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Lyon County, Minnesota |
Biographies
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Lyon County, Minnesota |
THOMAS J. BALDWIN - of Marshall, Minnesota, proprietor of probably the finest and handsomest dry-goods store in the state outside of St. Paul and Minneapolis, was born in Fillmore county, August 12, 1864, and is a son of Hon. Thomas P. Baldwin, whose family history appears elsewhere in this work. Until fifteen years of age our subject lived upon a farm, obtaining his early education in the district and village schools. At the age of seventeen he came to Marshall with his parents, where he clerked in the store of E. L. Healy for five years, and for the two years following was engaged in the same occupation at Watertown, South Dakota.
In 1889, Mr. Baldwin opened a small general store in Marshall, carrying a four hundred-dollar stock; but he now occupies a store forty-four by one hundred and four feet and three stories in height, which was erected in 1895, at a cost of fifteen thousand dollars, and into which he moved February 29, this year. It is doubtless the handsomest dry-goods emporium to be found outside of the two largest cities of the state. Mr. Baldwin has the admiration of all business men for the way he has built up a trade here in so short a time, from a four hundred-dollar to twenty-thousand-dollar stock in 1896. But a few years back he was only a clerk, but is now at the head of one of the most important business concerns in southwestern Minnesota. Such are the possibilities of men of brain and push in this section, and the mercantile world will in the near future recognize him as one of its foremost members, as the qualities which he possesses make leaders in any walk of life.
On the 21st of September, 1888, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Baldwin and Miss Myra E. Richardson, daughter of C. H. Richardson. They are active and prominent members in the best social circles of Marshall, and he has always been foremost in promoting the interests of the city, where they find a pleasant home. His political support is ever given the Republican party, and while caring nothing for office, being strictly a business man, he never shirks his duties of citizenship. A most public-spirited and progressive man, he is justly entitled to the high regard in which he is held by all.
[Source: Memorial Record of SW Minnesota, published 1897 - Submitted by Gary Boomgaarden]
Nathan Beach -- At this point in this series of biographical reviews the writer would call attention to the life history of one of the prominent and influential business men of the prosperous town of Tracy, Minnesota, Nathan Beach, a self made man in every respect and one well worthy of special consideration on the pages of this volume.
Mr. Beach comes of Welsh ancestry, his people having long been residents of America, and he was born in Randolph county, Indiana, December 18, 1841, son of Milton and Mary (Chandler) Beach. Milton Beach was a native of Pickaway county, Ohio, and died in Olmsted county, Minnesota, at the age of seventy four years, he having come to this state about 1863 or '4. His wife, whose birthplace was in Washington county, Ohio, also died in Olmsted county, Minnesota, her age at death being about fifty four years. They were the parents of eight children, six of whom are yet living and are occupying honored and useful positions in life. The paternal grandparents of our subject were Timothy and Sarah (Sprague) Beach, the former a native of Rhode Island. Grandfather Beach died in Scotland county, Missouri, at the ripe old age of eighty six years; his wife passed away in Macon county, Illinois, at the age of fifty eight. He was a veteran of the war of 1812. Reverting to the maternal grandparents of Nathan Beach, we find that they were Hiram and Sarah (Humiston) Chandler, who doubtless were among the earliest settlers of the Buckeye state. Grandfather Chandler died in Randolph county, Indiana, near the age of sixty years, and Grandmother Chandler attained the ripe old age of eighty eight years, her death having occurred in Minnesota.
Coming down to the direct subject of this biograhical notice, Nathan Beach, we record that he was reared on a farm, and educated at the district schools and in a select school in Salem, Indiana. He remained at home until twenty years of age, and August 9, 1862, before he reached his majority, he enlisted as a member of Company F, Sixty ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Lew K. Harris, the fortunes of which command he shared until he was honorably discharged at St. Louis, June 27, 1865. He was at the battle of Richmond, Kentucky, nineteen days after he enlisted. Chickasaw Bluffs was his next battle, followed by Arkansas Post and Port Gibson. At this last named place, May 1, 1863, he was shot in the left shoulder, and was laid up practically until the close of the war. After three or four weeks spent in Milliken's Bend Hospital in Louisiana, he went to Benton Barracks Hospital at St. Louis, where he remained until convalescent. There he was transferred to the Veterans' Reserve Corps and remained in St. Louis until he was honorably discharged at the close of hostilities. He has been a sufferer ever since from his army wounds.
The war over, Mr. Beach came direct to Minnesota and settled first in Marion, Minnesota, with his parents, making that his home and carrying on farming operations on a tract of one hundred acres of wild land he bought. In 1871 he exchanged this farm for a stock of goods in Marion, where he was engaged in business for two years and a half. At the end of that time he and his partner divided the stock, and he removed his share to St. Charles, Minnesota, and entered into partnership with his brother in law, dealing in groceries, boots, shoes, and crockery. In 1878 they divided their stock, Mr. Beach bringing a part of the goods to Tracy, Minnesota, and for three or four years longer the business was conducted in partnership at both places. After that he disposed of his interest in the St. Charles store and became sole propietor of the establishment here, and has ever since continued his business, carrying a large stock of groceries, hardware, and lumber. His every venture and enterprise seemed a fortunate one. He has prospered from year to year, and has accumulated a large property. Besides his valuable property in Tracy, his business house and home, he owns a fine country seat and summer cottage at Lake Shetek, and has eighty acres of fine farming land.
Mr. Beach was married January 1, 1867, in Marion, Minnesota, to Miss Elizabeth Robertson, a native of Sullivan county, New York, and by her has had two children, Mary E. and Jessie A. The former is married and settled in life, and the latter is a member of the home circle. Mrs. Beach is a daughter of Eli and Eliza L. (Young) Robertson, early settlers of Minnesota, he being now deceased and she a resident of Tracy.
Not only in business circles, but also in those political and fraternal Mr. Beach is prominent and active. He is a stanch Republican, voted first for Mr. Lincoln's second term, and has always maintained his allegiance to this party. He has alway been active in the conventions and caucuses of his party, and has filled some local offices, but has never been an office seeker nor has he cared for official preferment. He is a member of Joe Hooker Post, No. 15, G. A. R., of Tracy, of which he served as commander in 1894. His prominence in Grand Army circles is equaled by his wife's popularity in those of the W. R. C. Indeed, Mrs. Beach is one of the most enthusiastic and efficient corps workers in the state of Minnesota. For the year 1895 she filled the office of department inspector of the state, and while serving as such showed marked executive ability, and by her charming manner and winning ways made hosts of friends.
Mr. Beach and his family attend worship at the Methodist Episcopal church.
[Source: Memorial Record of SW Minnesota, published 1897 - Submitted by Gary Boomgaarden]
Prof. Clarence M. Boutelle, one of the most able educators in the state of Minnesota, whose prominent position in the ranks of his chosen profession is widely acknowleged, was born in Antrim, New Hampshire, on the 23rd of July, 1851. The greater part of his life has been passed in this state, whither he came in 1859, locating in Wabasha county, where his father secured land from the government and developed a farm. He aided in the cultivation of the fields and in the other work on the old home place, where he remained until 1870, when wishing to acquire a more advanced education than the common schools afforded, he entered the State Normal School in Winona, where he was graduated in 1872. Prior to that time he had engaged in teaching and after his graduation he was offered a position in the State Normal School by Professor Phelps. He spent two years in preparation of the Institute of Technology in Boston. He then returned to the State Normal School in Winona and was a member of the faculty of that school for nine years, acting as professor of mathematics for a time and later as professor of sciences, and State Teachers' Institute conductor.
In 1883 Professor Boutelle resigned his position and for a time taught in Rochester, Minnesota. He afterward went to Decorah. Iowa, and had charge of the public schools of that city for seven years; in 1892 he removed to Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, and although he maintained his residence there, he taught for a time in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, in a State normal school. In the fall of 1895 he came to Marshall, where he is now residing. He is successfully conducting the public schools here, and his superior ability as a teacher has made it one of the best schools in this section of the state. Professor Boutelle seems specially fitted for his chosen calling. A man of broad scholarship and keen analytical mind, he has the happy faculty of readily and clearly imparting to others the knowledge he has acquired; he is also an excellent disciplinarian and he commands the respect and esteem of all with whom he has been brought in contact, while on his pupils he exerts an influence for good that is long and strongly felt.
Professor Boutelle was married July 22, 1880, to Miss Fannie C. Kimber, who was born in West Farms, now one of the suburbs of New York city, and is a graduate of the State Normal school of Oswego, New York. They have two children, Anna K. and Louise E. The family is one of prominence and their home is the center of a cultured society circle. The subject of this review is a Knight Templar Mason and belongs to the blue lodge and Royal Arch chapter of Decorah, Iowa, while his wife belongs to the Order of the Eastern Star. He also holds a membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and in the Encampment of Decorah. He belongs to the State Teachers' Association of Minnesota and he and his wife are members of the Episcopal church.
Alson C. Chittenden
Hon. Alson C. Chittenden has long been one of the most prominent factors in the upbuilding and development of southwestern Minnesota. In the past ages the history of a country was a record of wars and conquests; today it is the record of commercial activity, and those whose names are foremost in its annals are the leaders in business circles. The conquests now made are those of mind over matter, not of man over man, and the victor is he who can successfully establish, control and operate extensive business interests. Our subject is unquestionably one of the strongest and most influential men whose lives have become an essential part in the history of southwestern Minnesota. Tireless energy, keen perception, honesty of purpose, genius for devising and executing the right thing at the right time, joined to every day common sense guided by resistless will powe, are the chief characteristics of the man, and these have been exercised not only for his own benefit but have been an important factor in promoting the welfare of the community with which he is connected.
Mr. Chittenden comes of a family of long and honorable identification with American interests and history. The first of the name to brave the dangers incident to an ocean voyage in the early days was William Chittenden, who was born in the parish of Cranbrook, Kent county, England, in 1594. He was married in his native land to Joanna Sheaffe, daughter of Dr. Edmund and Joanna Sheaffe, who were born in Cranbrook. Crossing the Atlantic only a few years after the Mayflower brought the first colonists to Massachusetts, he became a resident of the colony of Connecticut, and died at this residence in Crooked lane, now State street, Guilford, Connecticut, in February, 1660. An item appeared in the New Haven colonial records, which says: "An inventory of the estate of William Chittenden, of Guilford, deceased, was presented, amounting to six hundred and seventy seven pounds, sixteen shillings, and seven pence, and proved in court February 21, 1660, on oath of his widow." William Chittenden was one of twenty five who left England in 1639 to seek religious liberty in New England. The members of this colony were mostly from the counties of Kent, Surrey and Sussex. They sailed May 20, 1639, and were seven weeks on the water, landing at New Haven, July 10, 1639. The progenitor of the Chittenden family was prominent in colonial affairs and was one of six selected to make first purchase of land for the colony, and, with Governor Leete and two others, recieved full power and authority to act for the colony in buying, selling, etc., and in all matters pertaining to "civil government of the plantations until a church is gathered among us." He was also the pricipal represenative of the military forces, bearing the title of lieutenant. While in his native land he had served in the English army against the Netherlands and in the Thirty Years war, and had reached the rank of major. He was a magistrate of the plantation and a deputy of the general court until his death. Other members of the family were prominent in affairs of the state, and several representatives of the name proved their valor and loyalty by faithful service in the cause of American independence in the Revolutionary war.
The next in line of direct descent to our subject is Nathaniel Chittenden, who married Elizabeth, dauther of Thomas and Martha (Fletcher) Stevens. Their son, Nathaniel Chittenden Jr., was married January 6, 1725, to Lucy Nettleton, wh died in July, 1762. His death occurred in Killingworth, Connecticut, in August, 1792, when he had reached the age of sixty one years. His son, also named Nathaniel, was the great grandfather of our subject. He married Mehitable Beebe and died in Winthrop, Connecticut, June 11, 1820, aged eighty eight years, while his wife died November 25, 1805, aged seventy two. Their son Cornelius Chittenden, grandfather of our subject was married December 29, 1771, to Rachel Porter, of Tolland, Connecticut. He died in Westbrook, that state, the place of his birth, December 2, 1858, aged ninety two years, and his wife passed away November 5, 1848, aged seventy eight years.
The father of Marshalls popular mayor was the Rev. Albert C. Chittenden, who was married July 9, 1835, to Miss Lavinia Jones, a daughter of Asa Jones. He aided in organizing the first Wesleyan church at Westbrook, was ordained elder in 1847 and served as local preacher until 1859, when he removed to Ripon, Wisconsin, where he joined the Congregational church. Later he went to Colorado, where he spent his remaining days, his death occurring in Boulder City, March 13, 1878, when he had reached the age of sixty six years. The Chittenden family is noted for its scholarly tastes and its devotion to literary pursuits. Among the children of Rev. Albert C. Chittenden are several who have contributed to the literature of the country a number of valuable writings, while others have attainted eminence in professional life. One brother of our subject, Richard H., was graduated at New Haven Law School and at the celebrated Heidelberg University of Germany and now is a leading attorney in California. He enlisted in the Seventy first New York Regiment, was at the battle of "Bull Run" and afterward went to the front as captain in the First Wisconsin Cavalry. He is famed as a campaign orator and has delivered many addresses in both English and German during the presidential campaigns. He also published an exposition of Goethe's Faust, and is also the author of several speeches, essays and poems which have been published and widely read. Another brother, Rev. Albert J. Chittenden, of the Wesleyan Methodist church, wrote a satirical poem, entitled Candidating Fair. A third brother, Henry N., served through the late war, holding the rank of adjutant, and has since published a history of his regiment. He is now a lawyer of note in California. Rev. E. P. Chittenden, who belongs to the same family, is the author of an elaborate work entitled Pleroma, a Poem of the Christ. He is a very scholarly gentleman, and is the present pastor of the Episcopal church in Winona, Minnesota.
The life work of Hon. Alson C. Chittenden has been no less important than that of his brothers, though in some respects it is less conspicuous; and it is with pleasure the we begin the task of depicting his career and noting the salient points of his character which have made him the successful business man and honored citizen of his adopted state. He was born in Westbrook, Connecticut, July 29, 1845, and at the age of twelve years came to the west with his parents, the family locating near Ripon, Wisconsin, where he attended school. At the age of twenty one he went to Milwaukee, where he was bookkeeper in a commission house for three years, and in 1869 arrived in Minnesota. For seven years he carried on a general store at Atwater and then went to Boulder, Colorado, where for eighteen months he engaged in the insurance business and in loaning money. Returning to Minnesota he opened a general store in Marshall, one of the first large business houses in the place, and has since conducted an excellent trade here with only a short interruption, when he devoted his time and engergies to other enterprises. In 1885 he sold out and for two years had the state agency for Grant Memoirs, the sale of the work being in the hands of two hundred agents, of whom he had entire supervision, while the volumes disposed of amounted to two car loads. Mr. Chittenden then returned to Marshall, purchased two stocks of goods, valued at thirteen thousand dollars each, and again engaged in merchandising here. Once more selling out, at the end of three years, he spent sixteen months in California with his family, and while there erected a fine store building in Redlands, which he now rents. When he again took up his residence in Marshall he identified himself with the mercantile interests of the city and is now successfully conducting a large department store. He carries a very complete, extensive and carefully selected stock, which enables him to secure a very liberal patronage, while his honorable dealing and known reliability enable him to retain the support of those who once give him their business in his line. He is also a stockholder in the Lyon County Bank. One of the most active and influential business men in the entire county, his identification with commercial interestss has brough to him a handsome competence and at the same time has promoted the material prosperity of the community. He has always been a stanch Republican in politics.
He was married on the 1st of June, 1872 to Agnes Hill, who was born in Edinburg, Scotland, and at the age of nine years, in 1856, came to America with her parents, John and Agnes (Reed) Hill, of Leith, Scotland. Locating in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the father and mother spent there, their remaining days. He aided in the organization of the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company of that city and was a prominent business man. Both he and his wife died at the age of seventy one years, and of their family of eight children six are yet living. One brother is a retired dry goods merchant.
Mr. Chittenden and his wife are faithful members of the Congregational church, and he is an active member of the Sons of the American Revolution and of the order of Knights of Pythias. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Chittenden number four children; Rodney A., who is in partnership with his father; Walter R.; Florences, who is receiving a liberal education in music; and Ella A.
One of the highest testimonials of Mr. Chittenden's individual worth and the confidence reposed in him was displayed in January, 1896, when he was elected mayor of Marshall, in which position he is now most acceptably discharging his duties the devolve upon him. Marshall is one of the most beautiful and progressive little cities of the west, noted for its lovely homes, magnificent surroundings, its excellent business houses, its industries and its many evidences of culture and refinement. In all its appointments it is entirely up with the times, and few places of its size can boast such advantages, natural and acquired. It is situated on a plateau of rich land on the banks of the Redwood river, a historic spot which was ravaged by the Indians in 1862. Mr. Chittenden, since taking upon himself the administration of its public affairs, has been the promoter of many improvements, and is always an advocate of progress and of every measure that is calculated to advance the educational, social or moral welfare of the community. That he is one of the most popular citizens is evidenced by the fact that he was elected on a "No License" ticket at a time when there five saloons in the town, each paying one thousand dollars into the city treasury. They were all arrayed solidly against him, and the contest was one of right against might. Mr. Chittenden won the election by a handsome majority and his course since taking the oath of office has shown that the confidence reposed in him has not been betrayed.
[Source: Memorial Record of S.W. Minnesota, 1897 - Submitted by Gary Boomgaarden]
William Livingston
William Livingston has for more than two decades been identified with the agricultural interests of Lyon county, Minnesota, and he and his sons are prominent factors in their locality, being among its most enterprising and progressive men. As such they should receive personal consideration in this volume.
William Livingston was ushered into this life at Ann Arbor, Michigan, August 22, 1831, his parents being Ezar and Elizabeth (Van Ausdall) Livingston, both natives of Schoharie county, New York. At an early day the senior Mr. Livingston came west and settled in Wisconsin, where he was a farmer for many years. By trade he was a clothier, and also for some years carried on that business. He died in Rock county, Wisconsin, at about the age of sixty two years. His wife also passed away in that county, she being seventy at the time of death. They were the parents of thirteen children, most of whom reached adult age and are now occupying useful positions in life. William, whose name introduces this article, was reared on his father's farm and received a district school education. He remained with his parents in Rock county, Wisconsin, until he was nineteen, when he went to Dane county, that state, where for two years he worked out by the month on farms. At the end of that time he came over into the neighboring state of Minnesota and located near Northfield, when that now prosperous town contained only one house, and there he continued to work by the month until his marriage, which occurred shortly afterward. Then he settled on a farm in that vicinity, which he rented, and also while there he acquired the title to eighty acres of land at that place. In 1873 he sold out and came to Lyon county, here taking claim to one hundred and sixty acres of land not far distant from the town of Balaton, and to the cultivation and development of this land he has since given his energies. His first home was a slab and board house, fourteen by twenty feet, eight feet high, and this he and his family occupied until 1893, when he built his present residence, at a cost of thirteen hundred dollars; and this property and all he has, he has acquired through his own unaided efforts, and thus is justly entitled to the place he occupies among the self made men of his locality.
At the age of twenty seven years Mr. Livingston was united in marriage to Miss Helen Badger, a native of Vermont, whose life has since been happily blended with his. They have had four children, of whom two are living, Charles and Clarence, both unmarried and both prosperous young farmers of their vicinity, the former having a farm of his own and the latter assisting in the operations of the home farm. Charles was born September 29, 1863, and Clarence, August 29, 1868. Both are members in good standing of the A. O. U. W. at Balaton.
Politically, we find Mr. Livingston allied with the Prohibition party and one of its active and earnest workers. Formerly he was a Republican. In various local capacities he has rendered most efficient service. He has the first chairman of the board of supervisors of Rock Lake township, and has been treasurer of the school district ten years. Both he and his family are members of the Presbyterian church and are among its most liberal supporters.
[Source: Memorial Record of S.W. Minnesota, 1897 - Submitted by Gary Boomgaarden]
JUDGE ORRIN ELRASED MAXSON, of Marshall, Minnesota, is one of the most prominent representatives of the legal fraternity in southwestern Minnesota. In business life one often has the advantage of carrying on a business which another has established. Especially is this true in commercial circles; but in the law one must depend entirely upon his own merits, He cannot advance from a plane which another has reached, but must begin at the bottom round of the ladder and work his way upward to success by his steady application, resolute purpose and unfaltering energy. This Judge Maxson has done, and today occupies a conspicuous place in the history of the legal profession of this section of the state.
Our subject was born in Walworth county, Wisconsin, March 2, 1862, a son of Arthur W. and Lucy A. (Baldwin) Maxson. His grandfather, Joseph Maxson, was a pioneer of the town of Centerville, Allegany county, New York. Leaving his native place, Hartwick, Otsego county, New York, when eighteen years of age, he arrived at Pike, New York, in April, 1808. Two cents in money, a few provisions and a scanty wardrobe constituted his worldly possessions. He exchanged a new pair of shoes for an ax and pushed into the wilderness far beyond any human habitation. There he erected a rude shanty and used basswood bark for bed and bedding. He spent eight months alone in that place, and it is noted on the books in the land office that he had five acres cleared, July 22, 1808, at which time he had his land booked to him, paying nothing down.
The first season he raised a few bushels of corn and potatoes and in the fall sowed two acres in wheat. Success afterward rewarded his efforts and he became an early tavern keeper and the owner of a large and well-improved farm, He afterward engaged in building mills in Wisconsin. He preserved as relics of his early advent on the Holland purchase the ax which he got in exchange for his shoes, one of the pennies which compromised half his capital and a kernel of seed corn which he had procured to plant in 1808; also an old wooden fan with which he cleaned the first wheat raised in the town of Centerville.
Among the representatives of the family were several who aided the colonies in their struggle for independence, and our subject has now in his possession several commissions given them, whereby they were constituted officers in the American army, The father of our subject was a farmer by occupation, and in 1837 emigrated to the west, becoming one of the honored pioneers of Walworth county, Wisconsin. He built the first mill there and was a resident of the county until 1849, when he joined the emigrants that sought fortunes on the Pacific slope at the time of the discovery of gold there.
The judge was reared on the old homestead in his native county and acquired his early education in the district schools, after which he attended the State Normal at White Water and the State University at Madison. He took up the study of law under the tuition of judge Bennett, of Janesville, Wisconsin, with whom he remained two years, then spent a few months in the office of Captain Norcross, In the spring of 1882 he came to Marshall, Minnesota, and was admitted to the bar in the spring of 1883. He then entered into partnership with Mr. Mathews, but in October, 1883, removed to Canby, Minnesota, where he was successfully engaged in practice until February, 1890, when he returned to Marshall, and was for one year a member of the firm of Seward & Maxson. While in Canby he served as village attorney, and in 1892 was elected judge of the county probate court, which office he has since held, having been re-elected in 1894. His official career has always been marked by the utmost fidelity to duty, his rulings are just, and his decisions are models of judicial soundness. He has also been city attorney of Marshall.
Judge Maxson was married December 26, 1883, to Miss Kittie Wildman, and they have one daughter, Ethel A., born October 27, 1887. Their home is noted for its hospitality and is a favorite resort with many friends. The Judge is an honored member of the Masonic fraternity of Marshall, and is now serving as worshipful master. His career in public and private life is untarnished by shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil, and he is an honor to the profession, which also honors him.
[Source: Memorial Record of SW Minnesota, published 1897 - Submitted by Gary Boomgaarden]
Ole Rialson
Living retired from the cares of active business life, in a pleasant and attractive home in the city of Tracy, Minnesota, we find the subject of this sketch, who belongs to that honest, industrious and highly respected class of people known as Norwegian-Americans.Mr. Rialson was born in Norway, September 24, 1841, the son of Norwegian parents, Riolf and Eliza Rialson, and in 1849 he was brought by them to America, the Atlantic voyage covering a period of eight weeks and two day. From New York they immediately came west to Green county, Wisconsin, where they settled on a farm and where subsequently the father died. The mother is still living and makes her home in Minnesota, with the subject of this sketch and another son who lives near Tracy, these two being the only survivors of her family of five children.
Ole Rialson was reared on the farm his father took as a government claim, and remained at his paternal home until he had attained the age of twenty one, August 11, 1862, when he severed his home ties and joined the Union army, going out as a member of Company G, Twenty second Wisconsin Infantry, under Captain James Bentlef. For about three years he was in the service, and June 28, 1865, the war being over, he was honorably discharged. Near Nashville, Tennessee, he was captured by the enemy, and was sent to Libby prison, but was exchanged a few weeks later and returned to his command. He was with his company and regiment in all the engagements in which they participated, except on two occasions, when he was on detached service.
The war over, Mr. Rialson returned home and came into possession of the farm. his father having died in the meantime, and remained there until the spring of 1872, when he came to Lyon county, Minnesota, and located a soldiers homestead, and in the fall of that year brought his family here. Susequently he added eighty acres to his original tract of land, and made numerous improvements on it. His first house was a sod shanty, fourteen by sixteen feet, in which they spent their first winter, and in the spring of 1873 they built a frame residence. This they occupied until 1892, when Mr. Rialson decided to retire from farm life, and accordingly built a residence in Tracy, where he and his wife have since lived. His present residence and barn cost no less than $1600, and are modern and attractive.
Mr. Rialson was married January 1, 1866 to Miss Carrie Olson, like himself, a native of Norway, and she has borne him seven children, only one of whom, Robert A., is now living. This son resides upon and has charge of the home farm, is married and has one child, Otis F.
Mr. Rialson first voted for president while in Atlanta, Georgia, during the war, his first vote being cast for Lincoln, and since then he has had no reason to change his political views and has remained a stanch adherent of the Republican party. During his residence in Lyon county he has filled various local offices, such as township supervisor, treasurer, etc. It was at his suggestion that the township was named Monroe, after Monroe, Green county, Wisconsin, the town from which he came. In G. A. R. circles he is prominent and active. He is a charter member of Joe Hooker Post, No. 15, the naming of which was also proposed by him, and which he named in honor of the brave commander under whom he served. At various times Mr. Rialson has been honored with official position in the post. He and his family attend worship at the Lutheran church at Tracy, to the building of which he contributed liberally of his means. He is a self educated man, his early advantages being indeed limited, and it was not until his army life that he learned to write. He has, however, by home study and reading and by close observation as he has gone through life asquired a broad fund of useful information, and is in favor of advancement in educational lines and in giving to the rising generations the best possible advantages.
[Source: Memorial Record of S.W. Minnesota - Submitted by Gary Boomgaarden]
Michael Schouweiler
MICHAEL W. SCHOUWEILER (1912) is proprietor of the Klondike Saloon of Marshall. He is a native Minnesotan, having been born in Wabasha county February 25, 1863. Until he reached his majority he resided on his father's homestead in that county, and then he started out to make his own way in the world. Mr. Schouweiler has engaged in a great many occupations and has resided in many parts of the country. He farmed near Warren, Minnesota, one and one-half years, lived in Butte, Montana, five months, worked for a brother-in-law in Wabasha county one year, and then completed his education with a year's course in the Winona High School. He spent a short time in North St. Paul thereafter, lived in Lac qui Parle county one season, farmed in Wabasha county one year, conducted a saloon in North St. Paul two years, in Wabasha county two years, and then bought a farm in that county and operated it two years.
Plainview, Minnesota, was the next home of our subject. There he was the proprietor of a saloon one year and of a restaurant and pool hall four or five years. At Pollock, Campbell county, South Dakota, Mr. Schouweiler erected a building and engaged in the saloon business ten and one-half years. He operated a saloon at Sanborn, Minnesota, six months, and on January 22, 1912, he located in Marshall and purchased the Klondike Saloon. He has met with success during his short residence in the city and has built up a good trade. Mr. Schouweiler owns a farm in Campbell county, South Dakota.
The marriage of Mr. Schouweiler to Katie Losch occurred in New Richmond, Wisconsin, July 5, 1888. She is a native of Iowa. They have seven children: Lilly, the wife of Louis Traxinger, who tends bar for Mr. Schouweiler; Laura, Agnes, Olevia, Rosa, Jesse and Magdelin. Frank and Eva (Leonard) Schouweiler, the parents of our subject, were born in Germany, came to America in 1854, lived in Iowa a few months, and then took a homestead claim in Wabasha county, Minnesota. On that farm they lived the rest of their lives. They celebrated their golden wedding on June 6, 1904, and died a few years later. They had fourteen children, of whom the following named six sons and five daughters are living: John N., Michael W., Frank, Peter, Garrett, Andrew, Katie, Maggie, Jennie, Annie and Lizzie. ["History of Dakota Territory" by George W. Kingsbury; contributed by Karen Seeman]
CYRUS P. SHEPARD, one of the prominent citizens of southwestern Minnesota, was born in New York, November 13, 1839, a son of Aaron and Hettie (Parker) Shepard. His great-grandfather was Thomas Shepard, whose wife was Ann. Their children were Thomas Shepard. Jr., Phineis, Aaron, Anne. Judith. Rhoda and Orrel. The grandfather, Aaron Shepard, Sr., was probably a native of Connecticut and married a Miss Crocker and located in Hartford county, Connecticut, in 1807. He removed to Georgetown, Madison county, New York, where his death occurred when he had reached the age of eighty-four years. He served as a soldier in the war of l812 and when a brother of our subject, Myron Shepard, now a leading citizen of Stillwater, Minnesota, was serving in the Union army, in 1861-5, his uncle, Harvey C. Shepard, gave him an old fife which had been carried by their ancestors through the French and Indian war, the Revolution and the war of 1812. This interesting instrument was lost in battle, but the fact concerning it shows that, the family has been well represented in the country's service, and that the ancestors must have come to America at an early day in its history.
Aaron Shepard, jr., father of our subject, was a native of Connecticut and from Georgetown removed to Nunda, New York. He married Hettie Parker, who was born in Naples, Ontario county, New York. Her father died during her infancy and her mother afterward became the wife of Joseph Kibbee. Her grandfather was one of the first settlers of Liberty, New York, and was a soldier of the Revolutionary war. He traced his ancestry back to one of that notable little band of Pilgrims who crossed the Atlantic in the Mayflower and landed on the rock-bound coast of New England. Aaron Shepard, Jr., died in Livingston county, New York, at the age of sixty-eight: his wife also died at the same place when forty-four years of age. They had nine children, of whom seven are yet living, viz.: Parker, Melissa, Myron, Harvey, Cyrus P., James and Martha.
Cyrus P. Shepard remained on the home farm until twenty years of age, at which time he manifested the same loyal spirit that had animated his ancestors in the dark hours when the country was engaged in war. He was mustered into the U. S. service on the 9th of October, 1861, as a member of Company D. Fourteenth Wisconsin Infantry, under Captain Polleys, of La Crosse. Wisconsin, and participated in all the engagements in which his regiment took part, including the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Iuka, Tupelo, the siege of Vicksburg, Champion Hills, Edwards' Ferry, Nashville, Mobile and many others of less importance. He was mustered out and discharged at Mobile, Alabama, October 11, 1865; for the war was then ended. He entered the service as a private and was raised to the rank of captain of his company at Nashville. In the spring of 1861 he started for Missouri. But on reaching southern Illinois turned back to Wisconsin, and in August joined the "boys in blue." He was ever a loyal and patriotic soldier, a brave and fearless leader, inspiring his men by his own example of courage, yet shielding and protecting them from danger as far as possible when not conflicting with duty. He was loved by his men and respected by his superior officers, and his war record was one of which he may well be proud.
When the war was over Captain Shepard returned to his old home in New York and rented his father's place. In 1868 he came to Minnesota, locating in Stillwater, where he engaged in merchandising for several years. Removing to Worthington, Minnesota, he dealt in lumber, agricultural implements, coal, wood, etc., being numbered among the enterprising and progressive business men of that city for seventeen years. During that period, in 1887, he was appointed register of the United States land office at that place. In 1889 four land offices were consolidated and in 1893, under President Cleveland's second administration, Captain Shepard was again appointed register and now has charge of all the government land in southern Minnesota, with headquarters in Marshall, Minnesota, where he now makes his home. He is today as true to the government interests as he was on southern battle fields when he followed the stars and stripes to victory. He established his headquarters in Marshall, and near this place owns a farm.
While in Stillwater Captain Shepard was married, January 12, 1870, to Miss Anna D. Cowan, who was born in Oldtown, Maine. Her grandfather, Thomas A. Cowan, was born in Maine, October 14. 1794. Thomas A. and Clementine (Lovejoy) Cowan, his wife, were natives of the Pine Tree state. The former was born October 14. 1794, and died in Vassalboro, June 16,1861; the latter, who was born in Vassalboro, July 4. 1800, came to Minnesota, and died in Stillwater. January 27. 1890. They were married April 14,1820 and had six children.
Stephen L. Cowan, father of Mrs. Shepard, came to this state at an early day and for forty years was a prominent lumberman in Stillwater. He is still a valued resident of that place, but is now living retired. Captain and Mrs. Shepard have five children, and lost one at the age of eighteen months. Cyrus C., who follows farming, is married, has one daughter and has lost two children; Eugene A. is engaged in railroading; Ernest S. and Anna Veda are at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Shepard attend the Presbyterian church, of which she is a member. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and to Markham Post, G. A. R., of Marshall. He has always been a stalwart Democrat since casting his first vote for General Hancock, and while in Worthingtoll filled many local offices. Those qualities of integrity and true worth which everywhere command respect form an important element in the character of Captain Shepard, and he is one of the most highly esteemed citizens of Marshall.
[Source: Memorial Record of SW Minnesota, Pub. 1897 - Submitted by Gary Boomgaarden]
JOHN K. SPENCER (1900), a resident of Amiret, was born January 16, 1859, in Jefferson county, Indiana. He is a son of Benjamin and Roda (Warfield) Spencer, natives of Kentucky, and when six years of age his parents moved to Van Buren county, Iowa. His father bought land in the vicinity of Melton, and John grew up on the farm.
The boy received his schooling in the district in which the farm was located, and until the age of twenty-five years he lived at home with his parents, assisting with the work on the home farm. In 1884 young Spencer decided to strike out for himself and went to Beadle county, South Dakota, where he took a quarter section of land as a homestead and eighty
acres as a pre-emption claim, and farmed until 1900.
That year Mr. Spencer moved to Lyon county and rented the 640 acres on section 20, Amiret township. He staid on that place one year and then moved to Custer township, where he rented 160 acres on section 10 the next four years. He then moved to Redwood county and spent one year there before returning to Lyon county and locating on section 20, Amiret township. Later he located on section 4 and farmed five and one-half years before moving to Amiret village, where he has since been the proprietor of a boarding house.
The subject of this sketch was married in Melton, Iowa, February 17, 1879, to Arvilla Davis. She was born in Van Buren county, Iowa, November 12, 1859, and is a daughter of Wamouth and Rebecca (Hargrove) Davis, natives of Indiana and Delaware, respectively. Her parents were early settlers of Van Buren county and lived there until their deaths. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Spencer: Nellie May, born August 6, 1883; Clerance Sidney, born November 14, 1884; and Ruth Pearl, born November 28, 1898. Mr. Spencer is fraternally allied with the Yeomen lodge. [Source: An Illustrated History of Lyon County, Minnesota - Submitted by Karen Seeman]
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