The following biography was previously posted to the Minnesota GenWeb archives. Doug Peterson Nicollet and LeSueur Counties Volume II (biographies) William Gresham 1916 ALBERT EBEN DAVIS Albert Eben Davis, well-known farmer and stock raiser and a citizen active in the official life of Kasota township, LeSueur county, Minnesota, was born at Lake Emily, Kasota township, on May 21, 1879, a son of Henry C. and Melissa (Pettis) Davis, natives of Pike county, Illinois, the former born on July 6, 1844, a son of Orange P. and Adelaide (Barlow) Davis; the latter born on February 7, 1842, a daughter of Charles and Sarah (Hosford) Pettis. Orange P. and Adelaide Davis were natives of Canada, living in that country for many years, after which they moved to New York state, later going to Pike county, Illinois, where Orange P. Davis lived as a farmer until 1853, when he came to Minnesota and homesteaded one hundred sixty acres of land in Kasota township, where he established a home and with his wife lived there for the remainder of their days. Orange P. and Adelaide Davis were the parents of ten children: Thomas, S. William, Orange R., Ebenezer R., Louisa B., Isaac B., Sarah Ann, Caroline, Harriett and Henry C. Henry C. Davis was but ten years of age when he came with his parents to Minnesota, where he finished his education and became a farmer, working on the home place until he had reached maturity, after which he pre-empted a quarter section of land in Kasota township, this county, and lived for many years as a successful farmer of this community, at one time owning four hundred and sixty acres of excellent land in LeSueur and Nicollet counties, Minnesota. In addition to his agricultural pursuits, Henry C. Davis, for some years, was a well-known auctioneer of LeSueur county, crying many of the large sales in this part of the country. Henry C. Davis was prominent in the official life of LeSueur county, serving as deputy sheriff for many years, as well as having served as constable of Kasota township, during several terms. Politically, Mr. Davis was a Republican. During the time of the Indian outbreak Mr. Davis was a member of the defensive forces and had a part in several engagements which resulted in the subjugation of the blood-thirsty Indians. Mr. Davis was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and together with his wife was an active member and worker of the United brethren church. Henry and Melissa Davis were the parents of nine children: Chester H., Lily M., Ella (deceased), Annetta, Stella M., Albert E., Cecil I., C. Roscoe and Harriet F. Melissa Pettis moved from her native home in Pike county, Illinois, and then, in 1854, with her parents, moved to Minnesota, where the father homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land in Kasota township, LeSueur county, establishing a home on the north side of Lake Emily, where the elder Pettis conducted a store in connection with his agricultural pursuits. The parents, Charles and Sarah Pettis, had a family on nine children: Stephen W., Catherine F., John L., Anna B., Olive G., Melissa J., Emily F., Charles C. and Henry F. Albert Eben Davis received his early education in the common schools of Kasota township, LeSueur county, after which he was a student of the St. Peter, Nicollet county, public schools, for three years. Following his school days Mr. Davis became a farmer, living on the old home place at Lake Emily for about three years and then, in 1904, he purchased his present farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Kasota township, LeSueur county, where he now lives and engages in general farming. In addition to his general farm activities, Albert Eben Davis makes a specialty of stock raising dealing chiefly in Durham cattle and Poland China hogs. On June 14, 1904, Albert Eben Davis was married to Bessie Kendall, who was born in Washington township, LeSueur county, Minnesota, a daughter of John and Caroline (Hugunin) Kendall. To the marriage of Albert and Bessie Davis have been born two children: Leslie Kendall and Alberta Eloise. Albert Eben Davis has been a member of the township board, for eight years and during the past five years has been chairman of the board. He has served with his usual efficiency as a member of the school board and is conceded to be one of the valuable citizens of LeSueur county, in which he is so widely known and highly respected. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias at Kasota. (pages 449-450)

The following biography was previously posted to the Minnesota GenWeb archives. Doug Peterson Nicollet and LeSueur Counties Volume II (biographies) William Gresham 1916 HON. CHARLES RUSSELL DAVIS The Hon. Charles Russell Davis, of St. Peter, who since the year 1902 has represented the third Minnesota district in the lower house of Congress and who for years has been a leader of the bar in this section of the state, is a native of Illinois, having been born on a farm in Pike county, that state, son of Sidney W. Davis, of the Dominion of Canada, and Mary (Pettis) Davis, a native of the state of Ohio. Sidney W. Davis was born in 1825, son of Orange R. and Adalaide (Barlow) Davis, the former of whom was the son of a native of Wales, who settled in Montreal in the early days, and the latter of French descent, born in Montreal, whose parents had settled in that province upon coming to this side of the Atlantic. In 1838 Orange R. Davis and family left Canada and moved to Jefferson county, New York, where they remained a year, at the end of which time they emigrated to Illinois, settling on a farm in Pike county, just outside the corporate line of the town of Pittsfield, the county seat. Sidney W. Davis was fourteen years of age when his family located in the Pittsfield neighborhood and there he grew to manhood. In 1846 he married Mary Pettis, of Ohio, who died leaving two children, a daughter, Lillian D., who is now living in St. Paul, this state, widow of William McOuat, and Charles R., the immediate subject of this sketch. Following the death of his wife, Sidney W. Davis remained in Illinois until he came to Minnesota, in the early fifties, and preempted a tract of land in LeSueur county near Lake Emily and established a new home there, quickly becoming one of the dominant figures in the pioneer life of this section. Not long after arriving here Mr. Davis recognized the possibilities of the live-stock business and presently became a large dealer in that line. At first he shipped dressed hogs to the Eastern markets, but as the development of the business led to other methods he began shipping live stock, and it was- not long until he was recognized as the largest shipper between Sioux City and St. Paul. For the better convenience of his growing interests Mr. Davis, in 1867, moved to St. Peter and thereafter made that point his headquarters, making his home there the remainder of his life. In addition to his extensive livestock business, Mr. Davis had a hand in practically every enterprise of importance hereabout during the early days and for many years was regarded as a leader in the community life. He was also an extensive dealer in the grain line. During the Civil War he filled large contracts for supplies for the government and in all his enterprises prospered, eventually becoming a very well-to-do citizen. In all his dealings he was direct and straightforward and held the full confidence of the entire community, being held in the highest esteem by all. Sidney W. Davis lived to a ripe old age; had witnessed the development of this favored region from its practically wilderness state to its present well-established condition and there were few men who had contributed more to the development than he, either in a social, civic or commercial way; so that at his death, in April, 1913, he then being eighty-seven years of age, there was sincere mourning throughout this whole region, for he had done well his part in the scheme of things in the great Northwest. His Uncle, Benjamin Davis, who remained on the home farm in Pike county, Illinois, attained national celebrity as the men who brought to its highest state of culture that popular pet of all pomologists, the "Ben Davis" apple, which takes its name from the man who first produced it. Charles R. Davis was an infant when he came with his father to this section and he consequently was reared here. During his high-school days at St. Peter he enjoyed the preceptorship of Professors Porter and McGill, the latter of whom was elected governor of the state of Minnesota in 1888. He was graduated from the high school and afterward received instruction in the higher branches in the private school of Professor Creary, at which institution he was a classmate of John A. Lundeen, who afterward became an instructor in mathematics at West Point and subsequently colonel, commanding at the Presido, California. Later, Mr. Davis entered upon a course in the Bryant & Stratton Business College at St. Paul, during which course he gave particular attention to the study, of penmanship, which branch he taught during the latter period of his attendance there. Upon completing his schooling, Mr. Davis engaged in the mercantile business at St. Peter, in which he continued for two years, at the end of which time he went to Omaha, Nebraska, where he remained for about two years. He then returned to St. Peter and shortly afterward he entered the law office of the Hon. Alfred Wallin, where for nearly, three years he devoted himself to the study of the law under that able preceptor. He was admitted to the bar, and shortly after he entered into a partnership with Mr. Wallin, and offices were opened at New, Ulm, the firm's legal business became quite extensive. Several years later Mr. Wallin moved to North Dakota, where he became the first chief justice of the supreme court of the new state, and Mr. Davis continued his practice alone and still retains the same suite of rooms in St. Peter occupied by the firm of Wallin & Davis, the rooms in which Mr. Davis began the study of law under the kindly direction of the distinguished jurist. After his election to Congress, when the necessities of his official position required his continued absence in Washington, Mr. Davis admitted George T. Olsen into partnership in his legal business, under the firm style of Davis & Olsen, and this mutually agreeable partnership has since continued, Mr. Olsen necessarily being in charge of the office the greater part of the time, while Mr. Davis is absent on affairs of state. Charles R. Davis began his official career early in life and it is but proper to say in this connection that in all his relations to the public service he has been faithful and true, discharging every official obligation with an eye single to the common welfare. Shortly after his admission to the bar, Mr. Davis was elected city attorney and served in that capacity for eighteen years. He was elected county attorney and served the public in that important capacity for twelve years, during which time he prosecuted some of the most notable criminal cases in the history of the state. On April 25, 1888, Mr. Davis received a commission as captain of Company I, Second Regiment, Minnesota National Guard, and served for four years in that connection. In the year last mentioned, Mr. Davis was elected on the Republican ticket to represent Nicollet county in the lower house of the Minnesota Legislature, in which capacity he performed such admirable service in behalf of his constituency that he later was elected state senator, representing the seventeenth senatorial district of Minnesota for four years. During his service in the Legislature, Mr. Davis became quite a prominent figure in that body, being a member of a number of the more important committees, among which was the committee on the judiciary. It was during his service in the Legislature that the special investigation of the affairs of the hospitals for the insane was ordered and he was chairman of the legislative committee which had charge of that investigation, his attitude in that connection creating much antagonism on the part of those who had charge of the finances of these institutions. In 1902 Mr. Davis was elected to represent the third congressional district of Minnesota in the lower house of Congress and has been re-elected at each succeeding election since that time, his distinguished and honorable course in the House of Representatives having been a continual incentive to the people of this district to retain him in that responsible position. During his service in Congress, Mr. Davis has become a national figure, long having been recognized as one of the most forceful representatives in Congress. His committee assignments include places on some of the most important committees of the Lower house, among which is a place on the powerful committee on appropriations, and his able service in Congress has earned for him the full confidence and the high regard of his confreres in that body. Able in counsel and skilled in debate, Congressman Davis has represented his constituency in the third district with marked ability, and his continued re-election is regarded by the people hereabout as but a proper expression of their appreciation of his conscientious discharge of every obligation thus imposed. Charles R. Davis was united in marriage to Emma Haven, who was born in Chicago, the home of her parents at the time of her birth having been located on the present site of the great Marshall Field store, and to this union four children have been born, two of whom died in infancy, Isabella B., who married Walter C. Poehler, a prominent official of the Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce, and Russell H., now a captain of the United States marine corps, stationed in Pekin, China. Captain Davis has had service in Cuba, Nicaragua, Haiti and Panama, and participated in the memorable naval "Parade" around the world commanded by Admiral "Bob" Evans in 1908. Captain Davis married Gertrude Gensler, of Washington, D. C., who is prominent in Washington social life, and he is one of the most popular officers in his branch of the service. Mrs. Davis, wife of Congressman Davis, is a daughter of Aaron Haven and Emily Parker, formerly of Boston, Massachusetts. (pages 416-419)

I am in the process of scanning in and cleaning up the index of biographies in the Memorial Record of Southwestern Minnesota. I only have a photocopies of the index and select biographies, which I have already posted. I do not have access to this book to do lookups. Doug Peterson Memorial Record of Southwestern Minnesota Illustrated Chicago The Lewis Publishing Company 1897 A Aagaard, Walter S. 170 Aanson, Tobias 126 Abbott, Azro A. 188 Adams, F. D. 448 Aiken & Schmahl 272 Aitkens, H. B. 381 Albrecht, E. H. 550 Anderegg, J. A. 331 Anderson, H. 487 Andrews, George 429 Apel, Henry 92 Appel George 391 Arnsdorff, William 504 Arp, Henry 126 Atherton, V. 446 Aufderheide, F. 269 Austin, William 127 B Baasen, Francis 205 Babcock, C. W. 505 Balbach, Conrad 282 Baldwin, H. A. 261 Baldwin, H. D. 256 Baldwin, T. J. 14 Baldwin, T. P. 165 Ball, H. M. 368 Banker, D. W. 486 Barber, Rio D. 545 Barnes, George S. 493 Bassett, E. H. 55 Bates, David 143 Beach, Nathan 71 Bean, Wm. J. 420 Beaton, R. R. 132 Bedford, John 281 Benhani, F. F. 342 Bentzin, John 207 Bianchi, Charles 364 Bigelow, Otis 364 Billington, Frank 280 Birkett, Miles 54 Black, F. E. 115 Blair, George A. 323 Blanchard, Alex 516 Block, Julius H. 449 Boesch, Werner 313 Bottoiiis, W. H. 115 Boutelle, C. M. 49 Boutwell, E. E. 437 Bowen, J. R. 351 Brandt, Ernst 211 Brewer, John 189 Brewster, C. S. 387 Briggs, S. H. 392 Brown, E. A. 112 Brown, E. C. 155 Brown, G. W. 220 Brown, James E. 134 Brown, Philander 509 Briist, Jacob 353 Buck, C. A. 527 Buell, O. P. 351 Bulick, G. T. 194 Burchard, H. M. 169 Burmeister, A. C. 259 Burrill, L. L. 405 C Call, J. H. 521 Campbell, William 133 Carey, Rev. Patrick 417 Carpenter, William 384 Case, C. F. 177 Cass, J. F. 159 Caswell, Wm. R. 310 Chace, A. R. 517 Chaffer, E. G. 276 Chapin, Birch 18 Chapin, S. L. 104 Cheadle, Asa 406 Chilgren, G. A. 536 Chittenden, A. C. 89 Chtite, D. W. 22 Clark, A. H. 36 Collins, D. B. 247 Cook, A. M. 531 Cook, N. H. 142 Cook, N. J. 183 Cooper, J. P. 315 Cory, Charles M. 225 Cowan, Stephen 538 Cox, James F. 297 Craig, J. L. 296 Crandall, L. S. 17 Crawford, C. H. 226 Crawford, Ira 87 Culp, Cornelius 426 Culp, William J. 439 Curran, George R. 22 Current, Jacob P. 94 Cutler, George 555 D Daley, 119 Dannheim, William 502 Darling, E.N. 554 Davies, E. W. 548 Davis, C. R. 305 Davis, Isaac 414 Davis, S. W. 251 Dayton, G. N. 332 DeBoos, John 81 Dey, William 88 Dickerson, E. E. 304 Dickinson, W. F. 288 Dickson, James 236 Diller, John 430 Dittbenner, C. W. 498 Dittbenner, H. 496 Ditty, William 161 Dock, Frederick 60 Dodge, F. A. 462 Donahower, F. A. 273 Door, H. W. 415 Doty, J. H. 431 Dunlavy, G. H. 424 Dunn, J. B. 222 E Eastwood, Carl S. 534 Eaton, H. G. 373 Ebilsior, G. B. 213 Eckstein, A. J. 489 Edgar, B. H. 494 Edgar, Thomas M. 485 Edwards, A. E. 415 Egan, John 359 Ellithorpe, C. M. 70 Engel, George 24 Engesser, Edward 282 Engesser, Joseph 463 Engesser, Matthew 481 Engle, Thomas E. 153 Enter, Henry 464 Erickson, L. M. 447 Essler, Henry J. 254 Everett, J. C. 435 Everett: M. R. 513 Everett, R. H. 409 F Farrington, S. H. 390 Fenske, August 383 Fiero, Frederick 241 Firth, Robert 83 Fleischer, Charles 552 Fogarty, Edward 53 Forbes, D. D. 167 Fox, Charles J. 157 Francois, C. A. 553 Frederickson, L. 100 French, E. D. 198 Friton, German 156 Fritsche, L. A. 270 Froelich, Herman 354 G Galagan, Patrick 421 Gamble, M. H. 376 Gerber, Joseph 80 Gerstmann, Louis 280 Geschwind, Peter 290 Gieseke, William 149 Gilfillan, C. D. 9 Gilfillan, James 203 Gilmore, C. W. 109 Gish, Jacob W. 445 Glasgow, Frank 124 Glass, Wm. H. 118 Gluth, Julias 224 Goembel, P. O. 122 Goldsmith, Nelson 468 Golz, John 537 Graf, Emil 217 Green, James J. 208 Gresham, Wm. G. 202 Griffin, S. H. 84 Grimes, Edward 372 Grimes, W. W. 349 Grimm, George J. 379 Grout, A. H. 64 Grout, E. L. 67 Gunderson, T. 140 Guthrie, C. E. 75

The following biography was previously posted to the Minnesota GenWeb archives. Doug Peterson Nicollet and LeSueur Counties Volume II (biographies) William Gresham 1916 EBENEZER R. DAVIS The late Ebenezer R. Davis was a native of Canada, but counted among the pioneer band who found their way to LeSueur county, Minnesota. He was born in 1832, a son of Orange Davis who left the Dominion of Canada in 1837 with his family, to escape being drafted into the army. Ebenezer R. Davis was only five years of age at the time his parents moved from his birthplace to New York state, where they spent some time, then moved on west as far as Pike county, Illinois. They remained there until 1853, when the father, Orange Davis, came to LeSueur county, securing a tract of land from the government on the shores of Lake Emily. The next year the family joined the elder Davis, who divided his time between farming and making shingles. He was an industrious and honorable citizen of LeSueur county, who bore well his part in a wild, unsettled country. He died at St. Peter, to which place they had retired; his wife died at her daughter's home, at Lake Emily. these good people had endured the privations and hardships only known to pioneers in Minnesota, in the fifties and sixties. Ebenezer Davis, son of Orange Davis and wife, was only a mere boy when he accompanied his parents to Illinois from New York state. In 1850, during the gold excitement in far-off California, young Davis joined the throng of fortune-hunters in that country. He remained in California until 1852, when he returned to Illinois, and with his mother and the other members of the family, came to Minnesota in 1854, the father having immigrated here in 1853, preparatory to the coming of his family. Ebenezer R. remained at home until 1855, when he obtained land in his own name, the same now being known as the Gault farm, which he sold in 1858, purchasing the one he later lived on for a half century. He was united in marriage in 1855 to Louisa J. Pettis, born on November 7, 1837, daughter of John and Ann (Cummings) Pettis. Mrs. Davis' parents, however, had died when she was yet quite young, the mother passing away in Ohio and the father was stricken by cholera in St. Louis, Missouri, the same year. The daughter was taken into the home of an uncle, Charles Pettis, who brought her with the family to LeSueur county, where they made their home on the shores of Lake Emily. It was there that Charles Pettis made his permanent home, remaining until overtaken by death in 1857, while his wife survived him and lived to a ripe old age. In the John and Ann Pettis family there were six children born, three of whom are still living. These besides Mrs. Davis are her brother, Charles, who makes his home with her, and Thomas, who resides in Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Davis lived on their farm at Kasota for over fifty years, and there he died on May 11, 1909, and after that sad event, Mrs. Davis moved to St. Peter, purchased a handsome residence on North Minnesota avenue, where she has since made her home. In numerous capacities Mr. Davis had been associated with those things which were calculated to develop this county and state. In the first instance, it was he who aided in making the original survey of the town plat of St. Peter, he having carried the chain for the surveyor in charge. In addition to operating his farm he was connected with the management of the Kasota flouring-mills. Many a pioneer recalls him as having a stirring, enterprising way about him, which caused him to be much admired by his fellow citizens. In all charitable works, helping the worthy poor and unfortunate, Mr. Davis was ever foremost. His religion was of that type that caused others to be happy and live exemplary lives in the community. Many persons living in this and adjoining counties, have reason to cherish his name for his generosity and sterling traits of character. No children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Davis, but the childhood and youth of many in the community knew them as fast friends, and mourned with older ones when he passed away. (pages 264-265)

The following biography was previously posted to the Minnesota GenWeb archives. Doug Peterson Nicollet and LeSueur Counties Volume II (biographies) William Gresham 1916 CHARLES ROSCOE DAVIS Charles Roscoe Davis, a well-known and enterprising young business man of Cleveland, LeSueur county, member of the progressive firm of Lloyd Brothers & C. R. Davis, dealers in general hardware, agricultural implements and automobiles at Cleveland, is a native of LeSueur county, having been born on a homestead farm in Kasota township, September 26, 1882, son of Henry C. and Melissa (Pettis) Davis, both members of pioneer families and prominent residents of that section, whose respective fathers had left Pike county, Illinois, in 1853, and had homesteaded land in LeSueur county, where they established their permanent homes. Henry C. Davis was born in Pike county, Illinois, July 6, 1844, youngest son of Orange R. and Adelaide (Barlow) Davis, both natives of Canada, who migrated from the Dominion to New York state and thence to Illinois, where, in Pike county, Orange R. Davis operated a farm until 1853, in which year he came to Minnesota and entered a claim to a quarter of a section of land in Kasota township, LeSueur county. The next year he established his family on this homestead tract and there he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives, long having been accounted among the most prominent and influential residents in that section. They were the parents of ten children: Thomas, S. William, Orange R. Ebenezer R., Louisa B., Isaac B., Sarah Ann, Caroline, Harriet and Henry C., the latter of whom, father of the subject of this biographical sketch was about ten years of age when he came to Minnesota and here he spent the rest of his life, becoming one of the most substantial residents of Kasota township, as well as one of the best-known men in this part of the state. Henry C. Davis grew to manhood on the Kasota township homestead and in due time pre-empted a quarter section of land for himself in the same township and there established his home. In early days he served as deputy sheriff of LeSueur county and for many years was constable of Kasota township. During the time of the Indian outbreak he was a member of the Home Guards and participated actively in the bloody engagements with the Sioux. He was one of the detail of soldiers which brought the thirty-eight condemned redskins from New Ulm to Mankato and was a member of the detail which had charge of the execution of those bloodthirsty leaders of the uprising. For thirty years or more, Mr. Davis was a practical auctioneer, crying sales throughout this part of the country and became very well known hereabout. He prospered in his agricultural ventures and presently became the owner of about four hundred sixty acres of excellent land in LeSueur and Nicollet counties. He was a Republican and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He and his wife were members of the United Brethren church and ever took an active part in the good works of their neighborhood. They were the parents of nine children, all of whom are still living, save Ella, the third in order of birth, who died in 1913, the others being Chester H., Lily M., Annetta D., Stella M., Albert E., Cecil I., C. Roscoe and Harriet E. Melissa (Pettis) Davis, mother of the above children, was born in Pike county, Illinois, February 7, 1842, daughter of Charles and Sarah (Hosford) Pettis, the former a native of Vermont and the latter of Connecticut. As a young man, Charles Pettis emigrated from Vermont to Ohio, where he married and a few years later moved to Illinois, settling on a farm in Pike county, where he lived until 1853, in which year he came to Minnesota and entered a claim to a quarter of a section of land in Kasota township, LeSueur county. The next year he brought his family out here and established his home on the north side of Lake Emily, and there spent the remainder of his life, long having been regarded as among the leaders in the community life of that section. Charles Pettis started a pioneer store on his place, now known as Pettis Station, and operated the same for years in connection with his farming. He and his wife were the parents of nine children, Steven W., Catherine P., John L., Anna E., Olive G., Melissa J., Emily F., Charles C. and Henry F. Charles R. Davis received his elementary education in the district school in his home neighborhood in Kasota township, supplementing the same by a course in Gustavus Adolphus College at St. Peter, from which excellent old institution he was graduated in 1901. Upon completing his schooling, Mr. Davis engaged in the grain business at St. Peter and was thus engaged for four years, at the end of which he went to Pettis Station, where for four years he was engaged in the grain business, having his headquarters in the general store of C. Roscoe Davis and C. A. Davis. In 1908 he formed a partnership with Thomas J. and William Lloyd in the general hardware and agricultural implement business in the village of Cleveland and has been thus engaged ever since, in the meantime having continued his operations in grain until 1915, when he disposed of that branch of the business, and is now devoting the whole of his attention to the growing interests of the mercantile establishment with which he is connected. In 1912, following in the footsteps of his father, who for years was one of the best-known auctioneers in this section of Minnesota, Mr. Davis entered the auctioneering business and has made quite a success of the same, carrying on this branch of his business independent of his commercial interests. He is an excellent and enterprising young business man and enjoys the full confidence of commercial circles throughout this section. In 1912 Charles R. Davis was united in marriage to Stella Baker, daughter of R. B. Baker and wife, well-known residents of this community, and to this union twin sons have been born, Roscoe W. and Russell M., born on March 4, 1913, a mighty interesting pair of youngsters. Mr. and Mrs. Davis take a proper part in the social activities of Cleveland and are held in high esteem by their many friends thereabout. Mr. Davis is a Republican and gives a good citizen's attention to political affairs, though never having been included in the office-seeking class. He is a member of the Equitable Fraternal Union, in the affairs of which he takes a warm interest, and is likewise warmly interested in all movements designed to promote the general interests of the community in which he is so active a factor. (pages 333-335)

The following biography was previously posted to the Minnesota GenWeb archives. Doug Peterson Nicollet and LeSueur Counties Volume II (biographies) William Gresham 1916 STEPHEN H. BRIGGS Stephen H. Briggs, successful farmer, able business man, leading citizen and former public official, was born in Boone county, New York on April 22, 1836, a son of Abiathar and Huldah (Coombs) Briggs. Abiathar Briggs was a son of Abiathar and Johanna (Rounsville) Briggs, natives of Massachusetts, and settled in Courtland county, New York, where they spent their last days, the former dying at the age of seventy-eight years; the latter at seventy-five years. Abiathar Briggs, Jr., was born at Middleboro, Massachusetts, and when a young man served in the War of 1812. In 1856 he moved to the state of Wisconsin, where he lived about three years. In 1858, Mr. Briggs came to Nicollet county, Minnesota, where he homesteaded a farm and then returned to Wisconsin, where he secured his family, whom he moved to this county in 1859. At a later time, Abiathar Briggs moved to Traverse where he died at the age of seventy-five years. Huldah, the wife of Abiathar Briggs died in New York, at the age of sixty-seven years. Stephen H. Briggs received his education in the common schools and at the Courtland Academy, New York, after which he taught school in New York state for one year and then moved with his parents to Wisconsin, where Mr. Briggs engaged in the profession of a school teacher for three years. Moving to the state of Minnesota, Mr. Briggs continued in his duties as a school teacher for a short time, after which, in 1860, he bought forty acres of land in section 12, Traverse township, this county. On his farm Mr. Briggs built a frame house in 1862, which now serves as a part of his present residence which is toady one of the best of the community. From time to time he has added to his acreage, until now he is the owner of nearly two hundred acres of land on which he engages in general farming and in the raising of live stock. Mr. Briggs specializes in live stock culture, now being the owner of a herd of about thirty cattle as well as twelve head of good grade horses. As a business man, Mr. Briggs has demonstrated his ability as an organizer, promoter and manager, having been one of the organizers of the co-operative creamery at Traverse Station, a concern which Mr. Briggs managed for many years. About the year 1880 he built a grain elevator at Traverse Station, which he managed until 1907, and he has been the promoter of other enterprises all of which have been notably successful. Some time ago Mr. Briggs surveyed a portion of his farm which adjoins Traverse Station. On October 28, 1862, Stephen H. Briggs was married to Cynthia Doty, who was born in Tompkins, New York, and who, at an early age came to Nicollet county, Minnesota. To the marriage of Stephen H. and Cynthia Briggs have been born the following children: Frank, an employee of the state insane hospital, who married Mary Kretschmer and they are the parents of four children, Byron, Marion, Margarette and Raymond; George A., a graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College, who makes a specialty of bee culture on the home farm, where he owns more than one hundred swarms of bees; and Mary E., a musician and piano teacher, living at home. Mr. Briggs has taken a conspicuous part in the political career in 1875, of his community for many years. He started his political career in 1875, when he was elected to the office of county surveyor; he also has been the occupant of the offices as assessor, township treasurer for Traverse township, during a term of fifteen years; clerk of the school board and a member of the school board for many years. Mr. Briggs has served his township as supervisor and was postmaster Traverse for some time. (pages 195-196)

The following biography was previously posted to the Minnesota GenWeb archives. Doug Peterson Memorial Record of Southwestern Minnesota 1897 Lewis Publishing Company Chicago, Illinois STEPHEN H. BRIGGS For many years this gentleman has resided in southwestern Minnesota, and his name is inseparably connected with the agricultural and commercial interests in this region. His thoroughly American spirit and his great energy have enabled him to mount from a lowly position to one of affluence. One of his leading characteristics in business affairs as his fine sense of order and complete system, and the habits of giving careful attention to details, without which success in any undertaking is never an assured fact. He is a man of intrinsic worth, esteemed in all the relations of his life, and in this volume well deserves mention. Stephen H. Briggs was born in Broome county, New York, on the 22d of April, 1836, and comes of a family of English origin that was founded in America at an early day. His grandparents were Abiathar and Johanna Rounsville Briggs, New England people who removed to New York and spent their last days in Cortland county. The former died at the age of seventy-eight, the latter at the age of seventy-five. The parents of our subject were Abiathar and Huldah Coombs Briggs. The father was a native of Middleboro, Massachusetts, and served as one of the minute men in the war of 1812. In 1859 he came to Minnesota and died in Traverse at the age of seventy-five. His wife, who was born in Vermont, died in New York, at the age of sixty-seven. The first year after the arrival of the family in Minnesota, Mr. Briggs, of this review, engaged in teaching school. He then rented a farm. He had acquired a good education in Cortland Academy of New York, and had successfully followed teaching for one term in the Empire state, three terms in Wisconsin and two in Minnesota, but wishing to acquire some property he at length bought forty acres of land and began its cultivation. As a companion and helpmeet on life's journey he chose Miss Cynthia Doty, and their marriage was celebrated October 28, 1862. The lady was born in Tompkins county, New York, and by her marriage became the mother of nine children, but only three are now living, namely: Frank, who was born in Minnesota and is now managing an elevator and a creamery at Traverse; George A. is operating the home farm; and Mary E., the youngest, is also at home. Upon his marriage Mr. Briggs took up his abode in his present home, but the residence has since been greatly enlarged and remodeled. To his farm he has added from time to time, purchasing an additional forty acres of land as his means would permit, until he now owns a valuable tract of two hundred acres. His business ability is by no means limited to one line of endeavor and he has been the promoter of a number of interests which have added materially to the welfare and advancement of the county. He was manager of a large creamery for five years, and established the grain business which is now conducted by his son. He began buying grain in 1880 and for some years did an extensive business in that line. He carries to successful completion whatever he undertakes, and his connection with any enterprise therefore insures its prosperity. He has steadily worked his way upward from a lowly position to one of affluence, and today is practically living retired in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. In 1875 Mr. Briggs was appointed to the position of county surveyor and filled that position for five years, discharging his duties in a manner most satisfactory to his constituents. He has also held a number of township offices, is the present township treasure, has served on the school board for a third of a century and is the present postmaster at Traverse. In his political adherency he is a stalwart Republican and has warmly advocated the principles of that party since casting his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1860. He and his family are always numbered among the active supporters of any measure calculated to advance the best interests of the community and are people of sterling worth whose may excellencies of character have won them the high regard of all. (pages 392-393)

The following biography was previously posted to the Minnesota GenWeb archives. Doug Peterson Memorial Record of Southwestern Minnesota 1897 Lewis Publishing Company Chicago, Illinois ALEXANDER PETTIS Alexander Pettis bears a name that belongs in the list of prominent early settlers of Lesueur county, the date of his arrival here being May, 1855. His present home is on a fine farm on section 24, Kasota township, and St. Peter is his post-office address. Thus as a pioneer and leading citizen of his locality his history is of interest in this work, and briefly is as follows: Alexander Pettis was born in Albany, Vermont, March 21, 1823, and comes of a family of Scotch descent, long resident in this country, prominent in peace and valiant in war. His father, Stephen Pettis, a colonel in the war of 1812, was a native of Connecticut and a son of Scotch parents who had settled in New England previous to the Revolutionary war. Their household of faith was Presbyterian. Colonel Pettis married a Miss Olive Hutchins, a native of Vermont and a member of a family long settled in New England. She was a most excellent woman, bright in intellect, amiable in disposition, and loved by all who knew her, and her untimely death in 1830, in the prime of life, was a sad blow to her family and many friends. She died at Mecca, near Warren, in Trumbull county, Ohio, and left a family of four little children, namely: Alexander; Almira, now Mrs. Judds, of Iowa; Matilda, now Mrs. Wing, of Pike county, Illinois; and Mary, who married Mr. Davis, and died in Pike county, Illinois. Previous to his removal to Ohio Colonel Pettis lived for some time at French Mills, Canada, where he built a mill. He left Ohio in 1835 and moved to Pike county, Illinois, settling upon a large tract of land he had purchased, becoming one of the pioneers of that county and developing there a fine farm. He died in Illinois, settling upon a large tract of land he had purchased, becoming one of the pioneers of that county and developing there a fine farm. He died in Illinois, aged seventy-six years, having lived out more than the average life of man. For many years he was identified with the Masonic fraternity and was prominent in the circles of that high order. Of high intellectual powers, wide business experience, broad and generous nature, he was an important factor in his locality and was as highly esteemed as he was well known. Alexander Pettis was a boy of twelve when he accompanied his father and other members of the family to their new home in Pike county, Illinois, and there he was reared and educated, and was for a time engaged in teaching. He was married in Pike county, in 1850, to Miss Louisa Davis, whose life has been blended with his for a period of forty-six years and who still presides over his home, her presence and cheerful companionship having made bright many of the dark places along their pathway in life. She was born in Canada and reared and educated in Pike county, Illinois, her parents being Orange and Adalaide (Barlow) Davis, natives of Canada and pioneers of Illinois. Both her father and mother lived to a ripe old age, the former being eighty and the latter eighty-five at the time of death. In 1855 the spirit of emigration led the subject of our sketch to seek a home in Minnesota, and in the spring of that year he came up the river by boat to Lesueur county, selecting a location on section fifteen, Kasota township, and there building a cabin and establishing himself and family in pioneer style. Subsequently he sold this place and purchased his present farm, one hundred and twenty acres of valuable land on section 24 of the same township, and with the exception of ten years, when he resided in St. Peter in order to give his children the benefit of good educational advantages, he has maintained his home on this farm. Here he has a beautiful rural home, carries on general farming and stock-raising, and is comfortably situated to enjoy life. Mr. and Mrs. Pettis have three children: Orange Stephen, of Chicago, Illinois; Mary, wife of R. Volk, of St. Peter, Minnesota; and Cornelia May. Both of the daughters were formerly engaged in teaching and Miss Pettis is now at her parental home. In his political views and affiliations Mr. Pettis is strongly Republican and in favor of the "gold standard." For years he served as justice of the peace and as such rendered general satisfaction. He is a man of broad views, firm convictions, progressive spirit, and has a character that is above reproach, his word ever as good as his bond. His genial manner and his fine conversational powers make him companionable and welcome wherever he goes. (pages 434-435)

The following biography was previously posted to the Minnesota GenWeb archives. Doug Peterson Memorial Record of Southwestern Minnesota 1897 Lewis Publishing Company Chicago, Illinois J. H. DOTY Nature formed with a kindly band the state of Minnesota and adorned the landscape with beauties that no artist can fully portray though his skill be that of a Corot. Some of its scenes are famed in story and in song; others are still awaiting the eloquent words of a pen-picture, or the marvelous power of an artist's hand to call them into notice. In one of the most beautiful valleys that ever came forth from the hand of nature in all perfection stands the little village of Courtland. Not yet has its loveliness been desecrated by the ruthless hand of the man who would transform it into a place of money-making. It remains almost as it came from the hand of the Creator. A brook, fed by innumerable springs, ripples along over its pebbly bed, touched caressingly here and there by the overhanging ferns and grasses which border its banks, dancing in the sunlight and reflecting the glories of the sky on its surface. On either side the grand old oaks of the forest stand guard, and through the vista of the trees may be seen the tasseled corn, the, varying green of the grain fields in the morning sun sparkling with myriads of diamond dewdrops. The Rockies display more grandeur, the canyons and gorges stand forth in all sublimity, but nature has furnished no more peaceful, restful or beautiful spot than this little valley wherein stands the home of J. H. Doty. He comes of a family that has resided in this section of the state since the days when all the land was wild and uncultivated, before forests had been cut or the prairies disturbed by the plowman. His father, William R. Doty, was born in Massachusetts, and reared and educated in New York. He was a representative of an old New England family that for generations was valiant and patriotic in times of war, and prominent and progressive in days of peace. He married Miss Sally Roundsville, also a native of Massachusetts and a member of an influential and well-to-do family. For fifty-five years they traveled life's journey together, when the happy union was then severed by the death of the wife. In 1857 they left their New York home and, came to the territory of Minnesota. On reaching Nicollet county Mr. Doty made a claim on section 4, township 109, range 29, and there he developed a farm, reared his family and made his home for forty years. A little log cabin at first furnished shelter to the family; its furnishings were primitive, its comforts few, but the beautiful panorama of nature was all around them and the fertile lands responded to their labors with abundant harvests. The family courageously bore all the hardships of pioneer life, and as the years passed secured the comforts of the east. Through his earnest labors the father gained prosperity and is now the possessor of an excellent farm, improved with a commodious and tasteful residence, substantial outbuildings and all modern accessories. In the family were four children: Cynthia, wife of Stephen Briggs, of Traverse, Minnesota; J. H., of this review; Delphine, who died at the age of sixteen years; and Elva E., who resides at the old homestead with her father. J. H. Doty assisted in the development of the frontier farm and early learned habits of industry, economy and integrity which have been predominant traits in his character. He was only eleven years of age when he arrived in Nicollet county, his birth having occurred in Dryden, Tompkins county, New York, December 18, 1846. His district-school education was supplemented by a course in the St. Peter high school, and study in the Mankato Normal School. For five terms he was engaged in teaching in Nicollet county, where his ability ranked him with the ablest educators in that locality. In 1876 he came to Courtland, although the village was not then organized. The same year he shipped the first car-load of grain from this place, and has since engaged in dealing in grain and lumber, shipping large quantities of both and doing an extensive business. He owns six hundred and fifty acres of valuable land here, divided into richly cultivated fields and meadows. In connection with his other business interests Mr. Doty has for some years been dealing in stock and now has a dairy in conjunction with which he keeps thirty cows of the Holstein and Jersey bloods. He has a large barn, twenty-six by one hundred and seventy feet, two others, each twenty-six by fifty feet, and a fourth forty-four by fifty feet, thus affording ample room for the shelter of his stock. In 1893 Mr. Doty was instrumental in organizing the Courtland Creamery Company, which that year erected a plant at a cost of five thousand dollars. It was at once put in operation and a successful business has since been conducted, for the product of the creamer compares favorably with that of any similar establishment in the state and commands the highest market prices. The success of this enterprise is largely due to the enterprise and untiring energy of the gentleman whose name introduces this article. In the midst of his fine farm Mr. Doty laid out the village of Courtland and erected there a handsome residence which has since been the home of his family. It stands in the center of the town, is built in a modern and tasteful style of architecture and is supplied with all the latest conveniences, including a water supply. This home is elegantly furnished and surrounded with a beautiful lawn. Its hospitality rivals that of the Kentucky mansions and its doors are ever open for the reception of their many friends. Mr. Doty was married at the age of twenty-five years to Miss Sarah J. Piper, an amiable and accomplished lady who before her marriage engaged in teaching school in St. Peter, They have three children: Mabel, now a student in the State University of Minnesota, Wilber E. and Grace L., at home. Mr. Doty is one of the leading supporters of the Republican party in this section of the state and does all in his power to promote the growth and insure the success of Republicanism. He has served as president of the village and filled other local offices, performing his duties with a promptness and fidelity which has won the commendation of all concerned. He is a public-spirited and progressive citizen whose deep interest in the welfare of the community and its advancement is manifest by the liberal support which he gives all measures calculated to prove of public benefit. (pages 431-433)

The following biography was previously posted to the Minnesota GenWeb archives. Doug Peterson Memorial Record of Southwestern Minnesota 1897 Lewis Publishing Company Chicago, Illinois WILLIAM H. ROUNSEVILLE A man's reputation is the property of the world. The laws of nature forbid isolation. Every human being submits to the controlling influence of others, or as a master spirit wields a power either for good or evil on the masses of mankind. There can be no impropriety in justly scanning the acts of any man as they affect his public and business relations. If he is honest and eminent in his chosen field of labor investigation will brighten his fame and point out the path that others may follow with like success. From the ranks of the quiet, persevering yet prominent citizen-prominent on account of what he has done in commercial circles-there is no one more deserving of mention in a volume of this character than William H. Rounseville, who is also one of the honored pioneers of Nicollet county. He was born October 2, 1840, in Tompkins county, New York, and is a son of Daniel and Amy (Lindsay) Rounseville. The birth of the father also occurred in the same state, while the paternal grandfather, Ebenezer Rounseville, was a native of Massachusetts and of French descent. Our subject was but thirteen years of age when brought to Nicollet county, Minnesota, and in the public schools of St. Peter finished his literary education, which was begun in the Empire state. On laying aside his studies he assisted his father in the cultivation and improvement of the home farm until attaining his majority, when he started out in life on his own account as an agriculturist. For many years previous to his removal to Minnesota, the father had engaged in general merchandising, but here he gave his exclusive attention to his farming interests until 1878, when he came to St. Peter. In that city his wife died in 1893, but he is still living at the ripe old age of seventy-eight years. After carrying on agricultural pursuits for a short time, Mr. Rounseville, of this review, came to St. Peter, where he became interested in the lumber business in connection with C. Snyder & Damren. On the retirement of Mr. Dainren in 1874 the firm name was changed to Rounseville & Snyder, and later our subject bought out his partner's interest, becoming sole proprietor. He was successfully engaged in the lumber trade until 1894, during which time he was largely interested in pine lands in Minnesota and Wisconsin, owned a large sawmill and engaged extensively in the manufacture of lumber. From this business he realized a handsome profit, but having an opportunity to dispose of all his lumber interests at a satisfactory price he sold out in 1894. Much of his pine land was located in Carlton county, Minnesota, and he also owned a large lumber-yard at St. Peter. In 1893 Mr. Rounseville became a stockholder in the St. Peter Furniture Company, which was incorporated in 1891, but the business was established in 1855 by William Klein, who successfully conducted it until his death in 1889. The present officers are William H. Rounseville, president; William Hall, secretary, and J. C. Hulet, treasurer and manager. The firm manufactures tables, stands, chairs, etc., for which it finds a ready sale, and also turns out fine stair work and house trimmings to order. Mr. Rounseville also owns five fine farms in Nicollet and Lesueur counties, of about seven hundred acres, which he rents, and also a substantial and pleasant residence in St. Peter. In connection with his other business he was largely interested at one time in threshing machines, owning and operating twelve steam threshers of the Advance style, manufactured at Battle Creek, Michigan. In 1879, in Nicollet county, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Rounseville and Miss Rebecca Goodman, a native of Goodhue county, Minnesota, and a daughter of John Goodman, a native of England. They have a host of warm friends throughout entire community, and are highly esteemed and respected by all who know them. Mr. Rounseville is a public-spirited, enterprising citizen, taking an active interest in everything tending to promote the welfare, of big town and county, and the success he has achieved throughout life is justly merited. (pages 252-253)

The following biography was previously posted to the Minnesota GenWeb archives. Doug Peterson Memorial Record of Southwestern Minnesota 1897 Lewis Publishing Company Chicago, Illinois Hon. Charles R. Davis - Whatever may be said of the legal fraternity, it cannot be denied that the members of the bar have been more prominent factors in public affairs than any other class of American people. This is but the natural result of causes which are manifest and require no explanation. The ability and training which qualify one to practice law also qualify him in many respects for duties which lie outside of the diametrical line of his profession and which touch the general interests of society. The subject of this record is a man who has brought his keen discrimination and thorough wisdom to bear not alone in professional paths, but also for the benefit of the community in which he makes his home, and with whose interests he is thoroughly identified. He holds and merits a place among the representative legal practitioners of Nicollet county and is a prominent citizen of St. Peter. Mr. Davis was born September 17, 1849, upon a farm near Pittsfield, in Pike county, Illinois, and is a son of Sidney W. and Mary (Pettis) Davis. His mother, who was a native of Ohio, died in Pike county, Illinois, in 1851. On the paternal side he is of Welsh descent, his great-grandfather coming from Wales, but his grandfather, Orange Davis, was born in Lower Canada, near Quebec. The wife of the latter was born in Montreal, of French parentage. Sidney W. Davis, the father of our subject, was born in Kingston, Canada, in 1825, and with his family removed to northern New York, in 1837, where he remained one year, and then went to Pike county, Illinois, locating upon a farm just outside the corporation limits of Pittsfield, the county seat. On the 10th of May, 1853, with his family he came to Minnesota, and settled upon a farm in Lesueur county, where he continued to engage in general farming and stock-raising until 1867, which year witnessed his arrival in St. Peter. Here he has since resided and for ten years was actively engaged in Merchandising. The boyhood of Charles R. Davis was passed upon the home farm in Lesueur county, and his early education in the village schools of Kasota. Later he pursued his studies in the high school of St. Peter, which at the time was taught by Porter & McGill, the latter subsequently governor of Minnesota. Afterward he was taught at a private school by Professor Creary, a noted educator, where he was a classmate of Lieutenant John A. Lundeen, professor of mathematics at West Point, and in 1857 he took a complete commercial course at the St. Paul Business College. For the ensuing two years he was engaged in the grocery and produce business at St. Peter, Minnesota. Then, selling out his interest in that business, he took up the study of law, under the preceptorship of Hon. Alfred Wallin, the present chief justice of North Dakota. March 6, 1872, is the date of his admission to the bar. At once he formed a partnership with his former preceptor, under the style of Wallin & Davis, and they engaged actively in general practice, having offices in both St. Peter and New Ulm. Mr. Davis early began his official career, being elected county attorney in 1872, in which capacity he faithfully served for six years. In 1878 he was also elected city clerk and attorney, which former position he has acceptably filled for the last sixteen years and still continues to do. On the 25th of April, 1888, he was commissioned captain of the National Guards of Minnesota, serving four years. In 1888 he was also elected to the legislature, on the Republican ticket, to represent Nicollet county for a term of two years, and subsequently was made state senator from the seventeenth senatorial district of Minnesota, serving in the sessions of 1891-3. He took a prominent part in the work of those bodies, being a member of several very important committees, among which was that on the judiciary. He took and especially active part while serving on the committee for the hospital for the insane, and was chairman of that committee. His investigations aroused much antagonism among those who had charge of the financial affairs of that institution. In 1874 Mr. Davis was united in marriage with Miss Emma Haven, who was born and reared in the city of Chicago, and is a daughter of Aaron Haven. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have two children, namely: Isabel H., a graduate of the State University of Minnesota; and Russell. In his social relations, Mr. Davis is connected with Nicollet Lodge, No. 34, F & A. M.; St. Peter Chapter, No. 22, R. A. M.; Mankato Commandery, No. 4, K. T.; Oris Lodge, Scottish Rite, of Mankato; The Mystic Shrine, Ozman Temple, St. Paul, Minnesota; and also St. Peter Lodge, No. 12, I. O. O. F. He takes quite an active part in politics, local state and national, and has often made speeches throughout his district in behalf of the Republican party. During the time he served the public in an official capacity he made an admirable record, and as a lawyer he stands high with the profession. (pages 305-307)

The following biography was previously posted to the Minnesota GenWeb archives. Doug Peterson Memorial Record of Southwestern Minnesota 1897 Lewis Publishing Company Chicago, Illinois Sidney W. Davis is numbered among the honored pioneer settlers of Lesueur county, Minnesota. He has not only been an eye witness of its growth and development but has also taken an active part in its progress and has been a leading factor in the promotion of its material interests. His name is inseparably linked with its history, and in this volume he well deserves prominent mention. Mr. Davis was born in Lower Canada, sixty miles from Montreal, June 11, 1825, a son of Orange R. and Adelaide (Barlow) Davis, who were also natives of Lower Canada. When our subject was eight years of age his parents removed to New York, spending the winter of 1837-8 at Sackett's Harbor. In 1839 they emigrated to Pike county, Illinois, locating on a farm three miles from Pittsfield, the county seat. In 1853 the father came to Lesueur county, where the following spring he was joined by his family. They settled on the shore of Lake Emily, two miles east of St. Peter, the first to make a claim in that locality. Indians were numerous in the neighborhood, far outnumbering the white people, and the family, situated thus on the extreme frontier, had to endure all the hardships and privations of pioneer life. The father improved one hundred and sixty acres of land and carried on general farming until 1880, when he removed to St. Peter. His death occurred in 1881, in his eighty-second year. His wife died in 1887, in her eighty-fifth year. They were well known people in the county, respected by all. Sidney W. Davis is the second of their eleven children, seven sons and four daughters. All reached mature years and seven are now living, namely: Ebenezer R.; Isaac; Henry C.; Louisa, wife of Alex. Pettis; Sarah, wife of Solomon H. Pettis, of Lesueur county; Caroline, wife of John Hartew, of Aberdeen, South Dakota; and Harriet, widow of John L. Pettis. Sidney W. Davis spent the greater part of his school life in Pike county, Illinois, being educated in the primitive schools of that period. He assisted in the cultivation of the home farm until he had attained his majority, when he began farming on his own account in Pike county. He was married in 1846 to Miss Mary O. Pettis, of that county, a daughter of Stephen Pettis. They lived a happy married life until July, 1851, when Mrs. Davis died of cholera, leaving two children: Lillian, now wife of William McQuat, of Lesueur county; and Hon. C. R. Davis, a prominent attorney at St. Peter. In 1853 Mr. Davis came to Minnesota, settling in Lesueur county. He pre-empted a claim of one hundred and sixty acres two miles east of Kasota, and with characteristic energy began the development of his land. For several years he successfully carried on general farming and stock-raising, and in 1857 removed to St. Peter, where he opened a meat market. His business steadily increased until it had assumed extensive proportions. He not only had a large general trade, but also had a contract to furnish the meat for the State Hospital for the insane for a period of ten years, supplying about nineteen thousand pounds per month. In addition to conducting his store he was also largely engaged in buying and shipping live stock, sending many car-loads of hogs and cattle to Chicago annually. When the time of his contract with the State Hospital had expired he sold his market and devoted his energies alone to the live-stock business, as a member of the firm of Pettis & Davis, his partner being Alva Pettis, and they being the largest live-stock dealers in the Minnesota valley. He also owns two hundred acres of valuable land, which he rents. He is a man of excellent business and executive ability, possessed of sound judgment, keen discrimination and foresight. His efforts in consequence have been crowned with success, and although in earlier years he experienced the trials of pioneer life in Lesueur county he is now one of the substantial citizens of St. Peter. Mr. Davis was again married in 1875, his second union being with Mrs. Lydia Cole, widow of Sylvanus Cole, They have in St. Peter a comfortable and commodious residence in the midst of pleasant surroundings. Mr. Davis served one term as county commissioner of Lesueur county, and was assessor for a number of years. In politics he is a Republican, warmly supporting that party. He is also a prominent Mason, belonging to both the blue lodge and chapter of St. Peter. (pages 251-252)

The following cemetery listing was previously posted to the Minnesota GenWeb archives. Doug Peterson Greenlawn Cemetery Listing (partial) Nicollet County, Minnesota work in progress, transcribed by Douglas J. Peterson Surnames Included ----------------- Briggs Pierce GREENLAWN CEMETERY EST 1856 Plaque: OLD TRAVERSE CEMETERY March, 1856 - Traverse des Sioux and St. Peter organized a cemetery Assoc. purchasing 10 acres. Early Missionaries, pioneers, and Civil War Veterans are buried here. Rev. T. C. Williamson, first Missionary in this area and Rev. Stephen Riggs translated the Bible, hymnals, and text books to the Sioux language. Rev. Williamson after the Sioux uprising walked to Mankato every week to preach to the Indians in prison. Many later became missionaries to their own people. +-----------------+ | 3 1 | | -+- 2 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | +--------+--------+ [Set 1] (left to right) CYNTHIA R. BRIGGS 1844-1914 w/ footstone C.B. STEPHEN H. BRIGGS 1836-1922 On the same face of the same stone: HENRY A. 1863-1864 --- WILLIE. 1868-1869 --- EDWIN. 1873-1873 --- ALBERT. 1876-1877 --- ALPHA. 1885-1886 --- INFANT SONS OF S.H. & C.R. BRIGGS w/ footstones H.A.B., W.B., E.B., A.B., A.B. On a separate face of the same stone: CHARLES SON OF S.H. & C.R. BRIGGS BORN NOV 3 1865 DIED JAN 8 1895 --- ABIATHAR BRIGGS Died Jan. 9, 1866 AGED 75 years & 4 mo's (separate stones next to each other) ABIATHAR BRIGGS JR ENSIGN SHAW'S CO NY MILITIA WAR OF 1812 1790 1866 HENRY A. Son of S.H. & C.R. BRIGGS DIED Sept. 16, 1864 Aged 1 year & 1 mo. w/ footstone H.A.B. (separate from one noted with shared gravestone) (behind the others) JOANNA PIERCE 1822-1868 GEORGE PIERCE 1816-1877 [Set 2] (left to right) BEN A. BRIGGS Jan. 18, 1884 Dec. 19, 1946 CHARLOTTE A. BRIGGS July 27, 1855 Nov. 24, 1939 BEN A. BRIGGS AUG. 20, 1853 FEB. 13, 1928 EMILY E. BRIGGS JUNE 19, 1830 MAY 1, 1918 ABIATHAR S. BRIGGS JAN. 1, 1828 SEP 14, 1880 GEORGE A. BRIGGS 1877-1945 [Set 3] (left to right) RACHEL WIFE OF GEO. BRIGGS. DIED June 9, 1877. Aged 73 years. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God brign with him. 1. Thes. 4.14. (footstone) R. B. DAUGHTER OF A SOLDIER OF THE REVOLUTION PLACED BY DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION (shared gravestone) GEORGE BRIGGS, DIED Oct. 20, 1890. AGED 89 years. We think of thee as lonely no more, and that the weary sould rest. (on another face of the same stone) HARRIET G. Daughter of Geo. & Rachel BRIGGS. DIED June 26, 1889 Aged 54 years She hath done what she could. (on another face of the same stone) RACHEL BLAKE BRIGGS.

Hi, Am trying to locate some kind of proof regarding the birth of my Ggrandmother. Her name was Mary Elizabeth Herz born April 1870/71. Her parents were Wendelin and Elizabeth Herz. The only other information I have is she was born in North Mankato. Any help tracking this elusive ancestor would be greatly appreciated. Thank Kathy

My Grandmother, Enga Brekke Moser, died in St. Peter, Minn. 3-9-40. She was born in Norway (near Oslo?). 4/16/1872. She was married to Charles Moser and lived in Faribault most of her life. I'm looking for more information on her or any brothers, sisters or parents. Joan

To anyone who has roots in West Newton/New Ulm area or anyone having immigrated to that area from Boehmenkirch, Germany: I just received word from Scott Brunner that he has donated his 2 Boehemenkirch books to the Brown County Historical Society in New Ulm so others will have access to information in the books. So, next time you are in New Ulm, look for the books. Perhaps some of the librarians there will browse through it themselves and integrate the information in the book with information they have on the residents of New Ulm. Joan Nisley

I would like to hear from others whose roots are in Sodra Ljunga and Ljunby, Kronobergs-Lan, Sweden ----- Original Message ----- From: "harryand" <harryand@gateway.net> To: "Swedes" <swedes@smultron.com> Cc: <Pipskoyia@aol.com>; "Wally & Carla Tweeton" <wctweton@prtel.com>; "K Gunnar Sjöquist" <gunnar.sjoquist@telia.com>; "Anna-Lena Hultman" <a.hultman@mbox301.swipnet.se> Sent: Saturday, June 03, 2000 2:06 AM Subject: Re-introducing Harry M. Anderson > I've been working with Anna-Lena Hultman. Her incredible research skills and > persistence have unraveled a 55 year old family mystery "where was > grandfather Carl Alfred Anderson born?".She finally located him (Karl Alfid > Andersson) and all his family in Sodra Ljunga Parish on the family farm, > Lasaryd Norregard.(locally known as Gunghult). > > She also located Carl's relative, John Lind, later Governor of Minnesota and > the Wall family. . Gustaf Wall, Johan Salomon Anderson and Carl were among > the Swedes who emigrated to St. Peter and New Sweden, Nicollet > County,Minnesota., 1870-80.where my father, Emil, was born in 1886. Readers > may know of others who also wound up in Nicollet County. > > I would like to hear from current residents of Sodra Ljunga and Ljunby > Kommun who may be familiar with this family history. Other farms in Sodra > Ljunga pa that are in the family history that Anna-Lena discovered include: > Ifla Odegard, Kuggaboda, Ifla Nilshelgesgarden, Boarp Stakagarden and Boarp > Rasmagard Other nearby locations mentioned include: Tutard pa, Berga pa, > Hjortsberga pa, Agunnaryd pa and Kanna pa,.She found family members in > those locations between 1760 and 1890. I have the names and dates for each > location. > > Eventually, I would like to find some pictures of that area, particularly of > the family farm, Lasaryd Norregard.. I also wonder if there is a local > history book or article about Sodra Ljunga and a recent sort of Chamber of > Commerce pamphlet extolling its attractions, along with a local map. > > Once again, my thanks to Anna-Lena. Please write to me at > harryand@gateway.net I live in San Rafael, CA just 20 miles north of San > Francisco. except when I'm at my summer cabin on Flathead Lake, Montana. > >

>From the Nicollet County, MN marriage records I have a copy of Joseph Zimmeth and Magdalena Schmalz's marriage reocrd. It says they were married by a Catholic Priest in Mankato in said county (Nicollet) 26 Feb 1878. Can anyone tell what Catholic Church that would be? Thanks Anne K. ____________________________________________________________________ Get your own FREE, personal Netscape WebMail account today at http://webmail.netscape.com.

>Is there a cemetery book for St. Michael's Cemetery and where exactly is this >cemetery? North Mankato or Belgrade Twp.? Is there a genealogical society? > >I think I have Joseph and Magdalena (or Lena) Zimmeth buried in this cemetery >and probably her parents (Peter and ? Schmaltz). > >I have just returned from the Fort Wayne, Allen County Public Library in >Indiana and discovered that my Zimmeths did indeed live in Nicollet COunty >(although had moved to Mankato in Blue Earth before 1920). > >Many thanks, > >Anne Kruszka > > According to the Minnesota Cemeteries page, it's in Belgrade Twp. (http://www.gac.edu/~kengelha/cemeteries/nicollet/belgradetwp.html) Here are some of the societies in Nicollet County: Nicollet County Historical Society 1851 North Minnesota Avenue St. Peter, MN 56082 (507) 931-2160 Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 AM - 4 PM Sunday 1 PM - 4 PM Closed on major holidays. http://tourism.st-peter.mn.us/nicollet.html Treaty Site History Center http://tourism.st-peter.mn.us/treaty.html Traverse des Sioux Genealogical Society 1851 No. Minnesota Ave S. Peter, MN 56082

Is there a cemetery book for St. Michael's Cemetery and where exactly is this cemetery? North Mankato or Belgrade Twp.? Is there a genealogical society? I think I have Joseph and Magdalena (or Lena) Zimmeth buried in this cemetery and probably her parents (Peter and ? Schmaltz). I have just returned from the Fort Wayne, Allen County Public Library in Indiana and discovered that my Zimmeths did indeed live in Nicollet COunty (although had moved to Mankato in Blue Earth before 1920). Many thanks, Anne Kruszka Surnames: Bowman, Chinn, Davidson, Kirtley, Maitland, Oliphant, Percival, Kettler, Knost, Meyer, Clesott or Kleesaat, Webb, Zimmeth, and Kruszka, Klijewski, Nicpon, Siekierski, Synos, Zalot. Listowner: Percival-L@rootsweb.com (to subscribe: Percival-L-request@rootsweb.com). If you are a Percival or Kruszka, ask me about the family webpages at Myfamily.com ____________________________________________________________________ Get your own FREE, personal Netscape WebMail account today at http://webmail.netscape.com.