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Note: OBITUARY OF HORACE W. TWICHELL - Todd County Argus, Thursday, February 18, 1886 : "DIED: in Burnhamville, Friday, February 12, 1886, Horace W. Twitchell, aged 83 years 11 months, and 7 days. Grandfather Twitchell, as almost all [who] were privileged with his acquaintance , learned to address him in his late years, was born in New York state where he resided till middle life. In 1856 he came to Minnesota, settling in Goodhue county where in 1865 he married his wife, now his widow, Mary J. Perley. In 1879 the family came to Burnhamville where they since have resided. A man of unquestionable integrity and good natural ability, Mr. Twitchell was speedily recognized as a decided requisition to the town and was soon elected to the office of town clerk which position he retained for several years. He was also commissioned and served as postmaster nine years, For the past few years the ever increasing infirmities of old age have largely confined him to his house. His funeral was largely attended, all being anxious to show their high appreciation of the character of the deceased. The impressive services were conducted by Rev. H.F. Lashier, assisted by J.F. Locke."
From "Genealogy of the Twichell Family" by Horace E. Twichell, Port Jervis, NY, August 1932: " Horace W. Twichell and his son, Harmon Brink Twichell carted pig-iron from Luzerne Co., PA to Newburgh, New York and store goods on the return trip via Milford, Lords Valley and Wallenpaupac. Prior to the Erie Railroad they carried mail between Port Jervis, New York, and Lackawaxen, PA - two trips a week. Horace W. moved to Lackawaxen where he "bossed" a gang of men in the enlargement of the Delaware and Hudson Canal. He also operated a ferry across the Delaware River while John A. Robling was building the Delaware & Hudson Acqueduct in 1847. Horace W. joined the rush to Minnesota in 1858 and was one of the pioneers of Red Wing, Goodhue County. He served as town supervisor, school teacher, surveyor and many positions of trust."
From: History of Goodhue County Minnesota; Red Wing, Minnesota; Wood, Alley & Co., St. James Building; 1878; page 451, "Belvidere Township - first town meeting was held April, 1859. Horace W. Twitchell was elected chairman of the board of supervisors." He was re-elected to the position of chairman in 1860 and 1861 and in 1862 through 1866 he was elected as treasurer of the board of supervisors.
On December 30, 1884, Horace W. Twitchell received title to 160 acres in Todd County (W 1/2, NW 1/4, & W 1/2, SW 1/4, Sec. 35, Twp. 129, Range 32) from the United States Government. He had been living on this land, probably from the time he first came to Todd County. This property is next to Little Swan Lake (sometimes called Pillsbury Lake) and the settlement of Pillsbury. Horace W. Twichell was buried near Pillsbury Lake, probably in Bear Head Cemetery, which is located in Sec. 33, Twp. 129, Range 32 - less than two miles from the Twichell home. The early burial records for Bear Head Cemetery were destroyed in a fire in the early 1900's. A visual search of the cemetery on May 10, 1999, did not reveal a marker for the grave.
The 1870 census for Todd County, Minnesota, shows Horace Twichell living in Long Prairie Township. The 1880 census for Todd County shows Horace Twichell living in Burnhamville Township. Horace's farm is located in what is now Bruce Township. Burnhamville and Bruce were part of Long Prairie Township until September 7, 1870. Bruce Township was part of Burnhamville until May 27, 1897. So in all likely hood Horace was living on the same piece of property during this entire period, and died on his farm which was in Burnhamville Township at that time.
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