Page:History of Goodhue County, Minnesota.djvu/822

 714 HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY though he still takes an active interest in all that pertains to the advancement of the city's interests. A staunch Republican in politics, Mr. Sexton has served six years as a member of the city council, and has been a justice of the peace for two years. He belongs to the United Workmen and the Odd Fellows. On December 18, 1853, Mr. Sexton was married to Persis Parker, daughter of Luther and Alethia (French) Parker, who were among the first settlers of Waukesha county, Wisconsin. To Mr. and Mrs. Sexton have been born five children: Ida, born in August. 1855, married Walter Roath, now deceased, and lives in the -state of Washington. Emma A., born February 19, 1860, married William Walters and lives in Chicago. Helen A., born November 2, 1867. married Charles A. Gilbert, who died in March, 1896. She lives in Red Wing. Charles, born December 3, 1869, died June 26, 1905; and William B., born December 22, 1874, was drowned in 1880. The family faith is that of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Sexton lias many interesting reminiscences of pioneer days, and declares thai at the lime he came here there were but three buildings on Main street — a hotel known as the Hrd Wing Eouse, of which Jacob Bennett was proprietor, and two stores, conducted respectively by J. C. Weatherby and H. L. Bevins. Thomas Sturtevant was a man av1io.sc executive ability and acquaintance with human nature caused him to make a success of several different vocations. He was born in Flartland, Vt., and in that town received his early education, afterward attend- ing a business college in New York city. After working four years as a hoi el clerk in that city he came to Red Wing in 1863 and opened a tea, coffee and spice store, which he conducted until 1868. In Hartford, Conn., where he located in 1868, he started a theatrical enterprise known as the Allyn Hall, and was associated as manager with the gentleman from whom the theater received its name. For a short time Mr. Sturtevant had charge of the Spring Grove cemetery al Hartford, and later joined the police force of that city. In 1875 he returned to Red Wing and engaged in the grocery business until 1880. After a short period as a real estate agent at Hamline, Minn., he took his family to Livingston, Mont., where he-became manager of the Hotel Albe- marle. A cattle ranch twenty-six miles from Livingston next occupied his attention, and on this ranch he spent his declining years, passing away December 13, 1894. After her sad bereave- ment Mrs. Sturtevant returned to Hamline, Minn., where she remained until 1902, in which year she returned to Red Wing, where she now lives. Thomas Sturtevant was a Republican in politics, and belonged to the Knights of Pythias. His religious faith was that of the Methodist Episcopal church. Busied with