Biographical Sketches
Cottage Grove
1881

AMES, Oliver

Was born in Orange county, New York, September 24th, 1850, and is the scion of  an illustrious family. At two years of age he moved with his parents to St. Paul, Minnesota. He first attended school in the old stone building on the river bank, taught by Rev. E. D. Neill. After taking an academical course, he finished his education at the St. Paul Business College in 1866. The same year he was employed as bookkeeper for the old Home Insurance Company, of that city, and afterward engaged in the same capacity for the firm of Noyes, Peet and Company, also Dispatch Printing Company, and at Duluth for the Duluth Minnesotian. Returning to St. Paul he passed one winter there, then moved to his present farm, where he has since resided. He has lately completed a beautiful home on the spot where Major J. R. Brown established a trading post in 1838. He was united in marriage in 1874, to Miss Emma Benson. Their children are Oliver H., Reginald H. and Amelia.


ARNY, Ferdinand

A native of Germany, was  born at Baden, October, 1843. He received his education in his native place and at the age of twenty emigrated to the United States, landing at the port of New Orleans. He came northward to Minnesota, and located in Cottage Grove township, where he now owns a desirable farm of 120 acres. In April, 1871, he marrried Miss Carrie Anderson. Frank W., George, Anna H., Albert and Sarah, are their children. Two children died in infancy.


ARNY, John

Born January 7th, 1829, is a native of Baden, Germany. He received an education in his native home, and there remained until he reached manhood's estate; then came to America. He went directly to St. Louis, where he spent four years in the employ of the banker, Louis Benoist. In April, 1865, he came to Minnesota, locating on a farm of one hundred and fifty acres at Cottage Grove, where he has since lived, an honored and respected citizen. His family consists of his wife and three children, Edward, Anna and Minnie.


BARRIL, Frank X.

Was born at Detroit, Michigan, in 1859. While he was yet an infant his parents moved to Montreal, Canada, but returned to Detroit, when he was eleven years of age. There Mr. Barril remained until 1875, then turned westward. He made his home in Little Falls, Morrison county, Minnesota, two years, working at the blacksmith's trade. He completed his knowledge of the trade in St. Paul. In 1880 he located at Langdon, where he is doing a good business of general blacksmithing, including wagonmaking, repairing, etc.


BELDEN, Henry

Was born in Benson, Rutland county, Vermont, in 1811, of the old New England stock. Here he was educated, and lived until 1844, when he removed to Wisconsin, and purchased a farm in Rock county. During the spring of 1856, he removed from Wisconsin to the territory of Minnesota, settling at Cottage Grove, on his present fine estate. His farm consists of two hundred and sixty-six acres, which is finely improved and adorned by a very handsome residence. Mr. Belden has been twice married; first, to Miss Elinira Benson, who died in Wisconsin. In 1852 he married his present wife, who was Rhoda Crum. They have three children.


BORTH, August F.

A native of Prussia, born in 1848. When a child of seven years his parents crossed the ocean, and located at Henderson, Sibley county, Minnesota, where his father still remains and pursues his avocation. of contractor and carpenter. Mr. Borth passed his youth at Henderson, and received a practical education and learned the trade of blacksmith and wagonmaker. September, 1876, he became a resident of the village of Cottage Grove, where he still resides, having an extensive custom. He married in 1876, Miss Hattie Palmer, who has borne him two children, Frank L. and George.


COLWELL, John

A native of Ireland, from where his parents emigrated to Canada, when he was a child. In 1865 he removed to Minnesota, locating at Cottage Grove, where he resides on a well-improved farm of two hundred and ninety acres, adjoining the village of Langdon. In Toronto, Canada, 1845, he was married to Miss Mary Glenn, who died many years after, leaving seven children, John J., Mary, Joseph, Bobert, Elizabeth A., Matilda and George. Mr. Colwell remarried in 1871 to Mrs. Maria Stotesbury. They have three children, George B., Edwin and Albert O. Mrs. Colwell has two children by her first husband.


CRIPPEN, George B.

Was born in Saratoga county, New York, 1838. He removed to Wisconsin with his parents, where he remained until the age of sixteen. He then removed to Cottage Grove, where he has, the greater portion of his time, resided, engaged in agricultural pursuits. He enlisted in August, 1862, in Company I, Sixth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and served through the Indian campaign under General Sibley. In 1864 his command went to the front; he participated in many prominent engagements, and was mustered out of service at Fort Snelling, August, 1865. He married Miss Sophia Ludloff, of Prescott, Wisconsin, in 1861. They have eight children living.


DALY, Jeremiah

A native of Ireland, born in 1829, where he received his education. In 1850, he crossed the ocean to the United States, and at once started for the far west. Many inconveniences were met with in crossing the continent at that early date, he having expended all but two dollars and twenty-five cents when he reached St. Paul, Minnesota. He remained only two days, paying one dollar per day for board. He then shouldered his baggage and walked until he found work, which happened to be as a farmhand. He changed about from place to place engaging in different pursuits. After several experiences in lumbering, he finally settled at Cottage Grove, where he now resides, owning a beautiful farm of five hundred and twenty acres. He is an honored and respected citizen, and has done much in forwarding the local interests. Mr. Daly has been twice married. His present wife was Miss Mary Mortimer, whom he married in 1876. They have three children, Elizabeth, Thomas M. and William.


DOYLE, Edward

A native of the "Emerald Isle," born in 1829. He came to America in 1852, and settled in Massachusetts, where he worked at various trades and at farming. He came west in 1867, locating in Washington county, Minnesota; he now owns a nice farm of one hundred and sixty acres, in Cottage Grove. His marriage to Miss Mary Leary, a native of Ireland, took place 1856. They have eight children.


FOWLER, William

His name is familiar among the agricultural classes of Minnesota. He was born in Hampden county, of the old "Bay State," September 8th, 1826. At the age of nine, he moved with his parents to Geauga county, Ohio, where he passed his youth and received his education, completing his studies by a course in the fine urts and sciences at Twinsburg Academy. When twenty-two years of age he emigrated to Illinois, and in 1852, came to Minnesota, locating in Newport township; he engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1862, he enlisted in Company "F," Eighth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. His command first served under Gen. Sibley in the Indian campaign, then were ordered to front. Mr. Fowler was severely wounded at the battle of "The Cedars," on account of which he received a pension. In 1862 he was commissioned second lieutenant, which position he held until mustered out of service at Tort Snelling, July, 1865. In 1870 he purchased a farm in Cottage Grove, where he now lives, and is the owner of 544 acres. Mr. Fowler was president of the State Agricultural society in 1873-74; was for seven years president of the Washington County Agricultural Association,also of the State Dairymen's Association, and the State Wool Growers' Association. He represented his district in the legislature in 1877. He has held other high and responsible positions, in which he has given satisfaction. In 1857 his marriage to Miss Caroline Lane occurred. Frank L., Mary, Nellie, Eugene and Willie are their children.


FURBER, George M.

A native of Cottage Grove, born November 17th, 1855. He attended the public school in boyhood and completed his education at Carlton College, Northfleld, where he took a classical course. On returning home he was clerk in his father's store three years, and in January, 1880, he purchased it. He is now doing a good mercantile business. In 1877, he married Miss Annie B. Hind, of St. Paul. They have two children: Jennie F. and Angier G.


FURBER, Gen. Joseph W.

A native of New Hampshire, born at Farmington, Strafford county. He is of very old, prominent stock, dating as far back as the locating of the New England colonies in 1640. His father, Major Pierce P. Furber, was an officer in the war of 1812. Gen. Furber received his education at the public school, except one year at Foxcraft Academy, Penobscot county, Maine. His early manhood was passed in the pursuit of lumber surveying. In 1838, he started for the then remote Mississippi valley; on arriving at Alton, Illinois, he made that his home until 1840, when he went to St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, and engaged in business until 1846. He then came to Washington county, Minnesota, and located at his present, beautiful home at Cottage Grove; there he still remains an honored citizen. In 1846, he was elected to represent the counties of Crawford and St. Croix, which then included the whole north-west in the territorial legislature of Wisconsia. In order to reach the capitol at Madison, he started Christmas and walked the whole distance to Prairie du Chien, that being the only mode of travel at that early date. In 1857, he was chosen speaker of the first Minnesota legislature. In 1851, he was appointed and commissioned major-general of militia of Minnesota territory. The same year he was appointed by President Fillmore and confirmed by the senate as United States marshal of Minnesota, which he held until his resignation in June, 1853. He has also been honored by the local offices among which are justice of the peace, notary public, postmaster, etc. His marriage with Miss Sarah Minkler occurred in 1843. They have three children: Estella M., Arvilla and William W.


FURBER, Samuel W.

Like his brother Gen. J. W. Furber, he has played a prominent part in the history of St. Croix Valley and the state of Minnesota. He was born in Farmiagton, Strafford county, New Hampshire, in 1819. In 1833 he moved with his parents to Milo, Maine, where he obtained an education which he completed at Foxcraft Academy. In 1846 he went to Bangor, engaging in lumbering, until the spring of 1857, when he came west. He located at Cottage Grove in 1860 where he has since lived. Mr. Furber represented Washington county in the state legislature in 1862, and as chairman of the committee on public lands, he was the most prominent in the framing of the public school land-laws of Minnesota. At the organization of the iaternal revenue service in 1862, he was appointed assistant assessor of the fifth district, embracing the counties of Washington, Chisago, Carlton, Kanabec and Lake. In this capacity he served until 1870, when the districts were consolidated by an act of congress. At the organization of the Farmers' Board of Trade, in 1879, he was chosen president by the board of directors and filled the office until expiration of term. Mr. Furber took the United States census of 1880, in Cottage Grove, Denmark and Newport townships. He has also held local offices, such as justice of the peace, notary public, etc. His family consists of wife and three children.


FURBER, Theodore

Was born at Farmington, Strafford county, New Hampshire, in 1817. When ten years of age, his parents removed to Dover, and four years subsequently to Maine. At this place and at Dover he received a common school and academic education. He left Milo in 1845,with his young wife, for the St. Croix Valley, arriving at St. Croix Falls after a journey of seven weeks. The following spring he located on unsurveyed lands, which after the survey was made he purchased, it being in Cottage Grove township. In 1871 Mr. Furber and wife spent the winter in California, then returned, remaining two years. They then passed a few years in Colorado and Ohio, finally returning to Cottage Grove, where they have since lived. He was commissioned by Governor Dodge of Wisconsin territory as colonel of militia; he was also justice of the peace in early days. He was appointed comissioner in company with Bronson of St. Paul, by the legislature to survey and locate the first territorial road from Point Douglas to St. Paul, which commission he fulfilled. He wedded Miss Sarah J. Hale in 1843.


GILLETT, Aaron G.

A native of Connecticut, born in New London county, 1817. Here he was educated and lived until 1837. He then went to Steuben county, New York, and engaged in mercantile business until 1855, a portion of the time being devoted to traveling. The same year he removed to Belle Plaine, Scott county, where he tarried until 1862. After engaging in hotel-keeping at Bloomington about three years, he located at St. Paul, thence to Belle Plaine, and in 1870 became a resident of Langdon. He was in the employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway Company as station agent nine years. He is now occupying the positions of postmaster and town clerk; has also held the ofHce of justice of the peace eight years. His wife was Miss Hannah Baldwin, whom he married in 1840. They have two children, Martha and Mary, also one adopted son, Charles E.


GILMORE, Henry

Was born in Washington county, New York, October 1st, 1824, and is of Scotch descent. His ancestors were the original settlers of that section at a very early date. He received his education at his native place, completing it by a course at Cambridge College. At the age of twenty-one he came west, locating on a farm in Iowa. After remaining two years, he removed to Galena, Illinois, and gave his attention to boot and shoe trade many years. About twenty-three years ago he came to Minnesota, spending a number of years in Richfield, Minneapolis and Minnetonka in various pursuits. He finally purchased his present extensive estate of six hundred and fifty-eight acres, at Cottage Grove, to which he moved, and where he now lives with his family. His marriage occurred at Galena, Illinois, in 1855. His wife was Sarah A. Mathews, who has borne him nine children.


GLENN, William

Was born in Canada West, 1830. Here he was educated and learned a trade. He came to Minnesota in 1866, and after tarrying a short time in St. Paul, he purchased and opened a farm in Cottage Grove township. He is now owner and proprietor of the hotel of that village; is also town official and dealer in stock. He was married in1852, to Miss Mary Campbell, who died in 1863, leaving two children. He re-married in 1868 to Miss A. J. Everts. Emma and Frank are their children, and Mary an adopted daughter.


HARRIS, Arthur B.

Was born in Dorchester, Massachusetts, in 1856, where he passed his childhood days. His father entered the service of his country at the beginning of the civil war, and fell mortally wounded, at one of the battles of the Potomac; his mother died the next year. Thus early in life he was left an orphan, and in 1868 he came west with his grand-father, Mr. C. D. Strong, senior partner of the well-known firm of Strong, Hackett and Company, of St. Paul. In 1878 Mr. Harris purchased a farm of four hundred acres, in Todd county, Minnesota. He has spent some time in Red River valley, near Fargo, but makes his home at Cottage Grove.


HESELTON, John L.

Was born in Canada, near St. Lawrence river, in 1837. He came to St. Paul in 1860, making it his home four years, then located at Cottage Grove, where he has since lived, a prominent farmer, owning a farm of two hundred and thirty-six acres. He married in 1861, Miss Anna Fitzgerald. They have seven children: George A., Martha A., John H., Mary I., Luella, Nora M., and Harvey.


HESELTON, George

Father of J. L. Heselton, late of Cottage Grove, and a prominent citizen, was born in England, and emigrated to Canada, thence to Minnesota in 1868. He died September
13th, 1878.


HILL, Lewis

One of the early pioneers of Washington county. He was born at Hollis, York county, Maine, 1822. When he attained his majority he started for the Falls of St. Croix. During the tedious journey he was laid low with fever and ague. He found many kind and generous friends who cared for him and assisted him in procuring work after recovering. In 1844 he went to Cottage Grove, and engaged in farming some years, then sold and removed to Dakota county, in 1855. A few years later he returned to Cottage Grove, and located at his present residence at the Comers. He married Miss Abbie Welch in 1854. Emma C., Jessie L., and Frederick E. G. are their living children.


HUTCHINSON, John R.

Was born at sea, under the American flag, October 18th, 1822. His father was an officer in the merchant marine service of the United States. Mr. Hutchinson lived principally in the state of New York until the age of twenty-three, when he located at Calumet, Wisconsin. He came to Minnesota in 1857, living in Hastings and Newport a number of years. At Fort Snelling, in 1861, he enlisted in Company "K," Fifth Eegiment Iowa Volunteer Cavalry, and after serving two years re-enlisted. He served in two Indian campaigns under Gen. Sibley, and May 14th, 1865, was discharged. The same year he located on a farm in Cottage Grove township, where he has since made his home. Mrs. Charlotte C. Hutchinson, nee Ladd. of Vermont, is his devoted wife. They were married March 20th, 1844, and are the parents of seven children.


KELSEY, Wallace

Was born in Jefferson county, New York, July 22d, 1836. At the age of nineteen he emigrated westward, reaching Cottage Grove, Christmas day, 1855. This he made his home until 1861, when he enlisted at Prescott, Wisconsin, in Company "A," Twelfth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. He served faithfully in many noted conflicts; was commissioned first lieutenant in 1864. In 1866 he located on his present farm at Cottage Grove, where he now resides. His wife was Miss E. Crippen, whom he married in 1861. Ada A., Mabel and Wallace E. are their children.


LE BORIUS, Joseph

Was born at Hesse-Darmstadt, in 1848. His parents died during his infancy, and when a child of four years his grandparents came to America, bringing him with them, and located at St. Paul, Minnesota. He first located at Cottage Grove in 1871, and at the village school completed his education. He is chiefly engaged in gardening with much success. Although a mere boy his patriotism impelled him to enlist, which he did in Company "B," Fourth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. He was mustered out at Fort Snelling, July 1865. He wedded Miss Nellie Stevens, in 1873; she was one of the first white children born at Cottage Grove. They have two children, John J. and Margaret.


LADD, Uriah

Was born in New London county, Connecticut, 1819. His father, Uriah Ladd, Sr., was captain in the war of 1812, and had reached the age of eighty-nine when he died. Mr. Ladd lived at the place of his birth until fifteen years old, then removed to Windham county. He completed his education at the Suffolk Literary Institute, and at the age of eighteen began teaching. He served as clerk of a bank at Windham, Connecticut, and was there at the time of the historic robbery of the "Bull Frog Bank." He settled in 1872 at Cottage Grove, and has since lived there; he is now town assessor. His wife was Miss Mary Burdick, whom he married in 1848. They have five children living: J. Howard, George, Mary, Uriah and Catherine.


LARAMY, John H.

A native of the "North Star State," was born at St. Paul, June 7th, 1858, where passed his early boyhood. In 1868 he went with his parents to Cottage Grove where he attended the public schools -and then entered the State University and took a scientific and classical course, completing it with the class of 1875-'76. After spending a few months at Beloit, Wisconsin, he returned to Cottage Grove and took charge of the mercantile house of Woodward and Son at Langdon, where he still remains with success.


MARS, Hartley

Was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, May 29th, 1829. He received his education and learned the trade of tanner in his native place. At the age of twenty-four he emigrated to Crawford county, Wisconsin, where he followed his trade and farming. He enlisted in Company "C," Twentieth Wisconsin volunteer infantry. He experienced a severe illness which confined him to the hospital six months. On his convalescence he re-enlisted in Company "D," Mississippi Marine Brigade, and served along the waters of that stream. In 1863 he was compelled to retire from military service on account of failing health. Purchasing a farm at Cottage Grove, he located on it with his family in the fall of 1865. His marriage with Elizabeth Myers took place in 1850. Margaret L., Ehzabeth P.,John H. and Henrietta are the living children, two having died.


McCHESNEY, John G.

A native of Ireland, born in 1836. He is of Scotch lineage, and was reared and educated in the country of his nativity. In 1857 he crossed the Atlantic, and proceeded directly westward, reaching St. Paul, Minnesota, the same year. After being a resident of that city three years he removed to Cottage Grove. He began farming in Denmark township in 1862, but purchased his present farm at Cottage Grove, and located in 1866. His farm is a most desirable one, being highly improved and embracing two hundred and forty acres. Mr. McChesney was married in 1862 to Miss Harriet Wallace, who is also a native of Ireland, and of Scotch ancestry. They are the parents of four children: Herbert W., John W., Thomas R. and Herman F., one of whom, Thomas, died February 13th, 1878.


MILLER, Theodore F.

Was born at the village of Cross River, Westchester county, New York, 1847. His parents removed to Prescott, Wisconsin, where they still reside. At Prescott, he grew to manhood and received a liberal education. After having farmed near Prescott five years, he removed to Point Douglas, Minnesota in 1872, and began the grain trade. In 1876, he and his partner, Mr. Dill purchased the elevator at Langdon. The firm of Dill and Miller own and operate four elevators. Mr. Miller was married in 1868 to Miss Annie Teare, who has borne him three children: Carrie, Maud and Patsey.


MOSHER, Jacob

One of the oldest settlers in Washington county, and one of the first in Cottage Grove, is a native of Nova Scotia, born 1820.  He came with his parents to Canada West when nine years old, his father being a mill-wright, he learned that, and the carpenter's trade. In 1839, he visited Illinois and remained 1843, when he went to St. Croix Falls. Here he remained at work two years, and took a claim in what is now Cottage Grove. He has been prominent in his trade, and has built many residences and school-houses in that county. He sold his farm years ago, preparing to follow his profession, and now has a fine residence and grounds. He was married in 1854 to Mrs. Maria Shatto. Anna F., Mahala, William, Addie, Grant, Laura and George, are their children.


MUNGER, Elbridge G.

Eldest son of W. R. Munger, was born at Johnstown, Wisconsin, December 30, 1851. He was brought to Minnesota by his parents, the next year. He has a good education, having graduated from the St. Paul Business College and school of telegraphy. He located a claim in Murray county in 1877, which he sold two years later. Mr. Munger now gives his attention to raising and training fine horses, some of which are probably the finest in the state.


MUNGER, Joel M.

The elder of the two Munger brothers at Cottage Grove, was born at Orwell, Rutland county, Vermont, March 3d, 1818. Strangely enough, he and his brother were born the same day and month of the year, were married the same day and month of the year, at the same place, and to sisters. Mr. Munger lived at the place of his birth nearly forty years. In 1857, he came westward and located at the Corners, in Cottage Grove township, where he has since lived and prospered. He has been extensively engaged in sheep raising, having kept a large flock of Spanish Merinos for a number of years. Owing to the large number of wolves which came to that vicinity in later years, he was compelled to dispose of his valuable stock and give his attention to the improvement of his very desirable farm of one hundred and sixty-five acres. In Johnstown, Wisconsin, December 31st, 1843, he married Miss Lucinda Belden: Antoinette A., Julia A., Orlow B., Noble L., Roxsa, Walter A. and Ned W. are their children.


MUNGER, William R.

Was born at the old family homestead, at Orwell, Rutland county, Vermont, March 3d, 1822, exactly five years later than the birth of his brother Joel M. He was reared and educated by his parents, and when he attained his majority, he emigrated to Johnstown, Wisconsin. He remained nine years, and while there, built a large hotel which was afterward bought by the county and converted into a county poor house, and is still used as such. In 1852, he arrived at the Corners, where he purchased a farm and located, having since then lived there. He has at all times been a prominent member of the community having often held town offices. He was married at Johnstown, Wisconsin, December 31st, 1843 to Miss Julia Belden: Elbridge G., Myrtle, Ahyatt S. and Carlton W. are their children.


NORRIS, James S.

Deceased, was born in Kennebee county, Maine, 1810. He emigrated to the west in 1839, and first located in what is now Afton township. In 1842 he opened a farm on what is at present section four, Cottage Grove. Here he lived until his death, which occurred March 5th, 1874. During his life he held various public offices, and was justice of the peace in Wisconsin territory; was a member of the first territorial legislature of Minnesota, and was re-elected to the legislature in 1855, '56 and '70; was town clerk twelve years. He died, respected and regretted by all.


NORRIS, Sophia Jane

Widow of the late James S. Norris, born in Somerset county, Maine, 1815. She came to Washington county, Minnesota, in 1845, to live with her brother Joseph Haskell. The same year she and Mr. James Norris were married. They had no children of their own but have an adopted son, George H., who lives with his foster-mother.


POITRAS, Louis T.

Was born in Montreal, 1846, and was reared and educated in the Canadian metropolis. When seventeen years old he came to the states, settling at Muskegon, Michigan, and worked at his trade, that of blacksmithing. On account of ill health he returned in 1871 to Canada, and remained until 1879, when he came to Stillwater, Minnesota. Here he worked until June, 1880, then went to Cottage Grove and opened a shop, where he now carries on a general blacksmithing business, in connection with wagon making and repairing. In 1867 he was married to Lisa Bassett, who died in 1871, leaving one child. His second wife was Mrs. Mary Richard, of Canada. Rosina, Lisa, Sarah and Lida are their children.


SMITH, David L., A. B. and M. B.

Was born March 30th, 1851, at Cambridge, Massachusetts. Here he was raised by his parents and received the ground work of his education. Removing to Toronto, Canada, he pursued his studies at the University of Toronto, from which he graduated with the degree of A. B., in the class of 1873-4. He then took a course at the Trinity Medical School, receiving M. B. with the class of 1875-6. Early in the spring of the next year, he came westward to Duluth, Minnesota; thence to Fargo, Dakota territory, and on to Manitoba, and engaged during the summer and fall on the survey of the proposed line of Canadian Pacific railroad as far west as the Wood mountains. In 1878 he returned, going to Stillwater, where he was a teacher in the public school until 1880; he then took charge of the Cottage Grove school, having about eighty scholars, and one assistant.


SPOOR, Thomas

A native of the Empire state, born in Delaware county, 1825. He remained at his childhood home until 1855, then taking the advice Horace Greeley has given, turned his face westward. He tarried a brief time at Belle Plaine, Minnesota, then returned and located at his present home, Cottage Grove, where he is an industrious and respected citizen. His wife was Miss Theresa Brock, of Delaware county, New York; they were married in 1845. They have two children.


STEEN, Arthur H., M. D.

The son of Arthur H. Steen, Sr., a prominent farmer of Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, where he was born June 16th, 1850. After receiving a public school education he began reading medicine, in 1868, at Oakfleld, Wisconsin, and pursued his studies under Drs. William Moore and J. W. Burns. In September, 1872, he entered Rush Medical College, from which he graduated with high honors two years later. The same year he located at Cottage Grove, in the practice of his profession, where he still remains, a very popular and highly esteemed pliysician. Dr. Steen has a large and well selected medical library, and is still much devoted to his studies.


THOMPSON, Joel B.

Was born at Woodstock, Vermont, March 29, 1822, where he was reared and educated. When about sixteen years of age he went to Boston, Massachusetts, and made it his home nearly eight years. In 1855 he emigrated to Minnesota, and purchased a farm in Woodbury township, Washington county. There he lived until 1880, when he bought and moved to his present farm at Cottage Grove. He married in 1844, Miss Mary Symons. Their children are: Foster P., Edward E., Ida G., Ella F., Charles W. and Horace S.


THOMPSON, Peter

A native of- Denmark, born in 1849. Here he passed his boyhood days and received a liberal education. At the age of twenty he sailed to the new world, and landed at the port of Quebec, Canada. He proceeded directly to the city of Burlington, Iowa, and was engaged in business there until 1870, when he removed northward, locating at Cottage Grove. Mr. Thompson is an industrious citizen, and has possessed himself of a fine farm of one hundred and twenty acres. He was married in 1878 to Miss Gertrude Wilkins, of Washington county. One child, Anna A., has been born to them.


TUTTLE, Chauncey D.

Was born in Vermont, 1816. When a child of eight years, his parents moved to Franklin county, New York, and ten years  later, he accompanied them to Monroe county. He received a common school and academic education, and in 1856 came to Minnesota, locating at Hastings, where he was a prominent merchant many years. In 1876 he moved to his farm in Cottage Grove township. His wife, Matilda Tuttle, is a native of Monroe county, New York, where she was married in 1837. Their children are: George, who is a hardware dealer at Hastings; Chauncey N., who has a dry goods house at Hastings; Elizabeth Bumside, widow, who lives at Hastings. Mr. Tuttle and family were sufferers from the terrible tornado which swept through the township in 1877, their house being totally destroyed.


WATSON, John

Was born in Dundee, Scotland, May 8, 1837. When a child of one year his parents emigrated to the United States and settled near Cleveland, Ohio. When he reached the age of twelve years, his parents removed to Minnesota, locating at Cottage Grove, where he has been reared and where he still lives. He has a large farm, well improved, with handsome buildings. In 1868 he married Miss Isabell Munn, of Delaware county, New York. Mary J., Edith E., Maurice and Grace are their children.


WELCH, Edward

Was born in county Waterford, South Ireland, 1830. He passed his early days in his native country, and when seventeen years old he sailed for the United States, arriving the same year. He lived in Onondaga county, New York, six years; then came westward to Cottage Grove, Minnesota. He has been a resident of this village the greater part of the time since. He married, in 1863, Miss Catharine Gordon who remained his beloved wife until 1877, when she met a terrible death, being a victim of the tornado which occurred that year. His present wife was Ellen Welch of Shakopee. They have one child, an infant.


WILKINS, Robert

One of the early pioneers of Cottage Grove, was born August 31st, 1829, in Sussex county, New Jersey. When a child of five years his parents removed to Steuben county, New York, and four years later to Bradford county, Pennsylvania, locating finally in Walworth county, Wisconsin. Here Mr. Wilkins grew to manhood and completed his education. In 1852 he came to Minnesota and settled at Cottage Grove, where he has since lived, with the exception of two years spent at Castle Rock. When he first settled, there was but one house between him and Point Douglas. Frequently he has occupied public offices, such as town assessor, supervisor, school trustee, etc. In 1855 he married Miss Margaret Van Slyke, daughter of N. H. Van Slyke, a prominent resident of Hastings. Mr. and Mrs. Willdns have four children: Gertrude, Adelbert, Lydia and Geneva. The cyclone which swept through Cottage Grove in 1877 struck their house with disastrous results.

Source: History of Washington County and the St. Croix Valley by Rev. Edward D. Neill, 1881.

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