History of Marshall Township
CHAPTER XXVIII. MARSHALL TOWNSHIP.
(Marshall, originally York and later Beach, was organized in 1870, having previously been attached to what is now Windom.)
Marshall township comprises congressional township 102 north, range 16 west. It is bounded on the north by Dexter, east by Clayton, south by Adams and west by the town of Windom. The surface is generally quite level and almost the entire township is composed of prairie. The only natural grasses were found in sections 3, 4, 34, 35 and 36. The town is truly rural, there being no village or hamlet within its borders. The town is drained by Rose Creek and the Little Cedar river. One branch of Rose Creek heads in section 11 of this town. One branch of the Little Cedar has its source in the northwest quarter of section 16; another branch in sections 26 and 24; another branch comes from the town of Clayton, cuts across the corner of section 36. There are some small lakes in the township that cover from one-eighth to one-half an acre of ground. Two of these lakes are to be found on section 16, another on section 21. The soil is a rich dark loam. The inhabitants engaged in mixed husbandry and are prosperous. Flax is cultivated to quite an extent.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
The first settlement in the town was made in the spring of 1856, by Helge Erickson, a native of Norway, who came here from Wisconsin, and settled on the west half of the southwest quarter of section 36. Here he built the first house in the town. It was of logs, covered with shacks, and had a puncheon floor. He made his home here until 1871, when he sold his farm and moved to Otter Tail county, where he has since died.
In 1857 John Osmunsen, also a native of Norway, came from Wisconsin and settled on the east half of the southeast quarter of section 36. He also built a log house. It was in this humble abode that the first white child in the town was born. Mr. Osmunsen was an industrious man, improved a farm and made it his home until the time of his death. His widow and family still occupy the homestead.
About 1860 Ole Tollefson and Gilbert Anderson came and settled on section 36. They were both natives of Norway and improved farms here. Tollefson made this his home until the time of his death. His family now live in Dakota.
Stark Peterson is still a resident of the town. He came in 1865.
John Osmunsen is one of the pioneers of Marshall; was born in Norway, February 11, 1837. He followed the sea in his youth. At sixteen he engaged with a shoemaker to learn the trade, which he worked at in summer and fished in winter. In 1855 he came to America; landed at Quebec; made his way to Illinois, then to Wisconsin, where he was married in the spring of 1857 to Syrena Hanson, coming directly to Minnesota to seek a home, which they found in Mower county on section thirty-six, now known as the town of Marshall. He built a substantial log house, which the family occupied until 1874, when he built a frame house, where he lived at the time of his death, August, 1882. Mr. Osmunsen was an industrious man, successful as a farmer, and had the confidence of the people. He served the town in the capacity of treasurer for several years. His wife and six children survive him. The names of the children are: Hannah, the first white child born in the town, Caroline, Isabelle, Rachel, Henriette and Henry. Since the death of her husband, Mrs. Osmunsen has managed the farm.
Stark Peterson was born in Norway, April 29, 1840. When he was ten years of age his father died, and he was obliged to earn his own living. He found employment in farming until seventeen years of age, when he went to sea and followed the life of a sailor four years, then returned home and engaged in farming until 1863, when he left his native land and came to America, and came directly to Wisconsin, where he spent four months, then started with ox teams for Mower county. Taking provisions along, he camped on the way. After four weeks’ travel he arrived in Adams township, where he purchased the southwest quarter of section 4. It was wild land at the time. He built a house and broke fifteen acres of land. Eighteen months later he sold and came to Marshall, and purchased the north one-half of the northwest quarter of section 36. He has since purchased other land, and now has 200 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson are the parents of twelve children, named Peter J., Stephen C., Andrew, Jacob, Severt B., Betsy E. M., Sarah S. M., Eleas, Charlie L., Peter M., Berthe M., Eliza S.
The first settlement in the north part of the town was made in 1857 by Mahlon Parritt and his son Dexter. They located on the northwest quarter of section 3. Dexter preempted 160 acres of land in that section. In the fall of that year they removed to section 33, town 103 north, range 15 west, now known as the town of Dexter. The father made his home there until the time of his death. The son. Dexter, in whose honor the town was named, lived there until 1882, when he returned to his original settlement in Marshall, which he now occupies.
Mahlon Parritt, one of the pioneers of the county, was born in the State of New Jersey in 1789. When quite young his parents moved to Pennsylvania, where he grew to manhood. When a young man he learned the trade of clothier. He followed this trade until 1844, when he engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was married twice. His first wife was Miss Morgan, who bore him three children, but they are all dead. One of the sons by this marriage, named Emlen, was highly educated. He taught school in Ohio, and was superintendent of schools in Wayne county, Ohio. He became professor in the Medical College in Worcester, Massachusetts, where he died. Mr. Parritt’s second wife was Mary McCammitt, a native of Pennsylvania. By this marriage there were five children; only two are living, Dexter and Mary. When Mr. Parritt was first married he moved to Eastern Pennsylvania, where he buried his first wife and two children. In 1832 he moved to Ohio, and lived there until 1857, when he came to Mower county. They came from Pennsylvania with one two-horse team, and a one-horse rig. They started the last day of March, and arrived in Mower county May 12th, and spent the first night with John L. Johnson. The next day they started out on the prairie to look for the number of their land, and got lost. They traveled all day, and at night were three miles from the place where they started from in the morning. The next day they found the land. The family consisted of Mr. and Mrs. Parritt, their son Dexter, then a young man, and two little children. The family lived in their wagon until the men broke fifteen acres of land and planted seed corn, buckwheat, and garden vegetables. In July they built a log stable, in which they lived until fall. In the meantime they had erected a log house on the southeast quarter of section 33, in what is now known as the town of Dexter. Mr. Parritt died here in 1861, and his wife in 1870. Their son Dexter, who now lives in the town of Marshall, was born January 19, 1824. He made his home with his parents until 1852, when he engaged on board a steamboat running on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, where he remained until 1857, when he came back to Minnesota, and has since remained here, and has been prominent in town matters. He is a great reader, and keeps himself posted in public affairs. He was chairman of the first board of supervisors in the town of Dexter.
The second settler in the north part of the town was Michael Luney, a native of Ireland, who came here from Ottumwa, Iowa, in 1861. He had previously pre-empted the northwest quarter of section 5, and the north half of the southwest quarter of the same section. He remained here but two years, when he returned to Iowa.
Amasa N. Converse, a native of Jefferson county, New York State, came after the war and settled on the northeast quarter of section 3. He was an enterprising man and started a cheese factory here. He afterward bought grain at Dexter. While living here he was married to a daughter of D. G. Pearce. In 1875 he moved to Jackson county, where he died a short time later. His widow is now the wife of Irvin Converse, and lives at Dexter.
William Godard came with Mr. Converse and settled on the northwest quarter of section 2, where he lived but a few years, then sold and moved to the lumber regions, and later to central Iowa, where he now lives.
Biographical sketches of prominent settlers of a later date appear in this work.
This was one of the townships of land that were thrown onto the market at an early day, and was bought by speculators, who held the land at a high figure, and thus retarded the settlement.
Governor Marshall purchased four large tracts of land in the township. In 1868 he commenced improvements on this land. He sold it a few years later to W. H. Dean, a wealthy man, who had formerly been engaged in business in New York City and later in St. Paul. Mr. Dean became a resident of the town and continued the good work of improvements until the time of his death.
One of the most extensive farmers in the town is Willis M. Corbitt, son of M. L. and Mary (Freeman) Corbitt. He was born in Steuben county, New York, in June, 1846. When he was but 12 years of age his parents emigrated to Minnesota and settled in Olmsted county, where he grew to manhood. His early education was received in the common school, and advanced by one year’s attendance at the State Normal School. He was joined in marriage November 18, 1872, to Elizabeth Bacon, daughter of Samuel Bacon, a pioneer of Leroy township. She was born at Burlington, Wisconsin. At the time of his marriage he settled on the place which he now occupies. He had purchased this land in 1868; it was at the time unimproved. He has improved the land and purchased other lands adjoining, and now has 400 acres in a body. He pays considerable attention to the dairy, and raises cattle and sheep, of which he has a large flock. Mr. Corbitt has taken a lively interest in public affairs, and by extensive reading keeps himself well posted. He has been elected to town offices ever since its organization; serving as chairman of the board, and mayor part of the time. He is at present justice of the peace. Mr. and Mrs. Corbitt have two children, Lewis and Arthur.
George W. Phillips came to Mower county in 1874 and bought 120 acres of unimproved prairie land on the northeast quarter of section 21. He spent the winter with the Corbitt Brothers. The following spring he built a house and has since improved the greater portion of his land, and has planted a fine grove; also fruit trees. He is engaged in raising horses and cattle, as well as grain. He was born in the town of Columbus, Columbia county, Wisconsin, February 22, 1849. The subject of our sketch grew to manhood in the town of his birth and received his education in the district school. In February, 1865, he enlisted in the Fifty-first Wisconsin, Company C, and went South and served until the close of the war; was discharged with is regiment August 18, 1865, and returned home. That same fall his father sold his farm in Wisconsin and came to Olmsted county, Minnesota, and bought a farm in the town of Marion. The subject of our sketch made his home with his parents until 1869, when he was married to Mary Heath. She is a native of Wisconsin. They lived in Olmsted county after their marriage, until 1874, when they came to Mower county. They have five children, Cora, Jessie, Lettie, William and Jennie. Mr. Phillips has been quite prominent in town affairs, having held various offices of trust.
ORGANIZATION.
This was organized as a separate township in 1870. At a meeting held June 6th of that year, at the house of M. L. Corbitt, the following officers were elected:
Supervisors, W. L. Godard (chairman), W. M. Corbitt and Gilbert Anderson; Clerk, A. N. Converse;
Treasurer, A. M. Converse;
Assessor, G. W. Corbitt;
Justices of the Peace, G. W. Corbitt and Stark Peterson;
Constables, Henry Stockwell and John 0. Wold.
At the annual election held in March, 1871, the following resolutions were presented and adopted:
"First, That we regard our town as in its infancy, being the youngest of her sisters in this county.
"Second, That we approve of the law changing the time of holding the annual meeting from April to March.
"Third, That we are in favor of and approve of changing the name from Beach to Marshall.
"Fourth, That the interest of education, churches, schoolhouses and public highways shall not be neglected or overlooked in our town.
"Fifth, That we favor moral, temperance men for office.
"Sixth, That we know of no organization that would do more, or as much, to advance the welfare of and prosperity of this county, as the organization of a monthly fair. Therefore, we would suggest, recommend and promise to aid in establishing a monthly fair, to be organized and held at Austin — once in each month.
"Eighth, That we do not approve of woman suffrage yet for a while."
Resolved, in regard to State affairs:
First, That we are sick and tired of so much state legislation on the bond question.
Second, That while we look upon insolvency and poverty as misfortunes, we look upon repudiation as wicked and shameful.
Third, That if the bonds of the state were intended to be good when made, they should be paid to the letter."
The following named held office in the town since its organization:
M. L. Corbitt, W. M. Corbitt, G. W. Phillips, J. M. Ray, James 0. Wold, Fred Ray, J. A. Olson, Ole T. Throveson, Ole Anderson, Samson Hanson, Asher Herick, Knud Olson, John Osmunsen, James Everson, E. F. Nelson, Hans Anderson, A. G. Anderson, Swan Anderson, Peter Johnson, J. K. Johnson, August Anderson, Ole S. Forde, John Peterson, B. G. Haugen, L. G. Phillips, Anton Asper, James Olson, Fred Rolf, Stark Peterson.
Andrew R. Anderson, the present town clerk, was born in Norway, November 17th, 1855. When he was thirteen years old he came to America with his parents and located at Decorah, Iowa, where his parents farmed, where he grew to manhood, spending his time in school and on the farm. When he was nineteen years old he went to the Dakotas; it was the summer of the grasshopper plague; he remained a short time and then came to Mower county. In 1874 he bought eighty acres of unimproved land in section 25. He has since improved the greater part of the land, and built a frame house, which he now occupies. He was joined in marriage in 1879 to Elizabeth Rasmusson, a daughter of Mr. Rasmusson, one of the pioneers of the town of Adams. They have three children, named Robert A., Andrew 0. and Emma Syrenius. Mr. Anderson was assessor in his town for several years. Although Mr. Anderson has never attended any high institutions of learning, he has by self-study attained quite a thorough education Last fall he applied to Mr. Belden, the present superintendent of schools of Mower county, for a certificate to teach, which was granted, and Mr. Anderson taught last winter’s term of school in the district in which he resides.
Ole Anderson, chairman of the present board of supervisors, was born in Norway, August 5, 1847. In 1867 he came to America with his parents, who located at Decorah, Iowa, where he made his home until 1874, when he went to Dakota, traveling with a pair of oxen and a wagon. He made a claim in Minnehaha county, built a cabin and broke a few acres of land, but the grasshoppers came and destroyed his crop and he then came to Mower county and purchased the south half of the northeast quarter of section 25, town of Marshall. He has erected a set of frame buildings and planted a grove. Is now engaged raising grain and stock. He married Jane Peterson in 1866. They have three children living, named Peter, Tilda and Josephine. He was a member of the board five years before being elected chairman.
James Olson, a member of the board of supervisors, came to Mower county in 1870, and stopped in the town of Adams, where he was employed on the railroad four years, and in other employment two years. In 1875 he bought the northeast quarter of section 22, town of Marshall. It was wild prairie land at the time. He hired the first breaking done on the place that year, settling there the following year. He has improved the land and erected a frame house and granary. He was born in Norway August 15, 1850. In 1870 he emigrated to America, landing at Quebec the 9th day of July of that year. He was joined in marriage March 16, 1876, to Susan Ellingson. They have two children named Emma J. and Elling.
Brede P. Haugen, the town treasurer, was born in Norway, July, 1849. Lived with his parents until 1870, then came to America, locating in Mitchell county, Iowa. He made his home with his parents until 1876, then bought 160 acres of wild land in the town of Marshall. He bought a frame house, moved it onto the land, and being a single man washed his own dishes in summer and spent the winter in Iowa until 1882, when he married Ann Nelson. She was a native of Norway. They had two children, named Nichols and Minnie Pauline. He was elected to the present office in 1882.
Andrew A. Wiste came to Mower county in 1874, and engaged in farming in the town of Adams one month, then went to Clayton, and purchased wild land in sections 30 and 31. He improved 100 acres of the land. In 1882 he sold and purchased 160 acres in section 27, town of Marshall. He was born in Norway, September 22, 1851. Came to America with his parents, when he was fifteen years of age, and settled in Winneshiek county, Iowa, where he made his home until 1874. He was married in 1880, to Hannah Osmunsen, the first white child born in the town, daughter of John and Hannah Osmunsen. They have two children, named Annie and Josephine.
EDUCATIONAL.
The town is divided into four school districts, all supplied with good houses, well furnished. The schools have generally been presided over by efficient teachers, and the scholars have, as a rule, evinced an interest by prompt attendance.
District No. 65. This district was organized in 1867, at a meeting held at the house of Ole Tolefson. The following named constituted the board of directors: Stark Peterson, Gilbert Anderson and Thomas Knudson. The first term of school as taught in Helga Erickson’s house, by Rosella Bourgard. The school house, when built, was located in the southeast quarter of section 35. In 1879 it was moved to the northwest quarter of the southwest quarter of section 25. Ida Waite was the first teacher in the house after it was moved to its present location.
District No. 81. This district was the second organized in the township. It was about 1876, and a frame house was erected in section 2. It seems they had built the house before they had use for it, as no school was taught until 1878. Ida Waite taught the first term of school.
No. 105. This district was organized in 1879, and a house erected at a cost of $300. The building was located on the northwest of section 34. The school was taught by Annie Christopherson, from Udolpho.
No. 103. This district was organized September 20, 1879, at a meeting held at the house of Swen Anderson. The following officers were elected: George W. Phillips, Treasurer; Willis M. Corbitt, Clerk; Swen Anderson, Director. A school house was erected that fall, which cost $1,000. The first term of school was taught by George Emery, in the winter of 1879-1880.
FIRST BIRTH.
The first white child born was Hannah, daughter of John and Syrena Osmunsen. She is now the wife of Andrew Wiste, and is still a resident of the town.
Erasmus Rasmusson came to Mower county in 1857, and located in the town of Adams, where he was an early settler. He took government land in section 4, erected a log house, which he partly covered with boards and partly with shacks. He lived there but a few years, then traded for land in the town of Clayton, where he lived until 1874, when he sold and went to Dakota, and took a claim in Lincoln county. He broke 50 acres of the land, and then returned for his family, then removed to Dakota with them the following spring. He put in a crop that season which was destroyed by the grasshoppers. He then abandoned his claim and came back to Mower county and settled in the town of Marshall. In 1882 he purchased his present farm, located in section 35. He is a native of Norway, born in June 1829. His father was a sailor, and the subject of our sketch went to sea with him when quite young. Later he engaged in farming in the summer season, and went fishing in winter. In 1856 he emigrated to America, landed at Quebec, and made his way directly to Wisconsin, and stayed one year in Rock county; then bought a pair of oxen and started for Mower county. After two weeks’ travel he reached Mower county and located in the town of Adams, as before stated. He has been twice married; the first time in Rock county. His wife died soon after coming to Mower county, leaving one child, named Elizabeth, now the wife of Andrew R. Anderson. By his second wife he has four sons: Erasmus, John, Martin and Egburt.
(Marshall, originally York and later Beach, was organized in 1870, having previously been attached to what is now Windom.)
Marshall township comprises congressional township 102 north, range 16 west. It is bounded on the north by Dexter, east by Clayton, south by Adams and west by the town of Windom. The surface is generally quite level and almost the entire township is composed of prairie. The only natural grasses were found in sections 3, 4, 34, 35 and 36. The town is truly rural, there being no village or hamlet within its borders. The town is drained by Rose Creek and the Little Cedar river. One branch of Rose Creek heads in section 11 of this town. One branch of the Little Cedar has its source in the northwest quarter of section 16; another branch in sections 26 and 24; another branch comes from the town of Clayton, cuts across the corner of section 36. There are some small lakes in the township that cover from one-eighth to one-half an acre of ground. Two of these lakes are to be found on section 16, another on section 21. The soil is a rich dark loam. The inhabitants engaged in mixed husbandry and are prosperous. Flax is cultivated to quite an extent.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
The first settlement in the town was made in the spring of 1856, by Helge Erickson, a native of Norway, who came here from Wisconsin, and settled on the west half of the southwest quarter of section 36. Here he built the first house in the town. It was of logs, covered with shacks, and had a puncheon floor. He made his home here until 1871, when he sold his farm and moved to Otter Tail county, where he has since died.
In 1857 John Osmunsen, also a native of Norway, came from Wisconsin and settled on the east half of the southeast quarter of section 36. He also built a log house. It was in this humble abode that the first white child in the town was born. Mr. Osmunsen was an industrious man, improved a farm and made it his home until the time of his death. His widow and family still occupy the homestead.
About 1860 Ole Tollefson and Gilbert Anderson came and settled on section 36. They were both natives of Norway and improved farms here. Tollefson made this his home until the time of his death. His family now live in Dakota.
Stark Peterson is still a resident of the town. He came in 1865.
John Osmunsen is one of the pioneers of Marshall; was born in Norway, February 11, 1837. He followed the sea in his youth. At sixteen he engaged with a shoemaker to learn the trade, which he worked at in summer and fished in winter. In 1855 he came to America; landed at Quebec; made his way to Illinois, then to Wisconsin, where he was married in the spring of 1857 to Syrena Hanson, coming directly to Minnesota to seek a home, which they found in Mower county on section thirty-six, now known as the town of Marshall. He built a substantial log house, which the family occupied until 1874, when he built a frame house, where he lived at the time of his death, August, 1882. Mr. Osmunsen was an industrious man, successful as a farmer, and had the confidence of the people. He served the town in the capacity of treasurer for several years. His wife and six children survive him. The names of the children are: Hannah, the first white child born in the town, Caroline, Isabelle, Rachel, Henriette and Henry. Since the death of her husband, Mrs. Osmunsen has managed the farm.
Stark Peterson was born in Norway, April 29, 1840. When he was ten years of age his father died, and he was obliged to earn his own living. He found employment in farming until seventeen years of age, when he went to sea and followed the life of a sailor four years, then returned home and engaged in farming until 1863, when he left his native land and came to America, and came directly to Wisconsin, where he spent four months, then started with ox teams for Mower county. Taking provisions along, he camped on the way. After four weeks’ travel he arrived in Adams township, where he purchased the southwest quarter of section 4. It was wild land at the time. He built a house and broke fifteen acres of land. Eighteen months later he sold and came to Marshall, and purchased the north one-half of the northwest quarter of section 36. He has since purchased other land, and now has 200 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson are the parents of twelve children, named Peter J., Stephen C., Andrew, Jacob, Severt B., Betsy E. M., Sarah S. M., Eleas, Charlie L., Peter M., Berthe M., Eliza S.
The first settlement in the north part of the town was made in 1857 by Mahlon Parritt and his son Dexter. They located on the northwest quarter of section 3. Dexter preempted 160 acres of land in that section. In the fall of that year they removed to section 33, town 103 north, range 15 west, now known as the town of Dexter. The father made his home there until the time of his death. The son. Dexter, in whose honor the town was named, lived there until 1882, when he returned to his original settlement in Marshall, which he now occupies.
Mahlon Parritt, one of the pioneers of the county, was born in the State of New Jersey in 1789. When quite young his parents moved to Pennsylvania, where he grew to manhood. When a young man he learned the trade of clothier. He followed this trade until 1844, when he engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was married twice. His first wife was Miss Morgan, who bore him three children, but they are all dead. One of the sons by this marriage, named Emlen, was highly educated. He taught school in Ohio, and was superintendent of schools in Wayne county, Ohio. He became professor in the Medical College in Worcester, Massachusetts, where he died. Mr. Parritt’s second wife was Mary McCammitt, a native of Pennsylvania. By this marriage there were five children; only two are living, Dexter and Mary. When Mr. Parritt was first married he moved to Eastern Pennsylvania, where he buried his first wife and two children. In 1832 he moved to Ohio, and lived there until 1857, when he came to Mower county. They came from Pennsylvania with one two-horse team, and a one-horse rig. They started the last day of March, and arrived in Mower county May 12th, and spent the first night with John L. Johnson. The next day they started out on the prairie to look for the number of their land, and got lost. They traveled all day, and at night were three miles from the place where they started from in the morning. The next day they found the land. The family consisted of Mr. and Mrs. Parritt, their son Dexter, then a young man, and two little children. The family lived in their wagon until the men broke fifteen acres of land and planted seed corn, buckwheat, and garden vegetables. In July they built a log stable, in which they lived until fall. In the meantime they had erected a log house on the southeast quarter of section 33, in what is now known as the town of Dexter. Mr. Parritt died here in 1861, and his wife in 1870. Their son Dexter, who now lives in the town of Marshall, was born January 19, 1824. He made his home with his parents until 1852, when he engaged on board a steamboat running on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, where he remained until 1857, when he came back to Minnesota, and has since remained here, and has been prominent in town matters. He is a great reader, and keeps himself posted in public affairs. He was chairman of the first board of supervisors in the town of Dexter.
The second settler in the north part of the town was Michael Luney, a native of Ireland, who came here from Ottumwa, Iowa, in 1861. He had previously pre-empted the northwest quarter of section 5, and the north half of the southwest quarter of the same section. He remained here but two years, when he returned to Iowa.
Amasa N. Converse, a native of Jefferson county, New York State, came after the war and settled on the northeast quarter of section 3. He was an enterprising man and started a cheese factory here. He afterward bought grain at Dexter. While living here he was married to a daughter of D. G. Pearce. In 1875 he moved to Jackson county, where he died a short time later. His widow is now the wife of Irvin Converse, and lives at Dexter.
William Godard came with Mr. Converse and settled on the northwest quarter of section 2, where he lived but a few years, then sold and moved to the lumber regions, and later to central Iowa, where he now lives.
Biographical sketches of prominent settlers of a later date appear in this work.
This was one of the townships of land that were thrown onto the market at an early day, and was bought by speculators, who held the land at a high figure, and thus retarded the settlement.
Governor Marshall purchased four large tracts of land in the township. In 1868 he commenced improvements on this land. He sold it a few years later to W. H. Dean, a wealthy man, who had formerly been engaged in business in New York City and later in St. Paul. Mr. Dean became a resident of the town and continued the good work of improvements until the time of his death.
One of the most extensive farmers in the town is Willis M. Corbitt, son of M. L. and Mary (Freeman) Corbitt. He was born in Steuben county, New York, in June, 1846. When he was but 12 years of age his parents emigrated to Minnesota and settled in Olmsted county, where he grew to manhood. His early education was received in the common school, and advanced by one year’s attendance at the State Normal School. He was joined in marriage November 18, 1872, to Elizabeth Bacon, daughter of Samuel Bacon, a pioneer of Leroy township. She was born at Burlington, Wisconsin. At the time of his marriage he settled on the place which he now occupies. He had purchased this land in 1868; it was at the time unimproved. He has improved the land and purchased other lands adjoining, and now has 400 acres in a body. He pays considerable attention to the dairy, and raises cattle and sheep, of which he has a large flock. Mr. Corbitt has taken a lively interest in public affairs, and by extensive reading keeps himself well posted. He has been elected to town offices ever since its organization; serving as chairman of the board, and mayor part of the time. He is at present justice of the peace. Mr. and Mrs. Corbitt have two children, Lewis and Arthur.
George W. Phillips came to Mower county in 1874 and bought 120 acres of unimproved prairie land on the northeast quarter of section 21. He spent the winter with the Corbitt Brothers. The following spring he built a house and has since improved the greater portion of his land, and has planted a fine grove; also fruit trees. He is engaged in raising horses and cattle, as well as grain. He was born in the town of Columbus, Columbia county, Wisconsin, February 22, 1849. The subject of our sketch grew to manhood in the town of his birth and received his education in the district school. In February, 1865, he enlisted in the Fifty-first Wisconsin, Company C, and went South and served until the close of the war; was discharged with is regiment August 18, 1865, and returned home. That same fall his father sold his farm in Wisconsin and came to Olmsted county, Minnesota, and bought a farm in the town of Marion. The subject of our sketch made his home with his parents until 1869, when he was married to Mary Heath. She is a native of Wisconsin. They lived in Olmsted county after their marriage, until 1874, when they came to Mower county. They have five children, Cora, Jessie, Lettie, William and Jennie. Mr. Phillips has been quite prominent in town affairs, having held various offices of trust.
ORGANIZATION.
This was organized as a separate township in 1870. At a meeting held June 6th of that year, at the house of M. L. Corbitt, the following officers were elected:
Supervisors, W. L. Godard (chairman), W. M. Corbitt and Gilbert Anderson; Clerk, A. N. Converse;
Treasurer, A. M. Converse;
Assessor, G. W. Corbitt;
Justices of the Peace, G. W. Corbitt and Stark Peterson;
Constables, Henry Stockwell and John 0. Wold.
At the annual election held in March, 1871, the following resolutions were presented and adopted:
"First, That we regard our town as in its infancy, being the youngest of her sisters in this county.
"Second, That we approve of the law changing the time of holding the annual meeting from April to March.
"Third, That we are in favor of and approve of changing the name from Beach to Marshall.
"Fourth, That the interest of education, churches, schoolhouses and public highways shall not be neglected or overlooked in our town.
"Fifth, That we favor moral, temperance men for office.
"Sixth, That we know of no organization that would do more, or as much, to advance the welfare of and prosperity of this county, as the organization of a monthly fair. Therefore, we would suggest, recommend and promise to aid in establishing a monthly fair, to be organized and held at Austin — once in each month.
"Eighth, That we do not approve of woman suffrage yet for a while."
Resolved, in regard to State affairs:
First, That we are sick and tired of so much state legislation on the bond question.
Second, That while we look upon insolvency and poverty as misfortunes, we look upon repudiation as wicked and shameful.
Third, That if the bonds of the state were intended to be good when made, they should be paid to the letter."
The following named held office in the town since its organization:
M. L. Corbitt, W. M. Corbitt, G. W. Phillips, J. M. Ray, James 0. Wold, Fred Ray, J. A. Olson, Ole T. Throveson, Ole Anderson, Samson Hanson, Asher Herick, Knud Olson, John Osmunsen, James Everson, E. F. Nelson, Hans Anderson, A. G. Anderson, Swan Anderson, Peter Johnson, J. K. Johnson, August Anderson, Ole S. Forde, John Peterson, B. G. Haugen, L. G. Phillips, Anton Asper, James Olson, Fred Rolf, Stark Peterson.
Andrew R. Anderson, the present town clerk, was born in Norway, November 17th, 1855. When he was thirteen years old he came to America with his parents and located at Decorah, Iowa, where his parents farmed, where he grew to manhood, spending his time in school and on the farm. When he was nineteen years old he went to the Dakotas; it was the summer of the grasshopper plague; he remained a short time and then came to Mower county. In 1874 he bought eighty acres of unimproved land in section 25. He has since improved the greater part of the land, and built a frame house, which he now occupies. He was joined in marriage in 1879 to Elizabeth Rasmusson, a daughter of Mr. Rasmusson, one of the pioneers of the town of Adams. They have three children, named Robert A., Andrew 0. and Emma Syrenius. Mr. Anderson was assessor in his town for several years. Although Mr. Anderson has never attended any high institutions of learning, he has by self-study attained quite a thorough education Last fall he applied to Mr. Belden, the present superintendent of schools of Mower county, for a certificate to teach, which was granted, and Mr. Anderson taught last winter’s term of school in the district in which he resides.
Ole Anderson, chairman of the present board of supervisors, was born in Norway, August 5, 1847. In 1867 he came to America with his parents, who located at Decorah, Iowa, where he made his home until 1874, when he went to Dakota, traveling with a pair of oxen and a wagon. He made a claim in Minnehaha county, built a cabin and broke a few acres of land, but the grasshoppers came and destroyed his crop and he then came to Mower county and purchased the south half of the northeast quarter of section 25, town of Marshall. He has erected a set of frame buildings and planted a grove. Is now engaged raising grain and stock. He married Jane Peterson in 1866. They have three children living, named Peter, Tilda and Josephine. He was a member of the board five years before being elected chairman.
James Olson, a member of the board of supervisors, came to Mower county in 1870, and stopped in the town of Adams, where he was employed on the railroad four years, and in other employment two years. In 1875 he bought the northeast quarter of section 22, town of Marshall. It was wild prairie land at the time. He hired the first breaking done on the place that year, settling there the following year. He has improved the land and erected a frame house and granary. He was born in Norway August 15, 1850. In 1870 he emigrated to America, landing at Quebec the 9th day of July of that year. He was joined in marriage March 16, 1876, to Susan Ellingson. They have two children named Emma J. and Elling.
Brede P. Haugen, the town treasurer, was born in Norway, July, 1849. Lived with his parents until 1870, then came to America, locating in Mitchell county, Iowa. He made his home with his parents until 1876, then bought 160 acres of wild land in the town of Marshall. He bought a frame house, moved it onto the land, and being a single man washed his own dishes in summer and spent the winter in Iowa until 1882, when he married Ann Nelson. She was a native of Norway. They had two children, named Nichols and Minnie Pauline. He was elected to the present office in 1882.
Andrew A. Wiste came to Mower county in 1874, and engaged in farming in the town of Adams one month, then went to Clayton, and purchased wild land in sections 30 and 31. He improved 100 acres of the land. In 1882 he sold and purchased 160 acres in section 27, town of Marshall. He was born in Norway, September 22, 1851. Came to America with his parents, when he was fifteen years of age, and settled in Winneshiek county, Iowa, where he made his home until 1874. He was married in 1880, to Hannah Osmunsen, the first white child born in the town, daughter of John and Hannah Osmunsen. They have two children, named Annie and Josephine.
EDUCATIONAL.
The town is divided into four school districts, all supplied with good houses, well furnished. The schools have generally been presided over by efficient teachers, and the scholars have, as a rule, evinced an interest by prompt attendance.
District No. 65. This district was organized in 1867, at a meeting held at the house of Ole Tolefson. The following named constituted the board of directors: Stark Peterson, Gilbert Anderson and Thomas Knudson. The first term of school as taught in Helga Erickson’s house, by Rosella Bourgard. The school house, when built, was located in the southeast quarter of section 35. In 1879 it was moved to the northwest quarter of the southwest quarter of section 25. Ida Waite was the first teacher in the house after it was moved to its present location.
District No. 81. This district was the second organized in the township. It was about 1876, and a frame house was erected in section 2. It seems they had built the house before they had use for it, as no school was taught until 1878. Ida Waite taught the first term of school.
No. 105. This district was organized in 1879, and a house erected at a cost of $300. The building was located on the northwest of section 34. The school was taught by Annie Christopherson, from Udolpho.
No. 103. This district was organized September 20, 1879, at a meeting held at the house of Swen Anderson. The following officers were elected: George W. Phillips, Treasurer; Willis M. Corbitt, Clerk; Swen Anderson, Director. A school house was erected that fall, which cost $1,000. The first term of school was taught by George Emery, in the winter of 1879-1880.
FIRST BIRTH.
The first white child born was Hannah, daughter of John and Syrena Osmunsen. She is now the wife of Andrew Wiste, and is still a resident of the town.
Erasmus Rasmusson came to Mower county in 1857, and located in the town of Adams, where he was an early settler. He took government land in section 4, erected a log house, which he partly covered with boards and partly with shacks. He lived there but a few years, then traded for land in the town of Clayton, where he lived until 1874, when he sold and went to Dakota, and took a claim in Lincoln county. He broke 50 acres of the land, and then returned for his family, then removed to Dakota with them the following spring. He put in a crop that season which was destroyed by the grasshoppers. He then abandoned his claim and came back to Mower county and settled in the town of Marshall. In 1882 he purchased his present farm, located in section 35. He is a native of Norway, born in June 1829. His father was a sailor, and the subject of our sketch went to sea with him when quite young. Later he engaged in farming in the summer season, and went fishing in winter. In 1856 he emigrated to America, landed at Quebec, and made his way directly to Wisconsin, and stayed one year in Rock county; then bought a pair of oxen and started for Mower county. After two weeks’ travel he reached Mower county and located in the town of Adams, as before stated. He has been twice married; the first time in Rock county. His wife died soon after coming to Mower county, leaving one child, named Elizabeth, now the wife of Andrew R. Anderson. By his second wife he has four sons: Erasmus, John, Martin and Egburt.