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)