling in western New York.

His son, John M. Morton, was educated in the public schools of his native state, then came west and took a course in the Winona normal school, from which institution he was graduated in 1868. He then taught for a number of years in the public schools of Olmsted county, but failing health forced him to seek outdoor exercise and he purchased a farm in Cascade township, where he engaged in farming and stock raising until 1894. He then removed to a farm nearby, which he had previously acquired, upon which he resided until November, 1903. Shortly thereafter he came to the city of Rochester, owning three farms, comprising, approximately, 600 acres. Due to failing health he was forced to abandon farming and disposed of his farms, the last one in 1909. He has since regretted having parted with the latter one, it being what he termed “the old homestead.”

In 1870 he was married to Miss Matilda Cunningham, daughter of Andrew Cunningham, of New York state. After completing her education in the Albany, New York, Chicago, Illinois, and Rochester, Minnesota schools, she taught for a time in Olmsted county before her marriage to Mr. Morton. They had one daughter, Phoebe May, born May 23, 1876, in Cascade township. She was educated in the country public schools and later attended and graduated from the Winona normal school. She also taught for a time, but contracted consumption and on July 11, 1901 passed away and was buried in Oakwood cemetery, Rochester. Mr. Morton is a Republican, an Episcopalian, was town clerk of Cascade township twenty-three years, was supervisor several terms. Socially he is identified with the Masonic fraternity. He is public spirited and a well-read man, spending his leisure moments in reading and nursing his wife, who has been an invalid the past year through an attack of nervous prostration. Mr. Morton enlisted in the 112th New York Volunteer Infantry during the Civil war, but his father procured his release from that command on the grounds of being under the required age. In 1864, however, Mr. Morton again enlisted, but served a short time only, as his term expired. He and wife now reside in a beautiful home at 907 West Zumbro street.

MUELLER, REV. H. F. C. -----was born in Blue Earth county, Minnesota, and is one of seven living children born to Rev. Henry Julius and Dora (Dagefoerde) Mueller, the father being one of the pioneer ministers of southwestern Minnesota. On August 7, 191O, the father celebrated the anniversary of his fortieth year in the ministry, at the age of seventy-three, while at Brewster, Minnesota. There was a large attendance of friends and brother clergy men, all of whom marveled at his unusual freshness, youthfulness and vigor, Rev. Henry Fred.

Charles Mueller in his early age determined to devote his life to the Master’s work. He accordingly was given every opportunity to secure the education necessary for this important labor. He received seven years’ parochial school training at Lester Prairie, Minnesota; three years at Concordia College, St. Paul, Minnesota; three years in Concordia College, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and three years in Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri. In 1904 he was duly ordained to the ministry, and at once took charge of the Lutheran congregation near Kimswick, Jefferson county, Missouri. This he held for three years with much credit to himself and with much benefit to the congregation. At a financial loss to himself he finally gave up this field and accepted the urgent call to come to Stewartville, Minnesota, where there was a broader field of labor and usefulness. Here he has pursued his holy calling ever since and has continued to grow in the hearts of the people. He is a member of the German Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and other States. On July 6, 1904, he wedded Miss Matilda Hagamann, of Minneapolis, and they have three children: Henry F. W., born December 19, 1905; Renatus T. P., born July 16, 1907 ; Adelbert C. E., born December 21, 1909.

MULHOLLAND, A. J. -----a pioneer resident of Viola township, Olmsted county, was born in Hamilton county, New York, December 26, 1863, a son of Andrew and Christina (Keller) Mulholland, also natives of that state. The family came to Viola township, Olmsted county, early in 1865, and have since made this place their home. When war was declared between the North and South, Mr. Mulholland enlisted for the preservation of the Union and served with credit through that memorable struggle. To him and wife a family of eight children, six sons and two daughters, was born, as follows: James, of Lake City, Minnesota; A. A., of Viola; Mary M. Campbell, of Viola; R. H. Mulholland of Buffalo, North Dakota; A. J. Mulholland, the subject of this sketch; Robert A., of Rochester, Minnesota; C. E. Mulholland, of Viola; and Cora Swan, deceased.

On November 27, 1889, A. J. Mulholland was united in marriage with Miss Carrie E. Newsham, daughter of Z. T. and Jane (Collins) Newsham. Her father was born in Wisbeach, England, May 2, 1834, and the mother near Bristol, England, March 28, 1828. They immigrated to America at an early date and had the following five children: Mrs. W. B. Wooley, Mary Murphy, Josie Knopp, Clara Smith and Charles, who died at the age of five. Mrs. Mulholland and Mrs. Smith are twins, and with the exception of Mrs. Knopp, of Winona, all are residing in Viola township. The mother of these children died April 9, 1906 a fine woman, who had made hosts of friends. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Mulholland five children have been born, as follows: Kenneth, born June 13, 1892; Harold, born October 30, 1895; Marjorie, born September 9, 1899, and died July 20, 1901; Kermit, born June 3, 1902, and died August 29, 1902; and Barbara, born at Long Beach, California, April 23, 1904. Although they have lost two children by accidents, Mr. and Mrs. Mulholland are cheerful and their influence on those who have been spared them is always for the good. The family affiliate with the Methodist church. Mr.

Mulholland owns 240 acres of improved land in section 10 of Viola township, equipped with all modern improvements, and he and family are enjoying life in every sense of the word. In politics he is a Republican, and as such has been selected by friends and neighbors as road supervisor, school director, and is at present township assessor. Mr. Mulholland is liberal to a fault, and no public enterprise of worth but what receives his moral and financial support. He is regarded as one of the public-spirited and broad-minded citizens of the county.

MULHOLLAND, CECIL E. -----is a native of this county, his birth occurring in Viola township, in section 16, where he now resides, December 1, 1868. His parents were Andrew and Christina (Keller) Mulholland, for a sketch of whom see elsewhere in this volume.

Cecil E. grew to manhood in this township and spent his youth assisting his parents on the farm and attending the district schools in the winter months. He learned all the details of farm work and management, and secured sufficient education for all practical purposes.

On January 4, 1891, he was united in marriage with Miss Anna Lahmers. the daughter of Jacob and Katherine (Kline) Lahmers, both of whom were natives of Germany and immigrated to this country in 1866. Mrs. Mulholland was born October 6, 1869. To her marriage the following children have been born: Ruby, born January 24, 1892; Mabel, born October 6, 1893; Avis, born July 24, 1897; Clyde, born August 23, 1901; Lloyd, born February 17. 1902; Helen, born July 17, 1904; Donald, born March 2, 1910.

Mr. and Mrs. Mulholland have made their present substantial home by good management and hard work and are now in comfortable circumstances. They at present own a farm of 117 acres in Viola township, all under a good degree of cultivation, with substantial buildings, fences. etc. Mr. and Mrs. Mulholland are attendants at the United Brethren church. He is a decided Republican and is interested in the success of his party. He is a member of Viola Camp, 1728, M. W. A. Mr. Mulholland is among the most active and progressive farmers of this part of the county. He has the respect of all who know him.

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