Barnesville Archives

Biography of Thomas McGrath of Barnesville Minnesota

Clay County / History of the Red River Valley

Thomas McGrath, a pioneer settler of Barnesville, Minnesota, was instrumental in the community’s early development. Born in Appleton, Wisconsin, he and his brother John were among the first settlers in the Red River Valley, establishing the first claim shack and meat market in Barnesville. McGrath prospered, owning significant property including a 360-acre farm and other tracts of land. Married to Julia Brislain, they had five children. McGrath passed away in 1897. His son, Leo McGrath, continued the family business, running a grocery store, meat market, and grain elevator, becoming a respected community member.

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Biography of Peter E. Thompson of Barnesville Minnesota

Clay County / History of the Red River Valley

Peter E. Thompson, born November 16, 1852, in Dane County, Wisconsin, was a prominent figure in Barnesville, Minnesota. Son of Norwegian immigrants Ingebert and Maritt Thompson, he moved to Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, with his family, enduring pioneer hardships. Starting his career in retail, Thompson moved to Barnesville in 1878, establishing a successful grocery and hardware business. He named the town Barnesville, honoring his employer, G. S. Barnes. Thompson contributed significantly to the town’s development, serving as its first mayor, postmaster, county commissioner, and state legislator. He was a community leader, active in various organizations, including the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Married to Hannah C. Ohlson in 1877, they had five children. Thompson’s sudden death on January 20, 1905, was deeply mourned. His legacy continues through his contributions to Barnesville’s growth and his family’s ongoing presence in the community.

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Biography of Philip Henry Kiefer of Barnesville Minnesota

Clay County / History of the Red River Valley

Philip Henry Kiefer, a respected resident of Barnesville, Minnesota, was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His father, Philip Kiefer, was a pioneer settler in Milwaukee. The family moved to Hennepin County, Minnesota, in 1863. Philip Henry, one of eleven children, learned carpentry before moving to Montana in 1876, where he worked as a teamster and freighter, notably assisting General Nelson A. Miles in capturing the Nez Perces Indians. Returning to Minnesota in 1883, he settled in Barnesville in 1889 and established a successful hardware business. Kiefer married Catherine Mulcahey in 1890, and both are members of the Assumption Catholic Church. He also owns several properties in Barnesville and is active in the Catholic Order of Foresters and the Knights of Columbus.

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Biography of John McGrath of Barnesville Minnesota

Statewide / History of the Red River Valley

John McGrath, born October 20, 1857, in Greenville, Wisconsin, was a pioneering settler of Barnesville, Clay County, Minnesota. Son of Irish immigrants Dennis and Ellen (Cashman) McGrath, he moved to Steele County, Minnesota, in 1867. In 1879, John and his brother Thomas ventured to Barnesville, establishing the first claim shack and opening a butcher shop. John also operated hotels and expanded into farming, owning about 1,500 acres. A dedicated public servant, he served as mayor, city treasurer, and school board member. McGrath married Alice Brislane in 1895, and they had seven children. His contributions significantly shaped Barnesville’s development.

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Biography of John G. Tweeton of Barnesville Minnesota

Clay County / History of the Red River Valley

John G. Tweeton, born May 24, 1859, in Norway, significantly contributed to the development of Barnesville, Minnesota. Emigrating to the United States in 1871 with his parents, he settled in Clay County in 1878. After working various jobs, Tweeton entered the lumber business in 1886, later retiring in 1890. Active in local politics and civic duties, he served as deputy postmaster and village recorder. Tweeton was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Druids. He passed away on February 1, 1896, leaving behind his second wife, Segred Thorvaldson, and a son from his first marriage.

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Biography of Henry G. Tweeton of Barnesville Minnesota

Clay County / History of the Red River Valley

Henry G. Tweeton, born in 1873 in Iowa County, Wisconsin, was a prominent citizen of Barnesville, Clay County, Minnesota. His parents, Gunnulf L. and Mary (Lofthus) Tweeton, Norwegian immigrants, moved to Tansem, Minnesota, in 1878. Henry grew up on the family farm, attended local schools, and later worked in the lumber business, eventually owning his own yard. He served as Barnesville’s mayor from 1901 to 1905 and again in 1907, overseeing significant civic improvements. A director of the First National Bank of Barnesville, Tweeton was active in several fraternal organizations. He married the widow of his brother John, and they had five children: John, Mary, Sidney, Roy, and Ruth.

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Biography of Gustav B. Wollan of Barnesville Minnesota

Clay County / History of the Red River Valley

Gustav B. Wollan, born in Glenwood, Minnesota on September 21, 1877, had a diverse career, ranging from teaching to journalism and banking. He graduated from Luther College and worked as an editor and advertising manager. Additionally, he served in various positions in state legislature committees and associations. In 1908, he became the managing editor of the Barnesville Record-Review. He married Minnie S. Bergh, a talented pianist from St. Paul. Both shared the Lutheran faith and were active members of the Norwegian Lutheran Synod.

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Biography of Dennis F. McGrath of Barnesville Minnesota

Clay County, Steele County / History of the Red River Valley

Dennis F. McGrath, the esteemed postmaster of Barnesville, Minnesota, has been an active participant in the town’s growth and development. Originally from Appleton, Wisconsin, McGrath moved to Clay County, Minnesota, in 1879 and worked on his own claim. He later partnered with Peter E. Thompson in the lumber trade and achieved considerable success. McGrath transitioned to the hardware business, shipping produce and handling fire insurance. He has served in various civic roles, including president of the village board and a member of the state legislature. Married to Anna McGuire, McGrath is a proud parent to their surviving children: Dennis Jr., Margaret, Arthur, Maud, Ethel, Paul, and Elizabeth.

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Biography of Christopher E. Nelson of Barnesville Minnesota

Clay County / History of the Red River Valley

Christopher E. Nelson, a respected real estate dealer, currently resides in Barnesville, Minnesota. Originally from Denmark, he immigrated to the United States in 1887 and settled in Iowa before establishing his real estate business in Barnesville. Nelson is known for his competence and professionalism, and he and his wife have five children.

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Biography of Charles S. Marden of Barnesville MN

Clay County, Otter Tail County / History of the Red River Valley

Charles S. Marden, a lawyer based in Barnesville, Minnesota, has an impressive background. Born in Vermont, he relocated to Fergus Falls before settling in Barnesville. Marden served as the county attorney of Clay County and is a member of several fraternal organizations, including the Masonic Order and the Society of Sons of the American Revolution.

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