Jabez Brooks
Brooks, Jabez, educator, college president, author, was born Sept. 18, 1823, in England. He received a thorough education in public and private schools. He came to the United States in 1840; and became a student in the Rock River seminary at Mount Morris, Ill. In 1850 he graduated from the Wesleyan university with the degree of A.M.; and he received the degree of D.D. from Lawrence university of Wisconsin. In 1850 he became principal of the Watertown seminary; in 1854-57 was principal of the Hamline University at Red Wing, Minn.; and in 1861-69 he was president of that institution. He is the author of Attic Greek, a book for beginners; and has published several pamphlets, sermons and commencement addresses; and many articles in state and other papers.
["Herringshaw's National Library of American Biography: Contains Thirty-five Thousand Biographies of the Acknowledged Leaders of Life and Thought of the United States", by William Herringshaw, 1909 – Sub. by Therman Kellar]

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Helic Clementson
Mr. Clementson is the county commissioner from Gudrid township, in the Second district. He is a native of Goodhue county, this state, the same County from which Judge Stanton hails. He began his career as a farmer, but at a suitable age he became an apprentice in a boiler making establishment. Mastering this trade to an inordinate degree, Mr. Clementson was honored with the appointment of deputy boiler inspector in both the states of Minnesota and North Dakota. At present he is engaged in logging, although he is an extensive farmer as well. Mr. Clementson had previously been a bridge contractor and a builder of power plants, and even now he controls a natural water power which is incalculable in its efficiency and availability. Mr. Clementson owns immense tracts of timber land, he operates a saw mill, planing mill and shingle mill, and in all that he has achieved he did so with an eye single to developing this section. As the town of Clementson was named in appreciation of him and his brother, his standing in the community in which he lives can readily be inferred. Coming here in 1884, Mr. Clementson must he considered an old settler. He came to Beltrami county to homestead and how well such men as Mr. Clementson can reflect the greatness of Beltrami county is attested by the vast holdings which are his, both In timber land and lands for cultivation. Mr. Clementson is well-to-do and liberal in all matters which pertain to the public good; he is a powerful factor in all public affairs, and The Pioneer is more than gratified to include has name in the vast edition.
["The Bemidji Daily Pioneer".(Bemidji, Minn.), March 27, 1909 - KT - Sub by FoFG]

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Christopher C. Graham

The Graham Family has, since the earliest days, occupied an important place in the life of the county, and the name will be remembered so long as the county exists. Hon. Christopher C. Graham was one of the best-known citizens of the state. He was born in Augusta county, Virginia, in October, 1806, and removed with his parents, when three months old, to Lincoln county, Kentucky. In 1816 the family removed to Booneville, Ind. During his boyhood he attended such schools as were provided in his neighborhood, and later went to the academy at Montgomery, Ohio, where he completed his school education. Mr. Graham was elected to the Indiana legislature in 1835, and served until 1841. The following year he was elected to the senate, which position he occupied until 1846. At the outbreak of the Mexican war he was appointed by President Polk as commissary of subsistence for the Second Indiana Infantry, but later resigned after one year's service. He was also a member of the convention which framed the constitution of Indiana. During the campaign preceding the election of President Pierce, Mr. Graham was a prominent candidate for the nomination to Congress, but gave way to another prominent candidate. In 1854 he was appointed to the land office as receiver at Red Wing, and at once removed to that place, his family following a year later, the register being W. W. Phelps, also a prominent old-timer. In 1858 the land office, having been removed to Henderson, Minn., Mr. Graham went to that place, and remained three years, afterward returning to Red Wing, where he remained until his death, in the middle of May, 1891.

A newspaper obituary of his life said: "In politics, Mr. Graham was an unswerving Democrat, and yet he was liberal in his political views, as in everything else. He served as mayor of Red Wing for one year, and was elected justice of the peace in 1869, since which he was almost unanimously re-elected every two years. In 1872 he was a candidate for Congress on the Democratic ticket, but was defeated by a small majority. He was a member of the Episcopal church of Red Wing, and for a number of years was one of the vestrymen. He was also a member of Red Wing Lodge, No. 8, A. F. and A. M. Mr. Graham was a man of the strictest integrity, a Christian in the highest sense of the term, of superior talent, and one of the best public speakers in the state. He was very domestic in all Ids tastes, and no father was ever happier than he when surrounded by his children. He was phenomenally quick at repartee, and no one ever enjoyed a joke better than he or could see the ridiculous side of a proposition quicker than he, and his sayings became common property throughout this community. He did not have an enemy in the world, and though a man of strong convictions, yet he never interfered in the belief of any one." Mr. Graham was married July 7, 1837, to Louise H. Hargrave; born February 14. 1814, and died in January, 1895. The children of Christopher and Louise Hargrave Graham are as follows: Florence Graham Taber Florence, the oldest child of Christopher C. Graham, now lives at Red Wing. In her honor the township of Florence, this county, was named. She was married January 8, 1872, to David M. Taber; born June 26, 1840, in Massachusetts. Mr. Taber was a lawyer, served as city and county attorney, and had a promising career ahead of him when cut off by death in the prime of life, April 1, 1880, pneumonia being the cause of his decease. To this union was born one child, Christopher G. Mrs. Florence Taber has taken up the work left by her father, and is known for her interest in all matters which tend toward the betterment of the city and county. Ralph G., son of Mr. Taber by a former marriage, married Henrietta S. Pratt. He has been manager of the T. B. Sheldon Auditorium, and has met with much success as a magazine writer. Isabella Graham, the second child died at the age of three years. John A. Graham, deceased, the third child of the Graham  family, was born in Boonville, Ind., and came to Red Wing with his parents in 1854 at the age of fourteen years. A printer by trade, he established here a printing establishment, and was on the high road of success when the Civil War broke out. He enlisted in the Union army October 10, 1861, was mustered-in November 7, 1861; served three years; was discharged for promotion; reenlisted February 4, 1864; was promoted to sergeant; discharged for promotion September 17, 1864; promoted to lieu- tenant and honorably discharged at the close of the conflict. Returning to Red Wing, he entered the wholesale store of Fredrich, Kempe & Co., and also served as postal clerk. He died in 1903 at the hospital in Minnehaha. His wife, Amelia Lunenburg, whom he married at Galesburg, Ill., in November, 1872, now lives in Red Wing. Mary Graham, the fourth child of Christopher Graham, is deceased. She married Charles L. Davis, formerly editor of the "Argus," who served as captain in the Union army, and is now postmaster at the capital. William Graham, the fifth child, worked as a bank clerk in St. Paul and Red Wing. He died in 1871  Helen O Graham,  the sixth child, occupies an important place in this community, and lives in the old homestead at 625 Fifth street. A musician of no little ability, she serves as organist in St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, and her philanthropic and religious work is widely known. Mattie Graham, the seventh child, is Mrs. J. S. Coughlin, a well-known resident of Minneapolis. Jennie Graham is Mrs. John Maginnis, of Portland, Ore., Emma Graham, the youngest, was a singer of considerable note, and received her musical education in Boston and in Europe. She is now Mrs. E. W. White, also of Portland, Ore. [Source: "History of Goodhue County, MN", 1909 - Transcribed by Janice Rice]

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Joseph W Hancock

Joseph W. Hancock was born in Orford, N. H., April 4, 1816. He attended the public schools at that place and followed this by a course at the academy located in Bradford, Yt. As a young man he taught in various places in New England, and in 1841 started out for the West. He journeyed down the Ohio river to the Mississippi, and then came north as far as Quincy, Ill. Here he taught school for a while and soon afterward had a class among the Winnebago Indians in Iowa. Later he taught a private school in Prairie du Chien, Wis. He found, however, that although he had come west for the sake of his health, the change of climate had not worked the desired change and consequently he returned to the East and spent some time at Saratoga. N. Y., where he found the water from the springs to be of great benefit. In 1846 he was united in marriage with Martha Maria Houghton, a sister of H. O. Houghton, the noted Boston publisher. In 1848 Mr. Hancock received a commission from the American Board of Foreign Missions to become a missionary to the Sioux Indians, west of the Mississippi, and was sent to the Indian village of Red Wing, in the Northwest territory, where a band of Indians had long been located, and where missionary efforts had previously been conducted. The first white person known to have been buried within the limits of Goodhue county was the wife of Mr. Hancock.

After two years of service among the Sioux her health gave away and she died March 21, 1851. To this union were born two children. William died in infancy, the other is Mrs. William Holliday. In 1852 he was married to Sarah Rankin, who died in March, 1859, leaving two children, Stella and James Otis. In October, 1860, he was united in marriage with Juliet Thompson, who died in 1897. Mr. Hancock began preaching to the early settlers in 1852, and in January, 1855, organized the First Presbyterian Church of Red Wing, of which he was pastor for seven years. During the remainder of his life he was connected with that church. He helped to organize the Winona presbytery in 1855, being one of the three clergymen who founded it. In addition to his religious work, Mr. Hancock was in various capacities connected with the civic life of the community. He was first postmaster in Red Wing, and was appointed by Governor Ramsey, territorial governor of Minnesota, as register of deeds in 1855. In the fall of that year he was elected to the office by the people. He was deeply interested in educational affairs and in the early history of the community had much to do in shaping the school interests. From 1862 to 1865 he was superintendent of schools in Goodhue county, and from 1870 to 1880 again served in the same capacity. His latter years were spent practically in retirement. He published a short history of the county in 1893, and to his writings the managers of the present publication are greatly indebted. [Source: "History of Goodhue County, MN", 1909 - Transcribed by Janice Rice]

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THEODORE B SHELDON

Theodore B. Sheldon is a name that will always be remembered in Red Wing for what he accomplished during his long life here, as well as for the beautiful T. B. Sheldon Auditorium, which was built with the money which he left to be expended for the good of Red Wing. He was born January 31, 1820, at Bernardston, Franklin county, Massachusetts, not far from the village of Northfield, made famous by the evangelist, D. L. Moody. He received a common school education in the schools of his neighborhood, and at the age of twelve began work in a woolen mill in Greenfield. Mass., where he remained until 1840, when he entered the employ of a cutlery manufacturer. In this business he remained three years and then went to Springfield, Mass., where he obtained a situation with a tool and lock manufacturing company. Two years later he removed to Whitneyville, Conn., where he worked in a gun and rifle factory two years, later taking up similar work for a similar period in Windsor. Vt. He arrived in Red Wing in the autumn of 1856 and went into partnership with Jesse Mclntire in the mercantile business. In 1860 he sold out to his partner and in the fall of that year built a warehouse and went into the grain business. Shortly afterward he took his clerk, E. H. Blodgett, as a partner, this arrangement continuing until Mr. Sheldon's death. Mr. Sheldon was identified with most of the leading enterprises  of Red Wing.

In the early days he represented the steamboat lines and express companies doing business here, and was also agent for the Milwaukee road until the line was completed from St. Paul to La Crosse. He was largely interested in the First National and Goodhue County banks, being president of the former and vice president of the latter. He was president of the Goodhue County Savings bank, conducted in connection with the latter institution. He was also president of the Red Wing & Trenton Transit Company when that company was organized for the purpose of operating a ferry across the river and a road over the island. In this capacity he continued until within a short time of his death. Mr. Sheldon was one of the prime movers in the Minnesota Stoneware Company, and also in the Red Wing Gas, Light & Power Company, the Red Wing Furniture Company, and the Duluth, Red Wing & Southern Railway Company. His business capacity was recognized by his election as president of all these companies. He was vice president of the La Grange mills, and the Red Wing, Duluth & Sioux City Construction Company. He was also associated with various other enterprises as stockholder or director. He served as one of the supervisors of Red Wing while the township organization was still in force, and after the organization of the city was a member of the council. In politics he was a Democrat, and his church affiliations were with the Episcopal faith. Of him it has well been said, "He was a striking type of the practical self- made man, and his success in life was due to his energy, honesty, foresight and fine business ability. His death was lamented by a community in which every man, woman and child was his friend." Mr. Sheldon died April 3, 1900, at the age of eighty years. T. B. Sheldon was married in 1818 to Mary T. Sturtevant, of Hartland, Vt. Five children were born to them, all of whom died. Mrs. Mary Sheldon died in November, 1891. In June, 1893, Mr. Sheldon married, at Milwaukee, Wis., to Annie L. Langton, who recently died. She was one of the committee with E. H. Blodgett and F. Buseh named in the will to determine how the bequest of her husband should be spent to best benefit the city, and many of the artistic features of the Auditorium are the fruits of her suggestions. [Source: "History of Goodhue County, MN", 1909 - Transcribed by Janice Rice]

William Montgomery Sweney

William Montgomery Sweney, whose studious article appears above, was born in Fulton county. Illinois, November 6, 1849, son of William Wilson and Maria M. Sweney, and was brought to this village with his parents as an infant. He attended Rev. J. W. Hancock's mission school and later took a course in Hamline University, at that time located in Red Wing. Having spent the early part of his life amid pioneer conditions, he early acquired a love of nature, which has since resulted in exhaustive studies in archaeology and geology, in both of which he was a thorough student and able writer. In 1876 he graduated from Bellevue Hospital Medical College, in New York City, and took up the practice of medicine in Red Wing. Yielding to the solicitation of his friends, he has served the city as alderman, and in this capacity has been an earnest advocate of purer water for general use in the city, his efforts resulting in the now projected municipal artesian well water supply. Dr. Sweney was married in 1880 to Delia M. Drew, by whom he has four children — William M., born February 8. 1882; James H.. born November 2, 1881: Marjorie M. born May 11. 1893, and Edward B., born February 23, 1898. [Source: "History of Goodhue County, MN", 1909 - Transcribed by Janice Rice]

William C. Williston

Hon. William C. Williston, now deceased, was one of the most eminent of Minnesota jurists, occupying the bench of the First Judicial district from 1891 until the time of his death, June 22, 1909. He was born at Cheraw, Chesterfield county, South Carolina, June 22. 1830, son of William K. and Annis (Chapman) Williston, the former of whom was a native of Simsbury, Conn., and the latter of South Hampton. Mass. The parents went to South Carolina in the late twenties, and here the father engaged in the mercantile business. In 1834 the family removed to Chardon. Geauga county. Ohio. There the mother died in 1863, and the father came to Red Wing, where he ended his days. During his boyhood, William was an ap1 pupil in the schools of his neighborhood, and early entertained the idea of studying for the legal profession. Such an opportunity later presented itself, and after several years of training in the office of Riddle & Thrasher, of Chardon. Ohio, he was admitted to the bar in 1854. His first practice was as a junior partner in the office of his preceptors, the firm name being Riddle, Thrasher & Williston. Two years later Mr. Williston left Chardon and came to Red Wing, becoming a partner in the firm of Wilder & Williston in 1859.

In 1862 the Civil War had broken out, and repeated calls for volunteers were being sent to the northern states. Desiring to be of service to his country, Mr. Williston raised a company of volunteers, of which he was elected captain. This company was organized in August, 1862. with the expectation of doing service in the South, but the out breaking of the Indian outrages caused a demand for fighting nearer home. Going into service as Company G, Seventh Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, Captain Williston 's command was ordered with the rest of the regiment on an expedition against the Indians. The regiment engaged in the battle of Wood Lake, September 22, 1862, and was stationed at frontier posts until May, 1863, when again ordered on an Indian expedition, engaging the Reds in battle July 24, 26 and 28, 1863. Company G was then ordered to St. Louis, Mo., October 7, 1863, where Captain Williston remained till the spring of '64, when he tendered his resignation and after its acceptance returned to Red Wing, where he resumed his practice with Judge Wilder. In. 1872 he entered into partnership with 0. M. Hall, this arrangement continuing for several years. His first appointment as district judge came in 1891 from Governor William R. Merriam. He was elected to the position in 1892, and then successively re-elected until his death. His associate on the bench was the Hon. F. M. Crosby, of Hastings. Judge Williston represented the county in the legislature in 1873-74, served in the senate in 1876-77, was clerk of the city schools seventeen years, and city attorney several terms at various times. He was an independent voter, a communicant of the Episcopal Church for fifty years, and a member of the Masons. William C. Williston was married in 1854, at Chardon, Ohio, to Mary E. Canfield, of that place, daughter of Austin and Lodemia (Benton) Canfield. To this union were born two sons and two daughters. William F. C. is deceased. Julia W. is the wife of John H. Rich of Red Wing. Annie C. is the wife of Louis Phelps  now of Wyoming. Eugene, the youngest son. died in infancy. [Source: "History of Goodhue County, MN", 1909 - Transcribed by Janice Rice]

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Judge Eli T. Wilder

Judge Eli T. Wilder, whose name will always stand for that which was sturdy and good in pioneer life, was born in Hart- land. Conn.. November 27, 1813. There he spent his early boy- hood, and attended the district schools. In 1837, at the age of nineteen, he moved to Ashtabula, Ohio, later going to Paynesville. in the same state, where he commenced the practice of law. In the early fifties he was elected judge of the court of common pleas of that district, a position he filled faithfully and honor- ably. In 1855 he started a real estate office in Dubuque, Iowa, with offices in several adjoining Villages and town. It was in 1856 that he took up his home in Red Wing. Arriving here, he continued the land business and again took up the practice of law. In this profession he associated himself with Judge AY. A. Williston, the firm name being Wilder and Williston. He was one of the first members of Christ church, of Red Wing, presented that church with a beautiful altar, and devoted the latter years of his life largely to church work. He was one of the first wardens and continued in that position until the time of his death.

At one time Judge Wilder was persuaded to run for congress on the Democratic ticket, to which party he paid his political allegiance. He died at his home here, June 3, 1904. Judge Wilder was first married to Julia W. Wakefield, of Connecticut, who died in 1866. In 1868, at Waterloo, N.Y., he was married to Larissa Kendig, who survived him. At. the time of his death it was said of him: "Judge Wilder was an ideal citizen, honest and upright in all his dealings, and always taking a deep interest in the welfare and progress of the city. [Source: "History of Goodhue County, MN", 1909 - Transcribed by Janice Rice]

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