The following are excerpts from early editions of local newspapers in Alexandria, MN that feature Archer, Brodie, and Duncan ancestors.
1880
15 April 1880: “Mr. B.F. Archer has arrived and taken possession of his farm in Hudson.”
12 August 1880: “Mr. B. F. Archer has a horse that eats tobacco with apparently as much relish as he does oats. The horse was in town the other day and created much amusement by the way he would eat cigars.”
1881
25 August 1881: “Messrs John Brodie of LeRoy, New York, and Wm. Pattison of St. Cloud are visiting this section, the guests of Mr. B.F. Archer of Hudson.”
25 August 1881: “Mr. William Duncan of St. Cloud who “taught the young idea how to shoot” in Alexandria twelve years ago, is visiting familiar scenes in this vicinity.”
1883
March 1883: “Henry Bussenshot has sold his farm in Hudson to Ludwig Cordes for $1850.”
15 March 1883: “B.F. Archer was on the grand jury panel.”
September 1883: “Married; Henry James and Mary Cordes by Judge Mc Aboy.”
1884
13 November 1884: “Lewis P. Davis and Mary I. Archer of Hudson were married by Justice Fredenberg on Oct 26.”
1887
2 June 1887: “Ludwig Cordes is building anew- a new house on his farm in Hudson.”
7 July 1887: “The neighbors of Ludwig Cordes enjoyed themselves at a house warming in his new residence on night last week.”
1888
July 1888: “A horse belonging to Mr. Ludwig Cordes was struck and killed by lightning.”
1889
4 April 1889: “Frank (B.F.) Archer purchased 80 acres of land from Mr. Wheaton.”
1891
July 1891: “The Misses Pattison of St. Cloud are visiting at B.F. Archer’s in Hudson.”
1892
February 1892: “Married at the Arlington in Alexandria, March 2, by A.G. Sexton, Judge of Probate; Herman Cords and Miss Dell Carroll, both of Hudson.”
1896
2 April 1896: “Herman Krueger team runaway. Frightened by a bicycle. Caught by Herman Cordes near the Knute Nelson place.”
22 October 1896: “Mr. Frank Cordes got his hand between the belt and pulley of his thresher separator. Two bones were broken – also lacerations.
1897
11 February 1897: “An oyster supper and dance was given in Hudson at the home of Mr. and Mrs. B.F. Archer.”
1898
8 September 1898: “Zillah Hicks died.”
1900
December 1900: “Fred Hoefer and Ludwig Cordes of Hudson last Sunday celebrated their birthdays by entertaining a number of their friends at the former’s home.”
1901
October 1901: “Married; Mr. Henry Cordes and Miss Lillie Archer on the eve of Oct. 14 in the study of the Congregational Church were united in Matrimony by the Reverend W.H. Medlar. The bride has for some years made her home in Alexandria where she has become known for her sterling qualities as a young lady. The groom is a prosperous farmer in the town of Hudson where the happy couple are now at home to their many friends. We wish them much joy.”
1902
21 June 1902: “Last Saturday at high noon, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Davis on J. Street, Mr. Albert Hoefer of Brandon and Miss Fannie Archer of Hudson were united in Marriage by the Reverend W.H. Medlar. The groom is a successful blacksmith in the village of Brandon. The bride has lived all her life in the town of Hudson and is well known. A large company attended the wedding. Mr. and Mrs. Hoefer will make their home in Brandon. The Post News extends best wishes.”
October 1902: “A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Henry Cordes of Hudson last Saturday.”
August 1902: “Miss LeSette Hoefer has been engaged to teach the school in district 16 which begins Sept. first.”
1904
November 1904: “Mr. and Mrs. Henry Cordes are rejoicing over the birth of a daughter.”
1907
January 1907: “Agnes Archer – personal property taxes $3.75.”
March 1907: “Miss Lydia Hoefer and Mr. Albert E. Olson were married by Rev. B.A. Benson.”
June 1907: “Mrs. Henry James died after a long illness. She was born in Watertown, Wisconsin and came to Douglas County with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ludwig Cordes in 1881 She was married to Henry James and was 44 years old. She is survived by her husband and 9 children. The funeral was held from the home on 7th Avenue, Reverend G.W. White officiating. Burial in Hudson Cemetery.”
Ancestor Arboretum 