DRESSER GENEALOGY PAGE

DRESSER GENEALOGY PAGE
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Welcome to a Dresser Genealogical homepage. This page contains information on the "Main Dresser Line" of John and Mary Dresser, who settled in Rowley, MA on October 10, 1638.

Additional Dresser Family History can be found at Dresser genealogical information produced by Jim Dresser of Groton, Vermont.
Additionally, if your last name is Dresser and you would like to have your e-mail address be yourname@dresser.net , please e-mail Paul, at paul@neis.net.

Primitive personal names doubtlessly originated soon after the invention of spoken language in the dark ages preceding recorded history. For thousands of years thereafter first or given names were the only designations that men and women used. At the dawn of history, the world was less crowded than it is today. Every man knew his neighbor, so one title of address was sufficient.

Gradually, with the passing centuries and the increasing complexity of civilized society, a need arose for more specific designations. While the roots of our system of family names may be traced back to early civilized times, the hereditary surname as we know it today dates from scarcely more than nine hundred years ago.

True surnames, in the sense of hereditary appellations, date in England from the year 1000. Largely they were introduced from Normandy, although there are records of Saxon surnames prior to the Norman Conquest. During the reign of Edward the Confessor (1042- 1066) there were Saxon tenants in Suffolk bearing such names as Suert Magno, Stigand Soror, Siuward Rufus, and Leuric Hobbesune (Hobson); and the Domesday record of 1085-1086, which exhibits some curious combinations of Saxon forenames with Norman family names, shows surnames in still more general use.

By the end of the twelfth century in England, hereditary names had become common, but not universal. During the reign of Edward V, a law was passed to compel certain Irish outlaws to adapt surnames; "They shall take unto them a Surname, either of some Town, or some Colour, as Blacke or Brown, or some Art or Science, as Smyth or Carpenter, or some office, as Cooke or Butler." As late as the beginning of the nineteenth century, a similar decree became effective compelling Jews in Germany and Austria to add a German surname to single names that they had previously used.

A surname is a name added to a baptismal or given name for the purpose of making it more specific and of indicating family relationships or descent. Classified according to origin, most surnames fall into four general groups: 1) those formed from the given name of the sire; 2) those arising from bodily or personal characteristics; 3) those derived from locality or place of residence; 4) those derived from occupation.

The surname Dresser belongs in that large group of English family names which were derived from occupations. One authority is of the opinion that the first bearer of the name was a "dresser" of plants or a gardener, while another contends that the name refers to the cloth-dressing trade. Preparers of meat for banquets were once called "dressers".

The original founders of the Dresser family probably came from Denmark during the Danish invasion of England in the 9th century. They were among those who settled in Yorkshire, England, about 876 AD. There is recorded history back to the 1300's in the Yorkshire environs.

In 1301 Ada (m) Dreyster of Patrick Brompton paid fealty towards the war with Scotland. In 1327-33 the same of another Ada Dresser of Pickering-cum-Gotland paid taxes presumably for the French Wars. In 1337 William Dressure was a witness on a land deed at Bolton Percy. There was a Henry Dresser living in Yorkshire in 1470 whose signature appears on several documents. Other spellings were found as Dressur in 1471, as John Deser and William Drysser in 1545, and finally to an Edward Dresser in 1600.

Our line comes from the Ada Dreyster of Horton or Ada of Pickering- cum-Gotlan 1327-1333:

William Dressure de Bolton-Percy AD 1379.
John Drissur of Caterton near Tadcaster. d. 1479
William Drysser, Acaster Selbye. b. 1495 d. 1560 Styllynslete.
Robertus Dresser, Stillington. b. 1518 d. 1588 m 1577
Christopher Dresser, Grimstone, d. 1626 m. Mararet- Wd Gilling 1620
John Dresser, b. 1605, Skewsby, Grimstone, Yorkshire, England.

DRESSERS OF NOTE
Egbert Stanley Dresser,(1835 - 1895) Enlisted August 1862 in Company H, 104th Illinois Infantry as a Corporal. He participated in the Tattahoma Campaign and was with General Sherman on his "March to the Sea" during the Civil War. He mustered out as a sergeant in June 1865.

Eliza Dresser married Moses Spofford, a descendant of an ancient Yorkshire family ancestor who sailed on the Mayflower to America. Eliza was married June 3, 1835, and was a noted beauty of the period.

Reverend Charles Dresser, Episcopalian minister of Springfield, Illinois, performed the wedding ceremony of Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd, November 4, 1842. On January 7, 1844, he sold his home in Springfield to Abraham and Mary. This is the only home the Lincolns ever owned. This home is now a national monument and is preserved in Springfield.

Louise Dresser, b. 1888 in Indiana. She, along with Janet Gaynor and Gloria Swanson, was a nominee for best actress for the first Motion Picture Oscar in 1928. She was the leading actress in the silent movie "A Ship Comes In". Janet Gaynor won the award.

In 1620, Ezekiel Rogers, b. 1590 Wethersfield, England, a Chaplin of the family of Sir Francis Carrington of Hatfield, Broad Oak, Essex, became Rector of the Rowley Church. After 18 years of service he ran afoul of Archbishop Laud. Rogers, an unbending Puritan, accused Laud of bitter attacks on the Puritan sect, calling him "the Persecuting Prelate."

In 1638, Rogers was suspended as Rector because he refused to read an 'accursed' "book of Sports" to his congregation advocating dancing, archery, leaping and May games after divine services on Sunday. Like the staunch Puritans, he decided to migrate to America with about twenty of his parishioners and their families.

My Great G.G.G.G.G.G.G. Grandfather, John Dresser1*, b. 1605 Skewsby, Grimstone, Yorkshire, England and his wife Mary, b. 1609, were one of those families that sailed from Hull, England, on the ship "John" of London for America. Among the cargo on the ship "John" was the first printing press to reach America from England.

They arrived in Salem, Massachusetts, on October 10, 1638, where they spent the winter. In May of 1639, these people purchased 3000 acres of land between Ipswich and Newburyport, Massachusetts from the Massachusetts Bay Company for about 800 pounds and established a settlement known as "Rogers Settlement". Rogers leadership prevailed in this colony for 22 years. He died and was buried in the Rowley Cemetery in 1660 at the age of 70.

Later, it was named Rowley in memory of Rowley, England, from where they had recently come.

Between 1620 and 1640 about 4000 families entered America in search of political and religious freedom during the reigns of James I and Charles I of England. These Rowley settlers were a part of this migration. They soon built many houses (see picture of Dresser Homestead) and were the first people to begin making cloth in the new world.

* Exponent # denotes generations from John Dresser, immigrant from Yorkshire, England.
Bold FaceDuane Woodward, Jr. 11 my direct family line.

Thus, John Dresser1 was one of the pioneer settlers of Rowley, Massachusetts, and became, it is recorded, "A man of standing and possessed an excellent estate."

Another line of Dressers began in America with John A. Dreszinski, who was born in Germany in 1882. His two sons, Brune Alexander and Bernard, both emigrated to America in 1912 or 1913. Here they changed their last name to Dresser.

Midway between South Cove and Cottingham in Yorkshire, England stands the old St. Peter Rowley Church built early in the 13th century. Only the church survives today of the old village of Rowley, which had a population of about 150 people in the early part of the 17th century. Services are still held in this church today.

In 1643, a committee was approved by Freeman of the town toassign and register the "several lots" of 1 & 1/2 acres each to the various families. John Dresser1 was assigned one lot on Bradford Street bounded on the south side by Thomas Ellethrop's house lot.
John Dresser1 was buried in Rowley, Massachusetts, on 19 APR 1672 in his 67th year. He and Mary had five children:

1. John, Jr.2 b. 1641 m. Martha Thorla 21 NOV 1662 d. 14 MAR 1724.
He was a Freeholder, Selectman, Tithingman and Rowley Representative to the Massachusetts General Court 1691, 1692, 1700, 1705 and 1706. He was a member of the Governor's Council in 1680 and was at one time Associate Justice of Norfolk County.
He was a Lieutenant in Rowley Foot Company from 16 OCT 1681 to 1698. In 1687 he, with others, resisted rebellion against "Taxation without representation."
Martha Thorla d. in Rowley 29 JUN 1700. John2 remarried Rebecca Dickson on 7 JUN 1702. She d. 2 APR 1718.

2. Mary2 b. 23 APR 1642 d. 27 NOV 1659

3. Samuel2 b. 10 DEC 1643 m. Mary Leaver 9 DEC 1668 d. 28 DEC 1704.

4. Jonathan2 b. 8 JAN 1646 d. 16 DEC 1659

5. Elizabeth2 b. 10 MAR 1649 m. Jonathan Hopkinson 10 JUN 1680.

John, Jr.2 and Martha Thorla had 10 children:
1. John3 b. 4 DEC 1663 d. 1736 m. Mercy Dickson 1688.
2. Mary3 b. 14 JUL 1667 m. Daniel Thurston
3. Martha3 b. 1 AUG 1671 m. Anthony Potter 11 JUL 1695 in Ipswich, Massachusetts.
4. Jonathan3 b. 27 JUN 1674 m. Sarah Leaver 31 OCT 1699 d. 20 MAR 1744
5. Jane3 b. 4 JUN 1676 m. John Pearley 1698
6. Sarah3 b. 4 APR 1678 m. Richard Boynton 1701
7. Richard3 b. 24 JUN 1679 m. Mercy Peabody 29 JUN 1709 in Thompson, Conn. d. 1728
8. Nathaniel3 b. 27 AUG 1681 m. Elizabeth Wentworth 1707. Killed by Indians in 1746.
9. Lydia3 b. 14 Jul 1684 m. Ebenezer Clark 1713; secondly Elisha Holbrook.
10. Elizabeth3 b. 16 FEB 1686 m. Robert Day 4 Apr 1705

Jonathan3, son of John2 and Martha, was Justice of the Peace in 1732 in Pomfret, Conn. He and Sarah Leaver had eight children:
1. Jonathan4 b. 6 AUG 1700 d. 17 JUL 1701
2. Jonathan4 b. 23 JUL 1702
3. Thomas4 b. 7 Nov 1704
4. Sarah4 b. 2 DEC 1706
5. Richard4 b. 17 DEC 1708
6. Hannah4 b. 19 AUG 1711
7. Nathan4 b. 22 FEB 1715 d. 4 NOV 1720 Pomfret, Conn.
8. Damaris4 b. 30 SEP 1718 d. 23 NOV 1720 Pomfret, Conn.

Deacon Jonathan Dresser4 b. 23 JUL 1702 m. Elizabeth Warner 17 JAN 1732. He d. 17 JAN 1790. Elizabeth d. on 4 JAN 1806. Their children:
1. Mary5 b. 11 NOV 1733 d. 28 SEP 1735
2. John5 b. 18 AUG 1735 d. 24 JUN 1814
3. Mary5 b. 10 FEB 1736
4. Ebenezer5 b. 2 NOV 1738 m. Mary d. 1811
5. Damaris5 b. 6 JAN 1740 d. 4 FEB 1740
6. Jonathan5 b. 26 MAY 1742 d. 21 OCT 1760
7. Pvt. Samuel5 b. 17 SEP 1745 d. 4 JUN 1814 m. Lucretia Brown. He was a veteran of the Revolutionary War.
8. Elizabeth5 b. 16 AUG 1752 d. 4 SEP 1757

Corporal John Dresser5,son of Jonathan4 and Elizabeth, b. 18 AUG 1735 m. Sarah Dresser 24 SEP 1761. He responded to Lexington Alarm and served as corporal at Bunker Hill for relief of Boston in Revolutionary War. He was in Captain Jedadiah Ingall's Company of 11th Reg't. of Connecticut Militia. His children were:
1. Jonathan6 b. 13 DEC 1761 d. 14 NOV 1765
2. Alanson6 b. 8 DEC 1763 d. 17 NOV 1765
3. Alfred6 b. 31 JAN 1765 d. in state of Georgia 1804
4. Alanson6 b. 11 JUN 1768 d. 26 OCT 1806 in NY
6. Sarah6 b. 19 JAN 1770
7. John Jr.6 b. 19 AUG 1771 d. 7 MAR 1843 Coventry, Conn.
8. Mary6 b. 31 MAY 1773
9. Esther6 b. 23 JUL 1776 d. 20 SEP 1777
10. Rowland6 b. 13 AUG 1778 d. 31 DEC 1808 Sturbridge, Conn.
11. Capt. Samuel6 b. 31 JAN 1781 d. 1843. Was Captain in War of 1812. Married Dorothy Ingalls, daughter of Judge Lemuel Ingalls, son of Jedadiah and Ester Ingalls. His son:

1. George A. Dresser7, 1814-1891 m. Hannah Brown 1833. His son:
1. Major George Warren Dresser8, 1838-1883 m. Susan Fish Leroy 1834-1893. He attended West Point Military Academy (1861-1865) and served in the Fourth U.S. Artillery during Civil War. His letter to Major General Warren follows:

THE RICHMOND CAMPAIGN
Report of Lieutenant George W. Dresser, Fourth U. S. Artillery, Inspector of Artillery, of operations. October 27, 1864
October 29, 1864

GENERAL: About 2:30 p.m. October 27, I left Fifth Corps headquarter, near Armstrong's Mill, in company with yourself and staff, joined General Crawford, commanding Third Division, Fifth Corps. Found him with his division, skirmishes engaged, his right flank resting on Hatcher's Run, about on a line with General Griffin's line, and line extending in a westerly direction toward the saw-mill road (the road passing by Dabney's steam- mill), with his left refused to protect left flank. His whole line was advancing. After finding it impossible to get a battery through the thicket, to be poster to enfilade the enemy's line in front of General Griffin on the other side of the run, I started my return to Fifth Corps headquarters. Took a direction nearly due south for a short distance, then bore to my left (east) to follow the banks of the run back to Armstrong's Mill. Skirmishing was going on in front of General Crawford and General Griffin; heard no firing anywhere else. I did not reach the bank of the run. About a quarter of a mile from where I left General Crawford, having passed through a bramble, then dry, but evidently wet after heavy rains, running from west to east, I came upon a trail recently made by passage of column of troops, direction from northwest to southeast, and southeast of the little field, where ambulances were afterward captured, came upon tail of rebel column resting in road, sitting down, arms in their hands and in good order. Supposing them prisoners at first, asked, "To what regiment do you belong?" Answer, "Tenth Alabama." Asked, "Where is your provost guard?" Answer, "None here; we are a brigade, Wilcox's old brigade." Saw at least two companies. Bore toward the creek until I came into a bramble, similar to one referred to above, then turned short to left, and guided by firing, reached General Crawford. Reported facts, and at General C.'s suggestions, started to Second Corps with Captain Stacey, of Second Corps staff, to report the same to General Meade, reported to be there. Captain S. had just come from Second Corps to report that "General Hancock was about to try to carry the bridge in his front, and if he (General C.) heard firing in that direction he would know what it was." About three minutes after leaving, General C. heard artillery fire. Captain S. remarked, "The attack is just commencing." Took our direction by the firing. Half a mile from General C. met rebel stragglers asking how to get out; told them to follow us. But a few paces farther on was ordered to halt by about a dozen rebel calvary. Thicket very dense, and we on no road. Wheeled about (having been going northwest). Bearing to our right (after wheeling) soon struck a small road. Passing along this about 400 yards, met rebel calvary picket, which we charged past. In a few moments met Major Bingham, of General Hancock's staff, going to tell General Crawford attack had not succeeded; warned him of danger down that road (since have heard that a short distance from where I left him Thirty-ninth North Carolina Infantry took him prisoner); then passed on, captured two ambulances and officers in the little field beyond the Crow house (from Second Corps). I found the right of Second Corps resting at the intersection of road I went up, with the road leading from Boydton pike, near Mrs. Rainey's, the line running along the latter road from the intersection toward the house. Here saw General Mott. He told me the rebels had turned and doubled up his right flank. No infantry firing then. Artillery firing still going on; continued till, on my return, which I commenced as soon as informed that General Meade had gone to Fifth Corps, I had passed Dabney's steam-mill. The road was filled with dead horses and stragglers as far as the mill. Near the edge of the woods (near Armstrong's Mill) I met Captain Gentry, going to General C. with dispatches. Reached General headquarters a little after dark - between 5 and 5:30. I left General C. for Second Corps after 4:16 p.m. Reported facts to General Warren and Meade at headquarters.

Respectfully submitted.

GEO. W. DRESSER
Lieutenant and Inspector of Artillery

Children of Samuel Dresser2 and Mary Leaver:

1. Mary3 b. 20 NOV 1670 m. Daniel Foster of Ispwich, Massachusetts 4 DEC 1696
2. Elizabeth3 b. 10 DEC 1671 m. John Stewart
3. Samuel3 b. 23 AUG 1673 m. Mary Burpee. He served in Colonial War as a sergeant.
4. John3 b. 1 APR 1676 m. Margaret Acy
5. Thomas3 1678-1682
6. Joseph3 b. 17 MAR 1679 m. Elizabeth Kilborn b. 1685 d. 1711
7. Hannah3 b. 17 FEB 1681 m. Samuel Potter of Ipswich, Massachusetts March 1711
8. Thomas3 bapt. 10 FEB 1683 d. in infancy
9. Thomas3 b. 4 APR 1685
10. Jeremiah3 b. 30 JUN 1687
11. Benjamin3 b. 23 SEP 1689 m. Lydia Vaugh in Boston, Massachusetts 1712

John Dresser3, son of Samuel Dresser2 b. 1 APR 1676 m. Margaret Acy, daughter of John Acy. She d. March 1718.
Their children:

1. Moses4 b. 1704 d. before 1729 without issue
2. Aaron4 b. 1708 m. Mehitable, daughter of John Cott. Admitted with wife to 2nd church at Landcaster, Massachusetts. Enlisted in Captain Wilder's Co. to fight Indians. Enlisted 1755 to Colonel J. Whitecomb's Co. for Crown Point Expedition.
Discharged in 1756. His children:
1. Mehitable5 1733-1736
2. Elizabeth5 bapt. 18 JUL 1736
3. Oliver5 b. 16 SEP 1737
4. Hannah5 1739-1750
5. John5 bapt. 28 MAR 1742
6. Elijah5 b. 1750. Served in the Battle of Bunker Hill 1775 and Battle of Bennington 1777 d. Turner, ME 1846 at 96 years of age.
7. Aaron5 d. in infancy 1753
Oliver Dresser5 b. in Rowley, Massachusetts, 16 SEP 1737 m. Olive Osgood in Landcaster, Massachusetts, 4 NOV 1762. Enlisted Crown Point Expedition 1755; 1762 enlisted in War for Reduction of Canada; 1780 enlisted in Captain Moore's Company to "reinforce Continental Army" for three months d. Wendell, Massachusetts. His children:

1. Oliver Jr.6 b. 6 AUG 1763 m. Rebecca Wright 1795 at Wendell, Massachusetts. She was b. in Princeton, Mass
2. & 3. Aaron6 & Moses6 (twins) b. 20 MAR 1765 Moses m. Lois Crosbee 1788
4. Rufus6 22 FEB 1767 Temple, ME
5. Ephraim6 1769-1819
6. Elijah6 1771-1882 d. Geneseo, NY
7. Dr. Joel6 1775-1843 m. Sarah Whitney 1802 b. Wendell, Mass d. Ellisburg, Jefferson County, NY
8. Oliver6 m. Luke Osgood 1802 B. Wendell, Mass d. Pittsford, VT 1868
Aaron6 (twin) son of Oliver Dresser5 m. Abigail Monroe 29 Nov 1787 in Wendell, Mass. She was of Scotch descent and said to be of the family of President Monroe. They lived in Montaque, Mass. Then moved to Bridgewater, NY and then to Jefferson County, NY after War of 1812. Aaron opened a public house known as "Dresser's Tavern", which became a center of trade and the beginning of Pamelia Four Corner, in the history of which he was an active factor. He d. in Dansville, NY at his son Elemuel's7 house in 1820. His children:

1. Aaron7 lived in Pamelia, NY
2. Moses7 m. Relief Harrington. Lived in Cambridge, Michigan
3. Elemuel Beman7 B. 1796 m. Elizabeth . He d. 21 SEP 1854 in Dansville, NY, without issue.
4. Parker7 b. 10 JUN 1799 d. 1872 m. Lydia Cronkite.
5. Samuel7 1803-1886 m. Elizabeth Burdick, 5 APR 1862 at Brookfield, NY d. at Edmeston, NY
6. Elizabeth7 d. 17 MAY 1845 Brookfield, NY
7. Abigail7 m. Welch
8. Sally7 m. E. Phillips
Parker Dresser7 b. 10 JUN 1799 in Bridgewater, NY m. Lydia Cronkite, 11 OCT 1818 in Jefferson County, NY d. Jonesville, Michigan, 16 APR 1872. Came to Hillsdale Co., Michigan, and purchased 240 acres of land at Litchfield from government at $1.25 an acre.

Children:
1. Clarissa Cassandra8 m. William Jackson d. near West Point, Indiana
2. Abigail8 b. 27 MAR 1821 m. G.W. Burchaud in Litchfield, Michigan 1840
3. Hiram Mills8 1823-1901
4. Parker, Jr.8 1825-1901
5. Henry Hannibal8 1826-1896
6. Mary Elizabeth8 1831-1853
7. Lt. Colonial Jasper Marion8 1838-1894 m. Mary Becker, Lafayette, Indiana. 1863 Pvt. National Rifles of Washington, D.C. Lincoln's first muster, 1861. Captain "Dresser's Battery" Major and Lt. Col., 86th Indiana Volunteers in Civil War. Wounded at Battle of Stones River, Tenn. Represented Tippacanoe County as Senator in Indiana Legislature 1887-1889
8. Congressman Solomon Robert8 1842-1911 m. (1) Vesta Stimson 1864; (2) Caroline Kirsch 1883. Invented Dresser Pipe Coupling. Founded the S.R. Dresser Manufacturing Co. of Pennsylvania in 1900. His company grew and prospered and was incorporated as Dresser Industries in 1956 as a successor to a Pennsylvania Corp. (1938) by the Consolidation of the S.R. Dresser Manufacturing Co. and the Clark Brothers Co.
Dresser Industries is presently headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Dresser is one of the leading and most diversified suppliers of technology, products, services to industries involved in the development of energy, including gas, oil, coal and nuclear power. Total revenue for the 3rd quarter in 1992 was 3.5 billion dollars. Dresser employs over 50,000 people.
S.R. Dresser8 represented 21st Pennsylvania district in 58th and 59th Congress. He d. in 1911 in Poradford, Pennsylvania. He and his first wife had five children:

1. Nina Vesta9
2. Parker9
3. Lone St. John9
4. Chauncey Stimson9
5. Robert Alexis9
He had three children with Caroline:

1. Carol Kirsch9
2. Solomon Richard9
3. Doris Lydia9

Sgt. Samuel Dresser3, son of Samuel2 m. Mary Burpee. Their son:
1. David4 1709-1788 m. Mary Kilborn 1715-1800 Two of their children:
1. Joseph5 m. Mary or Miriam Trumble, daughter of George and granddaughter of Thomas Trumble.
2. Pvt. Amos5 1741-1830 m. Joanne Jewett. He was a soldier in the American Revolution.
Joseph Dresser5 m. Miriam Trumble. Their son:
1. Elijah6 b. 18 FEB 1781 in Berkshire, Ma m. Amelia Kendall 2 OCT 1796 in Paris, Oneida County, NY. Their children:
1. Candice7 c. 8 JUN 1800
2. Lewis7 c. 13 MAY 1804
3. Mary7 c. 17 AUG 1806
4. Luisa Anna7 c. 23 Oct 1808
5. Elijah Jr.7 c. 3 NOV 1810
6. Cephas7 c. 5 DEC 1813
7. John7 b. 1820 in NY
Elijah Jr.7 m. Harriet Mead Prescott in East Otto, NY. Their children:

1. Charles Corydon8 b. 20 MAR 1853
2. Laura Prescott8 b. March 1858

John7 m. Jane Ryan, b. 21 FEB 1821 in NY. Jane's parents were of Irish descent. John and Jane lived in Dansville, Livingston County, NY from 1841 until about 1850. Then they moved to Ogle County, Illinois. In 1856 they moved to Dryden, Sibley County, Minnesota. In 1861, John bought 160 acres of land in Dryden (see copy of original land entry appendix).

Dryden was officially organized at 9:00 am on 11 MAY 1858 in the home of Robert Beatty. The officers elected were Hamilton Beatty, Chairman; Joseph Tamble and Isaac Troxel, board of supervisors; Robert Heath, overseer of the poor; John Dresser7 and H. Beatty, Justices; and J. Lewis and T. Tamble, constables.
The town was named Dryden in celebration of the English poet and dramatist, John Dryden (1631-1700). It reflects the British heritage of New England Yankees who took the first claim in Dryden. (From The History of the Minnesota Valley By Rev. Edward Neill, 1882.)

In 1863, John7 and Jane sold their land and moved north one township to New Auburn, where John7 operated a farm .
John Dresser7 d. 16 JUL 1896 in Minneapolis, Minnesota He is buried in the High Island Cemetery in New Auburn.
Jane d. at the age of 45 in 1866 and was buried in the same cemetery. Their children:

1. Charles L.8 b. 25 FEB 1839 in Dansville, Livingston County, NY. Enlisted in 1862 in Company H, Fourth Minnesota Infantry and served during the Civil War. He was mustered in the 4th Regiment on 10 JAN 1862. He re-enlisted 22 JAN 1864 and received his discharge of disability 28 JUN 1865. He spent the winter of 1862 at Fort Snelling and left on the 20th of April 1892 by steamboat for the south. He m. Adelaide F. Harris, b. 1848 in Pennsylvania
2. Francis8 b. 1841 in NY m. Norman Hubbard (see article on Civil War Flag, Appendix)
3. Sara8 b. 1842 in NY
4. Alice8 b. 1843 in NY
5. Jane A.8 b.1849 in NY
6. John Bradner8 b. 4 NOV 1852 in Lynville, Jacksonville County, Illinois. He m. Katherine May Goeltz 2 MAY 1874 in Minneapolis, MN. Katherine was b. 1 DEC 1854 in Kirdock, Germany. She came to America with her parents in 1867 and settled in Mineral Springs, Wisconsin. John was a barber and made his living in New Auburn, MN. He d. 8 JAN 1922. She d. 11 DEC 1919 in Arlington, MN. Two of their children:

1. John Archibald9
2. Merton Monroe9 b. 1899 m. Laura. He d. at 29 years of age. Two of their sons:
1. Woorl Merton10
2. Frederick John10 b. 10 JAN 1928 His son:
1. Duane Chris11 b. 23 DEC 1962
7. Lemuel B.8 b. 1852 Ogle County, Illinois. He moved to Minnesota with the family in 1856. Lemuel managed or operated a hotel in Grand Forks, North Dakota about 1875. His sister, Elizabeth, came to G.F. and worked in the hotel for awhile.
8. Elizabeth Mae8 b. 5 MAY 1854 Ogle County, Illinois m. Ezra Anderson 3 JUL 1875 by Rev. G. M. Curl in Grand Forks, Dakota Territory. She d. 4 JAN 1930. Their children:

1. Blanch
2. Pearl
3. Will
4. George

The following is from "A Pioneer Mother", a biography written by Elizabeth's daughter, Pearl Anderson:

Elizabeth Mae Dresser8 was born in Illinois, May 5,1854. She was the 8th child of her parents, John7 and Jane Dresser.

Her father was a descendent of the Dresser family that migrated to America in 1638, landing on the coast of Massachusetts with other pilgrims of their time.

In 1856, the Dresser family went to Minnesota and took a homestead in Sibley County, then the frontier of the west. Here her real hardships commenced. The Civil War, following closely upon their period of settlement, made life harder for the pioneer women, for every able bodied man was taken, leaving only the very old, and the very young boys to provide for and protect the women and children.

During this trying time, the Indian up-rising, also known as the Minnesota Massacre of 1862, took place. Thus, a double burden was borne by the already over loaded pioneers. The hardships were made more hazardous by the constant fear of Indian raids of the poorly protected little homes.

Twice the Dresser family were forced to leave their farm home just before the harvest season, and seek protection at Fort Ridgley, only to return and find their stock driven off and their fields of grain burned. Fortunately, their buildings were left standing. Upon their second return a sod fort was erected in which several families took refuge until the state militia gained control of the Indian bands and subdued their depredations. This fort was known as "Fort Dresser".

In these environments the little Elizabeth Mae Dresser lived her childhood. When she was eleven years old her mother died (1866), and the burden of keeping house for the family developed upon her young shoulders. Meanwhile, her education was not neglected for she attended the local school and became a proficient pupil in all subjects then taught.

At the age of 18, Elizabeth went to live with friends in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she remained until 1857, when she went to Grand Forks, Dakota Territory.

Coming from Minneapolis to Grand Forks making the trip partly by train and partly by steamboat, she was married to Ezra Anderson, July 3, 1875 by Rev. G. M. Curl. Mr. Anderson was local agent for an overland stage company at the time of their marriage, and the following year was elected sheriff of Grand Forks County. Grand Forks was then only a small village on the very frontier, and on the out-skirts of civilization.

During the years that followed nine children were born to them. Five of them died in infancy. Grief over these little ones remained with Mrs. Anderson as long as she lived. Cold winters, no roads, lack of modern conveniences, no doctors or nurses, the pioneer mother cared for her dying babies, sometimes alone, and sometimes with the help of friends or neighbors.

Bravely she met life, and bravely she carried on for the sake of her husband and her other children. She grew to feel that North Dakota was so much a part of her very life that she never left the state except for infrequent visits to her childhood home, always returning with a feeling that she belonged.

She was called by death January 4, 1930, and a wonderful mother passed away. Her four children are Blanche, Pearl, Will and George.

9. Nelly (or Kelly)8 b. 1857 Dryden, Minnesota
10. Ardell8 unknown date in Dryden, Minnesota
11. William Clarence8 b. 3 AUG 1858 Dryden, Sibley County, Minnesota m. 29 APR 1892 to Ada Belle Woodward, b. 29 SEP 1874, daughter of G. E. Woodward of Southern Minn., Ada's father, George Elmer Woodward b. 12 DEC 1850, son of Obisha Woodward, b. 29 AUG 1817.
William Clarence8 d. 2 AUG 1936 in Los Angeles. She d. 20 DEC 1965 in Los Angeles
12. Edward A.8 b. 1861 Dryden, Minnesota.

William Clarence8 was b. in Dryden, Minnesota, and was the eleventh child born to John7 and Jane Dresser. When he was five, his parents moved to New Auburn, Minnesota.
The following is from his hand written autobiography:

Born AUG 3rd 1858 in Township of Dryden, Sibley County, Minn. When 5 years of age my parents moved to New Auburn, same co. and state.

Attended district schools until 12 years of age. At 12 commenced to work on farm of my brother-in-law, Norman Hubbard. Wages $10.00 a month. Attended school during winter months. At 14 went to Minneapolis, attending school six months, after which I commenced to learn the mechanist trade in the shops of Walker Bros., same city.

Becoming dissatisfied with that kind of work - after serving one and a half years, quit the job and went to Illinois to live with uncle Elijah Dresser7 on his farm near Lindenwood, Ogle County, attending school during the winters of 1875 and 1876 and working on farm during summer months.

Not content in that state, I returned to the old house in mid September 1877- visited there a while and in Oct. went to Grand Forks, Dakota.

Dec. 1877 went to Bismarck, Dakota. Aug 1879 left Bismarck by steamer and stage for miles City, Montana, where I worked for a few weeks prior to going into the hunting business at the Little Porcupine Camp, 40 miles up the Yellowstone River, filing on 200 acres of land adjoining the Jackson Ranch.

May 1880 - went overland with covered wagon to Bozman, Montana (300 miles west) with another rancher and bought 125 head of cattle- (my share- only 25 head)

Winter of 1879-'80 and '81 engaged in hunting buffalo, etc.

Becoming tired of frontier life, I sold out my small interests- relinquished my homestead rights and returned to Minn. returning to New Auburn all fall and part of winter. Then going to Grand Forks, Dakota in March 1882, where I purchased 160 acres 12 miles out. Made final proof in six months. Rented some land in spring of 1884. Went to work in attorney's office in Grand Forks (loans and investments for E. L. Emory).

1886 - head collector for McBride Collection Agency for 2 years - till Feb. 1888. March 1888 - went to New Rockford, North Dakota and opened up an office - General collections and loans - fairly successful. Sold out Spring 1891 and went to Duluth, Minn., where I engaged in promoting two or more mining companies.

1893 was forced to go to work for salary for Buford & Burrell C. of St. Paul. Worked at that for about one year, then moved back to New Rockford, ND, where I went into partnership with W. O. Baird under the firm name of "The Baird and Dresser Land Co." - Real Estate loan and collection business.

After New Rockford organized as a city I was appointed city auditor, and, later on, police magistrate, holding the two offices several years.

Dec. 1924 moved to Los Angeles, CA where we still reside at 5939 Monte Vista. Engaged in the real estate business.

William 8 and Ada had seven children:

1. William Ernest 9 b. 31 Mar 1893 Duluth, Minnesota d. 14 JUN 1973
2. Grace Woodward9 b. May 1896, New Rockford, ND d. 19 FEB 1926. m. Harry E. Dahlberg 1915 or 1916 in North Dakota.
3. Ruth Marian9 b. 10 JAN 1899 New Rockford, ND d. 6 MAY 1982. m. Frank M. Allen 17 SEP 1923 in Los Angeles.
4. Dorothy Ada9 b. 4 MAR 1903 New Rockford, ND d.28 SEP 1905
5. Jeane Elizabeth9 b. 11 OCT 1906 New Rockford, ND d. 1 JUN 1957
6. Evangeline9 b. 31 JAN 1911 m. Maurice Joseph Dubuc 6 FEB 1935 in Los Angeles
7. Gertrude Marie9 b. 7 MAR 1916 m. Darrel Ratzlaff 18 SEP 1937
William Ernest Dresser 9 m. Mary Winifred Trotter 23 AUG 1918 in Virginia. She was b. 6 OCT 1889 in Canada and d. 30 JUN 1949.
He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps at Minneapolis, Minnesota, on 19 NOV 1917 and was sent to Parris Island, S.C. and served in the Barracks Detachment from 1 FEB 1918 to 15 APR 1918 and was promoted to corporal.
He was next assigned to Company B, Overseas Training Center, Quantico, VA from 15 APR 1918 to 18 JUL 1918 at which time he was promoted to Sergeant. From there to Headquarters Detachment, Overseas Depot, from 18 JUL 1918 to 20 AUG 1981 and to Company F, 13th Regiment from 20 AUG 1918 to 15 SEP 1918.
He served in France from 25 SEP 1918 to 10 APR 1919.
He returned to Philadelphia, PA on 23 APR 1919 and served in 2nd Casual Detachment to discharge. He was discharged at Philadelphia, PA on 13 MAY 1919 as a sergeant.

William 9 and Mary Winifred had four sons:

1. William Trotter10 b. 8 OCT 1920
2. John Alan10 b. 21 FEB 1922
3. Robert James10 b. 24 AUG 1923
4. Duane Woodward 10 b. 26 OCT 1928 m. Lois Gagnebin 15 JAN 1955.

Lois' father, Charles Louis Gagnebin, Jr. b. 1 APR 1902 m. Charlotte Lois Potter on 4 JUN 1927 in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts. His father, Charles L. Gagnebin, was b. 14 MAR 1866 in Brooklyn, New York.

Children of Duane 10 and Lois:
1. Duane Woodward, Jr. 11 b. 10 OCT 1957. m. Annette Elisabeth Pfeil 11 SEP 1957 on 25 MAY 1996. Their son,
1. William Pfeil 12 b. 30 JUN 97

2. Lee Potter 11 b. 27 OCT 1958 m. Michelle Ruddy 15 JUL 1989 in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. Their sons,
1. Brian William 12 b. 15 JUL 1992.
2. Adopted David Tyler b. 10 SEP 97

3. Martha Lois 11 b. 4 MAY 1964. She m. Ted Irons of Santa Cruz, CA. 17 JUL 1993 Their sons,
1. Thomas Dresser Irons b. 17 JUL 95
2. Scott Patton Irons b. 14 APR 97

Summarization of my direct lineage:

John Dresser 1 b. 1605 in Skewsby, Grimstone, Yorkshire, England
Samuel Dresser 2 b. 10 DEC 1643
Samuel Dresser 3 b. 23 AUG 1673
David Dresser 4 1709-1788
Joseph Dresser 5 No record of birth
Elijah Dresser 6 b. 18 FEB 1781
John Dresser 7 b. 1820
William Clarence Dresser 8 b. 3 AUG 1858
William Ernest Dresser 9 b. 31 Mar 1893
Duane Woodward Dresser 10 b. 26 OCT 1928
Duane Woodward Dresser, Jr. 11 b. 10 OCT 1957
William Pfeil Dresser 12 b. 30 JUN 1997

REFERENCES

1. F.T. Boyd, History of the Boyd Clan and Related Families, 1962
2. Charles Pope, Pioneers of Massachusetts
3. J. Harvey Balch, Dresser Family Genealogy
4. Roots Research Bureau, New York, NY 10001
5. Charles H. Dresser and Warren S. Dresser, The Dresser Family in America
6. Family History Center, Oakland, CA 94602
7. Mrs. Mary Dresser, Clearwater, FL 34615; Personal Communication, July 1992
8. Mrs. Marilyn Stinson, St. Joseph, MN 56374; Personal Communication, August 1992
9. Mrs. Arlene Busse, Sibley Co., Minnesota Historical Society, Henderson, MN 56334; Personal Communication, August 1992
10. Mrs. Eldrene Ebert, Sibley Co. Recorder, Henderson, MN 56334; Personal Communication, August 1992
11. Mr. Raymond Dubuc, Escondido, CA 92027; Personal Communication, August 1992
12. Mrs. Gertrude Ratzlaff (Dresser9), Los Angeles; Personal Communication, August 1992
13. Mr. William T. Dresser10, Tehachapi, CA 93561; Personal Communication, August 1992
14. Mr. John A. Dresser10, San Pedro, CA 90732; Personal Communication, September 1992
15. Mr. John Dresser, Libertyville, IL 60043; Personal Communication, September, 1992
16. Mrs. Laura Dresser, Minneapolis, MN 55427; Personal Communication, December, 1992

1992 DRESSER PUBLISHING, UNION CITY, CA. THERE IS NO COPYRIGHT ON THIS PAPER. ANY REPRODUCTION, ADDITIONS OR CORRECTIONS ARE NOT ONLY WELCOMED, BUT ARE ENCOURAGED.

Updated 10 JUN 1998. Duane W. Dresser, Jr. Union City, California

Email ward@dresser.net