John Meier, a native of Prussia, was born in 1845.  After learning brickmaking he came to America in 1869.  Reaching Henderson, Sibley county, in 1870, he began contracting, which he continued until 1876, then started a brick yard, which proved a success until the high water of 1881 destroyed all his machinery.  Removed to Arlington and again attempted brick-making, which is the first manufacturing enterprise begun in the township; his yard will produce about one-half million of brick each season.  Mr. Meier was married in 1870 to Katie Henzelen, and has four children: Joseph, Regind, John and Annie.  (History of the Minnesota Valley, Including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota, Rev. Edward D. Neill, North Star Publishing Company, Minneapolis, MN, 1882, Page 444)