Arlene Busse of the Sibley county Historical Society told me the story of How Lydia Ann Brown always wanted a new house; And finally built one on the hill overlooking the Henderson Village and the scenic valley below..

Lydia had her wish come true. She moved into this splendidly built home: But alas, she died of pulmonary hemorrhaging after spending just one night in the new house ---i believe she had a nice sunset overlooking the view of the valley; And she ascended into the Grand Celestial Lodge with her vision -knowing her fondest wish had come true..

I was told this splendid home came into the hands of The Durenberger family and still stands nicely situated high on the hill overlooking the town of Henderson, Minnesota and the valley below----Today this Home belongs to a Cousin of Senator David Durenberger named Gephard Durenberger, a member of the Henderson Heritage Commission.

Hoping many who come to Henderson's Heritage Festivities in Sept 2011 will pause to look and marvel over many cherished memory's --- as they pay a visit to the Sibley County Historical Museum... smile



Thanks Arlene for the nice bit of cherished memories..

If any one else has a story, genealogy, Obituary &/or pictures about this family please send them: they will be incorporated into this families data base....and the sender will be accredited...

Thanks, Glenn Kiecker

Joseph Renshaw Brown was one of the most remarkable men connected with the history of Minnesota. He was born 5 Jan 1805, in Hartford county, :Maryland. His father removed soon after to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where Joseph R. was apprenticed to the printing business when about fourteen years of age; but, being treated harshly by his employer, he ran away, joined t he army and came .to Minnesota with the detachment of troops which built the cantonment at Mendota, in 1819.

He left the army about 1825, and took up his residence in what is now Minnesota, engaging in the Indian trade, lumbering and other occupations. He became allied to the Sioux nation by marriage, spoke their language, and soon acquired a great influence over them. He held, at various times, a number of important
offices. In 1838, he was appointed by Gov. Dodge, of Wiscousin Territory, a justice of the peace, and for several years performed the duties of that office at his trading post, on Grey Cloud Island, twelve miles below St. Paul. He was elected a member of the Wisconsin Legislature from "Saint Croix County," in 1840, 1841 and 18-!2, taking a prominent part in the sessions. He was also a leading member of the famous 'Stillwater Convention' of 1848. He was Secretary of the Territorial Council of 1849 and 1851, and Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives in 1853 ; a member of the Council in 1854 and 1855, and House
in 1857 ; and was, besides, Territorial printer in 1853 and .1854.

He was appointed agent for the Sioux Indians in 1857. fit was also a member (from Sibley county) in t-l1e Constitutional convention, and as one of the commissioners to canvass the first State vote. He had large influence in the early Legislature, and his party conventions. In 1852 he became editor and publisher
of the Minnesota Pioneer,'' which He carried on for two years with much ability, and established a reputation as an able political writer. In 1857, he started, at Henderson. a town laid out by him, the ''Henderson Democrat,'' which was published until 1861.

Major Brown was a pioneer in every sense: He laid out the first town site in Minnesota; was the first lumberman to raft logs down the Saint Croix. He aided in the erection of the first frame, and first stone building in Minnesota. He assisted in staking out the first road from Fort Snelling to Prairie du Chien, driving the first wagon over it, and the first from Mendota to Lac qui Parle. He built the first house in the present limits of Stillwater and Hastings, etc. During his long and eventful life he suffered many reverses of fortune, but was always cheerful and full of energy. He died in New York City, whither he had gone on business, on 9 Nov 1870. Brown county was appropriately named in honor of him.

He Was a Notable Minnesota Mason of Henderson Masonic Lodge...