Hennepin County MN Genealogy – Access Genealogy

History of Minneapolis and Hennepin County, Minnesota

The aim of this history was to present in a permanent form the key incidents in the history of Minneapolis, from its earliest settlement to its publication in 1895. The primary facts and events recounted were mostly obtained from living witnesses and participants. It was rare for a city with more than two hundred thousand inhabitants to have so many of its first settlers still alive. The city’s growth had been so extraordinary and unprecedented that many of its earliest settlers remained. Some information was also gleaned from the notes left by now-deceased writers who witnessed the events described. Great care was taken to verify the accuracy of all facts and incidents mentioned. While it might have been too much to hope that the work was entirely free from errors, it was confidently believed that any such errors were few and insignificant.

Hutchinson Family of Norwich Vermont

The Hutchinson family, one of the early settlers in Norwich, Vermont, traces its roots back to Massachusetts in the late 1620s. Abijah Hutchinson, a descendant, settled in Windham before moving to Norwich in 1765 with his son Samuel. They cleared land for farming and eventually made a permanent settlement. Samuel and his wife Jemina had several children, continuing the lineage. John Hutchinson, a soldier in the Continental Army, and his descendants include notable figures and various branches in New York and beyond.

Biography of Edmund Raymond Kinsey

Edmund Raymond Kinsey, born on January 24, 1873, in Muscatine, Iowa, was a prominent municipal engineer and public servant in St. Louis. After beginning his career under Robert E. McMath, he played a significant role in the Louisiana Purchase Exposition and later served as president of the city’s board of public improvements and subsequently the board of public service until 1921. Kinsey was also active during World War I, serving as a captain in the Home Guard. He was married to Inez Viola Wheeler and had four sons, all of whom have notable military or academic achievements.

Biography of Edward S. Smith

Edward S. Smith, born on February 28, 1827, in New York, became a prominent figure in the development of Winona and Tacoma, Minnesota. After early business setbacks, he achieved success through ventures such as building the first civilian sawmill in Minneapolis and investing in the local railroad. Notably, he played a crucial role in the Northern Pacific Railroad’s construction and the discovery of coal mines in Washington. A staunch advocate for justice and community, he died on December 31, 1885. He left a legacy marked by enterprise and philanthropy.

Biography of George J. Lewis

George J. Lewis, born on March 28, 1861, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, played a significant role in Idaho’s history as an ex-secretary of state. An accomplished public servant and businessman, he contributed to journalism by founding the Ketchum Keystone and later worked in banking. A Democratic politician, he notably authored the anti-test oath bill and served in the state legislature. Married to Leta May Crawford, he remains influential in Idaho’s political and civic landscape, recognized for his dedication to public welfare and community engagement.

Biography of William H. Watt

William H. Watt, born in Canada in 1851, has played a pivotal role in Idaho’s mining industry as president of the Delia Mountain Mining Company. After extensive experience in farming and mining in the Black Hills, he became integral to developing Idaho’s mineral resources, particularly through the successful operation of multiple mines near Hailey. An active Democrat, Watt also served as Alturas County treasurer and in the state senate. Known for his business acumen and commitment to community welfare, he is a prominent figure in Idaho’s economic landscape.

Biography of Joseph R. Numbers, M. D.

Dr. Joseph R. Numbers, born on May 30, 1864, in Lexington, Ohio, is a prominent physician in Weiser, Idaho, since 1888. He graduated from the Eclectic Medical Institute in Cincinnati and initially practiced in Kansas and Minneapolis. Noted for his medical expertise, Dr. Numbers is a respected member of the Idaho Medical Society and the National Medical Society. He married Mary B. Swartz in 1887, and they have three children. A dedicated community member, he is also involved in several fraternal organizations.

Biography of Robert J. Anderson

Robert J. Anderson, born on February 19, 1856, in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, has played a significant role in the development of Idaho’s mining industry. He moved to Idaho in 1894 and became the manager and promoter of the Twin Springs Placer Mining Company, which successfully attracted substantial investment and developed advanced mining infrastructure, including the world’s largest siphon for placer mining. Under his leadership, the company has significantly contributed to Idaho’s wealth, showcasing Anderson’s business acumen and commitment to the mining sector.

Biography of Joseph B. Blades, M. D.

Dr. Joseph B. Blades dedicated twelve years to the health and sanitation of Randall, Jewell County, where he built a respected career in medicine. Born on July 5, 1876, in Ottawa County, Kansas, to a pioneering family, he pursued education in rural schools before earning his medical degree in 1905. Renowned for his surgical skills and dedicated service, he also contributed to local governance and held various civic roles. In 1907, he married Goldie Lenora Buckles, with whom he had two children, further cementing his community ties.

Biographical Sketch of Egbert Nelson Fairchild

Egbert Nelson Fairchild, born on September 28, 1868, in Peekskill, New York, was a prominent flour manufacturer and businessman. He received a public school education and married Gertrude A. Kenny in Buffalo, New York, on October 4, 1893, with whom he had two daughters, Catherine and Mary. Fairchild spent 27 years in the flour milling industry, serving as president of the Cleveland Milling Company from 1910, and previously managed the Pittsburgh Flour Company in Minneapolis. He was also active in local clubs.

Biographical Sketch of Charles Emerson Burton

Charles Emerson Burton, born in Iowa in 1869, was a prominent clergyman and educator. He earned degrees from Carleton College and Chicago Theological Seminary. Married in 1898, he served various congregations, including Puritan Church in Chicago and Lyndale Church in Minneapolis, before becoming pastor at Euclid Avenue Church in Cleveland in 1911. Burton was actively involved in numerous religious and civic organizations, emphasizing the social applications of faith, and held trustee positions at Carleton College and other institutions.

Biographical Sketch of Fred Howard Chapin

Fred Howard Chapin was born on April 11, 1875, in Iowa. He received his education in Clarksville and at the University of Minnesota. After marrying Helen N. Lakue in 1899, he worked as assistant city clerk in Minneapolis before joining the Hydraulic Press Brick Co., where he eventually became vice president and manager. Chapin held various leadership roles, including general sales manager and director positions in other companies, while being an active member of social clubs and the Masonic organization.

Biography of J. H. McMorrow

J. H. McMorrow arrived in Bartlesville in 1965, where he became a key figure in the town’s commercial development as secretary and treasurer of the Rood Oil Company. Born in New York in 1859, he had a diverse career spanning the dry goods and oil industries across multiple states. McMorrow’s civic engagement is notable; he supports various organizations, including St. John’s Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, and the Boy Scouts. He has also been actively involved in community welfare and efforts during World War I.

Biography of Norman L. Hay

Norman L. Hay, mayor of Sedan, Kansas since 1912, exemplified progressive municipal leadership, transforming the city’s financial and civic structure. His administration successfully reduced the municipal debt from $8,000 and implemented a comprehensive accounting system, promoting transparency and fiscal responsibility. Under Hay, Sedan introduced essential services, including an electric lighting system and improved fire department equipment. Born in Indiana in 1861 to a farming family, he transitioned from education to the oil industry, becoming an influential figure in local and educational circles, and a devout church member.

Wilcox, Electa Margaret – Obituary

Electa Margaret Coffen Wilcox, born December 24, 1878, in Iowa, passed away on April 4, 1943, at the Enterprise hospital. Funeral services took place at the Catholic church in Enterprise, followed by burial in the local cemetery. She married Joseph Ruel Wilcox in 1898, and they lived in Minneapolis, Alberta, and finally settled in Wallowa County, Oregon, in 1909. She is survived by her husband, two daughters, four grandchildren, and several siblings.

Biography of Fernando A. Parsons

Fernando A. Parsons, born in Vermont in 1849, exemplified a remarkable career in business and community service. After funding his own education, he ventured into various industries including hardware, banking, and oil, achieving substantial success. He played a pivotal role in the development of towns in Western Kansas and was instrumental in establishing the Kansas Co-Operative Refining Company. A dedicated philanthropist, he supported educational initiatives in Chanute. Parsons’ long-standing reputation for integrity and his keen business acumen marked his enduring legacy.

Champ, Wallace Arnold – Obituary

Wallace Arnold Champ, age 82, passed away on February 6 at St. Helen Hospital. A lifelong resident of Winlock, he was born on March 17, 1901. Champ was preceded in death by his wife, Della. He is survived by a son, a daughter, a sister, six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and many relatives. In accordance with his wishes, no funeral will be held. Contributions can be made to the Winlock Ambulance Fund. Arrangements are by Cattermole Funeral Home.