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Livingston DocumentsN4 THE CHANHASSEN PIONEER CEMETERY There are three cemeteries in Chanhassen: Minnewashta (aka Leech Cemetery) located on Maple Road & Glendale road, south of Minnewashta Pky. The oldest recorded _grave here is that of Henry Aldritt who died in 1860. St. Huberts Cemetery on West 78th St. The oldest recorded grave is probably that of Eddie & Rosella Geiser, brother & sister, who died 1876. Guntar Pauli, an infant who died in 1871, may possible be buried here in an unmarked grave. The Chanhassen Pioneer Cemetery is, therefore, the oldest cemetery in Chanhassen with the first recorded burial in 1855 of Nirum Abbott. In 1861, the Cemetery Association was formed. The price of a lot was $1.00, and labor for preparing a burial site was set at $.75 per day. A proposed site was selected on land owned by John Murray. How or why this particular site was selected is unclear. Although it was used as a cemetery as early as 1855 when Hirum Abbott was buried. The infant daughter of Arba Cleaveland was buried here as well in 1859• A deed was obtained by the trustees for 1j acres of land, and on 27 January 1862 John Murray sold the property to the Cemetery Association The Cemetery Association was made up of family members who were, or planed to be buried in the cemetery. It was their responsibility to keep the Cemetery records, maintain the grounds, and tend to the graves. The last Association meeting was held in 1982. In 1987, the cemetery maintenance & records were turned over to the City of Chanhassen as fewer and fewer descendents remained to maintain the cemetery. DISCUSS CEMETERY RESTORATION!!!!!! START TOUR 1. To your left is the grave of Abner Bennet who died in 1863 at the age of 19, in Hutchinson, MN, probably in the Dakota Conflict. He was the ('Treat Grandson of Nathan & Betsy Bennett Pioneers, who are* entured in the Bennet family section immediately behind Abner's grave. 2. To your right is the Kelm family lots. The oldest Kelm grave is that of Wilhelm, who died in 1884 at the age of two months from lung fever. The Patriarch of the Kelm family 2. 9 0 was Gottfried, b. 1826 Saxony, Germany and his wife Anna B 1830. This family came to America to Seek religious freedom. Gottfried died 1894 at the age of 68. Wife Anna died 1922 at age 91. Also intured here are their children, grand children & great grandchildren. 3. Behind Kelm's This is the grave of Nirum Abbott, the oldest grave in the cemetery. Nirum died Dec 1855 at the age of 55 yrs from a stroke. He was elected in the fall of 1855 as one of the first 3 County Commissioners. He died before the first meeting. Also intured here are his wife, Fanny, a son & grandaughter. 4. Behind Kelm's A large stone engraved ASPDEN, marks the grave of John Thomas Aspden Sr born 1808 England, died 1872. John is reported to have been "tight" with his money, thus the "rock." Also buried here are his wife, Margaret, children, and grandchildren. The Aspden's marreid into the Maxwell, Wood and Kroening families who are also buried in this cemetery. 5. Behind Aspden's Here is the Lyman family section, where Henry Lyman, his wife, and 4 children ages 2 mos to 3yrs who died of typhoid and scarlet fever are buried. A son and grandson are also buried here. Across the road is another Lyman section where two sons and their wives are buried, one who is Arthur B. famous for his contribution to Grimms Alpha. 6. To the right of the Lymans in the next row is the small grave of Alice Bost,(grave marked with piny flowers) who died in 1865 from whooping cough at age 18 mos. Alice was the daughter of Theodore and Sophie Bost, who's letters home to Switzerland were made into the book "A FRONTIER FAMILY IN MINNESOTA" which is often refered in the Chanhassen Centenniel book. The Bost family moved to Calif. in 1887. The Bost house is still standing in great need of repair off 82nd St. on Arboretum property. 7. To your left Here is the grave marker of the Arba Cleaveland family. They too were members of the Northampton Colony who arrived in 1853. The first Cleaveland buried here is daughter Carrie Louise Bardwell Cleaveland born 1858 died Oct 1859. She is believed the 2nd burial in the cemetery. Arba Cleaveland was elected to the territorial house of representatives in 1855 as a member of the new Republican Party. He held the post of vice-president of the State Agricultural Society as well. On July 4th 1860, the Cleaveland family went to spend the holiday -with Mrs. Cleaveland's brother-in-law, the Rev Henry Nicols, her sister Nancy and their children. On July 5th the families went for a picnic at Lake Calhoun. The two oldest Cleaveland girls and young Henry Nicols Jr went swimming and stepped over a steep slope into deep water. The two fathers dashed into the water and sank beneath its surface. At the last minute, Nancy reached out her hand to her husband, She called back to her sister to head for shore then sank clutching her husband. Mrs. Cleaveland wanted to rush in after the others, but two men who came running up held her back while trying to save the drowning people. The next afternnon six coffins were placed on the lawn of the Nichols home. -_Thousands attended the funeral. Theodore Bost wrote " So there was Mrs. Cleaveland in a strange town alone in a hotel with the dead bodies of her husband, her oldest girls, her sister, brother-in-law, and her nephew, with nobody to console her except her two little girls ages 7 and 4 yers. Arba Cleaveland was 41 years old, daughter Emmessette age 12, daughter Ella age 10. Mrs. Cleaveland sold their farm and belongings and returned to her Family in Mass. 8. To your left behind the Cleavelands is the Stone family markers. Eli Stone purchased his land in 1860. He was a pig farmer who served in the Civil War. Eli was responsible for making oub the deed between the Cemetery Assoc. and John Murray to purchane the cemetery land. Eli was born 1835 PA, and died at age 73 in 1909. Also buried her are his 2 wives, children & one grandchild. Eli's farm was located where the Holsack Nursery is today. We will pass this on the tour. 9. Continuing on our left is the marker for the George Mayo Powers 5.� • • 12 con ' t who arrived here in 1853. As you can see from the marker Joshua was born in July 1802 in Bristol, Leeds England. His wife Betsy was also born in Bristol, England October 1801. Joshua died 16 Jan. 1881, and Betsy died Feb. 23 1876, both in Sibley County, MN. Their daughter, Harriet Thompson -Powers, 2nd wife of George Powers is also buried in this lot. QUESTIONS?????? NO, THEN BACK ON THE BUS K M ! 4. • family. Powers Blvd is named for George. He was born 1827 MA & died 1889. He and his family were also pert of the Northampton Colony who arrived 1853. George held many offices in Chanhassen including being the first town clerk, also being one of the first trustees for the Cem. Assoc. George was born circa 1827 in Belchertown, MA, he died 1889 at age 63. Also buried here are his parents, Edmond who died in 1868 at age 75 and his mother Nancy who died 1888 at age 94• His 1st wife Thelena who died at age 35 giving birth to triplets is also buried here. She died Feb. 1870. One of the triplets, Clarence, died March 1870. His brother Albert died March 1873 from Lung Fever. Both are also buried here. At the time of Thelena's death, the Powers had 5 other children. Family & neighbors are recorded to have taken the babies in to help Mr. Powers. Albert was taken in by the Bost family. The third triplet, George Jr. is believed to have lived to adulthood. 10. Further up the hill is another Powers family marker. Buried here is Navy Capt Trent Powers, Great grandson of George and Thelena powers. He was born Aug. 1930. Trent was a Navy pilot who was shot down over what was then North Vietnam in 1965, at age 35- He was one of 29400 American service people unaccounted for from the Vietnam War. In Feb 1988 the Pentagon announced that Trent's remains had been identified. Although Trent lived in Pennsylvania, it was his wish to be buried in his grandfather, Frank Powers grave. Trent was layed to rest on 15 April 1988, with full military honors. 11. Behind Powers next to the bushes. Here is the grave's of Lee and Ruth Bennet Hutton. Ruth was the great, great, grandaughter of Nathan Bennet, who's grave we passed an we entered the cemetery. Ruth was born in 1899 and died 1977. She was the State Womens Auxilary chairman in 1941 at the American Legion State Convention. She bepame the National President and was awarded the French Legion of Honor by Pres. Charles Degaulle for her part in in the rehabilitation of St Dies, a French town destroyed by Germans. Ruth and her husband Lee, owned the EXCELSIOR CAFE. 12. The most unique graves in the cemetery belong to Joshua Moore and his wife Betsy, who were also members of the Northampton Colony These graves are to the right of Powers a little ways infront of a tree. • � Livi��c�sm MAY 13,1942 Because of the accumulation of useless and obsolete material, on motion it was voted that the Town Clerk destroy all road lists and road tax warrants, all bills allowed and contracts entered more than 5 years back, application and orders for dance permits over 3 years back, sealed election returns over 3 years back, and dispose of two Minnesota Statute books of years 1878 and 1888. NOVEMBER 11,1942 On motion it was voted that the Town Clerk pay the insurance on the Town Hall amounting to $3.30 to the German Mutual Storm Insurance Co. JANUARY 13, 1943 Town Board met with Messrs. Livingston, Schmitt and Van Sloun, and okayed 34 awards for agricultural production in 1942. MARCH 14,1944 Motion was made to fix up the Town Hall with window screens and proper heating facilities to conduct the monthly meeting of the board at said Town Hall. Upon vote, the motion was lost. SEPTEMBER 13,1944 Check # 53 issued to E.E. Kraus for $1.00 for burying a dog. 1944 -1950 Checks were issued to Dr. B. H. Simons and Dr. Seifert for quarantining and releasing a number of scarlet fever cases. July 10,1946 Jacob Van Sloun was paid $1.00 for the use of a lamp during the primary election. March 9, 1948 Motion was made to black top County Road (17) to Club House at Carver Beach and to widen road and cut down hill on way to Nelson's Store, including graveling not to exceed $3,500.00. After much discussion, a ballot was taken with the results of 35 votes in favor and 37 votes opposed. Measure (motion) declared defeated. October 9,1952 A check for $10.00 was issued to Dr. B. H. Simons for the quarantine and release of a polio patient. 1953 -1957 Rent of the Schoolhouse from District 12 was $25.00 annually. ` r Elmer and Hiss Vernis Kelm alien - LIv' � I The Rovers of Chanhassen town, a* ea the meeting of the Rovers at the I splendid social organization and their tome of Mr. and %1ts. invited I in the township on H• H. Aspden guests to the number of about, t the I They ort :t splendidFriday evening.; home o!d Mrs WWe ent t ineed at hers te�t� over ei ent, the Rovers am. c home west of this village, on Friday pas datrriedrouL toCt having Pre - evening, February 25th, and to say that i 4 program. which. the entertainment afforded the the letter. -~ was highly interesting and a guests _ The Hustlers Club, recently organ- , g enjoyable, Is indeed putting the matter very mild- "The Midnight Charge." a mill axed, held its third meeting at the 1p, The Rovers had prepared a s g �Y home of Mr. and Mrs. Edw. Justen on did. program which was -carried out to by The in four acts, will be presented Friday, Feb. 25. Those present were: the letter. It was opened at 8 o'clock the school hall ubtrt's Dramatic Club at Mr: and Mrs. W. Forsaith, Mrs. E. Ja- with a song by the Club, which was ex this village, Sunday cobson and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. P. c3ptional7y well rendered and this anm-• evening, January 23rd, and Tuesday -J. Reuter and daughter, Mrs. G. John ber was followed with the readingg. January th. The play will ston and, family, Mrs. S. N. Moses and; the- minutes of the last meeting, ater Ko imanntCostucostumed by the Louis family, Mrs. Swanson, Mr. and Mrs.; which followed conundrums and funs p of 3linneapo- ._Henry Palmer and family, Mr. and; stories. Recitations by Louis Wrase Us and the stage settings will be ade- Mrs. Ed. Holloway, Mr. and Mrs. Carl! Jolla Donlan and Lynn Harrison: duet interesting e. The eapl ere said to be a very Steller and family, Mr. and Mrs. Gott.; by Dorothy Aspden and Merril Roers• military Y entertaining Steller and family. Mr. and Mrs. Willi r4ano solo by Miss Ella Kelm; read �' drama and the cast of char - Sampson and daughter, and Mrs. C. Li reading actors is such that we know the play Sampson, Mr. and'Mrs. Fred Zuercheri ° the news report by Mrs. Thos. Don- will be put on right. A writeup of the ;'sad daughter, Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Wil- lin, followed by a debate, Resolved: play and program will appear in this ;icon and daughter. The evening wasi TLat the Holstein is a more profitable ;department neat week. The admission spent with program and singing ands cow: for the farmer than the Jersey, prices have been fined at 50c for re- . EL'rier Livingston and J. F. Ha -::son 'served seats, ,vhich are oa sale at the music by Mr. Justen Following the i tong the affirmative side and Oliver . Mason and Pauly stores. General ad - program am a dainthte lguestscheod warted fwas eodo] Stone and Prof. Little the negative. ; mission is 35c. Children will be admit. • their various homes, to meet agfoll The judges were Mr. Gilman, Julius ;Led for 15c. March loth at, the home of Mr. and] tthehe and H. L. Kelm and after hearing �__ ._. arguments presented, decided in - I favor. of the negative side. A recitation i Mrs- Henry Palmer. by Alvin Stange was next on the pro-i The home talent play "Tye 3idnight - - = gram, after which a social hour was Charge," put on by a strong and well spent. At twelve O'clock.a. fine lunch- balanced cast of the members of the eon was served, after which the Club St. Hubert's Dramatic Society at the and their invited guests departed for school hail last Sunday evening, was a their various homes, glad of the fine brilliant and particular success, both evening's entertainment afforded them, artistically and financially, and a very • ., . __. _ __ . large audience greeted the p roduc t' The Rovers Club of Chanhassen and. their invited guests to the number of about seventy-five were royally eater taiaed at the hospitable home of Mr.: and Mrs. H. T R. Krause on Friday evening. March loth. The rooms had been nicely arranged and a fine pro.. gram prepared for the evening's en- tertainment, opened by an instrumen- tal solo by Mrs. John A. Kelzer, fol- lowed by a coon song by Henry and George Krause, August Mahlke and Thomas Evans. A recitation by Harry Prodahl followed, and a reading by Miss Mae Donlin, followed by a reci- tation by Adeline Krause. News items; by 3L"s. i•_T. ss °-spden, vocal duet by Agnes Mahlke and Adeline Krause„ reading by Matt Klinglehoets, recitar• tfoa by Henry Krause, vocal solo by - Miss Evans, recitation by Oliver Stone - and Matt Klinglehoets, talk by Prof.: Boyce of Shakopee on.agriculture and; the program was concluded with a so- lo by Miss Timberlake of Shakopee.. The next meeting will be held at the home of Mr. and -Mrs. Leonard Roers near Excelsior. March 24th. ton and cheered the amateur thespians to the echo. In the cast we find the fol- lowing well known and capable young Ieople: Miss Elizabeth Schneider, Miss Elizabeth Schroeder, 3liss Eleanor Sin- t nen, Lawrence Schroeder, Paul Klein, Emil Pauly, August Sinnen, Martin Roeser, Ed. Pauly, Roy Sinnen. Henry Lubbe, Clarence Geiser. Arthur Pauly, Henry Kerber, Jos. llinglehoets, Law- rence Roeser. Elmer helm and Henry Klein. The play is a splendid one and j it proved highly interesting from start, J to finish. Every member of the cast is', entitled to a vast amount of credit for the fine manner in which they por. trayed the respective roles and many were of the opinion that it was the fin• est and most successful home talent play ever staged and offered to the public of this community, and we are I glad of the fact that the venture was such a brilliant financial success. Thei play abounds in comedy of a clean an' clever nature and it proved popular al the way. The play will be presente again this (Tuesday) evening and w believe another record audience w( greet the amateur thespians. The second performance of the far ` mous military drama "The Midnight Charge" at the Catholic school hall on last Tuesday evening, drew a large and appreciative audience. The local thespians cleared a nice sum of money from their venture, which was the most pretentious and successful ever staged in Chanhassen. OUNTY HERALD ursday, October 30, 19,6 9 An' introduction You're trying to remember who you went to elementary school with, what you and your parents did for en- tertainment when you were young and some of the great stories your grandparents told you. Now add to this picture two people taking notes on your "memories" and you've got what has been happening for the last four weeks to people in the Chanhassen area. Fourteen students from Chaska High School are in the process of recording an oral history of Chanhassen for the Chanhassen Historical Society. Each week following there will be a biographical sketch of one of the people interviewed. This week's sketch is about Elmer Livingston and his wife who were interviewed by JoAnn Wiley and,Annette.Gay. Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Livingston Elmer Livingston's parents came here from Besides working Elmer's father's farm, a part of their Massachusetts to homestead. They and their parents were life was the Rover's Club. This club, which consisted of all ;workers in a textile -mill there and because of the poor pay ' the farmers in the area, met frequently during the winter and working conditions they decided to leave. They picked months. Because of their farm work, they met only once in out 160 acres west of Chanhassen; part of which is now the the summer —right after the first hay was put up. This Arboretum. The original house is still standing and is over meeting was their annual picnic which was held at the little 100 years old. school house on Highway 41. During the winter, each member took a turn hosting the group. They did quite a Elmer tells humorously of the time his grandparents variety of things at these gatherings. They always had a bought a stove in St. Anthony and had to carry it home piece program of some nature. Sometimes they had political, by piece. speakers or the school principal would give a little talk. They almost always had skits and games. No matter what Both Elmer and his wife had two years of high school in they did or where they were, this club managed to have a Excelsior and then went off to the world of work. She moved good time. • to Minneapolis to work at a dime -store which was on the _ .comer where the IDS tower now stands. She made $6 a This is just a brief story of Mr. and Mrs. Livingston. They week which she found to be plenty to live on. Elmer worked now live off Highway 7 near their children and grand - on the farm -and then managed the Pure Oil station in Ex- children. celsior which used to be where Wendt's lanndromat is now. We would like to thank them for sharing their Part of the original building can still be seen. « memories with us. We found it both interesting and fun. Remember to look for another sketch next week. Elmer met his wife on a deer hunting trip up north. It was cold and her father invited Elmer and his friends into the Annette Gay house for the night. There they met and later married JoAna Wiley