Contributors to this site submitted the biographies below. If you have biographies to add to this site, please contact the .
Additional Wabasha County biographies can be found on the Biography Project for Wabasha County, MN website.
Jane DeBow Gibbs was born in Genessee County, N.Y., in November, 1828. In the fall of 1834, in the family of Rev. J. D. Stevens, she left home for Minnesota. Rev. Stevens was one of Dr. T. S. Williamson's mission band that spent the winter of 1834-5 at Mackinac, Mich., and arrived at Fort Snelling in May, 1835. Rev. Stevens was stationed at Lake Harriet, and the subject of this sketch attended his mission school there with Indian and part-breed children. This log school house built by Mr. Stevens, opened in 1836, was the first school house within the present limits of the state. She left Lake Harriet with the missionary in 1839, when the Indian tribes scattered and the station was abandoned. She spent two years near the present site of Wabasha. From 1841 to 1847 she lived in the western and southern portion of Wisconsin. In the latter year she moved to Elizabeth, Ill., where she was married in 1848 to Heman R. Gibbs. In company with her husband, she came to St. Paul in the spring of '49; in the fall of that year they made a claim in sections 17 and 20. Rosetown, Ramsey County, where Mrs. Gibbs still resides. She is within sight of both Minneapolis and St. Paul, but the attractions of the cities do not draw her from the homestead. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs, three of whom are living. Mrs. Gibbs believes herself to be the white person of longest residence in the State of Minnesota.
Originally found in
"Minnesota Territorial Pioneers - Biographical Sketches of Territorial Pioneers"
As listed in the Proceedings and Report of the Annual Meetings of the Minnesota Territorial
Pioneers - May 11, 1899 and 1900. With an account of the building and dedication of the log
cabin, the names of the builders, the names of the officers and members of the association
and biographical sketches of territorial pioneers. Volume II. Double Number. St. Paul, Minn.
The Pioneer Press Company. 1901.
Contributed by Dave Baillif Gillespie
Charles W. Hackett was born in New Hampshire in 1831. He came to Minnesota in July, 1856. He settled in Lake City and engaged in general merchandising; was register of deeds of Wabasha County from 1860 to 1864; enlisted in 1862 and became captain of Co. C 10th Minnesota Infantry; was mustered out in 1864; moved to St. Paul in 1872 and engaged in the hardware business, of which he now conducts one of the largest wholesale houses in the Nothwest. Captain Hackett organized the Lake City Bank in 1867. He was married in 1853 to Miss Mira Holt. Mr. and Mrs. Hackett have two daughters. Mr. Hackett was a member of the State Board of Equalization from 1895 to 1897, also of the Jobbers' Union during the second year of its existence. He has been vice president of the St. Paul National Bank for many years.
Originally found in
"Minnesota Territorial Pioneers - Biographical Sketches of Territorial Pioneers"
As listed in the Proceedings and Report of the Annual Meetings of the Minnesota Territorial
Pioneers - May 11, 1899 and 1900. With an account of the building and dedication of the log
cabin, the names of the builders, the names of the officers and members of the association
and biographical sketches of territorial pioneers. Volume II. Double Number. St. Paul, Minn.
The Pioneer Press Company. 1901.
Contributed by Dave Baillif Gillespie
Amelia (Thomas) Hubbard was born in Kingstown, Ontario, May 13, 1843. She came to Minnesota in June, 1857, and located in Red Wing. She is a daughter of Charles Thomas a lineal descendant of Sir John Moore, She married at Red Wing in May, 1868, to Lucius P. Hubbard. Their union has been blessed with three children, Charles P., Lucius V. Julia M.
Originally found in
"Minnesota Territorial Pioneers - Biographical Sketches of Territorial Pioneers"
As listed in the Proceedings and Report of the Annual Meetings of the Minnesota Territorial
Pioneers - May 11, 1899 and 1900. With an account of the building and dedication of the log
cabin, the names of the builders, the names of the officers and members of the association
and biographical sketches of territorial pioneers. Volume II. Double Number. St. Paul, Minn.
The Pioneer Press Company. 1901.
Contributed by Dave Baillif Gillespie
The "History of the Great Northwest" would not be complete if it failed to give a sketch, though necessarily brief, of the eminent services performed by Lucius Frederick Hubbard, who for two successive terms filled the office of governor of Minnesota with distinguished ability. Governor Hubbard is, in the true sense of the word, a self-made man. He had only a limited educational training in youth, but the studious habits he formed early in life placed at his command an education thoroughly practical in its nature. Its benefits are shown in his after career. The commonwealth of Minnesota owes much to Governor Hubbard. No man more creditably represented it in the Civil War than he, none have performed more eminent service at the helm of state, and few have contributed more to its upbuilding. From the beginning of his residence in the state he took an active interest in public affairs and has richly merited the rewards which have been bestowed upon him. The naming of Hubbard County after this distinguished man has perpetuated his name for all time. Governor Hubbard is a native of the state of New York. He was born Jan. 26, 1836, at Troy, N. Y., and was the eldest son of Charles F. and Margaret Van Valkenberg Hubbard. He comes from old Colonial stock, and is descended, upon his father's side, from George Hubbard and Mary Bishop, who came to this country from England in the seventeenth century. On his mothers side he is descended from the Van Valkenburgs of Holland, who were among the earliest settlers in the Hudson River Valley. Lucius was but three years of age at the time of his father's death, and was placed in charge of an aunt at Chester, Vt. He remained here until he was twelve years old, when he went to Granville, N. Y., and attended the academy at that place for three years. Returning to Vermont, he began, when but fifteen years of age, an apprenticeship to the tinner's trade at Poultney. He completed his apprenticeship at Salem, N. Y., in 1854.
Believing that in the west he would find better opportunities to succeed in life, he came to Chicago from Salem and worked at his trade in that city. For the three years following he devoted all his spare time to improving his education. Possessed of literary tastes, the systematic and careful study he pursued was a source of pleasure to him, and he thus acquired, by his studious habits, an excellent practical education. In July, 1857, Mr. Hubbard came to Minnesota and located at Red Wing. The first business venture he undertook was typical of the bold spirit and self-confidence of the man. Although having no experience in the publishing business be started the Red Wing Republican, the second paper established in Goodhue County. The paper was a success from the start. His good business judgment was recognized by the people of Goodhue County a year later by his being chosen to fill the office of register of deeds. In 1861 he became a candidate for the upper house of the state legislature on the Republican ticket, but was defeated. The Civil War having broken, out at this time, Mr. Hubbard recognized his re- responsibility as a citizen, and was not slow in responding to his country's call. He sold his paper in December of that year and enlisted as a private in Company A, Fifth Minnesota, and was elected captain of his company on the fifth of February the following year. On March 20, 1862, the regiment was organized and Mr. Hubbard was advanced to the rank of lieutenant colonel. In May the regiment was divided, three companies being ordered to the Minnesota frontier, the other seven to the south. Mr. Hubbard went with the southern division, which participated, almost immediately after its arrival, in the battle of Farmington, Mississippi, then in the first battle of Corinth, where Colonel Hubbard was badly wounded. In August of that year he was appointed colonel of his regiment. He was in its command at the battle of Iuka, the second battle of Corinth, and at the battles of Jackson, Mississippi Springs, Mechanicsburg and Satartia, Mississippi; Richmond, Louisiana, and the assault and siege of Vicksburg. After the fall of Vicksburg Colonel Hubbard was given command of the Second Brigade, First Division, Sixteenth Army Corps. The brigade participated within a very short time in seven battles on Red River in Louisiana and in Southern Arkansas. Returning to Memphis it also took part in several engagements in Mississippi, Arkansas and Missouri. It was also engaged in the battle of Nashville, Dec. 15 and 16, 1864, reinforcing General Thomas in this battle the brigade was badly cut to pieces; Colonel Hubbard had two horses killed under him, and was severely wounded. It added to his laurels, however, by capturing seven pieces of artillery, many stands of colors, and forty per cent more prisoners than were in its command itself. Colonel Hubbard was breveted brigadier general for conspicuous gallantry on this occasion. Subsequently he was engaged in military operations near New Orleans and Mobile, and was mustered out in September, 1865. During his tem of service, General Hubbard was engaged in thirty- one battles and minor engagements, and has a military record of which his state has reason to be proud. He returned to his home in Red Wing somewhat broken in health, but after a short rest engaged in the grain business, his operations becoming quite extensive. Some years later he turned his attention to railroad building, and in 1876 completed the Midland Railway, from Wabasha to Zumbrota. This road was subsequently purchased by the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul. Mr. Hubbard also organized and projected the Minnesota Central from Red Wing to Mankato. Later he projected the Duluth, Red Wing and Southern Railroad, of which he has actual control, as general manager, up to this time. Aside from his numerous business interests, Mr. Hubbard has always found time to take an active interest in public affairs. His political affiliations are with the Republican party. In 1868 he was nominated for congress from the Second Minnesota District, but declined on account of the regularity of the nomination being questioned. He served in the state senate in the sessions of 1872, 1873, 1874 and 1875, but declined re-election in the following session. In 1881 he was nominated for the office of governor and elected by a handsome majority. He was re-elected in 1883, the latter term being for three years. His administration of this responsible office was marked for the high executive ability shown in the conduct of the affairs of the state. Many important legislative measures were enacted in response to his recommendation, among which may he mentioned: The creation of the present railway and warehouse commission, the existing state grain inspection system, the state inspection of dairy products, the present state sanitary system, the state board of corrections and charities, the establishment of the state public school at Owatonna, the organization of the state National Guard, and the change from annual to biennial elections. During Governor Hubbard's service in the gubernatorial chair the state's finances were also administered on the strictest business principles, and the taxes levied for state purposes averaged less than for the ten preceding years, or any similar period since. The rate of taxation was not only greatly reduced, but the public debt was materially decreased, and the trust funds of the state increased nearly two million dollars. Among other important positions of public trust which Governor Hubbard has held, may be mentioned his appointment, in 1886, on the commission to investigate the state railroad bonds and report on the means to he adopted to secure their surrender; his appointment by the legislature, in 1874, on the commission to investigate the accounts of the state auditor and state treasurer; his appointment by the same body, in 1879, on commission of arbitration to adjust the differences between the state and the state prison factors, and, in 1889, on the commission to compile and publish a history of Minnesota military organizations in the Civil War and the Indian War at that time.
In recognition of his distinguished services to his country, Governor Hubbard was appointed a brigadier general by President McKinley, June 6, 1896, and served throughout the Spanish - American War in command of the Third Division, Seventh Army Corps. This was a fitting tribute to a long and useful career, and an honor most worthily bestowed on one of the heroes of our Civil War. Governor Hubbard is also actively identified the G. A. R. and kindred organizations. He is a member of Acker Post, G. A. R., St. Paul; Minnesota Commandery of the Loyal Legion, Minnesota Society Sons of American Revolution, Society of the Army of Tennessee, Society of American and of Foreign Wars. He is a member of the Red Wing Royal Arch Masons. He was married at Red Wing in May, 1868.
Originally found in
"Minnesota Territorial Pioneers - Biographical Sketches of Territorial Pioneers"
As listed in the Proceedings and Report of the Annual Meetings of the Minnesota Territorial
Pioneers - May 11, 1899 and 1900. With an account of the building and dedication of the log
cabin, the names of the builders, the names of the officers and members of the association
and biographical sketches of territorial pioneers. Volume II. Double Number. St. Paul, Minn.
The Pioneer Press Company. 1901.
Contributed by Dave Baillif Gillespie
Huddleston, Sr., Thomas (page 618), an elderly resident of the little hamlet of Dumfries, is one of the oldest living pioneers of Wabasha County, and is a man with a notable experience as an early lumberman, Civil War veteran, and farmer. He was born at Westfield, Chautauqua County, N.Y., August 15, 1839, the eldest of the twelve children of David and Jane (Cochrane) Huddleston. His parents were natives of Ireland who emigrated to the United States in the early thirties, resided awhile in New York City, and subsequently on a farm in Erie County, New York. Then coming west to Wisconsin, they remained there a year, and then located near St. Charles, in Winona County, Minn. After farming for many years, they retired, and both died in Glasgow Township, Wabasha County, the father in 1892 and the mother in 1894. Of their 12 children, seven are now living, namely; Thomas, David, James, John, William, Jane and Margaret. Thomas Huddleston was a boy of 15 years when he came west with his parents in 1854. The journey was made via the Great Lakes to Milwaukee, and for about a year the family resided at a point half way between Beaver Dam and Fox Lake, Wis. In the fall of 1855 they came with an emigrant train to Minnesota, being obliged to stop for a week at La Crosse on account of the limited ferry accommodations and the size of the party. Other immigrants were also arriving, and the ferry proprietors issued numbered tickets, or designated each family by a number, and the family was transported across the river when its number was called. On a hill close to La Crescent young Thomas shot his first deer, and at once conceived himself to be a mighty hunter, which opinion was apparently shared by the other members of the party, for they delegated him as a committee of one to procure meat, but unfortunately for his too easily won reputation, he failed to secure another deer during the remainder of the journey. In the fall of 1856 his parents settled on land one and a half miles south of the thriving village of Utica in Winona County. Thomas, himself, soon grew big and strong and went to work for the Knapp-Stout Lumber Company, of Menomonie, Wis., being engaged in rafting on the Chippewa and Mississippi rivers. Those were the days of romance and adventure, and he enjoyed them all with all the capacity of a bold and adventurous youth. He remained with the lumber company two seasons, receiving $13 a month and his board. In the year after he came of age the Civil War broke and opened up a new and exciting sphere of action for the patriotic youth of the land. Thomas Huddleston was among those who went to the front. Enlisting in the First Minnesota Battery, he was mustered into the service October 5, 1861, and spent a part of the following winter at Benton Barracks and the arsenal at St. Louis, Mo. In January, 1862, his company was moved to Pittsburg Landing, Tenn., aboard the Ohio River steamer "Himalaya", and assigned to Sherman's command, and not long after he took part in the bloody battle of Shiloh, known to the Confederates as "Pittsburg Landing." As readers of American history know, the first day's battle was practically a defeat for the Union forces, which were taken by surprise, and by night the situation had been saved from total rout chiefly by the desperate resistance of Sherman's command. Re-enforcement early the following morning turned the defeat into a victory and the enemy was driven back. Afterwards Private Huddleston was in action at Hornet's Nest, the siege of Corinth, the siege of Vicksburg, under General Grant, and still later fought under Sherman at Atlanta, and was on the March to the Sea, accompanying that great commander all through his victorious campaign. At the close of the war he took part in the grand review at Washington, one of the most notable occasions and grandest scenes in the history of our country, and was mustered out there not much the worse for the thrilling experiences through which he had passed. On his return to Minnesota Mr. Huddleston again entered the employ of Knapp-Stout Company on a salary of $75 a month, holding the same position that he had previously got $13 a month for, and so continued for three years, in the performance of his duties following dim and half obliterated trails through the dense forest. At the end of that period he returned to Glasgow Township, Wabasha County, where on February 23, 1868, he was united in marriage with Sarah McIllreavie, of Reach, Province of Ontario, Canada, the pastor who united them being the well know pioneer preacher of Lake City, the Rev. Silas Hazlett, who founded the Presbyterian church there. Mr. Huddleston and his wife began housekeeping in Chester Township, where they resided for nine years. They then moved to Mazeppa, which place was there home until 1882. In that year Mr. Huddleston bought a farm in Trout Brook Valley, section 16, Glasgow Township, on the site of the present hamlet of Dumfries. He also branched out extensively in the purchase of land, acquiring over 700 acres in one body. In 1896 he moved from section 16 to section 10, where he and his family made their home until 1906, when he took up his residence in Dumfries village, where he now lives, owning a good residence property. He also still owns some three or four hundred acres of his farm land. He may be called the father of the village, as it was through his influence and efforts that it was founded and a post office established, the post office, however, being discontinued on the coming of the railroad. The village now posses a store, town hall, blacksmith's shop, and other buildings. It was here that Mr. Huddleston's wife died on December 5, 1917. Besides doing all he could to advance the interests of the little settlement, Mr. Huddleston served for a number of years on the Glasgow town board. He belongs to the Masonic lodge at Mazeppa, and in religion is a Presbyterian. HE and his wife were the parents of 12 children, namely: John, Catherine, Alexander (first), Samuel, William, Sarah, Julia, Alexander (second), Grace, Mary, Edna, and Thomas Neil, Jr. Of these children, John, Alexander (first), Samuel and William are deceased. Catherine, who is unmarried, resides at home with her father. Sarah is now Mrs. A. J. Henze of Minneapolis. Julia is the wife of John Duffus of West Albany Township. Grace is the wife of Albert Zillgitt of Lake City. Mary is the wife of Ben E. Fick of Lake City. Edna is the wife of Daniel Slauson of Dumfries. Mr. Huddleston's career has been contemporaneous with that of Wabasha County. As a boy he saw it in its infancy; later watched it developing its rich resources, as he himself developed into ripe manhood, and now in the evening of his life he is spared to witness its fullness of achievement as an organized part of the great commonwealth to which it belongs. In that wonderful growth and development he, himself, took an active part, and the life of ease and leisure he now enjoys has been well earned.
Transcribed from the 1920 History of Wabasha Co, MN by Franklyn Curtiss-Wedge and others.
Huddleston, Jr., Thomas N. (page 618), who is engaged in truck farming and poultry raising at Dumfries, Glasgow Township, was born in this locality May 13, 1892, son of Thomas and Sarah (McIllreavie) Huddleston. His education was begun in District School No. 68, Glasgow Township, which he attended up until the age of 15, and was continued at the Southern Minnesota Normal School at Austin, Minn., he also taking a two-years' preparatory course at Pillsbury Academy at Owatonna. In the two latter schools he studied music and became a fine violinist, subsequently playing four years in orchestras employed by the Strechfus Steamer Line on the Mississippi river. He also played with other musical organizations in various places. In 1914 Mr. Huddleston returned to Dumfries and engaged in his present business of truck farming and poultry raising, which he has found profitable. He owns a comfortable home in the village. On March 18, 1914, he was married to Otilia Creuzer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Creuzer of Wabasha City, where she was born June 11, 1891. One child has been born to them, Mary Dorothy, on January 2, 1920. Mr. Huddleston was reared a Presbyterian, but there being no church of that denomination at Dumfries, he affiliated with the Congregational church at Lake City. He is a member of Wapahasa Lodge No. 14, A. F. & A. M., of Wabasha.
Transcribed from the 1920 History of Wabasha Co, MN by Franklyn Curtiss-Wedge and others.