CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY BOUGHT WITH THE INCOME OF THE SAGE ENDOWMENT FUND GIVEN IN 1891 BY HENRY WILLIAMS SAGE F 612W12"h67""""'""'' '""'"'^ Histo™ of Wabasha Count Clin 3 1924 028 913 "l"™'"" Cornell University Library The original of tiiis book is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924028913106 WAH-PA-SHA CHIEF OF SIOUX HISTOET WABASHA COUNTY, TOGETHER WITH BIOGEAPHICAL MATTER, STATISTICS, ETC. GATHERED FROM MATTER FURNISHED BY INTERVIEWS WITH OLD SETTLERS, COUNTY, TOWNSHIP AND OTHER RECORDS, AND EXTRACTS FROM FILES OF PAPERS, PAMPHLETS, AND SUCH OTHER SOURCES AS HAVE BEEN AVAILABLE. HISTOEY OF WII^ONA COTJNTT. CHICAGO: H. H. HILL & COMPANY, PUBLISHERS. 1884. (^ a7.?^^^^> PREFACE. In pi'esenting the history of the County of "Wabasha to the public, the editors and publishers have had in view .the preserva- tion of certain valuable historical facts and a vast fund of infor- mation which without concentrated effort could never have been obtained, but, with the passing away of the old pioneers, the failure of memory, and the loss of public records and private diaries, would soon have been lost. This locality being com- paratively new, we flatter ourselves that, with the zeal and industry displayed by our general and local historians, we have succeeded in rescuing from the fading years almost every scrap of history worthy of preservation. Doubtless the work is, in some respects, imperfect ; we do not present it as a model liter- ary effort, but in that which goes to make up a valuable book of reference for the present reader and future historian, we assure our patrons that neither money nor pains have been spared in the accomplishment of the work. Perhaps some errors will be found. With treacherous memories, personal, political and sectarian prejudices and preferences to contend against, it would be almost a miracle if no mistakes were made. We hope that even these defects, which may be found to exist, may be made available in so far as they may provoke discussion and call attention to cor- rections and additions necessary to perfect history. The main part of the work has been done by Messrs. Dr. L. H. Bunnell, Dr. J. M. Cole, Hon. O. M. Lord, Prof C. A. Morey, Gen. 0. H. Berry, Hon. W. H. Hill, P. G. Hubbell, W. S. Messmer, Mrs. H. K. PREFACE. Arnold, Hon. S. L. Campbell, Dr. Wm. Lincoln, J. N. Murdoch, M. C. Russell, J. A. Ellis, E. Mathews, Wm. F. Bigelow, A. J. A. Pollock and Francis Talbot, and we believe that no corps of writers could have been found who could have done the subject more ample justice. We wish in an especial manner to acknow- ledge our obligations to Mr. Francis Talbot, who has been untiring and ever-vigilant in his efforts to make this work a credit to Wabasha county. Foi- many years he has been gathering the facts which constitute a very large part of this work, and when they were needed for the enterprise he generously donated them to the publishers and their agents for this use. The biographical department contains the names and private sketches of nearly every person of importance in the county. A few persons, whose sketches we would be pleased to have pre- sented, for various reasons refused or delayed- furnishing us with the desired information, and in this matter only we feel that our work is incomplete. However, in most of such cases we have obtained, in regard to the most important persons, some items, and have woven them into the county or township sketches, so that, as we believe, we cannot be accused of negligence, partiality or prejudice. ILLUSTEATIONS. Wah-pa-sha : Frontispiece Joseph Buisson 560 Wm. L. Lincoln 705 Lake Pepin ; ."*. . 825 Oliver Cbatte 881 Residence op L. Ginthnee 948 Lucas Kuehn 958 S. L. Campbell 1023 J. G. Chapman (Steamer) 1028 HiEscHY Hall 1059 Francis Talbot 1103 Grain Elevator, Wabasha ; . . 1107 ^ St. Felix Church 1143 ^ D. L. Philley i*S8-"^ M. C. Russell 1202 Lake City Congregational Church 1229 George Patton: 1247 INDEX, PAGE Aboriginal 561 Adams, J. C 1155 Adams, W. T 1300 Affeld, L. &J 1110 Akers, George 1050 A Loyal Indian 1270 Alexander, Ewin 999 Amerland, G. H 942 Amerlai)d, Herman 980 Amsbry, William H 1006 Anderson, John 1161 Anderson, A. J 1145 Anderson, W. H 1144 Anding, Fred 1056 Angell, William D 1132 Appel, L. W 1150 Army 670 Arendt, Philip 1163 Arnold, James 1034 Arnold, Charles A 1137 Arnold, W.J 980 Asher, John 1227 A Survivor of Bad Axe 1271 Bailey, Andrew 1050 Bailey, George 950 Baldwin, M. A 1153 Baldwin, Jeremiah 1116 Banking 668, 723 Bartholome, Nicholas ....." 1111 Bartron, G. R 1208 Barnes, Amos 1105 Bartlett, J. C 1101 Basey, Augustus 1121 Baumgarten, Henry 1153 •Baustert, Matthias 1032 Baxter, William S 1103 Beaty, J. J 969 Befort, William 1158 Belden, IraW 1138 Bell, S.H 1237 Benson, G. F 1175 Bench and Bar 692 Black, Elam 1135 Black, William W 1135 Black, Ralph W 1136 Boatman, William 963 Bolton, T. J 1304 Bough ton, Benjamin 1047 Boughlon, Orrin E 1046 Botitelle, Charles H 1049 PAGE Boutelle, Charles M 1049 Bowen, Theodore 1308 Brandt, Philemon 1185 Brant, Henry C 1060 Bricher, John 957 Bright, A. H 1122 Brown, Parley 1111 Brooks, D. W . . 1289 Bryant, J. W 1299 Buckman, John 1169 Building and Loan Association . . 721 Buisson, Cyprian 937 Buisson, Henry 937 Buisson, Joseph 936 Bullock, Richard 1105 Burchard, Rodman 991 Burdett, Frank A 1100 Burdick, F. H 1213 Burkhardt, Henry 1087 Burman, N. P 1241 Burnham, George H 1017 Burnham, John W 1015 Bush, Jacob 1295 Butts, James J 1024. Cain,David 1039 Calhoun, Lawrence 1296 Campbell, S.L 977 Campbell, W. H 1074 Card, E. M 1174 Carlson, Oliver 1165 Carpenter, George W 967 Carpenter, Russell W 993 Carruth, 0. P 1062 Carroll, R. C 1164 Carson, Marcus 1077 Cassidy, W. W 1237 Casper, Anthony 1214 Caswell, Cyrus L 957 Caswell, Joseph 956 Chalmers, Gabriel 1220 Chapman,R. W 1305 Charley, Augustus 1054 Chester Township 744 Chinberg, Ole 1197 Churches 621, 736, 749, 757, 767, 783, 844, 794 Clark, William. ! 1280 Clear, J. H 1207 Cleaveland, William Lord 967 Clemens, Peter 1084 INDEX. Cliff, Addin Johnson 1035 Cliflf, Joseph 1036 Clifford 988 Colby, Charles M 1078 Colby, Loyal D 1080 Collier, F.J ' 964 Collier,.0. F 965 Conrad, Frank 1167 Conrad, Paul 1167 Cook, Elnathan 1188 Cook, Garret A 998 Cornwel), E. R 1159 Cornwall, Chauncey C 11*29 Cornwall, F. J 1172 Corp, Sidney 1166 Corwin, Daniel C 1094 Crane, Charles El wood-. 1153 Crane, Ira 1132 Crary.C.W 1208 Cratte, David 937 Cratte, Oliver 937 Cronin, David 1006 Cutter, Isaac J 966 Cyclone 901 Dady, Jerry 1290 Dady.M. U 1291 Dale, Daniel 1010 Dale, John 1010 Dale, Levi A 1011 Dale, Jacob 1010 Damouda, E.R 1206 Darcy, John. 1048 Davis, J. P 1242 Davis, Robert H 962 Davis, WiUiam 962 Davison, Daniel 1108 Dawley, C. G 1023 Day, W. W 961 De Camp, Ira 1294 Da Camp, Lewis 1293 Description 609 Dean, W. W : . 1104 Dickman, P. G 966 Dickarman, Dorr 1302 Dieterla, Herman 1109 Dietrich, Joseph 1022 Disney, W. J 1024 Disney, John , 1079 Doane, S. H 1014 Doane, Robert 1014 Doughty, A. B 990 Doughty, J. C 1231 Doughty, Samuel 958 Drinkwalter, R. W. . . ., 996 Drury, M. E 1027 Duffus, William 1053 Dugan, E.J 1044 Duncan, George 954 Dwelle, Abner ". 943 Dwelle, T. L 944 Early, Charles 1061 Earlv Religious Impression 1279 Early Settlers 1021 Early Times 579 Edholm,A.E 1189 Eichenberger, Rudolph 1029 Elgin 88 Emery,C.C 1193 Emery, James H 1127 Emery, S. M 1231 Enright, J. C 1240 Estes, David Corbin 1038 Evans, J. H 973 Everett, George C 1034 Farrar, George 1298 Fatalities 871, 882 Favrow, J. E 1294 Feller, Ezra 1221 Feller, W. H 1303 Ferris, F 1227 Felton, A. J 1098 Fifleld, Ira A 997 Finch, C. E 1203 Finch, Clarence E 1203 Finchi, J. B 1182 Fires 831 Fletcher, John 1005 Fletcher, Lorin J 1005 Florer, Bruce 1185 Ford, E. L ; . . . . 947 Ford, Joseph 946 Ford, Orville D 945 Foreman, William 1090 Forrest, Charles 1066 Foss, R. H 1194 Foster, Alonzo P 992 Foster^ Scott A 1026 Fowler, Andrew J 1083 Fowler, Edward P. C 1020 Fox, Ansel T 1049 Fox, Aaron 1246 Franklin, George B 1022 Freiheit, F 1148 Freiheit, L 1148 French, J. M 1183 'Fricke, Julius 1086 Frye, Henry 999 Gage, John 1244 Gardiner, John 1030 Gardam, William 1289 Gates. Stephen K 1165 Gaylord, Albert K 1018 Gaylord,S.H 1031 Gearey, H. R 1157 Gengnagle, Jacob 1124 Gibbs, Oliver ^ 1150 Gibson, Pater mf. Gill, William 97g Gillett, Harrison 1004 Gillford Township 709 Gilman, H. W. i3of Ginthner, L '. . . 940 INDEX. Glasgow iTown^ip 762 Goodenough, J. E 1235 Good Running 1274 Gold Mining 742 Graham, Duncan 935 Grannis, George H 1129 Gray, Alexander 1110 Gray, James 1111 Gray, Robert R 1128 Greenfield Township 877 Greer, A. J 1176 Gregoire, J. B 1173 Gregg, L.M 978 Grove, M. A 1168 Guernsey, Alonzo T 1071 Guptil, E. B 1187 Haessig, Jacob '. . . 1127 Hahn, W. J 1311 Hall, Chester •. 1192 Hall, George R 1050 Hall, Hugh 1142 Hall, Robert 996 Hall, Samuel 1103 Hall, Peter 1215 Hall, G.W 1283 Hallaway, Henry 1189 Hammons, Joseph 1019 Hancock, G. F 1309 Hardy, W. L 1163 Harrison, James M 997 Hart, Michael 1170 Hassinger, J. C 1153 Hazlett, Silas 1070 Heath, Alpheus W 1045 Heath, Henry C 1046 Hebbein, George 1114 Helt, W. A 1064 Henry, James 1030 Herman, C. E 1211 Herschy & Son 1058 Herschy, Samuel 1059 Highland Township 913 Hinckley, 0. E 1205 Hibner, George 1118 Hobbs, W. H 1174 Hopkins. W. H 1180 Hopkins, E. F 1281 Hornbogen, Charles 981 Horner, J. W 1229 Hostetter, M. S 1186 Howe, George 1099 Howard,L. M 1160 Howat, James 1055 Howat, John 1096 Hubbard, Clarence A 1128 Humphrey, Ira J 1095 Humphrey, Marcus A.». 1078 Hyde Park Township 952 Hyde, John E 952 Ingalls, D. H 1246 Ingalls, Wm. H 1247 , Ingraham, Marcus Morton 1100 Irish war 1271 Jackson, William S 979 Jacobs, William J 1038 Jacoby, M 1193 Janti, William 1097. Jellison, T. S 1212 Jenks, T. T 1290 Jerry, Francis 950 Jewell, P. A 1291 Jewell & Schmidt 1125 Johns, Martin 1234 Johnson, William A 1099 Johnson, S. J 1180 Judd, George Washington 960 Kellogg 484 Kemp, M. O . •. 1169 Kennedy, John 1238 Kennedy, M 973 Kepler, S. 8 1086 Killiam, T. B 1228 Kimble, James L , 959 Kinsella, Matthew 968 Kinney, Alvin 970 Kinney, Lucius 1092 Kinney, Wesley 1091 Knights of Honor 719 Knapp, Francis W 1090 Konnig, Clements -• 1124 Kopp, Jacob 1118 Kuehn, Lucas 963 Lake City 816 Lake Pepin 823 Lakey, J. H 1216 Landon & Burchard 1083 Landon, Charles O 1096 Langer, Fred 1181 La Rue, Charles 1112 La Rue, George S 1102 Laurence, J. G '. 1107 Lawrence, Benjamin 949 Lawson, Herman 1043 Lee, Van R lUS Lead Mining 1273 Legend 596 Ley, Joseph 1238 Leininger, B. F 1181 Lenhart, Lewis Y 1037 Lewis, John H 1058 Lifrige, Nicholas 1183 Lincoln,, AV. L 1029 Link, John 970 / Lont, Elijah 955 ♦^ - Lont, O. S 986 / Loucks, F. C 1214 Low, Q. A 1188 Lowe, C. C 1311 Luger, Manufacturing Co 1088- Lunge, Fritz 1314 Mack, J. R 1033 Maiden Rock 571, 825, 711 10 INDEX. Maire, Theodore 1033 Majerus, N. J 1138 Martin, Henry 1054 Martin, John A 1011 Martin, J. P 1155 .Martin, J. M 1176 Marshall, Andrew 1130 Marshall, Joseph W 1025 Masonic 859, 897, 1259 Mateer, Thomas 1022 Mathews, Augustus 1139 Mathews, Lewis B 1140 Maxwell, G 947 Maxwell, E. F 1020 Mazeppa Township 726 McArthur, W. S. . . ., 1110 McBride, John 1093 McCarty, S. L 995 McCarthy, Patrick 1282 McCrackin, William 944 McDonald, John 1293 McDonough, Patrick 1009 McBonough, Patrick 1281 McDonough, Miles 1282 McDonough, Thomas 1051 McGovern, J. T 1224 McInnery,P. M 958 McKinney, Wm 1247 McKenzie, D. M 1087 McMillin, James 1145 McMillin 1146 McNallan, Walter 1040 Meachum, F. L 1031 Megers, John 1137 Medical Fraternity . . . : 700 Megroth, T. H 1067 Messer, H. F 1184 Metzgar, Daniel 1065 Miller, J. B 1021 Milligan, F. H 940 Minneiska 931 Moon, Nelson 1122 Morey, C. A 1240 Morey , Royal 1249 Moimt Pleasant 752 Mullen, J. H 1148 Munger, O. B 1223 Munro, James 1115 Murdoch, J. N 975 Murray, W. R 1206 Murray, E. B 945 Murray, P. B 1227 Musty, Peter 1215 Myer, Joseph 1056 Myers, A. J 1221 Nash, Edward 1052 Nelson, Oliver 942 Newspapers 741, 925 Norton, A. B.W 984 Norton, A. B.W 1279 OakWood Township 767 O'Brien, John 1068 O'Brien, Richard 1310 Odd-Fellows. 718, 789, 864, 1259 Odink, M. A 1181 One of the Earliest 1272 Organization of Wabasha County 597 Oswald,H 1223 Paradis, E. A 1224 Parkinson. William 1 170 Patton, E.'A 1004 Patton, George 1000 Patton, G. R 1002 Pauselim 884 Pehl, C. A 1192 Pencille, Orrin 951 Pepin Brewery 1117 Pepin Township 647 Perkins, Elisha 1156 Perkins, W. E 1007 Philley, D. L 1134 Phillips, G. D 1167 Picket, Benjamin 993 Pierce, Anson 1073 Piers, W. S 981 Pioneers 935 Pioneer Materials 1278 Plainview 920 Plainview Township 1251 Pnetz, Peter .' 1239 Poison, Emric 1150 Poorhouse 707 Porter, Elijah 1313 Pope, John F 1075 Powers, Lawrence 1151 Preble, T. J 1013 Press of Wabasha County 925 Price, George W 970 Pryor, Leonard 1046 Quigley, C. F 1244 Quigley, M. H 1243 Quigley, Michael 1243 Quigley, Philip 1244 Radebaugh, Namon 1036 Radebaugh, Samuel 1036 RahiUy, P. H 1286 Ray, J. W 1177 Raymond, Enos B 1061 Read, Charles R 933 Read's Landing 557 Reding, Peter " 1203 Reiland, John 1 1 eq Reusch, W. E '■" 199^ Richards, P. S ■" ooq Richardson, James G 1 1 o? Robbins, Joseph Parker ■ir.^i Robinson, John ' " jj^f ? Robinson, Samuel " inti Roff,Henry :;• JO^O Rogers,C.F * j"°3 Rogers, James F ' if'° Eoriins, E. T :: }^2 INDEX. 11 Rose, J. F 1241 Eose, J. G 1242 Rueckert, F. W 1186 Russell, M. C 1195 Ryan, P. F 1293 Safiford, John L 1089 Sandford, G. D «>--tf-- 994 Sandford,J.H yjU.%.. -eeg-| Schad, John 1055 Schilling, Peter 1240 Schmitz, John 1026 Schmidt, John 1119 Schmidt, Henry 1126 Schmidt, J. C 1079 Sehermuly, John 1171 Schools . . .756, 765, 789, 791, 795, 689 - Schram, M 1217 Selover, Alexander 1068 Selover, Peter 1069 Seeley, Ira 1274 Seeley, F. W 1275 Seymour, S. 984 Shaw,F. W 949 Sheldon, J. B 1048 Shields, Patrick 1095 Sibley, 0. H 1157 Sibley, J. J 1012 Sinclair, C 1081 Sigler, A. V 1018 Sioux Half-breed Tract 1255 Simons, Henry 1185 Skillman, Evander 1151 Slocum, Fitz Gerald 1106 Smith, A. E 1217 Smith, M. D 1218 Smith, C. W 1093 Smith, H. L 1180 Smith, H.N 1043 Smith, N. B 1063 Smith, O.N 1179 Smith, S. G : 1292 Societies 711, 758, 785, 859 . Southworth, A. D 1171 Springer, John 1149 Stauff, CO 989 Stauff, C. J 941 Stearns, Ernest 974 Stearns, R. E '974 Stearns, T. P 1168 Stevens, H. A 1076 Stocker, H. D 1120 Stout, Elijah 1284 Stout, G. C 1285 Stowell, A. D 956 Stowell, F. A 956 Stowman, A. W 990 Stratton, George 1102 Strickland, Edward 1166 Strickland, Richard 1166 Struble, Stephen 1159 Stuetzel, Frank ■ 1191 Sullivan, Florence 1218 Sumner, H. S 1247 Sylvester, G. W 1008 Taber, M. E 1182 Taft, Andrew J 1084 Talbot, Francis ". 940 Teflft, N. S 982 Tenney.G.W 1042 Tenney, Jacob 1041 Tibbitts, Abner 1291 Terrell, Henry K 1037 Thompson, Thomas A 985 Thorp, Lymon E 1008 Townsend, L 1057 Tracy, Lawrence 1014 Traditional 570 Treaties 589 Trobec, James .' 1143 Troutman, Ludwig 982 Tryon, Charles P 1043 Umbreit, Christian 1104 ' Underwood, J. M 1230 Van Buren, A. D 1219 Van Vleit, L. S 1232 Vilas, CD 1288 Wabasha and Vicinity 621 Wabasha Foundry 1162 Wadleigh, T. J ' 1191 Wagner, J. P 1226 Wahler, Frederick B 1117 Wahpasha 127| Walker, David 1228 Walker, J. S 1277 Walton, W. S 1189 Warring, William H 1085 Waskey, Alexander 955 Waskey, William 955 Waste, J. P 1225 Wfitopa Township 1261 Weaver 1266 Wear, John 1248 Wedge, Henry D il41 Wahrenberg, John H 999 Webster, S. W 1309 Weimar, J. M 1226 Welcome, W. A 1144 Wells, Frank A 1114 West Albany 777 Whaley, Uriah 1089 White, CO 1307 White, Robert 1115 White, R. N 1306 Whitmore, H.J 1044 Whitmore, L. H 1142 Wilcox, H. C 972 Wilcox, Ozias 1278 Wildes, A. J 1236 Wildes, Ephraim 1236 Wilson, George 1053 Willson, H. P .1276 Winters, F. W 1144 12 INDEX. Wise, Charles 1233 Witte, William 1161 Wood, Thomas 1296 Woodruff, Henry C 1052 Wording, W. E 1225 Wright, Eufus C 1307 Wright, William 965 York, E. M 965 Yotta, Jacob 1140 Young, C. F. & Bro 1072 Young, Louis 1119 Young, J. E 1216 Youngs, Jesse 1012 Zumbro Township i . .. 759 Zumbro Township Societies .... 1267 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. CHAPTEE I. ABORIGINAL HISTORY. A HISTORY of the first settlement of Winona county, and es- pecially that of the city of Winona, requires that some notice be given td the Indian tribes that have occupied the territory in which it lies, and of that adjacent, and also that some notice be given to the early efforts of missionaries and ex:plorers to christianize and render the savages obedient to the wants of commerce and of French or English ascendancy. The fur trade was the most important ele- ment in the early explorations and settlement of the Northwest, as commerce generally has been in the civilization of the world. The limited space allowed for this subject admits of but slight mention of the authorities drawn upon, but it is imperative that the aid afforded by the researches of the Smithsonian Institute, of Rev. Edward Duffield Neil, and of Judge George Gale, be acknowl- edged. Absolutely nothing is known of the origin of the Indians ; neither the mound-buHders, nor the more modern tribes ; and the naturalist is led to ponder over the suggestion ascribed to Voltaire, "that possibly, in America, while God was creating different spe- cies of flies, he created various species of men." Be that as it may, their differentiations in languages and cus- toms, forming different tribes from more original stocks, or sources, have been noticed by writers upon ethnology ; but aside from the knowledge afforded by their various languages and traditions all is, doubt and mystery. Their traditions, even, are so blended with superstitions and romances that the most critical judgment is re- quired in giving credit to any portion of theto ; the more especially to times and distances that extend beyond the Indian's present capacity to realize. The territory between the lakes and the Missis- 2 18 HISTORY OP WINONA COUNTY. sippi river seems to have been peculiarly fitted by its topography and natural productions for a grand nursery of savage tribes ; and there are evidences still remaining in the languages and traditions of the aboriginal inhabitants of this territory, and in the remains of ancient tumuli, stone and copper implements, to warrant this behef It is probable, as claimed by tradition, that some tribe of Algonquin origin was in possession of this vast territory, and were dispossessed by confederated Sioux, whom tradition says came from the New Mexican frontier. The Chippewa names for different local- ities, now corrupted, but famihar to us, warrants this belief, if it does not establish the fact. The Sauks and Min-o-min-ees, both of Chippewa origin, say they were the original owners of the whole teridtory, but they shed no light upon the origin of the mound- builders. Those people may have been drawn to this territory from the far south in search of copper, which to them, probably, was as the gold of California to modern adventurers, and been expelled again by wars, or have voluntarily abandoned their industrious mode of life to become engrafted into the new nations that were springing up around them. Such industrious people "would natu- rally become the prey of more warlike tribes, and the more especially so because of their cranial development, indicating a lack of aggress- ive character. In support of the claim to have been the oldest of modern tribes to occupy the territory, the Chippewa race mention the names given by their ancestors to prominent localities. For ex- ample, Michigan, a word of Chippewa origin, is derived from Mich- e-gah-ge-gan^ meaning the lake country, or "skye bound waters." Wisconsin is from Gy-osh-kon-sing, the name of its principal river, and means the place of little gulls. Chicago is from Gah-che-gah- gong, a place of skunks. Milwaukee is from Mim-wa-ke, meaning hazel-brush land, equivalent to good land,, as upon good land only will this shrub grow. The astringent bark was used as a medicinal remedy, and hence the shrub was known as the good shrub by the Indians. Galena was known as Ush-ke-co-man-o-day, the lead town ; ■Prairie-du-Chien as Ke-go-shook-ah-note, meaning where the fish rest as in winter they are still known to do. St. Anthony's Falls was called Ke-che-ka-be-gong, a great waterfall ; the Mississippi as Miche-see bee, oi* Miche-gah-see bee, meaning the great or endless river, or, more literally, the river that runs everywhere ; and Lake Superior was known as Ke-che-gun-me, or "the great deep." Only ABORIGINAL HISTOtlY. - 19 a few Chippewa names have been given, and those simply to show the familiarity of the Chippewas with characteristics of the various localities named by them and now so familiar to us. It may be added that St. Paul, or its site, was known as Ish-ke-bug-ge, or new leaf, because of the early budding out of the foliage below St. An- thony's. It has been a custom of Indian tribes, as with other primi- tive peoples, to name persons and tribes from peculiarities, from resemblances and from localities.. This rule has been followed in naming the separate tribes of the great Algonquin, Iroquois and Dah-ko-tah nations, as well as of those of the Pawnee, Shosh-o-me, Kewis, Tu-mah and Apachee or Atha-pas-can nations. For many years the records of the early Spanish and French explorers were hidden from the researches of modern investigators, but those of Marco-de Nica and of Coronado, have come out at last from their mouldy recesses, and documents that had lain in the archives of France for long years have been copied and published to aid the modern historian. In these records of the early explorers, errors in writing and "on maps have been made ; but they are of considerable value to modern research, be- cause of the light they shed upon the explorations of their authors, and upon some Indian traditions concerning them. The Chippewa name for Lake Winnepec is Win-ne-bargo-shish- ing, the meaning of which is a place of dirty water. The name Win-ne-ba-go was interpreted to mean ''stinking water," and the Indians of the tribe were called by the early French explorers the "Stinkards," under the impression that they had come from a place of stinking water. Lake Winnebago, in Wisconsin, was supposed to be that locality, but it may be observed here that the water of that lake is not, or was not, before the advent of the white people, impure. Another reason given for the name was, that they had come from the Western sea or ocean, imagined by the first French ex- plorers to exist in the region of the Mississippi river ; and as the Algonquin name Winnebagoec, for salt afld stinking water, was the same, except in accent, their name was supposed by some to desig- nate a people from the Western ocean. The traditions and legends still existing among the Winnebagoes render it probable that they once inhabited the territory adjacent to lake Witi-ne-ba-go-shish-ing (modernly called Winnepec), and probably long anterior to the occupancy by the Sioux of the Mille-Lac coimtry, as while acknowl- 20 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. edging their relationship to the Dah-ko-tah nation, they claim a more ancient lineage. Lieut. Pike refers to the statement of an old Chip- pewa that the Siqux once occupied Leach Lake; and Winnebago shishing, or the "Dirty Water lake," is but twenty-fiVe miles dis- tant from Leach Lake. The Winhebagoes call themselves Ho-chunk-o-rah, meaning "the deep voiced people." The Dah-ko-tahs call them Ho-tau-kah, full or large voiced people, because of their sonorous voices being conspicuously prominent in their dance and war songs. Many words in Winnebago and Sioux are very similar. Wah-tah is the Sioux word for canoe; watch-er-ah, the Winnebago. Shoon-kah is the Sioux word for dog; shoon-ker-ah, is the Winnebago name. No-pah is nine in Sioux ; Nope is the same numeral in Winnebago. Numerous other examples might be given of resemblances in their respective languages, but these will suifice. The Chippewa language is wonderfully artistic in construction and rich in sugges- tions ; hence we find many of their words accepted by other tribes as classic. Mamto-ba, God's land, suggests the idea of a God-given country or Indian paradise. Superior in intellectual capacity to most other tribes, their names^seem to have been accepted by others as something better than their own. It is believed by the writer that in this way, probably, the Chippewa name, Winnebago, was given and accepted by the Ho-chunck-o-rah. The Northeastern Sioux claimed to' have owned the Mille Lac country from time immemorial. It, seems quite probable that before the "long war," and during some long era of peace, the Winnebagoes may have inhabited the shores of Lake Winnepec, perhaps while the Sioux were at Leech lake. The Kneesteneau, or Chippewas, would have been their neighbors, and from them the Winnebago may have acquired some of the tastes and habits that have so marked his character. As is still customary with bordering tribes, intermarriages were no doubt of frequent occurrence, and in this way, it is conceivable, that the Dah-ko-tah progenitors of the Winnebagoes may have established themselves among some Chippewa tribes, and their off- spring have been led to accept flag-mat wigwams, deer, fish and water-fowl in lieu of skin tents and buffalo meat. The Sioux language even differs in each band. PrqVjably, soon after the Spanish conquest of Mexico, many of the red rovers of the plains as their traditions tell, left for more northern climes. The inviting ABOEIGLNAL HISTORY. ' 21 prairies of Minnesota, with their countless herds of buffalo and elk, would for a time, at least, content the warlike Sioux, who, pro- vided with some of the "big dogs" (liorses) of the Spaniards, could roam at will over these boundless, beautiful plains. It seems also likely that reports of the more than savage cruelty of the Spaniard had gone out, with accounts of the destructive nature of his "deadly thunder"; and if so, a common dread would have kept , a superstitious people at peace. Friendly alliances would most naturally have sprung up among border tribes, and in but a few generations old tribes would have been multiplied into new ones, as appears to have been done dur- ing some long era of peace. It is true that the problem may be as readily solved by supposing a state of civil war to have existed, but in that case there still must have been long eras of peace, or the race would have become extinct. Be that as it may, the forests of Minnesota and Wisconsin limited the range of the buffalo in these states, and in doing this determined the character of the native inhabitants. The Sioux soon asserted his savage sway over the whole prairie region west of the Mississippi river, and 'drove into the forests of Wisconsin his less formidable neighbors. In after years, by com- bined attacks with firearms, he was driven back by those he had dispossessed of their patrimony, and was content to plant himself upon the western shore of his watery barrier ; keeping as neutral ground, for a time, a strip of territory along the east side of the Mississippi. This region remained neutral but for a short time only, for w>i Knd by the accounts of the earliest French explorers that the Da- kotah and Algonquin nations were in an almost constant state of warfare when first visited by them, and during the whole tim^e of tlie French occupation of the territory. The water-courses afforded ready access to the greater part of the region between, the lakes and " Great river, " and the dense forests concealed the approach of the wily foes. While the " battle- ground " presented opportunities for a surprise, it was no less ser- viceable for those who waited in ambush. Many a war party of both nations have been cut off by a successful ambush, and their people left to mourn and plot new schemes of vengeance. Other tribes suffered by these national animosities, and aban- doned the noted theatres of war for more peaceful localities. 22 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. The Winnebagoes, accordiDg to their traditions, suffered from the incursions of both nations ; and at the time of the first visit of the French at Green Bay they were found there and on Fox river, living in amity with the rice-eaters, or Min-o-min-nee, and other tribes of Algonquin origin, though known to be closely re- lated to the almost; universal enemy, the Sioux. During the summer months the Indians on Fox river appeared sedentary in their habits, living in bark houses and cultivating Indian corn and other products of Indian agriculture, or gathering the wild potatoes and wild rice that served them, for their winter stores of vegetable food. During seasons of scarcity from frosts, or from disaster, edible nuts and acorns were secured against times of want ; and if famine came upon them in their extremity, they supported life by feeding upon the inner bark of the slippery elm, linden and white pine. Those were happy times for the peaceftil tribes, and of sorrow for those in enmity with one another. CHAPTEE n. EXPLORATIONS. The Minominnees, Fottawattamies and the Foxes occupied the water-courses tributary to GrgeA Bay, wlfile the Winnebagoes and the kindred tribes of lowas, Missouris, Osages, Kansas, Quapaws, Ottoes, Ponkas and Mandans, possessed the country soutb and west, bordering upon the territory of the Sauks, the Ulanois and the Sioux. This territory seems to have been visited by the French as early as 1634, and in 1660 Father Kene Menard went on a mission to Lake Superior, where the furs of that region and of Green Bay had already begun to attract adventurous Frenchmen. Poor zealous Menard, the first missionary, never returned to civilization ; he was lost in the wilds of a Black river forest, separated in a swamp from his faithful follower and assistant Guerin, and all that was ever known of his fate was inferred from the agony of his companion and the priestly robe and prayer-book of the aged pre- late found years afterward in a Darko-tah lodge. In 1666 Father Claude' Allouez, with but six French voyageurs but with a large number of savages, embarked from Montreal for ABORIGINAL HISTORY. 23 Lake Superior, where he established himself for a time at a plaoe called by the French La Poiote, because of its jutting out into the beautiful bay of Bayfield. Here at once was erected the mission of the Holy Spirit, and the good offices of the priest tendered to the untutored and savage tribes of that vast wilderness. The peaceful mission of AUouez was soon known among the 'warring tribes, and Sauks and Foxes, Illani and other distant tribes, sent messengers of peace or curiosity to the "Black Grown," and he was admitted to their counsels. In turn, "their tales of the noble river on which they dwelt," and which flowed to the south, "interested Allouez, and he became desirous of exploring the territory of his proselytes." Then, too, at the very extremity of the lake, the missionary met the wil/i and impassioned Sioux, who dwelt to the west of Lake Superior, in a land of prairie, with wild rice for food, and skins of beasts instead of bark for roofs to their cabins, on the bank of the Great river, of which Allouez reported the name to be Mississippi. To Father Allouez belongs the honor of having first given this name to the world. Li speaking of the Da-ko-tahs, he says : "These people are, above all others, savage and warlike. * * * They speak a language entirely unknown to us, and the savages about here do not understand them." Li 1669 the zealous Marquette succeeded to the mission estab- lished by Allouez, and his writings give a somewhat florid account of Sioux character. He says: "The J^adawessi (the Chippewa name of the Sioux), are the Iroquois of this country beyond La Pointe, but less faithless, and never attack until attacked. Their language is entirely different from the Huron and Algonquin ; they have many villages^ but are widely scattered ; they have very extra- ordinary customs. * * * All the lake tribes make war upon them, but with small success. They have false oats (wild rice), use little canoes, and keep their word strictly. At that time the Dah-ko-tahs used knives, spears and arrow- heads made of stone. About that time, one band of Dah-ko-tahs were allied to a band of Chippewas by intermarriage and commer- cial relations, and for a time were living in friendly relations with a band of Huron s, who had fled fr-om the Iroquois of New York. Hostilities breaking out between these people and the Sioux, they joined the people of their tribe at La Pointe. To Nicholas Perrot is due the honor of having first established a trading post on the Mississippi below Lake Pepin, and according 24 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. to Neil's History of Minnesota, Perrot inspired the enterprise of La Salle, who sent Louis Hennepin to explore the Mississippi. Hennepin was first to explore the river above the mouth of the Wis- consin, the first to name and describe the falls of St. Anthony, the first to present an engraving of the Falls of Niagara, and it may be added, the first to translate the Winnebago name of Trempealeau Mountain into French. The Winnebagoes call that peculiar mount- ain Hay-me-ah-chaw, which is well rendered in French as the Soak- ing Mountain, as it stands isolated from its fellow peaks entirely surrounded by water. After reaching the Illinois river, La Salle, in 1680, sent Henne- pin on ment on the Wisconsin, and were utterly destroyed. The Dah-ko-tahs had during this period been at war with the Chippewas, but in 1746 were induced by the French to make peace.- Many of the French voyageurs, and in some few instances French offi- cers even, had taken wives, after the Indian method of marriage, from among the Dah-ko-tahs and other tribes, and by this means their in- fluence was still great among their Indian followers. Yet, English influence had commenced its work, and soon after this period French power seems to have begun to wane. The French, however, still continued to make a, struggle for existence, if not supremacy. 28 HISTORY OP WINONA COUNTY. t The Chippewas of Lake Superior showed a disposition to aid the English, and committed a robbery at the Sault St. Marie ; " even the commandant at Mackanaw was exposed to insolence." St. Pierre was sent to the scene of disorder. His judgment and courage was undou^jted. St. Pierre seized . three murderers and advised that no French traders should come among the Chippewas. While the Indians, secured by the boldness of St. Pierre, were on their way to Quebec under a guard of eight French soldiers, by great cunning and daring they managed to kill or drown their guard, and though manacled at the time, they escaped, severing their irons with an axe. "Thus was lost in a great measure the fruit of Sieur St. Pierre's good management, "as wrote Galassoniere in 1749. Affairs continued in a disturbed state, and Canada finally became involved in the war with New York and the New England colonies. Ip the West, aifairs were for some time in doubt, but the influence of the Sieur Marin became most powerfiil, and in 1753 he was able to restore tranquillity between the French, and Indian chiefs assem- bled at Green Bay. CHAPTEK III. AMONG THE INDIANS. As the war between the colonies became more desperate, the French officers of experience and distinction were called from the West to aid the Eastern str«ggle. Legardeur de St. Pierre in 1755 fell in the battle upon Lake Champlain, and Marin, Langlade, and others fJom the West, distinguished themselves as heroes. ■ After the fall of Quebec the Indians of the Northwest readily transferred their alle- giance to the British. In 1 761 the English took possession of Green Bay, and trade was once more opened with the Indians. A French trader named Penneshaw was sent by the English into the country fo the Dah-ko-tahs, and in March, 17.63, twelve Dahkotah warriors arrived at Green Bay, and offered the English the friendship of their nation. They told the English commandant that if any Indians obstructed the passage of traders to. their country, to send them a belt of Wampum as a sign, and "they would come and cut them off as all Indians were their slaves or dogs." After this talk they pro- duced a letter from Penneshaw, explaining the object of their visit. AMONG THE INDIANS. 29 In June Penneshaw himself arrived with most welcome news fr6m the land of the Dah-ko-tahs, bringing with him for the commander of the post a pipe of peace, and a request that English traders be sent to trade with the Sioux of the Mississippi. A tradition still exists among the Sioux that the elder Wah-pa^ sha, or, as we might say, Wah-pa-sha the First, was one of the twelve Da-ko-tahs who visited Green Bay. Notwithstanding the English had conquered all the vast territory between the lakes and the Mississippi, and had the proffered friendship of the Sioux to strengthen their influence with all the other Indian tribes, the lines of trade between the territory of Louisiana and the newly acquired territory of the English were not closely drawn, and French influence was sufficiently potent to send most of the furs and peltries to their post at New Orleans. The cause of Indian prefer- ence for the French may be found in the latter's gaiety of character, and their ability to confoHcn to the circumstances that may surround them. The Canadian voyageurs and woodmen displayed a foijdness for high colored sashes and moccasins that was pleasing to the bar- baric tastes of the Indian women, and many of them, joining their fortunes and their honors with those of the French, raised children that were taught to reverence and obey them. In addition to the influences extended by, these ties of blood, the kiudness and devotion to their religious faith exhibited by the Catholic missionaries won upon the imagiuations of the Indians, and many were won oxer to a profession of their faith. The tribes which came under their influences looked upon the priests as veritar ble messengers from God, and called them the "good spirits," be- lieving that they were the mediums only of " good spirits." All Indians are spiritists, believing implicitly that the spirits of departed human beings take an interest in mundane affairs. The English; in conti'ast with French management, had a bluff and arbitrary way of dealing, that, however successful it may have been with eastern tribes, was for a time very distasteful to the Sioux. However, the English learned something in due time by contact with these Indians, and from French politeness ; but some years were required before their success with the Sioux was established. For some years the trade seems to have been abandoned west of Mackanaw, to the French. In the year 1766 Jonathan Carver, a native of Connecticut, visited the upper Mississippi, and his reports 30 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. concerning the beauty, fertility and resources of Minnesota aroused some attention to fhe value of these new possessions. Carver was a man of keen observation and discernment, and some of his predictions regarding the "new northwest," though scoffed at by sonie at that time, proved almost prophetic. Carver died in England in 1780. After his death, a claim was set up to a large tract of land said to have been given him by the Sioux, and since known as the "Carver tract." The claim was investigated after the territory came into the pos- session of the United States, but it was found to be untenable. Carver found the Sioux and Chippewas at war when he arrived among them, and was told that "war had existed among them for forty years." Chippewa and Sioux tradition both make the time much longer. It was 'supposed by the English that the policy of the French traders fostered war between the Sioux and Chippewa nations. Whether this be true or not, ^t is certain that French in- fluence continued paramc^unt in the country for some years, but as the French that remained after the transfer of the country to the English were inferior in intelligence to those in authority while the French held possession, we are principally dependant upon Indian and mixed blood tradition for what occurred in .this vast territory until after the revolution. Tradition tells us that an Englishman, located near the mouth of the Min-ne-so-ta river, was killed while smoking his pipe, by an Indian .named Ix-ka-ta-pe. He was of the M'de-wa-kan-ton-wan band of Dah-ko-tahs. As a result of this unprovoked tourder, no other trader would visit this band, which had already been divided by dissensions, and been driven by the Chippewas from territory formerly occupied east of the Mississippi. In earlier times this decision of the traders, would have been disregarded, but then it was of vital importance to their well-being if not their existence ; for they had learned to depend upon gnns instead of bows and arrows, and therefore suffered for want of am- munition and other supplies, and were at the mercy of their well- armed enemies. After a grand council it was determined to give up the murderer to English justice. Accordingly a large party of Sioux, with their wives and the murderer, started for Quebec. In order to avoid their enemies the Chippewas, they took the usual canoe route by the Wisconsin and AMONG THE INDIANS. . 31 Fox rivers to Green Bay. While on this journey, the ridicule of other tribes and their own dissensions caused a desertion of over half of their number, and upon their arrival at Green Bay, but six, of whom some wel-e women, persevered in their intention to go on. When about to start, the murderer also disappeared ingloriously. The leader of |:he little band of six, then called Wa-pa "The Leaf," told his followers that he himself would go as an offering to the British commander, and if required, would give up his life that his people might not be {iestroyed. On arriving at Quebec, his motive and heroism were both appreciated by the English governor, and the chief was sent back to his prairie home, loaded wi1;h abundant supplies of the coveted ammunition and Indian trinkets ; and as evidence of 'his gratitude d'emaiided a British flag to wave ovei* his territory. A gaudy uniform, which included a red cap, common enough in early days, was also given "The Leaf," or as Grignoh calls hitn, the "Fallen Leaf," and as he represented the Dah-ko-tas as a nation of seven principal bands, he was given seven medals for the respective bands, the one for himself being hung by a tassel cord upon his neck by the English commander at Quebec in person. This noble band of Spartan Sioux wintered in Canada and had small-pox, though in a mild form, and when the navigation of the great lakes was fully opened in the spring they safely returned to their tribe. Before reaching their village, which had been again divided during their absence, they dressed themselves in their finest apparel, and marching in Indian file at the head of his devoted companions, the chief entered his village with red cap and flag conspicuously displayed. The chief was hailed, after Indian custom as Wah-pa-harsha, or "Eed Cap," which, by abbreviation soon became Wa-pa-sha. Wapasha's sucQ^ssful return and denunciation of the cowardly desertion by his comrades, cheated another division, which was made permanent by his leaving "Rpd Wing's " band and removing to the present site of Minnesota City, known to the Wah-pa-sha band as 0-ton-we, "the village," probably because of its having been a very ancient dwelling and burial place of Indians. There, at Gilmore and Burn's valleys, they had their cornfields and summer residences. The band also had a village near Trempea- leau mountain and at Root river. At times', when not occupied with field work, they assembled upon the site of Winona (known as 32 HISTOEY OF WINONA COUNTY. Keoxa) and La Crosse, held their sun and other religious dances, played their games of "La Crosse," or wept over the remains of their dead. Nostrils apd sight both reminded them of this sacred duty, as the dead of their band were placed upon scaffolds, and left to fester and bleach in the open air until whitened by time. The bones and burial garments were buried in some seclutied spot, "or placed under stones in some ancient ossuary. This custom was soon abandoned, and in later years their dead were at once buried. Wa-parsha was very proud of his success wifh the English, and during one of his visits to Mackanaw, stipulated that when visiting English forts, the British comfnanders should salute him and his staff with solid shot, aimed a little high. For much of the foregoing tradition, and very much more of like character, the writer is indebted to Thomas Le Blanc, bom in 1824, son of Louis Provosal, or Louis Provencalle, an old French trader, whose ^ost was at or near the site of Pennesha's, on the Minnesota river, at Traverse des Sioux, and where, for a time, in ancient days, some of Wa-pa-sha's people were encamped. Thomas was related to Wah-pa-sha, to the Grignons and to Faribault, and was well versed in Indian and French traditions. He spoke French, English and Dah-ko-tah about equally well, and during the four months employed by the writer he was found singularly intelEgent and truthful. ■ ^ The first Wah-pah-sha was grandfather to the one removed from his Winona village by treaty in 1851-3. His memory is still held in great reverence by his descendants and the whole Sioux nation. His deeds of prowess and of benevolence- are still preserved in tra- ditions and songs that are sung by medicine-men or priests to the young of the ti'ibe ; and even the Winnebago members of the Wah-pa-sha family have learned to sing them. As a specimen of these rude verses, compelled into rhyme, the following song is given : SONG OF THte DAH-KO-TAHS. Wah-pa-sha ! Wah-pa-sha ! good and great brave, You rode into battle, made enemies slaves ; Your war-chief was strong in spirit and frame. And many the scalps he hung on Ms chain. Your " Red Cap " was known in the East and the West ; You honored the English, and hoped to be blessed ; You clothed your red children in scarlet and blue ; You ever were kind, devoted and true. AMONG THE INDIANS. 35 The skins of your Te-pee were brought from the plains; Your moccasins dressed with Chippewa brains * Your war-whoop saluted by British real shot,t Gave peacefuUest token they harnied you not. Then rest thee, brave chieftain, our night has come on, The light has departed from all thou hadst won ; Thy people lie scattered on hillside and plain ; Thy corn-flelds, thy prairie, we cannot regain. Notwithstanding the esteem in which, his memory is now held, during his lifetime Wah-pa-sha became the subject of dissensions in his tribe, and leaving the cares of chieftainship principally to his son, he roamed at will with a small band of devoted followers of his own tribe, and a few Win-ne-bagoes, one of whom had married his sister Winona, and whose daughter Winona, called the- sister of the last Wah-pa-sha '(though but a cousin), played s6 important a part in the removal of the Winnebagoes in 1848. Old Wah-par sha finally died at a favorite winter encampment on Root river, and was taken to Frairie du Chien for burial. When news reached the Mississippi, in 1780, that Col. George E. Clark, of Yirginia, was ' in possession of Illinois, and was likely to take possession of Prairie du Chien, a lieutenant of militia, twenty Canadians and thirt/-six Fox and Dah-ko-tah Indians were sent with nine bark canoes to secure the furs collected at that post. Wah-pa-sha was in command of the Indians. The canoes were filled with the best furs, and sent by Capt. Langlade, who had charge of them, out of danger from capture, and a few days afterward the Americans arrived with the intention of attacking the post. During this year, also, a squaw discovered a lead mine near the present site of Dubuque. During 1783-4 the Northwestern Companj' was organized, but some of the members becoming dissatisfied, an opposition company was formed by Alex- ander McKenzie and others. After a sharp rivalry for some time the two companies were consolidated. In 1798 there was a reorganization of the company, new part- ners admitted, and the shares increased. The new management was thoroughly systematized, and their operations made very profit- able. *The brairds of animals are used in dressing deer skins, t A stipulation at Mackinaw, required a salute to Wah-pa-sha of solid shot when he visited that fort. 3 36 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. In about the year 1785 Julien Dubuque, who had settled at "La Prairie du Chien," and had heard of the discovery by a Fox squaw of a lead vein on the west side of the Mississippi, obtained permission at a council to work those mines, and he established him- self upon the site of the city that bears his name. Dubuque was the confrere of De Marin, Provosal, Poquette and others who have prominently figiired in the fur trade of that period. The principal traders, however, were Dickson, Frazer, Renville and Grignon. James Porlier, an educated French Canadian, was acting as clerk for Grignon, on the St. Croix, at this time,, together with the pompous and eccentric Judge Reaume, afterward so noted at Green Bay. Porlier, while with Dickson at Sauk Rapids, gave Pike useful information during his visit to the upper Mississippi in 1805, and afterward, moving to Green Bay, acted as chief-justice of Brown county for sixteen years. The treaty of 1783 failed to restore good feeling between England and the United States, as the British posts were not at once surrendered, and this fact served to keep the Indians hostile. The English pretended not to have authority to give up posts on Indian territory. This excuse was set up in the interest of the En- glish fur traders, but it was finally agreed by the treaty effected by Mr. Jay that Great Britain should withdraw her troops by June 1, 1796, from all posts within the boundaries assigned by the treaty, and that British settlers and traders might remain for one year with all their former privileges, without becoming citizens of the United States. The Northwest Company seized upon this opportunity to establish posts all over Minnesota,. They paid no duties, raised the British flag in many instances over their posts, and gave chiefs medals with English ensignia upon them. , By these means they impressed the savages with the idea that their power still remained supreme, and this impression was a fruitful source ,of annoyance, and even danger, to Americans, for years afterward. In May' 1800, the Northwestern territory was divided. lu December, 1803, the province of Louisiana was officially delivered by the French to the United States government, and in March, 1804, Capt. Stoddard, U.S.A., as agent of the French govern- ment, received from the Spanish authorities in St. Louis actual possession of this important territory, transferring it very soon there- after to the United States. AMONG THE IMDIANS. 37 It was now deemed expedient that this valuable territory, so recently purchased, should be fully explored, and the Indians be made to acknowledge the full sovereignty of the Federal govern- ment. Upper Louisiana, including a large p^rt of Minnesota, was organized immediately after the transfer, and on January 11, 1805, Michigan territory was also organized. Gen. Wilkinson, placed in command at St. Louis, finding that the laws of his government were still unrecognized by the English traders in the new territory, in 1805 sent lieut. Zebulon M. Pike to expel the . traders and bring some of the prominent Indian chiefs to St. Louis. Pike was cour- teously received and hospitably entertained by the wily Scotch and English traders of that period, but they secretly resolved to dis- regard and circumvent the policy of the United States government in its proposed management of the Indians. Pike visited the different tribes along the Mississippi as far up as Sandy and Leech lakes, and made a treaty with the Dah-ko-tahs for sites for forts at the mouth of the St. Croix and Minnesota rivers. Wintering in the country of the Chippewas, he was enabled to induce them and the Sioux to smoke the pipe of peace, and in the early springtime started with ' representatives of both nations for St; Louis to conclude articles oi friendship and commerce intended for the benefit of these hostile races. Upon the "Aile Rouge," or "Red Wing," hearing of a secret attempt to shoot Lieut. Pike by a young Sioux, he spoke with vehemence against the character of some encamped at the mouth of the Minnesota river, and offered to bring^'the would-be assassin to Pike for punishment. Pike found at the Red Wing village an old chief known as Roman Nose, and who had been the second chief of his tribe, desirous of giving himself up for some instrumentality in the death of a trader. The Indian name of the chief was not. given, but it was said he had been deposed in consequence of the murder of the trader. Pike thought it impolitic to tell the penitent chief that the matter was beyond his jurisdiction. On his way down the river Pike speaks of Winona prairie by its French name of "Aile" or "Wing" prairie, and of Wah-pa- shas encampment below La Crosse, probably at mouth of Root river. He also gives Wah-pa-sha his French name of La Feuille, "The Leaf." La Crosse he calls De Cross, but when speaking of the game played at Prairie du Chien by Sioux, Fox and Winnebago 38 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. contestancs, he calls that "a great game of the cross," showing clearly that he did not know the French origin of the name. While at Prairie du Ohien, Wah-pa-sha sent for Lieut. Pike, "and had a long and interesting conversation with him, in which he spoke ot the general jealousy of his nation toward their chiefs," and wished the "Nez Corbeau," as the French called the "Roman Nose," reinstated in his rank as "the man of most sense in his nation." This conversation shows another noble trait in the character of Wah- pa-sha. Before leaving Prairie du Ohien for St. Louis, Pike established regulations for the government of the Indian trade, but his disap- pearance from "La Prairie" was the signal for Cameron, Rolette, Dickson and their subordinates to disregard them. Cameron and Dickson were both bold Scotch traders, who seem to have disre- garded all regulations and laws, except those of hospitality and humanity. Cameron died in 1811, and was buried on the Minnesota river. Dickson lived to take an active part in the war of 1812, and have few but his ill deeds spoken of in history. CHAPTER IV. TKOUBLES WITH THE INDIANS. In 1807 it was becoming evident that the various Indian tribes in the Northwest were forming a hostile league against the United States government. In 1809, a Nicholas Jarrot made affidavit that English traders were supplying [ndians for hostile purposes. Indian runners and envoys from the "Prophet" were visiting the •Chippewas, while Dickson, who was the principal trader in Minne- sota, held the Indians along the waters of the Mississippi subject to his will. Gov. Edwards, of Illinois, reported to the secretary of war that "The opinion of Dickson, the celebrated British trader, is that, in the event of a war with Great Britain, all the Indians will be opposed to us, and he hopes to engage them in hostility by making peace between the Sioux and Chippeways, and in having them declare war against us." A principal cause of the great influence of Dick, son was his alliance by marriage with the noted Dah-ko-tah chief ^'Red Thunder," whose sister he had taken as his wife. TROUBLES WITH THE , rNDIANS. 39 In May, 1812, two Indian couriers were arrested in Chicago, supposed to have letters for Dickson. The Indians had anticipated arrest, or else, for, greater security, had buried their letters until they should resume their journey, and nothing being found upon their persons they were released. A Mr. Frazer was present when the letters were finally delivered to Dickson, who was then at "the Portage " in Wisconsin, and said the letters conveyed the intelli- gence that the British flag would soon be flying upon the fort at Mackanaw. During this period, Cadotte, Deace and others were collecting the Chippewas of northeastern Minnesota on Lake Superior, and at Green Bay. Black Hawk was given command of the Indian forces to be assembled. Dickson gave him a certiflcate of authority, a medal and a British flag. Before it was known that war had been declared, the American commandant at Mackanaw was surprised by the land- ing of British troops and traders, and a demand for the surrender of the garrison. "With the British army came well known traders, prepared with goods to trade under the British flag. An American, taken prisoner at the time, wrote to the Secretary of War: "The persons who commsRnded the Indians are Robert Dickson, Indian trader ; John Askin, Jr., Indian agent, and his son," both of whom were painted and dressed in savage costume. Neill says : "The next year (1813) Dickson, Eenville^ and other fur traders, are present with the Kaposia, Wah-parsha, and other bands of Dah-ko-tahs, at the siege of Fort Meigs." While Renville was seated, one afbernoon, with Wah-pa-sha and the then chief of the Kaposia band, a deputation came to invite them to meet the other allied Indians, with which the chief complied. '* Frazer, an old trader in Minnesota, told Renville that the Indians were about to eat an American." * * * "The bravest man of each tribe was urged to step forward and pa:rtake." * * * A Winnebago was urging a noted Sioux hunter to partake of the horrid feast, when his uiicle told him to leave, and addressed the assembled warriors as follows : "My friends, we came here not to eat Ameri- cans, but to wage war against them ; that will suffice for us. " Trah-pa-sha said : "We thought that you, who live near to white men, were wiser and more refined than we are who live at a distance, but it must indeed be otherwise, if you do such deeds." Col. - Dickson sent for the Winnebago who had arranged the intended 40 HISTORY OF WrWONA COTINTT. .feast and demanded his reason for doing so disgusting a deed. His answer sheds no light upon his motive. The fall of Mackanaw alarmed the people of the Mississippi valley, and they called loudly for the defense of Prairie-du-Chien. In May, 1814, Gov. Clark leil St. Louis for this purpose, and taking possession of the old Mackinaw House, found a number of trunks full of papers belonging to Dickson, one of which contained this interesting extract : "Arrived from below, a few Winnebagoes with scalps. Gave them tobacco, six pounds of powder and six pounds of ball. " A fort was built by the Americans, and named " Shelby." The Mackapaw traders, hearing of this, organized a force under McKay, an old trader, and started in canoes to dispossess the Americans. The British force was guided by Joseph Rolette, Sr., and, land- ing some distance up the Wisconsin river, marched -to the village and demanded its surrender. The fort was unfinished and scarcely defensible, but its com- mander, Lieut. Perkins, replied that he would defend it to the last. On July IT the gunboat, under command of Capt. Yeiser, was attacked by the British and Indians. The boat moved to a com- manding position above, but was soon dislodged by the enemy, who crossed to the island, where they availed themselves of the shelter of trees. The boat was then run a few miles below, but was unable to do much execution. For three days Lieut. Perkins made a brave resistance, but was finally compelled to capitulate, reserving the pri- vate property of his command. After placing his prisoners on parole, the British victor escorted them to one of the gunboats, upon which they had but about a month before come up, and, crestfallen at their discomfiture, they were sent back down the river, pledged not to bear arms until exchanged. Some bloodthirsty savages followed them in canoes, but made no victims. Lieut. Campbell came up from St. Louis about this time with a small force to strengthen the garrison, and, landing at Rock Island, held a conference with Black Hawk at his village near by. Directly after leaving, news came to Black Hawk of the defeat at Prairie-du- Chien. His braves at once started in pursuit of Campbell's com- mand. A severe encounter was incurred, the lieutenant was TROtlBLEB WITH THE INDIANS. 41 wounded and some of his men killed. During tlie fight a boat was , captured, and the force was compelled to retreat back to St. Louis. After the capture of Fort Shelly, it was named by the British Fort McKay. In August, 1814, Maj. Zachary Taylor was sent up with a force in gunboats to punish the Indians who had attacked Lieut. Campbell, but to his astonishment found the British and Indians in possession of Rock Island. Fire was opened upon Taylor from a battery, and the first ball fired passed through a gunboat commanded by Capt. Hempstead. Taylor's boats were all disabled and he was compelled to retreat down the river a short distance for repairs. In that engagement one was killed and eleven wounded. With the Americans who came down to St. Louis after the surrender of Prairie-du-Chien was a "one-eyed Sioux," who had aided in the defense of Capt Yeiser's gunboat. ' During the autumn of 1814, in company with another Sioux of the Kaposia band, he ascended the Missouri to a convenient point above, and, crossing the country, enlisted a number of his people in favor of the Americans. After these professions of friendship, most likely from Sioux nearest St. Louis, he went down to Prairie-du-Chien. Dickson, upon his arrival, asked his business, and snatched from him a bundle, expecting to find letters. The Indian told Dickson that he was from St. Louis, and would give no further information. Dickson confined the Sioux in Fort McKay, and threatened him with death if he did not give information against the Americans. The "one-eyed Sioux" was proof against all threats, and he was finally released. The stubborn savage soon left for a winter sojourn among the river bands, and returning in the spring of 1815 he soon heard the news of peace having been restored. As the British evacuated the fort they set it on fire, with the American fiag flying as it had been run up, seeing which, the " one- eyed Sioux" rushed into the burning fort and saved the fiag. A medal and a commission were given him by Gov. Clark, which he treasured and exhibited upon frequent occasions, while rehearsing his many exploits. These interesting facts taken from Weill's valuable history, relate 42 HISTORY OF WBSrONA COUNTY. • to Ta-harmie, the "Rising Moose," mentioned by Lieut. Pike in his journal. i He was well known to the writer as the "one-eyed" medicine chief, or priest, of the Wah-pa-sha band of Sioux, though he seemed equally at home with other bands and with the Winnebagoes, all of whom reverenced him for his bravery and intelligence. His fre- quent boast of having been the only American Sioux during the war of 1812, made him quite famous among the American settlers of "Winona county, while the pretentious cock of his stove-pipe hat and 4lie swing of his mysterious medicine-bag and tomahawk-pipe gave ' hini character among his Sioux and Winnebago patrons. His serv- ices were in frequent demand; and even now, in 1882, he is' spoken of by the older Indians as a great hunter, a great warrior, and a good priest. His more modern name of Tah-my-hay, "the Pike," corrupted" into Tom-my-haw by the American settlers, was probably taken by himself as the adopted brother of Lieut. Pike, after an "Indian custom. His "Winnebago name of Na-zee-kah, an interpretar tion of his Sioux name, shows clearly that he was known as "The Pike." In regard to the "Tomahawk," that so mystified Dr. Foster, whose interesting and elaborate article is quoted from by Neill, it appears probable, allowing something to imagination, that the father of Lieut. Pike had a tomahawk, the head and handle of which formed a pipe, and that Lieut. Pike had taken it with him on his mission to the Sioux and Chippewas as a calumet or pipe of peace. That, meeting with and forming a close tie of friendship with Tarharmie, the ' ' Eising~ Moose," he gave him a memento of his everlasting friendship, in peace or war, by presenting the "pipe tomahawk," in such common use along the Canadian border in early days. The writer's memory was in fault as to the certainty of its being Tah-my-hay who, of all , the Sioux, was so expert in the use of the tomahawk, but R. F. Nor- ton, a merchant of Homer, Minnesota, comes to his aid by relating the following incident : During the early days, said Norton, my brother, the doctor, and myself, were listening to an old dragoon settler's account of his skill and prowess with the sabre. Flourishing a stick, he told how easy it was to defend himself against the assault of lance or bayonet. Tom-my-haw happened to be present, and understanding more than the valorous cavalryman supposed, or, as proved agree- able, asked the white warrior to strike him with his stick. This the dragoon declined to do, but, being urged, he made a demon- TBOUBLES WITH THE INDIANS. 43 stration as if intending to strike, whep, with a movement of Tom-my-haw's tomahawk, the stick was caught, and whirled to a safe distance. Norton described the tomahawk as a combined hatchet and pipe. In his youth, Tom-my-hay was a noted hunter, and after the disruption of the Me-day-wa-kant-wan band, joined Ked Wing's subdivision, and afterward that of Wah^pa-sha. He told the writer that during one of his hunts, while following the game into a dense Tamarach thicket," a sharp, dry twig entered one eye and destroyed its sight. The vanity of Tah-my-hay was something remarkable, but his devotion to the Americans was vouched for by his tribe. After the war had closed. Little Crow and "Wah-pa-sha, by request of the British command, made a long journey, in canoes, to Drummond's Island, in Lake Huron. After lauding their valor, and thanking them in thfe name of his king, the officer laid some few pi'esents betore them as a reward for their meritorious services. The paltry presents so aroused the indignation of Wah-pa-sha, that he addressed the English oificer, as appears in NeUl's History of Minnesota, as follows : "My Father, what is this I see before me? A few knives and blankets ! Is this all you promised at the beginning of the war? Where are those promises you made at Michilimackinac, and sent to our villages on the Mississippi? You told us you would never let fall the hatchet until the Americans were driven beyond the mountains ; that our British father would never make peace with- out consulting his red children. Has that come to pass ? We never knew of this peace. We are told it was made by our Great Father beyond the water, without the knowledge of his war-chiefs; that it is your duty to obey his orders. What is this to us ? Will these paltry presents pay for the men we have lost, both in the battle and in the war? Will they soothe the feelings of our friends? Will they make good your promises to us ? " "For myself, I am an old man. I have lived long, and always found means of subsistence, and I can do so still ! " Little Crow, with vehemence, said : " After we have fought for you, endured many hardships, lost some of our people,^ and awak- ened the vengeance of our powerful neighbors, you make a peace for yourselves, and leave us to obtain such terms as we can. You . no longer need our services, and offer these goods as a compen- sation for having deserted us. But no ! We ^^iU not take them ; 44 HISTORY OF WLNONA COUNTY. we hold them and yourselves in equal contempt." So saying, he spurned the presents with his foot, and walked away. The treaty that soon followed at Portage-des-Sioux, won over, to the United States the fealty of the Dah-ko-tahs, of Minnesota, and the disgust expressed by "Little Crow" and "Wah-pasha on their return to their people, for a time, at least, rendered any further serious difficulty with them improbable. A period has now been reached in the early exploration and occupation of the territory of the Dah-ko-tahs^ when the traditions relating to that era have been merged in the experiences of the writer. It is not merely the vanity of self-assertion that induces him to give his own personal experiences in early pioneer life, but, to connect the past, with the present mode of life in Minnesota, he thinks, may give a clearer impression of the character of the early pioneers than has generally hitherto obtained. The writer's father. Dr. Bradly Bunnell, was born in New London, Conneticut, in about 1781, and his mother, Charlotte Houghton, was bom in Windsor, Vermont, in about 1785. Soon after their marriage they came to Albany, New York, where the eldest sister of the writer was born, and where also was born her husband, Stephen Van Rensselaer. From Albany his parents moved to Homer, New York, whei-e the eldest son, Willard Bradly Bunnell, was born in 1814. Ten years 'later, 1824, the writer was born in Rochester, New York. ^ While living in that beautiful city, his father conceived the idea of visiting the Territory of Michigan, and in 1828 went to Detroit. The writer is made sure of the time, by the date of a diploma of his father's membership in the Detroit Medical Society, signed by Stephen C. Henry, president, and R. S. Rice, secretary, and other papers in his possession. In the autumn of 1831, Bradley Bunnell started for Detroit, with the intention of establishing himself in the practice of bis profession, but, delayed by the inclemency of the season, and lack of secure transportation, was induced to open an office in Buffalo. His practice grew into importance, and during the season of cholera, 1832, the calls for his services to relieve the distressed and dying were almost constant. The writer Lad an attack of Asiatic cholera, and passed into what was supposed by consulting physicians to be a collapsed stage of the disease, but the heroic treatment decided upon caused a rally of TEOTTBLES WITH THE INDIANS. 45 the vital forces, and the grim enemy was routed. Although but eight years old at the time of the Black Hawk war, that event, and incidents connected with it, he distinctly remembers. The passage through Buffalo of United States troops on their way to the scenex of conflict made a vivid impression that years have failed to eradi- cate. In 1833 it was thought advisable by the writer's father to move up to Detroit, but meeting with what he thought a better opportiinity to establish himself, after a short delay at Detroit, con- tinued on up to Saginaw. There he purchased forty acres of land, that now forms part of that flourishing city. He alscf bought forty acres that forms the site of Oarrolton. Soon dissatisfied with his purchase, and the felicity afforded by howling wolves and croaking bullfrogs in their gambols and songs of love, he left in the sweet spring-time for metropolitan life in the French village of Detroit. His family, on the score of economy, and most likely for want of ■*eady funds, were left in Saginaw to care for the household goods and garden, and the children to cultivate their unfolding intellects at a country school. The writer was called "Pet" by. his mother, and was allowed to run at large with Chippewa children (whose tongue was soon acquired), visit their camps, sugar-groves, hunt, fish, swim, skate and fight, to his unbounded satisfaction. His pride was to excel his dusky competitors in all things, and this was soon accom- plished, to the admiration of an old Chippewa warrior instructor by his killing two immense bald eagles at the age of eleven. The writer was not then aware of the importance Indians attach to the kilKng of an eagle. His mother soon became satisfied that her "Pet" was learning more of the camp than the school, more of the hi-yah, of Indian music, than of that taught by his sisters. After a few writt&n notes received from his teacher (confidential), and a vain attempt to take all of "his hide off," after the most approved methods of that '■'■good old time''\'i). It was thought best, upon one of his father's periodical visits, to place the writer in a Detroit " classical school." At about the age of twelve the misguided boy was placed in the Latin school of Mr. O'Brien, of Detroit, who has for many years taught the young ideas "to shoot," fitting many young men with preparatory instruction for useful livesv Mr. O'Brien had been educated for the Catholic priesthood, but discovering some peculi- arity in his character (it was thought to be his temper) un suited to so sacred an office, he opened his Latin school in Detroit. 46 HISTORY OF WLNONA COUNTY. There can be- no doubt of the masterly ability of O'Brien as a teacher ; but his method was the old one he learned in his bible, to "spare not the rod ! " So, after a very short term at that school, receiving in the meantime a few extra lessons in the manly art of self-defense, the writer one day with a ty-yah ! left the school and his books never to return. A new method was then tried with the young savage, and his experiences at the "Bacon Select or High School," of Detroit, are cherished in grateful memory. The writer made rapid progress toward the goal of his ambition, a liberal education, but the "wild- cat mania" had seized upon his father, and as a consequence of losses, sickness and deaths in his family, the boy aspirant had to be made self-supporting. He was placed in the drug store of Benjamin T. Le Britton, opposite Ben Woodworth's hotel, where he boarded for a time upon his arrival in Detroit, and with that kind and upright gentleman, and his successor in business, he remained until the fires that raged in the wooden buildings of that period had destroyed them. Before the destruction of the American or Wale's Hotel by fire the writer was boarded at that house by his employer, and while there remembers, that Henry K. Schoolcraft boarded there also for some considerable time, engaged, probably, upon his Indian works. A Chippewa maiden in attendance upon his invalid wife (who was of mixed blood), though shy, seemed pleased when spoken to in Chippewa, which, boy like, the writer would do. For a time, at intervals, though young for the work, he was sent by his employer to take orders and make collections in Ohio, Ken- tucky and Virginia. It was now thought advisable to engage -the writer in, the study of medicine. This was distasteful to him, but finally, with his ex- perience asa druggist to build on, in' 1840 he went into his father's office in Detroit, and in winter, for want of other resources, attended private clinics and demonstrations. The reading and confinement involved was too great a change from his former and accustomed habits, but nevertheless, in order not to disappoint the fond expectations of his. parents, he worked against his inclinations. He had continued his studies, more or less regularly, when a most welcome letter from his brother, Will ard B. Bunnell, decided him, in the spring of 1842, to go to Bay-du-jSToquet where Willard was engaged in the fur trade. , CHAPTEK V. PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS. A POINT has now been reached in this paper where it will be more convenient to use the pronoun of the first person singular, and accordingly I will say that my recollections of the passage of Gen. Scott and his troops up the lakes, in 1832 ; my intimacy with Indians, annually renewed by their visits to Detroit and Maiden, Canada, to receive payments ; my acquaintance with all the old-time French fur traders and their offspring, at Detroit, and of the traditions told me by the Snelling boys of their father and their grandfather. Col. Snelling, all conspired to imbue me with a romantic idea of '■'■going out West " into the Indian territory that has never yet been realized. At my father's table I had heard Col. Boyer, the Indian agent at Green Bay, speak in glowing terms of that beautiful sheet of water and its rock-bound islands and harbors ; and I had also heard the Williams, of Pontiac and Saginaw, as well as my mother's cousin. Dr. Houghton, speak in my presence of Indian traditions relating to silver and copper mines upon Lake Superior. I asked myself then, with boyish fancies, why I could not find one. My dream of the conquest of fortune was at first rather rudely dispelled iipon my arrival at my brother's house, but upon mature r^fiection I decided not to return to Detroit. I found my brother in very poor health and about to move to the upper Mississippi. The climate of this lovely region^ even at that early day, was extolled by the fur traders for its salubrity, and for persons suffering from any form of lung disease it was thought to be almost a specific. Exposures and excesses frequently incident to frontier life had left their marks upon Willard, and I at once decided to aid in his removal to a drj'er atmosphere. Will bought of the Chippewas and fitted out two of their largest bark canoes, and after selling to Mr. Lacy, of Green Bay, all of his stock of furs, and loading his sloop, "The Rodolph," with choice maple sugar, he closed out the remnant of his winter stock of goods to the Indians encamped on the shores of Green Bay, taking in payment their choicest furs and pSltries. 48 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. Upon his arrival at the city of Green Bay all of the purchases made from the Indians were disposed of at enormous profits, includ- ing one of the bark canoes, capable of carrying about four thousand . pounds. The other canoe Will loaded with the lighter fabrics of his trade, and, after a few days' delay in procuring a suitable pUot, or guide, started up through the rapids of Fox river. My brother was accompanied by his wife, nee Matilda Des- noyer, who was of the old. French stock of Desnoyers, myself, a voyager, and an old Menominee Indian pilot, who spoke Chippewa well, and said he belonged to the band of Osh-kosh. The Indian went with us only to the head of the rapids, or foot of Lake Winne- bago, as agreed upon, but gave us so clear a description of the route to be followed to Fort Winnebago, that we reached that ancient portage without assistance or diflBculty. At the Buttes du Mort ( the mounds of the dead ), we found a most intelligent mixed-blood trader, named Grignon, a descendant of the celebrated French officer Langlade, who offered us generous hospitality and inducements to remain with him. I think that the maiden name' of my brother's wife, Desnoyer, influenced the "old trader upon its incidentally becoming known to him, for he spoke in the highest terms of the Desnoyer family as personal friends of his in troubled times. Grignon told us that "the mounds of the dead " had no relation to the battle with the Fox Indians, fought on the opposite side of the stream, but were ancient tumuli, of which none hut the most vague traditions existed! After a day's rest, we pushed on up through the intricate wind- ings of Fox river. We were not very heavily loaded, our cargo consisting for the most part of calicoes, red, green and blue cloths, blankets^, cutlery, beads, and other baubles, so that upon the whole our trip was a very pleasant one. Some of the Winnebagoes encountered on the way were at first inclined to be somewhat surly, and demurred to the prices fixed upon the goods, and no doubt our firm and non- chalant demeanor was all that prevented an attack from one encamp- ment, where it was intimated a tribute would be acceptable. This intimat'on angered my brother, and in a choice vocabulary of hlanJc Chippewa, which their association with the Menominees of Green Bay enabled them to understand, Will poured into their unwilling ears sounds that utterly silenced them. Tlie Ho^chunk-o-raws, or "Sweet Singers," as s6me translate their name, changed their PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS. 49 tune and brought out their remaining furs, and would have loaded our frail bark at our own prices, to the top of the gunnels. Willard expected to sell the iiirs collected on this journey at Fort Winnebago, but failed to do soj as the enterprising trader and commercial traveler of the St. Louis, or Choteau Company, had already made his annual rounds, and had started for Prairie Du Chien. However, by some unexpected delay, we met La 'bath after we had started from the Portage, and were assured of a sale at "La Prairie." At the "Portage, our canoe and its bulky cargo were transported by wagon to the Wisconsin, down which, after having been "pocketed" a few times in misleading channels, we journeyed tri- umphantly. At Prairie Du Chien, we met Charles Le Grave, a merchant, whose family I had known in Detroit, and also the trader La 'bath, both of whom were willing to purchase our furs, but at reduced rates. We did not quite realize expectations in the final sale of our Indian commodities, for the season had too far advanced for the profitable sale of furs. Consulting with Le Grave, after a long conversation with La 'bath regarding the upper Mississippi, we took their advice and decided to go to the "Soaking Mountain," known now as Trempealeau. We were told that in the near future the site of the village would be the emporium of trade, and we were assured of a hearty welcome from a hospitable Kentucky pioneer named Keed. By the treaty of November 1, 1837, the Sioux and the Winnebagoes mixed bloods ceded to the United States all their territory on the east side, of the Mississippi, and it was supposed by the old traders that town sites would become of great value. Francis La"'bath, though a half- breed Sioux, had the energy, if not the business capacity, of a railroad magnate, and as a trader and collector of furs for the American Fur Company, he had become familiar with the Indian " territory of the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers. In addition to his trips of purchase for the fur company he had personal interests to supervise, for he had established small posts and wood-yards at several points for trade on the Mississippi between Prairie du Chien and Lake Pepin. La'bath's first post was at the head of the "Battle Slough," where Black Hawk was defeated, and it was generally managed by La'bath in person. He had another so HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. small post on tlie east side of the river, about three miles below La Crosse, that commanded the trade of Koot river and vicinity and ■was an important winter post. Eoot river was known to the Winne- bagoes as Oah-he-o-mon-ah, or Crow river, and not the Cah-he-rah, or Menominee river, as stated by some writers. The Sioux -also called Koot river Oah-hay Wat-pah, because of the nesting of crows in the large trees of its bottom lands. In the winter of 1838-9 James Douville atid Antoine Keed (Canadians) established them- selves at Trempealeau in the interest of La'bath, but more to hold the town site than for the purposes of trading with the Indians. A wood-yai'd was established on the head of the island opposite Trem- pealeau, and some land cultivated by Douville, but nothing, of con- sequence done to induce a settlement at Trempealeau. La'bath was a cousin of the last chief Wah-pa-sha, and as a half-breed was allowed to establish himself where white men were prohibited from settling. In accordance with La'bath's privileges he was interested in the ' haU-breed tract at what is now Wabasha, and had petty posts estab- lished at every point where trade might be secured. At or near what is now Minnesota City, on the Rolling Stone, Labeth placed his nephew, Joseph Bonette, to trade .with the Wah-parsha band, and abandoning his lower posts, established one a few miles below the mouth of White-wat6r, at a point known as the Bald Bluflf. This post was known to the Winnebagoes as Nees-skas-hay-kay-roh, or White- water Bluff, while his EoUing Stone post was called Nees-skas-hone- none-nig-ger-ah, or Little White-water. The Sioux name for White- water is Minne-ska, and for EoUing Stone E-om-bo-dot-tah. Wat-pah, a river or creek, is sometimes added, though not often, as the creek, like many words in Indian, is to be understood. It should be understood that most of the petty posts established on Indian terri- tory were temporary huts of logs for winter quarters, occupied and again abandoned when no longer serviceable to an ever-changing trade. A ^hort time previous to the breaking out of the Black Hawk war, a war-party of Sauks attacked an encampment of Dah-ko-tahs ' on Money creek. The young daughter of the Sioux war-chief Wah-kou-de-o-tah was captured and was being hurried from the camp, when her cries were heard by her father. With a spirit worthy of his name he rushed through the rear guard of the foe, and with his own war-club alone brained three of those who had opposed the rescTle of his child. At the sound of his war-whoop his braves PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS. 53 instantly came to his support, and few of the Sauks were left to tell of their defeat. This attack, though so bravely repulsed, alarmed the "Wah-pa-sha band, and after the fight they made their principal encampment in Wisconsin, near the Trempealeau mountain, until after the treaty of 1837. Their spring gatherings and dances were still held, however, at Keoxa. This statement was recently given me by a half-blood Sioux and Winnebago relative of Wah-pa-sha, who was in the fight of over fifty years ago on Money creek. This statement is confirmed by the Grignons, who inform me that their uncle La Bath vacated many petty posts when threatened, and reoccupied them again when the supposed danger was past. The post at the Rolling Stone was finally abandoned in about 1840. Joseph Borrette, who was then in charge of La Bath's trading post, built a small cabin near the site of the Green Bay elevator, at East Moor, which served as a winter post until about 1843, when it too was abandoned. During the winter of 1842-3 I attended a pay- ment held in the oak grove below where the elevator now stands, and which, I think, proved to be the last one made individually to the Wa-pa-sha band. Mr. Dousman and others from Prairie du Chien were present to look after their interests, but with all their sagacity and experience there were transient traders enough with "spirit water" to gobble up a liberal share of the five-franc pieces then paid the Indians, to the no small disgust of the agent. All after-payments were either paid in goods, or if in coin, the payment was paid in bulk at Fort Snelling. La Bath's relationship to Wah- pa-sha gave him great personal influence, and by his advice James Eeed was selected and appointed as their farmer and storekeeper. Soon after Eeed's appointment he employed Alexander Chienvere, a son-in-law, to break fifteen acres of land at the Gilmore Talley for the band, and Charles H. Perkins, who married Miss Fam am, Eeed's stepdaughter, was soon after employed to break ten acres more for Wah-pa-sha on the east side of Bums' creek, on what is now Miss Maggie Bums' farm. When that work was done the chief declared himself well satisfied, and sent the workmen back to Reed. La Bath himself was employed by the fur company for a number of years, but his nephew, Joseph Borrette, kept up the trade of his uncle, with varying success, until about 1844, when all of the petty posts were abandoned. Those old cabins served as stopping-places in winter for the old mail-carriers, Lewis Stram, Baptist and Alex. Chienvere, and others, and the one on the Prairie island above 4 54 inSTOKY OF WINONA COUNTY. Winona was occupied by old Goulah, a French Canadian, who had been for some years in the service of La Bath, bnt, growing too old for journeyings in the wilderness, was placed in charge of a wood- yard established by La Bath on the island above the Wah-ma-dee bluffs, now Fountain Gty. But to return. We renewed our sup- plies of provisions and left "La Prairie" buoyant with hope, a south wind wafting our im-k up the Me-ze-see-bee, or great river, of the Chippewas. "We arrived at La Crosse in the delightful month of June, 1842, and were received by the trading firm of Myrick & Mil- ler in a very courteous manner. They then occupied a mere shanty or small log cabin, but were at work upon the foundation of what afterward grew to a house of fair dimensions, though the archi- tecture was somewhat of the composite order. To their original structure they afterward added a hewn block-house, Indian room, and frame addition, and this building, a warehouse, stable, and other outbuildings belonging to the firm, formed the nuclei of La Crosse. There has been some discussion between Mr. Nathan Myrick, of the old firm of Myrick & Miller, relating to the first settlement of La Crosse ; and while I concede the possibihty of a house having been erected on the prairie before that of Mr. Myrick's was built, I do not believe it, as no evidence of the fact was seen, or the event talked of, by any of the old traders. On the contrary, Eeed, who as a soldier had camped on the prairie some years before 1842, spoke of Myrick & Miller as the pioneer settlers of La Crosse. Even though a small cabin had been built before Myrick's arrival, running fires or government steamboats, the crews of which had to provide wood while on their voyages, would have removed every vestige of the fact of the building's previous existence ; and besides this, until the ratification of the treaty of November, 1837, the Winnebago Indians would allow no permanent settlement upon their domain east of the Mississippi without a special arrangement with them. Upon landing at La Crosse, Miller was especially hospitable, and offered to wager us "theskoots" that we would not find another such a chance for settlement as La Crosse afforded, and urged us to remain and help build up a city. We were not then very favorably impressed with the advantages claimed for La Crosse, but thanked Miller for his courtesy and interest in our behalf. Finding us firm in our purpose of visiting the "Rattlesnake hills," as he and Dous- man called the Trempealeau bluffs, he volunteered to aid us in PERSONAL EECOLLECTIOKS. 55 locating a claim, and to break up sufficient ground for a potato-patch should we return after seeing how vmmense the rattlesnakes were up at "Jim Eeed's town." MiUer was a man of most generous impulses and strong attach- ment, but crosses rendered him as stubborn as resistance itself, and this quality subsequently marred his happiness. After renewed assurances of good fellowship between Willard and Miller, mellowed, no doubt, by a few prvoate interviews, we continued on up the broad river, resting in the shade of the forest- clad bluffs, while our light canoe ploughed its course at their base, or stopping at other times where a gushing crystal fountain invited us to blend its limpid waters with our midday lunch. The Eagle's Nest (the remains of which may still be seen), now known as the "Queen Bluff," because of its surpassing beauty and perpendicular height, had living occupants, as we were informed, that had held possession for many years before. Subsequently they were dispossessed by Eeed and some of his Dah-ko-tah friends to celebrate a war-dance. At Catlin's Rock%, now Richmond, we found the red paint discernible that marked Catlin's name; and had it been used to paint one of his savage chiefs, it would have ren- dered the canvas more imperishable than the rocks that still bear his name. The wind rising up for a vesper breeze, we put on all sail, and in a short half-hour's run landed at Trempealeau. James Heed, his son-in-law, James Danville, Joseph Borrette, and others of the family, came down to the river bank to greet us, and after explaining our purpose in coming, and presenting a letter from Le Grave, Heed invited us to his house, and soon had his whole household interested in our welfare. "We were invited to supper, and the manner in which it was done precluded a declina- tion of the hospitality. We retired early, but not until a sheltered place for a winter home had been suggested for us by Heed. Reed was at our camp early next morning, and leading the way to a most refreshing spring in a little valley above the present site of the village, Willard selected it for a temporary residence, until, as he said, he should be able to learn something of the country. We asked Reed in reference to danger from rattlesnakes, and were told that, to annoy him, or retaliate for disparaging remarks he had made about a miserably poor dog having been used in naming the "Dog Prairie " (Prairie du Chien), Dousman had retorted by calling 56 HISTOEY OF WINONA COUNTY. his Trempeleau village site "The Kattle-Snake Hills"; and the worst part of it is, said Eeed, "he directs all his letters by steam- boat in that way, and nervous people will scarcely land." It was evident to both Willard and myself that Dousman's name was not entirely a fiction, and we adroitly returned to the subject. Keed finally confessed that though he had been there but two years, having established himself in 1840, he had seen quite a number of rattlesnakes; but his hogs, he said, were fast exterminating them, and he hoped they would soon disappear, for, said he, "old hunter as I am, / step high in going through the ferns and grasses of the lluffs.^'' The Winnebago name of the locality, Wa-kon-ne-shau- ah-ga, means the place of rattlesnakes on the river. We were told by Eeed that it was the westernmost peak of the range that was called by Hennepin La Montaigne, qui Trompe-a L'eau, and that the name was a translation (probably understood by signs) of the Winnebago name of Hay-nee-ah-chaw, which signified about the same thing, that is, that the mountain was "getting pretty wet," The Sioux called ther mountain Pah-ha-dah, "The Moved Moun- tain." La Crosse was so named by the French, because during peaceful eras the most athletic of the Indian tribes in the surround- ing country assembled to play Indian shinny-ball, called Wah-hin- hin-ah, staking horses, blankets, wampum, and sometimes even their squaw slaves, on the issues of their national game. The lower end of the prairie, near Michel's brewery, was the place of assembly; but the game of ball was so common among all Indians, that the name of their game was never given to a locality. At one time, along the foot of the blufis, back of the sandy portion of the prairie, within the memory even of white settlers, that locality was famous for strawberries, and for this reason the Sioux called La Crosse Wah-zoos-te-cah, meaning the place of strawberries, when La Crosse was designated, but the Winnebagoes, more given to naming localities from peculiarities in the geological formation of their country, called the La Crosse valley to its junction with the Missis- sippi, E-nook-wah-zee-rah, because of the fancied resemblance of two prominent mound-shaped peaks north of La Crosse to a woman's breasts. Coon creek was called Wah-keh-ne-shan-i-gah, and the mounds situated on Coon prairie were said to have been remarkable for the number of stone and copper implements found in and about them. ' Black river was appropriately called Minnesap-pah, by the Dah-ko- PEESOKAL EECOLLECTIONS. 57 tabs, and Ne-sheb-er-ali by the Winnebagoes, both names signity- ing black-water. The Trempealeau river was called Ne-chaun-ne- shan-i-gah by the Winnebagoes, and "Wat-a-Pah-dah, both meaning the overflowing river. The Chippewa was called by the Winne- bagoes Day-got-chee, ne-shan-i-ga, meaning the river of the gartered tribe, as they called the Chippewas, and the Sioux called it Ha- ha-tone Wat-pah, meaning the river of the dwellers at the falls (as the Chippewas were known to the Sioux), as it was one of the prin- cipal routes of travel to the Chippewa country. Beef slough and Beef river were both called by the Sioux Tah-ton-kah-wat-pah, and by the Winnebagoes Te-chay-ne-shan-i-gah, because of the locality being the last resort of the buifalo east of the Mississippi, though some were seen on Trempealeau prairie at a very late date. The Winnebagoes called the site of Winona, De-cone-uck, and the whole prairie Ose-cah-he-aitch-chaw, meaning the prairie village, or its equivalent. The Dah-ko-tahs called it Ke-ox-ah, translated to mean the homestead. The French called it La Prairie Aux-Ailes (pro- nounced O'Zell), or Prairie of Wing's, — for what reason I have been unable to learn, but as the Wah-pa-sha village was colonized from the Ked Wing band, it would appear as if the Indians of the village of Ke-ox-ah might have been known to the early French traders as one of the Eed Wing villages. Ke-ox-ah seems to have a specific meaning, like Tee-pe-o-tah, or 0-ton-we, both of which mean a village or collection of tents, but Keed thought "The Homestead" as good an interpretation as could be given the word. Reed was not a very good linguist, and said that he had been frequently misled like Gov. Doty, who, while mapping Fox river, supposed Ne-nah, or water, to be the Indian name of the river, and at once put it down on his map as Ne-nah, or Fox river, and for a number of years it so appeared on the official maps of the state. James Reed informed us that he had been in the United States army under Col. Zachary Taylor at Prairie du Chien, and that during trips to the pineries of the Chippewa, under com- mand of Lieut. Jefferson Davis and others, the beauty of the site of Trempealeau, and the scenery of the river above and below, had so impressed him that he had resolved to settle there when his term of service should have expired. His purpose was delayed for various causes, as he came to Prairie du Chien when quite young, but finally, after many years, Reed had established himself and was in comfortable circumstances. At the time of our arrival Reed had a 58 HISTOKY OP WINONA COUNTY. large drove of cattle and young horses, whicli the Indians never stole, but would ride occasionally, to his great annoyance, as they galled the backs of his horses and thus exposed their brutality. Tlie houses erected by Gavin, the Swiss missionary, and his associates, Louis Stram and others, in 1837-8, upon the land now owned by the Trowbridge brothers, east of the Lake of the Mountain, were used by the Winnebagoes and their Sioux relations to catch the horses, as in fly-time the horses would go into the dark log cabins to escape these pests. During the summer of our arrival Keed burnt up the cabins to abate the nuisance, saying that they would never be of further use for missionary purposes. By the treaty of 1837 the Sioux, and the Winnebagoes allied to them, had agreed to remove west of the Mississippi. This agreement was not fulfilled until 1840, the year of Seed's settlement at "Monte-ville," as he used to call his location at times, and this fact will account for the persistent efforts of the Swiss to establish their mission. The Sioux Indians, according to Eeed, were very willing to have Monsieur Gavin, Lewis Stram, and others on the east side of the Mississippi, culti- vate corn and vegetables to give them (all for the love of God), but they preferred their dog-feasts, sun and scalp dances, to the pious teachings of the missionaries, and after one or two years of hopeless work the missionaries left their Trempealeau mission and farm work in disgust. Like most Kentuckians, Eeed was very fond of horses, and had improved his stock by the importation of a young thoroughbred stallion. The brute was a very intelligent animal, and refused to be ridden by any of Heed's family of boys, who were then quite young. Eeed bantered me to ride the horse, saying, "If you will subdue him you can use him as your own." Eeed himself was a good horseman, but thought himself rather old to ride the colt. I accepted the old Kentuckian's kindly offer, and so won upon him by subduing his stallion that a horse was always at my service. The stallion, a beautiful iron-gray, after a term of service, was sold to an officer at Fort Snelling. James Eeed was a remarkable man in many respects, and one of the best types of a pioneer hunter and trapper I ever knew. His first wife was a Pottawatomie woman, by whom he had five children four of whom are still living ; his son John, also a great hunter, died from a gunshot wound accidentally inflicted by his own hand while hunting deer. Eeed's second wife was the widow of the trader PERSONAL EECOIiLECTIONS. 59 ramam, a partner of Col. Davenport, who was murdered at Eock Island a number of years since. Eeed's stepdaughter, Miss Mary Ann Famam, married Mr. Charles H. Perkins, and is still living near Trempealeau. Eeed's last wife was the estimable widow Grig- non, mother of Antoine and Paul Grignon, of Trempealeau. Mrs. Grignon was the sister of Francis La Bath, the noted fur-trader, and a cousin to the younger chief Wah-pa-sha. She was first married to a French Canadian named Borrette, to whom was born Joseph Bor- rette, who so many years managed La Bath's post at the Polling Stone. To Mrs. Grignon-Eeed and her intelligent family I am much indebted for interesting facts connected with the pioneer settlement of Trempealeau and "Winona counties. Mrs. Eeed's death was an irreparable loss to her family, and a subject of regret to all who knew her. For several years in succession Eeed used the land cultivated by Louis Stram, the first Lidian farmer, who had tried to act in concert with his countrymen the Swiss missionaries; and while thanking his stars for finding land already for his use, Eeed said that the austere and industrious character of the missionaries ren- dered them unpopular with Wah-pa-sha and his band. According to La 'bath, both Stram and the government black- smith at the present site of Homer were somewhat afraid of the Sioux Indians. Francis du Chouquette, the blacksmith, removed Ms forge to the island opposite Homer, known as The Blacksmith's Island, and after a raid by a war-party upon the Wah-pa-sha village he left his forge and anvil upon the island and fled to Prairie du Chien. My brother Wiilard found the anvil, and it was in use for some years in Homer. Upon the site of Du Chouqaette's shop in Homer I occasionally find fragments of iron and cinder, and the spring, walled .up by him, was intact only a few years since. The next attempt to proselyte the Sioux and establish in their village at Winona was made by the Eev. J. D. Stevens, who, ac- cording to my information, had an appointment of. some kind as farmer and chaplain. His efforts were no more successful than had been his Swiss predecessors Louis Stram and Mr. Gavin. Eeed used to regard the discomfiture of Protestant missionaries with resigna- tion^ and say that if the Sioux would not receive the Eoman OathoHcs, with the infiuence of the French mixed bloods to aid them, it was simply out of the question for Protestants to succeed. According to Eeed and La 'bath, Stevens got lost in an attempt 60 HISTORY or WINONA COUNTY. to reach tlie camp of Wah-pa-sha, but was found and kindly treated by one of the band, and after an interview with the chief, in which he was told-that no white man would be allowed to settle on their territory, Stevens crossed over to the "Wisconsin shore opposite Winona and made a temporary shelter for himself and assistants, and then left for provisions and to confer with the authorities. He finally abandoned his attempt to make unwilling christians of heathen savages. La 'bath could probably have changed the order- ing of afiairs in "Wah-pa-sha's counsels, but it was not his interest to do so, and besides, he believed that but one revealed religion existed upon earth, the Catholic, which he professed. The half-breeds were all Catholics; and although they exerted a most potent influence against any Protestant interference with the Sioux, they never inter- fered with the medicine-men, but joined, like Frontenac, in their scalp-dances and ceremonies. Hence their great influence with them. In 184:1 another attempt to settle upon the site of Winona was made by Thomas Holmes and Eobert Kennedy and their families, but they were not allowed to establish themselves on the prairie. After several ofl"ers made to Wah-parsha, and his refusal to allow the establishment of those men among his people, they opened a trading-post at the Wah-ma-dee, or Eagle Bluffs. This point of trade was for some years known as Holmes' Landing, but is now called Fountain City, from the numerous fountain-like springs that supply its inhabitants. Soon after we arrived at Eeed's village of " Monte- ville," we made the acquaintance of Holmes and Kennedy and their families, and a man in their employ named Smothers. Tom Holmes, the moving spirit of the trio, was the most persistent of pioneers, and had aided in the early settlement of Kockford, and other towns in Illinois, and after leaving the "Landing," commenced the settle- ment of Shockpay on the Minnesota river. Holmes' flrst 'wife was the sister of Kennedy, who was from Baltimore, and both were accustomed to good living and knew how to prepare it, as they had kept a hotel in Maryland. My brother and myself took dinner at their house while 4aiding Captain Eaton (of the flrm of Carson & Eaton) to drive cattle up the Chippewa. Eaton and a man named Darby had had their horses stolen from them by the Winnebagoes near La Crosse, and were left on foot to drive a large drove of cattle. Near the head of what is now called the Mississippi slough six shots were fired at us by a small party of WINONA CITY XS EMBKYO. 61 Sioux from Red "Wing's band, one of which broke a leg of an ox, and the others cut twigs of trees over our heads. While this in- teresting target practice was going on I ambushed the Sioux rifle- men, and but for Captain Eaton and my brother would have killed two of the war pa/rty^ as I had them at my mercy. While relating our experience to Holmes, I observed a peculiar smile and glance of intelligence from his wife, and upon inquiiy found that in our ignorance of Dah-ko-tah, Captain Eaton had offered a deadly insult to the Indians while trying to ask our way. However, the Eed Wing band subsequently paid for the ox disabled by the Sioux, as I was informed, a year or two afterward. CHAPTER VI. "WINONA CITY IN EMBRYO. Aftee considerable exploration of the country, charmed with the scenery and pleased with the soil and water, we decided to build a house in the little valley pointed out to us by Reed, and where we had before built a small cabin. When our determination was made known, Reed, his son-in-law Dauville, and a hired man and team, came at once to aid us, and we soon had raised up a comfortable log house. A year or two after Reed's appointment as farmer and sub- agent of the Wah-pah-sha band, I returned the favor in part by aid- ing Reed to construct the body of the first house ever built in Winona. The men who aided me in "carrying up the corners" were Joseph Borrette, Reed's wife's son, a nephew of La Bath, James Dauville, Reed's son-in-law, and a Canadian named Goulet, alternately em- ployed by Reed as cattle-grazer, woodchopper and storekeeper. Goulet had been previously employed by La Bath at Minnesota City, knew Wah-pa-sha and his band thoroughly, and was quite a favorite with them. While in Reed's service at Prairie island, he was found by some of the Sioux in a state of intoxication, badly burnt from having fallen in the fire, and died soon after from the effects of his debauch. After the loss of his office by the prospective removal of the Sioux, Reed took down the building and floated the sawed lumber, the valuable portion of it, to Trempealeau, where it was used as an addition to his residence. When he settled upon his 62 HISTOKT OP WINONA COUNTY. farm at Little Tamarach, he sold his residence and lots in the village- to Mr. Ben Healy, and some clear joists and other lumber that had been used in Heed's Winona building now constitute a part of the large wooden store building of Mr. Fred Kribs, the principal hard- ware merchant of Trempealeau. During a recent visit Mr. Kj-ibs and Antoine Grignon pointed out to me some of the identical joists used in 1844 by us in the construction of Eeed's storehouse for gov- ernment supplies, and which was also used as a residence for him- self and men while performing their duties. The body of the house was built of white-ash logs, cut by John La Point and Goulet, Reed's men, and floated from the islands above the present city, and it occupied a spot near the store of S. C. White. It has been sup- posed by some that the Eev. J. D. Stevens built a temporary abode upon the site of Winona, but there were no inducements offered him to do so, and after his decided repulse by the Wah-pa-sha band, it would have been foolhardy for him to have attempted it. Keed, the Grignons, and the Indians all agree in this, that no missionaries were acceptable to Wah-pa-sha, and when he made, his final treaty, he insisted as a condition of the treaty that money alone should be paid him, and that he should be allowed to manage his own affairs without interference of any kind with his band. Some ash logs left by Eeed were used in erecting a cabin which was pulled down by Capt. Johnson, and they were finally cut up for firewood. My brother Willard was much pleased with the game the country afforded, and made frequent excursions with Reed for brook-trout and deer. Reed was a great hunter, but had been too long among Indians to needlessly offend them by slaughtering their game, but as he had a large family he needed large supplies of meat, and it was no unusual occurrence for him and my brother to return from a fire-hunt with three or four red deer in their canoes, . or from a fish- ing excursion with a gross or more of brook-trout. A favorite resort for trout was the spring brook or creek upon which the Pick-Wick mills are situated, and which WiUard named Trout creek. The east branch of the creek, where he caught six dozen in about two hours' fishing, he called "Little Trout." As for deer, there was never a scarcity, for the whole range of bluffs on the Minnesota side, or right bank of the Mississippi, was a favorite resort for them. Here were acorns in plenty, and after they had eaten what satisfied them, the deer went out upon some prom- ontory of bluff to watch their enemies, or descended to some breezy WESrONA CITY IN EMBRYO. 63- sandbar to escape the stings of the deer-fly. At nightfall the mer- ciless attacks of gnats and mosquitos drove the deer into the waters of creeks and rivers, and as the bewildering firelight of the hunter- noiselessly approached them in the light canoe, the deer fell a victim to his curiosity. The flashing eyes of the deer reflected back the torchlight, and told with unerring certainty where to direct the mur- derous shot. Outside of the timber, on the borders of the prairies but a short distance from Winona, elk were abundant, and a little farther west buffalo were still to be found quite numerous. We were told by Eeed that only a few years previous to our arrival buffalo- were seen on Trempealeau prairie and on the big prairie slough at the mouth of the Chippewa river known as Buffalo Slough prairie. Upon one of my numerous excursions to St. Paul and Fort Snelling I remember seeing Gen. Sibley return from a successful buffalo hunt, and he told me that in times past they had been seen from the knobs almost in sight of his establishment. The General was noted as an expert hunter and scientific rifle-shot, but upon the expedition referred to his delight in the chase was cut short by a sprained ankle received by the fall of his horse.. On the buffalo slough or channel of the Chippewa, around jutting- points, deep trails were visible, where buffalo had repeatedly passed to water, and these were in common use by elk and deer at the date of our arrival in the country. WiUard's use of the Chippewa tongue for a time prejudiced his interests as a trader, and he did not embark in the business among the Sioux for some time after his arrival here. In the autumn of" 1842 he and a Menominee Indian of great repute went up the Trem- pealeau river to hunt and trap, and in order to escape observation, and perhaps for convenience, he duplicated his Indian comrade's cos- tume throughout. At that time there was some danger from raiding parties of Chippewas, and Will said that if any should be encoun- tered, his knowledge of their language and his costume, unlike that of the Sioux, would be his safeguard. Will made a very successful hunt, and as furs were quite high in those days, the skins brought in sold for a considerable sum of" money. In an oak grove above the site of Dodge my brother killed three bears in one day. His dog, a very noted one, obtained from Capt. Martin Scott, brought the bears to a stand, and he killed them- in quick succession. At Elk creek, named during his hunt, he kiUed a couple of elk, and the Indian killed some also, but how many I. 64 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. have forgotten. The Menominee had, during the fall before, caught over fifty beavers, but while upon the hunt with Willard he had almost totally failed to trap that cunning animal. Finding himself outwitted by the beaver, and surpassed in skill as a hunter, the Indian became moody, and began a fast to propitiate the evil influ- ences that he believed were assailing him. Will tried to reassure liini, but to no purpose ; so, after repeated successes on "Will's part, and failures -of the Menominee to catch the coveted beaver, they dried their meat, and taking the skins of the elk killed, they stretched them over a willow boat-frame, and thus equipped, their hunting canoes on each side of their skin boat, they descended the Trem- pealeau just as the ice was about to close the Mississippi. Will returned alone to that once noted resort of beaver, mink and otter, and as the warm spring branches were seldom closed by ice, he was able to catch those valuable furred animals in winter. The beaver skins were at that time worth about $4 per pound. Game was quite abundant in those early days, for there were no vandal hunters to wantonly destroy it, or if they did the Indians were very likely to destroy them. Wild fowl and pigeons nested in the country and raised their broods undisturbed. As for myself, I was no hunter in its proper sfense, and having repeatedly missed deer at short range, and standing broadside to me, I determined to learn the only art that would command the respect of the pioneer settlers, or instill a wholesome dread qf my marksmanship among the warlike Sioux. My failure to kill deer was more a habit of preoccupation than a want of ability to shoot, for with my rifle, a target gun, I could pick oif the heads of grouse or pigeons, and at a mark I had repeatedly excelled Willard and Eeed, who were noted among the Indians even as the best hunters on the Mississippi, excepting, perhaps, Joe Eock, of Wah-pa-sha, and Philo Stone, of the Chippewa river. The grand climax, to my chagrin, was reached when Eeed accused me ot "buck fever." I repelled the accusation with scorn, and aiming at the eye ol the next deer I shot at, it fell in its tracks, and for ever after I was able to kill elk, bear and deer, with about equal facility. In September, 1843, in company with Tom Holmes, Wm. Smothers and my brother, I went up the Trempealeau river for the purpose of hunting elk, but our purpose was frustrated by almost incessant rain while we were on the hunt. A few deer were killed by my brother, who knew the ground hunted over, but I killed nothing but a few pinnated grouse, and a goose which I brought WESrONA CITY EST EMBEYO. 65 down with my rifle as it was flying over our camp. Neither Holmes nor Smothers killed anything, but they caught a few beavers and muskrats, the skins of which were not prime. While at the mouth of Elk creek we saw an aerolite pass over our camp, which must have been of unusual size, judging from the attending phenomena. "We were afterward informed that Several had been seen within the memory of some old Indians, to their great bewilderment. During the winter of 1842-3 we made some improvements, vis- ited La Crosse, Holmes' Landing, Black Eiyer Falls, and made a few trading expeditions to winter encampments of the Sioux and Winnebagoes. Our commerce was carried on principally by the sign-language, sticks often representing numerals above the capacity of the fingers and memory of the Indians to carry. Although the Sioux still called my brother Ha-ha-tone, the Chippewa, he was rap- idly gaining their esteem, and his success as a hunter commanded their admiration. As a consequence he was in demand as a trader. I made several trips with him that were very successful, and one with Nathan Myrick that was memorable. Upon one occasion,, while Nathan Myrick and myself were attempting to reach Decorah's camp upon the "Broken Gun Slough," a branch of Black river, during an exceedingly cold night in winter, Myrick drove his horse into an air-hole that had been filled by drifted snow, and but for the well-known war-whoop of Decorah, who I had informed of the event upon running to his camp, the horse would have disappeared under the ice, for Myrick was nearly benumbed with the cold when I re- turned to him with the aid the war-whoop had instantly called to our assistance. A few minutes sufficed for the "Winnebagoes to get the horse out of the Mississippi, but being unable to rise to his feet, the horse was dragged to the shore, blanketed and rubbed until warmth was restored, when he was taken to Decorah's camp and a flre built for his comfort by order of the chief. It is due to savage hospitality that the event be recorded. The Indians of those early times were not always as humane and considerate as Decorah. Many times I have been fired at while passing them in a canoe, simply to gratify their innate dislike of white men. Sometimes my canoe would be hit, biit as a rule they would direct their shots so as to skim the water at my side or just ahead of me. To vary their diversion, if they caught me pre- occupied, they would steal upon me and discharge their rifles so near as to give the impression that it was not really all fun that was •66 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. intended. Eeed assured me that I was daily gaining in favor among the Sioux, and that if I would join in one of their sun-dances and go through the ordeal I might become a chief He further informed me that I was called Wah-sheets-sha, meaning the Frenchman, a dis- tinguishing mark of their favor, that most likely had saved my scalp from adornment with vermilion and ribbons. Partly to reciprocate their interest in me, and to confil'm them in the good opinion Heed had facetiously said they were forming of me, against the advice of the old traders, I pitched two Winnebagoes out of the house when the next proof of their friendship was offered me, and giving the oldest son of Decorah (then head chief by inheritance) a deserved thrashing for a wanton display of his affection, I was not again troubled by any of their ordeals. Previous to that time "Willard and myself had been frequently annoyed, and sometimes angered, by the insults offered us, although aware that our nerve was simply being tested; but we had decided to put an end to all future attempts at Indian levity; and when soon after five rifles of a hunting party were leveled at me when I was unarmed, I told the Indians, who complemented me for not flinch- ing, that it was well for them I had no rifle to aim at them ! Willard and myself were both able, in due time, to make the Indians respect us, but many white people had their traps stolen and their blankets appropriated by the young warriors anxious to win a reputation for bravery. Early in the spring of 1843 Peter Cameron, a transient trader and fur buyer, came to La Crosse with a kind of keelboat loaded with goods, and after taking possession of an. unoccupied cabin, and securing the services of Asa White to manage his affairs in La Crosse, concluded to make a trading voyage up the Mississippi in advance of any steamboat. Cameron made me a proposition to go with him, allowing me pay for my services, and the privilege of taking, as a venture in trade, certain goods I wished to dispose of, and of a kind he had not in his cargo. I had almost an intuitive perception of the draft of water, and had picked up considerable of the Sioux tongue. My prospective useful- ness induced Cameron to make me a good offer, and I accepted it. Cameron was a sharp, keen trader, and one of the best judges of furs that ever came up the river. The boat selected for the voyage up the Mississippi was built for WmONA CITY m EMBRYO. 67 :a supply boat on Black river. It was about forty feet long, seven or ■eight feet wide, and eighteen inches deep, too low for safety, in Lake Pepin, but the trader was anxious and adventurous, and Dous- man, Brisbois, Eice and Sibley had, by astute management, got possession of the trade, not only at Fort Atkinson, but of the entire upper Mississippi. Hence, if any furs were to be purchased by out- side traders, they were required to be sharp and adventurous. It -was rumored that the Ewing company of Fort Wayne, Indiana, were first crippled and then floored by Eice, who succeeded Dousman in the management of the Choteau company below, while Gen. Sibley had control of the trade at the mouth of the Minnesota river. The great St. Louis company were also filling up the spaces be- tween their largest stations with smaller traders in their interest. Therefore transient traders had to watch their opportunities, and pounce down upon the tidbits as occasion afforded. Cameron and myself decided that if we could get safely through Lake Pepin in advance of the steamboat Otter, which it was under- stood would go through the lake as soon as the ice was out, we would be reasonably sure of making handsome profits on our ven- tures. My packages were light, but Cameron piled in barrel after barrel of whisky, pork, flour and heavy articles that greatly endangered •our safety. We started as soon as loaded, taking as pilot an old French voyageur named Le Yecq, and a half-breed that had been employed by James Eeed at times, and who was a most excellent hand when on duty. We rigged a large square-sail, and had a long line to run out ahead in swift water, but were so favored by the southerly spring winds that we ran up- to the foot of the lake with- out having had to dip an oar. At the widow Hudson's (now Eeed's Landing) we had a good trade, and by my advice Cameron was induced to sell a few barrels of pork and flour to lighten our boat through the lake. As the nights had been clear we determined to make an attempt to go through the lake by moonlight if the wind should go down with the sun. The night came on with weird still- ness and gloom, but later on toward midnight the moon came ihrough the clouds and all was changed to brightness. Le Point had been given permission by Cameron to go down to Eock's,' or Campbell's, a short distance below where we were to await his coming. Cameron's orders were imperative to be back 68 III8T0EY OF WESrONA COTTNTY. when the wind fell. The- wind lulled to a calm, but Le Point did not come; so after many benedictions had been left at the camp we started through the lake. The upper air had given token by scud- ding clouds of fleecy vapor that the calmness of the lower stratum might be broken at any time, but my moral courage was not great enough for me to tell my fears. Cameron was very deaf, and un- conscious of danger that did not appeal to him through his sight; and as for Le Vecq, he seemed to have no judgment, and I had lost all faith in him long before we had reached the lake. "We coasted along near the north shore until nearing North Pepin we were forced out from the jutting point by ice lodged upon the coast. Here for some time we halted, uncertain what to do, but discovering a narrow opening in the floe, that seemed to extend up to open water,, we ventured in, rowing most lustily. We had got almost through the icy strait when I heard a roar as if Dante's inferno had been in- vaded and the troubled spirits let loose. The noise came gradually nearer, and I was then able to comprehend its cause. It was the ice piling higher and still higher upon the distant point above us,. and as the wind had veered around to the westward a few points, the ice was being driven down upon us with great rapidity. Time is required to tell the story, but not much was needed for the crisis to reach us. I was steering the boat, while Cameron and Le Vecq were rowing. Cameron at first did not heed my warning to prepare for danger, and showed more courage than discretion ; but when he saw that we had, as if by magic, become blockaded in front, and that no time was allowed us for retreat, he wrung his hands and cried out, as if in agony of grief, "My God, Bunnell ! what shall we do ?" I answered : "Face the danger like men ; our goods, not ourselves, are threatened ; we can run ashore on the ice." The ice was thick enough to have borne up a horse. Our worthy bishop (LeYecq) seemingly was not of my opinion, for dropping upon his knees, he poured forth such a torrent of invective, or invocation, it was uncertain which, as would have- moved anything less cold than ice. The ice, however, came crowd- ing on, and I instantly formed a plan to save the boat. All appeals to the devout Frenchman were useless, so I motioned Cameron to my aid, and we drew the boat to the edge of the ice on the north side- of the narrowing channel, where we awaited its close. My plan was to tilt up the shore side of the boat as the ice approached to crush it, and thus make use of the overlapping ice to carry us up the WESrONA CITY IN EMBRYO. 71 inclined plane of ice that the pressure in tilting the boat would form. I unstepped the mast and placed it in readiness for use as a lever. I placed one oar beside our pilot voyageur, for use when his prayer should end, but all to no purpose — ^he could not be aroused. I called upon him in most vigorous terms, but in vain. Cameron again offered his services, but I wished him to bale his valuables, and he had scant time to do it ere the floe I knew would be down upon us; besides he was too deaf to hear in the noise, and as the sky was be- coming rapidly overcast, sight could not be entirely depended upon. Exasperated beyond further endurance, I jerked our paralyzed guide from his prayerful stupor out upon the ice, and having made him comprehend my intention, he took the oar, the boat was tilted up at the right moment, and all was saved. We were swept toward the shore with great steadiness and power, but as the ice was smooth, without injury, of any kint^. Le Vecq was sent to sleep on the land, where we had transferred our lighter goods, but Cameron and myself returned to the boat and slept soundly until daylight, when a storm of wind and rain came to break up the ice, and we were able before nightfall to cross to Bully "Wells' (now Frontenac) in safety. It was April, and .the wind thaj had subsided with the fall of rain sprang up again. The lake above was aU open, but we were held wind-bound to enjoy the pioneer sto- ries of Mr. Wells, who had established himself with a native woman some years before. Cameron chafed at Wells' recitals, and as night' fell upon us, insisted that the wind had died out and that we could go on. Wells told him that if we attempted it ws would probably swamp or water-log on Point-no-Point, as we could scarcely clear that iron-bound shore with the wind beating on it as it did at the time. I was able to hold Cameron in check until about two in the morning, when, exasperated by his seemingforgetfulnessof the danger • we had so narrowly escaped, I told him that if we beached or water- logged, his, not mine, would be the loss, and we started out into the lake to clear the point. We got well out into the lake and had made a good offing, before we caught the swell, when it was soon made manifest to me that a sail should be set to give us headway, or we would swamp before reaching the point. I proposed the sail, but Le Yecq said to Cameron, "Suppose you hist ze sail, you go to ze dev." Just then a white cap broke over the bow gunnel of the boat, and, taking a 5 72 HISTORY OP WINONA COUNTT. wooden bucket in hand, Cameron gave it to the Canadian, telling- him to bail, and without reservation gave me charge of the boat. I called him to the tiller while I bent on the sail, and in a few minutes we were skimming the water like a gull. Dropping a lee-board I had taken the precaution to rig, we crawled off Point-no-point, and rounding into the cove above, landed as daylight appeared. This second display of incapacity- in Le Vecq ended his career as principal voyageur, and I was installed as captain and supercargo. We run on up to Red Wing after breaking our fast, and had already disposed of a large quantity of our heavy goods, relieving our boat the better to encounter the more rapid current, when look- ing down the river we saw the Otter steaming to the landing. Le Point was on board, so we at once pulled out for the St. Croix. We made a rapid run to Still-Water and Taylor's Falls, and after selling out everything at high prices, Cameron corpmenced buying furs for cash, having ample supplies of coin for that purpose. Taking our way back leisurely, sometimes floating with the current, at others pulling enough for steerage way, we were able to see and stop at every trading post and Indian encampment on our way down to La Crosse. At Wah-parsha's Village, then situated on the high ground back of the river front, west of Main street, we stayed over night. Wah-pa-sha's sister, We-no-nah, (really a cousin) gave us a'tent in which to .quarter for the night, saying that it was better than our cloth tent, as there was a cold rain falling at the time. In recognition of the woman's hospitality and forethought, I gave her upon leaving in the morning, a six quart pan of flour from our scanty stores, as we had no goods of any kind left. Cameron^s subsequent career in La Crosse was unfortunate. Soon after my return to La Crosse I made a trip to St. Louis, and having an Indian's memory of localities, I was able to fix' the course of the Mississippi as far as Galena in my mind. There were but two steamboat pilots in those days for the entire river above Prairie Du Chien, and the services of those were always retained by the American or Chouteau Company, or by the supply steamers of the United States contractors for the Indian and military depart- ments. Louis Morrow, one of the pilots, was in the full vigor of mature manhood, and a more noble specimen it would be difficult to find * but the other pUot, Lewis De'-Marah, was getting old, and his sight was failing him so fast, that, as he himself said, he would soon have to '^ WINONA CITY nsr EMBEYO. 73 leave the river to younger eyes. Finding me interested in the course of the channel, De Marah would point it out to me when traveling with him, and in a short time after our first acquaintance he offered to teach and retain me with him on the river. I declined the offer, but my taste and passion for beautiful scenery led me to study the river while traveling upon it. At that time there were but few boats running above Prairie Du Chien regularly, and those of the smallest kind, such as the Kock Kiver and the Otter. The Harrises of Galena were so successful with the latter boat, that they soon brought out the Light Foot, the Time and Tide, the Senator, the "War Eagle and others in quick succession. The demand for those steamers created a demand for pilots, and Sam Harlow, Pleasant Cormack, Kuftis WiUiams and George Nichols came to the front and proved themselves as capable men as ever turned a wheel. Of the lower river pilots I remember Hugh White of St. Louis as one of the best, and his services were always in demand by the Falcon Cecilia, General Brooke and other boats of the lower trade. Although I was never a member of any legislature, I was as welcome to a free ride on any of the boats named, as a modem "dead head" on any of the subsidized railroads. As there was seldom but one pilot on a boat above Prairie Du Chien who knew the river well, my services were thought to be an equivalent for all the favors shown me, and I could go to St. Louis or St. Paul at wUl. Upon one occasion I saved De Marah from a blunder at night, similar to the one which happened him while on the Lynx in 1844. That new and beautiful steamer was riin out in 1844 on the shore below the Keye's residence by De Marah. The night was inky black, and as the fast-running steam- boat steered a little hard, the watchman was called to aid De Marah at the wheel. The Lynx was on her down trip from Mendota and St. Paul, and was running at a fair rate of speed. As they reached the shore at Keye's point, a thunderstorm burst upon them ; and as the lightning flashed, the open sky of Pleasant Valley revealed the overflowing water at the lower end of the prairie, and it was mis- taken for the Mississippi. The annual fires had at that time kept down all arbol growths except at the water's edge, and the sandy ,ridge of prairie between the river and the open water beyond had been overlooked during the momentary flash of lightning. The shadows of the Min-ne-o-way bluffs joined vnth the dense foliage of the islands and shut out the view to the east. The Lynx was run out several rods upon the 74 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. overflowed land before "fetching up," and when she halted, no means at the disposal of Captain Sooper could get her back into the channel. The most of the men were discharged and with a few pas- sengers left in a yawl for Prairie Du Chien. A few days after, while at work upon ways to slide the boat into river, the Gen. Brooke came steaming up the channel, and was hailed, for assistance. After landing and viewing the situation, Capt. Throcmorton decided to gQ on to Fort Snelling and discharge his cargo, lest some accident might forfeit his insurance, but gave Capt. Hooper assurances of aid on his returnl Capt. Throcmorton's great experience suggested work to be done during his absence, and on his return he was enabled to at once pull the disabled boat into the river and take her in tow. The LjAs. was docked and lengthened, but she never recovered her speed, and was soon disposed of by her builders. The brick and mortar thrown overboard on the prairie in taking out her boilers has been taken by some for the remains of an old building. A short time since, while strolling on the river bank near the locality of the disaster, I picked from the sandy shore an ii'on pulley-wheel that probably was dropped overboard by some one on the Lynx, as the deeply rust-eaten wheel indicated that it had been many years in the sand. It may be seen in the museum of the Winona Normal school. On May 21, 1844, a few weeks before the misfortune happened to the Lynx, Eobt. D. Lester, sheriff of Crawford county, "Wisconsin, was murdered by a Sioux of Little Crow's band, named 0-man- haugh-tay. A fruitless search had been made for the body, which was known to be in the river, but as the boat from the Lynx was descending, on its way to Prairie du Chien, thp occupants of the boat . found the swollen bodjj in a pile of driftwood, and towed it to La Crosse, where it was buried. Mr. Lester's successor in office, Mr. Lockhart, subsequently had it removed and buried at Prairie du Chien. The murder occurred within the limits of Winona county, opposite the "Queen Bluff," and not "six miles below Eeed's Land- ing," nor "twenty miles from La Crosse," as the historian of La Crosse county has stated. Mr. Lester was returning from an official visit to the Chippewa mills, and stopped at Trempealeau on his way down in a canoe His old friend Keed offered him hospitality, which he declined but accepted a lunch to eat on his way. Lester stopped at a spring'rivu- let iust above the Queen bluff, and while eating his lunch, which WrNONA CITY IN EMBBYO. 75 was scanty enough, 0-man-haugh-tay, on Ms way np from La Crosse in a canoe, landed and demanded a part of it. Lester declined a division of his scanty fare, and soon after started on his journey to Prairie du Chien. He had proceeded but a few rods, his back turned to the Indian, when the report of O-man-haugh-tay's rifle, and the "body of the sheriff seen falling out of his canoe informed La Bath, who just then carhe in sight, that a murder had been committed. O-man-haugh-tay jumped into his canoe and fled from La Bath's ap- proach, but not before he was recognized by La Bath, who knew the Indian as a vicious member of Little Crow's band. La Bath informed the authorities that though he did not see the Indian until after the shot was fired, there could be no doubt but that O-man-haugh-tay had committed the murder. After considerable delay and the use of an escort of troops to capture hostages, the murderer was delivered up and taken to Prairie du Cliien. He was kept there in prison for some time,, and then, for reasons best known to the authorities of that period, he was taken across the river im the night to a landing above McGregor, and was turned loose, as stated by himself to his listening auditors. James Reed happened to be at Keoxa (Winona) when 0-m^n- haugh-tay arrived. Wah-pa-sha and his band received the Indian with consideration, and while a repast was being prepared for him, ' Reed Kstened to the recital of the murderer, who, among his Indian friends, made no concealments of his motives or of the murder. 0-man-haugh-tay's conclusion was that the white men of the prairie were good to him, but that they were afraid of him. During his recital, after the Sioux custom, a pipe of friendship was passed around the circle of the tent, and noticing that Reed declined the proffered pipe, O-man-haugh-tay offered it to Reed in person. The audacity of the Sioux fired the old hunter, and although Reed was the only white man present, he struck the pipe to the ground and told the Indian that there was one white man who was not afraid of a dog. That epithet applied to a Sioux was the greatest insult that could be ofiiered, but it was not resented, and O-man-haugh-tay soon took his departure from the village. Reed was a man of sterling integrity of character, hospitable, and devoted to his friends, and had the murderer of Lester but have made a movement of resentment, his life would probably have paid the forfeit. Reed was a bearer of dispatches in the Black Hawk war, and had good opportunities for observation. He took dis- 76 HISTOEY OF WINONA COUNTY. patches from Prairie du Chien to the commander of the American forces when no other messenger could be induced to incur the risk, and just after the slaughter at Battle-slough, found a young squaw whose father and mother had been killed. Eeed took her with him on his return to Fort Crawford, from whence she was finally sent to her tribe in Iowa. James Keed had a personal acquaintance with all the historical personages of his time, and it is a subject of regret that his family and friends have not recorded more of his experi- ences in pioneer life. Charles Keed, of "Eeed's Landing," should note down his recollections of early times, for the pioneers of Wa- parsha county have had interesting experiences. From Reed I learned of the existence in Beef-slough of a large quantity of square timber and shingle logs that had been gotten out under direction of Jefferson Davis and other army officers for use-in building Fort Crawford. This timber was said to have been run into the slough under the impression that it was the main channel of the Chippewa river, and as there was no outlet at that time, a large raft of flood-wood and trees obstructing the channel, the lumber was abandoned, and new material prepared and run down the proper channel of the Chippewa.. Eeed's statement was confirmed to me by one made by James T. Euth, who had also been a soldier at Fort Crawford. In company with James McCain, a Pennsylvanian, we broke the drifts and opened the channel of the slough, and were well rewarded for our labor. During the spring and summer of 1843 Philip Jacobs and Dr. Snow put up a trading-house in La Crosse, and the Doctor gave some attention to the practice of medicine. During the month of November of that year he attended my brother's wife at the birth of her son Porter, who was the first white child born in Trem- pealeau county. My brother's daiighter, Frances Matilda Bunnell, now Mrs. Frank Hampson, of Eiver Falls, "Wisconsin, who was bom at Homer, Minnesota, on February 22, 1850, was the first white child bom within the limits of Winona county. There were eight children in Willard Bunnell's family, five of whom are still living. In 1843 Nathan Myrick was married and brought his wife to La Crosse. Accompanying Mrs. Myrick, as companion and friend, was Miss Louisa Pierson, of Burlington, Yermont. Like most Ver- mont girls, Miss Pierson was rosy and bright, and as fearless as were "The Green Mountain Boys." If a horse had balked in the INTERESTING USTdDENTS AND CUSTOMS. 77 «and of the prairie, her hand would soothe the stubborn brute into forgetfulness, and he would then do his duty. No saddle or bridle was needed to ride her favorite chestnut, and at her call, even the pacing Indian ponies belonging to the firm would amble to her feet. Such a woman among frontiersmen would command admiration, .and for a time, at least, her conquests were numerous and her influence beneficial, but soon it became but too evident that her preference had been given to Myrick's partner, H.-J. B. Miller, and ier whilom admirers turned their inconstant devotion to the native •daughters of the realm. Among the traders of that early period there were some who took squaws for wives, either permanent or after the morganatic fashions of the highly civilized courts of Europe. The usual method •of obtaining a help-meet from' among the Indians was to pay court to the parents of the maiden desired, and after incidentally inform- ing them of the esteem in which their offspring was held, obtain some approximate idea of her value. It was also thought advisable to make a present to the medicine- man, with an intimation that if the spirits were friendly to your • suit a larger gift might be expected. Two traders of my acquaint- ance, Asa White and Tom Holmes, formally espoused native queens, and remained faithfully with them and their children through aU changes of fortune and civilization that drove them farther and still farther to the frontier. Others, not so true to the parental instinct, 'because in Mgher life, left their squaw wives, but their children remain in the tribe, cared for and reared by their mothers, vigorous emblems of the love once borne for their fathers. CHAPTER VII. INTERESTING INCIDENTS AND CUSTOMS. In company with my old-time friend Ma.j. E. A. C. Hatch, who lias quite recently gone to a higher plane of existence, I once attended a virgins' feast at Ke-ox-ah (Winona), presided over by Wah-pa-sha. The whole band was assembled, and after elaborate preparation and sanctification of the ground, by invocations and in- cense, and sacrificial offerings had been placed for the vestal at the 78 HISTORY OF WmONA COUNTY. foot of the altar-pole, Mqck-ali-pe-ali-ket-ali-pali, the chief speaker, "came forward, and in a sonorous address, landed the virtues of chastity and warned "the denouncers" against the sin of bearing, false witness. He also told the young braves that if they knew oi the lapse from virtue of any virgin applicant for vestal honors, it was their duty, having in keeping the honor of their tribe, tO' denounce her. These young men were selected as the flower of Indian chivalry, and in addition to their duties as "denouncers," if occasion required, they guarded the sacred precincts of the assem- bly from defilement. In this respect Indians surpass white people, as seldom, if ever, has any police regulations to be enforced. At the conclusion of the chief speaker's address, Wah-kon-de-o- tah, the great war-chief of th^ band, addressed his warriors in a quiet and affectionate manner, i and told his braves to maintain the truth as sacred, and not offend the spirits of their ancestors. Wah- pa-sha then called for the virgins and matrons to come forth, after the manner still in vogue in Mexico, and for some time there was the silence of expectation. Again the call was made for any virgin to come forward and receive her reward. Two maidens came partly forward, but, upon reaching the line of denunciation, faltered and " turned back from modesty or fear, when, at this crisis, We-no-nah, the wife of the speaker, and eldest sister (or cousin) of "Wah-pa-sha, motioned to her youngest daughter, Witch-e-ain, a maiden of per- haps fifteen summers, and then in confident tones challenged the assembled throng to say aught, if they could, against the purity of her maiden child. No answei^ was given to this challenge, and, after repeated calls by the crier of the assembly, Witch-e-ain came modestly forward and was crowned goddess of the feast that immediately' followed. Her head was encircled with braids of rich garniture and scented grass, and presents of colored cloths, calicoes, yarns, beads and ribbons were lavished upon her as the tribe's representative of purity. Her fame went out among the traders, and soon after that vestal feast she became the wife of a distinguished trader. Like a caged bird, she soon pined for her prairie home, and died of con- sumption ere the leaves of spring bloomed to welcome her coming Her mother, We-no-nah, is still living,* and visits me occasion- * Since writing the above We-no-nah has gone to her spirit-home She died about November 1, 1882, and was buried near Trempealeau. It was she who gave the notice to my brother's wife, ^Slatilda Bunnell, that so excited the war- spirit of the home-guard of Winona county. nSTTERESTING INCrDEKTS AND CUSTOMS. 79 ally, always referring to the good old times of the past, when she was young and Wah-pa-sha in power. .Her age is not known with certainty, but it is probably at this time, 1882, not less than ninety years. Cho-ne-mon-e-kah, Green-Walk, a half-blood Winnebago brother of the girl, is still living, and the most expert hunter of his band. Wah-pa-sha intimated, upon one occasion, his approval of any choice I might make of a wife from among his people; and finally, an unusual thing for an Indian maiden to do, Witch-e-ain herself told me of her dislike of the engagement made for her with the trader, and asked me to take her as a free-will offering, saying that as she was the nitece of Wah-pa-sha she would be allowed to choose between the trader and myself. I was compelled, kindly, to decline her offer, but assured her of my high esteem and faith in the person chosen for her by her mother. !Not Rachael herself, in her highest tragedy, could have thrown from her sparkling orbs such burn- ing glances of hate as were shot forth upon me by Witch-e-ain at my refusal of her love. Such withering but silent contempt can only be expressed by a woman scorned. Tears have passed, and trader and girl are both in the spirit- world, or I would not speak of the incident; but in this article I wish to show that, however different in customs, the Indians still have universal feelings of nature, that make them akin. At another feast Tom Holmes was so enchanted that he decided at once to make the damsel his wife. His offers were accepted, and, so far as I was able to trace his career, she appeared to have made him a good wife. Upon another occasion Major Hatch and myself visited Wah-pa- sha's village in Indian disguise, and if our presence was recognized it was not noticed. Majjor Hatch was a man of the finest perceptions and most prac- tical judgment. To a stranger he was polite, though taciturn, but ■ .to his friends he was open and generous to a fault. The major's descriptive power was quite remarkable. As early as 1859 he gave me a description of the Yellowstone country, that I urged him to have published, as well as some of his experiences among the Wah- pBrsha, Sioux and Blackfeet Indians, with whom he had been inti- mately associated, as trader and agent, for a number of years. The major was not indifferent to his literary attainments, for he was a close student, but his reply was to the effect that no description 80 HISTORY OF WESTON A COTTJfTY. could do the Yellowstone valley justice, and that any one who deviated from Cooper's or Ned Forrest's model of the American savage would be laughed to scom in the great republic of letters. In speaking of the true interpretation of the word Minnesota, the major said, "in that word you have a fair example of the extravagant taste for romance of Americans. The word is compounded from Min-ne, water, and Sota, smoke, and means literally smoky or clouded water, because of the clouded or smoky appearance the water of the river assumes in its course to the Mississippi." " Sky- tinted water," said the major, " is entirely fanciful, as any one may see by looking at the river at Mendotah." Major Hatch served the Federal government long and well. He was postmaster at La Crosse in 1846 ; aided in the removal of the "Winnebagoes in 1848 ; was appointed agent of the Blackfeet Indians in 1855, and served in that extremely dangerous position in the Yellowstone and Big Horn country for two years. At that time none but those well versed in Indian- character, could by any possibility preserve their scalps among those war-like people. Major Hatch became almost an idol among them, and performed his duties to the entire satisfaction of the government. On his return to St. Paul he was appointed, in 1860, deputy col- lector for that port, and in 1863, after again aiding in the removal of the Winnebagoes to the Missouri, he was commissioned major by the war department, and was authorized to raise an independent battalion to serve upon the Indian and British frontier. I was offered a commission by the ma,jor in his battalion. "While in com- mand of his battalion, he devised a scheme in which Little Six and Medicine Bottle were finally brought to the gallows. Thomas Le Blanc and an associate in daring crossed the British frontier, arfd while those Sioux murderers were boasting of their crimes, they were captured and brought into Minnesota, bound on a dog train, and turned over to justice and to death. Major Hatch died in St. Paul of cholera morbus, September 14, last, aged fifty-seven years, loved and honored by his wife and six " children, and esteemed by all who had the privilege of his acquaint- ance. As for myself, I regret his departure as a long-tried friend. I was one year his senior in age and strength of body, but not of mind, and in our youth had the good fortune twice to save him from assault where his life was endangered, — once by a vicious son of Decorah, and at another time by a no less vicious white man INTERESTING INCIDENTS AND CUSTOMS. 81 « who had assaulted him unawares, and who afterward committed a murder. Those eaily experiences were remembered as a tie between us, that time nor distance could wholly sever, and now that he has left us, I wish to record my esteem and friendship for one of the noblest, Eomans of them all. There are but few of the earliest pioneers left ; James Eeed died June 2, 1873, aged about seventy-five. It would be useless to attempt the destruction of a popular idol, for there is too -little of romance in this matter-of-fact age, but it is well to state here that the Indians laugh when the legend of the "Lover's Leap" is repeated to them. " • A very casual survey of the ground at the foot of "The Leap" will show what a prodigious jumper the girl must have been, to have jumped into the lake, as many believe she did. If the legend had any foundation at all, it was most probably based upon the rebellion of- some strong-minded "We-no-nah (meaning the first-bom girl) to a sale of her precious self to a graj»-bearded French trader, as James Heed supposed, from a tradition said to exist concerning such an event. As there was an old trading-post, fort and mission established in 1727 on the north shore near the Lovers' Leap, it is more probable that some trader of that post made the purchase, than any at the foot of the lake, as Reed supposed from the Indian account of the affair. It may be that the girl threatened to jump from the cliff, so near to the old post, but if she did, -like Reed, I will venture the predic- tion that she was cuffed into submission to the will of her dear mother. I have known of but few instances of rebellion of daughters to the wills of their parents, when sold into matrimony ; hence submis- sion may be said to be almost universal. . Extremes will sometimes ineet, and here we see the untutored savage, and the belles of Sara- toga and of Paris join hands in sympathy. The American Indians have distinctive customs and traits of character, but none perhaps more peculiar than belong to other bax*- barous peoples. The language of the Algonquin race may be regarded as the most manly in expression and in poetic beauty, but the char- acter of the Dah-ko-tahs should be deemed the type of all that is possible in_ human endurance, craft and ferocity. Their sun-dance, or We-wan-yag-warci-pi can only be endured by men of ^he most determined will, and that, too, sustained by the fanaticism of a heathen devotion. Their sacred dance, "Wah-kon-tra-ci-pi, like the Winnebagoes' medicine dance, Mah-cah-wash-she-rah, is as close aiid 82 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. exclusive a communion of men of, high degree, as one given, hy Knights Templars. None but the invited and initiated are ever allowed to be present during some of the ceremonies, but after the ground has been prepared and the dance has been inaugurated by- its leader, the less favored barbarians are allowed to witness the splendor of the dresses worn on the occasion, and hear some of the laudations of valor, and the monotonous Hy-yi-yah that forms the burden of their songs. The poetic element is not absolutely wanting in an Indian, but it requires a good degree of imagination in a white man to comprehend theft- efforts in song, and considerable ingenuity to coiyiect their disjointed rhythms into rhyme. For some days previous to any sacred dance the chief medicine- men, or priests, and their neophites fast, or eat sparingly. If a do^ is to be eaten at the conclusion of their fast, or if a beaver has been secured for the feast that will follow, they are both lauded for their respective qualities ; the dog for his faifhfulness, and the beaver for his wisdom. The dog is well fed and told not to be offended because of the intention of sending him to the spirit-world, as there he will find aU that a good dog can desire, and that his bones shall be ^re^ served in the medicine lodges of the band. The bones of dogs, beaver, bear and eagles are often taken to the high priests for their blessings ; and they are then preserved in bags- or pouches and held sacred as charms against evil. These medicine- bags are a badge of membership in the sacred order, and are sacredly preserved from generation to generation. Upon one occasion I witnessed what might be termed the ago- nized regrpt of a medicine-chief at the loss of one. While intoxi- cated his canoe and its cargo of household goods had escaped him, and was' picked up by a wood-chopper named Johnson, who robbed the canoe of its contents and then set it adrift. I recovered for the learned priest all but his sacred pouch, which had been cast into the fire as a thing of no value whatever, containing, as Johnson said,, nothing but a bear's claw, an eagle's beak, a filthy rag, and some bones that he supposed to have belonged to a human hand. The medicine-man 'was a half Sioux and half Winnebago, named Ke-ra- choose-sep-kah, to whom Black Hawk surrendered afterTiis defeat at Bad-axe, and who, in company with Nee-no-hump-e-cah, delivered him to the military authorities at Prairie du Chien. Big-nose, as the Indian was more generally known, after vainly searching for the INTEEESTniTG INCIDENTS AND CUSTOMS. 88 medicine-bag, offered me, if I would find it, all I had recovered for him, which, including coin, was of at least the value of three hundred dollars. I never told the chief that the bag was burned up, and advised the thief, after compelling restitution of all except the bag, to leave the country, which the rascal did at once. The son of the great chief Big-nose stayed at my house two nights recently, .and referring to the loss of his father's medicine-bag, he regretted it, he said, because it contained powerfully-charmed relics of both tribes, besides a piece of cloth given him by Black Hawk as a memento of his friendship for having' saved him from butchery. I thought it best to tell him the bag was burned, and he seemed reheved when told the truth, as now he knew that the bag had not fallen into the hands of an enemy to work his destruction, thus show- ing that he had faith in " his own medicine." The only way in which a white man can fully understand an In- dian and secure his full confidence is to jriin the tribe and be initiated into their medicine-lodges, like Frank H. Gushing, commissioned by the Smithsonian Institution to investigate the history of the Pueblo Indians as it may be traced in their present life and customs. Few men would be found fitted for such an ofiice, and if a sintilar attempt Tvere to be made among the Sioux, it would probably involve the taking part in a sun-dance, an ordeal that a white man, however brave, would not have fortitude enough to go through. A sun-dance is sometimes given by an individual who has made a vow to the sun, and in such cases, aftei* having gone through the tortures of the •ordeal, he gives away all his property and corpmences life anew. As a general rule the dance is given as a test of courage and faith in the religious belief of the Dah-ko-tah, that the sun is the all- powerful deity of the universe, who controls their destiny and ■deserves their worship. The high ground near the present residence of Mayor Lamberton was the dancing-ground of the Wah-pa-sha band, and, strange as it may appear, the scaffoldings for the dead were in the immediate vicinity. The dance or altar pole was erected on a level place, and various devices and totems were then cut upon it and figured in yellow •ochre and vermilion. Conspicuous among the hieroglyphs was a central circle, with rays to represent the sun, and above all .were flags and gay streaming ribbons. The ground was sanctified, after the usual Indian method, by incense, down, and evergreens of cedar or juniper, though the white cedar was preferred; and distance marks 84 HisTOET OF wiisroiirA coinsrTY. set up to indicate which portion of the ground was to be regarded as sacred. Sometimes young dogs were slaughtered and left at the base of the pole, with head a little raised and their legs stretched out as if to climb up. The blood of those iiinocent victims was sanctified by the great high priest of the band, and, soaking into the sacred earth, it was supposed to be a sweet savor in the nostrils of the spirits whom it was believed were present at the dance. To show the high estimation in which Christianity is held by the Indians, I will state that I was patronizingly told by one of them that the pup- pies were placed on the altar to call good spirits to the dance, "just like Jesus." The final ceremonies, from all I could learn, were regarded as too sacred for the unanointed to witness, but I gleaned, from con- versations at various times, that for the most part they consist of cabalistic utterances in dead or extinct Idlhguages, or perhaps that of some living but foreign tribes held to be more potent than their own. As morning approaches the camp is aroused, and the whole village moves en masse to the altar-pole. Here quick preparation is made to greet the rising sun with the dance of his votaries and the shouts of his red children. Incisions are quickly made in the skin in various parts of the body of those who are to be tested, and thongs of rawhide are passed through and tied securely to the pole, from which the victim is expected to tear loose during the dance. As the sun appears a universal shout is given as an all-hail, and the dance begins. Drums are beaten by relays of vigorous drum- mers, while each dancer pipes a shrill whistle held in his mouth while dancing. At intervals chosen bands of singers shout their approval of the tortures endured, while the dancer is stimulated to frenzy by his family and friends to tear loose from his fastenings and join in the honored circle of the dance. After many plunges the brave neophyte breaks loose and dances until exhausted, when he is taken to the tepee of his family and cared for as a hero. Should one of the poor martyrs to his faith fail to free himself, his friends reproach him, or throw themselves Upon him, until their added weight tears loose the thongs, when, without a murmur of pain, he will join in the dance, and, without sustenance of any kind, continue to dance until exhausted. Should it happen that the terrors of the ordeal should overcome the courage and endurance of any who have aspired to the roll of honor, he is at once cast out from ESTTEEESTING INCIDENTS AND CUSTOMS. ' 85 among the braves and told to fish or work, but never to bear arms. One Sioux of the Wah-pa-sha band was degraded to the i-ank of a woman, and made to wear the apparel of a female. He left for a time and joined a western band, but his reputation for cowardice fol- • lowed him, and he was driven back by the contempt of the squaws, with whom he was again made to associate. He finally settled down to his fate, and learned some of the industries of Sioux womanhood. The festival of the sun is held in midsummer, and lasts several days. During its continuance the whole band join in merriment and games, and the orators and medicine-men receive large donations as a reward for their most important services. The young graduates of the dance have medicine-bags presented them, made up, for the- most part, of old relics of battles fought by their sires, together with anything most horribly disgusting that may appeal to the credulity of ignorance. "With these sacks the medicine-men pretend to work spells that will cause the death of an enemy or chase sickness from, their friends. The sun-dance is one of the many evidences of the Dah-ko-tahs' southwestern origin, as the same torture is submitted to by the- Indians of Ifew Mexico, who are also sun-worshipers. The Winne- bagoes are also sun-worshipers, and usually bury their dead at sun- rise, with head to the west. As far as I know, no northern or eastern tribe submits to the torturing pain of a sun-dance, except in a few instances, when it was imposed upon thexjredulity of one- tribe by fanatical emissaries of the Sioux. ., The Dah-ko-tahs have many legends, and may be regarded as greatly given to romance. They believe themselves to be the very salt of earth, and that Minnesota was the center of creation. How else can it be, say they, when the water runs off from our land, are- we not above all others? This idea gave 'them self-importance and arrogance in their dealings with other nations. The Sioux, though . generous and hospitable, are yet quarrelsome, and the establishment of the Wah-pa-sha band was the result of a long continued traditional quarrel, first of the Isanti, and then of the Wal^pe-ton, or New Leaf bands of Sioux. According to this tradition, given me by Le Blanc, the chiefs of the Isanti, or knife band, quarreled about the jurisdio-. tion of the chert, or knifestone quarries in the Mille Lac country, and to avoid bloodshed, the ancestors of "Wah-pa-sha established, themselves upon /the Me-day-wah-kon, or Good Spirit lake. There- they remained for a nurhber of generations, until by magic the- 86 HISTOET OP WINONA COUNTY. spirits of malignant chiefs entered into the medicine' lodges of the tribe, and again the band was torn asunder ; the peaceful portion emigrating from their pine forests and rice swamps to a country of earlier and dnfferent foliage, and the band then took the name of Wah-pe-tou, or the new leaf band. It is somewhat remarkable that- the Ohippewas call the country ^nd river immediately below the falls of St. Anthony, includingthe site of St. Paul, Ish-ke-bug-ge-see-bee, or the "New Leaf river, because in the early spring-time the leaves shoot out earlier than above the falls. The Sioux tradition goes on to relate that there they established themselves in comfort, some going up the Minnesota, where buffaloes were plenty, others, as their numbers increased at the Wah-coo-tay village, spread themselves along down to the Cannon river and to Bem-ne-cha, or the Eed "Wing village, where for many, many years they fattened on the game and wild rice of the region about them. Again they tell that in this paradise of hunters dissejisions once more arose among them, and, disregarding the warnings of previous counsels to avoid strife, the great Eed Wing and the noble "Wah-pa- . sha became involved in that quarrel. The friends and adherents of both were equally sti'enuous in the support of their respective chiefs, and after a prolonged council of the entire band, ending in an out- burst of angry passion, the respective partisans seized their war-clubs and quivers and were about to fight, but befoi*e the war-whoop was given for battle "W"ah-pa-sha commanded silence by a wave of his red cap, and telling the assembled multitude to cease their strife, threw his totem or badge of authority, the red cap, into air. A whirl- wind took it up and it instantly disappeared. At the same moment a convulsion' of the earth ^as felt, darkness fell upon them, and in the morning, when all was once again serene, they found that a por- tion of the bluff containing the ,bones of their dead, had disappeared. A party of their principal braves were dispatched in 'search of the lost mountain, and as they descended in canoes they recognized what is now known as the " Sugar Loaf," as the red cap of their chief, trans- formed into stone. ^ The distant peak of Trempealeau mountain was soon discovered to be a part of then' lost inhei-itance, and hastening on, the moving or moved mountain, or Pah-ha-dah, as it is called in the Dah-ko-tah tongue, was overtaken just as. it made a vain effort to plunge into the lake of Me-day Pah-ha-dah. The other peaks of the Eed Wing range had akeady caught upon the sandy point of the prairie, and PREHISTOKIC. 89 thereiore, claiming their truant possessions, they made those peaks the di\dding line between themselves and the Winnebagoes. It only remains for me to say, in proof of the entire authenticity of this tradition, that until defaced by the growing wants of a city, the bluff resembled in shape a voyageur cap of ancient date, and the .red appearance of the face of the cliff justified its Sioux name of Wah-pa-lia-sha, or the cap of Wah-pa-sha. CHAPTEE VIII. PREHISTORIC. Going back beyond tradition, we find in our midst evidences of a numerous people having once occupied the adjacent territory. Judge George Gale, the founder of the university at Galesville, Wisconsin, in his very valuable work, "Upper Mississippi," says, "To us of the JSTew World there is a 'Greece' that literally 'slumbers in the tomb.' A nation or people which for centuries occupied a territory nearly as large as all Europe, and had a popula- tion which probably numbered its millions, have left the graves of their fathers and, the temples of their gods so unceremoniously that their very name has disappeared with them, and we only know of their existence by their decayed walls and tumuli, and by their bones, exhibiting the human form, although in a far-gone state of decay." Jiidge Gale's book shows great research and critical acumen, and the calamity which befell the plates in the great Chicago fire should be repaired by a new imprint of the volume. My space will only admit of a reference to the work, but I cannot forego the justice to say that, so far as I know. Judge Gale was first to notice in print the mounds and other earthworks in Trempealeau county, Wiscon- sin, and at La Crescent in Minnesota. Few persons have any adequate conception of the vast area cov- ered by earthworks in the United States, or of the immense labor expended in their construction. A mound in Montgomery county, Ohio, according to Gale, contains 311,363 cubic feet of earth. One in Yirginia is seventy feet high and 1,000 feet in circumference, and 6 90 ' HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. the great Cahokia mound of Illinois is ninety feet high and over 2,000 feet in circumference, containing over 20,000,000 cubic feet, and one in the State of Mississippi covers an area of six acres. In these mounds there are sometimes found pearls, sharks' teeth and marine shells, obsidian or volcanic glass, native copper and native silver, sometimes united unalloyed, as found only in Russia and on, Lake Superior, where innumerable stone implements are still to be found that have evidently been used in extracting those metals. Lead has also occasionally been found, but not so frequently as copper. Stone implements are found in mounds and upon the sur- face, especially after plowing, wherever these ancient works appear. The implements are generally manufactured from syenite or some hard trap rock, and consist of stone pipes, hammers, axes, scrapers or fleshers, pestles, spinners or twisters, still used by Mexican In- dians. Obsidian, chert and copper, spear and arrow heads are quite common. About the mounds of the lower Mississippi old pottery is quite common, but among those of the upper Mississippi it is only occasionally found. The mound-builders must have possessed some mathematical knowledge, as some of their earthworks show a good degree of geometrical skill, as well as militaiy ideas of defense against assaults of enemies. Ten miles below La Crosse, on Coon prairie, there is a line of earthworks and mounds of considerable size and interest, and on the Clark farm, on the La Crosse I'iver, the works all seem to be of a defensible character. At Onalaska they are also quite numerous, and about one mile above McGilvray's ferry on Black river there is an old earth fort and mounds that still remain quite conspicuous. At Galesville and vicinity are quite a number of mounds, includ- ing some built in the shape of man, and many, according to Gale, in the shape of animals. The most conspicuous, because most accessi- ble, are the mounds in and near the village of Trempealeau. One, west of Mr. Boer's residence, commands a fine view from its eleva- tion above the surrounding surface. In the neighborhood of the Baptist church there are also several of an interesting character. Near Pine Creek station there are some very fine ones. At La Crescent and on Pine Creek, Minnesota, there are a number of mounds of small size ; and coming up to Winona, on the south shore, Ut intervals they appear at Dresbach, Dah-co-tah, Richmond, La Moille, Cedar Creek, Homer, Pleasant and Burns valleys. Upon the farm of Miss Maggie Burns there are several mounds that still PKEHISTORIC. 91 remain undisturbed, but along the public road several very sym- metrical mounds have been leveled in construction and repairs of the thoroughfare. Upon the table of "West Burns vaUey the Eheibeau boys plowed up some of the most elegantly-shaped stone implements ever dis- covered in any coimtry. To my chagrin, after a vain attempt to purchase them, I was told that a gentleman from Milwaukee had J. ' ■( induced Mrs. Eheibeau to part with them, and thus were lost to the museums of Winona a few celts not surpassed by any in the large collection at the Centennial Exposition. My niece, Mrs. Louise Page, found a number of arrow and spear heads and a few fragments of pottery in Homer, and near the Keys 93 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. mansion she picked from the river bank a large stone hammer, which is now in the museum of the Winona normal school. The hammer was imbedded about two feet in the soil, and was most likely buried, like the silver ornaments found near it, in the grave of some dead warrior. The Catholic emblems in silver were those in common use among the Catholic Indians and half-breeds of Can- ada within my recollection, and most prqbably belonged to some Canadian voyageur, or perhaps was buried, after the Indian custoim, with the body of some Indian (or squaw) convert to the Catholic faith. The high point at Keys' was a favorite burying-ground, be- cause of its extreme height above the river during an overflow of the lower land of the prairie. The sites selected for their biirying- grounds indicated to the old traders the Indian's anticipations of a possible overflow of the prairie. Upon the farm of Myles Koach, in the town of Homer, a num- ber of stone arrow and spear heads have been foimd by the sons of Mr. Roach, and one of copper was found which was purchased by R. F. Norton, now of the village of Homer. There have also been found along the river front in Winona copper implements, one of which, found by Geo. Cole, is in the possession of his father. Dr. James M. Cole, of Winona. Most of the implements found on the surface have, no doubt, been lost while in use, but those found in mounds and in ossuaries have been placed there with the remains of the dead. The ossuaries of Barn Bluff and of Minnesota City wei-e, no doubt, places of interment of the bones of the dead, which had been divested of their flesh by exposure upon scaffolds or trees. In the early days of my first acquaintance with the Dah-ko-tahs, no other mode of burial would satisfy their ideas of a proper sepul- ture, but after a time the example set by the white people of burying their dead had its influence, and in modem times, except among the wildest bands, the Sioux began to bury their dead soon after their demise. The body of Chandee, son of Wah-kon-de-o-tah, the war- chief of Wah-pa-sha, was buried upon my brother's property at Homer by special request of his relatives. His sister, Shook-ton-ka, the champion girl racer of the band, and some children of Wah-pa- sha, were buried near the site of the Huff house. Afler the treaty was decided upon by the band, many bones of the dead were removed and buried in secret places at night, lest they should be disturbed by white settlers, whom the Indians knew would eventually occupy the PBEHISTOEIC. 93 country. Some of the ancient mounds have been used by modern tribes as receptacles for their dead, but in such cases the fact is readily discernible, as no regard has been paid by the modern In- dians to the strata of earth, clay and sand, or gravel, of which the burial or sacrificial mounds have been composed. It is believed by some that the circle of sculls found in an ancient ossuary at Minne- sota City were the crania of victims to some religious sacrifice around the altar-pole, or else of captives slaughtered and left, as puppies are left in modern times, with heads to the pole, which might account for the position the sculls were found in. At Bluff Siding, opposite Winona, along the wagon-road to Galesville, A number of mounds may be seen, occupying an admirable position for defense. The limits of my paper have been reached, and I must hasten to a close ; but I crave my readers' interest in Behalf of my brother Willard, in connection with his settlement in Winona county. As for myself, it will suffice for me to say that, dissatisfied with what appeared to me as time thrown away upon the frontier, I returned to Detroit and; recommenced the study of medicine in the office of Dr. Scoville, an eminently successful physician and surgeon. Upon the appointment of Adrian K. Terry, uncle of G-en. Terry, to the surgeoncy of the 1st Mich. reg. during the Mexican war, I was given the hospital stewardship of that regiment, and served to the close of that war. While quartered in Cordova, Mexico, I was placed in full charge of the post hospital duMng the illness of Drs. Terry and Lembke, and returned to Detroit, Michigan, at the close of the war in medical charge of one detachment. Having acquired a taste for a free life when the gold discovery in California hecame a foot, I went overland through Mexico to Mariposa, where, com- pelled at first to fight Indians in self-defense, I finally became a member of the Mariposa battalion. While on duty in that organi- zation I became one of the discoverers of the now famous Yosemite valley, the name of which was given by myself, as will appear in my book, "Discovery of the Yosemite," published byF. H. Revell, of Chicago. During the war of the rebellion I served in the ranks as a pri- vate, and through successive promotions (having had conferred upon me a degree) reached the rank of major by a commission as surgeon of the 36th reg. Wis. Inf Assigned to detached duty on March 2Y, 1866, with the 1st Minn. , I served in that regiment as its sole medical officer until its return to Washington at the close of the war. 9^ HISTOET OP WESrONA COtHSTTY. mansion she picked from the river bank a large stone hammer, which is now in the museum of the Winona normal school. The hammer was imbedded about two feet in the soil, and was most likely buried, like the silver ornaments found near it, in the grave of some dead warrior. The Catholic emblems in silver were those in common use among the Catholic Indians and half-breeds of Can- ada within my recollection, and most prqbably belonged to some Canadian voyageur, or perhaps was buried, after the Indian custom, with the body of some Indian (or squaw) convert to the Catholic faith. The high point at Keys' was a favorite burying-ground, be- cause of its extreme height above the river during an overflow of the lower land of the prairie. The sites selected for their burying- grounds indicated to the old traders the Indian's anticipations of a possible overflow of the prairie. Upon the farm of Myles Roach, in the town of Homer, a num- ber of stone arrow and spear heads have been found by the sons of Mr. Roach, and one of copper was found which was purchased by R. F. Norton, now of the village of Homer. There have also been found along the river front in Winona copper implements, one of which, found by Geo. Cole, is in the possession of his father. Dr. James M. Cole, of Winona. Most of the implements found on the surface have, no doubt, been lost while in use, but those foimd in mounds and in ossuaries have been placed there with the remains of the dead. The ossuaries of Barn Bluff and of Minnesota City were, no doubt, places of interment of the bones of the dead, which had been divested of their flesh by exposure upon scaffolds or trees. In the early days of my first acquaintance with the Dah-ko-tahs, no other mode of burial would satisfy their ideas of a proper sepul- ture, but after a time the example set by the white people of burying their dead had its influence, and in modem times, except among the wildest bands, the Sioux began to bury their dead soon after their demise. The body of Chandee, son of Wah-kon-de-o-tah, the war- chief of Wah-pa-sha, was buried upon my brother's property at Homer by special request of his relatives. His sister, Shook-ton-ka, the champion girl racer of the band, and some children of Wah-pa- sha, were buried near the site of the Huff house. After the treaty was decided upon by the band, many bones of the dead were removed and buried in secret places at night, lest they should be disturbed by white settlers, whom the Indians knew would eventually occupy the PREHISTOEIC. 93 CQuntry. Some of the ancient mounds have been used by modem tribes as receptacles for their dead, but in such cases the fact is readily discernible, as no regard has been paid by the modern In- dians to the strata of earth, clay and sand, or gravel, of which the burial or sacrificial mounds have been composed. It is believed by some that the circle of sculls found in an ancient ossuary at Minne- sota City were the crania of victims to some religious sacrifice around the altar-pole, or else of captives slaughtered and left, as puppies are left in modern times, with heads to the pole, which might account for the position the sculls were found in. At Bluff Siding, opposite "Wiuona, along the wagon-road to Galesville, a number of mounds may be seen, occupying an admirable position for defense. The limits of my paper have been reached, and I must hasten to a close ; but I crave my readers' interest in l5ehalf of my brother Willard, in connection with his settlement in Winona county. As for myself, it will suffice for me to say that, dissatisfied with what appeared to me as time thrown away upon the frontier, I returned to Detroit and> recommenced the study of medicine in the office of Dr. Scoville, an eminently successful physician and surgeon. Upon the appointment of Adrian R. Terry, uncle of Gen. Terry, to the surgeoncy of the 1st Mich. reg. during the Mexican war, I was given the hospital stewardship of that regiment, and served to the close of that war. While quartered in Cordova, Mexico, I was placed in full charge of the post hospital during the illness of Drs. Terry and Lembke, and returned to Detroit, Michigan, at the close of the war in medical charge of one detachment. Having acquired a taste for a free life when the gold discovery in California hecame a faet, I went overland through Mexico to Mariposa, where, com- pelled at first to fight Indians in self-defense, I finally became a member of the Mariposa battalion. While on duty in that organi- zation I became one of the discoverers of the now famous Yosemite valley, the name of which was given by myself, as will appear in my book, "Discovery of the Yosemite," published by F. H. Revell, of Chicago. During the war of the rebellion I served in the ranks as a pri- vate, and through successive promotions (having had conferred upon me a degree) reached the rank of ma-jor by a commission as surgeon of the 36th reg. Wis. Inf Assigned to detached duty on March 27, 1865, with the 1st Minn., I served in that regiment as its sole medical officer until its return to Washington at the close of the war. 94 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTr. I will close this paper with an extract from a series oi articles furnished the " La Crosse Chronicle," that I hope may be deemed a fitting close to my subject. In 1848 and later, my brother Willard was employed in moving the Indians. Some of them, the Winnebagoes especially, were very much dissatisfied, and declared they would not leave for the home selected for them on the Minnesota river. Will's influence was great among them at that time, and he succeeded in collecting about three hundred of them. Having arranged with Miller for the use of the ware- house of his old firm, he quartered them in it. They seemed contented enough until a short time before the steamer came to carry them up the river, when they set up a most unearthly yell, broke through their guard, seized their ponies from an adjacent corral and disap- peared. Other means were then resorted to, and they were removed in smaller squads or details ; but they would return again and again to their native haunts as if drawn back by some occult force. Will's discernment would penetrate all disguises of paint, red, green or blue blankets, until at last they yielded to his persisted efforts and remained upon the new reservation. My brother has assured me that many of the Indians receipted for by the ofl&cers at Fort Snelling he had removed over and over again. With Indian cunning they would assume a new name with each new disguise, and the officers were unable to discover or remedy it. With the Indians went Asa White and Tom Holmes, both of whom had squaws for wives. Miller & Myrick had already dis- solved partnership before the Indians were removed, and were vir- tually out of the Indian trade, but their influence was still more or less potent in Indian affairs, and they were advised with as to their management. My brother's persevering energy in removing the Winnebagoes was awarded by a permit to trade with the Wabasha band, and he settled upon their reservation. This gave him great advantages, and obtaining the consent of Wah-pa-sha, rewarding him liberally. Will planted old Mr. Bums and his remaining family upon what has since been known as the Burns' farm, providing each member old enough with a claim. Will was unable to choose as well for himself as he had for the Bums family, for being under the impression that the site of Winona was subject to overflow, he located at Homer, which he named after his birthplace, the village of Homer, New York state. Here he PREHISTORIC. 95 built the first house in 1849, and in 1850-61 made a large addition to the building and moved into it. Peter Burns and himself became interested in a scheme to control the trade of the interior, by secur- ing the nearest "high- water landing" below Winona, and for that purpose, in conjunction with Borup, an old trader and a brother of Senator Alex. Ramsey, of St. Paul, they laid out the village of Minne-o-way, building a large hotel and storehouses to accommo- date the very large business destined to reward their enterprise. By some oversight they had neglected to comply with some provision of the law, and a keen-sighted man by the name of Dougherty, dis- covering their neglect, pounced down upon their claim, and in a suit that followed secured land, hotel and storehouses as his homestead. Bums was lucky enough, before the final decision was rendered, to sell his interests for $4,000. As to the site of Winona, known to the Dah-co-tahs as Keoxa, it was firmly believed by the old traders and lumbermen to be subject to overflow in the highest water. From the deck of a steamer pass- ing at the highest stage, the space left dry really appeared very small. In very high water all of the low land of the prairie was submerged and a volume sufficient to run a steamboat ran down south of the city, before the railroad embankment was raised. The Indians laughed at the supposed folly of the white men in building on the. "island," and it was an anticipated joke that Will would sometime be seen, pikepole in hand, rescuing the floating property of this embryo city and hauling it out upon his higher landing. Poor Will ! He had been out so long upon the frontier that he failed to realize what money and enterprise would do to improve and protect a city so advantageously situated as Winona. He and his brave wife are both gone now from the scenes of their early hopes and perils. He left in August, 1861, and she in 1868, leaving a ' family of two sons and four daughters. CHAPTER IX. GEOGRAPHICAL. The geographical position of Winona county is between parallels 43 and 45 north latitude, 44 passing through the center of the county, and between meridians 91 and 92 west, a small portion of the county lying west of 92. It is organized from townships Nos. 105, 106, 107 north, of ranges No. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 west, and contains twenty organized townships, fifteen of which are full townships, containing thirtj-'-six sections. One is organized from half a township, and one is formed of townships Nos. 107 and 108, of range No. 8. Four are irregular in form on the northern boundary, and are fractional. The county is located in the southeastern part of the State of Minnesota, and is bounded on the north by "Wabasha county and partly by the Mississippi river, and on the east by the Mississippi, which fiows here in a southeasterly direction, and on the south by Houston and Fillmore counties, and on the west by Olmsted and Wabasha coun- -ties. In shape, nearly a right-angled triangle, longest on the south- ern boundary, being about forty miles or six and a half townships in length, and twenty-four miles or four townships in width from north to south. It is regular in form on the southern and western boundaries, the Mississippi river forming nearly the hypothenuse of the triangle from northwest to southeast. The surface, within the distance of about twelve miles from the Mississippi river, is bluffy or broken, the river being about five hundred feet below the general surface. Houston county is a trifle higher in altitude ; with that exception this county is the highest on this side, and contiguous to the river from its source to its mouth. ~ Bold perpendicular ledges of rock form the sides of the bluff in many places along the river, and a considerable portion of the south part of the county contiguous to the Root river is of the same char- acter. Four townships of the northwest part of the county along the Whitewater are also rough and rocky. The remainder of the surface is undulating prairie, irregular in extent, comprising not far from six townships, and located in the central and western parts of the county. GEOGRAPHICAL. 97 When the altitude is reached there is great uniformity in the appearance of the surface, and any other highland may be visited without materially ascending or descending, the high lands being all connected by a series of ridges which form the divides between the streams which flow into the Mississippi and those which flow into the Root river on the south and the Whitewater on the north. There are no swamp lands in the county, and not a regular quarter-section that would be benefited for agriculture by artificial drainage. There are a few acres in patches along the Mississippi and along the margins of some of the smaller streams of marsh or bog lands, liable to overflow, but producing excellent grass. The waters of the county all find their way to the Mississippi ; those in the north part of the county furnish the south branches of the Whitewater. On the north and east each township contributes a stream to the Mis- sissippi. The largest and most important of these is the Rolling- stone, which drains nearly one hundred square miles of surface, and afiords water-power for six large flouring mills. There are also several unoccupied powers on the different branches of the sti'eam. Each township of the southern tier also furnishes a stream to Root river. All these streams are formed by springs, and are nearly uniform throughout the year as to supply of water, and, having considerable fall, afford water-power which in the future may be developed. The surplus water of the county finds its way to these streams through the ravines and small valleys reaching out toward the prairie in all directions. Utica,' or town 106, range 9, occupies the summit, being drained on the northeast into Rollingstone, on the northwest into White- water, and on the south into Rush creek ; and this township is also nearly the center of the prairie surface. The longest, largest, main ridge of the county begins in the southeastern part, on the divide between the waters which fiow in- to the Mississippi and those which fiow into Root river, and extends in a northwesterly direction through the townships of Dresback, New Hartford, Pleasant Hill, Wilson and Warren into Utica. From this main ridge branches innumerable extend in every direc- tian. The most important ones are Homer ridge between Cedar and Pleasant Yalley creeks, and Minneiska ridge between White- water and Rollingstone, both ridges leading to the Mississippi river. 98 HISTORY OP WHfONA COTXNTY. In the south part of St. Charles in Saratoga, and the northwest part of Fremont, are to be found some broken ridges or hills, none of them I'ising above the general surface of the county. The valleys surrounding these hills are not so deep as the valleys along the streams in other parts of the county, and in some places they gradu- ally rise and extend into broad upland prairies. In this part of the county, or among these hills, there are several fine groves of timber. Cheatem's grove in the southwest part of Iltica, Blair's grove in the northeast part of Saratoga, and Harvey's grove on the line between Saratoga and St. Charles, are the most notable. They contain a fine thrifty growth of oak, poplar and butternut, with a dense growth of underbrush in some places. At the heads of all the streams, or along their margins, timber of various kinds is found. As we approach the top of the bluffs it consists mostly of white and red oak, with patches of white birch. In the valleys are found burr oak, hard maple, white ash, rock and red elm, basswood, hackberry, black walnut, butternut and poplar. The bluff lands, which include the parts of the county lying along the Mississippi, the Whitewater and the branches of Root river, and the ridges connecting them, are generally well timbered, especially on their sides facing the north, the fires of early spring burning the south sides before the snow has left the north sides, or before they become sufficiently dry to burn. Where the fire is kept out timber rapidly springs up. As the line of the county extends to the middle of the channel of the Mississippi, and the channel sometimes passes next to the Wisconsin side, there is in the tovraships of Rollings'tone and Winona a large amount of bottom-lands covered with timber. Oak, ash, elm, birch, cottonwood, willow and ma,ple are most abundant. In the two townships last mentioned, there is lying between the bluffs and the river a sand or gravel prairie six or seven miles in length and about three-quarters of a mile in width, which is a few feet above high water, and of nearly uniform level surface. Con- tiguous to this prairie, and next to the bluffs, is a series of terrace or table lands, which are timbered with the three kinds of oak before mentioned. The same character of table-lands also occur at the mouths of all the streams that flow into the Mississippi. As we leave the timber and ridges approaching the prairie throughout the whole county, there is more or less grub or brush land, which is usually a small growth of oak, red and white. There GEOGRAPHICAL. 99 are also patches of brush land consisting of hazelnut, wild plum and crab-apple. The bluff and ridge lands throughout the county, especially the part that is timbered, consist of a clay loam varying from one foot to twenty feet in depth. As the Mississippi and the larger streams are approached, the sides of the bluffs are in many places quite precipitous, the rocks cropping out to the surface. As the bluffs are descended, the soil changes in composition by an admixture of sand and lime from the decomposed rocks. Lands lying close by the river at the mouth of the valleys have little or no clay at the surface, but the soil is underlaid by a stratum of clay or loess almost impervious to water before reaching the gravel or sand rock of the bed of the river. As we ascend the streams that flow into the Mississippi, if the valleys are broad the soil is a stiff, tenacious clay of bluish cast, but darkens in color on exposure to the air. This clay is evidently local drift, as it is stratified and does not contain any boulders, drift -coal, nor other matter indicating true northern drift. Where the valleys have retajned the wash of the bluffs, and the water-courses have not interfered, the clay is covered and mixed with vegetable mould, sand and lime, in some places several feet deep. The soil of the upland prairie is a deep dark loam, and is. under- layed by stiff clay or by rock. This soil does not materially change in color nor in texture by cropping. Among the broken ridges or hills of the south-central and west parts of the county the rocks come very near to the surface of the upland, and the lower ground, though gradually rising into upland prairie, is in places quite sandy. There is upon the surface of this sandy land an accumulation of decomposed vegetable matter very dark in color, indicating the presence of lime in its composition. The soil of the brush or grub lands is similar in appearance to that of the timber lands, but contains a much greater amount of crude vegetable matter. Spring wheat has been considered as the staple crop, but oats, - corn, barley and potatoes in the order named are largely grown. The timbered or ridge lands have produced good crops of winter as well as spring wheat for twenty-five years, and winter wheat was also grown in the valleys near the Mississippi for several years very successfully. It has not, however, succeeded on the prairie. 100 HISTORY OF WESrONA OOITNTY. Though this county does not claim to be the banner county of the state in wheat-raising, it is entitled to its full share of the credit for the popularity to which Minnesota wheat has attained for quality and amount to the acre under cultivation. It is said to be a fact that any soil which will produce good crops of wheat will also grow good crops of any of the cereals adapted to the climate. Whatever failures may have occurred in the production of the common cereals in this county, in no case can the failure be attributed wholly to the character of the soil. For the production of these grains the average yield compares favorably with any portion of the state. One instance of the marvelous productiveness of the soil may be given. Upon the first farm opened in the Kollingstone valley there was sown, in the first week in October, 1862, some winter wheat. It was har- vested the first week in July of the next year, threshed upon the ground with a flail and cleaned with a sheet in the wind, and yielded thirty-seven bushels to the acre. The same ground produced nine successive crops of wheat, and the ninth was the best that had been raised. This ground has now been under cultivation for thirty years without any particular rotation of crops and without artificial manure, and is apparently as productive as ever for any ci'op except wheat, yielding large crops annually of com, oats, barley or grass. The average yield of wheat has, however, materially decreased in this, as well as in other counties of the state for a few years past. It is believed to be owing entirely to climatic reasons, as there has been no diminution in the yield of other grains. The grass product ranks next to oats in acreage, being somewhat more than com, and within the last few years stock of all kinds is receiving much atten- tion, and so far no general diseases have appeared among swine, cattle and horses. Of other productions than those already named there is found in our market rye, buckwheat, beans, flax-seed, timothy and clover seed, grapes, tobacco, onions and honey. In the vicinity of the bluffs contiguous to the Mississippi, and along the margins of the smaller streams, crab-apples, wild plums and grapes are abundant. In the timbered belt, about the groves, and in sheltered locations, several varieties of the cultivated apples are grown. As reported by the assessors, there are at present growing in the county about 51,000 apple-trees. GEOGRAPHICAL. 101 Of the smaller fruits, grapes, strawberries, raspberries, currants, etc., are grown in all parts of the county, and yield abundantly. In character and variety of wild plants and flowers, this county does not differ materially from others similarly situated. The up- land prairie produces grass mainly. There is, however, during the summer, a great profusion of wild flowers. Upon the warm hill- sides, or on sandy land, in early spring, sometimes before the snow has disappeared, the well-known anemone is the most conspicuous ; during May and June, blue or violet and scarlet are the predomi- nating colors ; in July and August, white and yellow adorn the roadsides and uncultivated places. In the fall the moist grounds are literally covered with purple and white. In the whole timbered belt and along the margins of the streams the ground is loaded with a dense growth of rank vegetation. Wild deer had been kept out by the Indians, but for a few years after the first settlements were made they gradually increased in numbers ; a few are yet seen every winter. The black bear, being somewhat migratory, has been occasion- ally seen. Both timber and prairie wolves were at first quite common ; the prairie-wolf is still annoying the flocks, but the timber-wolf is rarely seen. Foxes, red and gray, stay about the rocky ravines and bluffs. Beaver were quite plenty in many of the streams. Several otters have been caught, also mink, weasel, and large numbers of musk-rats. The badger, raccoon, woodchuck and polecat are common. The large gray wood-squirrel and the prairie gray squirrel, the red squirrel, the chipmuck (the black squirrel has visited us, but is not at home), and both varieties of gopher are numerous. Of the rabbit the gray is most common. Of the migratory feathered species that remain here a short time in the spring, but do not nest, the wild goose, the brant, and several varieties of ducks, are the most plenty. These confine themselves mostly to the immediate vicinity of the Mississippi river. The curlew is occasionally seen, also the pelican. Of those that remain during the summer and nest here, the wild pigeon and blackbii-d are most numerous. The bittern, the sand-hill crane and bald- eagle are common. The mallard and wood-duck frequent the small streams and nest here^ but not abundantly. All the migratory birds common to this latitude are to be seen here. 102 HISTORY OP WLNOlSrA COUNTY. Of those that remain all winter the prairie-hen is most general ; the partridge, the quail, the bluejay, and several varieties of owls, are usually about the sheltered places in the timber. Speckled trout were in all the small streams of this county and very plenty. There are a few left in nearly all of them. The state fish commissioners have placed young ones in some of the streams. The water coming from springs and being rapid is nicely adapted to their habits, and some efforts have been made to propagate them. There are several fine springs well adapted to fish culture. The main difficulty seems to have been to guard against sudden overflow, as the streams are liable to rise very high and quickly. Fish com- mon to the Mississippi river run up several of the streams in the spring and return to the river again. The Mississippi furnishes a large quantity of fish yearly, the greater portion being taken with the seine. The varieties generally caught are buffalo, catfish, pick- erel, bass and wall-eyed pike. There are also sturgeon, sunfish, perch, suckers, and several other kinds. The geological formation of the county is quite uniform in char- acter. The appearance of the rocks at the surface, in St. Charles, Saratoga, and part of Fremont and Utica, is somewhat different from those lying along the Mississippi, the Whitewater, and the streams that flow into Koot river. Here, also, the valleys are much broader, and the loam, or top-soil, thicker and more evenly spread. The highest lands are tillable and usually turfed all over. The lowest visible rock along the Mississippi, and probably underlying the whole county, is the St. Croix sandstone. This sandstone varies somewhat in appearance and texture. In the south- east part of the county the quarries show a fine building-stone of superior quality for working, of a grayish color, that hardens on exposure to the air. In some places the rocks are of a reddish cast, probably owing to the presence of iron. Some of the layers are quite soft and are readily excavated. In the south part, Utica, St. Charles, part of Fremont and of Saratoga, the sand-rock cropping out of the hills or low bluffs is nearly white in color, loose in texture and disintegrates rapidly, forming a beautiful white sand. Over- lying the sandstone is the lower magnesian formation, which also probably underlies most of the county. It is a hard, flinty, whitish or lightgray rock, composed of lime and sand, 'with streaks of calcite along the larger streams. The upper portion only is visible, the lower part being covered with wash from the bluffs. This rock is not GEOGKAPHICAL. 1 03 available for use, being very hard dnd of irregular fracture, not easily quarried or worked. In some places along the Mississippi there is seen, overlying the lower magnesian, a sandstone loose in texture, crumbling rapidly and largely forming the soil of the sides of the bluffs. It is probably not more than fifteen or twenty feet in thickness. Corresponding with this sandstone, there extends through a part of the towns of Wilson, Hart, and part of Iforton, a sandstone of similar texture, but deeper colored, more firm, and in some cases regularly and beautifully corrugated. Overlying this sand- stone is magnesian limestone, its layers generally regular, but vary- ing in thickness. This is the generally-used building stone of the county. This stone does not change on exposure, and large quanti- ties are used by the railroads and shipped to Wisconsin. There are some small specimens of fossil remains to be seen in this limestone. In the vicinity of St. Charles the lindestone is largely composed of fossil remains, trilobites and cretaceous shells of several varieties. There are no evidences of northern drift in this county. Probably owing to its altitude no boulders are to be found. The clay gener- ally exists in pockets, and is stratified. There are some small deposits of loess usually in the valleys, and mound-like in appearance. Where wells have been sunk in different parts of the county, upon the higher lands, the rocks are found to be of nearly uniform char- acter, and water is not usually found till the sandstone is reached. The well of Mr. Clawson, in Saratoga, presents an unusual phe- nomena. At the depth of seventy-five feet the drill opened into a crevice or a cave, and the air rushed out with great violence. At the distance of four feet more the rock was again struck, and water obtained at the depth of one hundred and forty feet from the sur- face. The current of air in the well changes with the wind, the downward current in winter freezing the water in the pipe to the depth of the crevice, seventy or more feet, and again rushing out, so as to thaw all the ice about the well. In numerous places along the Mississippi, especially upon the gravelly headlands, are yet evidences of the mound-builders. Where the mounds have been examined little has been discovered beyond stone implements, arrow-heads, and in some places skeletons, which are no doubt intrusive burials. Large quantities of clam shells and bones of various animals are also found, mixed with pieces of charcoal and with ashes. In one case a charred package of white birch bark was found of nearly a cubic foot in size, and scattered about the mounds is usually found much fragmentary rude pottery. CHAPTEE X. EAILEOADS. Before the ratification of the treaty by which the Sioux surren- dered their lands for settlement, a party of three, headed by Robert Pike, was dispatched from Minnesota City to ascertain whether a practicable route for a railroad to Traverse des Sioux, on the Minne- sota river, existed. Early in July, 1852, Mr. Pike made a favorable report, and urged the adoption of some plan for building the road, but he was then accounted an enthusiast, and his scheme dismissed as visionary and impracticable. Early in 1864:, however, the project was revived, and, after several ineflFectual attempts at organization, a charter was obtained from the legislature March 4, 1854, by Orrin Smith, Henry D. Hujff, Abram M. Fridley, Lorenzo D. Smith, John L. Balcombe, Alexander Ramsey, "W. A. Gorman, Henry H. Sibley, J. Travis Rosser, Andrew G. Chatfield, Henry McKenty, 0. M. Lord, Samuel Humbertson, Martin McLeod, Benjamin Thompson, William H. Newton, James Hanna, G. Addison Brown and Robert Helm, under the name and style of the Transit Railroad Company, authorizing them to construct a railroad from Winona westward to the Minnesota river. In March, 1855, an amended charter was obtained from the legislature, and the incorporators met at St. Paul on the 25th of January, 1856, accepted the charter, and gave official notice thereof to the secretary of the territory. On the 12th of May the sum of $240,000 had been subscribed to the capital stock of the company, the subscribers being the following named per- sons: L. D. Smith, H. D. Huff, Wm. Ashley Jones, Charles H. Berry, M. Wheeler Sargent, H. H. Johnson, E. H. Johnson, H. J. Hilbert, E. S. Smith, David Olmsted, M. K. Drew, A. P. Foster, Wm. H. Stevens, John Evans, Chas. Hamilton, O. S. Holbrook, Orrin Smith, John C. Laird, Wm. H. Laird, M. J. Laird, J. H. Jacoby, Royal B. Evans and L. H. Springer. All these, with the exception of Orrin Smith and L. H. Springer, were residents of Winona. The first officers of the company were H. H. Johnson president ; Wm. Ashley Jones, vice-president ; H. J. Hilbett, sec- retary and engineer ; H. D. Huff, treasurer. BAILEOADS. 107 « The organization of the company was only the prelude to a pro- longed and bitter contest -with parties interested in other localities, and more particularly with the owners and promoters of the town- site of La Crescent. After various vicissitudes, among them the defeat in 1854 of H. D. Huff for the legislature by Clark W. Thompson on this issue, the conflict finally resulted in a victory for Winona and the Transit railroad. On the 3d of March, 1857, Congress passed an act by which the munificent gift of 1,200^000 acres of public lands was conferred upon the state for the benefit of the Transit road. An extra session of the legislature was at once called to consider this and other grants of lands, and on the 22d day of May, 1857, an omnibus bill was passed con- firming the grants, and amending the charter of the Transit road so as to authorize it to construct and operate a railroad irom Winona via St. Peter to the Big Sioux river. In February, 1858, what is known as the five-million loan amendment to the constitution was adopted by the first state legislature, and was ratified by a vote of the people April 15, 1858. By the terms of this amendment state bonds were to be issued and delivered to the various railroad com- panies at the rate of $100,000 for every ten miles graded and, bridged ready for the iron, the state taking a first mortgage upon the road-bed so graded, together with the lands and franchises of the company, as security for the loan. The Transit company at once filed their acceptance of the terms of the amendment, and proceeded to let the contract for the grading and construction of seventy-five miles of the line as surveyed west of Winona. In the letting of this first conti'act, as well as in the location of the Kne out of Winona, there was a most determined efibrt on the part of a few men to divert the road from Winona, and so build it as to eventually make La Crescent the eastern terminus. Selah Chamberlain, of Ohio, after- ward the builder of several roads in the state, and the largest holder of the state bonds issued under the five-million loan amendment, was a bidder for the contract. It was understood that if he secured it work would be begun at or near Lewiston, and that the matter of the eastern terminus would remain unsettled, with a strong proba- bility that the road would be diverted down the ridge back of Winona to La Crescent. De Graff & Co., also bidders for the con- tract, were favored by most of the directors, who were desirous of beginning the work of construction at Winona, and thus at the outset fixing the terminus and settling that question forever. This 7 108 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. company was composed of Col. Andrew DeGraff, B. F. Barnard; Hernando Fuller and William DeGraff, Col. DeGraff being the head and sole manager of the concern. The contest waxed hot, but on the 8th day of June, 1858, the board of directors, after protracted discussion, awarded the contract to DeGraff & Co. Previous to this time there had been much strife between the various town proprietors as to whether the road should leave the city by way of l6(ver tovm and the Sugar Loaf valley, or from upper town via the Rollingstone valley. The history of this feature of the matter more properly belongs to that of the city of Winona, and will not be further discussed here. The upper town interest won the victory, and on the 9th day of June, 1858, ground was broken at or near the present machine-shops, the event being duly celebrated by the delighted people. DeGraff & Company were strictly loyal to Winona, although tempting ofiers were made them to carry out the plans of the La Crescent men, and the work of grading the road went rapidly for- ward during the following summer and winter, until fifty miles of grading and bridging had been completed, inspected and accepted by the state authorities, and $500,000 of ^tate bonds delivered to the company. Then came the financial crisis of 1858-9. These bonds were denounced as illegal and fraudulent. They became almost valueless in the market, and all work came to a standstill. DeGraff & Company were unable to pay their men for work and suppKes, and much hardship resulted. Upon default in the terms of the mortgage given by the Transit company to secure the loan made by the state, a foreclosure was had, and on June 23, 1860, the road franchises, and other grants, including lands, were sold to the state for the nominal sum of one thousand dollars. March 8, 1861, the the legislature granted and transferred all claim upon the property to Orville Clai-k, Abraham Wing, John W. Kirk, Eobert Higham, W. H. Smith, Nelson F. Stewart and B. W. Perkins, and consti- tuted them a corporation under the name of the Winona, St. Petet & Missouri River Railroad Company, upon condition that the road be fully equipped and trains running to Rochester and Owa- tonna at certain fixed times. No attempt having been made to comply with these conditions, ,the legislature, on March 10, 1862, made a similar grant to William Lamb, S. S. L'Homedieu, John W. Kirk, Herman Gebhart and H. C. Stimson, under the name and style of the Winona & Saint Peter Railroad Company, free and BAELROADS. 109 dear of all claims and liens upon the property, and upon much more lenient conditions. Work was at once resumed by the new owners, and on December 9, 1862, a passenger train was run by Col. De- Graff from Winona to Stockton and back, the day being marked by another enthusiastic celebration. December 10, 1862, the first car- load of wheat was shipped to Winona by L. Raymond and pur- chased by Asa Forsyth. From this time the work of construction proceeded rapidly. In 1864 the trains reached Rochester, a distance of fifty miles from Winona. In 1865 the road was completed sixty- six miles to Kasson ; in 1866, ninety miles to Owatonna ; in 1868, one hundred and six miles to Waseca ; in 18Y0, one hundred and thirty-nine miles to Mankato and St. Peter ; in 1871, one hundred and sixty-five miles to New Ulm ; in 1872 two hundred and eighty- four miles of track were completed west of Winona;? and the grading extended three hundred and thirty-one miles to Lake Kampeska in Dakota Territory. In 1879 another line, diverging from the old track at Tracy, in Lyon county, was begun and pushed with such energy that in two years trains were running to Old Fort Pierre, on the Missouri river, connecting with daily stages for the Black Hills. The entire property, save the land grant, had, however, in Novem- ber, 1867, passed into the hands of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company and become a part of that great system, although still retaining its name and corporate existence. The lands thus sep^ated from the ' general ownership of the company and its franchises became the property of A. H. Barney and a company of New York capitalists, and are still so owned, excepting those since sold to settlers. A branch from Eyota to Chatfield was opened for business December 8, 1878 ; from Eyota to Plain- view October 22, 1878 ; from Rochester to Zumbrota November 2, 1878 ; from Sleepy Eye to Redwood Falls August 4, 1878 ; from Huron to Ordway November 20, 1881 ; from Watertown to Clark Centre June 18, 1882 ; from Yolga to Castlewood September 29, 1882; from Clark Centre to Redfield October 22, 1882; fi-om Ordway to Colilmbia October 22, 1882, making a grand total of 863 miles of this road now directly tributary to Winona. The following named men, prominent in the railroad history of the West, have been connected with the Winona & St. Peter company : S. S. Men-ell, now general manager of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad, was general manager of the Winona and St. Peter railroad from February to May, 1865. Dw4ght W. 110 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. Keyes, now assistant general freight agent of the Chicago, Milwau- kee & St. Paul railroad, came with Mr. Merrell to the Winona & St. Peter company as, auditor, and was left in charge of the road in May, 1865. John Newell, now general manager of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern railroad, was at that time superin- tendent and chief engineer. H. C. Atkins, now assistant general superintendent of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad, was superintendent of the Winona & St. Peter railroad during the years 1866 and 1867, being succeeded by J. H. Stewart, now superin- tendent of the Marietta & Cincinnati railroad. Gen. J. W Sprague, late general superintendent of the western division of the Northern Pacific railroad, at the same time becoming general manager of the Winona & St. Peter railroad. April 20, 1874, J. H. Stewart was succeeded by ShSrbum Sanborn as superintendent, a position which he still occupies. The magnificent iron bridge aci'oss the Mississippi river used by this road was built during the winter of 1871-2. The draw-span of this bridge is said to be one of the longest in the world (363 feet). It takes the place of a combination wood and iron draw-span built in the winter of 1870-1, which fell on the 27th day of May, 1871, and was entirely removed. This bridge forms a connection with the La Crosse, Trempealeau & Prescott railroad, of which mention will be made hereafter. The bridge was constructed for the company by the American Bridge Company, of Chicago ; the piling was done by Frank A. Johnston, and the stonework by Jones & Butler, of Winona. The shops of this company are located at the west end of the city, are large and fully equipped for the business of keep-, ing the road-bed and rolling stock of the road in the best condition. They have been fully described among the institutions of the city of Winona. St. Paul <& Chicago Rcdlway. — The corporate name of this com- pany in the original charter, dated May 22, 1857, was the Minnesota & Pacific Eailroad Company. By an act of the legislature approved March 2, 1867, the directors were authorized to change the name of the company or that of any of the branches of the road provided for in their charter. Accordingly, on the 19th day of March the board of directors gave the name of "The St. Paul & Chicago Railway" to that part of their line to extend from St. Paul to Winona and thence to the Iowa line. Work was begun upon this line at or near St. Paul in 1865, but nothing was done in Winona county until 1870 when RAILROADS. Ill the road was built from Minnesota City to Weaver and put in operas tion by the Northwestern Railroad Company. In 1871 the road- bed was completed between St. Peter Junction and St. Paul, and in December of that year was sold to the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Company, who immediately took possession, and began operating the road in connection with their line from Chicago and Milwaukee to La Crosse, making connection over the La Crosse, Trempealeau & Prescott road and the bridge at Winona when com- pleted. In 1872, hovrever, the road was extended from St. Peter Junction to La Crescent, on the west side of the Mississippi river, and thereafter all freight tr£|,ins used this route, being ferried across the Mississippi to La Crosse. Passenger trains, however, continued to run over the Winona bridge and the La Crosse, Trempealeau & Prescott road until 1876, when the magnificent iron bridge between La Crescent and North La Crosse was completed and brought into use for all traffic over the Milwaukee & St. Paul line. As a bonus for the construction of this line the city of Winona, on the 21st day of April, 1870, voted and thereafter issued $100,000 of its bonds, to be delivered upon the fulfillment of certain conditions by the com- pany. The bonds having been prematurely delivered to the .con- struction company, suit was brought by the city, in which, after protracted litigation, it was finally determined that the prescribed conditions had not been fulfilled, and that the city have damages equal to the amount of the bonds, with interest, which sum has been paid. The La Crosse, Trempealeam and Prescott Eadlroad. — After the passage of the bill by congress, March 3, 1857, providing for cer-. tain land grants to aid in the construction of railroads in Min- nesota, and among them the Transit railroad, with its eastern terminus at Winona, the next important project was to connect Winona and the Transit railroad with the railroads in Wisctonsin and Illinois,, and through them with the railroad system of the United States. It was also proposed by means of this connection to cut off La Crosse, Winona's most formidable rival, from the benefits of northern and western connections, as it was thought tfiat but one road would ever cross the Mississippi river in this section of country. It was therefore resolved to keep the matter of this "cut off," or eastern connection, in the hands of Winona men. In the winter of 1858-9, in the midst of the pinching hard times brought on by the financial crisis of that time, Capt. 112 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. Sam Whiting, Thomas Simpson and M. K. Drew started out one severely cold day to look out a practicable route for a railroad east from Winona to a point of intersection with the pro- posed line of the Milwaukee & La Crosse railroad. They cut their way from Altoona,^ now Bluff Siding, through the swamps, and camped the first night in the heavy timber. The next morning, after eating frozen bread and meat for breakfast, they proceeded with their work, and in about half-an-hour came out upon a prairie covered with fenced fields and farm-houses. They had spent a night in the snow, which Capt. Whiting said was equal to any of his arctic experiences, within half a mile of a substantial and comforta- ble farm-house. The people of Winona had been so occupied with their own great prospects and those of the country west of them, that they had no knowledge of this well-settled country just east of them. The following spring Z. H. Lake and Thomas Simpson were again sent over the proposed route, and instructed to go to La Crosse to see if that city would not unite with Winona in buUding this connection, the extreme hard times having somewhat modified the ambitions and claims of Winona.. A preliminary survey of the route was made by these gentlemen, which coincides almost exactly with the line as afterward built. They met with a very cool reception at La Crosse, being informed that that city would have nothing to do with the project, and that they would prevent if possible the granting of a charter by the Wisconsin legislature. Subsequent investigation, how- ever, developed the fact that several years before a charter had been granted by the legislature of Wisconsin to some parties to build a railroad from a point at or near La Crosse to Point Douglass, opposite Hastings, to be called the La Crosse, Trempealeau, Lake Pepin & Prescott railroad, and that this old charter had been kept alive. Possession of it was obtained, the company reorganized, and Timothy Kirk, Thomas E. Bennett, M. K. Drew, William Mitchell, Thomas Wilson, Thomas Simpson, A. W. Webster, and five men from Trempealeau, were elected directors. Thomas Simp- son was elected president; A. W. Webster, vice-president; J. H. Newland, secretary, and Thomas E. Bennett, treasurer. The com- pany began at once to locate the line, obtained right of way, etc., in order to secure vested rights before the Wisconsin legislature could convene and repeal the charter. But no money was to be had. N. F. Hilbert was employed as chief engineer, to be paid whenever the company became able to pay. Others were employed RAILROADS. 1 1 3 upon similar terms. To board the force, a subscription in provi- sions and supplies was taken up "kmong the citizens of Winona. Upon this subscription being read at a large meeting of all interested, the following items appeared together: "P. "W. Gaines & Co., i bbl. whisky. Kbbert Clapperton, 1 loaf bread. " Wm. Lamb, who had been appointed superintendent of con- struction, rose and interrupted the reading with the remark that there was altogether too much bread for that quantity of whisky. The company succeeded in holding their charter, and work was kept up until an agreement was made with parties interested in the Chicago & Northwestern company to complete it and make it a part of that great system, which was done in 1870. The road is still owned and operated by that company, but under the original charter and organization. Green JBay, Lake P&pvn (& Minnesota Rwil/road. — In ICebruary 1873, a proposition was made bv the officers of the above-named road to extend its line from Merrillan, Wisconsin, to Winona, pro- vided the city would grant them a bonus of $100,000. As the line would form a valuable connection with the lake system of navigation, and also furnish the city directly with many of the products of the Wisconsin forests, a very decided disposition to accept this proposition was manifested by the citizens of Winona. A series' of public gatherings terminated in a large meeting of citizens, at which it was determined by a general expression to accept the proposition, President Ketchum, of the railroad com- pany, being present at the meeting. A committee of eight lead- ing citizens was selected and instructed to proceed to St. Paul and procure from the legislature then in session authority for the city to take the necessary steps in granting the required aid. This committee accordingly went to St. Paul and -had the proper bill introduced for the purpose, but only one day remaining of the session it failed to pass from lack of time. The committee returned, and the company, learning of the failure to secure legislation, modi- fied their proposition and suggested that the citizens should secure them the sum named by subscription or otherwise. Another meet- ing of citizens was held, and a committee appointed to wait upon and confer with the city council upon the matter ia hand. As the result of such conference the city council, on March 14, 1873, adopted the following resolutions : '■'•Be it resoVved, by the city council of the city of Winona, that 114 HI8T0BY OF WINONA COUNTY. fifty thousand, dollars, or so much thereof as may be practicable, shall be raised for the purpose of securing the terminus of the Green Bay & Lake Pep^n railroad at the city of Winona, under and pursuant to the recommendation of the committee appointed by the city council to confer upon said matter, on March 12, 1873. "JLwc? it is further resolved, that the city of Winona hereby pledges its faith to repay to each and every person, his heirs or assigns, all sums of money which said person or persons shall ad- vance for that purpose, with interest on the sums so advanced not to exceed the rate of ten per cent per annum ; provided always, that the obligation so made and taken shall in no event bind the city to such repayment unless the proper legal authority for such repayment be obtained. ' '■Hesolved, That the recorder be authorized and is hereby required to have prepared, and to issue and deliver under his hand as recorder and the seal of said city, to each person advancing money for the above purpose, a certificate for all sums so advanced by each person respectively, bearing interest as aforesaid. '•'•ResoVoed, That as soon as practicable proper legislation author- izing and legalizing the present action of the city council, so far as such legislation may be necessary, or any other needed legislation, shall be obtained." Upon the basis of this action on the part of the city council a canvassing committee was set at work, and the sum of $35,000 subscribed by the citizens for the purpose set forth above. The railroad company, upon being notified of the result, finally accepted the situation, and proceeded during the summer and fall of 1873 to build the road as proposed. An act of the legislature authorizing the city to make good its agreement veith the subscribers, but un- wisely providing for making up the amount to $§0,000 for the company, was approved February 5, 1874, the act providing, how- ever, that the question should be submitted to the people at a general or special election upon five days' notice by publication. A special election was accordingly called for and held on February 23, 1874, which resulted in a defeat of the proposed bonds, largely on account of the provision for making up the sum to be paid the company to $50,000, the vote standing 275 for to 785 against it. The citizens were justified in this vote for the reason that it was sought to make the city liable for $15,000 more than the amount of the subscrip- tion, a provision in the bill insisted on by the representatives of the RAILROADS. 115 company, but for which the subscribers, almost without exception, were ia no way chargeable. Chagrined and disappointed at this result, and there being grave doubt of their legal liability, the subscribers refused to pay their subscriptions ; but suits were insti- tuted by the company in the United States circuit court against them, and a test case being carried to a final decision it was held that the subscribers were liable, and the several amounts were accordingly paid over, each subscriber receiving, according to the original agreement, stock of the company to the amount of his subscription, which stock was not and never has become of any considerable value. There still being a widespread feeling that the subscribers to the bonus had suffered an injustice, another act of the legislature was obtained March 6, 1876, providing for a special electioli in April of that year to determine whether the city would indemnify the sub- scribers by an issue of its bonds in the amount of the subscriptions actually paid, the city to take the stock originally issued to the sub- scribers. Accordingly an election was called and held on April 3, but although every moral, if not legal, obligation rested upon the city to indemnify its public-spirited citizens for the money paid by them to secure a railroad connection of conceded value to the town, the proposition again failed to carry, the vote being 737 for to 1004 against the bonds, and here the. matter rests. The road has since practically passed into the hands of John I. Blair, of New Jersey, and its name has been changed to the Green Bay, Winona & St. Paul Railroad Company. Wvfwna and 8ouifvwest&rn Sail/road. — In February, 1856, the legislature of the territory incorporated the Winona & La Crosse Railroad Company, with authority to build and operate a railroad from Winona to a point opposite La Crosse, Wiscpnsin. February 9, 1872, the state legislature passed an act reviving this old charter and amending it so as to incorporate the Winona & Southwestern Railroad Company, composed of the following named persons, viz : William Windom, Thomas Simpson, Wm. H. Yale, J. C. Easton, John Robson, William Mitchell, H. W. Lamberton, M. G. Norton, E. S. Youmans, R. D. Cone, Thomas Wilson, M. K. Drew, E. D. Williams, Geo. P. Wilson, Thomas Abbott and Ignatius O'Ferral, and authorizing the building, equipment and operation of a railroad from Winona to the Iowa line east of range 14 and west of the fifth principal meridian, and also granting the right to extend the 116 HISTOBY OF WINONA OOtnSTTY. line, by the most feasible route, from Winona to St. Paul and Minneapolis, the road to be completed and equipped within four years from the date of the act. At a meeting of the incorporators held at Winoaa April 16, 1872, "William Mitchell was elected president'; E. D. Williams, vice- president ; Thomas Simpson, secretary, and M. G. Norton, treasurer. William Mitchell, John Kobson and H. W. Lamberton were made an ■executive committee, and E. S. Youmans, Ignatius O'Ferral and M. G. Norton were appointed commissioners to receive subscriptions to~the stock of the company, to coUect five per centum thereon tor the expenses of a survey and for the purchase of necessary maps, profiles, etc., for the use of the company. Stock to the amount of $67,500 was subscribed. At the same session of the legislature an act was passed authorizing the city of Winona and the towns and villages on the proposed line of the road to vote a five per cent tax in aid of the road. Under this authority the city of Winona, on April 9, 1872, at a special election voted bonds to aid in the con- struction of the road to the amount of $150,000. Several of the towns in Winona and Fillmore counties, and the village of Chat- field, voted liberal bonuses to the road. Two or more surveys were made under the direction of N. F. Hilbert, one by way of Saratoga and Fremont, the other by way of the Money Creek valley. For a time there was every prospect that the road would be built: It would have furnished an invaluable outlet for the lumber and other products of the Winona manufactories, and would have been a potent element in the growth of the city. The severe financial crisis of 1873, however, and the subsequent hard times, brought delays and embarrassments which prevented the building of the road, and it still remains one of the "glorious possibilities." In 1875 it was voted by the company to accept the proposition of certain Iowa parties to build a narrow-gauge road from Hesper, Iowa, to Houston, Minnesota, provided the company would build a similar road from Winona to Houston. Money was raised and a prelimi- nary survey made, but nothing further came of the project. The charter was extended by the legislature of 1873, and by reason of the surveys and other work done thereunder is considered to be still alive. Both the line to the southwest and the one from Winona to St. Paul are still feasible, and would be valuable to the builders as well as to Winona and the territory through which they would pass. CHAPTER XI. NAVIGATION. The "Father of Waters " forms the eastern boundary of Winona county, and with its various channels and sloughs constitutes the only navigable water in the county. Probably the first white man who traversed the forty-five miles of its length in which we are now interested was Father Hennepin, who in the month of April, 1680, explored the Mississippi from the mouth of the Illinois to the falls of St. Anthony. In the month of May, 1689, Nicholas Perrot, accompanied by Le Sueur, Father Marest and others, sailed up the Mississippi from the mouth of Wisconsin river to the mouth of the St. Croix, and formally took possession of the country in the name of the king of France. In September of the year 1700 Le Sueur passed upward with a party of Frenchmen to explore and work some reported mines near the mouth of the Chippewa river. In the year 1766 that enterprising Connecticut Yankee, Jonathan Carver, traveled extensively in the Northwest, and on October 29 of that year passed by the future county of Winona, noting in his journal some shrewd observations upon the numerous mounds which he saw along the shores and bluifs. In September, 1805, Lieut. Zebu- Ion Pike visited this region by order of President Jefierson, to expel British traders, who were found violating the laws, and to form alli- ances with the Indians. In the summer of 1819 a party of officers and soldiers, with their wives and children, passed by our county in keelboats on their way to establish a post at the mouth of the Minnesota river, by order of John C. Calhoun, ,then secretary of war. The next year Gov. Cass of Michigan headed an exploring expedition by way of the lakes, and, descending the Mississippi in canoes, spent the afternoon of August 4 at Wapashaw village, the site of the present city of Winona. Previous to the year 1823 it had been supposed that the rapids at Rock Island were an insurmountable barrier to the navigation of the upper Mississippi ; but on the second day of May of that year the Virginia, a steamer one hundred and eighteen feet in length, left her moorings at St. Louis, destined for Fort Snelling. Success- fully passing the rapids, this pioneer craft made her way slowly up 118 HISTOET OF WINONA COUNTY. J the Mississippi, producing the greatest terror and consternation among the Indians, who supposed that it was some enormous wateri spirit, coughing, puffing out hot breath and splashing the water in all directions. This pioneer steamer passed Wabasha prairie toward the last of the month and reached Fort Snelling in safety. -From this time occasional trips were made ais the necessity of the govern- ment and trading-posts required. Among the great number of steam- ers which have passed and repassed the county in years gone by, all old settlers will remember the Minnesota Belle, Gray Eagle, War Eagle, Northern Belle, Nominee, Ben Corson, The Adelia, Frank Steele, Keokuk, Jeanette, Tishimingo, Annie Johnson, Addie John- son, Phil. Sheridan, tod many others. Of the captains of all these and other unnamed steamers Capt. Smith Harris and Capt. Orrin Smith are most frequently mentioned. The latter was one of the earliest proprietors and admirers of the town site of Winona, and the former, being interested in Kasota, and other towns on the Minnesota river, was never tired of pointing out the disadvantages of Wabasha prairie. It is said that during the high water in 1862, in order to demonstrate the truth of his state- ment that Smith's town was on a mere sand-bar in the Mississippi, he ran his boat straight by Minneowah up into Lake Winona, and out across near the Den man farm into Crooked Slough and the river again. Captains Hatcher and Bryant, long in the service, afterward made their homes in Winona. Before the day of railroads great importance attached to the coming and going of these river steamers, which formed the only connection with the outside world. The familiar whistle of a steamboat would frequently, cause a stampede even from the church service or prayer meeting, particularly if it was the first boat 6i the season. The following table shows the arrivals of the first boat for a period of years commencing with 1856: 1856. Alhambra, April 8. 1870. Keokuk, April 5. 1857. Hamburg, April 2. 1871. Addie Johnston, March 18. • 1858. Brazil, March 23. 1872. Belle of La Crosse, April 9. 1859. Grey Eagle, March 18. 1873. Union, April 3. 1860. Chippewa, March 13. 1874. Northwestern, April 6. . 1861. Northern Light, March 26. 1875. Lake Superior, April 12. 1862. Keokuk, April 2. 1876. Dubuque, April 10. 1863. Keokuk, March 20. 1877. Red Wing, April II.- 1864. Union, March 16. 1878. Penguin, March 12. 1865. Lansing, March 30. 1879. Maggie Reaney, April 4. 1866. Addie Johnston, April 13. 1880. Belle of Bellvue, March 22. 1867. aty of St. Paul, April 13. 1881. Josie, April 24. 1868. Diamond Jo, March 21. 1882. Bobert Harris, March 1. 1869. Buckeye, April 6. C0UBT8 ASJ) OFFICEKS OF THE COURTS. 119 The following table shows the dates of the closing of navigation for a series of years: 1856 November 27 '1857 November 19 1858 December 2 1859 December 3 1860 November 24 1861 November 27 1862 December 1 1863 .' November 27 1864 December 4 1865 December 5 1866 December 9 1867 : December 5 1868 December 8 1869 December 18 1870 December 15 1871 .November 2'2 1872 November 22 1873 November 29 1874 November 30 1875 November 20 1876 December 1 1877 December 8 1878 December 13 1879 December 12 1880 November 20 1881 January 2, 1882 1882 December 6 CHAPTEK Xn. COTJETS AND OFFICERS OF THE COURTS. The territorial courts of record were organized under the act of congress passed March 3, 1849, called the "Organic act," supple- mented by acts passed from time to time by the territorial legis- lature. By the organic act three judges were provided for, which were appointed by the president, "by and with the advice and con- sent of the senate." One was styled "chief-justice," the other two " associate-justices." These together constituted the supreme court, one term of which was required to be held annually at the seat of government of the territory. It was also provided that the terri- tory should "be divided into three judicial districts," in each of which a district court was required to be held by one of the justices of the supreme court, at such times and places as the territorial legislature might prescribe, and that "the said judges shall, after their appointment, respectively, reside in the districts which shall be assigned them." Each district court, or the judge thereof, was by such ■ act empowered to appoint its own clerk, which clerk was to hold his office at the pleasure of the court. The supreme court and district courts were invested with chancery as well as common law jurisdiction. The extent of this jurisdiction of these courts was substantially the same as like courts under the present constitution of the state ; that of the several district courts was general. By 120 HI8T0ET OF WESTONA COTXNTT. act of the territorial legislature the territory now included within the limits of Winona county was made a part of the first judibial dis- trict, and so remained until the adoption of the constitution. Pre- vious to February 23, 1854, what is now Winona county was a part of the county of Fillmore. On the day last above named Winona county was formed and organized for judicial and other purposes. Up to this time the writer is not aware that any term of the district court was held in Fillmore county, though all other county business affecting this section, such as filing plats of town sites, recording deeds and the levy of taxes, was done at the county seat of Fillmore county, then located at Chatfield. At the date of our county organization Hon. Wm. H. Welch was chief-justice of the territory, to whom was assigned the first judicial district. He was therefore the first judge of the district court in and for this county. He resided' at Eed Wing, in the county of Goodhue. He continued to fill that oflBce until January 1, 1858, when the territorial judicial officers were superseded by judges elected under the state constitution adopted at the fall elec- tion in 185Y. Much of the good order of our judicial affairs in ter- ritorial times, and the ease and regularity with which our state courts were organized and went into effect, were due to this judge. Wliile he was not a man of great learning or superior ability, as the world recognizes learning and ability, yet he had the rare quality in a judge of commanding universal confidence, a feeling among all that the judicial authority was reposed in proper hands. Judge Welch died at his home in Red Wing. At the fall election in 1857 Hon. Thomas Wilson was chosen as judge of the third judicial district of the state, comprising the coun- ties of Houston, Fillmore, Olmsted, Wabasha and Winona. With the beginning of the year 1858, pursuant to a provision of the state constitution, but before the formal admission of the state by congress Judge Wilson entered upon his duties as judge, and continued to hold until 1864, when, having been appointed to the supreme , court, he resigned the office of district judge, and Hon. Lloyd Barber, of Olmsted county, was appointed to fill the vacancy so made. He was elected at the fall election in 4864, for the full term of seven years, and held the office until succeeded by Hon. C. N. Waterman, January 4, 1872. Judge Waterman held the office until his death, which occurred February 18, 1873, and was suc- ceeded by Hon. John Van Dyke, who was appointed for the COURTS AND OFFICERS OF THE COURTS. 121 remainder of the year 18Y3. At the fall election of that year Hon. Wm. Mitchell was elected for the full term of seven years, from the beginning of 1874:. He dischapged the duties during this term, and in 1880 was re-elected for another term, to commence with the ensuing year. At the session of the legislature of 1881 the number of judges composing the supreme court was increased to five. This made it necessary that two judges should be appointed to the supreme court until after the next ensuing general election. Judge Mitchell was selected as one' of the new judges, and Hon. C. M. Start, then attorney-general of the state, but residing in the third judicial district, at Rochester, Olmsted county, was ap- pointed district judge, to Succeed Judge Mitchell. At the general election in November, 1881, Judge Start was elected for a full term, commencing with the year 1882. At this writing, January 1, 1883, Judge Start is in the discharge of his official duties. Of the seven judges who have presided in our district courts, three. Judge Welch, Judge Waterman and Judge Van Dyke, are dead. All the others are still living within the district, and engaged in the duties of their profession. Clerks. — As before stated, during our territorial, existence clerks of district courts held by appointment of the judge and during his pleasure. The first clerk of the district court in and for Wiaona county was Martin Wheeler Sargeant. He was appointed by Judge Welch in 1854, and held until superseded by the appointment of John Keyes, on or about July 14, 1856. The record of Mr. Keyes' appointment cannot be found, but his first official act as clerk bears .date on that day. Mr. Keyes continued to hold the office until after the admission of the statein to the Union under the state organization, his last official act as clerk bearing date May 26, 1858. Under the constitution the office of clerk was made elective, and at the general election in October, 1857, Henry 0. Lester was elected clerk, and entered on the discharge of his duties on the re- tirement of Mr. Keyes. He held the office until April 27, 1861. He resigned to enter the volunteer service of the United States in the war of the rebellion. He was succeeded by E. A. Gerdtzen, who was appointed in place of Col. Lester until the next general election, at which he was elected, and by subsequent elections held without interruption for nearly seventeen years. Li November, 1877, John M. Sheardown was elected, has been re-elected, and still holds the office. 122 HISTOEy OF WINONA COUNTY. Of the five persons who have held the ofiice, two, Mr. Sargeant and Mr. Keyes, are deceased; Col. Lester has removed from the state, while Messrs. Gerdtzen and Sheardown still reside at thp city of Winona. District amd Comity Attorneys. — Under the territorial organiza- tion, the United States attorney, as he was called, usually attended at the sessions of the district courts, and performed most of the duties now devolving upon county attorneys. An officer called a district attorney was also provided for by territorial statute, and was elected in each of the organized counties. In the act organizing the county of Winona, approved February 23, 1854, such officer was to be elected at an election to be held in April of that year. The election was duly held, and C. F. Buck, Esq., then residing at Minneowa, was elected. We may say in passing that the village of Minneowa was a rival of Winona for ^metropolitan honors, and stood on the Mississippi river, about one mile above the present village of Homer. The curious in such matters may still find some traces of it on the river bank, and especially in the office of the regiptbr of deeds, where the plat was recorded. Its proprietors were Isaac Van Etten, William L. Ames, brother of Oakes Ames, of crecUt mohilier and Union Pacific railroad fame. Governor Willis A. Gorman, and S. K. Babcock, all of St. Paul. The fact is noteworthy as showing the confidence of shrewd and far- seeing men in the then future existence of the city of southern Minnesota at or near this point. Their selection was probably made more from an examination of the territorial map than of the respect- ive sites of Minneowa and Winona. If not, time h'as demonstrated that, however close they shot to the mark in this their judgment was slightly at fault. But to return to the district attorney. Mr. Buck held the office until the beginning of 1856. Edwin M. Bierce had been elected in the fall of 1855, and held the office during the years 1856 and 1857. By the constitution adopted in that year it was provided that "each judicial district might elect one prose- cuting attorney for the district." Under this provision Sam Cole, Esq., was elected "prosecuting attorney" for the third judicial dis- trict, comprising the counties of Houston, FUlmore, oimsted. War basha and Winona. Although this office was wholly unknown to territorial laws, continued in force by the constitutioii, and no state legislation had been had to supply the deficiency, still Mr. Oole as COTJETS AND OFFICERS OF THE OOUKTS. 125 an officer of the courts, qualified with the judges at the beginning of the year 1858. As no legislation was ever had upon the subject of the duties of this office, we shall probably continue in ignorance as to what they were. Practically Mr. Cole did about what the United States attorney had done in territorial times, and which comprised about all that was required under the statutes of the district attorney. The effect of it was in a large degree to supersede the last-named officer, and for two years no district attorney was elected in Winona county. In this county at least the constitution operated as aji extinguishment of the office. By act of February 6, 186% the office of county attorney as now existing was created. Under this act the board of supervisors of Winona county, on the 15th day of March, 1860, appointed one A. S. Seaton county attorney, who held the office until the 1st of January, 1861. At the general election in 1860 Hon. William H. Tale was elected, and held the office one term of two years. On the 1st of January, 1863, he was succeeded by Hon. William Mitchell, who was county attorney during the years 1863 and 1864. Mr. Yale, in the fall of 1864, was re-elected, and held during the years 1865 and 1866. He was succeeded at the beginning of 1867 by Hon. George P. Wilson who, by re-election was continued in office until the ^.eginning of 1871, when he was succeeded by Norman Buck. Mr. Buck held during the years 1873 and 1874, and was succeeded by 4- H. Snow, Esq., who by re-election held from the beginning of i876 to the 1st of January, 1879. Mr. A. N. Bentley then suc^ ceeded for one term, followed by Mr. M, B. Webber, one term, dosing with 1882. At the fall election in 1882 Mr. Patrick Fitz- patrick was elected, and now holds the office. Of the twelve persons who have held these offices, only one (Mr. Cole) is known to have died. Both A. S. Seaton and E. M. Bierce left this county about 1860, since which little or nothing seems to be known of either. Mr. Buck is now associate justice of the territory of Idaho. Hon. jjreorge P. Wilson is following his profession at Fargo, Dakota Territory. All others still reside in the city of Winona. Sheriffs. — ^The first sheriff of the county was John lames. He was elected on the first Tuesday in AprU, 1864. He was succeeded by Charles Eaton, who was elected in the fall of 1855, and held the office for two years. At the election in 1857 Mr. F. E. Whiton was elected, and held during the years 1858; and 1859. At the fall eleo- 8 126 HisTOBT OP wrsroNA COmSTTT. tion in 1859 Messrs. L. R. King ^nd E. D. Williams were opposing candidates for this office. The canvass was close and spirited, and the register of deeds, whose duty it was " to canvass the votes," was unable to determine which had been the successful candidate. The greatest number of votes cast at the election for one office was 3,023. As allowed by the register, the whole number of votes cast for 'both candidates for sheriif was 1,970. In reaching this result votes were rejected as irregular, and the conclusion was arrived at that each candidate had received 985, making it "a tie." It thus became necessary to decide "by lot" which of the candidates was elected. Various stories were told as to how this "casting of lots" was per- formed — one to the effect that a game of "euchre" was played between two persons, each representing one of the opposing candi- dates. The writer cannot affirm that such was the fact, though the circumstantiality of the account, other things considered, gives it some weight. But, however the lot was cast, Mr. King was declared elected, and to him was awarded the certificate. The case was then taken by appeal to the district court. Judge Wilson presiding. After a long and patient hearing the decision of the canvassing officer was affirmed, and Mr. King was declared sheriff. By re-election from term to term he held the office withuut interruption for eight yeai'S. J. F. Martin was his successor, beginning with the year 1868. Mr. Martin was twice re-elected and held for six years, and was succeeded at the close of 1873 by Wm. H. Dill. Mr. Dill was re-elected three times in succession, and held the office in all eight years, ending with the year 1881. Mr. E. V. Bogart succeeded and is now (1883) in office. Ex-Sheriffs lames, Whiton and King are deceased. Probate Cowrts. — By the act of congress organizing the terri- tory probate courts were established. A special election, to be held in April, 1854, was authorized for the election of county officers by act organizing the county of Winona. A judge of probate was one of the officers to be elected. Andrew Cole was elected. He held the office until January 1, 1855, when he was succeeded by Alfred P. Foster. Mr. Foste5: filled the office until October 10, 1856, when it was made vacant by the removal of Judge Foster from the territory, and on that date Sam Cole was appointed to fill the vacancy. E. H. Murray succeeded by election, and held during the years 1857 and 1858, followed by Warren Powers, who was elected in the fall of 1858. By re-election Judge Powers held until his death, which occurred in June, 1866. He was succeeded by Mr. Norman Buck BANKENG XN WINONA COTINTT. 127 who was appointed to fill the vacancy in July of that year. In the fall of 1865 Judge Buck was elected. He held the offide until the fall of 1867, when he resigned, and was succeeded for the remainder of the year by appointment of C. N. Wakefield. At the general election in the fall of 1868 Jacob Story was elected to the office. Judge Story has been re-elected at the expiration of each succeeding term, and is still the incumbent of the office. Aside from Mr. E. A. Gerdtzen's tenure of the office of clerk of the district court, which was about seventeen years, Judge Story has enjoyed a longer official term than any other officer of "Winona county. CHAPTEK XIII. BANKING IN WINONA COUNTY. As is generally the case in new towns, several branches of business. are conducted by the same person or firm. It was so in Winona in the banking business. The United States land office for the Winona land district, having been opened in Winona in December, 1854, land agents, money loaners and speculators in real estate soon followed. The first office of this kind was opened in June in 1855, by Will- iam Ashley Jones, Charles H. Berry and E. S. Smith, under the firm name of Jones, Berry & Smith. They were succeeded by Berry & Waterman, who added to their law business that of receiving deposits and selling exchange on different points. This was done more as a convenience to others than of profit to themselves. This was continued until others engaged in iriore exclusive banking business. Early in 1856 Timothy Kirk and his brother had a banking office on the comer of Front and Main streets. John Mobley opened a banking and exchange office near the corner of Second and Main streets in 1856, and did considerable business for some two years, and retired in 1858., J. T. Smith had an exchange and loan office, in 1856 or 1857, on Center street, between First and Second streets. He was here about three years. 128 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. Voight & Bergenthal had a banking and loan oflSce, in 1856 and 1857, en Front street, near where Krumdich's elevator now stands. Bennetfs Bank. — In the fall of 1855 Thomas E. Bennett opened a bank and loan office, and succeeded to the business of Voight & Bergenthal, in a building on the levee. In the winter following Taylor, Eichards & Burden purchased Bennett's business, and in May, 1857, the firm was changed to Taylor, Bennett & Co., and in 1858 it was again changed to Burden, Bennett & Co., and in 1859 was dissolved and the business was continued in the name' of Thomas E. Bennett until 1861. . Bank of Southern Mimnesota. — The Bank of Southern Minne- sota was organized in 1861. Lemuel C. Porter, Thos. E. Bennett, Wm. Garlock and others were stockholders and directors. L. C. Porter was made president and Thomas E. Bennett cashier. This bank was merged in the First National bank in August, 1864. The Bank of Wmona.—This, bank was located on Center street, in the building now occupied by the Winona Deposit Bank. Bank of Winona commenced business in May, 1863, Samuel McCord and H. N. Peabody being the principal partners, and the manager was I. Voswinkle Dorselin. Subsequently the business was doiie under the name of McCord & Dorselin. In December, 1868, Dorselin, appearing to be the owner of the concern, closed business and went into bankruptcy. On the final winding up of business, in .August, 1869, it paid its creditors about twenty-five cents on a dollar. The United National Bank. — The United National Bank was organized in 1865, with Thomas Wilson, Otto Troost, Charles Ben- son, A. W. Webster and Thomas E. Bennett as stockholders and directors, with a capital of $50,000. A. W. Webster was president and Thomas E. Bennett cashier. This bank was located on Second street, in the building since used by the Sayings Bank, and in January, 1871, was ^old out by its stockholders to the First National Bank of Winona. The Winona Deposit Ba/nk was organized and commenced busi- ness in 1868. H. W. Lambertonwas president and I. J. Cummings cashier. It was a private bank, and changed to a national organizar tion under the name of Winona Deposit National Bank, in which name the business was conducted two or' three years, when they dis- continued the national organization and returned to the original BANKING IN WINONA COUNTY. 129 name of Winona Deposit Bank. Its present officers are H. W. Lamberton, president, and W. C. Brown, cashier. Wmona Cov/nty Bomk. — ^Zaphna H. Lake and A. W. Webster organized the Winona County Bank in 1859, and they filed their organization papers and deposited Minnesota railroad bonds with the state auditor to secure the payment of their circulating notes under the tlien existing laws of the state. This was the iirst and only bank having circulation in Winona. They did a straightfor- ward, legitimate banking business for several years, and went out of business in 1865. Mr. Webster took part in the organization of the United National Bank, and Mr. Lake engaged in other business in Winona. Their banking office was near the comer of Second and Main streets. The Bamk of St. (Maries, at St. Charles, Winona county, was organized as a private bank in the spring of 1869, with a capital of $30,000. The stockholders were E. S. Youmans, of Winona ; S. T. Hyde, J. S. Wheeler, J. W. Brockett, of St. Charles, and H. E. Heath, of New York city. The stockholders were directors. E. S. Youmans was president and J. S. Wheeler was cashier. J. C. Woodard, in June, 1877, succeeded to the Bank of St. Charles, and the business is now conducted in the name of J. C. Woodard, banker. 77te First National Bank of Winona (successor to the Bank of Southern Minnesota) was orga.nized August 20, 1864, with a capital of $50,000. The original stockholders were Thomas E. Bennett, Gabriel Horton, Lemuel C. Porter,. George W. Neff, William' Gar- lock, William Wedel, each of whom was elected a director. In October, 1864, at a meeting of the directors the following officers were elected, viz : L. C. Porter, president ; WillianT Garlock, vice- president ; Thomas E. Bennett, cashier. L. C. Porter has been elected president at each annual meeting of the directors since the organization of the bank to this time, a period of eighteen years. The following persons have been elected cashiers at different times since 1866 : I. J. Cummings, G. A. Burbank, Herman E. Curtis, C. H. Porter and E. D. Hurlbert, who is now filling that position. William Garlock resigned the office of vice-president in 1868. C. H. Porter was elected vice-president in 1881, and is at this time filling that office. Second National Bank. — The Second National Bank of Winona was organized April 29, 1871, with a capital of $100,000. The 130 HISTORY OK WDCOlfA COUNTY. incorporators were Thomas Simpson, John H. Prentiss, Joseph A. Prentiss, Henry Stevens, Mart Willson, Gustavus A. Burbank and W. H. Eichardson. Each of the above stockholders was elected a director, and the bank engaged in active business in August, 1871, with the following officers : Thomas Simpson, president ; G. A. Burbank, cashier. Mr. Burbank resigned in October, 1871, and ' Mark Willson was elected assistant cashier, and in February, 1872, E. H. Bailey became (jashier. In January, 1873, Joseph A. Prentiss was chosen cashier and Mark Willson vice-president. In January, 1875, Mr. Willson resigned and Lester K. Brooks became vice-president, and in 1876 was made cashier. In 1878 Thomas Simpson resigned his position as president, which he had filled from the first organization of the bank, and was succeeded by Joseph A. Prentiss. In 1880 William H. Garlock was chosen cashier and L. R. Brooks vice- president, who, with J. A. Prentiss, president, are the present officers. The Merchants National Bank of Winona was organized May 18, 1875, with a capital stock of $100,000, and at the first meeting of the stockholders the following persons were elected directors; Mark Willson, G. W. Bennett, N". F. Hilbert, H. D. Perkins, C. H. Berry, Conrad Bohn and C. C. Beck. Mark Willson, president ; N. F. Hilbert, cashier ; H. D. Perkins, vice-president. The bank opened for business in July 1875. On April 9j 1879, N. F. Hilbert resigned his position as cashier, and was succeeded by J. M. Bell. July 1, 1879, it was voted to change the organizar tion from a national to a state bank under the laws of Minnesota, and to transfer its entire business to tte new organization. The Merchants BamJc of Winona succeeded to the Merchants National Bank, and was organized in August, 1879, with the follow- ing directors: Charles H. Berry, H. D. Perkins, J. M. Bell, Mark Willson, C. C. BeckjL. J. AUred and C. Heintz, and who proceeded to the election of officers, as follows : Mark Willson, president ; J. M. Bell, cashier ; H. D. Perkins, vice-presideht. In December, 1879, J. M. Bell tendered his resignation as cashier, which was accepted, and Geo. F. Crise was elected in his place. The officers of the bank at this time are Mark Willson, president; Chas. H. Berry, vice-president, and Geo. F. Crise, cashier. Th£, Winona Savings Bank was organized July 1, 1874, and lasted five years. The depositors were notified to withdraw their EAELY SETTLEMENT, PIOITEEKS, ETC. 131 deposits July 1, 1879, and were paid in full, principal and interest. The trustees were "William Mitchell, W. H. Laird, H. E. Curtis, F. A. Eising, Thomas "Wilson, E. S. Youmans and C. J. Camp. The oflScers were Wm. Mitchell, president'; W. H. Laird, vice-presi- dent; F. A. Eising, treasurer. The bank was located on Second street, in the old United National Bank building. The foregoing is believed to be a correct history of banks and of the banking business in Winona county since its early settlement. It is possible that other parties and facts have been overlooked, but the writer has endeavored to include everything pertaining to the subject. y From the time the first deposits were received and the first drafts on eastern banks were drawn by Berry & "Waterman, in 1855, the banking business has grown with the, increased mercantile and manufacturing business of Winona in proportion until this time. We have now in this city, in successful operation, four bai^ks, two of which are working under the national banking laws, one under state organization, and one a private bank. The whole amount of capital invested at this time in the bank- ing business in Winona county aggregates $250,000, not including surplus and undivided profits. The amount .of deposits in the banks in Winona is about $900,000, and bills discounted are about the same amount. The rates of interest charged by the banks are from seven to ten per cent per annum. CHAPTEE XIV. GENERAL HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY— ITS EARLY SETTLE- MENT, PIONEERS, ETC. The local history of this county, as an organization, hardly ex- tends beyond the personal recollections of the present generation. Many of its earliest settlers are yet residents of this locality. Less than a third of a centufy ago the countjy lying west of the Missis- sippi in the State of Minnesota was the almost exclusive domain of bands of savages — the possessions of the aborigines, occupied by the 132 HISTOEY OF WINONA COtlNTY. same race and by the same nation of people who held it when the western continent was first discovered. Its early settlement by the pioneer successors of this savage race was begun somewhat after the same general plan, although on a very much smaller scale, of that adopted by the Europeans in their first occupancy of North America. They made claims and held them by their rights of discovery. This part of the country was first discov- ered and held in possession by the French. To maintain a proper connection with the past, a brief synopsis of historical events relative to this section of country, prior to the time this county was created, has been compiled as an introductory chapter to this record of events and incidents of more modem times. After the discovery of the western continent, the maritime nations of Europe sent out expeditions to make explorations. The parts of the continent first visited in these voyages were taken possession of in the name of the government represented. When these ^plorations were extended inland the localities were claimed by the same powers. It was in this manner that the whole Missis- sippi valley became at one time a part of the foreign possessions of France, acquired by their rights of discovery and held by their power as a nation. In 1534 Jacques Cartier, a French navigator, discovered the Gulf of St. Lawrence and sailed up the St. Lawrence river, supposing from its size and depth that he had found the western passage to the Indian ocean, for which he was seeking. He claimed the newly discovered country in the name of the sovereign of France. As an emblem of his first discovery, and as a symbol of possession, he erected a large wooden cross on a conspicuous elevation of land. This was the first claim mark of France in this part of North America. The French afterward extended their explorations west to the great lakes, assuming possession in their progress. It was not until 1654 that they reached the region of Lake Superior. The real explorers of this part of the country were the fur traders. They advanced with their traffic as far west as Green Bay in 1659. In these expeditions, from the time the cross was erected by Cartier, these adventurous explorers were usually accompanied by zealous representatives of different orders m the Koman Catholic church, apparently to maintain religious advantages coequal with the civil and military authority claimed over the extended possessions. EAELY SETTLEMENT, PIONEERS, ETC. 133 Father Joseph Marquette accompanied Louis JoUiet with five French or Canadian voyageurs up the Fox river from Cireen Bay. Crossing the portage to the Wisconsin river they descended it to its mouth and discovered the Mississippi river on June 17, 16Y3. To Father Marquett has been given the honor of having been the first to discover the upper Mississippi. The river had, however, been visited by Europeans prior to this da,te. In 1541 the lower Mississippi was crossed by Hernando de Soto, a Spanish adventurer, in his exploration of that part of the country. In 1679 Father Louis Hennepin accompanied Robert La Salle on his expedition along the shores of Lake Michigan to Illinois, where he spent the winter. In the following spring, 1680, he was intrusted by La Salle to make explorations. With two French voyageurs he went down the Illinois river to its mouth, and then ascended the Mississippi. On his voyage up this river he was made prisoner by a war party of Dakota Indians and taken into the Mille Lac region, on the headwaters of the Mississippi. He was here found by Du- Luth, who was exploring the country of the Dakotas by way of Lake Superior. Father Hennepin visited the Falls of St. Anthony, to which he gave its present name. He was the first to explore the Mississippi above the mouth of the Wisconsin, and the first white man that ever visited the vicinity of this county. In 1682 La Salle descended the Illinois to its junction with the Mississippi, down which he continued until he entered the Gulf of Mexico. He took possession of the country through which he passed in the name of France, and gave it the name of Louisiana. In the spring of 1683 Capt. Nicholas Perrot, a Canadian, with twenty men, established a fort or trading-post in what -is now the State of Minnesota, below and near the mouth of Lake Pepin. This was the first location occupied by a white man on the west side of the Mississippi. It was soon abandoned by Perrot to carry on his traffic elsewhere. In 1688 he returned with forty men, and again took possession of his trading-post below Lake Pepin. In 1689 Capt. Nicholas Perrot, in the name of the king of France, by formal proclamation took possession of all of the country on the headwaters of the Mississippi. Not long afterward the whole country from the Alleghanies to the Pacific ocean was claimed by the French and called the territory of Louisiana. This territory remained in possession of France until 1760, when the country west of the Mississippi was ceded ta Spain, and in 1763 134 HISTOET OF WIKONA COUNTY. all of the country east of the Mississippi claimed by the French was formally ceded to Great Britain. In 1800 the country west of the Mississippi known as Louisiana was retroceded to France, and in 1803 the United States acquired possession of it by purchase from the French government. By act of congress in 1804 Louisiana was divided ; the southern part was called the territory of Orleans, the northern portion the district of Louisiana. ,Li 1812 Orleans was admitted into the Union under the title of State of Louisiana, and the district of Louisiana given the name of Territory of Missouri. In 1821 the Territory of Missouri was divided ; from the southern portion the Territory of Arkansas was formed, and the State of Mis- souri created and admitted. The country north of the State of Missouri was left without ter- ritorial organization. In 1834 it was placed under the jurisdiction of the Territory of Michigan, and in 1837 under the judicial authority of the Territory of Wisconsin. In 1838 the Territory of Iowa was created. It embraced all of the country north of the State of Missouri between the Mississippi and Missouri rivers to the northern line. The State of Iowa was constituted from the southern part of this tei-ritory and admitted in 1846. The northern portion was left with- out territorial organization until by act of congress, March 3, 1849, the Territory of Minnesota was created. The largest portion of this territory, that lying west of the Mis- sissippi, was the northeastern part of the "Louisiana Purchase." The portion lying on the east side of the river was a part of the territory of "Wisconsin not included in the boundaries of the State of Wisconsin when admitted in 1848. The territory of Minnesota, when organized, was without divi- sions, except two or three counties on the east side of the Mississippi, which had been created while they were a part of the Territory of Wisconsin. By proclamation Governor Kamsey divided the territory into three judicial districts. The country west of the Mississippi and south of the Minnesota formed the third judicial district, to which Judge Cooper was assigned. The ,first court was held at Mendota in August, 1849. Governor Ramsey,^ by proclamation, made the first apportion- EARLY SETTLEMENT, PIONEEES, ETC. ' 135 ment of council districts. The settlements on the west bank of the Mississippi, south of the Crow village to the Iowa line, were included with a part of St. Croix county on the east side of the river and con- stituted the first council district. The settlements on tlie west side of the river were of half-breed Sioux. The first territorial legislature held its session in St. Paul, the capital of the territory. It began on September 3 and adjourned on November 1, 1849. The members from the first council district were : James S. Norris, in the council ; Joseph W. Furber and James Wells, in the house. David Olmsted, of Long Prairie, was president of the council ; Joseph W. Furber, of Cottage Grove, speaker of the house. Jamei^ Wells was the first representative to the territorial legis- lature from the country along the west side of the Mississippi. He was an Indian trader living on the shores of Lake Pepin, twelve miles below Eed Wing. Among his friends and associates he was generally known as "Bully Wells." He was elected by the half- breeds and a few traders and government employes at the election held on August 1. The total votes polled were thirty-three. At this election Hon. H. H. Sibley was elected delegate to congress without opposition. The first territorial legislature, at its session in ] 849 (October 27), created several counties, two of which, Dakota and Wabasha on the west side of the Mississippi, included all of the territory south of the Minnesota river — Wabasha in the eastern part and Dakota lying west along the Minnesota. In 1853 (March 5) the county of Wabasha was divided by act of. the territorial legislature and a part of the southern portion desig- nated as Fillmore county. /In 1854 (February 23) Fillmore county was divided, and from the portion along the river the counties of Houston and Winona were created — Houston next to the Iowa line and Winona between Houston and Wabasha counties. The bound- aries given Winona county in the act by which it was created have since been maintained unchanged. These outlines of history gene- alogize this county from the days of the advent of the first white man to the present time, a period of little more than two hundred years. In this abstract of jurisdiction an omission has been made — the proprietary of this part of the country before it was so formally taken possession of by Captain Perrot. At the time France assumed control it was held by tribes of savage Indians. Of them, prior to 136 HISTORY OF WDSrOKA COUNTY. ft that period, but little is known witli any degree of certainty. Hav- ing no written records their earliest traditions have long been for- gotten, their more modern history only known by its connections with that of their successors, the white race. Traditions, with mounds and relics antedating traditionary lore, afford speculative study for the antiquary, and present corroborative evidence to the historian that in the unknown periods of the past this section of country was inhabited, and that its population was probably of the Indian race. Their first occupancy is veiled in dark obscurity. Their rights of possession have, however, been continu- ously acknowledged and recognized from the time jurisdiction was claimed for France in 1689 until the treaty by which their lands west of the Mississippi, in what is now the State of Minnesota, were pur- chased and ceded to the United States, when their title was formally transferred to their successors. The Dakota nation, which held this country, was probably one of the largest warlike nations of the aborigines of North America. "When first visited by Europeans their territory extended from Lake Superior to the Eocky Mountains. This Indian nation was composed of numerous general divisions and subdivisions or bands, having a language common to all (only varied by dialects), with man- ners, customs, etc. , dififering but little in different localities. Although united as a confederacy for common defense or warlike purposes, each division held a separate interest in the localities they occupied. The eastern division of the Dakota nation was the 'Mdaywakan- tonwan, or Spirit Lake villagers. It was this division that made prisoner of Father Hennepin in 1680. At that time they were in possession of the country on the east side of the Mississippi to Lake Superior. The country south of the lake was held by the Ojibways, who were the -first to hold communication with the traders. They were the first supplied with fire-arms, which gave them such an ad- vantage over the more warlike Sioux that they drove them back and took possession of their homes in the Mille Lac regidn. The Si6ux were forced to the southward and westward, but successfully main- tained their lands on .the west side of the Mississippi, and a strip along the east side, from about a hundred and fifty miles above the Falls of St. Anthony to about one hundred and fifty miles below. There were seven bands in this division. The villages of three of them wfere on the Mississippi, below the falls ; the others were on the lower part of the Minnesota river. CHAPTEE XV. TREATIES WITH THE INDIANS. By treaty in 1805, through Lieut. Pike, the first representative of our government that visited this part of the "Louisiana pur- chase," this division of Sioux made the first sale of any of their lands. For the establishment of military posts the United States purchased from them a section of country nine miles square, on each side of the Mississippi, which included the Falls of St. Anthony and the present site of Fort Shelling. A section of country nine miles square, at the mouth of the St. Croix, was also secured for the same purpose. It was not until several years after that this purchase was utilized by government. The corner-stone of Fort Snelling was laid on the loth of September, 1820, but it was not occupied by soldiers until the .following year. The site was first taken possession of by Col. Leavenworth with a company of soldiers in 1819. The transportation of troops, supplies, material, etc., for the fort was principally by keelboats, which at that time, and for some time afterward, were used in the navigation of the Upper Missis- sippi. The trip from St. Louis to this point was a long and tedious one. The first steamboat that ever came up the Mississippi to Fort Snelling at the mouth of the Minnesota river was a stem-wheel boat called the Yirginia, in 1823. By treaty in 1830 government secured from this part of the Sioux nation the section of country known as the "Half-breed Tract," for the benefit or exclusive use of their descendants of mixed blood. This tract of land was on the west side of the Mississippi and Lake Pepin, fifteen miles wide, and extending down the river, from Bam Bluff, near Eed Wing, thirty-two miles, to a point opposite Beef river, below the present village of Wabasha. In 1837 a deputation of chiefs of this division of Dakotas was induced to visit Washington, where they made a treaty by which they "ceded to the United States all their lands east of the Missis- sippi river, and all of their islands in said river." This treaty was ratified by the senate on the iTth of July, 1838, when the Sioux re- moved all of thfeir bands to the west side of the Mississippi. 138 HISTORY OF WrsrOKA COUNTY. Until 1851 the Mdaywakantonwan Sioux were the only division of the Dakota nation wiljh whom the United States had made formal treaty stipulations for the sale of any part of their lands. ■ They were the only branch of the whole Sioux confederacy who received annuities from the government. Under the treaty of 1837 they re- ceived annually, for twenty years from the date of the treaty, $10,000 in money, $10,000 in goods, $5,500 in provisions, and $8,250 "in the purchase of medicines, agricultural implements and stock and for the support of a physician, farmers and blacksmiths, and for other beneficial objects." In the first article of this treaty it was provided that a portion of the interest on the whole sum invested — $5,000 annually — was "to be applied in such manner as the presi- dent may direct." This occasioned some trouble, as it was proposed to expend this sum for the purposes of education, schools, etc*, which the Indians strongly opposed. This fund was not used, but allowed to accumulate until the treaty of 1851 before settlement was efiected and the amount paid over to them. At that time these seven bands comprised a population of about 2,200 in number. The nominal head chief of the division was War basha, who was also chief of a band. His village was at Wabasha Prairie, and had a population of about 300. The Ked Wing band — chief, Wakbota — numbered about 300; the Kapbsia band — chief, Little Crow — had about 400; the Black Dog band — chief. Gray Iron — had 250 ; Cloud Man's band, at Lake Calhoun, 250 ; Good Eoad's band, about 300 ; Six's band — chief, Shakopee — about 450. The last four bands named were on lower part of the Minnesota river. By treaties riiade in 1851 the Sioux sold their lands in what is now the Sta,te of Minnesota. The Sisseton and Wahpaton divisions in the west, called the "upper bands," signed the treaty at Traverse des Sioux, July 23, 1851, and the "lower bands," the Wahpakoota and Mdaywakantonwan divisions, signed the treaty at Mendot^' August 5, 1851. These treaties were amended by the senate at Washington the fol- lowing year. The amendment was ratified by the " lower bands " at St. Paul, September 4, 1862. The treaties as amended were formally ratified by the president's proclamation, dated February 24, 1853. By this sale the Dakotas relinquished possession of their lands in this vicinity — their title to it, held from time unknown, was extinguished for ever. Prior to this, occupancy of these lands by TKEATIES WITH THE INDIANS. 139 the whites was considered trespass, except by special permit or / license from government. After the treaty in 1 851, and before its ratification, settlements were made or commenced by the whites, without action on the part of the government, and without much show of opposition from the Sioux. It was during this period that the first bona-fide settlements were made within the boundaries of what is now known as Winona county. Previous to this, however, Indian traders and government employes had located temporarily at different places along the Mississippi, some of whom remained and afterward became citizens of the county. The Mississippi river is the eastern boundary of this county, and from time immemorial has been what may be called the grand highway between the north and the south, and, through its tribu- taries, the means of communication' between the east and the west. Over its waters the savages paddled their canoes, and'the Canadian voyageurs propelled their batteaux. It was the course over which the early traders carried on their traffic. Their goods, brought from the east by way of the great lakes, and down the Wisconsin river, were transported up the Mississippi to their trading stations in the north. The furs for which they were exchanged were returned over the same route. With the increase of this commercial business Prairie d\i Chien became the emporium of the' fur-traders, and held its importance for nearly a century. During this period French names were given by the traders and voyageurs to persons, places and things which were in common use, the names designative of localities which served as land- marks in their adventurous expeditions being the most important. There are not more than one or two localities in this county that can now be identified by the names • thus given, and in no instance > has the name been preserved. The most familiar, if not the only locality, is that of the prairie on which the city of Winona is now situated. This was designated as the "Prairie aux Aile," the literal translation of which is the "Wing Prairie." Its signification is unknown except as a matter of opinion. This prairie and vicinity was the home of one of the most influ- ential of the Dakota chiefs. It was the grand gathering-place of his once numerous warriors. The Dakota name of this chief was Wa-pa-ha-sa. It was hereditary. Besides being chief of his own 140 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. band, he was the head chief of the bands along the. Mississippi. These official positions were also hereditary. The early voyageiirs gave him the name of Wa-pa-sa. The more modern traders and river men called him Warba-shaw, and gave the same name to the prairie on which his village was located. It was known as Wabar shaw prairie until the name was superseded by Winona, its present one. Winona ( Wee-no-nah) is a Dakota name, signifying a daughter,, the first-born child. It is a name usually given to the first-born child, if a daughter, and never conferred upon a locality by the Sioux. , The name was selected by the early settlers on Wabasha prairie as the name of the post-office established there, and was afterward adopted by the town proprietors for the village. When the county was created the same name was conferred upon it. The following story in Weil's History of Minnesota gives another name to Wabasha prairie. The story is apparently founded on the Dakota legend of Maiden's rock, on the eastern shore of Lake Pepin., This is the only instance known where the name of "Keoxa" has ever been given to Wabasha's village on* this prairie. It is indeed, a query whether it is a Dakota name. "In the days of the great chief Wapashaw there lived at the vil- lage of Keoxa, which stood at the site of the town which now bears her name, a maiden with a loving soul. She was the first-born, daughter, and, as is always the case in a Dahkotah family, she bore the name of Weenonah. A young hunter of the same band was never happier than when he played the flute in her hearing. Having; thus signified his afi^ection, it was with the whole heart reciprocated.. The youth begged from his friends all that he could, and went to her parents, as is the custom, to purchase her for hi^ wife, but his pi^oposals were rejected. "A warrior who had ofben been on the war-path, whose head- dress plainly told the number of scalps he had wrenched from Ojibway heads, had also been to the parents, ajid they thought that she would be more honored as an inmate of his teepee. " Weenonah, however, could not forget her first love, and though he had been forced away, his absence strengthened her affections. Neither the attentions of the warrior, nor the threats of parents, nor the persuasions of friends could make her consent to marry simply for position. " One day the band came to Lake Pepia to fish or hunt. The dark green foliage, the velvet sward, the beautiful expanse of TREATIES WITH THE INDIANS. 143 ■water, the shady nooks, made it a place to utter the breathings of love. The warrior sought her once more and begged her to accede to her parents' wish and become his wife, but she refused with decision. "While the party was feasting Weenonah clambered to the lofty bluff, and then told to those who were below how crushed she had been by the absence of the young hunter and the cruelty of her friends. Then chaufiting a wild death-song, before the fleetest runner could reach the height she dashed herself down, and that form of beauty was in a moment a mass of broken limbs and bruised flesh. "The Dahkotah as he passes the rock feels that. the spot is "Wawkawn." The name of Wabasha rightfully belonged to this locality. Its alienation was not from premeditated design. Before Wabasha prairie was settled, or even a white settler had located in what is now Winona county, the settlement on the "half-breed tract" was called Wabasha. The first postoifice along the river was established there and given the name of Wabasha postoffice, although it was for a while at Eeed's Landing. It having been thus appropriated, but little effort was ever made to reclaim it. But few of the settlers cared about preserving or adopting it in a second-hand condition. When keelboats and steamboats^ took the place of the canoes and batteaux in the navigation of the river, the names conferred on localities by the Dakotas and French were quite generally dropped, and less expressive ones usually substituted. Where Dakota or ' French names have been retained in this state, they *have in very many instances been so modified by "Yankee improvements" that it is difficult to trace their derivation. In this county no distinctive name of locality or landmark given by the French has been retained. Neither is there a single instance where the name given by the Dakotas to mountain or stream, hill, valley or prairie, has been preserved and is now in use by the whites. Nothing designated by the Sioux, the immediate predecessors of the present generation, is now known by its Dakota name. It is not so much a matter of surprise that Indian names have not been retained, or that they are now unknown to the present inhabitants of the county, if the abruptness of the change of occu- pants is taken into consideration. When the Sioux relinquished possession of their lands here they at once left this vicinity. The 144- HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. white settlers found the country without a population. The two races were strangers— unknown to each other; no association or intercourse ever existed between them. There are two or three instances where the English interpretation has been substituted for the original Dakota. White Water is the name of a river which runs through the northern part of the county. It is the translation of the Dakota "Minne-ska," signifying "Wliite Water." The village at the mouth of that stream in Wabasha county is called Minneiska. The name of KoUing Stone is another instance. This is an interpretation of the name given by the Dakotas to the Kolling Stone Creek, ^"Eyan-omen-man-met-pah," the literal trans- lation of which is "the stream where the stone rolls." Its true signification is not known. It- was called by the French traders of more modern times "Roche que le Boule." These names were obtained from 0. M. Lord, who acquired them from Gen. Sibley. Wabasha and the most of his people left their homes on the Mississippi in 1852. Nothing marks the localities in this county as evidence of where, for so many generations, their race once lived. Even the old and deeply worn trails, over which they filed ^ away toward the setting sun, are now, like the wakes of their canoes, obliterated and unknown. Some "old settlers" may perhaps from memory be able to point out the general course of these trails, over which they explored the country in their "claim hunting" excur- sions, and .on which they were accustomed to traverse the country until the plow and fences of improvements debarred further use of them. The Sioux were, by the conditions of the treaty, transferred to a reservation on the head-waters of the Minnesota river. Here they were taught and encouraged to adopt a new systerri of life and be- come an agricultural people. It was supposed that some progress was made toward civilization, but, as in many similar philanthropic efforts, the ultimate results proved a failure. The Sioux massacre of 1862 originated with the bands of Wabasha's division, which had given the most encouraging prospects of their becoming "good Indians." The first outrages were perpetrated by some of Shakapee's band. A war party was at once organized with the bands of Gray Iron, Little Crow and detachments from other divisions. The band of Wabasha and the Hed Wing band were compelled to participate in the proceedings, and the whole Dakota nation was soon involved in the affair. . * TREATIES WITH THE INDIAIfB. 145 This chapter would perhaps be considered incomplete without mention of one of the chiefs of Wabasha's band who .was more gen- erally known to the early settlers of Winona county than any other of the Indians who originally claimed this part of the country. The most of the ^' old settlers " probably remember " Old To-ma-ha," the oldl one-eyed Sioux, who kept up his rounds of visitations to the settlements until about the time of his death, which occurred in 1860 at about one hundred years of age. When on his customary visits among the whites he was usually accompanied by a party of his own descendants and family relatives — from ten to twenty in number. His figure wa^ erect and movements active, notwithstanding his advanced age. His dress on these occasions was a much worn military coat and pantaloons of blue cloth trimmed with red, and an old stove-pipe hat with the same color displayed. ' He always carried with him a large package of papers inclosed in a leather or skin pocket-book, and also a large silver medal, which he wore suspended from his neck in a conspicuous place on his breast. His large red pipe-stone hatchet pipe, with a long handle, was generally in his hands. It was his usual custom to attract attention by his presence and then allow the curious to examine his pipe and medal, when, if there appeared to be a prospect of getting money for the exhibition, he would produce his pocket-book and allow an examination of its contents, for which privilege he expected, and usually received, at least a dime, and perhaps from the more liberal a quarter of a dollar. This Indian was a historical character. His pocket-book contained his commis- sion as a chief of the Sioux nation, given him by Governor Clark, of Missouri territory, in 1814, who at the same time presented, him with a captain's uniform and a medal for meritorious services ren- dered the government as a scout and messenger. His papers con- tained testimonials and recommendations from prominent govern- ment officials and other persons. Mention is made of him in the reports of officials who had jurisdiction in the northwest territories, one by Lieut. Pike, who was sent by the government of the United States in 1805 to explore the northern part of the "Louis- iana purchase," then recently acquired, and to make treaties with the Dakotas. In 1812, when the Sioux joined the English in the war with the United States, Tomaha went to St. Louis and gave his services to fight against the British forces. He had the confidence of the military officers, and in all of the frontier difficulties on the upper Mississippi, where fighting was done, he was employed as 146 HISTORY OF WTNONA COUNTY. scout and messenger. "When his services were no longer required by government he returned to his. Dakota home. When the Sioux left this vicinity and went to their reservation on the Minnesota river, Tomaha remained to die in the. locality where he was born and where he spent his youth. He sometimes visited his friends on the reservation, but never made it his home. GHAPTEE XVI. THE FUR TRADERS. TfiE first white men to establish themselves among these Indians were the fur traders and voyageurs — the early pioneers of com- merce. Of the hardy adventurers who in generations past engaged in commercial pursuits in this vicinity nothing is now known. The earliest of these traffickers, who had a fixed place of busi- ness in this county, of which there is even a traditional record, was Francois La Bathe. His business location was in the northern part of the county, on the Mississippi. The date of his establishment of a trading station in this vicinity is not now definitely kno.wn. He had trading posts in other localities along the river at the same time — one at Bad Axe, below La Crosse. His more permanent stations were usually under the charge of partners and assistants or clerks. Mr. -O. M. Lord informed the writer that Hon. N. W. Eattson, of St. Paul, was in the employ of La Bathe & Co. for a year or two, in 1840, or about that time, and liad charge of a trading station above the Rolling Stone. The Idfcation of the station was described by Mr. Kittson as being above Minnesota City, at the foot of the bluff, where the slough leaves the mainland (Haddock's slough). The land in this vicinity is now owned by D. L. Burley, who has occupied it about thirty years. Mr. Burley says he has never seen any indications that would lead him to think the locality had ever been occupied for any purpose prior to his taking possession of it. Others say La Bathe's trading post was above that place. Near where the river leaves the mainland, about four miles below the mouth of the Wliite Water, there is a bluff and a location that re- semble the description given to Mr. Lord. At that place the early THE FTJR TEADERS. 147 settlers of 1852 found the ruins of a large cabin. Tlje writer saw it frequently in 1854. There was a huge stone fireplace and chim- ney then standing entire, in a tolerable state of preservation, but the logs were a mass of ruins, and bushes were growing up among the logs where the house once stood. It is said that La Bathe spent' the most of his life with the Da- kotah Indians ; that though of French descent he was in some way related to them either by birth or marriage, or. perhaps both. His influence with the Indians was ah advantage to him in his commer- cial transactions. He was intimately connected in business aflairs with prominent traders. His history is unknown in this vicinity. La Bathe went with the Sioux to their reservation on the head-wate^a of the Minnesota river, where he was killed by the savages with whom he had spent his life. He was among the first victims at the outbreak of the Sioux massacre in 1862. Although there were, quite a number of traders who lived on the "Wisconsin side of the river, at La Crosse and at what is now Trem- pealeau and Fountain City, who traded with the Sioux on the west side of the river, there are but two or three others of this class to mention who were established in business and had a residence in Winona county. First among these were Willard B. Bunnell and Nathan Brown, both of whom came into the Territory of Minnesota after it was organized. "Bill" Bunnell had been for five or six years prior to his coming here living on the east side of the Mississippi, at La Crosse and at what is now Trempealeau village, but the most of the time in what was called the Trempealeau country, hunting, trapping and trading with the Indians. His Indian trade was principally ^ith the Win- nebagoes who were living in tha^ vicinity and in the Black Kivfer country. He had, before coming to the Mississippi river, been a trader in the vicinity of Green Bay, with the Menomines and Chip- pewas. From his fiuency in speaking the language of "the Ghippe- Was the Sioux for some time after his arrival in this vicinity were jealous and suspicious of 'him as a friend of their hereditary enemies. He was unable to secure their confidence until he had learned their language and proved himself to be a "professional" hunter and their friend. He joined them in their hunting excursions, and for the time adopted their style of "undress," — a breech-clout, buckskin leggings and moccasins. In this rig, with his rifie or fowUng-piecfi and blanket, he spent weeks with them on Eoot river and its tribu- 148 . HISTORY OF WTNONA COXJWTT. taries. He was the first white resident of this locality to explore the country back of the bluffs. Willard Bradly Bunnell located as a licensed trader with the Sioux of Wabasha's band, August 20, 1849. His house was on the bank of the river, in what is now the village of Homer. It was built of hewed logs, and had a shingled roof— the first shingled roof ever put on any structure in this part of Minnesota. This was the first permanent improvement made in the settlement of the 'county. To this place Bunnell brought his family. It was the home of an estimable wife and their three children. It was here that the first white child was bom. Frances Matilda Bunnell was bom February 20, 1850. She was tbe first white native resident of this part of the territory. Mrs. Bunnell was the first white woman that came into this part of the. Territory of Minnesota to live — the first to make her home within the boundaries of Winona county. She was a model repre- sentative of a frontier woman. Although remarkably domestic in her habits, and observant of matters connected with her household duties, which make home desirable, she was able to paddle her own canoe, and was a sure shot with either the rifie or fowling-piece. While in general appearance and manners ladylike and modestly feminine, she had remarkable courage and self-possession, and was decisive to act in cases of emergency,, when danger threatened her- self or family — qualifications that were respected by her dusky neighbors, the friends of the trader. Possessing good mental abili- ties, her experience in frontier life and intuitive knowledge of' Indian character gave ber an influence over the wild customers who visited their trading-post, that was as much a matter of surprise to herself as to others. The Indians respected and feared her although only a»" woman." > Mrs. Bunnell was of French descent. Besides speaking French, she was able to converse fluently with the Chippewas, Winnebagoes and Sioux, and had some knowledge of other dialects. She was brought up in the Catholic faith, but in the latter part of her life she professed the Protestant religion, and became a member of the Methodist church. Mrs. Bunnell died in April, 1867, at about the age of forty-five. Some of her children are yet residents of this state. The house,. a story and a-half building, built by "Will" Bun- nell in 1849, is still standing in the upper part of the village of Homer, at what was once called Bunnell's Landing. The building THE FtTR TEADEKS. 149 and grounds are now the property of Dr. L. H. Bunnell, a younger brother of the trader. The house has been moved a little back from where it was originally built, and, to keep pacewitli the times, this relic of the jfirst settlers' early home has been somewhat modern- ized by a covering of clapboards and painted. It is still a com- fortable dwelling, and is occupied by Dr. Bunnell as his residence and permanent home. ^ Willard B. Bunnell took an active interest in the early settle- ment of this county, and was connected with many of the incidents of pioneer life which will be noticed in the progress of events. He died in August, 1861, at about the age of forty-seven. His death was caused by consumption. Nathan Brown came into the territory as a trader September 29, 1849. His location was on the river below Bunnell's, in what is now the southern part of the county. Mr. Brown was then a young man without a family. His cabin in which he made hi* home was a one-story log building, 12x16. His storehouse, 12x16, was a story and a-lialf, of hewed logs. These buildings'were covered with shingled roofs and substantially made. Although Mr. Brown was a trader with the Indians, he did not hold his position through a license from government. He made a sort of miniature treaty with Wabasha and his braves, and pur- chased from them the privilege of occupying as much of the locality as he chose to carry on his business. For this permit he paid them $50 — making payment in flour and pork from his store. Mr. Brown states that "duiing the early days of his residence there, while engaged in trade with the Winnebagoes and Sioux, he never locked his cabin door, not even when, absent, from home, and never lost anything by theft, through either Indians or white people." Mr. Brown and Mr. Bunnell, as the last of the Indian traders, appear to constitute a connecting link between the past and present condition of this part of the country. Both settled here while the land was held by the Sioux. Both were residents of Winona county after its organization. Following in the order of pioneer life, the missionaries have been among the first to venture into countries inhabited by the savages, and the first to attempt to improve their condition. Their zealous efforts entitle them to be called the pioneers of civilization. Fore- rftost among these have been the missionaries connected with the Catholic church. 150 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. / In the earliest explorations of this part of the country, the traders were accompaiiied by the priests. The early French traders and voyageurs were of that religious belief, and their- descendants, for all of them intermarried with the Indians, were taught the same faith. These missionaries were the first to visit the Dakotas — the first to visit the west side of the Mississippi river. ' From the days of the Kev. Louis Hennepin to more. modern times they held a strong influence over the traders and voyageurs, and their descendants, and perhaps, to a limited extent, succeeded in influencing the savage natives by their teachings. The first Catholic missionaries of more modem times, of whom there is even traditionary knowledge in this section of country, were at the half-breed village where now stands the city of Wabasha, There the first church in southern Minnesota was built in 1845. With the exception of the very Rev. A. Eavoux, the names of these missionaries ,are unknown. The first attempt to establish a Protestant missionary station in this vicinity, of which there is any record, was in 1836. Rev. Daniel Gavan, a Frenchman, sent out as a missionary by the Evan- gelical Society of Lausanne, Switzerland, established a mission for the benefit ol the Sioux of Wabasha's band. At that time the Sioux held possession of the east side of- the river. Mr. Gavan located on the Wisconsin side, and built his cabin near Trempealeau mountain. He remained here until the fall of 1838, when he visited the missions on the Minnesota river, at Lac qui Parle, for the purpose of learning the Sioux language from the missionaries, who were then translating the Scriptures into that tongue. While thus engaged hp became acquainted with and afterward married Miss Lucy C. Stevens, who had been a teacher in a mis- sion school at Lake Harriet, near Fort Snelling. Miss Stevens was a niece of Rev. J. D. Stevens, a missionary. Mr. Gavan, after his marriage, removed to Red Wing, where he remained until 1845. In 1838 the Rev. Jedediah D. Stevens came into this vicinity in . the double capacity of missionary or teacher, and "Indian Farmer." Mr. Stevens was one of the earliest Protestant missionaries to visit the Dakotas on this side of the river. In the spring of 1835 he with his family came to Ft. Snelling, and shortly afterward removed from there to Lake Harriet, as missionary to "Cloud Man's" band of Sioux, where he remained until the fall of 1838, when he was THE FUK TEADEES. 151 appointed "Indian Farmer" to tlie Sioux of Wabasha's band, at Wabasha prairie. Maj. Talliaferro, the Indian agent for the Sioux, aided some of the early missionaries by such appointments, with the design to benefit the savages by thus providing them with means of civilization. Late in the fall of 1838 Mr. Stevens moved his family to his appointed field of labor, but was not favorably received by the Indians. He, however, located himself on the Wisconsin side of the river on the island, about opposite where Laird, Norton & Go's saw-mills now stand, where he built a comfortable log cabin for his family, and a stable for the team of horses he brought with him. He there passed the winter with his wife and children arid a young^ girl, an assistant and companion of Mrs. Stevens. Mr. G. W. Clark says the ruins of this cabin were to be seen when he came here in 1851. Expecting to get his winter supply of proTlsions from down the river before the close, of navigation, he brought only a small supply with him, and was seriously disappointed to learn that i no supplies could be procured from that source. He was compelled to go to Prairie Du Chine for the provisions he had ordered. This trip, over one hundred miles distant, he made with his team on the ice, leaving his family alone. It was during this winter that Mr. Gavin, who had been living near Trempaeleau, was visiting the ,. missions pn the Minnesota river. N'either Mr. Stevens nor his family were in any way molested or disturbed bj' the Sioux during the winter, but he failed to secure the confidence or friendship of Wabasha or his people, although he was able to converse with them in their own tongue. They were dissatisfied with his appointment as "Indian Farmer," and from the time of his arrival had refused to recognize him as a govern- ment agent, or in his capacity as a teacher. In the spring, when he began to make preparations to build on the prairie, their dissatis- faction began to assume a threatening form of opposition. His perseverance excited their hostilities to the extent that he was ordered to keep on the east side of the river, where he was then living, and not attempt to locate on their lands. Deeming it unsafe to remain with his family, against the opposition exhibited, Mr. Stevens resigned his position and left the locality. He went down the river and found more civilized society. The young girl (now Mrs. Griggs) who lived with Mrs. Stevens on the island during that winter, resides near Minneapolis. 152 HISTOET OP WINONA COTTNTr. This appointmeiit of Mr. Stevens to the position of Indian farmer at Wabasha Prairie was the first special appointment made for the Sioux in this locality. It was made in accordance with the terms of the treaty in 1837, by which they sold their lands on the east side of the Mississippi, with all of their island in the river. This treaty was not ratified by government until the following year, 1838, only a short time before Mr. Stevens was assigned to the locality. Although' the Sioux continued to occupy the islands and lands on the east side of the river in common with others, during their stay in this vicinity, they never assumed jurisdiction over them. The Sidux were jealous of the rapid advances of the white people, and firmly opposed any measures which gave them privileges on their lands. The trader was to them a necessity. The Catholic missionaries had for generations been mysteriously associated with the presence of the trader and tolerated. But the missionary Indian farmer they were not prepared to receive — they were indifi'ereut as to what Mr. Stevens knew about farming or schools. It was sup- posed by some that the Indians were infiuenced in this matter by the traders and half-breeds, with a design to drive' Mr. Stevens off and make a vacancy in the position. This may have been the case ; but it was evident that Wabasha did not favor measures that tended to civilization. Afterward, when the treaty was made for the sale of thsir lands, in 1851, he opposed the sale until the treaty was ready for signature, and then acquiesced only because he feared the treaty would be made without his touch of the pen. He was opposed to the terms of the treaty, and in a speech in opposi- tion to it, he said to the commissioners in council: "You have requested us to sign this paper, and you have told these people standing around that it is for their benefit ; but I am of a different opinion. In the treaty I have heard read you have mentioned farmers and schools, physicians, traders and half-breeds. To all these I am opposed. You see these chiefs sitting aroimd. They and others who are dead went to Washington and made a treaty (in 1837), in which the same things were said ; but we have not been benefited by them, and I w.ant them struck out of this one. We want nothing but cash turned over to us for our lands." At about the time that Mr. Stevens was appointed Indian farmer, a government blacksmith was also assigned to this bahd. His name, the place where located, or the length of time he was here THE FUR TRADERS. 153 is somewhat uncertain. It is said by some that he was located near La Bathe's trading station. Of this nothing reliable is learned. About the same time a blacksmith was assigned to the half-breeds. Oliver Cratt, from Fort Snelling, was appointed to that position, and he located himself at the half-breed settlement, now Wabasha. Whether he also supplied Wabasha's band is not known. Dr. Bunnell, of this county, says that he learned from some old Indians, Sioux and Winnebagoes, and from descendants of half- breed natives of this vicinity, that the first blacksmith appointed to Wabasha's band was a half-breed Sioux. That he located himself on the very site where W. B. Bunnell afterward settled, and which is now the property of Dr. Bunnell. He says that in cultivating his garden, in that locality, he has found cinders and scraps of iron that would confirm the statement. The tradition of the Indians is that the half-breed blacksmith did not stay but a short time on the west side of the river. To avoid threatened danger to himself he moved his blacksmith-shop onto an island opposite Homer. In this way he held for awhile his position of an employe under govern- ment. The doctor also states that after W. B. Bunnell was located at his trading station, he found on the island an old anvil and evidence that a blacksmith had occupied the locality. The island was given the name of i" Blacksmith Island" by the trader, and it is yet known by that name. The Sioux of the "lower bands" along the river were all opposed to the payment of .teachers or for the establishment of schools, etc., from their annuities. No schools were ever established with War basha's band. It was not until several years after the treaty of 1837 that the consent of any of this division was obtained. Little Crow, of the Kaposia band, was the first to ask for a school, in 1846. The mission schools w^re previous to this, and until atter the treaty of 1851, supported at the expense of missionary societies. In 1842 James Heed was appointed Indian farmer to Wabar sha's band, and held this position under government for three years afterward. He built a l6g storehouse on Wabasha prairie, which he used as his headquarters when engaged in his official duties. This building stood about where S. C. White's store now stands, on the corner of Second and Center streets, in the city of Winona. The lands cultivated by the Sioux, under the mang,gement and instruction of Mr. Eeed, were in the mouth of what is now called 154 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. GilraoVe valley, the bottom lands in front of the residence of C. C Beck. Prior to this the same locality had been used by generations of Sioux squaws for cultivation after their primitive manner. This was the favorite planting-grounds of Wabasha's village, although other localities were also used for purposes of cultivation. The mouth of Burns valley was another favorite locality and the special home of the chief Wabasha and his family relatives. The main village of this band was on the slough at the upper end of the prairie, near where the railroad machine-shops are now located. James Eeed was a native of Kentucky. When a young man he enlisted as a soldier and was stationed at Fort Crawford, Prairie du Chine. After his discharge he adopted the life of a hunter and trapper, and spent the greater part of his life among the Indians along the upper Mississippi. As was common among men of his class, he took a -wife or two among the people with whom he was living. His last wife, to whom he was married in 1840, or about that time, in Prairie du Chine, was a half-breed Sioux, a cousin of the chief Wabasha, and said to be a sister of Francois la Bathe, the trader of whom mention has been made. The section ot country fixed upon by James Heed as his favorite locality was the Trempealeau country, where he was successful in raising stock on the free ranges of government lands. He made it his home at what is now the village of Trempealeau. It was here he was living when he was appointed Indian farmer for the benefit of the Sioux on Wabasha prairie. He did not change his residence while holding this oflBcial position. Mr. Keed lived in the Trempealeau country until his death, which occurred but a few years ago at what is called the >' Little Tamerack," in the Trempealeau valley. How much the Indians were benefited by the instructions of an inexperienced agriculturist it is now difiicult to determine. The first settlers on Wabasha prairie found some parts of broken plows among .the ruins of the old storehouse used by Mr. Eeed. An old breaking plow was found and taken possession of by some of the settlers at Minnesota city'^ This was claimed and carried away by some of the squaws in 1852. It is questionable whether the people of this band were benefited by agents of government or missionaries while they remained in this section of country. There is no evidence to show a single TilE FUR TRADERS. 155 instance where a missionary was ever permitted by "Wabasha to locate within what are now the boundaries of this county. The Catholic missionaries were the religious instructors of the half-breeds. To what extent they had influence with this band is now unknown. From several graves disclosed by the caving of the bank of the river, in the lower part of the city of Winona, a number of_ large silver crosses and other Catholic emblems were taken by some boys fishing in the vicinity. One of these crosses was pur- chased by W. H. St. John, a jeweler in Winona, who exhibits it in his store as a relic of the past. The graves were 'evidently those of females. In the summer of 1848, the Winnebago Indians were removed from the reservation in the northeastern part of Iowa, which they had occupied for a limited time, to a' reservation established for tiiem by government on Long Prairie, on the east side of the Mis- sissippi, about forty miles back from the river, and about one hun-, dred and forty miles above St. Paul. They were opposed to the arrangements, and objected to their removal to the locality selected for their future home. Military aid was required to induce them to move. After considerable delay a part of them were persuaded to start up the Mississippi iu their canoes, unUer charge of H. M. Eice, accompanied by a company of volunteers from Crawford county, Wis., in boats. The other portion was induced to start by land, with their ponies, under the cai'e of Indian agent Fletcher, with a company of dragoons from Fort Atkinson, and a train of baggage wagons. By agreement these two parties were to meet at Wabasha Prairie. v The party by water reached the prairie and landed near where Mrs. Keyes now lives, where they camped. The land party came into this part of the country by following up what is now called Money Creek valley, and arrived at the prairie by following the Indian trail on the divide between the Burns and Gilmore valleys. This trail led down a steep ravine back of where George W. Clark now lives. It was here necessary to let the baggage wagons down with ropes attached to the, trees on the east side of the ravine. This trail over the ridge was afterward known to the early settlers as the "Government Trail." When the Winnebagos reached Wabasha Prairie they revolted, and decidedly refused to go farther. With the exception of one small band, who remained on the bank of the river, they all went 156 HISTORY OF WINONA COUWTT. round the lake to the mouth of Jurns valley,, where they camped with Wabasha's band, which had collected there, and with whom they were on friendly terms. Finding it necessary to have more aid, reinforcements were sent for. While the government officials were waiting for help from Fort Snelling, the Winnebagos negotiated with Wabasha for the pur- chase of the prairie, and expressed a determination to remain here. Wabasha and his braves joined in with them — took an active inter- est in their proceedings, and encouraged them in their revolt against the authority of Indian agent J. E. Fletcher and his assistants. A steamboat brought down from the fort a company of soldiers and two pieces of artillery, wljich were landed at the camp on the lower part of the prairie. A council with the Indians was agreed upon, the day appointed, and the place selected. The location was above the camp and back from the river. To guard against a surprise the officers in charge made their strongest preparation for defense, in case an attack should be made. The teamsters and every available man of the party was armed and detailed for active duty. On the day fixed all of the warriors of the combined tribes of Winnebagos and Sioux, many of them mounted on their ponies, marched around the head of the lake from Burns valley and moved down the" prairie. When about half a mile from the council grounds, where the Indian agent awaited them surrounded by his forces, a detachment rode forward as if to reconnoiter. The whole body of Indians then moved down as if at a charge, and began the wildest display of their capacity to represent demons, on foot and on horseback. Their manoenvers might indicate a peaceful display or represent a threatened assault. It was supposed at the time that an attack was designed by the wild devils. One of the land escort, McKinney, pointed out the locations and described the incidents to the writer, and said that he certainly expected to lose his scalp that day. As he watched their wild evo- lutions, circling on every side, charging with fierce yells and firing of guns, his scalp seemed to fairly start from his head. His fear of attack was, however, second to his astonishment and admiration of the extraordinary and unexpected display. The council was held without any attending difficulty, but the agents failed to secure the consent of the Indians to move on up the EAELT LAND TITLES. 157 river. Aiter a delay here of about a month the Wiimebagoes con- sented to go to Long Prairie. Many of them, however, went back to Iowa, or crossed the river to their old homes in Wisconsin. Wabasha was arrested and taken up to Fort Shelling for the part he had taken in the aifair. The sale of Wabasha Prairie to the Winnebagos . was never consumnated, or agreed to by the Sioux. The negotiations for it were simply "talks" to delay any move- ments. The Winnebagos were then desirous of going to the Mis- souri river country, instead of up the Mississippi. CHAPTER XVII. EARLY LAND TITLES. Following the trader, the missionary and the government em- ploye, the town-site hunters, the pioneer land speculators, crowded the advance of civilization. In this county the town-site speculators were in the van of settlers seeking permanent homes. In the selec- tion of town sites the trarders had some advantage in securing the first choice of locations ; but their selections did not always prove to be the most successful speculations. / The professional town-site operators were generally more than their equals . in management after selections were made and the tide of immigration began its movement. It may perhaps be truly said that the first town-site claimants — the first to secure locations for town sites in whatsis now Winona county — were the traders W. B. Bunnell and IS^athan Brown. Bun- nell's selection for his trading station was made more directly with a view of convenience for the special business in which he was en- gaged, but with the design of making it his future home. The Territory of Minnesota had just been organized, and he was aware that the time was not far distant when the Sioux would be compelled to move back and give way to the advance of the white race and civilization. His selection was made in anticipation that when this part of the country should become settled it would be an important business point. Bunnell was familiar with the back countrj' and with the 158 HISTORY OP WINONA COUNTY. river, and took possession of his chosen locality with the impression and an honest belief that he was securing the best steamboat landing and town site on the west side of the river, between Lake Pepin and the Iowa line, and there waited the progress of events. JSTathan Brown's trading-post was a town site. B. "W. Brisbois, a trader residing at Prairie du Chine, and F. S. Eichards, a trader at the foot of Lake Pepin, made choice of this locality with the same ideas of the future development of the country, that had influenced Bunnell. They selected Mr. Brown as a proper person, one in whom they had confidence and considered trusty, to join with them in this speculation, and hold the location by establishing a trading station. The location was not the choice of Mr. Brown. At the time this proposition was made to him he was at St. AntKony, where he had about decided to locate himself. He consented to become a partner, but not with the design of making it his future home. By agreement they were to take his share off from his hands whenever he should choose to leave, and to pay him for holding the situation. This they failed to do when required, and Nathan Brown became a permanent resident of that locality. Brisbois and Richards furnished Brown with goods for the In<^ian trade, and he here carried on quite a flourishing business, principally with the Winnebagoes, who lived across the river in the Trempealeau country.' His trade with the Sioux was more limited. He also engaged in furnishing wood for steamboats, employing choppers during the winter for that purpose, paying them principally from his store. Another town site was selected by Chute and Ewing about three fourths of a mile below Brown's, in which Capt. D. S. Harris had an interest for awhile. This was also a trading station. A Canadian Frenchman held the locality for about a year, when he left, and Jerry Tibbits took his place. Mr. Tibbits is still a resident of that vicinity, living in the town of New Hartford. This town site was, after two or three years, attached to the one held by Mr. Brown and its name of Catlin dropped. This trading station Nathan Brown held for the company from 1849 to 1855, when it was duly entered at the United States land office as a town site under the name of Dacota. As a speculation it did not prove to be a successful undertaking or a profitable investment for its proprietors. A. few settlers made it their home for awhile, but were compelled to leave and earn a living elsewhere. Mr. Brown says he could not afford to support EAKLY LAND TITLES. 161 the settlers who located there, and bought out all who had an interest in the town and converted the tillable land into a farm. It failed as a steamboat landing, but the railroad station, Dacota, on the river road, marks the location of the ancient town site and trading station of Brisbois, Kichards and Brown, Indian traders and town-lot speculators. Nathan Brown yet lives on the same claim, and near the site of the cabins he built there in 1849. He has a large iarm in that vicinity, and is now the oldest resident in the county or in southern Minnesota, having occupied the same locality about thirty-four years. Mr. Brown and Mr. Bunnell came-here about the same time. In conversation relative to early days Mr. Brown said: "The first time I ever saw Bunnell was in the spring of 1849.. I was going down the river, footing it on the ice, on my way from St. Anthony to Prairie du Chine. Finding the traveling unsafe, I left the river at Holmes', now Fountain City, and took the trail along the bluffs; I got wet crossing the Trempealeau river, and as it was then dark I caniped. In the morning, after going a short distance, I came to a cabin which I found occupied by Bunnell's family. He had been living there during the winter." i Aside from the trading stations already mentioned, there were no other settlements made or commenced in this vicinity until after the treaty with the Sioux in 1851, when the first settlement was made on Wabasha prairie. This prairie had but little to recommend it to the attention of either the town-site hunter or settlers seeking choice locations for farms and homes in the new country which the Sioux were soon to relinquish to tjie whites. It was a sandy plain, apparently level as viewed from the river, and scantily covered with a stunted growth of wild grass. A few trees and bushes fringed the immediate bank of the river, while but a single tree stood on any other part of the prairie, on which the city of Winona now stands. A striking con- trast with its present appearance — covered as it now is with such vast num]?er8 of lofty and beautiful shade-trees, giving it a resem- blance to a forest, with varied thickets of undergrowth through which broad avenues and partial clearings had been made. The one lone tree Was in the lower part of the city. It stood in the valley, between Third and Fourth streets, in front oi where the Washington school building now stands. 10 162 HISTORY OF WINOKA. COUNTRY. ' In the time of high water, when the Mississippi seemed to dis- regard boundaries, this prairie was but an island, apparently so low and level that it was but little above the water which lapped onto its banks. A rushing torrent then flowed through the slough above, where now the embankments of the railroads form a dam. In the rear a broad current of water, three fourths of a mile wide, separated it from the mainland- Bunnell, the trader, living three or four miles below, had learned through the traditions of the Indians from the Sioux, with whom he was intimate and had familiar acquaintance, that the whole of Wabasha prairie had been entirely submerged during some of the most extreme floods of the river. No story was more current during the earlier days of the settle- ment of this locality, or told with more apparent candor and truth- fulness, than that about the general overflow of high-water on this prairie. From the traditionary evidence first cited, it soon reached the stage where positive proof could be readily made. Many of the old experienced river men claimed, and positively asserted, that they had passed over the highest part of the praii'ie on rafts and with boats. Not to be behind in experience, steamboat men stated • that they, too, had found there sufiicient depth of water for any boat. The story that steamboats had passed over may possibly have started from the fact that during the high water of 1849 a small steamboat did get aground on the lower part of the prairie. The pilot of the Lynx mistook the channel one dark, stormy night, and ran his craft out on the low land, just below where the house of Mrs. Keyes now stands. To return the boat to the river it was necessary to take everything out of her, even her boilers and the brickwork of the arches in which they were set. It was said that during the high water of 1852 it was not uncom- mon to hear the raflsmen hail the residents of the prairie with, "You'd better get out o' there or you'l get drowned out. I've seen that prairie all under water." A raftsman was considered a green one if in his experience he had never seen Wabasha prairie covered with water. Strangers — passengers on the steamboats — wpre commonly enter- tained as they approached -the prairie with the stereotyped remark, "It looks like a nice place to build a town, but it overflows." The persistent repetition of such remarks was as annoying to the settlers as it was irritating to the proprietors of the embryo city plotted there. EARLY LAND TITLES. 163 The proprietor of a rival town site was holding forth on this suhject to a crowd of passengers, as the steamboat approached the prairie from below, saying, "It is true it does look like a nice place to build a town, but, gentlemen, I have passed over the highest land on Wabasha prairie in a boat." He was here interrupted by a passenger, a resident of the prairie, the dignified and gentlemanly appearing Rev. H. S. Hamilton, who removed his hat as he stepped forward and gravely said: "Excuse me, sir, but can it be possible , that your name is Noah ? There is no record that any one has passed aver that prairie since the days of that ancient navigator of the deep." The town-site blower was forced to retreat from the laughter of the amused crowd of passengers. To Capt. OrLh Smith belongs the credit of selecting Wabasha prairie as a location for a town site. He was the founder of the city of Winona. At that time he was a citizen of Galena, Illinois, and the captain of the steamboat Nominee, running between Galena and St. Paul. He had seen western towns spring up like magic, enriching the lucky proprietors. Land speculations and town-site operations were the most common topics of conversation among his passengers. From a desire to engage in some profitable speculation, should opportunity oifer, he watched for a chance to secure a town site on the river. His observations convinced him that eventually, when the Indian title should become extinct on the west side of the river in the Territory of Minnesota, an important point must spring up, and he early comprehended that Wabasha prairie possessed the most favorable and decided advantages for the rapid growth of a large commercial town when the country should become settled. The treaty with the Sioux in 1851 presented an opportunity which Capt. Smith at once took advantage of, although the treaty had not been ratified and the Indians were still occupying the country. He was familiar with the river, and was aware that there were but two locations suitable for steamboat landings on Wabasha prairie. One, the present levee — ^the other about a mile below. Capt. Smith was aware, from his own personal knowledge (he had navigated the upper Mississippi many years )i that, Wabasha prairie was not subject to an entire overflow, neither had it been submerged within the traditional recollections of the "oldest inhabitants"' among the whites ; yet he was to a certain extent influenced' by the Indian traditions, by Bunnell's opinion and by the opinions of some of the old river men of his acquaintance in his first choice of location. 164 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. He selected the lower landing for his town site because the banks were higher, the shore bolder, with a good depth of water at all seasons of navigation. • He was also aware that the upper landing was subject to overflow, although available and satisfactory at other times. He therefore dedded to secure and control both landings. In accordance with this plan he made his arrangements to take possession, and selected as his agent in this transaction Erwin H. Johnson, the carpenter on his steamboat, the old Nominee. He made a written agreement with Johnson to hold the two claims he had selected, for which Johnson was to have an undivided half of both claims. Capt. Smith also agreed to pay Johnson twenty- five dollars per month and furnish aU necessary subsistence. John- son was to engage in banking steamboat wood, which Captain Smith proposed to have cut on the islands opposite during the winter. Capt. Smith landed Erwin H. Johnson from the Nominee at the lower landing on Wabasha prairie at about ten o'clock at night, on the 15th of October, 1851. He also left with him two men, em- ployed as wood-choppers. One of these men was Caleb Nash. The name of the other is unknown ; he left on the return of the Nomi- nee down the river. Johnson was furnished by Capt. Smith with a small quantity of lumber for a shanty, a yoke of oxen and abundant supplies of pro- visions and blankets. These, with Johnson's tool-chest, a few neces- sary tools, a bucket or two, an iron pot, a bake-kettle, an iron spider and a few dishes, comprised the entire outfit. They camped for that night on the beach where they landed, and slept under a few board^s which they laid against the bank above. The next day they built a small cabin on the same focaUcy where they had passed the night. This structure was about 10x12, with ., a shed roof sloping towa^-d the bank. The back end of this cabin was the bank against which it was built. A fireplace was formed in one corner, a hole above in the lower part of the roof afforded exit for the smoke. The material used for this fireplace was the brick thrown from the Lynx when aground about half a mile below in 1849. This shanty, as it was called, was the first "claim shanty" put up on "Wabasha prairie. It stood on the beach, below the high bank of the river, nearly in front of where the planing-mill of the Winona Lumber Company now stands. Johnson built a stable for the oxen EARLY LAND TITLES. 165 on the bank ten or fifteen rods back from the river. This was made of poles and covered with coarse grass from the bottoms. In the absence of any other means of conveyance -a crotch of a tree was used as a sled to transport such things as the oxen were required to haul. Johnson afterward built a rough sled for his use in banking wood on the island during the winter. ' Not long after Johnson's arrival on Wabasha prairie another town- site speculator made his appearance in this locality. ■ On the 12th of November,' 1851, Silas Stevens, a lumber dealer in La Orosse, landed from the Excelsior at the upper landing, about where the L. C. Porter flouring-mill now stands. "With him came Geo. W. Clark, a young man in his employ, and Edwin Hamilton, a young man from Ohio, looking for a chance to speculate in claims, who had been induced to come up from La Crosse, where he had been stop- ping for a short time. Mr. Stevens brought with him lumber for a shanty, a cooking ' stove, and a liberal supply of provisions, blankets, etc. It was about eleven o'clock at night when this party left the steamer Excelsior. ' Mr. Stevens was aware that Capt. Smith had made a claim here and placed a man on it to hold possession, and the party at once made search for his cabin. The night was intensely dark, and they were compelled to hunt for some time before they found Johnson. His locality was unknown to either of them. Mr. Stevens had a few days before been up the river as far as Bunnell's landing, and from the bluff above had seen some men and a yoke of oxen on the lower end of the prairie, but no cabin was in sight. Fortunately, by following down the bank of the river, they dis- covered the shanty and were furnished by Johnson with the best accommodation the cabin afforded, — a bed of hay on the floor where all slept together, covered with blankets. Johnson had not then completed his shanty. He afterward improved the interior by putting up'a -shelf or two to hold his supplies and dishes, and two double berths, one over the other in one corner. These were made of poles, his supply of lumber was insufficient. For comfort these berths were filled with dry prairie-grass, covered with blankets. This party took breakfast with Johnson before beginning the business of the day. Up to this time the question of boundaries to their claims had not been considered either by Capt. Smith or John- son. Capt. Smith had simply proposed to claim the two landings, with at least 160 acres of prairie in each claim, and as much more as 166 HISTORY OP WINONA COUNTY. they could control. It now became necessary to have their bounda- ries more accurately defined. Mr. Stevens had come up for the express purpose of securing one of the landings, not being aware that Capt. Smith proposed to hold them both through Johnson, who he supposed was only an employe, without an individual interest in the matter. Mr. Stevens expected to take possession of and hold the upper landing through an employe of his own, Mr. Clark, who had come for that purpose. He was somewhat surprised to find that Johnson had already laid claim to it, with the approval of Capt. Smith, but no improvements had been made. Not being of an aggressive nature, Mr. Stevens hesitated to take advantage of this and take possession without Johnson's con- sent, which he could not obtain. After , a general consultation, in which the whol? party partici- pated, it was finally agreed that the land along the river should be divided into "claims" of half a mile square, and that Johnson should have the first choice oi ' two of the claims, one for Capt. Smith and the other for himself. Accordingly, on the morning of November 13, 1851, the first claim-stakes were driven on "Wabasha prairie, and the first defined claims made within what are now the boundaries of Winona county. The stake agreed upon as the starting-point-was driven on the bank of the river below the present residence of Mrs. Keyes. From this stake a half-mile was measured off with a tape-line up the river, where another stake was driven. This half-mile was chosen by Johnson for Capt. Smith and was called "Claim No. 1." The next half-mile measured off up the river bank was called "Claim No. 2." This was at once chosen and claimed by both Stevens and Nash. Mr. Stevens .expected that claim No. 2 would be awarded to him. He had been influenced by the recommendations and per- . suasions of Capt. Smith to come up and select a claim to hold possession, and he now supposed that after Smith and Johnson he was entitled to the next choice ; but he was again disappointed, and again gave way to Johnson's decision in the matter. Nash, sup- ported by and under the instructions of Johnson, claimed it by seniority as a settler. He had been a resident on the prairie about three weeks, and claimed the land by his rights of first discovery. The next half-mile, claim No. 3, was assigned to Mr. Stevens. It could hardly be called his choice. Claim No. 4 was awarded to EARLY LAND TITLES. 167 Johnson as per agreement. The next half-mile, claim No. 5, was selected by Edwin Hamilton, who claimed precedent. He had seen the prairie some weeks before from the deck of a steamboat while on a trip up the river with Mr. Stevens. No farther measurements were made at this time, but the next half-mile was duly awarded to George W. Clark, the junior settler and the last of the party. No one disputed his rights to claim No. 6. These claims, made as described, were afterward designated by the numbers then given and by the names of the persons to whom • they were awarded by this party until after the government survey of the public lands in this part of the territory. The township lines were surveyed in 1853, but the subdivisions were not completed until 1855. The following copy of a lease is presented as documentary evi- dence to show that these claims were generally known by the num- bers given, and also as a relic of early days in this locality. " Wabashaw, July 8th, 1852. " Whereas I have this day moved into the shanty on Claim No. 5, called Hamilton's claim, on Wabashaw prairie, Minnesota territory ; therefore I here- by agree with John L. Balcombe, Edwin Hamilton and Mark Howard, the owners of said claim, that in consideration of the use of said shanty, I will, to the utmost of my ability, prevent all other persons from occupying or injuring said claim, and that I will vacate said shanty and surrender the possession thereof, together with the whole claim, to said owners whenever requested to do so by them or either of them. O. S. Holbrook. " Witness: Walter Brown, "George" G.Barber." The original paper, of which this is a copy, is in the hands of Mrs. Calista Balcombe, the widow of Dr. John L. Balcombe, now living in the city of Winona. The shanty spoken of stood about where the present residence of Hon. H. W. Lamberton now stands, on the corner of Fourth and Huff streets. This shanty was never destroyed ; the body of it is still preserved. When the Hamilton claim became the property of Henry D. Huff, the shanty was moved from its original site and attached to the cottage in which Mr. Huff lived for several years, and which is now the residence of Mr. Lafay- ette Stout, No. 52 West Fourth street. On the same day that these claims were measured off and located, Mr. Stevens, with the assistance of Clark and Hamilton, built a shanty on claim No. 3. This shanty stood a little east of Market street, between First and Second streets. To move his lumber and 168 HISTORY OF WENOlirA COUNTY. supplies to the place selected the services of Johnson's ox-team and crotch-sled were obtained. ]Vtr. Stevens went back to La Crosse the same evening on a boat which chanced to come down. Mr. Clark remained to hold posses- sion of the claim for him. Clark was to receive eighteen dollars per month and all necessary supplies furnished. He was to occupy his time in cutting steamboat-wood on the island convenient for banking. Hamilton remained and lived with Clark in the Stevens 'shanty. He also chopped lor Mr. Stevens. No one ever accused Mr. Stevens of having made a big speculation on steamboat-wood cut on government land that winter. The last boat, down in 1851 was the Nominee. About November 21 Capt. Smith passed Wabasha prairie_ without landing. Mr. G. W. Clark says that on December 4 he with Jwhnson went down the river in a canoe to La Crosse. The weather was pleasant but cool. This was their first trip from hmne. After having accom- plished the objects of their visit, they statted ,back on the fifth and arrived at Wabasha prairie on the sixth. The river closed a day or two after. While on this trip to La Crosse Johnson hired two men, Allen Gilmore and George Wallace, to come to Wabasha prairie with him and work for Capt. Smith cutting wood. To accommodate these men Johnson secured another canoe, in which he took one of the men while Clark with the otlier managed their own, the one in which they went down. The weather had become very cold, with the wind strong from the west. Soon after they started it increased to a fierce gale. The spray from the waves as they struck against the bows of the canoes soon covered everything about them with ice and chilled them through. Being unable to manage their canoes against such a strong head-wind they landed, and towed them along the shore until they arrived at Nathan Brown's trading-station, which they reached' about dark, almost frozen.' Mr. Brown was absent, but finding the door of his cabin unfastened the party took possession and. soon started a hot fire in the stove with the abundance of dry wood provided. Finding a plentiful supply of provisions they made themselves comfoxtable for the night, and the next day safely reached the prairie. This was December 6, the date of the arrival of Allen Gilmore and George Wallace at what is. now the city of Winona. Brown's was then the only stopping-place below Bunnell's, and EAKLT LAND TITLES. 169 it was often made a haven of rest to the weary traveler.' Mr. Brown usually lived alone and he enjoyed these forced visits to his cabin, more for the company they afforded than for the profit of it. He seldom made any charge for his accommodations. Bunnell's was a favorite stopping-place. It was the only place on the west side of the river where travelers could be comfortably accommodated with sheets on their beds and cleian table-doths. It was the only place on the west side of this river in thtj part of the territory where a white woman lived. Mrs. Bunnell was a good cook, and her guests usually appreciated her efforts to make them comfortable. In connection with his business as a trader, Bunnell employed quite a number of men, cutting steamboat-wood and in cutting oak-timber for rafting. The following were living on the west side of the river during the winter of 1851-2, or afterward made it their residence : Harry Herrick, Leonard Johnson, Hirk Carroll, Henry J. Harring- ton and a man by the name of Myers, who came after January 1, 1852. They boarded at Bunnell's^ ^ Two young men, Jabez McDermott and Josiah Keene, were in his employ until after the holidays, and "kept bach" in a small cabin on the banks of the river a little below Bunnell's. ( Peter Gorr, with his vidfe and three children, and Augustus Pentler and his wife, lived together in a cabin on an island opposite Bunnell's landing. Gorr and Pentler worked for Bunnell until in February. Soon after the river was frozen over, or as soon as it was safe to travel on the ice, Israel M. Noracong and "William G. McSpadden came up from La Crosse. They brought with 'them two yoke of oxen and a large sleigh-load of lumber and supplies, which they took up Wabasha prairie to the ^mouth of the-Eollingstone valley. They put up a shanty a little north from where Elsworth's flouring mill now stands, in Minnesota city. These men were engaged during the winter in cutting black-w.alnut logs. Black-walnut timber then grew plentifully along that "Stream. About the same time John Farrell came up from La Crosse, bringing with him ox-teams and supplies and quite a number of men. He established a logging camp on the "Wisconsin side of the river. His cabin and stables were at the foot of the bluff, about where the wagon-road across the bottoms strikes the mainland. He had selected his location and cut a quantity of hay early in the fall. 170 HISTORY OF WENONA COTJJSITY. Some of the most valuable oak timber on the islands opposite the city of Winona was cut down during that winter by Farrell's gang of choppers. Many of the logs were never removed from the places where they were cut. To aid in floating the heavy oak logs when they were rafted in the spring, almost an equal quantity of the finest ash-timber was also slaughtered and taken away. The total number of white inhabitants living within the bound- aries of what is now Winona county at the close of the year 1849 was six — W. B. Bunnell, wife and three children, at Bunnell's landing, and Nathan Brown. The total white population at the end of 1850 was seven. This increase of one over the preceding year was from natural cause — ^by , the addition of another child t6 Bunnell's family. During the winter of 1850-1 Bunnell and Brown had a few-ti-ansient wood- choppers in their employ, who lived on the islands. The total whit^ population December 31, 1851, was twenty-one, all of whom, if the family of Bunnell is excepted, were engaged in the same occupation, cutting timber on public lands. It was then a common practice for people who chose to do so to appropriate the timber on lands belonging to the United States for individual use and for purposes of speculation. Such operations were not con- sidered dishonorable. The choicest pine, oak, bl3,ck-walnut, ash and maple timber was cut on public lands, rafted down the Missis- sippi and sold by men respected for their business enterprise and honorable dealings with their fellow-men as individuals. It will be safe to say that fifty per cent of the timber on the islands in the Mississippi was cut for steamboat wood and other purposes while the title to lands was in the United States. Among the enjoyments of holidays observed by the bachelor settlers on Wabasha prairie was the Christmas dinner given by Clark and Hamilton December 25, 1851. Hamilton was chief cook, and made an extra effort for special dishes on this occasion. Mr. Clark says that in addition to the best of their common fare, good wheat-bread, hot corn-bread, ham, good butter, syrup and strong coffee, Hamilton got up a most delicious squirrel pot-pie, and for dessert a splendid pheasant-pie. Neither vegetables nor fruit were on this bill of fare. They had already learned to dispense with such delicacies. To this feast Johnson, Nash, Gilmore and Wallace were invited. THE PIONEERS. 171 All without a single apology promptly responded to the alarm for help from the Stevens shanty. This was the first special assemblage of the settlers on Wabasha prairie for social enjoyment. No rivalries or c^aim jealousies existed among them at that time. "With this little party on the outskiVts of civilization genuine friendship in the rough was the prevailing feel- ing exhibited, uninterrupted by the hilarities which accompanied. -As a closing ceremony at this first reunion of the settlers on the prairie, Hamilton gave as the parting toast, "May the six bachelors here assembled be long remembered By each other." This was responded to by a shake all around as they separated. The success of the Christmas dinner-party induced Johnson to return the "compliments of the season," and extend a general in- vitation to all to assemble around his hoard on New Year's day. This was marked as another of the really enjoyable days of that winter to the lonely bachelors of the prairie. The crowning dish on this occasion, the one most vivid in the recollection of Mr. Clark, was an unlimited supply of wild honey, which Johnson had secured from a bee-tree on the island. CHAPTEE XVITI. THE PIONEEES. Quite a number of persons came up from La Crosse on the ice about the first of January, 1852, to see the country and select claims on Wabasha prairie. As everybody stopped at Bunnell's, he, too, became infected with the prevailing epidemic of claim-making from his guests. Although he had no confidence in the success of Capt. Smith's undertaking to build up a commercial port on "that sand-bar in the Mississippi," Bunnell had the shrewdness to surmise that there might be a chance for speculation in the attempt, provided he could sell out before it should be again flooded with water. He at once concluded to take a chance in the venture, and decided that he, too, would have a claim on Wabasha prairie. At that time Capt. Smith's claiin on the lower landing, claim No. 1, was considered the most valuable and the most desirable as a 172 HISTOEY OF WINONA COUNTY. town site. No. 4 was estimate^ as the next in value. N09. 2, 3, 5 and 6 were valued in tlie order named. . Having determined on making a claim Bunnell went up to the prairie arid looked the ground over. He lound that the most de- sirable locations had already been taken. Notwithstanding this he fixed upon one of the unoccupied claims, and selected claim No. 4 for his purpose. This claim he considered really the most valuable. To get possession Bunnell stated to Johnson that he had been- looking for a claim, and had found one that suited him just above the Stevens claim that was not occupied, and he intended to take possession of it. Johnson replied by telling him that he could not have it ; that he had already made a, claim there and should hold it. Bunnell inquired how many claims he expected to hold ; that he was already holding two at the lower end of the prairie. This Johnson denied, and explained to him that the one he was living on was Capt. Smith's and that the other belonged to Nash. Bunnell then tried to convince Johnson that it would be to the advantage of all who had claims there to give him an interest on the prairie, for the Sioux were then talking of drivrug the whites away until the treaty was ratified ; that with his influence over them he would be able to prevent trouble. Johnson replied that he would not give up that claim to any man, that he was not afraid of trouble with the Indians, that he should hold both claims as long as he staid there. Finding that Johnson could not be influenced by argu- ment, he left with the threat that he would have it, even if he had to help the Indians drive them all off from the prairie. Not long afterward Bunnell drove up to the prairie again and brought with him on his train two fine-looking young Sioux braves in their holiday attire. He saw Johnson and told him the Sioux were getting to be more dissatisfied with the settlers for coming on their lands without their permission ; that there would soon be a disturbance unless something was done to keep them quiet ; that he should not try to control them unless he could have that claim ; if the settlers got into trouble they would have, to go to some one else for help. Although no serious diflScijlty was anticipated, the alarm was given as soon as Bunnell came on the prairie with the Sioux and the "boys" who were on the island chopping came home in a hurry. After explaining matters to the others, Bunnell told Johnson he had come up on purpose to have a talk with him about that claim, and THE PIONEERS. 173 asked him what he was going to do about it. "Nothing," was John- son's reply, and remarked that he did not believe such good-natured looking fellows as Bunnell had on his sleigh would do any harm if they were well treated. Bunnell had taken a dram or two and was excitable. He lost his temper, talked loud and made a great many violent gestures. The Sioux sat quietly in their places oh the train and indulged themselves with their pipes and some of Bunnell's tobacco. They were impassive and apparently indifferent spectators of the pro- ceedings. Johnson, believing that this was a ruse of Bunnell's to try and frighten them, told him that he "did not scare easy and could not be bluffed with a little noise." Bunnell was annoyed that his dra- matic display was a failure, and as he got on his sleigh answered : " You will have to take care of yourself if the Indians get after you; I shall not interfere again." Johnson laughed and gave some derisive reply, telling him "not to bother himself about the affairs of others until he was asked." . The next trip' Bunnell made to Wabasha prairie he brought with him two men, Harrington and Myers, and built a small log shanty or pen on Johnson's claim at the upper landing. The logs used in the construction of this claim shanty were once a part of Indian farmer Keed's old store cabin, the ruins of which furnished material sufficient for the body of the crib. It was covered with broad strips of elm bark brought from the Indian tepees in the mouth of Burns' vaUey. In this little pen, not more than six feet square and not high enough for a man to stand up in, Bunnell left Myers to hold the fort and guard the claim, which he had now taken possession of in a formal manner. Bunnell furnished Myers with supplies and brought up some lumber and put up the framework of a board shanty, but did not complete it for want of material to cover it. Myers remained in quiet possession of the claim for about a week, when, considering everything safe,, as he had not been disturbed or o])served any hostile -movements, the settlers on the prairie being absent on the island, he ventured down to Bunnell's for a little recreation and relief from his lonely and uncomfortable confine- ment. Although no demonstrations had been made, Johnson had watched these proceedings and closely observed all of the movements 174 HISTOBT OF WENONA COUNTr. of Myers. It was a gratification to see the man with his gun leave the prairie. He at once took advantage of the absence of the occu- pant of the cabin and demolished the improvemei^ts. He leveled the structure with the ground, and then delibei-ately cut the old logs and the lumber into firewood. Bunnell was enraged when he found that Johnson had destroyed his shanty, and threatened to whip him the next time he saw him. Myers did not return to Wabasha prairie. He was dismissed by Bunnell for neglect of duty and left the country. Bunnell sent messages to Johnson warning him to leave the prairie, or the next time he came up he would whip -him like a dog. Johnson sent back answers that he was prepared to defend himself and his claims ; that if Bunnell came on the prairie again it would be at his peril. . Neither of these men were cowards, and serious trouble was anticipated. They were small men — hardly of medium size, John- son a little larger and heavier of the two and of coarser make-up. Bunnell was firmer built and active in his movements, a dangerous antagonist lor a much larger man in any kind of a fight. Satisfied that "talk" would not win the claim and irritated by Johnson's successful opposition, Bunnell, in company with Harring- ton, drove up to the prairie one evening for the purpose of assault- ing Johnson if a favorable opportunity offered. Both had stimulated to a fighting degree and were primed for the purpose. Going first to the 'Stevens shanty, Bunnell there found Clark and Nash, who had called on a social visit. He inquired for Hamilton and learned that he was at Johnson's. Gilmore and Wallace wpre on the other side of the river at Farrell's. After a short visit they left without betraying the object of their evening visit on so dark a night. They went directly down to Johnson's shanty. ' Bunnell knocked at the door. On being told to "come in" he entered, saying, as he rushed toward, Johnson, who with Hamilton was sitting by the fire, "Get out of this if you want to live." Johnson sprang for his revolver, which was in his berth, but the attack was too sudden ; he had no opportunity to use it before he was knocked down and dis- armed. Hamilton bolted from the shanty at the first clash of the combat and ran for help. He arrived almost breathless at the other shanty, a mile away, and gave the alarm by excitedly exclaiming, "Bun- THE PIONEERS. 175 nell is killing Johnson ; come down quick as you can." Clark and Nash at once started back with Hamilton on a run for the scene of conflict. When about half way they were met by Johnson, who, although apparently injured, returned with them. They found that the shanty had been demolished, but the assailants had disap- peared. Johnson was taken up to Clark's shanty, where he was provided for and carefully attended. He was found to have been badly bruised about the head, chest and arms. His face and hands were badly swollen and covered with blood, but no bones were broken. It afterward proved that no serious injuries had been received. Johnson had been terribly beaten by Bunnell and was compelled to lay up for repairs. When the battle-ground was visited in the morning the full extent of damages to the "pioneer claim shanty" was revealed. The first evidence ol actual settlement on Wabasha prairie had been destroyed. The pile of brick and stone which formed the fireplace, with some broken dishes, marked the locality where the little cabin once stood. It had been turned over and with its contents thrown on the ice of the river. Johnson's supplies and other traps were .secured and carried up on the bank, where they were sheltered with the lumber from the shanty. The stable and cattle had not been disturbed. Johnson and Nash lived with Clark until their shanty was reconstructed. Johnson's revolver and double-barreled gun were carried off by Bunnell as trophies of his victory. Soon after this affray, Peter Gorr and Augustus Pentler came over from the island to visit the settlers on the prairie. Mr. Gorr had his rifle with him, which he was induced to leave with Johnson after hearing the incidehts of his quarrel. Johnson then sent word to Bunnell that he would shoot him on sight if he ever made his appearance on the prairie again. Bunnell had no design to interfere with the occupancy of the claim at the lower landing. His attack on Johnson and destruction of the shanty was for retaliation and to intimidate him. He became satisfied that he would not be able to hold the claim at the upper landing without some serious fighting, and, having no desire to kill Johnson or be killed himself in the attempt, he decided to abandon his claim speculation on Wabasha prairie and turn his attention to what he thought was something better nearer home. The scheme 176 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. of building up a town along the bluffs above the present village of Homer was started about this time, in which Bunnell was for awhile interested. Bunnell returned to Johnson the revolver and gun he had taken from him, peace was negotiated, and the "little differ- ence " that had existed between the parties "dropped" without further action. Bunnell, however, became more emphatic in main- taining and more free in expressing his opinions of " that sand bar up there," and more zealously advocated his theory that the "main land" was the only place for a permanent settlement. • This was the first attempt at " claim jumping " ever made in the settlement of this county. It was afterward a common occurrence. M. Wheeler Sargeant, an early settler, once gave a very appro- priate definition of a claim in an address beifore the Winona Lyceum in 1858. He said: "A claini is a JigKting vn.terest in land, osten- sibly based upon priority of possession and sustained by force." Many of the old settlers will readily recognize the pertinency of this description. The la,w of might, as well as the law of right, was often the means by which possession of claims were retained. Soon after this first claim quarrel, a claim association or club was was formed for the mutual protection of settlers in holding possession of their claims. The first meeting was called to meet at Bunnell's about March 1 . The prime movers in the matter were some resi- dents of La Crosse who had recently selected claims on the west side of the Mississippi. They came up prepared to complete the busi- ness and the organization was created at this meeting. It was called the Wabashaw Protection Club. The important matters of consti- tution and by-laws were diily discussed and gravely adopted, and officers elected with customary formality. The settlers from War basha prairie attended the meeting, but were in the minority and failed to secure any of the offices. The officials were residents of La Crosse. Mr. George W. Clark was a member of the club and was present at that meeting. He says from the best of his recol- lection the president was George G. Barber, the secretary, William B. Gere. The Wabasha Protection Club was the first regular organization of any kind among the settlers ever formed in the county. It was not entirely a fable coined by Bunnell when he repre- sented to Johnson that the Sioux were dissatisfied with the manner in which the settlers were taking possession of their lands before the treaty was ratified. Whether Bunnell was aware of the fact or not THE PIONEERS. 179 is not now positively known ; but it is very probable that he kt^r the Indians designed to, demand a bonus from the -settlers for me privilege of remaining undisturbed. It was supposed that the treaty would be ratified during that winter, but it was not fully confirmed by government until the next year. During, the winter some officious personages had given the Indians begging letters addressed to the settlers recommending that contributions be given to the Sioux of "Wabasha's band to keep them quiet and peaceable until the ratification of the treaty. That the Indians were needy, and to prevent dissatisfaction the settlers were advised to contribute to their wants, and suggested that a barrel of flour, or its equivalent in money, be given for every cabin built- on their lands. Some of Wabasha's band came over from the other side of the river where they were camped and presented their written docu- ment. To avoid any difficulties or annoyance from them, Johnson agreed to give them the flour, bnt told them they must wait until the Nominee came up in the spring. To this they consented and went off apparently satisfied with the arrangement. Johnson sup- posed this was one of Bunnell's tricks to alarm them and that was the finale of it ; but in the spring the Indians returned and demanded the flour. This "shanty tax" assessed by the Sioux was paid by a few of the earliest settlers. The Sioux and Winnebago Indians visited the settlers on Wa- basha prairie frequently during the winter and were at all times friendly. There was not a single instance where it was known that they disturbed a settler or his property, not even in the absence of the owner. Johnson rebuilt the shanty on Capt. Smith's claim, but put it on the bank a little way back from the river and a few rods below where it first stood. This was an improvement on the first struc- ture. It was about 8 X 12. The fireplace so much valued by Johnson in his first cabin was omitted in its reconstruction. John- son induced Augustus Pentler with his wife to occupy this shanty. He boarded with them and made it his home until he built a shanty on his claim at the upper landing. Mr. Pentler lived in this place three or foup months and then made a claim on the river below Bunnell's along the bluffs, where he lived for several years. He is now living in the \^estern part of the state. Mrs. Pentler was the first white woman among the early Settlers 11 180 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. tAnake Wabasha prairie lier place of residence — the first white woman that settled in what is now the city of "Winona. About March 1, Silas Stevens and his son, William H. Stevens, came up from La Crosse on the ice. They brought with them a pair of horses, wagon and sleigh. This was the first span of horses brought into the county by a settler. There had been no demand or use for horse-teams. In banking wood and hauling logs ox-teams were the most useful and economical. Bunnell kept a saddle-horse, which in winter he drove harnessed to a kind of sleigh called a train, a kind of conveyance peculiarly adapted to travel over un- broken trails drifted with snow. On the arrival of Silas Stevens Mr. Clark delivered up to him his claim and gave possession of the shanty and other property en- tiTisted to his care. About this time, or not long afterward, Mr.' Nash put up a small log cabin on claim 'No. 2. Clark and Gilmore occupied this with Nash as their headquarters until they buUt shan- ties on their own claims. This shanty stood about two blocks back from the river on what is now High Forest street. It was about 10 X 12, built of small logs and covered with bark. The bark for the roof and the lumber used in its construction was taken from the old Indian huts or tepees, which were standing on the prairie about a mile above the upper landing. CHAPTEE XIX. FIRST IMPROVEMENTS. DuEiNG the latter part of the winter and early in the spring of 1852 quite a number of claims were selected, and on sorhe improve- ments commenced. These "betterments " were simply a few logs thrown together, forming a sort of pen and designed to reprlsent the nucleus of a future residence. , When the Indians assessed the settlers they did not consider these improvements sufficient to justify the levying of a tax, notwithstanding the importance attached to them as evidence that the land was claimed and settled upon. The claim made by George W. dark in the fall previous was staked off and possession indicated by a few logs. The half mile west FIRST IMPROVEMENTS. , 181 of it was taken by Jabez McDermott and the next by Josiah Keen. These two young men had been living at Bunnell's Landing, but about the time Ithey made their claims they went up to the Rolling Stone, where they engaged in getting out black walnut logs with Noracong and McSpadden. Clark also selected a Ipcation across the slough, which he held in the name of his brother, Scott Clark, then living in New York. This claim is now the farm on which George W. Clark resides. Allen Gilmore made his claim next west of the one selected for Scott Clark. He built a log cabin in the grove west from where the Clark school-house now stands. It was from Allen Gilmore, and because of his living nearest, that Gilmore valley was given its pres- ent name. Mr. Gilmore occupied this locality until his death, which "occurred March 29, 1854. It was purchased from the administrator of the estate, Dr. John L. Balcombe, by Orin Clark, a brother of G. W. dark," who came into the county that spring. Mr. Clark occupied it for many years. He now lives in the city of "Winona, but still retains possession of the grove. The other portion of the claim is owned and occupied by Mr. Celestial Peterman. George Wallace made choice of a location back of the lake, where John Zenk now lives. It also included what is now Wood- lawn cemetery. Peter Gorr made a claim on the river just above Bunnell's. He here built ^ small log cabin, which he occupied with his wife and three children. In narrating some incidents of early days, Mr. Gorr says that during the winter of 1850-51 Augustus Pentler worked for Bunnell by the month chopping on the islands. In the spring he returned to niinois, where his wife was then living. During the summer Pentler and Gorr came up the river together and stopped off at La Crosse, where they remained for a few days, but not finding employ- ment, they crossed the Mississippi and came up the river on foot over the trail along the bluffs. At Brown's they stopped to rest and get something to eat. Mr. Brown furnished them a luncheon, but, learning that they were going up to Bunnell's for work, he declined to receive pay for the refreshments provided. In speaking of Mr. Brown he very emphatically remarked : "I have known Nathan Brown a great many years. He was the whitest white mem among all the old settlers in this county. He always had the courage to do right and never wronged any man 182 HISTORY OF WIJ! Western Farm and Village Association Office, \ New yoKK, April 3, 1852. * Dear Sir, — The association at length have the pleasure of informing yo of their location. Mr. Arthur Murphy, one of our locating committee, has ju( returned to this city, having in conjunction with our president selected a sp( which has been unanimously adopted as our homes. It is situated in the Te: ritory of Minnesota, on the Mississippi river, about forty miles above Ro( river, and six miles above a place called Wabesha prairie, on a stream of wat< known as Rolling Stone creek ; for a full description of which, with the repo: THE ASSOCIATION CRYSTALLIZED. 203 of the committee, the corresponding secretary refers you to the forthcoming Advocate. In the meantime, he has been instructed to send you the following circular, embodying so much of the report of its last meeting as is herein con*- tained. After the adoption of the report of Mr. Murphy, the association, on motion, went into the choosing of lots ; all members whose ^dues were not paid up to the first of January being declared by vote ineligible to participate. A com- , mittee, consisting of Messrs. Cauldwell, Potter and Bannan, were appointed to choose for country members. The names of all those eligible were then placed in one hat, and numbers to the corresponding amount of members in another. Messrs. Thorp and Stradling presided over the names, and Messrs. Gilbert and Fitzgibbons superintended the numbers. ^ number was then taken from a hat, and a name from the other, and the number so drawn was the choice of the member whose name was drawn with it. The entire list of drawing so made is herein contained, with a map showing the position of the lot up to 132. The reason of there being none higher than this is that the committee, deeming that sufficient, surveyed no more ; and members who have drawn a choice over that number will be allowed to choose on the ground, from lots to be surveyed, or from lands forfeited by the non-settlement of mem- bers in July, in the order they run above the lots numbered. Mr. Haddock, who is now on the ground, has been telegraphed to survey 100 more ; and per- sons joining now will choose inithe order as admitted members. In addition to the above, the corresponding secretary has to state that the pioneer squad will start from here on Wednesday, the 7th, and passing over the Erie Railroad, will probably arrive at Chicago on or about the 14th ; thence by rail and team to Galena, and boat up the river. This will also be the route of the main body, and all members who live near the city, or whfe can make New York in their route, will meet here on 'April 14, to start on the 15th, so as to arrive at Galena by May 1. Should the lakes not be open on April 1-5 the association will not start on that day, but wait until they are. Those of our members who may not arrive at Galena by May 1, can learn full particulars of us by inquiring of Col. James Robinson there. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, For E. B. Thomas, Cor. Sec'y, 102 Nassau street. Accompanying this circular was a plat of the village site and a hst of the names of 174 members, with the order of their choice and the number of the lot chosen by or for 132 of them. CHAPTteK XXII. EMIGRANTS COMING. It was designed that settlement on the lands selected for the colony should be made simultaneously by the members of the asso- ciation, or as near so as practicable, to prevent intrusion from per- sons not belonging to the organization. As soon as the locality was formally decided upon a volunteer party already organized started west for the Eolling Stone, to hold possession of the "claim" made by Haddock and Murphy, until the arrival of the main body of the association. This advance guard, to which the name of "pioneer squad " had been given, was a party of eleven men who left New York city on April 7. On their way they were joined by three others, making the total number of this guard fourteen. All of these were young unmarried men excep't one. Mr. B. Mauby, of "Sew York, was accompanied by his wife and seven children. The pioneer squad of the Western Farm and Village Associa- tion came up the Mississippi from Galena on the steamboat Caleb Cope, and landed at Johnson's Landing on Wabasha prairie on April 14, 1862. The Caleb Cope was under the command of Capt. Harris, who had chartered her to run as an opposition boat against the Nominee, in place of the West Newton, which was not then ready for the early spring business. Tlfe fare, on this trip, was but fifty cents each, for passengers from Galena to Wabasha prairie. Freight was in about the same proportion of discount from regular rates. This party of immigrants were warmly welcomed at the landing by Mr. Haddock, who had been anxiously expecting them, and had come from Rolling Stone on purpose to meet and guide them to "the promised land." The following names of this party were furnished by a membej of the squad who yetlives-in Eolling Stone, at Minnesota City. The names of some of his old comrades have faded from his memory, He is the only one of the " old guard " that is now a resident o: Winona county. His name heads this list of namefe : Hezekial Jones, Wm. Stevens, J. W. Viney, David Eobertson, D. HoUyer, EMIGEANTS COMING. 205 K. H. Boothe, S. R. Schroeder, John Hughes, Talmadge, - Randall, and D. Mauby and family. They had vsdth them quite a large amount of supplies and camp fixtures, including a large tent, household furniture, a cook-stove, tools, etc., and also brought with them two yoke of oxen and a wagon. The cattle, wagon and household furniture were the prop- erty of Mr. Mauby. The oxen and wagon were purchased for hirti in Illinois, by Mr. H. Jones,' who came west in the* fall before, and joined this party at Cherry Yalley, then the terminus of the rail- SCENE NEAR THE FlHST SETTLEMENT OF EOLLIN-G^ StONE.* road. The team and wagon were used in transporting their baggage from Cherry Valley to Galena, where their supplies were purchased. This party landed at about the foot of Main street ; their freight was piled on a mound on the bank of the river and covered with the tent. It was there left in charge of one of their number, whose name is now forgotten, but who was designated as the "ci^ar- maker." Leaving Mr. Mauby arid his family here the others has- tened on to their destination. * The above out is from a sketch taken and kindly furnished by Austin W. Lord. 106 HISTOEY OF WnsrONA COUNTY. Mr. Mauby engaged Joliiisoii's shanty, at the upper lauding, as I home for his family, until he could build a cabin for them at the Rolling Stone. He remained with them until they were settled in iieir temporary abode. No provision had been made for the subsistence of the cattle. No mpplies had been brought along for them, as it was supposed that lay could be readily procured, but none was to be had. There N&s an unusuW rise of water in the river for the time of year, and I strong current was running through the slough, making it difficult br strangers to ford to the upper prairie, and no wagod trail had ^et been opened along the bluflfs. It was decided to leave the (vagon with the freight, but to take the cattle along, as they might lave use for them. The oxen were taken up to the Rolling Stone, inhere they were turned loose to procure, a living for themselves, Tom the old grass on the bottoms, and such browse as they were ible to get from the brush along the stream. Temporary supplies were packed up by the party. They were ferried over the slough by the Indians in canoes. "With Mr. Had- iock as guide, they followed the trail along the bluff's to Noracong's shanty, where Mr. Haddock was living. Noracong and his party svere then away rafting the black walnut logs they had cut during ;he winter. Noracong's little shanty, about 8 X 12, stood about where the rail- road crossing now is — north from Elsworth's flouring-mill. It was ;he headquarters of the pioneer squad. Finding their accommoda- tions insufficient, some of the party constructed a kind of hut, to which the name of ' ' Gopher house " was given. One of these ' ' gophers ," was built on the table, about fifty rods above where Troosts' [louring mill lately stood. Another one was on the table, about forty rods west from where the school building now stands. These huts were of logs, placed in the form of a house roof, and covered with dry grass from the bottoms, over which was a layer of earth sovered with strips of turf arranged to shed the rain. The earth inside of the hut was excavated to the depth of a foot or more to in- srease the area inclosed. These huts were filled with dry grass and used as sleeping quarters. This advance guard had volunteered to come on for the express purpose of keeping off trespassers. Although designated the pioneer squad, no other duties were assigned to them or expected from them. They spent their time in explorations of the immediate EMI&flANTS OOMESTG. 207 vicinity of their camp, and in hunting and fishing, furnishing plenti- ful supplies of ducks and trout. They all lived in common, each contributing from his own stores for general use. A cook was ap- pointed to take charge of this department, who called for assistants when aid was required. Mr. Jones and one or two others assisted Mr. Haddock in his survey of the village plat, to which he was giving his whole attention. In this survey, the base of operations was a straight line along the edge of the table on which Troosts' flouring-mill recently stood. It was there the first street was laid off, extending from the lower end of the table to the bluff at the upper end. The village lots and streets were laid off parallel with and at right angles to this street as a base line. Mr. Haddock attempted to make the survey with his pocket compass, to which he affixed Some sights of his own invention or construction, but was compelled to abandon this uncertain process, and rely on his guide poles and measurements. A long rope and poles superseded the tape-line and pocket compass. About two hundred acres were thus surveyed before Mr. Haddock procured a surveyor's compass and chain, with which the survey of village lots and farms were completed. Mr. Mauby built a log shanty for his family. This stood near where the railroad station at Minnesota City now stands. It was about 12x16 feet in dimensions. The shed roof was covered with strips of elm bark, fastened to poles. This cabin was built on the village lot drawn by Mr. Mauby at the meeting of the association in New York city, March 31. On May 1, 1852, O. M. Lord, Kev. "William Sweet and Jonathan Williams landed on Wabasha prairie from the Dr. Franklin. They were left by the boat at the lower landing, at about ten o'clock in the evening. Applying for lodgings at Pentlers, they found the little cabin already full, densely crowded to overflowing. On look- ing about to discover what other chances were possible for sleeping quartei's, they saw what in the darkness they supposed to be a hay- stack, apparently not far back oA the prairie. As nothing more favorable presented itself, they started out from the landing with the expectation that they would be able to make a comfortable bed from the hay at the stack. After traveling a short distance they suddenly became aware that what they had imagined to be a stack was but the form of the bluffs — the outlines of which could be seen in the HISTOBY OF WrsrONA COUNTY. ince — they were in front of' the " Sugar Loaf," the top of which, die and a half away, could be dimly seen above the horizon, ippointed in their pursuit of lodgings in that direction, they re- ed to the river and passed the night on the sand, sleeping idly wrapped in their blankets. ^t daylight ' they prefaced their explorations of the country by Qg observations of their surroundings. Except the broad river, I a raging flood overflowing the lowlands, and the general pictu- ue views extending in every direction from the landing, there was ling in Capt. Smith's town site to excite their admiration or ise any practical interest. The barren, sandy prairie, recently led over, was almost entirely destitute of any appearance of stable life, except that the few tr^es and bushes along the river k were, just beginning to exhibit a faint appearance' of green, aasha prairie was of no apparent value to these practical men, ipecting for good farming land. Without longer delay than to indulge a good appetite for break- they started for the Rolling Stone, their point of destination, owing the trail along up the river to the upper landing, they : a straight course over the prairie toward the mouth of the Gril- e valley. They were compelled to ford the slough, which was L flooded from the high water in the river. The crossing place, he trail which they struck, was about a quarter of a mile above re the bridge, on the Gilmore Valley road, now stands. To ) their clothing dr}' they stripped, and carried it over on their ilders, with their packs. Following the trail along the blufis' ' readily reached ISToracong's shanty, and found themselves on grounds claimed by the "Western Farm and Village Association, were hospitably received by Mr. Haddock and such of the leer guard as were not absent on foraging expeditions to the t streams in the valleys. Mr. Sweet was the only one of his party who was a member of association. Mr. "Williams, although not a member, was a :j representative, prospecting for his son-in-law, H. H. HuU, belonged to the organization. Mr. Lord was not then in any connected with the association. He was favorably impressed L its plan of colonization, but was desirous of exploring the sur- idings of the locality before deciding to make it his home. He , however, afterward" prominently identified with the affairs of colony. EMIGKANTS COMING. 209 Although the almanac plainly showed that the day of their arrival at Eolling Stone was Sunday, the Rev. William Sweet and Deacon Jonathan Williams accompanied the more liberal-minded O. M. Lord on a Sabbath day's journey into the wilderness back of the bluffs, to view the land. Proceeding up the valley of the Rolling Stone, they followed the trail leading out through what is now known as Straight Yalley, onto the dividing ridge between the Roll- ing Stone and Whitewater. Following up this divide they came upon a beautiful prairie, on the edge of which they camped for the night. The next day they explored this locality, and each made choice of a claim. They gave it the name of Rolling Stone prairie, by which it was for a while designated. After selecting their claims they returned to the headquarters of the embryp colony, Nora- cong's shanty, and made report of their discoveries. This party of three was the fi.rst of any of the settlers to visit the country back of the bluffs of the Mississippi. The claim made by Mr. Sweet was the farm occupied by him for many years after- ward. The name of Rolling Stone prairie was, because of his resi- dence here, changed and given the name of Sweet's prairie. Mr. Sweet is now living near Minnesota City. The claim made by Mr. Williams, adjoining that of Mr. Sweet, was for H. H. Hull, who was then living at Scales Mound, near Galena. Mr. Hull came on with his wife later in the season, and occupied the claim shanty of Mr. Sweet through the winter. In the spring he sold the claim made for him by Mr. WilKams, and located himself a few miles farther south, in what is now the town of TJtica. He lived there a few years, when he sold out and went back to Illinois. After making this claim Mr. S^eet went back to his home and brought on a part of his family. About the middle of June, he with the aid of the settlers at Rolling Stone built a small log-house, and made sorne improvemei^ts on his claim. In the fall he returned home, leaving his son, a boy about twelve years, to remain and live with Mr. Hull, who, with his wife, was to occupy Mr. Sweet's shanty during the winter. It was made the duty of this boy to drive the cattle down into the Whitewater Valley to water. The boy was treated with a great deal of severity. During one of the coldest days of that winter, the boy without sufficient protection was sent to drive the cattle down into the valley — but he never returned. Mr. Hull found him a few rods from the house frozen to death. The body was put into a sink-hole, and not buried until the next spring. 210 HISTORY OE "WnsrONA' OOTJNTT. The claim made by Mr. Lord on Sweet's prairie was never im- proved by him ; some other settler had the benefit of his choice. On the second of May a large detachment of the main body of colonists, about fifty in number, men, women and children, bound for the Eolling Stone, came up the river . on the Excelsior from St. Louis. This party did not land at Wabasha prairie. Supposing it to be practicable for steamboats to go through Straight slough, if the officers of the boats were inclined to make the a,ttempt, and on account of the extreme high water which made it difficult to get to the mainland from Wabasha prairie, Mr. Haddock had advised this party to make it a condition of their passage that they should be landed at EoUing Stone.. Captain Ward, of the Excelsior, promised to land, them anywhere they wished, provided it could be done with safety to the boat. ' On' arriving at Wabasha prairie, the pilot refused to attempt the passage through Straight slmigh, deciding that it was not a navi- gable channel. The party continued on, expecting to find a land- ing-place somewhere above. At Holmes' landing (now Fountain City), the boat stopped to replenish its supply of wood. They here found Thomas K. Allen, the secretary of the association, who, with Augustus A. Gilbert, one of the directors, had landed from the Dr. J'ranklin during the previous night. Mr. Gilbert had taken a canoe and crossed over to the Minnesota side of the river, leaving Mr. Allen in charge of their baggage. A cow and a breaking plow was a part of their freight. Learning that there was no prospect of landing from the steam- boat near their destination, they bargained with the master and owner of the wood-boat to transfer them to the other side of the river. The German agreed to undertake the trip for fifteen dollars, although he was unacquainted with the river in that vicinity, pro- vided they would help him get his boat back to his woodyard again. Taking Mr. Allen and his freight on board with the loaded wood craft in tow, the steamboat proceeded on up the river, unloading while on the way. The colonists with their freight and live stock were transferred to the empty scow, which was cast off when about a mile below the mouth of the White Water and near the Minne- sota shore, From there they drifted down to Rolling Stone. It was late in the afternoon when they left the Excelsior. By carefully hugging the shore they fortunately succeeded in safely landing, about fifty rods above where Troosts' flouring-mill recently stood. BMIGEANTS COMING. 211 It was long after dark before the weary immigrants gathered around the camp-fire of the pioneer squad, which had been a beacon to guide them as they poled the sluggish craft across the overflowed bottoms from Haddock slough, down which they had drifted until nearly opposite their landing-place. IsToracong's little shanty was literally packed full of children, with a woman or two to care for them. / The "gophers" were crowded to their fullest capacity. The colonists not provided with shelter bivouaced around the camp-fires. The night was a cool but pleasant one. None seemed to suffer from the exposure they were subject to on the first night of their arrival in their new home. Among the party landed from the wood-boat were S. E. Cot- ton, wife and child ; H. W. Driver and wife, Lawrence Dilworth, wife and four children; James Wilson' and wife; James Hatton, wife and four children ; Mrs. Charles Bannon ; Dr. George F. Childs, wife and niece ; David Densmore, John Shaw, . M. Fitzgib- bons, D. Jackson, William Harris, Horace Ranney, William Sperry, A. A. Gilbert, Thomas K. Allen and others ^ — ^some families whose names are now forgotten. It was under such circumstances and condition of affairs that this colony was settled, and some of the members of the association initiated into the mysteries of pioneer life. Many were greatly disappointed ; the. realities presented to view served to somewhat cloud the illusive fancies pictured in their imaginations, of com- fortable homes in the west. Some were discouraged and home- sick. Others, strongly dissatisfied with the location, decided to abandon the colony and return down the river. Some of the more courageous announced that they had come to stay, and notwith- standing the prospective hardships to be endured, they cheerfully set about making their arrangements accordingly. At daylight the next morning the freight was unloaded from the wood-boat, and a party of nine, principally members of the pioneer squad, among whom were H. Jones and William Stevens, assisted the proprietor to land it on the Wisconsin side of the river. On their return the same day they brought with them a small flat- boat, which was at flrst hired and afterward purchased by the asso- ciation. This craft was called the Macedonian. It was a roughly-constructed affair of sufficient capacity to carry about three cords of wood, and proved really serviceable to the settlers. , The following morning some of the pioneer squad started with 212 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. the Macedonian for Wabasha prairie to bring jip their freight an< baggage left on their arrival in charge of the "cigar-maker." Dr Childs, William Sperry, and two other disaffected ones, , who hac decided to abandon the colony, embraced the opportunity and en gaged passage with their families and all of their possessions anc moved down to Johnson's landing. The flatboat was landed on Keen's claim, a little north from where the fair grounds were once located, From there the party walked to Johnson's and waited for a steam boat to take them back down the river. Dr. Childs remained in charge of the goods until they wei^ hauled down by Johnson's ox-team, which, with Mauby's wagon, moveH the freight of the pioneer Squad up to the landing-place of the Macedonian. The flatboat returned with the goods of the pioneer party and also car ried up the family of Mr. Mauby, who had been living in Johnson's shanty at the upper landing. The Macedonian was used as a freight boat during the time oj the high water and was most of the time under the control of Cap tain Jackson. On this first trip it was under the management oi Mr. Jones. In speaking of the matter Mr. Jones said: ^"The wind was blowing quite strong from the east that day and we were heavy loaded both ways. The tri'p down was a hard one. Think- ing to make the return trip easier, I tore off two or three strong poles from the Indian tepees, which we passed on our way up from Johnson's, and rigged a sail by hoisting a portion of the canvas oi our tent. We went up at a good rate of speed, but kept in shoal water to please some who were afraid to venture out." This flat- boat was usually propelled by oars and poles or was dragged over the flooded bottoms on the upper prairie by means of long ropes, the men who performed this service sometimes wading in the shal- low water. The large tent, which had been brought along by the advance party and used to shelter their goods at Johnson's landing, was put up at Rolling Stone as soon as it arrived at that place. Its location was about twejuty rods east of where Stewart's hotel now stands. It afforded some accommodations for the houseless settlers, until they could build more comfortable places for themselves. With their coaking-stoves arranged under the trees, where they cooked and took their meals, the tent afforded shelter and sleeping quarters for several famiUes, besides protection for some of their most valuable gocJds. They were abundantly supplied with provisions. Unaccus- otSer settlements. 215 tomed to pioneer life they hardly knew what to do or where to begin to make homes for thfemselves on the village lots Apportioned to each member before he left New York. They were medhanics of different trades, and were willing to use any means in their knowledge to make their families comfortable, but they could not build houses without lumber, and none was to be obtained at any price. But few of the men were handy with the axe or understood how to build a log house; Seeing the urgent necessity and' imperative demand made for lumber, O. M. Lord, accompanied- by Mr. Densmore, went up the Chippewa river and brought down a small raft of lumber, which he landed safely aboutwhere'the wood-boat with its passengers reached the shore. Mr. Lord here opened the first lumber yard ever in operation in this county. He readily retailed his lurflber in small lots and soon exhausted his stock without supplying the demand. He was then engaged by the members of the association to go up to the mills on the Chippewa and purchase a large bill of lumber which they ordered. He was to attend ' to the sawing, rafting and delivery of the same. This raft was brought down from the Chippewa, attached to a large' raft destined for soiiie point on the Mississippi below, and cast oft ^t the head of the slough. He made a successful trip and landed his raft at " Lord's Lumber Yard." OHAPTEK XXin. , fOTHEB SETTLEMENTS. Late in the evening of May 4, 1832, a party of immigrants, destined for the colony at Kolling Stone, landed from the Nominee at Johnson's lahding.' ' With this party were Kev. E. Ely, E. B. Drew, C. E. Coryell, W. H. Coryell, Jacob S. Denman, E. B. Thomas, Eobert Pike, Jr., Ira Wilcox, Isaac A. Wheeler, H. Clary, D. Jackson, William Christie,' and others whose names are now for- gotten, i Eev. Edward Ely came up from La Crosse as a passenger on this boat. He did not 'belong to the Association, neither was he 216 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. ever a member of that prganization. It was, however, through its influence that he was induced, to cpnae to Minnesota,. Mr., Ely was at t;hat time a Baptist preacher — a shepherd without , a, flock, a pastor ^waiting a providential (jail to a mi,nisterial charge. While in St. Louis with his family, in transitu {rom. the State of Ohio to wherever, ; the Lprd i^ l^is wis^onjt,, might send, him, he was ^{jcosted by, Horace Eanney, an acquainta,nce jOf his boyhood, who was a member of the "Western Farm and Village 'Association, and one of th,e party then embarking on the E?;celsipr for the colony at EoU- ing Stone in th^ Territory of M^ijinesota. , In a few words Mr. ,Ilanney expla,ined the object of the associa- tion, and readily induced Mr. ^ly to put. his fe,mily and effects, whieh were then on the levee, on board the steamboat and accompany them to the promised land. ..This party was the one that landed frpjm the wopdrboat on May 2, as already rela,1;ed. He accompanied them as far as La Crosse, where . h,e.. stppped , off with his wife and two ; children, to afford ^heni cpinfdrtg,ble quarters w;hile .he visited the colony and acquired some knowledge of the, country jnto whieh he had almost involuntarily (irifted,wit];iput any special informdtipn, relative to its demands or resources. , ., - Leaving his family vrith som^^^ind Baptist, friends, he came up on the Nominee to Wabasha prairie, intending to join Mr. Ranney and his friends at Rolling Stone. The disaffection exhibited by some of the members who landed with him, and the action of Dr. Child, influenced him to abandon his design to locate himself in the colony and perhaps decided his future course in life. He settled at Johnson's landing on Wabasha prairie and became a permanent resident of the county and of the city of Winona, where he yet lives. ' • ''' ' The estimable qualities of his excellent wife endeared her to the early pioneers. Words will hardly express the high esteem enter- tained by the citizens of Wjinona for Mrs. Ely. Her remarkable talent as a portrait painter, duly apprecia,ted by her many friends, has been for many years utilized as a source of ^income. E. B. Drew and the OoryeU brothers, C. fi. and W.H., Coryell, were relatives-^cpusins. They were also partners in their business transa,ctions. These hardy ypung.,men were practical f^irmers and had previously had some familiarity with pioneer life. They brought .with them three yoke, of oxen and a cow. .A large breaking plow -and, an assortment of farming ^ools foi-med a pajqtiOf their outfit and OTHER SETTLEMENTS. 217 freight. Tie big covered wagon with which they came through from Chicago to Galena, where they took the boat, was one that had been constructed for them the year before for a proposed trip across the coimtry to Oregon. The wagon-box was made water-tight, that it might be serviceable as a float in fording streams. This was liberally stored with supplies. J. S. Denman was accompanied by his mother, wife and four children, and brought with him a team of four horses anda large covered wagon, which he used* in transportiiig his family from Brooklin, Michigan, to Galena. He also had a breaking plow, farm- ing tools and abundant provisions. E. B. Thomas was from the city of New York. From the first organization of the association he had been an active oflBcial member, the corresponding secretary and a financial agent. Robert Pike, Jr., and Elder Wilcox were on a prospecting trip, having left their families in Illinois. As soon as it was light, they, with others, went directly to the colony. Mr. Pike had been engaged for several years in teaching and lecturing on a system of mnemonics, which he had cultivated and on which subject he had published a book of about one hundred and fifty pages. He joined the association in the fall previous, while living in the State of New York, and came to Illinois, where he had been lecturing on his favorite topic and teaching a school during the winter. After he came here he became prominently identified in the matters of the colony and in county affairs, and held oflBcial positions. Isaac A. Wheeler, with his son John and H. Clary, came on with Mr. Drew's party. They each brought with them a yoke of oxen.' These men remained at Rolling Stone until fall, when they left and went down the river to Indiana. The reports bropght down by Dr. Childs were somewhat dis- couraging to these members of the association. Mr. Denman and Mr. Thomas forded the back slough on horseback and went up to Rolling Stone. Having been previously prejudiced, they very promptly expressed their dissatisfaiction of the selection made for the village site and at once abandoned all ideas of settling in that locality. Without delay they returned to the landing. Greatly surprised at this abrupt and decisive action on the part of these members, Mr. Haddock accompanied them down. He did not like to lose the aid and influence of his ardent co-worker in the 218 HISTORY OF WINONA COtTNTY. organization and management of the association without some effort to reclaim him, but he failed by any arguments presented to induce him to reconsider his decision. Learning that Mr. Thomas designed < to withdraw from them entirely, Mr. Haddock made a fprmal demand for the funds in his hands. Mr. Thomas had in his possession a small amount of money, initiation fees and weekly dues, but he declined to surren- der it until his accounts were properly audited and accepted. He was then denounced as a defaulter to destroy his influence with other members. This financial matter was subsequently settled at the first meeting of the association in Rolling Stone. Mr. Drew and the Coryells were not satisfied with the reports made by Denman and Thomas, nor influenced by the opinions of Dr. Childs add his friends, who were then stopping in Johnson's shanty. They "proposed to go up there and look around for them- selves." In the afternoon Mr. Drew and C. E. Coryell accom- panied Mr. Haddock on his return. At the crossing place on the back slough an old canoe was kept for the accommodation of the settlers. It would carry two persons comfortably but was unsafe with more. Mr. Coryell took the pad- dle to set Mr. Haddock across, intending to return for his partner. Xo save time Mr. Drew stripped and, throwing his clothing into the canoe, followed . them over. The water was about four and a half feet deep on the trail, but deeper^ above and below. The current was strong, and a person was liable to drift into deep water. By permission, the following entries have been copied from the diary and memoranda of E. B. Drew : "Lande(^ on "Wabasha prairie, Minnesota Territory, Tuesday night after 11 o'clock. May 4, 1862. "Wednesday, May 6 : "Went up to EoUing Stone this afternoon and visited the new settlement. Some are homesick and talk of leaving. Found O. M. Lord, from Michigan, there. He was help- ing to cover Mauby's shanty with a roof of elm-bark. He has been back twenty-five or thirty miles and reports a good country and rich soil, and says he shall settle in this part of the country. ; We have no women or children to get homesick,' and we shall stop here too. Took the flatboat down to the lower prairie. Mr. Lord came down to our cg,mp and staid all night with us. "Thursday, May 6: Left Wabasha prairie. It is a barren, sandy, desolate-looking place, recently burnt over. Would not ' OTHER SETTLEMjENTS. 219 ^iv© ten cents an acre for the whole of it. Forded the slough with our teams and cow ; crossed without accident, although the water was deep with a strong current. Had to raise the wagon-box on the bolsters to keep the water out. All our traps are now at KoUing Stone." Mr. Clary crossed the slough' with' his oxen at the same time and went up with Mr. Drew. Mr. Wheeler remained on the prairie for a day or two before he joined them at the colony. When Mr. Lord was consulted relative to these incidents he assumed a reflective attitude for a moment and then with an almost audible smUe, replied : " That is correct. Wheeler did not come up with Drew. I have reason to remember it. I went down to the prairie "the next day and stopped at his camp, not far from where the road now crosses to the upper prairie. After the usual saluta- tions, Wheeler remarked : ' I suppose you are hungry about this time of day. ' I was hungry as a wolf, and I told him I would take a bite if it was handy. We were not very regular in our meals at that time, and I saw the coifee-pot and a few brands smok- ing where they had had a fire. He then took out two or three handfuls'of hard biscuit, which he laid on the box where he had been sitting, and said to his son, ' Bring on that meat. ' Just then he discovered, that -his cattle were straying off and started after them. "The boy brought the meat in a frying-pan and put it on the box. I took hold and made out quite a hearty meal before Wheeler got back. When he returned he glanced at the empty frying-pan and called out to his son, 'Ho, Donald! didn't I tell you to cook some of that ham for supper?' ' Yaas,' replied the youngster, in a surly tone ; ' I got a right smart chance on it, but that chap gobbled it all.' Wheeler saw the state of affairs almost as soon as I did, ^nd said, 'Wal, wal, cut some more, can't you? there's plenty of it.' I was somewhat surprised and not a little chagrined to discover that I had eaten up the supper of two hearty and ^ungry persons, which they had just prepared for themselves. I supposed that they had just completed their meal as I came into their camp;" E. B. Drew's loaded wagon was the first to ford the slough and- the first along the bluffs. No wagon trail had ever been openfed. O. M. Lord was the pilot and guide on the trail. In crossing the slough Mr. Drew gave his special attention to the care of his cow. In his anxiety for her safety he was forgetful of self and got a " duck " or two. His clothing was in the wagon and did not suffer from his mishaps. 222 HESTOET OF WINOWA COTHSTTY. and came up the river as deck passengers, ^hile at Rolling Stone he had been almost without shelter; the demand was much greater than the accommodation. Provisioi^s of, every kind were abundant and none suffered from want of sufficient food. The colonists were liberal in relieving each other when aid was required. William Christie was buried on the Evans claim. His coffin wa.s made by E. H. J^phnson from the common unseasoned pine boards lying on the bank of the river. A short funeral service was held in the, open air in front of the shanty by the Rev. Edward Ely. Mr. Thorp, with other members of the association, accompanied by the settlers and strangers on the prairie, followed tiie dead body to the grave and aided, in depositing it in its last resting-place. The occurrence was one long to be remembered. William Christie was comparatively a stranger. He had died suddenly, far away from the land of his. birth and frOm his personal friends and relatives. His death was the first on Wabasha prairie, the first among the members of the association and the first among the settlers in the county. His funeral was the first, but before the summer was passed funerals were frequent both on Wabasha prairie and in the settlement at Rolling Stone, A young man by^the name of Morgan, a stranger, died after a short sickness, not long after Christie's death. A fatal sickness attacked the families camped on the bank of the river. .Robert Taylor lost two of his children here. He removed his sick wife to La Crosse, where she soon -after died. Mr. McRose lost two children ; one 6f them died on the flatboat while on the way to Rolling Stone. ' Mr. Thorp stopped at Johnson's landing for a few days until he could get transportation for his freight and .supplies. He then went to Rolling Stone to prepare for the arrival of his family. For tem- porary accommodation, which could bfe the most; readily provided, he built a "gopher" on the lot drawn by him before he left New York. This location was in the field a little above where the bam of James Kennedy npw stands. This hut was an improvement on the ordinary structures of the kind. It was about 12x12. The basement, or part below the surface, was lined .with a framework of logs. It was here that the family of Mr. Thorp began housekeeping in Minnesota. . , , - In the morning of May 12th another large party of immigrants for the colony landed from the Caleb Cope at Johnson's landing. OTHEK SETTLEMENTS. 223 Owing to unfavorable reports in circulation down the river relative to the condition of affairs, some left their families at Galena and came up to explore the country. Among these were James Wright, John Nicklin, David Duryee, James Brook^ and many others. Some who landed with their families were compelled to put up temporary shelters on the bank of the river to protect themselves from the drizzling rain while waiting for transportation. Although the day proved to be stormy, a large number of the men went directly to Rolling Stone. As there was insufficient shelter, a company of nine built a "gopher" for their immediate use. This was constructed by digging a hold about 8x12 and about eighteen inches deep, over which a cover was made. The body of this struc- 'ture was of small basswood logs, about eight feet long and about eight or ten inches in diameter. These logs were split and placed on end close together along the sides and one end of the hole in the ground, with the tops resting on a ridge-pole supported on posts with a crotch at the top. This framework was covered with coarse, dry grass and a lay^r of earth, over which was laid a covering of sod. The turf, by cai"efiil arrangement, made a roof that readily shed the rain of ordinary showers. • In this "gopher hole," on a floor of dry grass, the nine men of" this company slept the first night of their ari'ival, and occupied it as their lodging-place for a week or two afterward. This "gopher" was btiillj on the land now owned by James Wright, and where he now lives in Minnesota city. It was afterward used, as a stopping- place for the family of Mr. Wright. The most of this party of explorers decided to continue in the colony. Some sent for their families, others went down the river to escort them up. Mr. Wright and Mr. JSTicklin were among the latter. Mr. .Charles Bannon came up the river on the Caleb Cope. He was one of the directors of the association and one of its earliest members. He, with his wife, started from 'New York with the party that landed from the wood-boat at Kolling Stone. While on the" way up the river he left the boat at Davenport and, in company with M. A. Allen, stopped to buy cattle.- Mr. Bannon purchased three yoke of 03^en and Mr. Allen two yoke, which they drove through the country to Dubuque, where they took passage with their stock. These oxen were designed for use as breaking-teams and for general farm work. CHAPTER XXIY. FIRST SETTLEMENTS AT WINONA CITY. To catch the drift from the colony above, Johnson offered the choice of an acre of his claim on Wabasha prairie to each of the disaffected ones who would stop there, build a house, and make it their residence for one year. At that time the claim had not been surveyed or divided into lots and streets. This offer was accepted by several and a number of locations selected. Rev. E. Ely made choice of an acre south of Johnson's shanty, about where the Ely block now stands, on the corner of Center and Second streets. Jacob S. Denman selected an acre adjoining that of Mr. Ely's on the east ; Dr. Childs an acre on the south of Mr. Ely's ; E. B. Thomas on the south of Mr. Denman's and east from that of Dr. Childs' ; John Evans selected an acre west of John- son's shanty ; John Bums, a member of the association and one of the party who camped on the bank of the river from the Dr. Frank- lin on the 9th of May, accepted the offer of an acre from Ed. Ham- ilton on his claim on the same conditions as the others. Th§ acre chosen by him was in what is now the front yard of the residence of Hon. H. W. Lamberton, on the corner of Huff and Harriett streets. Mr. Burns planted a smalj garden ajid set out a few small apple- trees, which he had brought up the river. Some of these trees afterward grew to be of considerable size. These were the first fruit-trees, or ti-ees of any kind, planted on Wabasha prairie by the , early settlers. These fruit-trees were planted in a trench near together, as in a nursery. When Mr. Huff took possession of the Hamilton claim he built a fence around the few trees that had escaped the ravages of the cattle, and after two or three years trans- planted them in his garden. W. H. Stevens gave the use of his shanty on the Stevens claim to Mr. Denman until he could procure lumber and build a residence for his family. Mr. Denman founri occupation for his team and plow by breaking the land selected for himself and others. They all made small gardens by way of occupancy and improve- ments. Mr. Denman enclosed his acre and that selected by Mr. FIRST SETTLEMENTS AT WINONA; CITY. 225' Thomas with a temporary fence and planted the field with corn. This was his first attempt at farming in Minnesota. It was not a profitable enterprise. The fence that enclosed this corn-field was the first fence built on the prairie by the settlers. It was put up by George W. Clark and his brother Wayne Clark. Mr. Denman paid them for it by breaking four acres of land on Clark's claim acrrtss the slough. Neither Mr. Thomas, Dr. Childs or Mr. Burns ever made any other improvements on the lots selected. They abandoned them and made locations elsewhere. Mr. Thomas and Mr. Burns held claims in the colony, but left the territory in the fall. Dr. Childs remained on the prairie for several years after. Mr. Denman built a house on his acre of prairie as soon as he could procure lumber.' Mr. Ely built one in the fall. During the summer his family lived in Johnson's shanty after they came up irom La Crosse, where they staid for a short time. He paid John- son four dollars per month rent for the use of- the "ilotel." The house built by Mr. Denman stood on Lafayette street, be- tween Second and Third streets. This was the first house built by the settlers on Wabasha prairie, not expressly designed as a "claim shanty." It was a balloon frame building of considerable preten- sions for that date^of improvements, about 16x32, one story high, the sides boarded "up and down" with rough boards and the cracks battened. The roof was of boards, and because of its pecu- liar construction the building was given the name of " car-house," from its fancied resemblance to a railroad car. The doors and win- dows were furnished with frames and casings — the first improve- ments of the kind. The floor was of dressed lumber, a luxury heretofore unknown. This building was divided into rooms by board partitions, and parts of it ceiled with dressed lumber. Mr. Denman occupied this house as his residence unl;il fall, when he moved on his claim. About the first of July he opened a store in the front room of this building. He brought up from Galena a small stock of goods suitable for the market, and here started the first slore on Wabasha prairie for the sale of goods to the settlers-. Jacob S. Denman was the first merchant to establish himself in business in what is now the city of Winona. It was in the "car house" that the first white child was bom within the limits of this city. While living here the family of Mrs. Denman was increased by the addition of a daughter on the 18th of 226 mSTOBT OF winona coitnty. Jul J, 1852. Mrs. Goddard, after consultation -with Mrs. Ely, gave to this first native settler the name of "Prairie Louise Denman," the name by which she was afterward known. She has been dead many years. The oldest native settler, born in the city of "Winona, who is now living, is Mason Ely, the second son of Rev. Edward Ely, born in 1853. The primary object of all of the early settlers was to secure land for farming purposes on which to locate a future home. About the 'first thing done was to "make a claim." Mr. Denman began prospecting as soon as he landed, and on the 9th of May discovered ,and formally made a claim on the upper prairie. He and his mother there held 320 acres. The high water flooded the bottom lands, and their claims covered all of the land not overflowed, lying east from the KoUing Stone creek, to about wljere the highway now crosses the railroads, and extended south far enough to include the table next to the bluffs. It was on this table that he blazed the trees and inscribed his name as proprietor of the claim. It was on this table that he built a very comfortable log house, made other improvements, and moved his family there in September. The land selected by Mr. Denman had been previously claimed by Had- dock and Murphy for the Western Farm and Village Association. Mr. Denman was duly notified that he was trespassing on grounds claimed for the colony, liut he persisted in holding it and making improvements, without regard to the protestations of the members of the association. This was the first collision of a settler with that organization. The first person tq encroach on the territory claimed was an ' ex- member. To get Denman off, the colonists tried "moral, legal and physicsfl suasion, but he tenaciously adhered. " He lived in this log cabin under the bluffs for about three years, until he built a more modern house and large barns near the center of his farm. This claim, or, more properly, the claims, of Denman and his mother, are now known as the Denman farm. It is at present owned and occu- pied by Mr. George Fifield. ' Mr. Denman sacrificed this large farm, which he had secured by .honest industry and years of hard labor, in his mistaken zealous efforts to aid the " Grange movement" for cheaper freights, cheaper supplies and cheaper agricultural implements. He removed to Texas, but his good luck at farming failed him there. It is said that Mr. Denman is now a poor man, and in his old age again a pioneer, FIRST SETTLEMENTS AT WINONA CITY. 227 looking for "a home in the west" in one of the territories. None of his family are now living in this county. Dr. George F. Childs, with his wife and niece, lived for a short time in Johnson's shanty. While there his niece was taken with the measles and died after a few days' sickness. The remains were taken to La Grosse for burial. About the middle of May Dr. CMlds bought the east half of the claim made by Jabez McDermott. He paid McDermott eighty dol- lars for a quit-claim deed and possession of the eighty acres. This was the first claim sale on Wabasha prairie. Whether this deed was ever . made a matter of record is now very uncertain, as at that time there was no county organization in Wabasha county, of which Winona county was a part. All matters of record were filed in Washington county, with which Wabasha was connected for all judicial purposes. Possession of land was then more important than title-deeds. The land still belonged to government and no surveys had been made. The machine-shops and surrounding buildings of the Chicago & Northwestern Kailroad. Company, the Winona wagon-works and the Winona plow-works are on what was once the McDermott claim. This locality was a favorite ' camping-place of Wabasha's band. When Dr. Childs took possession there were about half-a-dozen of their large bark cabins, or tepees, yet standing, but in a somewhat dilapidated condition, the settlers having taken material from them for use in other localities. In the vicinity of the machine-shops was an old Indian burying-place. The graves were scattered over that locality ; very mdny were exposed and destroyed in the excavations made. KeKcs of the past — stone hatchets, flint arrowheads and pipes of red pigestone — were found. Sometimes fragments of bones or a tolerably well preserved skeleton would be unearthed and used to help form a railroad embankment in some other locality. Indian graves have been found in several places on Wabasha prairie and in the mouths of the valleys. Quite a number were exposed by the caving of the river bank on the lower part of the prairie. Two modem Indian graves were on Johnson's claim when the whites first took possession of the prairie. They were left undis- turbed for several years. The covering of sticks which were placed over them by the natives marked their location until the ground was plowed by Johnson in the spring of 1855. These graves were on lot 2. block lY. When it was improved and buildings were erected, 228 HISTOBY OF WINONA COUNTY. the bones buried there were thrown out in excavating a cellar and taken possession of by Dr. Franklin Staples. These bones were the remains of young persons and were very much decayed. It has been stated that some of Wabasha's children were buried in these graves, but there is no evidence confirming this statement. Wa- basha's special home was in the mouth of Bums valjey. The Indian village located on the McDermott claim, a part of which was purchased by Dr. Childs, was said to be the grand gathering-place of the Mdaywakantonwan division of Sioux. It was in this vicinity that Wabasha's bands met for their amusements, sports and games, as well as more serious and important affairs. From this village the Indian trails diverged as from a common cen- ter, some leading to the valleys, others up and down the bank of the river. The wild grass, common on every other part of the prairie, had almost entirely disappeared around this village or sum- mer resort, and had been replaced' by a fine turf of blue-grass found in no other place except along the bank of the river on the lower part of the prairie, where Mrs. Keyes now lives. Mr. George W. Clark says "That on McDermott's claim there was a large fiat stone, the center of a large circle of smooth, level ground, with well defined boundaries, plainly to be seen in 1851. This stone was taken away by some of the early settlers." Dr. Childs lived during the summer of 1852 in the little cabin with a bark roof which McDermott occupied as his claim shanty. He built a. comfortable cottage near by it, in which he lived for sev- eral years. ' The logs and poles of the Sioux tepees were used in the construction of sheds and as posts for his fences. The bark coverings of the huts was carefully gathered and used as firewood for his kit- chen stove. It was the custom of Dr. Childs to date all of his correspondence and business papers from his residence on this claim, to which he gave the name of "Ozelle cottage." This name was derived from the one given by the old French voyageurs to Wabasha prairie. Ozelle was but the French pronunciation of Aix Aile anglicized by Dr. Childs in writing. When Dr: Childs left New York he supposed that he would find the Indians occupying this part of the territory, and brought along an assortment of goods for the purpose of bartering Avith them, but found that the Sioux had forsaken their homes in this locality. He FIRST SETTLEMENTS AT WINONA CITY. 229 after a time traded his Indian goods with the Winnebagoes for dressed deerskins and got rid of his goods without loss. Dr. ChUds was a botanic physician, but never practiced his pro- fession in this vicinity, or only to a very limited extent. He engaged in mercantOe business for a year or two after he sold his land. He moved to Minneiska, "Wabasha county, where he lived for awhile. Dr. G. F. ChiLds is now a resident of the State of Maryland, where he has charge of a benevolent institution, a home for aged people. Among the passengers who landed at Johnson's landing from the steamer Caleb Cope on May 12, 1852, were Abner S. Goddard, wife and three children, from La Crosse. They arrived at about four o'clock on a dark and r^ny morning, and went directly from the landing to the shanty on the Stevens claim, in accordance with a previous arrangement made with Silas Stevens. On reaching the shanty they were surprised to find the table, benches and other fur- niture of the cabin, which they supposed to be occupied, irregularly piled outside. When the inmates were aroused they discovered that the furniture had been removed to aftord sleeping quarters for the occupants. William H. Stevens and a young man living with him held one corner, while the family of Mr. Denman, seven in number, were in possession of the remainder of the little 10xi2 shanty, not occupied by the cook-stove. To accommodate the new- comers, the future occupants of the cabin, Mr. Denman provided for his family by making a shelter for them with the lumber he had laid up loosely to dry for use in *he house he was then building. While living in this manner the loose boards were blown from over their heads during a severe thunderstorm one night when they were aJl in bed. They were compelled to seek shelter in Johnson's shanty, but again occupied their lumljer piles in the morning and' continued to do so until their house was finished. During the previous winter Mr. Goddard had been living in La Crosse. He there taught the village school — the first school ever taught in La Crosse, the first school ever taught on the Mississippi river between Prairie du Ohien and St. Paul, if the Indian mission schools at Ked Wing and Kaposia are excepted. His schoolroom was in the court-house, which was built during the fall and fore part of the same winter. To add to their income and to accommodate soirie personal friends, Mrs. Goddard opened a boarding-house. "Aunt Catharine's" table was then, as it is now, always full, with- out soliciting patronage. Silas Stevens became a boarder and made 230 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. it his home with them while in La Crosse. After the attempt of Mr. Gere to jump the Stet^ens claim Mr. Stevens offered to furnish Mr. Goddard a shanty of sufficient capacity to keep a boarding-house on Wabasha prairie if he would go up and live on his claim, and also promised him an acre of the claim on which to build a house if he would continue to reside there. Others, then living in La Crosse, who had made claims, urged him to accept Mr. Stevens' proposition. As Mr. Goddard had been up to the prairie with a party of claim- hunters early in the spring, and had been solicited by the settlers in that locality to come up, he was the more readily induced -to change his residence. Immigrants were landed irom every boat, and the little shanty was crowded with hungry guests as soon as their arrival was known. Meals were provided for all that came, but' they were required to look out for their own lodging-places. The beds of their guests were sometimes the soft sands of the prairie, the b'ed clothing their ordi- nary wearing apparel with the addition of a blanket. Three or four days after the arrival of Mr. Goddard, another shanty was put up by Mr. Stevens to meet the increasing business and the demand for better accommodations. This shanty was a one- story building about 16 X 32. To increase its capacity an awning of canvas was stretched from one side, which served as a shelter for the cooking department. The two rooms were subdivided by can- vas partitions. It was customary, however, for guests who lodged there to blow out the candle and go to'^bed in the dark. This was a rule of the house. This shanty stood about where the "Davenport house" now stands, not far from the corner of Third and Kansas streets. The original- shanty on the Stevens claim was torn down, and the material used in the construction of this second one. " Goddard 's " was the favorite stopping-place— liie most popu- lar and commodious "hotel" on Wabasha prairie. This shanty was the "home" of many of the early settlers of this county who came that season. It was here they gathered for social enjoyment, to get the latest news, to discuss the matters of claim's and current events. It was the place of gathering for all public meetings, and the headquarters of the Wabasha Protection Club, of which Mr. Goddard was elected secretary. A select school was opened here by Miss Angelia Gere, a young daughter of H. C. Gere. This was the first school attempted on the prairie. It was kept in opera- FIRST SETTLEMENTS AT WINONA CITY. 233 tion but a short time. Here the first stated religious meetings were held, with regular preaching on the Sabbath day. This history would be incomplete without some special notice of Mr. Qoddard and his family, so intimately were the early settlers connected with this "settlers' home." The summer of 1852 was known in the west as the sickly season. The extreme high water of the early spring was followed by another extreme of low water, with remarkably dry and hot weather. This occasioned a general epidemic of severe forms of malarial diseases, which were unusually fatal. These diseases prevailed extensively along the -river. Wabasha prairie and the colony at Minnesota City were seriously affected by it. The settlement of this county was retarded through the loss of many of the settlers by death, and the removal of very many others to escape the threatened dangers of sickness in a locality where there was so limited accommoda- tions, even for the healthy. The settlers considered themselves fortunate, indeed, if in their attack of sickness they could get in at Goddard's. The accommo- dation was prized, for there they felt sure of kind attention and watchful nursing. There were no regular medical practitioners in the county who followed their profession — none nearer than La Crosse, and domestic management was an important consideration with the sufferers. The following extract from a letter to "Aunt Catharine " (Mrs. Goddard), written a score of years afterward, will illustrate some- what the general sentiments of tha early settlers in connection with the occurrences of that year : " I cannot forget the many deeds of kindness and motherly care my brothers and myself received at your hands when your house was a hospital and you the ministering angel. With nine sick persons, including your husband ; witli but two rooms in which to lodge and make comfortable your sick house- hold, how admirably and patiently all was manned." In the latter part of tljis season Mr. Goddard and his two young- est children were prostrated with the prevailing diseases and died. Mr. Goddard's death occurred September 11. The loss of a citizen of such promising usefulness in the new settlement was a calamity seriously felt. He was a man of the strictest integi'ity and of cor- rect moral principles. In his native state, Pennsylvania, Mr. Goddard was honored with the office of justice of the peace, and held that position for 14 234 HISTOEY OF "WTNONA COUKTY. many years. He there acquired the title of " Squire Goddard," by which name he was generally known. He was appointed post- master, and received his commission during his last sickness, but never qualified or attempted to serve in that capacity. Mrs. Goddard, now known as Mrs. Catharine Smith, is yet a resident of Wabasha prairie. She is the oldest female resident of - the city of Winona. Indirectly through her some of the best citizens of Winona became residents of this county. She is a sister of the Lairds'. Although the mother of many children, she has but one living, a son, Orrin F. Smith. Aunt Catharine is a woman whose social nature, kind heart and real worth have secured to her hosts of sincere friends. Her Easter parties, birthday gatherings and social reunions of old settlers are annual 'enjoyments to herself as well as to her numerous relatives and friends. Mrs. Goddard was connected with many incidents of pioneer life which might be mentioned, some of which will be noticed. Prominent among the settlers who located on Wabasha prairife this season was Dr. John L. Balcombe. About April 1 he came up the river on the Nominee and stopped at La Crosse. Being a gen- tleman of much more than usual general intelligence, with fine social qualifications, and also an invalid, he readily formed acquaint- ances and found friends among the best citizens of that place. Wa- basha prairie was then attracting considerable attention from the residents of La Crosse, and not long after his arrival he was induced to join a party who proposed to explore the late Sioux purchase for farming lands. Their prospecting excursions only extended to the valleys along the river, where some claims were selected. It being too early in the season to attempt any very extended trip without a more suitable outfit than could be procured, they returned to La Crosse. In the forepart,^ of May Dr. Balcombe again visited Wabasha prairie. He brought with him a horse, or^pony, and camp supplies. He here secured the services of Ed. Hamilton, whose robust strength and experience as a cook made him a valuable acquisition in the exploring excursion he proposed to make. After transporting their outfit across the slough they started for the back country, Hamilton leading the way on the trail with a heavy pack of supplies, the doctor following on horseback with the balance of their outfit, which included a sack of corn and a bundle of hay. FIRST SETTLEMENTS AT WINONA CITY. 235 Following the trail to Minnesota City they went up the south valley and out on Sweet's prairie on a trail marked by the settlers of ■ the colony. They spent three or four days in exploring the country along the branches of the White "Water and Root river as far as the western part of this county. In the vicinity of what is now the town of Saratoga they,saw a large herd of elk, the last that have been seen in this vicinity. They returned through the Rolling Stone and arrived at John- son's landing on the evening of May 12, and went directly to the shanty of Mr. Goddard, where the doctor was provided for as a guest with such accommodations as the place afforded, although iJlrs. Goddard had hardly taken possession of the premises. The next day he returned to La Crosse. . About the last of May another exploring party was organized in La Crosse by Dr. Balcombe, Rev. J. C. Sherwin, Rev. William H. Card, and other prominent citizens. Provided with horses and necessary supplies for camping out, they took passage to Wabasha prairie. The services of Ed. Hamilton were again secured. As the grass had by this time become sufficient for the support of their horses, the trip was only limited by their inclinations or the extent of their camp supplies. This party went out through Gilmore valley. Keeping on the divide between the Root river and the White Water and Zombro rivers, they explored the country as far west as the head-waters of the Cedar river. On their return they camped on the head-waters of the White Water, spending the Sabbath in the vicinity of the present village of St. Charles. Religious exercises were observed and Elder Sherwin delivered a sermon to his companions. This was the first religious meeting held in the country back from the river. While on this excursion Dr. Balcombe made discovery of many choice locations. His habits of close observation, with a retentive memory, gave him a decided advantage over other explorers, which were afterward of pecuniary value. He could long afterward point out the choicest locations to the early settlers seeking farming lands. While on this trip he first discovered and located the present site of High Forest. It was not until a year or two afterward that he found sale for his rights of discovery. This exploring excursion satisfied Dr. Balcombe that the resources of this part of the Sioux purchase, when developed, would amply 236 HISTORY OF WESrONA OOITNTY. support a large commercial town on the river and that the outlet must be in this vicinity. He decided to locate on Wabasha prairie, and accepted Johnson's offer of an acre of ground on the same terms offered others. The acre selected was west of and adjoining that chosen by John Evans. He built a shanty on Main street, between Front and Second streets, near the alley. It was 12 X 16, one story, of little better style than common claim shanties. It had a gable roof instead of the ordinary shed roof. This was at first of boards, but was afterward covered with shingles. Dr. Balcombe also bought an undivided one-third of the Hamil- ton claim, No. 5. Mark Howard, a gentleman residing in Hartford, Conn., purchased another third, Edwin Hamilton retaining one- third. "Walter Brown, of La Crosse, was appointed agent for Mr. Howard. This property is now known as Huff's addition to thfe original town plot of Winona. The claim was valued at $200. The shares were $66.66 each. Mr. Hamilton then supposed he had made a good sale. About June 1, Dr. Balcombe brought his wife from Illinois, where she was on a visit with her son. Stopping at La Crosse for. awhile, she came to Wabasha prairie on June 13. They boarded at , Goddard's until they commenced housekeeping in their own shanty in July. About July 1 he built a shanty on the Hamilton claim, which he leased to O. S. Holbrook, of which mention was made in earlier pages. Early in July Dr. Balcombe went down the river and brought up some household furniture and supplies. He also brought back with him a span of horses and a colt, double and single harnesses, a lumber wagon and a buggy. This was the first buggy ever brought into the county and the only one for nearly a- year afterward. After spending the summer and fall in Minnesota, Dr. Balcombe sold his interest in the Hamilton claim, with his horses and wagons, to Edwin Hamilton for $661,- and with his wife went down the river on the last boat in the fall. He spent the winter with his only child, a son, St. A. D. Balcombe, then a druggist doing business in Elgin, Illinois. He returned the following spring. Further attention will be given nim in the occurrences of that year. CHAPTEK XXY. INCIDENTS OF THE EAELY TIMES. Among the settlers who came into this county in the spring of 1852 were Wayne Clark and Scott "Clark, brothers of George W. Clark. Wayne arrived about the first of May, Seott a little later in the season. Scott Clark was an invalid, and came on from the State of New York with the hope that the climate of Minnesota would prove beneficial to his health. He made a claim in the mouth of Gilmore valley. It included the Indian cultivation and extended onto the table where the residence of C. C. Beck now stands. His claim shanty, a small log house, stood on the same plateau but near the point next to the creek. He held this claim untU his death, which occurred in June, 1864. He was buried on the grounds of what is now Woodlawn cemetery. His grave was the first in that locality. He was, however, buried there several years before the spot was selected as a public cemetery. Wayne Clark did not come to Minnesota for the express purpose of making it a home" as an actual settler. His principal object was speculation. He brought with him quite a number of land war- rants, which he expected he would be able to use in securing lands on the "Sioux purchase" in the territory, but the lands had not been surveyed and he found that land warrants were not available property here. To preserve them, he carefully laid them away in his trunk, in which he also secreted other valuables. He brought with him from Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, the trunk and "good clothes " of his brother, left there the year before, when George abandoned all superfluities of that kind. These trunks were stored in ISTash's shanty on claim No. 2, which they then occupied as their headquarters. Nash and Gil- more were away, rafting logs for Farrell that had been cut on the islands opposite during the winter. Although living in this shanty on the prairie, they were engaged in making improvements on the claim of George Clark across the slough, . putting in a crop of potatoes, corn, making garden and building a cabin. One day, while engaged in putting the cabin in a habitable 238 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. condition, they were alarmed by a messenger, William H. Stevens, crossing over in haste to inform them that the Sioux threatened to burn the shanty on the Nash claim, and that they had better come over and take care of their traps or their property would ,be burned up in it. Startled by this report, they hastened to secure their valuables from threatened destruction. " On arriving at the landing they found all of the settlers gathered at Goddard's shanty, with about half a dozen Indians as the center of attraction. They here learned that the cause of the alarm was from the neglect ol Nash to pay the Indian tax which had been levied on the shanty by the Sioux, or to provide for its payment as he had promised the Indians. On this visit the Indians collected a barrel of flour from, Gere, and another from Dr. Childs. There were but six inhabited claim shan- ties on Wabasha prairie at this time. All had paid their tax except Nash. Wabasha's "infernal" revenue collectors were somewhat irritated at not being able to secure the delinquent tax on the shanty of claim No. 2. The leader and spokesman of the party expressed his dissatisfaction forcibly and emphatic in the Dakota language. The settlers standing around readily compj-ehended what he meant, although they could not understand but a single word of all that he said. By signs used in his demonstrations he intimated that they had promised to give them the flour when the Nominee came up in the spring, but had failed to do as agreed. Gesticulating with his h^nds, he pointed down the river, then inoving them slowly up until he pointed up stream. This he performed several times, each time , repeating^ distinctly, "Nominee," pointing tow^-rd the shanty, shak- ing his flst and giving strong expressions of dissatisfaction. The interpretation as understood was that the Nominee had been up and down a number of times and Nash had not furnished the flour. Apparently becoming terribly excited in his manner, the Indian rushed to the cook-stove of Mrs. Goddard, which stood at the side of the building, and drawing out a blazing fire-brand, started to- ward the delinquent shanty as if he was going to set it on fire. This the settlers comprehended as only a threat that they would bum it if the flour or its equivalent wa,s not forthcoming. . He was easily pacifled and induced to drop the incendiary torch when assured he should have the flour. Johnson furnished it from his own supplies and settled the matter at once. This was the only "Indian scare" ever attempted by the Sioux INCIDENTS OF THE EARLY TIMES. 239 with the early settlers In this county. The alarm was soon over and an amicable shake all around indicated a satisfactory ad-junt- ment of difficulties and a truce to all hostile demonstrations. In transporting the flour collected by the Indians, the barrels were opened with th«ir hatchets and the flour transferred to sacks. The barrels were then destrpyed. The only claim shanties on "Wabasha prairie for which this tax was paid to the Sioux were on claims Nos. 1 , 2, 3 and 4, and on the claim of Dr. Childs and for Henry C. Gere's shanty. John Burns paid them for his privileges in the mouth of Burns valley. Four barrels of flour settled all Indian claims on the colony at Minnesota City. These were all .that paid the Indian tax that season. Finding the settlers were becoming too numerous to be easily alarmed, the Indians abandoned their compulsory plan of begging and let them remain undisturbed. Notwithstanding the amicable adjustment with the Sioux in relation to the shanty they were occupying on the prairie, the Oarks removed their deposits and transferred all of their effects across the slough, where they were under their personal care. They commenced housekeeping in their own shanty, George W., Wajne and Scott Clark living together. Wayne dark spent that season in Minnesota, exploring the country looking for chances to speculate, but went down the river on the last boat in the fall without making a claim or investing his surplus funds in a country where securities (claims) were such un- certain property. With the crowd o^ passengers brought up the river by the Nomi- nee on the 19th of May, who landed on Wabasha prairie, were quite a number of immigrants for the colony. For convenience in dis- charging freight and live stock, Captain Smith landed them- at the lower landing, his favorite claim and special preference for a town site. Among the members of the association who stopped here were Hiram Campbell, wife and three children, Mrs. Thorp (wife of Eobert Thorp) and three sons, H. B. W'aterman, wife and son, Asa Waterman, Rufus Waterman, Andrew Petee, D. Q. Burley, H. Shipley and son, Mr. Hunt and others. .This party had quite a large herd of cattle — oxen, cows and young stock. The greater part of them belonged to Hiram Campbell. Mr. Waterman had two yoke of oxen and two cows, and Mr. Hunt 240 HISTORY OP WINONA COUNTY. two yoke of oxen. As soon as the cattle were landed they scattered over the prairie in spite of the efforts of their owners to restrain them. The new-comers were not then aware that the'^ were on an island, from which their cattle would not attempt to escape even if allowed to range over it. It was not until late in the day that all of the frisky herd were collected at the lower end of the prairie. The tents were pitched and the party remained at the landing until the next morning, when the wagons were loaded, the cattle collected, and all moved up to the upper end of the prairie, where they again camped near the landing-place of the Macedonian. The following morning the cattle were again collected and after much trouble driven across the back slough at the crossing on the trail below where they camped. Mr. Campbell divested himself of all clothing and followed them over alone to aid his young stock if occar sion required. The wagons, with the men, women and children, were ■ transferred across the slough to the upper prairie by the Mstcedonian, landing about where the present road is laid. Several trips were made to caiTy them all over. From here they made their way along down the slough and then moved on up to the table-land along flie bluffs above the mouth of Gilmore valley, where they camped for the night. The next day. May 23, they made their entry into the settlement and mingled with the crowds there collected. Some of this party are yet residents of that vicinity. On account of the difficulties in getting to Rolling Stone from Wabasha prairie, and because of the strong feeling of jealousy and rivalry that began to be exhibited between the two localities, Mr. Haddock urgently requested the members of the association, by messages and letters sent to those on their way up, not to land on Wabasha prairie. If the boats could not be induced to lahd them at Rolling Stone by going up Straight Slough, they were advised to continue on up the river and land on the Minnesota side below the mouth of the White Water. From there he supposed it would be practicable to reach the colony by land, or they could be brought down by water on the Macedonian. But one small party attempted to reach the colony over this route. They came up the river on the Dr. Franklin. At Johnson's landing, where the boat stopped, they were advised by O. M. Lord, who chanced to see them, that they had better land there with the other passengers, and assured them that it would be mOre difficult to get to Rolling Stone from above than from the prairie. mCIDENTS OF THE EARTY TIMES. 241 Mr. Wright, who had previously visited the colony, and who now assumed the leadership, had such unlimited confidence in the judg- ment and advice of Mr. Haddock in the matter, that he decided to follow the instructions of the president of the association. They continued on and landed on the morning of May 23 about three miles below the mouth of the White Water and about a mile below Hall's landing, afterward known as Mt. Yernon. The members of this party were James Wright, wife and six children, John Nicklin, wife and two children, and S. M. Bums, ' wife and three children. Mr. Wright was one of the directors of the association and one of its earliest members. He had been a resident of the city of New York, where he" followed the occupation of a wood-turner. Mr. Nieklin was from the same place, where he was a lithographer. Mr. Bums was irom eastern Pennsylvania, where he had been a hotel- keeper, or keeper of a restaurant. It was said that Mr. Burns brought more money with him than any other member 6f the colony. ■ With their freight they had a large supply of provisions and quite an amount of household goods. Mr. Burns brought with him a very fine pair of horses, a wagon and a general assortment of farming tools. The experiences of this party during their stay here are igiven as related by Mr. Wright to illustrate some of the inci- dents of pioneer life in the early settlement of this county. When the horses of Mr. Bums were landed from the steamboat, they were not securely fastened by the deck-hands who had them in charge. Their halters were loosely tied to the brush that grew along the bank, and by their restlessness they soon released themselves. Attracted by the fresh grass, they quietly enjoyed their liberty by grazing in the vicinity. Thinking it safe, Mr. Burns indulged them while he was putting his wagon together, which had been taken apart for convenience in transportation. After completing his task Mr. Burns attempted to secure his team, but the horses playfully eluded his grasp of their halters and kept just beyond his reach. Startled by some sudden movement, they sprang off as if for a race, but again halted to feed until he came near, when they again left him. At length, turning up a valley, they disappeared. He would occasionally get a glimpse of them on the sides of the ravine and then lost sight of them entirely. He fol- lowed their trail to the ridge on the top of the bluffs, where he lost 242 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY.. all trace and returned to the river at evening, tired and hungry, without his horses. During the day, Mr. Wright and Mr. Nicklin arranged their goods in the forna of a hollow square, and with poles and blankets formed a temporary covering over it. This provided a common shelter for the whole party. A cook-stove was adjusted for business near by, and as they had a variety of provisions and good cooks, their camp was comfortably established and well provided for, ex- cept protection from heavy rains. Plenty of dry gi-ass and an abundance of blankets and quilts furnished them beds of which they had but little reason to complain. They had the material for tents in their boxes, but they did not consider it worth while to unpack thera for the short time they proposed to stay there. The following morning Mr. Burns resumed his search for the tniant animals. As the flatboat was expected from Rolling Stone, Mr. Wright and Mr. Nicklin remained in camp. When at Wabasha prairie they had sent word to Mr. Haddock, notifying him of their arrival and asking to have the boat sent up for them. In the afternoon Mr. Robertson and Mr. Woodcock came up from the colony with the report that an attempt had been made to bring up the Macedonian, but it was found to be almost impossible to manage it and the effort had been abandoned ; that Capt. Jackson proposed to take them down in his small boat and would com* up in the morning to begin the undertaking. They also reported tliat there was no roadway along the bluffs that was passable for wagons, although there was a well-worn Indian trail. Mr. Burns returned without his horses. He was unable to trace them, and for awhile was himeelf lost and gave up his seai'ch. He was tired out and discouraged with his fruitless efforts to find his Stray property. He had paid a high price for his horses in- Chicago, and, being fearful that he would lose them without a chance for their recovery, he offered a reward of fifty dollars for them delivered in camp or at Minnesota City. Stimulated by this liberal offer Robertson and Woodcock volun- teered to hunt for the estrays. After a late but hearty dinner they took the trail at about four o'clock in the afternoon and found them before dark in the head of the north Rolling Stone valley and rode them to Minnesota City the same evening. The horses were returned to Mr. Bums uninjured by their frolic. He promptly paid over the reward. INCIDENTS OF THE EARLY TIMES. 243 , Captain Jackson made the attempt to transfer this party with hie small boat, and commenced with the family and freight of Mr. Nick- lin. To accomplish this required several trips. He was successful except with the last, which was a valuable load in bulky boxes. The b(Jlat was capsized and the cargo a total loss — "no insurance." Some relics of the contents of the boxes were found the following winter in the brush on an island, but nothing of value recovered. This acci- dent Suspended that line of transportation. Eobertson and- Woodcock, with an eye to speculation, offered to deliver the goods of Mr. Wright and Mr. Burns at Rolling Stone for fifteen dollars. A bargain was at once closed with them and they proceeded to constmct a raft from some dead oak-trees standing "on the bank of the river. After the logs were secured together and loaded with a barrel of pork, a barrel of beef, a barrel of vinegar and a cask of hams, but little of the raft was above water. Lashing the freight to the logs they added a cook-stove, shoved off" into the cur- rent and safely landed it at " Lord's lumber yard " without accident attd without delay. After the raft had left the shore. Burns decided that he would not move down to the settlement. He had made an arrangement with the Halls for an interest in their town site and concluded to remain on the river. He immediately commenced to build himself a log house, and moved his family and goods up to the landing. On Saturday Mr. Hunt and Mr. Shipley came up along the bluffs with two yoke of oxen and a wagon for the purpose of moving them down. This was the first wagon that ever passed between the two places. They met with no serious obstruction for the passage of an empty wagpn, although the way was rough and uneven. Wlien they lefl Eolling Stone Mr. Shipley was apparently in his usual health. He had that morning parted with his son, a young man about sixteen years old, and sent him down to Galena to bring up his family, which he had left there two weeks before. While on his way up along the bluffs he began to complain of not feeling well, and soon became too sick to even follow on the trail. Mr. Hunt made him as comfortable as he could on a bed of grass in the wagon, and brought him through to Wright's camp. Here everything was done for his relief that they were able to do, but without avail. He died a few hours after his arrival, at about twelve o'clock at night. His disease was supposed to be cholera. The remains of Mr. Shipley were buried the next day at about 244 HISTORY OF WrNOSTA COUJSTTY. 12 o'clock, Sunday, May 30, 1852. The grave was on the bank of the river, near where he died. His coffin was a few pieces of slabs* taken from the drift-wood of the river and, arranged around the body, ■ while lying in the grave. After the grave was filled, a piece of a slab was placed at the head and his name, "H. Shipley," marked on it. The last resting-place. of this early pioneer is now unknown. The personal effects of Mr. Shipley were taken in charge by Mr. Wright and sent to his wife. The oxen and wagon belonged to Mr. Hunt. Mr. Shipley had no interest in them. Mr. Wright now became anxious to. leave that locality, and as soon as the rude burial was completed he loaded the ^wagon with some of his household goods and decided to attempt to go through by land, but the attempt proved a failure at the start. The wagon was upset within a few rods of where it was loaded, the boxes were smashed and their contents scattered as they tumbled and rolled promiscuously down the bank, almost into the river. A large look- ing-glass rolled on the edges of its frame for several rods and lodged in an upright position against a tree, without injury. The same mirror is yet in use by Mrs. Wright in Minnesota City. At about the time the loaded wagon upset a steamboat appeared in sight, coming down. Mr. Wright abandoned his damaged prop- erty and devoted all his energies to attract the attention of the pilot. He hoisted signals of distress and hailed the boat most vociferously, and was actively seconded in his efforts by his family, one using a tin horn and another beating an accompaniment on a tin- pan. Alarmed by these proceedings, the captain of the boat cautiously ran over toward the Minnesota shore, expecting to learn that the Sioux had risen against the settlers. He was, however, soon re- lieved of any anxiety on that score, and discovered as he drew near that they were some of the passengers he had landed there on his ,way up — that their noiSy demonstrations were made because they were anxious to leave that locality and go down to Johnson's landing. He good-naturedly consented to take them on board. As the boat swung round to the shore the captain hailed Wright and inquired, "Where's your freight ? " Pointing to the wreck of the wagon-load, Wright replied, "There is some of it, as soon as we can get it together." Observing the condition of affairs, the captain called to the men forward as the gang-plank was launched out, " Get ashore there, some of you, and bring them duds aboard in bulk." To Mrs. Wright's extreme surprise, and before she could rally nsrOIBENTS OF THE EAELT TIMES. 245 from her helpless astonishment, her clean household stuff, bedding and clothing ot every description, was carried off in the arms of the dirty roustabouts, and before she could offer even a feeble remonstrance they were piled promiscuously on the greasy, dirty deck. All of Mr. Wright's goods were taken aboard except four barrels of flour which he had brought up for the association, designed to be used in payment of the Indian tax on the shanties in the colony. The flour was taken down by Mr. Hunt in his wagon, the first freight carried through by a wagon over that trail. When Mr. Wright reached Johnson's landing he there found Willie Shipley, waiting for the down boat. He informed the astonished boy that his father, from whom he had parted not two days before, looking healthy and strong, was dead and in his lonely grave on the bank of the river. Mr. Wright gave him the property found with his father^ his watch, a pocket-book with papers and a small amount of money-^-to be carried to his mother. His family were not left without means of support. Mr. Shipley had left a considerable sum of money on deposit in Galena, under the control of his wife. The family returned to their former home. Their experience in the west was a sorrowful one. At Johnson's landing Mr. Wright, with his family, was per- mitted ' by Mr. Denman to pass the night in the unfinished house he was then building. They reached Minnesota City the next day, June 1, and went directly to the "gopher" Mr. Wright had helped to build nearly three weeks before. It was near here that his pro- visions and cook-stove had been stored when ianded from the raft. This gopher-house was their first home in the colony. Mr. Wright has retained possession of and lived continuously with his famUy on the same land and in the same locality ever since that period, about thirty-one years. They occupied the "gopher" and a tent until he could procure lumber and build a more comfortabte place to move into. Soon after their an-ival the whole family were prostrated with sickness in some form. Two of the children died ,with measles, then prevailing. Like most of the members of the association from New York city, Mr. Wright's previous experience had but poorly fitted him to meet the demands of pioneer life. Many things were learned from practical experience. Incidents that may now be pleasantly related, and are amusing to listen to, which occurred in their acquisition of a western education, were once really serious matters with them. 246 HISTOKY OF WINONA COUNTY. r The provisions brought down on the raft were jointly owned by Mr. Wright and Mr. Burns. The morning after his arrival Mr. Wright went out to inspect the condition of his supplies, and discov- ered that his cask of hams had been broken open and the contents carried off. The fact becoming known, the indignant colonists pro- ceeded to investigate the affair. A careful examination of the matter was commenced, but the mystery of the transaction was soon revealed without a shadow of suspicion resting on any member of the association. The cattle of the settlers had been corraled in the bend of the stream near by to prevent their wandering off to parts unknown or trespassing in the settlement. In their eagerness to get salt, the cask had been broken open and the hams eaten by < the ravenous bovine monsters. All of the cattle in the settlement were under suspicion as being implicated in the transaction, but the herd of Hiram Campbell were charged with being the principal and lead- ing offenders. The fragments of partly, eaten hams were found scattered over the ground in the vicinity of the empty cask. To prevent any further loss to Mr. Burns, it was proposed by Mr. Wright that an equitable division of the pork and beef be made. In the absence of Mr. Burns, friends of both parties were selected to make the division. The meat in each barrel was taken out and accurately weighed. One half of each was then put into one of the barrels for Mr. Burns and the otber half into the other barrel and turned over to Mr. Wright as his individual property. This was apparently a just dissolution of partnership, but Mr. Wright soon discovered that the mixing of the two kinds of meat did not improve the quality. It was soon understood that Mr. Wright and Mr. ■Burns had a surplus of meat, and some less fastidious persons pur- chased it at less than cost. Although transportation had proved to be barely possible from Hall's landing to Eolling Stone without considerable expense in open- ing a wagon trail, there was to Mr. Burns more^than a glimmer of a prospective landing-place for the colony, and he located himself where he could have the benefit of the river trade in the business in which he proposed to engage. Having money, to invest, he built a large hotel. His bar was the main source of profit. He paid no license, for the law prohibited the sale of intoxicating drinks. His hotel became a favorite resort for the rivermen and traveling public, and was not entirely shunned by the settlers. The Indians resorted to Bums' " for trade. During ^the years of 1852-3-4 there was THE ASSOCIATION AT ROLLING STONE. 247 more liquor sold by Mr. Burns than in all other parts of southern Minnesota. He brought on quite a stock of general merchandise and opened a store. A postoffice was established and S. M. Burns was postmaster. He iurnished employment for a large number of men cutting steamboat wood on government lands, on which large profits were made. After a heavy expense trying to build up a business point at this place, Mr. Bums was forced to abandon the attempt, and the village of Mt. Yernon ceased to exist. The scheme to make it the land- ing-place for the colony did not prove practicable, although a wagon road was opened between the two places. The town of Mt. Yernon, in the northwest part of Winona county, took its name from the village of that name at what was once known as Hall's landing, on the Mississippi. Ifot a trace of any. of the improvements made by Mr. Burns are now to be seen. The village site is almost unknown. CHAPTEK XXYI. THE ASSOCIATION AT EOLLING STONE. The Western Farm and Yillage Association, as organized in the city of New Tork in 1851, was transferred to Rolling Stone in 1852 under the same officers and with the same laws governing its mem- bers. The mode of doing business adopted and practiced in the east was continued in the west. The first regular meeting of the association held in the colony at Rolling Stone was on May 6. The officers present were Wm. Haddock, president ; Thos. K. Allen, recording secretary ; and a majority of the board of directors, Augustus A. Gilbert, James Wright, Charles Bannon, John Hughs and D. RoTiertson. At this ^meeting fifty-two responded to their names when the roll of members was called. Some of these were young unmarried men, but a majority of the members present were men with families. At a general meeting of the colonists on Sunday, May 9, the name of Minnesota City was given to the village of the c'olony. The name was unanimously adopted by a viva-voce vote. Prior to this 248 HISTORY OP WmONA COUNTY. the locality was only known as Eolling Stone, and afterward it was the most familiar name to the early settlers. At this same meeting, May 9, a Congregational minister from La Crosse, by the name of Reynolds, preached the first sermon ever delivered in Minnesota City. Elder Reynolds was a missionary sent out by the Home Mission Board of the denomination to which he belonged. Business meetings of the association were called to consider mat- ters relating to the common interests. At one of these meetings, about the first, Robert Pike, Jr., was elected surveyor for the colony, to establish the lines of claims designated as farms, which were to be Assigned to the choice of the members of the association according to numbers drawn for that purpose. E. B. Drew and C. R. Coryell were Pikers assistants in these surveys, which were made under the general supervision of the president, Mr. Haddock. At a meeting held on May 19 the question of making application for the establishment of a postofEce was considered and a choice for postmaster made by ballot. Robert Pike, Jr., received a majority of votes. A petition in proper form was drawn up and signed, soliciting the establishment of a postoffice at Minnesota Cit^ and recommending Robert Pike, Jr., as a proper appointment for post- master. This petition was forwarded to the Postoffice department at "Washington. In due time Mr. Pike received his commission and the otfice was established, but with the proviso and on condition that the mails should be transported to and from the nearest postoffice on the river free of charge to the Postoffice department. The near- est postoffice was then at La Crosse. The mail was dependent on chance opportunities or private enterprise. Even such postal facilities were considered of advantage to the settlement. The family of Mr. Pike, consisting of his wife and two children and two of his sisters (afterward Mrs. H. Jones and Mrs. D. Ken- nedy), came on about the last of June. While on their passage up the river the postoffice keys were handed to Mrs. Pike at La Crosse by Brooks and Hancock, two inembers of the association there on a visit, to be delivered to her husband on her arrival at Minnesota City. This was the first knowledge Mrs. Pike had of the matter. On May 20 a census of the colony was taken, when it was ascer- tained that there were ninety male menibers of the association on the grounds and about 400 women and children. The first death in the colony was on May 25, that of David THE ASSOCIATION AT KOLLING STOJSTE. 251 Densmore, a maii about sixty years of age. He was from the State of Maine. He had no family with him. Mr. Densmore was buried in the grounds selected for a cemetery, a little above the forks of the Eolling Stone creek, near Minnesota City. The iirst bridge built in the county was across the Eolling Stone, near where James Wright now lives in Minnesota City. Long logs, used as stringers, were laid over the stream from one bank to the other. Across these stringers logs were laid instead of plank. The colonists all united in this public improvement. The next morning after this bridge was completed the settlers found that their engineering was not practicable in this structure. The long stringers of green timber, without central support, had given way and broken down from weight of the green logs by which tliey were covered. The middle of the bridge was resting in the center of the stream, the logs retained in their position across the stringers. Altliough not available as a wagon bridge, it was used during the season as a crossing-place by persons on foot. \ The first bridge that was of any practicable use was one built by the colonists across the Eolling Stone just below the forks of that stream, above Minnesota City. The location is now covered by the mill-pond. This was called the "herd bridge" by the settlers. The cattle belonging in the colony were placed under the charge of a herdsman, who had the general management of them during the grazing season. Eobert Pike, Jr., was the first appointed and acted in that capacity for that season. A fence was built running from the bluff on the south side to the stream, and the cattle were allowed to range abOve it in the South valley. The "herd bridge" was designed and built, under the direction of Mr. Pike, to serve as a crossing-place for the stock under his charge. It was, however, used as a wagon bridge for two or thi'ee years after a road was opened up through the south valley. During that season the wagon trail leading to Wabasha prairie was on the south side of the stream, next to the blufis, and the only practical fording-place of the stream was where Elsworth's mill now stands. Late in the fall, or early in winter, the settlers opfened a road along down the table, on the north side of the stream^ about where it now is, and built a bridge near the angle where the creek leaves the bluff and flows north, about a mile below the present vil- lage of Minnesota City. This was the first public bridge in common use in the county. • It was maintained for three or four years until 15 252 HISTOJBT OF WINONA COUNTY. the present road between Minnesota and "Winona was opened and another bridge was built, about fifty rods below, in the same locality where the present bridge stands. The first store for the sale of merchandise to the settlers in the colony was opened about June 1 of this season by a Mr. Robertson. He closed out his establishment and left the colony early in the fall. The fii'st school opened in the county was a select school, started in Minnesota City in the early part of this season. The first district school in the county was established here later in the season. The district was organized under the general law of the territory and comprised the whole colonj'. Miss Houk was the teacher. Schools have been uniformly maintained in that locality from that time to the present. The first blacksmith-shop started in this county by the early settlers was in the colony at Minnesota City. James and John Prosser, father and son, opened a shop and commenced business early in the season. Josiah Keene also stai-ted a shop. The Prossers left the colony in the fall. 0. M. Lord bought their shpp, tools and ■stock, and also that of Keene, and carried on the business for a year or two afterward. This was the only blacksmith-shop in the county until the spring of 1864, when a shop was opened at Winona, pre- vious to which the settlers on "Wabasha prairie were dependent on Minnesota City, or they were compelled to go to La Crosse for their blacksmith work. Sometimes jobs of blacksmithing were ordered by the boats from Galena. The first horseshoeing done in the" county was by O. M. Lord. In the fall of 1852 he shod a pair of horses for Hon. "Wm. H. Stevens, of the city of Winona. The shoes were brdught up from La Crosse. In the spring of 1853 he shod fourteen horses for Wm. Ashley Jones, a government surveyor. From 1849 to 1853 the county of Winona was a part of Wabasha county. By act of the First Territo'rial Legislature, October 27, 1849, " all that portion of said territory lying east of a line running due south from a point on the Mississippi river known as Medicine Bottles "Village, at Pine Bend, to the Iowa line, was erected into a county to be known by the name of Wabashaw. " The extent of territory included in the boundaries of Wabasha county by that act was what is now a part of the county of Dakota and the present counties of Goodhue, Wabasha, Olmsted, Dodge, Mower, Fillmore, Houston and Winona. THE ASSOCIATION AT ROLLING STONE. 253 Wabasha county was first created for the' special purpose of affording certain political privileges to the settlers within its bound- aries, nearly all of whom were hall-breed Sioux, living on the "Half- breed Tract," who were recognized as bona fide citizens. The other parts of the county were then in possession of the Sioux. It was made part of a council district, but was declai'ed to be a representative district, entitled to elect one representative to the territorial legislature. The first representative from Wabasha county was James Wells. He was also a member of the second and fourth territorial legisla- tures in 1851 and in 1863. In the third legislature, the session of 1852, Wabasha county was represented by Fordyce S. Kichards, another trader, living at Heed's landing. The fourth territorial legislature in 1863 (March 4) divided Wa- basha county and created Fillmore county from the southern por- tion along the Mississippi, which included the present county of Winona. The same council and representative districts were, how- ever, continued until 1856, when a new apportionment was made by the legislature. At the election held in the fall of 1853, Hon. O. M. Lord, of Minnesota City, was elected, from Fillmore, representative of this district to the fifth territorial legislature, which held its session in 1854. At this session Winona county was created, February 23, i854. When Wabasha county was created in 1849 it was "declared to be organized only for the appointment of justices of the peace, constables and such other judicial and ministerial officers as might be specially provided for." It was attached to Washington county for judicial purposes and was entitled to any number of justices not exceeding six, and to the same number of constables, who were to receive their appointment from the governor and to hold their office for two years, unless sooner removed. The first justice of the peace appointed by Gov. Kamsey in accordance with this act creating Wabasha county, was Thomas K. Allen, the recording secretary of the association at Minnesota City. Mr. Allen w*as compelled to go to the capital of the territory — to St. Paul, in order to qualify — to take the oath of office required. There was no one nearer who was empowered to administer it t© him. At a general meeting of the members of the association living in the colony at Minnesota City, held July 12, 1862, an election pre- 254 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. cinct was organized and the following oflBcers elected by ballot : Thomas K. Allen, justice of the peace ; Josiah Keen, constable ; James Wright, assessor ; and Augustus A. Gilbert, notary public. These proceedings were without proper . authority, and only de-~ signed to represent an expression of the wishes of the people in the colony. The governor was duly notified of this action of the settlers and the appointment of the officers selected formally recommended and solicited. Gov. Eatnsey confirmed the election by making the appointment accordingly. Mr. Allen took the oath of office on July 28, 1852. By vote of the association, O. M. Lord, John lams and Hiram Campbell were elected road commissioners for the colony or precinct. The first sermon delivered to the settlers in Rolling Stone was by the Eev. Mr. Reynolds, a missionary of the Congregational church. He kept lip regular appointments and preached during the summer at Minnesota dtj and at Wabasha prairie. His audiences were representatives of all denominations, Presbyterians, Baptists, Methodists, etc. A general Sabbath-school was started in the early part of this season. The members of the association' held to the religious faith or belief they had professed before joining the colony. If there was any change it was exhibited in a general feeling of toleration. The Protestants and Catholics shared with each other in their comforts and privations, and in their joys and sorrows, with- out question of religions opinions. AH grades of liberalism, spirit- ualism and other "isms" had advocates. The first church organized in this county was by the Baptist members' of the association. This was the first Protestant church organization in southern Minnesota. The appropriate ceremonies were held on July 11, 1852. The pastor of this church was the Eev. T. R. Cressey, a missionary appointed by the American Baptist Home Missionary Society at a salary of $600 per annum. He made Minnesota City his headquarters, but preached in other localities. After remaining in this vicinity for two or three months, Mr. Cressey had a call to locate himself in charge of the Baptist church in St. Paul. As the failing condition of the colony in the latter part of the season offered less inducements to remain, he left this county and located himself in the capital of the territory. Another Baptist preacher, Rev. Henderson Cressey, a brother of T. R. Cressey, preached to the settlers at Minnesota City and on THE ASSOCIATION AT ROLLING STONE. 255 Wabasha prairie for about two years afterward, but did not reside in this vicinity. He held a claim for awhile on the upper prairie. There was such a general immigration of preachers among the early settlers that about every settlement was represented by one or more ot some denomination. It is now difficult to ascertain the names of many of those who for a time held claims in this county. The most of them apparently preferred the blouse of the settler to the garb of their profession. The Eev. William Sweet occasionally preached, but made no regular appointments. The Kev. Mr. Henderson, a member, of the association, living at JVCnnesota City, was, or had been, a Methodist paeacher. It was said that he gave the settlers a most enthusiastic, patriotic sermon on Sunday, July 4, 1852. From many peculiarities of belief or opinions expressed in public, his influence among the Methodists, of which denomination there was quite a number, was not sufficient to induce them to acknowledge him as a leader or combine in a church organization. Mr. Henderson, with others holding diflFerent "isms," made an unsuccessful 'effort to creates society called "The Universal Church." It is difficult to ascertain the exact date of the arrival of very many of the early settlers who, as members of the association, located in this county. The greatest number and largest bodies of them arrived in May, but they continued to come during June and until about the middle of July, after which but few if any of the immigrants in this part of the territory were members of that organ- ization. Among those who located in the colony in KoUing Stone whose arrival has not been specially mentioned were the following. The most of these came in May. The list might be largely extended by adding the names of those who remained so short a time that with propriety they should be classed as a part of the transient population of the colony. Prominent among the more permanent settlers were Wm. T. Luark, John lams, S. D. Putnam, S. A. Houk, O. H. Houk, George Foster, Egbei-t Chapman, Harvey Stradling, P. D. FoUett, Samuel Hancock, John Cook and V. O. Wedon. The last is but the nom de plume of Robert Pike, Jr. The time set by the association for drawing numbers for th€i choice of farming lands was May 15. > The drawing took place at that date, although the survey was not completed ; neither was there a full representation of members present. The selections of claims 256 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. were^ afterward made as fast as the reports of the surveyor w( received, which were almost daily. All of the available farmi land in each of the valleys of the Eolling Stone were surveyed a assigned to the colonists. Some made choice of lands and ma claims which they retained and still occupy as farms, but the m( of the selections made by the numbers drawn were abandoned. T selections first made were not in all cases satisfactory, and ( changes were effected without disturbing the , harmony of t settlement. . By special action of the association before they left New Toi exemptions were given certain members who were unable to mo in the spring, by which their rights and privileges were protected ■ proxy. • These exemptions were, however, but temporary arranj ments. The limit of this extension of time was fixed to expire < July 15, at which date a general meeting of the association was tq held for the purpose of determining which village lots and farmii lands had beeri forfeited. The following extract from the diary of Mr. E. B. Drew not this general gathering ■:• "Thursday, July 15, 1852. The Weste Farm and Village Association all met at Mr. Lord's new house transact important business pertaining to individual interests in ci lots and farms. Some interesting times. The population is nc over three hundred." "July 16. To-day O. M. Lord arrived' wi his family, bringing with him a horse-team and a cow." Mr. Lord's ngw house, mentioned by Mr. Drew, was located i the same table, but about a hundred rods above where O. M. Lo now lives in Minnesota City. The "interesting times" was t scramble for forfeited village lots and farms. The horse-tea brought by Mr. Lord was the first span of horses brought into t colony. The village lots of the colony, which embraced over 1,000 acn covered the, land from below the farm now owned by Robert Dune to the blufis near the farm of D. Q. Burley and up the valley above t fork of the stream, including the Waterman farm. The bottc lands and a part of the Denman farm were plotted as suburban lol The most of the improvements on village lots were from whe James Kennedy now lives to about half a mile above where Troos mill stood. It was here that a large number of the settlers wl wintered in the colony made their homes. Although all had claia but few occupied them until the following spring. TUE ASSOCIATION AT ROLLING STONE. -257 Some member^ of the association made claims outside the juris- diction assumed for the colony. In June Mr. D. Hollyer made a claim in what is now the town of Utica, which he abandoned in the fall when he left the territory. Dr. J. W. Bentley took possession and moved on it in the spring following. It was afterward known as "Bentley's." Dr. Bentley was not a member of the association, although he came to Minnesota City in the fall of 1852 and lived there during the winter with H. B. Waterman, a relative. While living at Minnesota City Mrs. Bentley increased the population of the colony by the addition of a daughter to her family. This was the first white child born in Eolling Stone. The first male child bom in Minnesota City was the eldest son of Mrs. H. B. Waterman, January 5, 1854. This child was the first born in the colony whose parents were members of the association. George B. Waterman died in 1881. , S. ^. Cotton made a claim near Hollyer's, a little .east from where the Utica railroad station now stands. He had ten acres of breaking done on it by Charles Bannon. Mr. Burley was in the employ of Mr. Bannon and drove the team for this job. This was the first breaking done back of the bluffs — the first breaking done within the boundaries of the county back from the Mississippi, except in the valley of the Rolling Stone. Robert Taylor made a claim of what is now the village of Stock- ton, on the east side of the valley. D. Q. Burley made a claim adjoining Robert Taylor's on the west. Mr. Taylor abandoned his location the following year, when Mr. Burley absorbed it by moving his claim to the center of the valley. Mr, Burley traded this claim for a house and lot in Minnesota City to S. A. Houk, who in 1854 sold it to J. B. Stockton, the original proprietor of the village of Stockton. Mr. Burley then made a claim of the farm on which he now lives. His family did not come here until the spring of 1854. Above Stockton, on the south fork of the Rolling Stone, Mr. Hunt made a claim. He was a proxy or substitute in the employ of a wealthy member living in New York city, who furnished him with two yoke of oxen and all necessary supplies. Mr. Hunt did some breaking and put up about fifty tons of hay. This hay was ciit with scythes by Mr. Burley and Mr. Thorp, who helped put it in the stacks. They camped on what is now the L. D. Smith farm while at this job, but; made their homes in Minnesota City. Mr. Hunt went back to New York in the fall and left the cattle 258 HISTORY OF WINONA COTJNTT. and claim in charge of Mr. Burley. A few days after he left the fifty tons of hay were burned by a fire which swept through the valley. Mr. Burley wintered the stock in Minnesota City. The following spring the oxen were taken up the river by a Mr. Bertram to another association colony in the vicinity of Lake Minnetonka. The claim made by Mr. Hunt was abandoned. Egbert Chapman made a claim on Sweet's prairie and built a cabin, in which he lived with his family through the winter. He is yet a resident of the county, living in Minnesota City. His son, Edgar Chapman, is now living in Dakota Territory. Harvey Stradling also selected a location on Sweet's prairie near Chapman's. He was then a young man. In June, 1853, he mar- ried Anna Chapman, a daughter of Egbert Chapman. The Kev,. William Sweet officiated at this' marriage ceremony. This was the first wedding among the colonists. Mr. Stuadling afterward located in the valley above Minnesota City. He died there many years ago. His widow (now Mrs. John Nicklin)is living in Dakota Territory. In July, 1862v John Cook made a claim in the White Water valley about a mile above White Water Falls. He built a comfort- able log house and. lived here during the winter and for several years after. His brother, David Cook, also made a claim in this vicinity, which he occupied the following year. S. D. Putnam selected his claim about a mile below Stockton and built a comfortable log house the following spring near where he now resides. This was on the farm owned and occupied by J. J. Mattison for about twenty years. Mr. Putnam occupied the log house about four years. It was a favorite stopping-place for excur- sionists, travelers, explorers and claim-hunters, and had the reputar tion of being the best "hotel" in the county. Mr. Putnam is a prosperous farmer, and quietly enjoys his comfortable home. O. H. Houk made a claim next below Putnam's, which he held for a year or two. He built a log house on it. The location was long known as the Evans place. Charles Bannon chose a location about a mile below Putnam's, and is yet living on the claim selected by him as a member of the association in 1852. He did not occupy or make any improvements on it until the following spring. During this time he looked with longing eyes ' on another claim in the valley about a mile below. The claim which disturbed his coptentment had been chosen by a THE ASSOCIATION AT ROLLING STONE. 259 member of the association for Miss Amidon on a number drawn by or for her. She was not a resident in the colony, and no improve- ments had been made to indicate that it was occupied. Mr. Bannon, supposing that the claim had been abandoned, went on to it and took possession by cutting house-logs enough to build a comfortable log house, which he drew together preparatory to calling his friends to his house-raising. A night or two before the contemplated "raising" was to have taken place, the friends of Miss Amidon, or Miss Amidon's claim, got together and cut each of the house-logs in two, and notified Mr. Bannon not to jump the claim of an unprotected feTnale. This was the first clash among "the faithful members," and to prevent a serious collision, which apparently threatened, the friends of the parties induced Mr. Bannon to abandon the idea of making a change of location and settle on his own claim. All parties united and moved the crippled house-logs up to his original choice of locar tion by number, and there constructed an octagon log house for him as a compromise of the difficulty. Having no desire to encourage contention, Mr. Bannon acquiesced in the movement, although satisfied in his own mind "that he had a just right to the claim and could have held it without wronging any person. Suffice it to say of this matter that Miss Amidon never made her appearance in the valley. The disputed claim was after- ward disposed of by the friend' or agent of that lady to Henry W. Driver. Mr. Driver pre-empted it as a homestead, and after living on it for five or six years sold his farm and moyed to Winona, where he resided for a year or two and then went south. Mr. Bannon moved on his claim in the spring of 1853, and has occupied it as a farm for over thirty years. He has been a success- ful farmer. His comfortable buildings, fine stock and well cultivated fields represent that as a member of the "Western Fkrm and Village Association he found that "home in the west" for which he aban- doned his business as a carman in New York city and helped to form a colony in the Territory of Minnesota. Lawrence Dilworth made choice, of his claim in accordance with his number drawn as a member of the association, and selected the one next below and adjoining that of Mr. Bannon's. He moved on his claim in the spring of 1853, and has lived there from that time to the present. His good buildings and the well-tilled fields of his fine farm indicate the prosperous farmer and demonstrate that he top 260 HISTORY OF WESTON A COUNTY. secured the farm for which he came to' Rolling Stone. Mr. Dilwor , and family were of the party that landed at the colony from tl wood-boat on the evening of May 2. They are Catholics. Religioi faith was not a test of friendship in the Rolling Stone colony. Tl high respect entertained by the early settlers for Mr. and Mrs. D: worth has never been dimmed by the years that have passed sim their pioneer days as colonists. The writer hopes for pardon if tre passing on their private affairs, but a remarkable peculiarity : manner of doing business is worthy of mention as an uncommc incident in pioneer life. It is said by one familiar with his affai that Mr. Dilworth has not during the past thirty years allowed i account to be opened against him. He has paid cash down f( whatever he has bought or gone without articles required. On a farm about a mile below Mr. Dilworth there is now livii another member of the association, who, like his neighbors abov remained in the colony, and has secured the home in his old age f( which he left New England and came west more than thirty yea ago. This farm is now owned and occupied by S. E. Cottoi When the paembers of the association made choice of farms by the numbers, this locality was chosen by John lams, and purchase from him by E. B. Drew. This was the first claim sale in tl colony. Mr. Drew as assistant surveyor had taken a liking to tl place, and when he learned that it had been selected by Mr. Ian he offered him $10 for his number, or right to it. The offer wi accepted and the claiin given up to Mr. Drew, who held it ar entered it at the United States land office when the land was su veyed. It was held by Mr. Drew until 1857, when he sold it 1 Mr. Cotton. , When Mr. Cotton first landed at Rolling Stone he built a Ic house on his village lot previously selected, and made it his hom After the collapse of the association he retained his location, ar when the land was surveyed by government he made a claim eighty acres and pre-empted the village lots as a homestead. I sold it in 1857 and moved to his present home. His claim in Mi nesota City is now the farm of James Kennedy. Between the "Drew claim" (where Mr. Cotton now lives) ar Minnesota City a claim was made by Hezakiah Jones, who occupi( the locality for several years, and then sold the homestead he the pre-empted. Mr. Jones is yet a resident of Minnesota City. He the oldest settler in that part of. the county north of the city THE ASSOCIATION AT ROLLING STONE. 261 Winona. He came here .on April 14, '1862, as one of the "pioneer equad" (the only one now living), and was one of the first members of the association to locate in KoUing Stone. Mr. Jones has not been as fortunate as some who came later in the season. North from the "Drew claim" and west from the present village of Minnesota City were the claims of T. K. Allen and A. A. Gilbert. These claims were parts of the grounds of the original village site. They held claims in the valley above, but when the survey of public lands was made they located themselves here, and each pre-empted a quarter-section of the land surveyed for the village of the colony. Neither of these men are now residents of the county. Both were successful in acquiring the "homes in the west for which they helped to organize the association in New York city in 1851. The first grist mill in the county was started by Allen and Gilbert, one of Burr's horse-power mills, in 1853. Mr. Allen was the recording secretary from the first meeting of the association in New York city, until its last meeting in Minne- sota city. He is now a clergyman of the Episcopal church, living in Alexandria, Douglass county, Minnesota. Mr. Gilbert lived for several years in the city of Winona. His present residence is unknown. The farm now owned and occupied by Mr. E. B. Drew was held by Mr. Drew as a claim, but it was the choice of W. H. Coryell on his number drawn as a member of the association. It was on this claim that E. B. Drew, C. R. Coryell and W. H. Coryell made their camp when they first came to Rolling Stone. This was their home- stead, where they lived and made their first beginning in farming operations in the Territory of Minnesota. By mutual agreement they worked together and held property in common. When these men first came here it was not their design to settle in the valley. From the description given by Mr. Lord of the country lying west they expected to locate themselves on prairie farms back from the Mississippi. They selected this location to keep up their connection with the association and as their Ijeadquarters until they found claims that were more satisfactory. They explored the country west and made selections of locations in what is now known as the town of Saratoga, in the western part of the county, in the vicinity of what has since been called the Blair settlement. With their teams and big wagon they spent about a week in prospecting and marking their claims with the customary 262 HISTORY OF WESrONA COUNTY. marks and a small pile of logs for each location, but never mac any further improvements, their interests in the valley engagin their attention until their prairie claims were taken by others. Mr. DreV? broke about twenty-five acres, on the farm where 1 now lives, in the spring of 1862, and planted some corn and cull vated a garden. In the fall he sowed" a small patch of wheat t way of experiment. The following year, 1853, he harvested tl first crop of wheat ever raised by the settlers in southern Minnesoti From one sack of seed wheat, about two bushels, sown on aboi two acres of breaking, he secured seventy bushels of superior wint« wheat, which he threshed and cleaned by hand-labor. The following extract is copied from "The Democrat," publishe at St. Pkul, August 3, 1853 : 0. M. Lord, Esq., of Filmore county, a delegate to the late democrat coi vention, has deposited in this office a sample of winter wheat of the red cha bearded variety, raised on the farm of Messrs. Drew and Coryell, in the Rollii Stone valley, which we regard as the finest specimen of this grain that we hai ever seen. Messrs. D. & C. have harvested several acres of this wheat, an good judges estimate that it will yield at the rate of forty bushels to the acr This is the first winter wheat ever sown in that vicinity, but Mr. Loj informs us that a large quantity will be put in the ground this fall. There little doubt that wheat is to become one of the great staple productions ■ Minnesota, and that flour of the best quality will soon form the most importai item in the lists of our exports. Up with your mills, gentlemen. In 1853 Ml". Drew"increa;sed his cultivation by another field i breaking, and raised a large crop of corn. In the fall he feowe about eight acres of winter wheat. In the spring of 1853 he sowe a sack of spring wheat, and harvested about fifty bushels. Aboi thirty bushels of this he sold to Sanborn & Drew, in the spring ( 1854. This was the first load of wheat ever sold in the city ( Winona, or in southern Minnesota. In the season of 1854 Mr. Drew, harvested, from the eight acre sowed to winter wheat the, fall before, about two hundred and fifl bushels. Some of this he sold to the settlers for seed, reservin enough for Ijis own seed, and about eighty bushels which was grour into flour. The first wheat raised in southern Minnesota that wi made into flour was a part of this crop. During the winter W. R. Stewart and Albion Drew took tw loads of this wheat, of forty bushels each, to a mill in La Cross valley, about sixty miles distant, where they waited until their gri; was ground, when they returned home with their flour. They wei THE ASSOCIATION AT ROLLING STONII. 263 about a week making the trip, the teams going on the ice to La Crosse and thence up the La Crosse valley. The loads were much lighter on their return, for one fourth of the wheat was taken as toll. The wheat was of No. 1 grade and the flour proved to be of supe- rior quality, fully equal to the best now made by improved mills and more modern processes.' Mr. Drew increased the size of his farm, extended his breaking and cultivation, and increased his acreage of wheat, but at the same time growing large, crops of other kinds of farm produce without making a specialty of any particular branch of his business. He has given his attention to the cultivaition of fruit, and engaged con- siderably in stock raising, horses, cattle, sheep and hogs. Although he has extensive ranges of fine pasturage on his large farm, he abandoned sheep farming, on account of the extreme care necessary to protect his flocks from the wolves that infested the vicinity. Mr. Drew has been a prosperous farmer. He has given his per- sonal attention to all of his farming operations and has made it a practical business occupation. He has held oflBcial positions in the town of Rolling Stone, in which he resides ; has served as county ' commissioner, and was a member of the state legislature in 1875, and also in 18Y6. C. R. Coryell remained with Mr. Drew for about a year and then went back east to live. "W. H. Coryell staid with him about two years, when he married and settled on a claim on the upper part of Wabasha prairie, where W. L. Burr now resides. After a resi- dence here of about a year he left the territory. Robert Thorp is living on the farm chosen for him on his num- ber drawn. It adjoins that of Mr. Drew. Mr. Thorp's family lived in Minnesota City about two years before they moved to their pres- ent location. To hold the claim, and prevent others from jumping it while Mr. Thorp was absent working at his trade as a blacksmith, he built a small shanty, which Mrs. Thorp sometimes occupied temporarily. Mr. Thorp is now occupying his comfortable stone cottage and broad acres of cultivated fields, for which he abandoned his black- smith shop in New York city. He has held the office of treasurer of the town of Rolling Stone, in which he lives, for the past fifteen years. Although Mr. Thorp brought to the colony a large supply of material, stock and tools, he never opened a shop in Minnesota 264 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. City. He left his family there in a comfortable hewed log house about 14x16, and went down to Galena, where he worked a part of the years 1862 and 1853. "When he moved on his farm he built a small shop in which he sometimes does blaeksmithing for himself or to accommodate a neighbor. CHAPTER XXVII. CRYSTALLIZATION. From personal observations made during the extreme high water in the spring of 1862, and from the course of events and progress of affairs generally at Wabasha prairie, Captain Smith decided or consented to locate his contemplated town site on claim No. 4, at the upper landing, instead of on claim No. 1, as he had at first intended. Circumstances apparently compelled him to change his original plans. He did not, however, at once abandon his first impressions, that claim No. 1 was the most ^valuable on the prairie. From letters now in the hands of the writer, correspondence between old settlers, who were then holding claims on the prairie, it is evident that for awhile Captain Smith was suspicious of his agent and partner in this speculation, and feared that he might attempt to appropriate the upper landing as an individual posses- sion. With the rush of immigration into the territory, Johnson's ideas were considerably inflated, and he apparently assumed the entire control of affairs at Johnson's landing, but no evidence of treachery was ever developed. About the first of June Captain Smith brought up a surveyor from Iowa, whose services he secured to lay out a town at the upper landing. To John Ball, United States deputy surveyor, he in- trusted the business of laying off and plotting claim No. 4 into lots, streets, etc. The original survey of the town plat of what is now Winona was accordingly made by John Ball for the proprietors, Smith and Johnson. No government survey of lands had been made on the west side of the river by which to locate the plat of the new town. Mr. Ball took its bearings from a point established by government surveyors CRYSTALLIZATION. 265 on the opposite side of the riyer. Its location was described by him as follows: "From the northwest comer of Block 9, the meander post in "Wisconsin on the Mississippi river, between Sees. 1 and 6, T. 18 N., E. 10 and 11 W., 4th M., bears 35° east, 39 chains distant." ' After due consideration of the matter it was decided to lay off the streets parallel with and at right angles to the river, which at this place runs a little south from an east course (21° south of east). It therefore became necessary that the boundaries should be estab- lished satisfactorily with the holders of the adjoining claims. Each of the claims along the river were half a mile square. Tlie division lines between them were a direct north and south course. The corner stake between No. 4, the Johnson claim, and No. 3, the Stevens claim, stood on the bank of the river, about midway between Walnut and Market streets. The corner stake between No. 4 and No. 6, the Hamilton claim, stood on the bank of the river about midway between Winona and "Huff streets. Several days were spent in general measurements and negotia- tions before the boundaries of the plat were established, extending on the river from the corner stake of the Stevens claim to the center of Washington street, and running back to the center of Wabasha street. The proprietors of the claims on the river were to retain their rights to their claims -as originally made without regard to the survey and plat made by Mr. Ball. The boundary line on Wabasha street was established by special agreement with the holders of the claims on the south. An agree- ment, made a matter of record, is as follows : v This article of agreement, made this fifteenth day of June, a.d. Eigliteen hundred and fifty-two, Between Wm. B. Gere and Erwin Johnson, both of the County of Wabashaw and Territory of Minnesota, Witnesseth : That the said (parties) do hereby agree and bind ourselves to abide by the following specified stipulations in regard to boundary or d.ivision line between their respective claims on the Prairie of Wabashaw. The street designated on the Town Plot as Broadway shall be the division line between said claims as far as said Gere's extends, and furthermore the lots in the next Block, or Blocks south of and bordering on Broadway shall be equally divided between said Gere and Johnson, and after s^id Gere has the same measurement of land south of said division Block as said Johnson has north of said division Block, •the remaining strip of land, bordering on the lake shall be equally divided between the said parties. In witness whereof we have herewith set our hands and seals. In presence of 1 Wm. B. Gekb. [seal] John Ball. J E. Johnson. [seal] 266 HISTORY OF WESrOKA COUNTY. The boundaries between the claims on the river and those in the rear were irregular and "a great deal mixed." To illustrate their relation to each other : The original claims on » the river began at a certain stake or starting point on the bank of the river, thence running south half a mile to a corner stake ; thence west half a mile to a corner stake; thence north to the bank of the river to a corner stake; thence east along the bank of the river to the place ot beginning. As the line of the river bank is about 21° south of east, it is readily seen that the west line was much the longest, and that the boundaries described included more that 160 acres of land. The claim adjoining on the west, if defined in the same manner, will not extend as far south on its east line as the western boundary of the first described. The irregularity of these boundaries on the south produced corresponding irregularities in the claims in the rear, which were sources of claim difficulties and contentions. In a matter arising from this peculiarity of claim boundaries Henry D. Huff narrowly escaped the loss of his life in the spring of 1854. Mr. Huff was then the proprietor of claim No. 5, the Hamil- ton claim. The land in the rear of the east eighty acres was held by George H. Sanborn. The land south of the west eighty was occupied by Elijah Silsbee. With the consent of Mr. Sanborn, but in opposition to Mr. Silsbee's claim rights, Mr. Huff attempted to change the original line of his claim on the south, and make it parallel with the river, or with the line of the streets. To accomplish this, he proposed to mark his boundary by a furrow extending from ' the southwest corner of the, Johnson claim, No. 4, to the southwest' corner of his own claim, No. 5. He sent his team with a plow to mart the line, and take possession by breaking and cultivation. Mr. Silsbee had previously marked his boundaries by a single" furrow with a plow. When the team of Mr. Huff approached this furrow, Silsbee _ stopped them, and, threatening the driver with his gun, drove him off. He then stood guard to prevent any further attempts to trespass on his rights. The tract of land in dispute was but three or four acres. It was not so much the amount or value involved as it was what he supposed to be disregard of the rights of. others that aroused the angry passions of Silsbee. It was not alone the protection of property, but an impulsive resistance of what he considered arbitrary oppression. CEYSTALLIZATION. 269 > Learning the state of affairs from the teamster, Mr. Huif went back on the prairie toward where Silsbee had stationed himself. As he approached the furrow which marked the original claim line Silsbee ordered him to .halt, and bringing his gun to his shoulder called to him not to cross the furrow, that he would shoot bim if he attempted. Fearless, and paying no attention to the order to halt, Mr. Huff continued to advance, and crossed the furrow. Approaching in a* confident manner he said, " You do not intend to shoot me, do you?" Silsbee replied, "I do," and taking deliberate aim fired upon him. The gun was a double-barrel fowling-piece, owned by M. Wheeler Sargeant, which Silsbee had borrowed. Both barrels were heavily loaded with fine shot and small gravel stones. The con- tents of one barrel were lodged in Mr. Huff's left side and arm. Fortunately, he had a large pocket-book filled with closely-folded papers in the breast-pocket of his inner coat, and both coats but- toned close. Nearly the whole charge lodged in the pocket-|Dook. A part of the missiles were burrowed in the muscles of his chest and left arm. , Mr. Huff was knocked down and 'disabled by the shock and injuries received. He was taken home, and was under the care of a surgeon for several weeks. No serious results followed the in- juries. He readily recovered. Silsbee was immediately arrested, and after an examination before a justice of the peace he was bound over for trial at the next term of the United States court, and released on bail. On account of some informality no court was held that year. , The fol- lowing year the case was continued over on account of ^erious sick- ness of Silsbee. In the meantime Mr. Huff" purchased the Silsbee claim, and the matter was permitted to pass without' legal action in court. With, the proceeds of the sale of his claim Mr. Silsbee, with Charles S. Hamilton as partner, opened a store on the corner of Center and Front streets, where a warehouse now stands, and for awhile he was considered to be a respectable citizen, but for many years previous to his death, which occurred about ten or twelve years ago, he was an outcast in conimunity. It is said by an old settler that when the town plot was first made by John Ball the present levee was laid off into blocks, num- 16 270 HISTOEY OF WINONA COUNTY. bered from 1 to 6, and divided into lots, but that th& plan vi changed by the special directions of Capt. Smith and a public lev substituted. The high water of that season overflov?ed the bank far as the south side of Front street, making the water-lots of h immediate value in the estimation of the proprietors. The landi: was one of the important items of the claim with Capt. Smith, ai he was desirous of making it available to its greatest extent. It is to Capt. Smith that the city of Winona is indebted for t commodious levee it now holds. It was the pride of its citize before it was deformed and crippled by railroad tracks and oth modern improvements, and suffered to wear and waste away frc neglect of attention by those whose duty it is to protect and ca for it. Blocks 1 and 6 on the river were reserved from the public lev and divided into lots as plotted. It is said that this was done " Mr. Huff before the plot was recorded. Block 1 contained I three lots belonging to Smith and Johiason ; the other two, lots 1 ai 2, belonged to the Stevens claim. When the town site of Smith and Johnson was surveyed ai plotted by John Ball, United Stattes deputy surveyor, it was giv -the name of Montezuma, by E. H. Johnson. He was afterwa extremely tenacious of the name, and strongly opposed the si stitution of Winona. No record was made of the plot until t following year. Wabasha county had no county records. 1863, when Fillmore county (which also included this county) \? created and regularly organized, the plot was recorded. 'Henry D. Huff bought an interest in this town site in 1853, a: also had claim No. 5 surveyed and plotted as a part of the tow In a newspaper article, published several years ago, Mr. Huff S£ relative to this matter, "The town proper had been surveye plotted and named Montezuma by Smith and Johnson. With t consent of Capt. Smitt I erased the name of Montezuma a inserted the name of Winona on the plot, and paid Mr. StoU, Minneowah, for recording the same as Winona. I found out aft ward that the name Montezuma was retained on the record, a asked Mr. StoU why he put in the name of Montezuma when it c not appear on the plot. He said Johnson wanted it Montezun so he recorded it Montezuma, adding a note that the propriet( had changed it' to Winona." During the early part of this season another town site ■w CRYSTALLIZATION. 271 located in this county. The location selected was along the river just above what is now the village of Homer — the claim purchased of Peter Grorr by Timothy Burns. This town site did not include Bunnell's landing, but extended from Bunnell's claim up the river along the bluffs.. It was on the "main land," two or. three miles below "that bar in the river," "Wabasha prairie. * A stock company was- organized. There were eight shares valued at $200 each. The stockholders and proprietors were Timothy. Burns, lieutenant-governor of "Wisconsin, residing at La Crosse, "Willard B. Bunnell, of Bunnell's landing, Isaac Yan Etten, Charles W. Borup, Charles H. Oakes, Alexander "Wilkin, Justus C. Ramsey and William L. Ames, of St. Paul. This company was a strong and influential one, and with the exception of Bunnell they were all men of. considerable papital. With them their investments here were wholly matter of specula- tion. It was supposed to be a "good thing," and strong efforts were made by them to build up a town that would successfully compete with Capt. Smith's claims /or the business of the interior when the back country should become settled. Soon after Smith and Johnson had their town site plotted the spebulation began to be developed, and in July this rival town was surveyed and plotted by Isaac Thompson for the proprietors, and the name of Minneowah given to it. This name is of the Dakota language. It was selected by the proprietors of the new town, and not given to the locality by the Sioux. It is not now known whether the Indians had a name designative of this place or not. None was ever known by any of the settlers. The literal transla- tion of the name Minneowah is "Falling Water." In a description of the Falls of St. Anthony by the Eev. John A. Merrick, an Episcopal clergyman at St. Paul, published about the 1st of January, 1852, he says, "By the Dahcota or Sioux Indians they are called 'Minne-ha-hah,' or 'Minne-ra-ra,' (Laughing Water,) and also 'Minne-owah' (Falling Water) — general expressions applied to all waterfalls." The historical address of M. Wheeler Sargeant, from which extracts have been made, says, "The. town contained 318 lots; consequently at that early day looked quite imposing on pwper — still more so on the spot; for at least one half of it was 400 feet above the river and of nearly perpendicular access; * * * and for the 272 * HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. next jear it was by far the most pretentious, place below St. Paul * * * Except the unimportant items of locality, buildings anc inhabitants, it had all the characteristics of a great city." The plot was put into market at St. Paul and lots were boughl and sold, without knowledge of their locality — whether oli the tabh along l^e river or on the bluff above. Not much was done there bj way of improvements until the following year. In the spring of 1853 a large hotel was built by the proprietors- much the largest and best building on the west side of the rivej below St. Paul.' For awhile Minneowah was truly a rival town, and strongly contested with Montezuma for public attention. Its advan- tages of location "on the main land," over that "sand-bar," liable to overflow any year, were loudly proclaimed, and its prospects were for awhile apparently promising. The hotel was opened, and steamboats landed passengers whc were prospecting for locations. Stores were built and goods broughl on, — dwellings commenced, but dividends for the sale of lots were unknown ; the expense column was much the heaviest. The origi nal stockholders divided up their shares and generoiisly allowed others to hold stock in Minneowah. Amoiig the new proprietors who became residents were Myron Toms, who, while living in St. Paul, purchased a half-share. H. B. StoU purchased a half-share from Mr. Van Etten. James F. Toms, Charles G. Waite and others became pf'oprieiors. Peter Bums held an interest as successor of his brother Timothy Burns, whose deatl occurred about this time. He was the only shareholder- who claimed to have made anything from the transaction. He says that wher the prospects of success were the most flattering he sold his interest to the other proprietors for $4,000, and went back to La Crosse. An addition to Minneowah was surveyed and plotted for Bun nell, Stoll and John La vine. This addition was principally suburbar lots of from five to ten acres each for residence property. It was located above the original town, extending along the bluff's to th( mouth of Pleasant valley. Mr. Lavine occupied this land and held it as a claim. Among the early residents of Minneowah was the Hon. C. F Buck, of the town of Winona, then a young lawyer just starting ii business. Mr. Buck came here about the first of September, 1863 and remained until 1855, when he moved to Winona. Charles M Lovel, of Fillmore county, was for awhile a merchant here an( CEYSTALLIZATION. 273 carried on considerable of a trade. There were many others who were temporary residents of that locality. A man by the name of Dougherty remiained there for several years. The town plot of Minneowah was never recorded. It was placed on file in the office of the register of deeds of Fillmore county, while Mr. Stoll was register and had his office at Minneowah. In 1855 ■ Myron Toms, holding power of attorney from the proprietors, with- drew the plot from the files for the purpose of entering the land as a claim. The town site of Minneowah was then unknown on any record. It was said that this was done to oust some of the propri- etors and holders of lots, but the location was jumped by some of ' the citizens residing there who filed their claims in the United States land office as actual settlers on the land.^- The matter was contested, but the resident settlers held their claims as hoipeSteads. Mr. Dougherty drew the hotel and a store with his share of the spoils. The stockholders and owners of lots lost all right and title to the locality. The commercial town " on the main land " vanished. Minneowah is now known only by tradition to the residents of the county. Willard B. Bunnell, one of the original stockholders of Minneo- wah, the resident proprietor, was, in the beginning, the mo,st zealous and active of the company in his efforts to build up this town, and •gave most of his time and attention to the scheme^ but later he learned he was but a tool in the hands of his more experienced and wealthy associfttes. The professional town-site speculators were ''too much" for the little Indian trader. He became a silent part- ner in the concern for awhile, and then relinquished his share to the others. No ^ one intimately acquainted with "Will Bunnell had reason to doubt the sincerity of his belief that Wabasha prairie had been entirely flooded, and was liable to be again submerged in extreme high water. This idea he imbibed from his belief at that time in many of the traditions and some of the superstitions of the Indians, although he was a man of intelligence and of some acquirements. Notwithstanding his active, restless temperament and impulsive manners, he was popular with his acquaintances. He was a genial, social companion, and a gentleman when frontier sociability was not carried to excess. About the first of June, 1852, John Bums brought his family into the territory of Minnesota and. settled in this county. He located , 274 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. himself in the mouth of the valley to which his name was afterward given, and which is now known as "Burns Valley." His familj then consisted of his wife, three daughters — Mary, "Maggie," Elicia — and his son William. Elicia died not long after she camt here. Mr. Burns had, prior to this, heen a resident of the State ol Wisconsin, living near Mineral Point, wheie he had been engaged in farming and stock-raising. On his arrival here, he landed a1 Bunnell's landing, with all of his household goods, farming imple- ments, and a large herd of cattle, horses, hogs, fowls, etc., to transport all of which Mr. Burns used to say he had to charter the Nominee for the trip. He moved direct from the landing to his claim, where, instead of the ordinary claim shanty, the family found a home ready to receive them. They never had any experience oi shanty life in Minnesota. ' The claim on which Mr. Bums settled was selected for him by his son, Timothy Burqs, lieutenant-governor of Wisconsin. The cls,im was chosen early in the fall of 1861, soon after the treaty with the Sioux for the sale of their lands, on the west side of the Missis- sippi. During the winter, about the first of February, Mr. Burns came up the river on the ice, with the mail carrier, to see the loca- tion in the Indian country, which he had been notified had been selected for him as a stock farm and family homestead. • After stopping a few days at La Crosse to visit his sons, Timothy and Peter'Burns, he came up to look at the claim and found it to be a choice satisfactory to himself He decided to secure it and bring his family on in the spring. Making his headquarters at Bunnell's, he took possession of the claim and proceeded to 'get out timber with which to build a frame house on it in the spring. '' About the first of April he returned home, going down the river on the ]!^ominee, then on her first trip. He left his claim in the care of his sons in La Crosse. The special charge of the claim was under the watchful eye of W. B. Bunnell, whose sister was the wife of Peter Burns. It was through the aid of Bunnell that the claim was first selected and held. Early in the spring Timothy Burns had a house built on this claim for his father. It was at that time the best building in southern Minnesota. It was a commodious but rather old-fashioned farm- house. The frame was of oak timber with posts and braces, covered with a shingled roof, the sides clapboarded and painted. It wae CBTSTALLIZATION. 275 into this house, just completed, that Mr. Bnrng moved his i'amily about the first of June. Its pleasant location among the large old oaks on the bank of the stream gave it a cozy and homelike appearance. This house was occupied by Mr. Bums and his family for several years, until it took fire from some defect in the cbimney and burned to the ground with the most of its contents. He then built another house on the site of the first, which it somewbat resembles in gen- eral external appearance, although its internal arrangements are of more modern style. This building is yet standing, and is used as the farm residence of the occupant of the land. Mr. Burns opened up a farm on his claim; but gave his attention principally to stock-raising and the dairy. The early settlers were for many years greatly dependent on Mr. Burns for good, fresh butter, eggs and chickens, while Mr. Burns furnished them fresh beef from his herd. The claim and vicinity furnished an extensive range for his cattle, and afforded unlimited meadows of grass-land for their winter's supply of hay. His surplus of the farm always found ready sale on "Wabasha prairie or with the immigrants that came into the county to settle. When Mr. Burns first took possession of his claim he obtained permission of the Sioux to occupy the land, cut the timber and build a house on it. For this permit he gave the Indians two barrels of flour and a barrel of pork. This he paid under the impression and with the belief that he was purchasing their rights to the land. He always after maintained that he bought his claim from their chief Wabasha, and that no one had a better right to it than himself. At the time he took possession there were two or three large Indian tepees standing in the vicinity of where his house was built. They were about 15x20, of the same stjde and structure as those found on Wabasha prairie and in the mouth of Gilmore valley. This locality was the special home of Wabasha and his family relar tives when living in this vicinity. It was sometimes called Wabasha's garden by the old settlers. Quite a iiumber of Indian graves were on these grounds.^ Nearly in front of the farmhouse there were two or three graves of more modern burial lying side by side. These were said to be the last resting-place of some of Wabasha's relatives. The Sioux made a special request of Mr. Burns and his family that these graves should not be disturbed. This Mr. Bums promised, and the little 276 HISTORY OF WINOSTA COUKTY. mounds, covered with billets of wood, were never molested, althoug they were in his garden and not far from his house. For mar years they remained as they were left by the Indians, until tl wood by which they were covered had rotted away entirely. A ligl frame or fence of poles put there by Mr. Burns always covered ti locality during his lifetime. For several years after Mr. Burns located here the Sioux who visite this part of the territory were acciistomed to make it their campinj grounds. Although they were unwelcome visitors, and their arrivi always dreaded by the female portion of the family, Mr. Burns w£ never annoyed by their presence, — they were never troublesom( To allay any demonstrations of timidity on the part of Mrs. Burr or h^r daughters, he would chidingly remark, "Sure ye have d cause for fear, — didn't I buy the land from old Wabasha himself - and pay him his own price for it too — a barrel of pork and tw barrels of flour ? They will not harm ye -r don't be bothering abov the Indians, now." Mr. Burns never lost anything by the Indians. His propert was never disturbed, and in but one particular were they evf familiar or assumed possession of anything without permissioi During the first season Mr. Burns had a field of corn and pumpkin on new breaking. The corn was a poor crop, but the pumpKir were plentiful. Thinking to make some contributions to them, Mn Burns gave the squaws permission to take all the pumpkins the desired. The squaws helped themselves liberally. Every seaso afterward the squaws made an annual visit and swarmed into Mi Burns' cornfields. They carried off " Mrs. Burns' pumpkins," bi left the corn for the blackbirds to forage on. Mr. Bums was appointed a justice of the peace, by Gov. Ran sey, not long after he came here. He was the second justice of th peace appointed in Wabasha county; the first was T. K. Allei of Minnesota City. He held the position until his successor w£ elected in the fall of 1863. "The ricK Irish brogue" plainly revealed the Milesjan origin ( Mr. Burns. His quaint expressions are pleasantly remembered b his friends and acquaintances. As a justice of the peace his cou was a session of comic drollery that was heartily enjoyed by the se tiers. His rulings and decisions were given from an intuitive an impulsive feeling of right and justice, rather than from his compr hension of the law governing the cases. His honesty of purpos EESPECTABILITT. 277 * was never questioned ; as a citizen he had the respect of the early settlers. Mr. Burns, his wife, and their daughter Elicia, died on their farm in the mouth of Bums valley, — on the claim where they settled in 1852. Mrs. . Burns died in September, 1860, Mr. Burns in March, 1870. The homestead is yet in possession of one of* the' family. It is owned by Miss Maggie Burns, one of their daughters. Mary, the other daughter, is now known as Mrs. E. S. Smith, of the city of Winona. An interesting family of sons and daughters, young ladies and gentlemen, now call her "mother." "Bill" Burns has gohe west. < CHAPTER XXYIII. .RESPECTABILITY. Among the settlers on Wabasha prairie during the early part of the summer of 1852 were the Rev. Hiram S. Hamilton and his son Charles S. Hamilton, who arrived about the first of June. After exploring the prairie in search of claims, without settling on any, they made choice of one across the slough at the foot of the Sugar- Loaf Bluff, where they built a sniall claim shanty and commenced pioneer life. Finding the location a lonesome and unpleasant one, they moved their shanty and housekeeping material over on the prairie, and put it up on the bank of the river — on a mound at about what is now the foot of Main street. After living on the levee for a short time, they moved into the shanty on claim No. 2 — the claim held by Caleb Nash. While living there, H. S. Hamilton acquired possession of the claim, and soon after built a house on the bank of the river, a little way above where the saw-mill of the Winona Lumber Company now stands. He here located himself with his family, consisting of his wife and two sons, Charles S. and Eugene, and made it his home for about ten years, when he sold his property on Wabasha prairie to Henry D. Huff and moved on a farm in the southeast part of Wisconsin, where he died a few years ago. Rev. Hiram S. Hamilton, or, as he was most commonly called, "Elder Hamilton," was a prominent and well-known citizen of this 278 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. county in the pioneer days' of its settlement. Through his influenci very many of the early settlers came into the territory, and a largi number of his relations and personal friends, as well as strangers were induced to settle in this county, many oi them on Wabashi prairie, now the city of Winona. ^r. Hamilton was a gentleman of liberal education, of fim personal appearance, pleasing and entertainingiin Jiis manners, bu of quiet, unobtrusive habits. He was a Congregational minister and had preached for many years before he came here. On accoun of poor health he resigned his position as pastor of a church ii Dubuque and came to Minnesota, expecting to be benefited by thi change of climate and locality. At Dubuque he was popular witl his congregation and held in high esteem as a citizen. During hi residence in Minnesota he was popular as a preacher and respecte( by the early settlers, among whom he had many warm friends wh( knew him personally, many who now hold pleasant recollection an( retain that respect to his memory. From the time he first landed on Wabasha prairie until afte the society of the Congregational church was organized, of which hi was the pastor, he preached quite regularly to attentive congrega tions of mixed religious ideas and beliefs. His well written an( ' impressively delivered sermons were interesting and instructive, an( were a,lways listened to with respectful attention. Their influeno helped to maintain a moral restraint over the community o unorganized citizens, of a locality in which uncertain public opinio] was'the controlling law. His services were gratuitously disposed but were none the less valued or beneficial in the settlement. Although Elder Hamilton lawfully came in possession of am lawfully held claim No. 2, the circumstances and manner ^j whicl the claim was secured caoised a feeling of opposition from interestei individuals, which, for a time, threatened to/ lessen his influence a a teacher or adviser, but public opinion indorsed his action in tli matter. His popularity as a preacher was maintained, and hi reputation as a citizen was unimpaired by the transaction. , The charges against him by his opponents were, that he hai taken possession of and held the claim regardless of the rights c others ; that in his proceedings in the matter he had laid aside hi " Sunday clothes " and descended to the level of other settlers, an "jumped the claim." Claim jumping was not considered as a criminal offense in publi RESPECT ABIIilTT. 279 opinion if sustained by the laws governing claims. The wrong, if any was committed, was generally forgiven and forgotten by the public if the attempt was successful, and parCieularly if the claim proved to be valuable. Some incidents relative to the change of' proprietors of claim No. 2 will be given to show the circumstances under which it was jumped. « Charles S. Hamilton was about seventeen or eighteen years of age when he came here with his father. He was a reckless, dashing and rather fast young man, inclined to be inconsiderate and forward in his mariners. He was brought here to withdraw him from the evil influences of "young j^merica" in Dubuque. Although "gassy" and volatUe, Charlie was not considered a vicious boy, and for awhile he was a general favorite with the settlers, — his restless freedom was more amusing than offensive. Many things were over- looked because he was Elder Hamilton's son. Without occupation he amused himself in hunting and fishing and in explorations of the country. He studied the mystery of claims among the groups of settlers who gathered to discuss this general topic of conversation. Learning the history, condition and approximate value at which every claim was held, he became interested in the idea of forming a stock company and laying out another town site on the JSTash- claim. N^ash had made his claim under the instructions of Johnson, ana held it under his directions and patronage, hardly conscious that it was his own by right. Knowing this condition of the claim, Charlie proposed his plan to Johnson and W. B. Gere, who favored the scheme. Johnson readily induced Nash to enter into an arrange- ment with them and become one of the company. The plan proposed was, that Nash should transfer his claim to the new company for a specified consideration, when it was to be surveyed and -plotted for the company, composed of E. H. Johnson, W. B. Gere, Caleb Nash and Charles S. Hamilton. To secure equal rights and privileges to the proprietors, the services of a lawyer in La Crosse were secured, to draw up all necessary papers, by making him also one of the stockholders. As a preliminary movement, a quit-claim deed was drawn up, transferring all of the right and interest of Nash in the claim to Johnson and Co. This deed was given to Charlie Hamilton, to pro- cure the 'signature of Nash. Except a nominal consideration, the payment of the full amount agreed upon was postponed until the company was organized. 280 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. To get the signature of Nash to this quit-claim deed Charlie v to " Goddard's," where Nash was then stopping, laid up on count of sickness. On learning the object of his visit Mrs. Godc advised JSTash against signing any papers - until he received money down for his claim. Her advice was unheeded. Cha Hamilton's -representations that "it was all right" — "only show that he meant business, so that they could organize the c pany " — induced Nash to sign his name. In narrating this occurrence "Aunt Catharine" said, "If pose the boys thought I did not know anything about business, poor Nash was sorry enough afterward that he did not listen to when I told him he was giving his claim away." The deed was given into the hands of the "attorney of the c pany," at La Crosse, for safe keeping. To secure the claim and ; vent Nash or anyone else from attempting to get possession, it proposed to allow Elder Hamilton to occupy' the claim, and uti him as a tool in the afiair. H. S. Hamilton and Charlie were then living in their shanty the public levee. By " request of the company," he was induce( move into and occupy the Nash shanty until the necessary paj .were made out and the company were ready for business. He . cordingly took possession, sent for his family and made it his ho: He thus became an actual settler on the claim, and its sole possei in full conformity with the laws governing claims. The "joint stock company" lost all right, title and interest the claim they had induced Nash to transfer to them. Neither company nor individuals of the company were ever able to disposi Mr. Hamilton, or obtain remuneration for the losses resulting fi this failure of their scheme, although several suits at law -w brought to recover damages. Some effort was made to arouse s pathy for Nash, whoSe claim, it was reported, had been jumped Elder Hamilton, but without avail. The settlers generally un stood the matter and took sides with the elder. H. S. Hamilton afterward obtained a quit-claim deed di from Caleb Nash, giving hini a reasonable compensation for although he had previously relinquished his rights to it to Johr and Co. It is said of Nash,, by those who knew him, that he was industrious and well-disposed young man, of very moderate acqv ments. He had unlimited confidence in Johnson, who really 1 the claim through him and actually controlled it. Caleb Nash RESPECTABILITY. 281 Wabasha prairie and went down the river in the spring of 1853. It is not known that he ever returned to the territory. Rev. H. S. Hamilton held quiet possession of claim No. 2, now known as " Hamilton's addition," until about the time of the public land sale, when he became involved in another "difference" relar tive to it, which eventually resulted in bringing about a division of the Congregational church, by the withdrawal of a part of its mem- bers and an organization of another society, the Presbyterian church. When Henry C. Gere brought his family to Wabasha prairie he attempted to take possession of the Stevens claim, but was prevented by the decisive opposition of Mr. Stevens and his friends. Profess- ing to have a just right to the claim, he was not satisfied to l6t the matter rest. Not daring to attempt a forcible entry on the land, and as there was no legal authority to appeal to, Mr. Gere made applica* tion to the Wabasha Protection Club for aid to secure possession. A majority of the members of the claim club were non-residents, living in La Crosse. The constitution and by-laws j of the club, to which every member was required to aflSx his signature, provided that all questions of difference relative to claims should be examined by a committee of three appointed by the club for that purpose, who were required to make a report of their action to that body for its final decision. Each party was entitled to counsel and allowed to present witnesses. Mr. Gere's appeal was duly referred to a special committee for investigation. After numerous adjourned meetings,' at which the parties appeai-ed with their attorneys and witn esses, without arriving at a decision, it was agreed to submit the matter to arbitrators. The referees were Jacob S. Denman, of Wabasha prairie, and F. M. Eublee, of La Crosse. Attorneys and witnesses came up from La Crosse two or three times to attend this arbitration court before an agreement could be effected. The case was finally settled by the parties consenting to divide the claim between them, — Silas Stevens to retain the west eighty acres, and the east eighty was to be given up to Henry C. Gere. It was said that the sympathies of the members of the club and of the referees were on the side of Gere. Mr. Gere was a large, fine-looking man of social habits and pleasing manners, a smooth talker that could represent his own side of the question. He was a 283 HISTOEY OF WINONA COUNTY. poor man and had a large family dependent on his" individual e1 for their support. Mr. Stevens was supposed to have considerable capital whic was using in speculations. He was not a popular man with se1 in a new country. He was a rigid church member, a strict zealous temperance man, and in pj^litics an abolitionist from th( whig party. He was a man firm in his own opinions and in his ideas of right, and was self-reliant in all of his business afl He discouraged familiarity and but few comprehended him as a i Silas Stevens was a native of the State of New York, bor 1799 ; in 1829 removed to Pennsylvania ; in 1840 moved to Blii driving through with his own teams ; in 1841 settled on a farm in ] county, Illinois. In the spring of 1851, leaving the managei of his farm to his son Wm. H._ Stevens, then a young man li with his mother and sister on the homestead, he visite^ the u JSlississippi for the purpose of making investments. He stopp< La Crosse, where he opened a lumber yard and speculated in estate, claims, etc. — moderately and carefully, never indulgin wild schemes. It was through Mr. Stevens that Gere came to La Crosse, w he placed him with his farhily on a claim to hold until a sale c be effected. Mr. Stevens furnished the supplies, and, with the employed in his lumber yard, boarded with the family. He employed Gere in his lumber yard as salesman, where Gere's tentious style led many to suppose that he was the responsible 1 in the business. In Illinois both Stevens and Gere were zealous members of same church. In La Crosse Mr. Gere found different society, free and easy sociability and western style of speculation to w he was introduced, suited his active temperament and visionary i of business. Early in the winter Gere attempted to secure the claim he holding for Mr. Stevens, but was prevented by Mr. Stevens ente it at the land office before Gere could file his pre-emption paj " From this transaction Mr. Stevens lost confidence in Gere, ani friendship ceased. He dissolved all association, for Gere represented that they were partners in their business transactioD Mr. George W. Clark^who was in Mr. Stevens' employ at time, says he never heard of .^^partnership Between the two i Gere took charge of business whell' Mr. Stevens was tempori RESPECTABILITY. 283 absent. Mr. Stevens once bought a raft of lumber on which he was given thirty days' time. Being asked for an indorser, he, for form's sake, asked Gere to sign the note with him. The security was satisfactory and the note was paid by Mr. Stevens when due. Mr. Stevens retained the half of the claim which he had made in good faitli for himself, in the fall previous. The other half as justly belonged to him. He submitted to this division as a final settlement of all diffidiilties with Gere. The west eighty of the original Stevens claim is now known as Stevens' addition. Leaving his affairs in Minnesota in the hands of his son, W. H. Stevens, Silas Stevens continued his speculations elsewhere for a year or two longer, when he made 'arrangements to locate perma- nently in Winona, but never accomplished this design. "While on his way here from Galena with horses, traveling by land, he was taken with cholera and died after a few hours' sickness. His death occurred at Fayette, La Fayette county, "Wisconsin, on July 20, 1854. His wife and daughter had already moved to Winona, where they hiade it their home while living. • His daughter was the wife of H. C. Bolcom, a well known citizfen, who came here in 1854. Wm. H. Stevens is the oldest settler now living on Wabasha prairie, the oldest inhabitant of the city of Winona. ISTorman B. Stevens, an older brother, came here in 1856, and is now living in the city of Winona. After the death of Silas Stevens the Stevens claim passed into the possession of W. H. Stevens. He sold an undivided interest in it to Wm. Ashley Jones and E. S. Smith. It was surveyed into lots and streets on the same scale as the original town site of Smith and Johnson, and designated as Stevens' addition. Wm. H. Stevens has been interested in many of the enterprises by which the city of Winona has been developed. He has held several official positions. In the' fall of 1853 he was elected justice of the peace. He has served as depuly sheriff. In later years he was a member of the board of education. In 1872 and in 1873 he was a member of the state legislature as senator from the eighth district in Winona county. Mrs. Stevens, the wife of Wm. H. Stevens, was an early settler in this county, - She came here in 1852 and lived in the colony at Boiling Stone with her relatives. She is a sister of Mrs. S. D. Putman and of S. A. and O. H. Houk, who were members of the association. In the fall and wiijter of that year Mrs. Stevens (then 284 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. Miss " Hetty " Houk) taught the first district school at Minnesota ( that was ever held in southern Minnesota ; she also taught the f district school ever opened in the city of Winona, in the fall of 18 About July 1, 1852, Byron A. Viets came up from La Cro with a small drove of cattle, principally cows and young stock, landed them on Wabasha prairie, where he was successful disposing of his entire herd to the settlers on the prairie and Rolling Stone. In a trade with Johnson he purchased two or three lots in 1 town plot. This was the first sale of lots after the claim -v surveyed and plotted ; the first sale of real estate in the new to or village of Montezuma, now city of Winona. One of these lots, purchased by Mr. Yiets, was lot 2, block ; on Front street ; another was lot 4, block 14. The quit-claim det by which the title to these lots was transferred from Smith a Johnson to Byron A. Viets, were placed on record in the office the register of deeds of Washington county at Stillwater, the com seat. Mr. Viets also bought a claim of eighty acres lying between 1 claim held by Wm. B. Gere and the one held by Elijah Silsbee. was early discovered that the Beecher-Gere claim was an expansi one, covering more territory than allowed by law., and S. Thompson gave notice that he had selected a claim in that locah but he failed to protect it by improvements. It was in nominal possession of several different persons w jumped it one from another, while each failed to occupy it. Ea in the summer Isaac W. Simonds came up from La Crosse and to possession of it. It was said that he was in the employ of Pe Burns. To show that it was a claim held by a bona fide settler, planted a few potatoes and cultivated a small patch of groui This garden spot was in the vicinity of where the State Norn School now stands. It was generally understood among the settlers that this v Thompson's claim, although he had not occupied it, — he was livi with John Evans at the time. In the absence of Simonds at Crosse, where he made his home", Thompson took possession building the customary log pen, and with the aid of John Ev£ held it for a short time. To settle this claim dispute, it was agrc that Thompson and Simonds should hold the land jointly or divi it between them. EESPECTABILITY. 287 "Without the knowledge of Thompson, Mr. Simonds traded off the claim to Mr. Viets, and gave him possession. Thompson lost his interest without realizing anything from the sale. Mr. YietS' built a shanty on it, and on the 20th of July brought his family from La Crosse, and became an actual resident on the prairie. Having some surplus funds, Mr. Viets at once made arrange- ments to improve his town lots. He decided to build a house for the accommodation of the traveling public on lot 2, block 10, front- ing on the levee. He brought up material and carpenters from La Crosse, and put up a building about 24X28, a story and a half high — a low porch extended across the front. It was afterward, in 1853, improved by. the addition of a long one-story attachment in the rear for dining-room, kitchen, etc. This was at first known as "Viets Tavern," then as the "Viets House," but was better known to the early settlers as the " Winona Hotel," and later as the • old " Winona House." This house was built in August. The roof was the second on the prairie covered with shingles. The first was on the house of John Evans, on the Evans claim, the third was on the shanty built by Dr. Balcombe, and the fourth on the house built by Elder Ely, , on the comer of Center and Second streets. In October the rooms in the lower part of the house were plastered. The' first plastered rooms on the prairie were in the house of Elder Ely. Mr. Viets occupied this tavern for about two months, when he leased it to David Olmsted for a private residence, and moved his family down to La Crosse to spend the winter. Late in this season Hon. David Olmsted, accompanied by a brother, arrived at Winona from Fort Atkinson, Iowa, They came through the Country on the same trail Mr. Olmsted had traveled before when he accompanied the Winnebagoes on their removal from Iowa to Long Prairie, Minnesota. The trail was up through Money Creek valley, and along the divide between the Burns and Gilmore valley, on the old government trail leading down the ravine back of George W. Clark's residence. They traveled on foot from Fort Atkinson to Wabasha prairie, packing their camp supplies on a pony which they brought along. Mr. Olmsted then proposed to locate himself on Wabasha prairie and make it his home. He leased the Viets House for a residence, and had some fdrniture sent on and stored there, but his wife re- mained east on a visit, and did not return until the following spring. 17 38 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. the meantime Mr. Olmsted changed his plans and located in St. ml. This part of the territory was always a favorite locality with r. Olmsted. He came to Winona in 1855, and made it his home bile he remained in Minnesota. On occount of poor health he moved to Vermont, where he died of consumption in 1861. The emory of David Olmsted deserves more than this brief notice of le of the early settlers of this county, and if space permits farther* ference will be made of his residence in this locality. In 1852, when David Olmsted leased the house of Mr. Yiets, he aced it and the furniture stored there in the care of Edwin Hamil- n, who lived alone in it during the winter. About the last of January, 1853, Mr. Viets learned that a stranger as occupying, his claim on "Wabasha prairie that he bought of monds. He came up with his wife to look after it. On arriving sre, he found that a man by the name of Benjamin had jumped his aim, and was then in possession of it, professing to hold it as an (andoned claim. Mr. Yiets, accompanied by Wm. B. Gere, went immediately to his lanty vsdth their revolvers in their hands and requested the claim mper to vacate the locality as soon as possible. Not being able to sist so urgent a request presented for his consideration, he hur- jdly left the claim and "went back to La Crosse, where he had been ring. It was said this man was in the employ of a Mr. Healy, r whom he had jumped the claim. In the spring Mr. Yiets sold out all of his interest on Wabasha ■airie and moved back to La Crosse, where he settled in La Crosse lunty. About the first of July, 1852, George M. Gere came up from La rosse and settled on Wabasha prairie. He brought with him his ife and a very large family of children. He also brought up, with . s household furniture, tools and material for a boot and shoe shop, 'e was the father of Wm. B. Gere, and brother of H. C. Gere. For temporary accommodation they went to the shanty of H. C. ere, where the two families lived together for a month or two. It as said that there were eighteen regular occupants of that little lanty, 12X16. The summer was dry and warm, and they found enty of room outside without inconvenience. In September, when Mr. Denman closed out his mercantile isiness and moved out on his claim, Mr. Gere leased his house on a, Fayette street and occupied it with his' family during the winter. RESPECTABILITY. 289 He was a boot and shoe maker by trade, and occupied the front room of his residence as a shop. He here started the first shop in the county for the manufacture and repairs of boots and shoes of the settlers. The following spring he built a shanty on his son's claim. It stood on the south side of Wabasha street, back of where the high- school building now stands. It was 16x32, one story with a shin- gled roof. He occupied this locality until he left Winona. Kot long after Mr: Gere came into the territory he was appointed a justice of the peace for the county of Wabasha, by Got. Ramsey. After Fillmore county was created he was continued in the same ofiicial position. He was also elected justice of the peace at the first election, in the fall of 1853. His shoe shop was his office and where he held his court. When he moved from the house belonging to Mr. Denman he built a small shop on the alley near the west side of La Fayette street, between Front and Second streets. His shop was a favorite lounging place for the settlers to while away an idle hour. His house was oiten used on Sundays for preaching and other religious exercises. Mr. Gere was a large, dignified appearing man, about fifty years of age. His intimate friends speak of him with respect, as being an intelligent, consistent and exemplary christian gentleman ; usually cheerful ; a good-humored, companionable man, who enjoyed a harmless joke and innocent sport, — one who did not consider it a sin to smile when pleased. Soon after Winona county was created Mr. Gere moved to Chat- field, then the county seat of Fillmore county. He left Winona about the first of July, 1854. During the spring and summer of 1852 Andrew Cole, a lawyer, hving in La Crosse, made fi-equent visits to Wabasha prairie. These visits were to acquire a knowledge of the country, to form the acquaintance of the settlers, speculate in claims, and also to attend to professional business. Although there were no courts of justice, nor even a county or- ganization, there was business for the lawyers in contesting the claim difficulties, which became frequent as soon as the settlers began to wrangle for what they considered to be the best claims or choicest locations. These claim disputes were sometimes brought before the claim clubs for settlement. It was important to have counsel who had some knowledge of claim laws. When justices i90 I-IISTOBY OF WINONA COUNTY. were appointed these claim disputes were for awhile tried before hem, until it was discovered that, as matters relating to title in real jstate, they were not under the jurisdiction of that court. In the fall Mr. Cole brought his wife up from La Crosse and be- jame a resident of Minnesota. He was the first lawyer to settle on SVabasha prairie — the first to settle in southern Minnesota, for the jractice of his profession. Being the only lawyer on the west side )f the river, it was said that for the accomipodation of his clients, he iometimes acted as counsel on both sides in the same suit, and at he same time acting as confidential adviser to the claim committee, )r of the court, if matters of law were not clear to the inexperienced ustices. The house he occupied was one built by E. H, Johnson, which itbod on lot 4, block 10, fronting on the levee. It was a small »ne-8tory building about 16 X 24, with a lean-to on the back part of he east side about 10 X 12. This was the third house with plastered ooms. The roof was shingled. There were seven buildings with hingled roofs at the close of this year. Mr. Cole had his oflSce in his.residence. He occupied this place or three or four years, when he built a house on the corner of Fifth nd Harriet streets, opposite the First Ward Park, where he lived luring the remaining time of his residence in Winona. In about 868 he went east and located himself in Poughkeepsie, New York, There he yet resides. When Fillmore county was created Mr. Cole was appointed idge of probate by Gov. Eamsey. He was the first official in that osition in this part of the territory along the Mississippi. During the first three or four months after the settlement at finnesota City was commenced, commendable zeal was exhibited by le members of the association at their meetings in providing for 16 general interest and future development of the colony. Matters f town organization, providing for public improvements— ^public uildings, roads, bridges, etc., — were earnestly discussed and under- iken with a spirit of enterprise that was worthy of success. They were ambitious and desirous of having a newspaper pub- shed in the colony. A subscription was circulated, and qMte a im promised as a bonus and for its support, provided a paper was tarted and a printing-office established at Minnesota City. Mr. [addock was a practical printer, and from the encouragement offered ecided to make the attempt and bring on material for starting a LOOKING AEOUHD. 291 small weekly newspaper, to be called tlie "Minnesota Gity Standard." "While east after his fanfiily, then living in the city of New York, he procured a press and material for a printing:office, which he brought along as far as Dubuque, where he was compelled to leave it in store for want of funds to pay freight. He never brought his press up the river. They decided to build a town hall : the lumber and material was purchased and brought on the grounds, but owing to sickness and its attendant misfortunes the project was abandoned and the mate- rial used for other purposes. The public spirit of the settlers of this colony would have made the association a success if the location had been a proper one.. CHAPTEK XXIX. LOOKING ABOUND. Eably in the season prominent individuals from St. Paul visited the colony and made considerable effort to induce the members of the association to abandon Rolling Stone and locate themselves on the Minnesota river above St. Paul. It was said that Gov. Eamsey himself visited the colony for that purpose. Mr. Haddock was opposed to any movement of this kind, and his influence was such that no propositions for a change of locality were for a moment entertained. Mr. Haddock and the members of the association were under the impression that Minnesota City was on a navigable portion of the Mississippi, although the ofiicers of the steamboats refused to go up through Straight slough and establish a landing place for the colony. They early took into consideration the advantages that would arise from making Minnesota City the terminus of a wagon-road into the interior, between the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers. A co&mittee was appointed to explore the interior of the territory and "find the most feasible route for a wagon-road from Minnesota City to the Great Bend of the St. Peters river at the mouth of the Blue Earth," with instructions to note the quality of the land, water and timber observed on the route over which they might pass. The committee were each allowed a dollar a day to defray their expenses while on the survey. \ 2 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. The committee consisted of Eobert Pike, jr., Isaac M. Noracong - i William Stevens. They left the colony oh the 26th of June i reached Traverse des Sioux on the 3d of July, where Mr. Pike s compelled to lay up from disability to travel. Mr. Noracong 1 Mr. Stevens completed the survey to the mouth of the Blue rth river. Mr. Noracong stopped for a few days at Mankato to isult with the proprietors of the new town then but just starting that place, and returned by another route across the country, iompanied by D. A. Robertson, one of the proprietors of Mankato. •. Pike and Mr. Stevens took passage on the Black Hawk down ! Minnesota river to St. Paul, and from there to Wabasha prairie, i thence by land to Minnesota City. Mr. Pike drew up a report of the expedition, which was indorsed Mr. Stevens, and presented it to the association as the report of i committee. It was formally accepted. ISTeither this report made Mr. Pike nor a copy of it can now be found. It is said to have sn a fair description of the country over which they passed, and ;ommended the route by way of Faribault to Traverse des Sioux practicable for either a wagon-road or for a railroad at a com- ratively moderate expense. On his return, Mr. Noracong presented his report recommending nore southern route to Mankato. He found that the report made Mr. Pike had been adopted, the matter disposed of and the nmittee discharged. The report of Mr. Noracong was listened to, t no action was taken by the association. The report, in the handwriting of Mr. Noracong, has been jserved by the Hon. O. M. Lord. The following was copied m it : Started June 26, 185^, and went to Mr. Sweet's claim on Rolling Stone irie, a distance of about twelve miles ; course south of west. June 27, 7 a.m. From Sweet's took a south course one and a-half miles, and n a west course across a fine prairie to a grove of burr-oak timber, where we nd a fine spring of water discharging itself in a sink ; this place was claimed Mr. HoUyer. From thence took a west course and at noon came to a spring lok, and thence, after going a short distance came to a branch of the White iter running to the north. Continued traveling over burr-oak openings until .M., when we came to the head branch of the White Water, a fine brook teen feet in width and an average depth of two inches, rock bottom, good 1 water to drink ; saw some trout. Went on three miles and crossed a )utary of the same. Here is a prairie eight miles wide east and west, and ending north and south as far as the eye can see. This prairie is in the ley of the White Water ; the rise of land on either side is about thirty feet. LOOKniTG AEOUND. 293 We rose on the upland and continued west on burr-oak openings. The upland here is not as good as that back of the valley we crossed, being more gravelly. Traveled on through openings sometimes thickly set with hazel and tall grass. At sundown came to a small ravine, where we found good running water, bearing to the northeast, and well timbered with maple, ironwood, basswood» white and burr oak, and some willows. Monday 28, 6:15 a.m. Started, and at 7:20 a.m., after about three miles' travel, came to a small stream of pure water running to the north through a splendid burr-oak opening, good timber and land of good soil. To the view north, this brook seems to run through a splendid prairie valley of great extent. We here saw a wolf catching mice or frogs. At 8:10 a.m. the openings run as far north as the eye can see. At 8:40 a.m. we came on an elevated prairie of first-rate quality ; cannot see the extent to the southeast'; six miles to the south there is timber ; north the openings continue about ten miles. Soon after, we came to an elevated prairie where we could see a large valley to the south of us. This valley lies east and west. We continued west along the high lands of this valley, supposing it to be the head source of Root river ; traveling bad ; the face of the country being nauch broken and thickly set with oak underbrush and hazel. The most of the ravines we crossed were dry, and we became very thirsty for water ; after some trouble we found a spring. There are several high mounds or bluffs standing in the midst of the valleys that we crossed, surrounded by good grass lands ; they make a very imposing appearance and look beautiful in the distance. We have crossed some r^d-top meadow lands that would cut frOm three to four tons of hay to the acre. At 4 p.m. came to a- stream of water bearing northward, which I called at the first glance the Wassioshie ; overhead, where I am writing, is floodwood and grass in a tree eighteen feet above the water in the ri^er. The bed of this stream is about sixty feet wide, and an average depth of water of about five inches. The iijajority of the company being in favor of following the stream down (not being satisfied that it is the WUssioshie), we went down on the east side some three or four miles, forded the river and pitched our tent, while Stevens and Pike went north to an elevated bluff to reconnoiter ; from their observations they were willing to proceed west and leave the river. Tuesday, June 29. A very foggy morning. Through the heavy mist we could hear the distant roar of a cataract, to the northward. We went over the bluffs to the northwest, through the dew and hazel-brush, until we mounted an elevated place where we could see some distance. On the south there was a heavy and extensive grove of timber ; also on the west — the greatest quantity we have yet seen. We here saw two deer feeding at a distance. From this point we diverged from our course to the north and east, in search of the cata- ract. We descended about two miles to ttie river, and found a heavy tributary coming in from the west, and at the immediate junction was the fall of water we had heard. The water here falls about eight or ten feet in thirty or forty. Here is quite a curiosity. The water at its highest pitch rises some sixteen feet above where it now is. Altogether, the scenery is romantic. This stream proved to be the Wassioshie river. In these waters I saw the largest brook-trout that I have ever seen in the Western waters, and also some fine black bass. The bluffs are about two-thirds as high as they are in the rear of Wabasha prairie. We here saw the tepees of the redmen for the first J4 HISTOEY OP WINONA COUNTY. ne, but they were of ancient date. Returned to wher^ we l^ft our baggage, 'o miles to the southwest ; then took a west course, and traveled, over some lling prairie and broken woodland, about six miles, when we came to a tribu- ry of the north branch of the Wassioshie running north. This is also a fine •eam of water — sufficient to do a large business. Forded the stream and tched tent. "We left this place on our regular west course ; traveling bad, the ads being thickly set with different kinds of brush and tall grass found on airies. Came into what we called second-growth timber, very thickly set with iderbrush of the yellow oak, hazel, plum, crab-apple, whitethorn, blackberry, iers, etc. Not being of a disposition to bolt the course, we penetrated into em, and continued on for some time; but, finding such bad traveling, we ide a halt and mounted a tree to reconnoiter. Nothing was to be seen south d west but the same that we had been in for two or three hours. On the irth of the west branch of the Wassioshie saw a large prairie about two miles stant. We struck north for the prairie. In this valley is a fine steam of iter sixty feet wide, with four to six inches depth. Camped for the night, w some large suckers and black bass. Wednesday, .Tune 30. Took our course northwest to a high mound and re- inoitered. Found that the stream, we camped on came from the west of rth, and that the south side was thickly set with second-growth timber, iving found, by experience the day before, that we had better keep clear of at kind of traveling, we continued on the north side. After following up this anch about ten miles we struck north about a mile and came on an elevated lirie, that we could not reach its eastern extent with the naked eye, and ap- ared to extend some distance north. On the west we could not see its limits ; was dotted with groves of burr-oak and poplar. Starting west, we encoun- •ed some large tracts of hazel-brush, but continued to travel on until adown. We here found ourselves on a dividing ridge without water or lod, and could not pitch our tent. In the west we could see timber in the itance, about eight niiles off; in the south the timber opened so that we lid see through, and discovered that there was a large prairie in that direc- n. We continued west through grass on the prairie often as high as the im of my hat, and scarce any less than to my hips. The rain was falUng and nd blowing strong from the northeast. Traveling on, by wind and compass, I came to a swamp, where we found some good swamp water. Taking a bucket- with us, we reached the timber, and penetrated an aviful thicket, to get out the wind. When we had pitched our tent and made a fire the watch said o'clock, in a rainy night. We then had our suppers to cook, for we had eaten thing from the time we took our breakfast except dry bread and raw pork. Thursday, July 1. We made a start west. The water here evidently runs the west and north. We found bad traveling through hazel-brush, swamps d wet meadows, with very high grass of bluejoint. At 11 o'clock A.M. we came to a small stream of water running to the north d west, that proved to be a branch of the Cannon river. Continuing west •oiigh thickets thickly set with underbrush, consisting of prickly ash, black- rry-briers, greenbriers, grapevines and nettles, we struck a small stream of ter, the bottoms of which were covered with heavy timber. Following this wn, we came to a large stream, which proved to be the eastern branch of the nnon river. On the west side was a large prairie. A majority of the company LOOKING AEOTTND. 295 being in &vor of following down this stream, we at once forded it, and after going about two miles struck an Indian trail, which we traveled on down to the . valleys, where we found a Frenchman who could talk good English. From him we learned that we were forty miles from Traverse des Sioux, and from thence eighteen miles to the Blue Earth. We then set out on the Indian trail for Traverse des Sioux,'the trail leading through a fine valley of bottom prairie, in which flows the north branch of the Cannon river. On the north of this branch the whole country is heavy timbered to its source ; the east side of the south branch is also heavy timbered with elm, maple, black-walnut, butternut, ash, etc. Between these forks are extensive rolling prairies, frequently dotted with burr-oak groves. ^ Traveling until nearly sunset, we pitched our tent on the bank of a beautiful lake. There are three beautiful small lakes on this branch, with pretty generally bold gravelly shores and clear water. There were numerous dead fish lying on the beach, — suckers, mullet, bass, pant and pickerel. On the north of the lakes is heavy timber ; some on the south. , Friday July 2. Took an early start expecting to get through today. We traveled over a very broken country ; not so bad, however, as to be unfit for cultivation. The country over which we passed in the forenoon is better adapted for stock, there being extensive meadow lands on the shores of the lakes. After dinner we came to the head of the lakes, where we were some troubled in finding the right trail; the trail diverging oflf in different direc- tions and very dim at this place. Soon after we succfeeded in getting on the right trail we found ourselves in a different country altogether; it was up hill and down, through a swamp, over a knoll, through the brush, into a swamp, and so on until 3 p.m., when we came to a lake on our left, or south side ; following along this lake, winding our way through a swamp connected with it, then through an island of timber and another swamp, and so on until we camped for the night, on the bank of the lake, in an Indian tepe6. The water of the lake was so full of particles of something, that we were obliged to strain it for drinking or cooliing purposes. The lake was on the south and a large watery marsh on the north, the 'outlet of which we forded a short distance from our camp. All the dry land, from the place where we struck the lake, is heavy timbered and of good soil. I think three-fourths of the face of the country here is taken up with lakes and swamps. On the north side of this lake there were several swamps connecting with it, and there was a plain visible embankment of stone and earth thrown across them ; the stone were granite boulders or hard head, of which there were an abundance of this section of country. These embankments could not be easily mistaken, for some parts of them' were four or five feet high, where the rocks could be seen on both sides ; they answered for a road to cross on. At one place, where it appeared the outlet of the lake was, there were two streams of water flowing out of the lake into the marsh ; here the boulders could be seen peering above the water in a direct line, from one point of high land to another, on the opposite side. These stone have evidently been placed there by artificial means — of this there is no doubt, but by whom is iiot known and probably never will be. b HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. s lake is very likely the head fountain of the Vermilion river, that empties ) the Mississippi, some distance above the Cannon. On the shores of this i there were dead fish of different kinds, showing that these waters were iked with fish. Saturday, July 3. Traveled over islands of timber, and through brush and •asses — the timber was of good quality — saw several small lakes and some ir-houses. It was a rainy morning, and although it continued 'raining we t on traveling, and came out of the timber into brush from two to eight feet ti, overhanging the trail ; the only way to follow a trail in such a case is to where the feet go the easiest. We crossed several morasses and at last ;hed a bank, and down a hill we soon came out into the valley of the Min- ota, opposite Traverse des Sioux. We followed the trail down a short ance and then struck for the buildings on the other side of the river. We 1 found ourselves in a morass, or quagmire, which had the appearance f there was sulphur or salt water in it ; did not admire the place and did taste of the water. This continued from the bank nearly to the river. A.t the river an Indian boy came to us with a canoe, but no paddles ; we aaged to cross safely by using small round sticks for paddles. We proceeded ict to the house of the Rev. Mr. Huggins, at the Mission, and took dinner I house for the first time in seven days. Mr. Huggins and lady appeared )e very accommodating and refined people ; they were good and kind to us, I will be remembered by me in time to come. This place has been long led by civilized people. Our provisions having run out, we here got a new supply. Stevens and self started for the Blue Earth (Mr. Pike having a boil on his ankle, which icted the nerve to the knee and upward). We fell in with two young men t were going to where a Mr. Babcock was building a saw-mill, and reached place about sundown. It was on the east side of the Minnesota, five miles ve Traverse des Sioux. We were kindly received and put up for the night h them. Here fell in with a company of men that came the overland route n Jackson, Iowa, with two wagons and sixteen yoke of cattle, some cows, 1 horse, breaking plows, etc. They were twenty-one days coming through. Sunday, July 4. We shouldered our packs and wended our way for the e Earth. The trail led through a fine prairie descending toward the river; high lands to the east are heavy timbered. We diverged from the traU to a drink, and in the bed of the stream we found stone coal. A specimen I ught home and tested by the fire, and found that it burned well. Arrived at the town of Mankato about noon. Finding that the boys of this ce were dressing a large turtle, we held on and took dinner with them, er dinner, started for the Blue Earth, a distance of two miles above the 'n, and soon reached the long looked-for locality. Traveled ,up sorne dis- ce and then returned to the junction and down the Minnesota to Mankato, ere we put up for the night. Having accomplished our purpose, we resolved make a canoe on the following day, and return home by descending the unesota and Mississippi rivers. Monday, July 5. Slept late ; soon after getting up, news came that a imboat was within hearing ; soon after, the Black Hawk made her appear- ;e. We at once resolved to return on the steamer. The Mankato company ae on this boat. Learning where I was from and the business I was on, LOOKING AROUND. 297 they wished me to stop a few days with them. I accordingly did so. Stevens left with the boat for home. Mankato is pleasantly situated on the east side of the Minnesota, directly on the great bend of the river and two miles below the confluence of the Blue Earth, on an elevated rise of ground, sufficiently above high-water mark, but not so much so as to make it inconvenient of access at any place for some distance up and down the river. It is located on a prairie of good quality of soil, well watered and plenty of timber. It has been regularly laid out by a competent surveyor. This place, from the observations I could make, must eventually be the great western terminus of a railroad from Minnesota city on the Mississippi to the waters of the Minnesota river. Having traveled through , the country on two different routes, mostly, I find no obstacles in the way of any kind of a roSd from the former to the latter place. My impression is, that Mankato is decidedly the place for the termination of roads of any kind. The face of the country farther north is so thickly set with lakes and swamps and marshes, that it will cost a vast amount of money to erect bridges and build roads. The route for a road from Mankato to the southeast waters of the Cannon river is mostly on a dividing ridge and principally on prairie of good soil, well adapted for farming purposes and the raising of stock. From Mankato to the La Seur river, which empties into the Blue Earth about ^ two miles from its junction with Minnesota, is about six miles. The land is good for a road and is well timbered. After crossing the La Seur there is timber for about three-fourths of a mile, then it is prairie and opening to the southeast waters of the Cannon, where there is a prairie extending east out of reach of the naked eye. I. M. Noeacong. The country over which we have traveled in the direction of Minnesota City is well adapted for roads, and I have no doubt, from w^at I have seen, that a good wagon-road may be made at a small expense from Mankato to Minnesota City. I also believe that the Mankato company would unite with the Minnesota City company in making the roads, and make, as their proposi- tion, the western fifty miles. D. A. Robehtson. Mr. Kobertson was one of the "Mankato Company" — one of the original town proprietors and first settlers in Mankato. It was through his influence that Mr. ISToracong remained at that place to discuss the feasibility of opening a road. Mr. Kobertson accompanied Mr. Noracong on his return across the country, and a.ppended the above proposition to the report of Mr. Noracong to the association. .This committee was sent out by the association to explore the country and ascertain the feasibility of opening a wagon-road from Minnesota City to the great bend of the Minnesota river, and not for the purpose of making a preliminary survey for a proposed rail- road route to 'St. Peters, as has been sometimes represented in newspaper articles. The real object was to establish a highway into the back country from the colony ; tg secure the advantages of a !98 HISTORY OF WnfOWA COTrifTT. aain traveled route, wlien the country should be settled, and to aake the terminus of the road at Minnesota City. The recom- lendation of the route for the purposes of a railroad was but an acidental part of the report. The first mail route ever established across the country in the outhern part of the territory was between Minnesota City and ^averse des Sioux, over nearly the same route traveled by this com- aittee. The contractor was O, M. Lord, of Minnesota (Xty. CHAPTEE XXX. REFLECTIONS. There is no doubt but what Haddock and Murphy were consci- ntious in their acts when they located the colony at Rolling Stone. !'hey reported to the association that their village site was on the lississippi, and it was believed that such was the case. Mr. Had- ock was the leading spirit of the organization, and apparently ontroUed it by a sort of mesmeric influence. For the first three aonths the colonists had almost unbounded confidence in their 3ader. He made a mistake when he assumed it to be a fact that Straight slough was a navigable channel ; and, firm in his belief, he mpressed the same idea on the settlers, and it was a year or two lefore they were fully convinced to the contrary. I Mr. Haddock assumed that the reason why Minnesota City was lOt made a landing-place for the steamboats was because the man- gement of the boats was in the hands of men interested in rival own sites. This was believed by the settlers, because repeated ap- ilications had been made to have the boats land passengers at the olony during the high water, but without success ; none would aake the attempt. When the fiood in the river had subsided and the water was con- ined to its ordinary channels, and about the time that the report of he committee which had bfeen sent to explore the back country was eceived, it was considered important that a landing s^hould be estab- ished on Straight slough. The matter was freely discussed in the aeetings of the association, and referred to a committee for investi- •ation. REFLECTIONS. 299 This committee, with other members equally interested in estab- lishing the fact that navigation was practicable, made, as they sup- posed, a thorough survey of Straight slough, from its head, above Minnesota City, to its mouth, a short distance above Johnson's landing. A chart was .drawn showing soundings, etc. The com- mittee reported that there were no serious obstacles in the way, and that the slough was navigable for the largest boats running on the upper Mississippi. At the time of this survey the slough next to the bluff, which empties into Straight slough nearly opposite Minnesota City, was given the name of Haddock slough, the name by which it is now known. Mr. Haddock had selieeted the shore next to the bluffs, above where Mr. Burley now lives, as a proper landing-place for immediate purposes. A landing-place on the slough below was selected for future improvement. The committee were instructed to present the matter before the ;<| proprietors of the steamboat lines at Galena, by whom it was re- ferred to Capt. Smith, l^otwithstanding their chart demonstrated the feasibility of a free passage through Straight slough, Capt. Smith considered the route impracticable ; and, as it was charged against him that his opposition to it was because of his holding an interest on Wabasha prairie, he consented to allow his own boat, the Nominee, to make a trial trip under the pilotage of the com- mittee. The success of the committee thus far was duly reported to the to the Association. So confident were the colonists of the arrival of the steamboat that many of them went down to the landing at Wabasha prairie to meet the boat, while the whole settlement pre- pared to give it a joyful welcome. For this trip the Nominee was given in charge of the first clerk, with instructions to go through the slough, if possible, without delay. The boat, with Mr. Brook as captain, arrived at Johnson's about noon on Sunday. As the trip was a holiday excursion the settlers on the prairie were invited to make a social visit to the colony. The Nominee started up Straight slough tmder the guidance of the committee. After ascending for a mile or so the boat struck a bar and came to a sudden stop. By some oversight this obstruction had not been noted on the chart. After repeated attempts to pass this barrier without success, the oflScers of the boat decided that Straight slough was not navigable by the Nominee at that stage of water. 00 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. This failure was a great disappointment to the settlers, both at [innesota City and at Wabasha , prairie. The boat swung around id steamed back to Wabasha prairie, and, after discharging the ccursionists, started up the river under the guidance of her own ilot. I The failure of the Nominee to go through Straight slough was serious blow to the colony. The ideal taiaritime port of Mr. Had- )ck was unfortunately at least six piiles from any practicable eamboat landing. Still the colonists were not wholly disheart- led. Many of them believed that the slough might be made racticably navigable by opening a passage over the bar, the only astruetion that was supposed to exist. During the following winter le colonists built a large log building on the bank of the slough Dposite Minnesota City, which they designed for a warehouse id landing-place. A road was surveyed across the bottom, but Bver improved. JSTo passengers or freight were ever landed there, b attempt was ever made to improve the navigation of Straight ough. The extreme high water was followed by an extreme low stage ' water in the river. The summer of 1852 was hot and dry, and the liasma eliminated from the sloughs and large marshes in the im- ediate vicinity of Minnesota City rendered that locality particu- rly unhealthy. Serious bilious diseases afflicted the settlers in le colony. They were mostly from the Eastern States, unacclima- d, unprotected by suitable dwellings, and a large majority of them icompetent and unsuited for pioneer life. A few deaths occurred irly in the season, and exaggerated accounts of the sickness and lortality at Minnesota City were'pnf in circulation and prevented lany from locating there. The most common disease was inter- littent and remittent fevers. There were no regular medical practitioners belonging to the 3sociation or living on the west side of the river ; domestic treat- tent and patent medicines were generally depended on. Quinine as quite extensively relied upon in these malarious diseases; One ' the colonists was attacked with intermittent fever, for which a eighbor recommended quinine. He sent for a pound Or two of ainine by a friend who had business at St. Paul. From insuffi- ent funds only four ounces were procured. When the bill of $20 as presented the exorbitant charges of the St. Paul druggist was irongly condemned. The neighbor who had prescribed the article , BErLECTIOWS. 301 was called in to dose out the medicine, and lie explained tliat it was a dram or two he had recommended him to send for instead of a pound or two. "The Squire" said, in relating the incident, "I knew nothing about the stuff — any way, it was no serious mistake, because it was needed in the settlement, and the njeighbors took it off my hands without any pecuniary loss." It was said that not a settler in the colony escaped an attack of fever and ague. Robert Pike, Jr., in a letter published in 1854, says, "Although most were prostrated by sickness, only fourteen deaths occurred (m 1852) and a majority of these were young children. The wonder is that the mortality was not greater. " Among the jdeaths which occurred was that of Mrs. Haddock, the wife of the ^president of the association. Mr. Haddock went down to New York city and brought her here to make her a home in the colony he had^ labored so hard to build up. She arrived on the 13th of July and died on the 24:th of August. After th&t/ieath of his wife Mr. Haddock became disheartened and completely discouraged. Many of the settlers were compelled to leave because they could find nothing to do by which to earn a hving. The most of them were mechanics from the city of New York, and. they went dbvm the river to find employment. Although the association m^tained its Q^-ganization, it was no longer attract- ive to Mr. Haddock. 1^ had apparently accomplished all that could be expected from it. With a large party of his friends Mr. Haddock, left the colony on the 11th of September and went down the river. He stopped for awhile at Dubuque, and moved from there to Ana- mosa, Jones coilnty, Iowa, .where he engaged in publishing a news- paper, using the press and material designed for a printing-office in Minnesota City. • Although the organization was kept up in the colony during the next year, but comparatively few members of the association re- mained to become citizens of this county. Quite a number of the members of the association lived on their village lots in Minnesota City until after the survey of public lands in this part.of the territory. Several of them then made claims of the locality they were occupying according to the divisions made by the government surveyors, without regard to the previous divisions made by Mr. Haddock. The town site of the "Western Farm and Village Association was never made a matter of record. The whole village plot yas ab- 502 HISTORY OF WESrONA COtTNTT. lorbed by claims which were pre-empted as homesteads by their esident claimants. The plot of the originar village of Minnesota jity was thus wiped out — swept entirely away. The name has )een preserved for the locality, and a more diminutive and modem illage has grown up under it, on what was originally the claim of Israel M. Noracong. The original village plot was pre-empted by T. K. Allen, A. A. xilbert, H. B. Waterman, Robert Pike, Jr., James Wright, 0. M. ^ord, Hiram Campbell, S. E. Cotton and D. Q. Burley, all mem- >ers of the association. Each of them had held claims in other ocalities, which were abandoned to enable them to share in the poils of the dead metropolis of the colony. H. B. Waterman and family have continuously occupied the ame locality he settled upon in 1852, when he first came into he colony. When Mr. Waterman came to Minnesota City he built , very comfortable house, a part of it of logs and a part of frame nd boards. This he inhabited for several years. After the tgov- mment survey was made he selected this locality as a homestead, .nd claimed a quarter-section of land in the vicinity, which he pro- mpted after the land-office was opened at Winona. With the exception of a large and comfortable dwelling-house nd a good bam, which stand in a beautiiul grove on a sightly elevar Lon, with a small field of cultivation, but little improvement was lade on this claim until withip a few years past. The table on ^hich it lies was covered with groves of oak. As this timber is at away and the clearing enlarged a fine farm is becoming eveloped. Mr. Waterman was a lawyer by profession when he joined the olony, but he never practiced his profession in Minnesota. He ad but littie taste for agricultural pursuits, and but little inclination ) make it an occupation. He made the farm his home without laking the cultivation of the soil his business. In November, 1852, Mr. Waterman was appointed by Gov. iaihsey one of the justices of the peace for Wabasha county. He 'as subsequently elected to the same ofl&ce, and held the official osition of justice ol the peace over twenty years for Winona county, 1 the town of EoUing Stone, where he resided. He was also elected idge of probate at the election in the fall of 1853. The first case on his docket in 1852 was Jacob S. Denman vs. idividual members of the association. This was a matter which REFLECTIONS. 305 grew out of tlie claim difficulty already mentioned. These mem- bers of the associatibn went on to Denman's claim, destroyed his fences and burned his rails, with the intent to drive him oif the claim. Denman refused to leave, and sued them for damages to his property. The matter had been commenced before Squire Allen, but when Squire Waterman received his commission the case was, discontinued and again brought on before the new justice of the peace, where it was settled by the members of the association paying the costs of prosecution and the damages assessed. Robert Pike, Jr., made a claim among the village lots of the colony on the same table on which the school-building now stands. He here used his pre-emption right and made a farm of part of the original village. A part of this claim is still in possession of Mrs. Pike, his widow. Mr. Pike came to Eolling Stone early in May, 1852, and at once became prominently active in the enterprises of the association to develop the resources of the country and build up the colony. His eccentric genius and zealous efforts made him popular in the settle- ment. Soon after his arrival he was appointed surveyor for the colony, explored a, road to the Minnesota river. He was chosen as a proper person to be appointed postmaster. He was elected jus- tice of the peace, served as county commissioner and as county surveyor. During his whole life he was active in all of his public duties. Eobert Pike, Jr., died about the middle of April, 1874. At the time of his death he was interested in an effort to start a colony in the vicinity of Lake Kampeska, Dakota Territory. His widow is yet a resident of Minnesota City. One of the two children who came here with her in 1852 died many years ago. The other is the wife of Frank D. Stewart, living in the town of Rolling Stone. Mr. Pike was in many respects a very remarkable man. Natu- rally ingenious, he made mechanical improvements a study. On .most of the questions of the day, religious and political, he es- poused the radical side. Among his many friends, his special peculi- arities were overshadowed by the open-handed generosity of the man toward his fellow-man. I As a specimen of his eccentricity, his business card has been , copied from the "Winona Republican," as regularly advertised in 1856, as follows : 18 06 HISTORY OF WTPrONA OOirSTTY. " Robert Pike, who writes this ditty, Lives at Minnesota City ; Is Postmaster, Magistrate, Buys and sells Seal Estate, Conveyancer and County Surveyor, (The City's small and needs no Mayor). Sectarian rules he dares resist, And thinks Christ was a Socialist. Loving mankind and needing dimes. He waits to serve them at all times." Wlieii disaffiected members of the association decided to abau- on tbe colony, O. M. Lord purchased their interest in such of the illage lots as were in the vicinity of where he resided ; and after le, government survey, when the village plot was comparatively bandoned, he made a claim of the quarter-section on which he was ving and pre-empted it. The village lots surveyed by Mr. Hiad- ock for the association, that were included in this claim, are a part f the homestead on which the Hon. O. M. Lord now resides. ' The first claim selected by Mr. Lord was before he joined the ssociation, while on the first exploration made into the country ack from the Mississippi. This he abandoned for another about iree miles above Minnesota Oity, in what is now known as Deer- ig's Valley, where he then proposed to establish a stock-farm. On 3Count of its isolated situation he did not move his family there, ut located them in the settlement or village. Like many others, he so made other selections of good claims which were marked with is nanie. From the time Mr. Lord came here in the sparing of 1852 to the resent time he has been prominently before the public, in very lany instances intimately connected with events that make up the LStory of Winona county. Owing to his habitual modest reserve, 3 record of these instances has ever been compiled for reference. ;ls indeed questionable whether a connected biographical sketch of lis pioneer settler has ever been given to the public. Advantage ' a long-time acquaintance and personal friendship has been the mrce of the following memoranda of events in history with which B has been connected. ^ CHAPTEE XXXI. PERSONAL PARAGRAPHS. Hon. O. M. Loed was a native of the State of New York ; bom in Wyoming county in 1826. In 1837 he moved with his father's family to Michigan. He attended school winters until he was about sixteen, after which he attended a select school , for about three months. His education has since that been acquired by private study in active Hfe. His younger days were spent on a farm and in sometimes assisting his father in his blacksmith shop. Mr. Lord was married in 184-8, and settled on a farm. He was elected town clerk, and was ex-officio school inspector for two years. In the spring of 1852 he sold his farm in Lapeer coimty, Michigan, and came to Minnesota, where he arrived May 2. He brought on his family, a wife and two children, on July 16. He brought with him all of his household goods, a span of horses and farming tools, intending to make fanning his exclusive business. His horses were the first brought into the colony. Instead of settling on a claim, as he had at first designed, Mr. Lord located himself in the village of the colony at Minnesota City. He bought several village lots and built a house. Having acquired some knowleidge of blacksmithing when young, he bought the tools of a blacksmith and carried on the business for a year or two, his shop being the only blacksmith shop in the county during that time. In 1862 he shod the first span of horses ever brought into this county by a settler, and the first horses ever shod here. The shoes were brought from La Crosse. They belonged to Hon. William H. Stevens. In the spring of 1853 he shod fourteen horses for Wm. Ashley Jones, government surveyor. July 2, 1853, Mr. Lord was appointed coroner for Fillmore county. This appointment, unsolicited, was conferred by Gov. Gorman, who had recently assumed his official position. At the election held in the fall of 1853 Mr. Lord was elected as representative to the territorial legislature from this district. The session was held from January 4 to March^4, 1854. Among the acts of which he secured the passage were the original 508 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. iharter for the Transit railroad, the division of Fillmore county md creating of Winona county, and- the establishment of the county leat at what is now the city of Winona. The present boundaries of iVinona county were defined by Mr. Lord, and submitted to Mr. luff and other citizens of the village of Winona for their approval. 3e also secured the passage of a memorial for a post-route from Minnesota City to Traverse des Sioux. In 1854 Mr. Lord built the first saw-mill in the cotmty at Minne- ota city. In 1855 he was awarded a contract for carrying the mail rom Minnesota city to Traverse des Sioux, and carried the mails for ibout tw;o years ■ — a part of the time semimonthly. This was the irst post-route across the country. In 1857 or 1858 Mr. Lord was appointed by Gov. Medavy com- nissioner for selecting land for the Transit Railroad Company. He pas also appointed by Gov. Medavy, October 12, 1857, as a notary jublic. These appointments were unsolicited by Mr. Lord. In/1859 le was a candidate for the legislature, but was defeated by Judge )rlandc) Stevens. When questioned as to his war record, he replied, "I fought, lied and died for my country by able-bodied substitute during the rar — price $600." Mr. Lord moved back to Micihigan, and lived near Kalamazoo rom 1861 to 1864, when he returned to Minnesota, and again took / ip his residence at Minnesota City. He was a candidate for the egislature in 1871, and was defeated by seven votes by H. A. )ovey. In 1873 he was elected to the legislature, and served at the lext session. On September 28, 1875, Mr. Lord was appointed county superin- endent of schools, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation ,; if Rev. David Burt, who had been appointed state superintendent ;| if public instruction. He has been elected continuously to the losition of county superintendent of schools since that time, and is et serving the people in that capacity. He was president of the a,st annual meeting of county superintendents, held at St. Paul ,bout January 1, 1883. Mr. Lord has always taken an a,ctive interest in popular educa- ion, and in addition to his other official positions has been almost ontinuously one of the school committee in Minnesota City since ; he first school was startfed there in 1852. He is at present director f the district. He has been a member of the town board of the ■ j PERSONAL PARAGRAPHS. 309 town of Rolling Stone for the past twelve years, and is now chair- man of board of supervisors. Mr. Lord was made a Mason in 1862. He never united with any other organization. If circumstances per^ mitted, he would take more pride and pleasure in stock-raising and aultivation of small fruit than in any other pursuit. Hiram Campbell settled'on his village lot and built a house, which he occupied with his family for several years. With this as his place of residence, he made a claim and pre-empted a homestead which included a portion of the village lots of the colony. This claim is now known as the "Campbell Farm." It joins the farms of 0. M. Lord and James Kennedy. The present farm house is of brick. Hiram Campbell has been dead many years. His widow, with his family, owned and occupied the farm until about two years ago, when she sold out and moved west. Wiith other branches of farming Mr. and Mrs. Campbell took a great deal of interest in thfe cultivation of fruit, particularly of diiferent varieties of apples, which they were very successful in growing'. When David Densmore and John Shaw came to Rolling Stone , they brought with them a large supply of apple-seeds which they procured from the State of Maine. These seeds were planted on their village lots. The lot of Mr. Densmore was on the land now owned by O. C. Tucker. The lot of Mr. Shaw was on the Campbell farm. Both Mr. Densmore and Mr. Shaw died early in the summer of 1852, and their lot§ passed into other hands. Mr. Densmore left his nursery for the general benefit of the colonists. Mr. Campbell assumed charge of the lot of Mr. Shaw and started a nursery of fruit-trees from the seed sown on it. From this little nursery, started by Mr. Campbell on his own claim, sprang some of the finest varieties of apples that have ever been known in Min- nesota." John Mcklin, with his family, settled on his lot selected by number in New York. His location was on the table above where Troust's mill recently stood. He built a log house, lived here two or three years and made a claim of forty acres among the village lots. He also had a farm claim in the valley about two miles above the village. To hold them both he pre-empted the farm claim, and his son pre-empted a part of the village property. He lived on his farm for a number, of years, when he sold out and moved back to Kew York, where he died a few years ago. None of his family are now living in this county. A son resides in Dakota Territory. no HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. George Foster pre-empted a forty of village lots ; sold out and Qoved to Winona. He left there and moved south. None of his amily are now living in this county. Other members of the association besides Mr. Denman and iV. H. Coryell made claims below Minnesota City. Nearly th* ,j rhole upper prairie was at one time claimed by the colonists, .1 i,lthough imimproved. • -i P. D. Follett made a claim adjoining the farm now occupied by kir. Charles Yila. He built a log-house and occupied it for two or hree years, when he sold out and left the county. William T. Luark made a claim along the bluffs below Mr. )enman's, where Mr. Colman now lives. He improved this by )uilding a log-house and making some cultivadaon, and held it for everal years. He moved to Winona, where he opened the first vagon-shop started in the county. The first wagon was made by fc. Luark in the spring of 1855. About ten years ago he moved to klilwaukee, where he died after a residence there of a year or two. John lams also made a claim along the bluffs, the next below hat made by Mr. Luark. He built a log-house and occupied this ocality two or three years, and then moved to Winona, and after a Bw years' residence there left the county and went into the western )art of the state to reside. Mr. lams was the first sheriff appointed ir elected to serve in that office in this part of the territory. He pas the first sheriff in FiUmore county in 1853. John C. Laird came to Wabasha prairie about the last of August, .852, to attend upon Abner S. Goddard during his last sickness, ^fter the death of Mr. Goddard, which occurred on the 11th of Sep- ember, he decided to remain and make it his future home. Mr. Laird was a citizen of La Crosse at the time he came up to lelp his sister in the care of her sick husband. It was on her ac- jount that he changed his place of residence and came to Minnesota, vhere he has ever since resided. He was deputy register of deeds or La Crosse county. The register elected was a resident of a dis- ant part of the county, and, not wishing to change his location, Mr. Liaird was deputized to act for him and receive the emoluments of he position. In the winter and,- spring previous Mr. Laird had visited Waba- ha prairie, but never selected any special location as a claim. After le had decided to settle here he explored the country until in Octo- ler, when, observing that the east "eighty" of the original Stevens PEESOBTAL ?AEAGBAPHS. 311 claim was unoccupied, and without improvements of any kind, he was induced to take possession of it as an abandoned claim. Mr. Laird quietly procured the necessary material, and before the settlers were aware of his intention, they were surprised to see a snug and eomfortable-looking shanty on "that lower eighty of Stevens's." This shanty stood about where Laird Norton & Go's stables now stand, — on the west side of Chestnut street, between Second and Third streets. As soon as the circumstance became known, H. C. Gere made application to the members of the claim club for aid to remove the trespasser on the land relinquished to him by Silas Stevens. Some of the members of the club came together and called on Mr. Laird to learn why he had built the shanty and to a,scertain if he really intended to jump Gere's claim. Mr. Laird informed them that he had taken possession of "that eighty " because there was no one occupying it — nothing to indicate that any one had possession of it, and informed them that his shanty was the only improvement on the claim. This self-consti- tuted claim committee decided to let Mr. Gere take care of his own affairs if he had got into trouble from his own mismanagement. He was then holding other claims. Mr. Laird completed his shanty on Saturday evening, and, sup- posing that he had possession safe enough, stayed contentedly at Mrs. Goddard's, because it was Sunday and a day of rest generally observed by the settlers. It chanced to be the day on which Elder Hamilton had made an appointment to preach at Mrs. Goddard's sha,nty, and there the settlers assembled to listen to one of his best sermons. Taking a great interest in the subject of the discourse, Mr. Laird for the time forgot about his recently acquired earthly posses- sion, and gave his undivided attention to the sermon of the elder. After the service was over and the audience began to disperse, he cast -his eyes toward his new shanty, not fifty rods away, and dis- covered Henry 0. Gere on its . roof. Accompanied by Wm. H. Stevens, and followed more deliberately by Elder Hamilton and his whole congregation, he rushed toward his unprotected claipi im- provement and found that Gere had jumped the shanty, if not the claim. Taking advantage of the security from observation afforded while the attention of the settlers were engaged by Elder Hamilton, ! HISTORY OF WDfONA COTTNTY. Gere had taken a load of his household goods to the shanly . taken possession of it. On reaching the locality Mr. Laird foun^ the shanty occupied ; Me with a few dishes and a chair or two were on one side of the tn, and on the other a cook-stove, on which was a tea-kettle, a of potatoes, and a frying-pan with a slice of ham ready for cook- Mrs. Gere was comfortably seated in a rocking-chair in front -he stove, waiting to touch a match to the kindling-wood as soon the stove-pipe was put in place, and Mr. Gere was on the roof ing a hole for it to pass, through. Mr. Laird called to Gere to qome down, 'but he refused, reply- , "You are too late, for I now hold possession." Laird and vens then tore off the boards from the roof, and notwithstanding [•e's resistance, caught him by the legs and dragged him to the und. They then proceeded to carry the stove and other fiirni-' 3 outside, except the rocking-chair, which Mrs. Gere occupied, I very composedly maintained possession of the roofless shanty. Elder Hamilton sedately seated himself on one of the chairs ;ted frpm the cabin and calmly watched the proceedings. Occa- lally a quiet smile would illumine his dignified expression as he erved the demonstrative movements of the noisy and excited ;lers, who but a very few minutes before had been model repre- tatives of a moral, intellectual and order-loving community, jlihgs of partisanship were exhibited by loud expressions of opin- in emphatic language rather than by active participation. Men I women espoused the cause of one side or the other. Some 3ats were passed, but no serious collisions occurred. Mrs. Goddard took a firm and determined stand in support of the tits of her brother to the claim. "While Laird and Stevens were ring or knocking the boards from the roof on which Gere stood, I observed a second load of Gere's furniture approaching from the t ; they had gone down the prairie and come up along the river, shing toward the team and brandishing a .cudgel, which she ght up on the first alarm, Mrs. Goddard ordered the driver to p, and, taking the horses by the bridles, led them back across the 3 of the claim and told the driver to leave as soon as possible, thout a show of resistance- the teamster drove off. The team onged to John Evans. In speaking of the occurrence afterward, ink Ourtiss, the driver, said it was not the first time he had been PERSONAL PAEAGEAPHS. 313 captured by a woman, and he did not propose to get into a quarrel with Mrs. Goddard. It was charged that Elder Hamilton had a foreknowledge of G-ere's design, and had selected one of his most interesting and lengthy sermons to give him ample opportunity to accomplish his purpose unmolested. "Aunt Catharine" says "that was not so. Elder Hamilton and John C. were alwg,ys warm friends, but Elder Ely knew all about it, for he kept going out every few minutes as if to see if a steamboat was coming. I know Elder Hamilton was on John's side that day, because he beckoned' to me, and when I went over to where he was sitting on one of the chairs he said, ''The boys had better tear' the shanty down now they are at it.' I told the boys and they tore, the whole thing down without disturbing Mrs. Gere, and left her sitting in her rocking-chair on the bare prairie." As soon as the shanty was demolished the /fexcitement subsided and all started for their homes, leaving Laird and Gere to watch each other and hold the claim. Mrs. Gere went to her own shanty and sent her husband his supper, while Mrs. Goddard bountifully furnished rations for JohnC, who stood guard over his promiscuous pile of lumber. The night was a cold, disagreeable one ; a chilly west wind swept over the bleak prairie and compelled the lonely, unsocial watchmen to keep in motion to preserve proper circulation. Although each , had a blanket in which they wrapped themselves, Mr. Laird formed a windbreak of boards. Mr. Gere solicited the loan of a few bo4rds for a like protection, but Laird objected to his lumber being used for such purposes. Finding it impossible to get any rest while so uncomfortable, Gere called to Laird about midnight and said — "I have a proposition to make to you which I think will be of advantage to both of us. I have no more confidence in your honesty than I have in men gen- erally, but I believe you wiU keep your word when you make a promise. Ifow, suppose we agree to let this claim matter remain just where it is, without either of us doing anything until to- morrow ; we can then go home and get some sleep." Mr. Laird was amused at the proposition, but did not object to it. The two^ men solemnly pledged themselves to leave the claim undistijrbed until the next morning, and bidding each other " good night " in more social tones than they had previously observed, they left the locality. 14 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. Botli parties made their appearance at sunrise, and hostilities ere resumed. Mr. Laird rebuilt liis shanty, but moved to another •cation nearer the river and a little below, on what is now block 5 I Laird's addition. Gere tried for two or three months to obtain Dssession, but without effect, the cold weather interfering with any 3tive measures. On the night of January 24, 1853, while 'Mr. aird was temporarily absent from the prairie, his shanty was torn own and the lumber destroyed — chopped in pieces., Mr. Laird ailt another cabin on the same ground. It is said that this destruo- on of the claim-shanty was effected by a young man employed by rere for that purpose, who received a hundred pounds of flour for is services. Satisfied that it would not be possible for him to get . possession ad hold it against the opposition he had to contend with, Mr. Gere ppealed to Justice Bums for aid to remove the trespasser, feeling onfident that a select jury would award him his rights. There were at this time two justices in this vicinity, George M. rere, on Wabasha prairie, and John Burns, at the mouth of Bums alley. Jabez McDermott, of Wabasha prairie, was constable. In ebmary, H. C. Gere sued John C. Laird before John Bums, Esq., )r trespass, etc., to get possession of the claim. The trial by jury ime off in March. This was the first jury trial ever held in this art of the territory — the first jury ever called in what is now S'^inona county. The court was held in the upper part of the ■ Viets House " (the old Winona House), which was then unfin- ihed, Squire Burns having adjourned the court from his office at is hou^e'to this place to accommodate all parties interested. The •ial was considered an important event by the settlers. Mr. Gere engaged the professional services of Mr. Flint, a law- er living in La Crosse, and of Andrew Cole, of Wabasha prairie. Ir. Cole was then the only practicing attorney living on the west ide of the river. Mr. Laird had for counsel and management of is defense, a lawyer from La Crosse by the name of French. The iry impaneled to try the case was George W. Clark, Scott Clark, >. S. Holbrook, William Hewitt, W. H. Coryell and Hiram lampbell. This being the first iinportant case brought before Squire Bums, is inexperience in his official position made it necessary for him to 3ek advice as to his own duties. He selected as his confidential iviser the "home attorney." He was personally acquainted with PERSONAL PA.EAGEAPH8. 315 Mr. Cole, and had great confidence in his opinions of law. This peculiarity in the case excited some comment from outsiders, — Mr. Cole being attorney for the plaintiff, but no charges were ever made that any improper or unjust proceedings were entertained by the court. Notwithstanding the very marked eccentricities exhibited by the squire, his court and official position was duly respected. His comical expressions and blundering style of doing business afforded considerable amusement during the trial, and were subjects for many a hearty laugh for a long time afterward. About two days were spent in the examinations of witnesses and speech-making by the attorneys before the case was submitted to the jury. After due deliberation it was- ascertained that there was no probability of the jury agreeing, and they were discharged. The court adjourned until the next Monday, March li, at which time another jury was impaneled and the trial of the case again re- peated. In the first trial the jury stood five for the defendant and one for the plaintiff. The one who stood out against his fellow jurors was Hiram Campbell. The jury on the second trial was John lams, S. A. Hoiick, H. B. Waterman, Wm. L. Luark, S. D. Putnam, and Elijah Silsbee, all residents of Minnesota City except the last. After about the same amount of tinae consumed as with the first trial the case was given to the jury, and at about 11 o'clock at night, March 16, the jury decided unanimously in favor of the plaintiff, Henry C. Gere. The next morning Mr. Laird and Wm. "H. Stevens started for La Crosse, and took the lawyers home. The condition of the ice in the river would not permit of delay — even then traveling on the river was unsafe. The ice in the river appeared as if it might break up in a few days. It did leave the river in front of the prairie on the 20th of March. Mr. Laird left the claim in charge of Mrs. Groddard to hold until his return, not supposing that any movement would be made be- fore that time. Mrs. Goddard, with a young lady. Miss Salina Kellogg, of La Crosse, who was up on a visit, accordingly took pos- session of the shanty, with a firm determination to hold the fort. The suit had been decided in Gere's favor, and he became anx- ious to get the claim into his possession before Mr. Laird ' should have an opportunity to appeal to a higher court, as he had given notice that he should do on his return. Under the management of t> HISTORY OF WnSrONA COITNTT. r. Cole, his attorney, judgmeijt was entered up against Mr. Laird the justice's docket, and an attachment issued to take possession his property for the payment of the costs in the suit. A writ of ititution was also issued, under which it was supposed possession uld be acqui]:ed and the claim held. The constable, McDermott, was friendly and in fiill sympathy th Mr. Laird, and was also a boarder with Mrs. Goddard. Before i papers were placed in his hands, he notified Mrs. Goddard' of the jceedings, and arranged with her a plan of defense. He aided 3m to procure material and barricade the building, so as to resist assault ;if Gere and his friends attempted to take forcible posses- >n of the shanty. It was supposed that they were provided with aarms. Being forewarned, they had the courage to believe that 3y would be able to resist the officer of the law, with his consent, d hold Gere and his friends at bay until the return of Mr. Laird )m La Orosse. , ^ Learning from McDermott that the yoke of oxen would be ;ach'ed when they came across the river from their work, Mrs. )ddard sent for the cattle and had them brought over and chained a post by the side of the shanty, while the constable had busiaess lewhere. "When the writ was placed in McDermott's hands he went down the claim. As he advanced, Mrs. Goddard warned him that if yone attempted to come near the shanty' it would be at their own ril. The constable withdrew to a safe distance and apparently lited for a more favorable opportunity to perform his official duties. 3ither Mr. Gere or any of his friends ventured within short range the cabin where Mrs. Goddard and Miss Kellogg stood guard, d, to the surprise of the settlers, successfully resisted the execution the law and boldly defied any one who should dare molest em. These two women held the claim and retained possession of the en until Mr. Laird returne(l from La Crosse with the money to fray the expenses of the suit, which had been the principal object his trip. He at once paid the cost and appealed the case to the iiited States district court. The writ of restitution was never forced. Of the proceedings in the district court, nothing official can be irned. It is said that, from some cause, judgment in the justice's urt was suspended and the case dismissed. Mr. Laird was never PERSONAL PARAGRAPHS. 317 afterward disturbed in Ms possession of the claim. It is now known as Laird's Addition. Although Mr. Gere never made any actual attempts to obtain possession of the claim, he several times threatened suits tor its recovery. Mr. Laird soon found that a little money would stop all proceedings — less than the fee of a lawyer to defend the case. Gere consulted about every lawyer that located here for the next two or three years. He was among the first clients of Hon. Judge Wilson, when he came here in 1855. Mr. Wilson, then a young lawyer, became interested in the story of Gere, and, considering it an im- portant case, at once commenced suit against Mr. Laird. He was greatly surprised a day or two after to leaim from his client that, on account of a satisfactory arrangement with Mr. Laird, he wished to stop all proceedings against him. The lawyers never shared in these periodical settlements. When Gere again ran short of funds, he again called on his attorney to bring suit against Laird, but Mr. Wilson indignantly refused to have anything further to do with the case. Mr. Laird became a permanent settler on Wabasha prairie, where ne was prominently identified with public and private enter- prises which tended to the development of the resources of the county. Although for many years Mr. Laird gave his attention to the cultivation of a large farm in the eastern part of Olmsted county, and lived there with his family a portion of each year, he has maintained an interest in Winona county and occupied his resi- dence in the city of Winona. John C. Laird now lives on the same claim he "jumped" from Henry C. Gere, on Wabasha prairie, in the fall of 1852. His pres- ent, residence is within two blocks of where his claim-shanties stood whUe contesting possession with Mr. Gere. This is the only instance where any one of the original claimholders of land' on Wabasha prairie, now the city of Winona, is living on the claim he held in 1862, and with one exception Mr. Laird is the only one in the city living on land which they held prior to the sale of public lands in 1855. A part of the original claim of Captain Smith, claim No. 1, was pre-empted by John Keyes. His widow and family are yet resi- dents of that locality. , . Li the spring of 1853 Mr. Laird built quite a stylish and com- fortable one-story house, with two wings, on his claim, and made it his headquarters. He brought up a breaking-team of three yoke 318 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. of large oxen and two large breaking-plows. His reason for having two plows to one team was, that he found it economical to send his plows to Galena by steamboat for repairs — to keep his team at work an extra plow was necessary. This team he kept busy breaking for the settlers by tl^e acre during the season, under the management of A.. B. Smith. Mr. Laird started the first livery stable in. the county of Winona. The heavy horses and wagons he furnished for hire ^n 1853 would lardly represent the business if compared with the dashing turn- outs now furnished from the " liverieS/" in the city of Winona. Although not strictly the first man to deal in lumber, Mr. Laird ivas the first to commence the business and estabish a lumber-yard br the retail of lumber as a regular business occupation. He com- menced the lumber business a little above where the sawmill of Laird, Norton & Co. now stands. His little retail yard was the lucleus from which the vast lumber establishments and immense jusiness of Laird, Norton & Co. has been developed. John C. Laird was once a member of this firm, but withdrew from it many rears ago. It was through him and his influence that many of our )est citizens came into this county. In the summer of 1852 Enos P. Williams, who made the claim lext east of that held by Beecher Gere, traded it to B. B. Healy for hree or four village lots in La Crosse. Mr. Williams had made no mprovement except a pretense of a garden. He was then living n La Crosse, where he remained for three or four years, after which le came up the river and settled in this county, in what is now the own of Utica, where he yet resides. Mr. Healy built quite a comfortable house on the Williams claim md placed a man on it to hold possession. The claimkeeper neg- ected his charge and it was jumped by Eufus Emerson, who was smployed by 'Andrew Cole. Mr. Healy contested the matter, and ifter a suit or two at law recovered possession of the claim and then Lisposed of it to Rev. H. S. Hamilton, who bought it for some of lis relatives, John I. and Harvey Hubbard. It was then called the ohn I. Hubbard claim, and is now known as Hubbard's Addition to he plat of Winona. . But few claims were made in the southern part of what is now /P^inona county during the season of 1852.' Two or three were elected on Pine creek, one or two along the river and in the valleys. Hamilton McOollum settled on the river in the lower part of the PEESONAI, PARAGRAPHS. 319 county. His house was for a year or two a favorite stopping- place for travelers by land on the trail between Winona and La- . Crosse. James Campbell, a Scotchman, settled in Cedar creek valley three or four miles from its mouth. William and Robert Campbell came not long after. Mr. Campbell now holds a large amount of land in that vicinity, where he yet resides. Leonard Johnson lived with W. B. Bunnell for a year or two, and then with Frank Wilson started a wood-yard at Johnson's Point, below the present village of Homer. Mr. Johnson is yet a resident of the county, living in the town of Pleasant Hill, on a farm selected by him in an early day. Harry Herrick, for many years a man of all work for Bunnell, made a claim in Burns valley, about two miles above its mouth, where the road crosses the stream. He built a small log cabin, which is yet standing and is a part of the old building on the upper side of the road, east of the bridge. / Mr. Herrick held this claim for a year or two, when he sold it and went back to live with Bunnell; where he died two or three years after. The claim was purchased by Rev. Edward Ely, and was long known as the " Ely claim." It is now a part of the farm of Mr. Henry Bitner. William Hewett came into the county in the latter part of this season and made a claim in Bums valley, next above Herrick. He built a frame house near the big spring next to the road and settled there with his family. This house was burned down several years after. A log house now occupies the same site. Mr. Hewett occupied the locality for two or three years and then sold out and left this part of the country. i Joseph S. Wilson selected his claim in Burns valley, next above Hewett's, where Charles Miller now has a stock-farm. He built his claim shanty about where the present farm buildings stand, near the spring. His first shanty was only designed to show that the claim was "occupied by a settler." He left his claim in the care of Roderick Kellogg until the next spring, when he returned with his family, built a comfortable house and opened up a farm, which he cultivated for three or four years. He then sold his fai-m and moved into Winona, where he carried on the business of harness- making until about 1880, when he went west and located in the territory -of Dakota. Mr. Wilson was a well-known cjtizen of the 320 HISTORY OF "WLPrONA COUNTY. county. The town of Wilson was given its name from hina, h being one of its oldest settlers and the best known in that locality The same season that Mr. Wilson brought his family to live ii Burns valley, a German by the name of Schabe, or Schape, madi a claim above Wilson's. He built a log house near the spring by th side of the road and lived there until his death, ten or twelve j^r ago. This house was the last one in that direction until the sprinj of 1854. The -log house built by Mr. Schape was standing until within thi past year. On Christmas day, 1882, the writer passed the locality and found the present owner of the property tearing down the ol( house. The timber of which it was composed was apparently sound the oak logs were hard and dry ; the oak shingles, or more properly shakes, were sound on the under side, but much worn on the oute: side. L man by the name of Blodgett made a claim in West Bum valley, where P. B. Palmer now lives. He brought with him i small herd of cows a;nd lived on this claim during the summer While here he lost two children from sickness. He sold out hii stock and abandoned the claim in the fall and went back down th( nver. In the fall of this year A. B. Smith came to Wabasha prairie, an( for awhile had the west half of the McDermott claim — the eight; next west of the claim owned by Dr. Childs. It was said that h( was holding this for Mr. Healey, by whom he was employed. I was difficult to tell who was the real owner of the claim; it wai jumped several times by different individuals. It was sold by Mc Dermott to David Olmsted. Mr. Smith did not reside on an; claim, although he held several. Prior to his coming here he ha( been engaged in lumbering business, cutting and rafting, and as i pilot in running lumbfer down the Ohio and on the Mississipp rivers. He spent the winter as a regular boarder with Mrs. God dard, and married the widow the following season. A. B. Smith was well known to all of the -early settlers as a bote keeperj — as the landlord of the old "Minnesota House," built b; him in 1853, on the comer of Center and Second streets, where S C. White's store now stands. He was also the proprietor of th( " Wabasha, Prairie House," which stood on the corner of Front am Franklin streets, built by him in the summer of 1855. While living here he suddenly left home in the night, without the family or an; PERSONAL PARAGRAPHS. 323 le connected with the house being aware , of his intentions to do I. Nothing of a certainty was ever learned relative to any circum- ances connected with his mysterious disappearance. It was known lat at about that time he was accustomed to carry a considerable im of money about his person. He sometimes indulged freely in itq^cating drinks. It was generally supposed that he had been ully dealt with — probably murdered for his money and his body frown into the river. Suspicion rested on some with whom he miliarly associated at about that time, but no evidence was ever icured that appeared to justify making aQy arrests. There was D proof of his death. During the latter part of this season Koderick Kellogg came 3 from La Crosse to do some mason-work for the settlers on Wabasha prairie. He was a competent mechanic in his line of busi- 3S8, and a man of more than usual abilities and general informa- on, but his intemperate habits had isolated him from his family, ^e was readily induced to come here and work at his trade, although lere was but little to do, because, as he expressed himself, he would by so doing, get away fi-om the temptation of the hell-holes here intoxicating drinks could at all times be procured." Mr. Kellogg was, for a year or so, benefited by the change, but when le hell-holes opened in Winona he found them, although they ere small ones. The first regular mason-work done in this county was by Rod- ick Kellogg. His first job of work was on Wabasha prairie, here he plastered two rooms for Kev. Edward Ely, on the corner 'Center and Second streets. This was the first plastered house in e county. His next job of plastering was the lower rooms in the Yiets House," afterward known as the Winona House- — it stood 1 Front street, on the levee. The first brick chimney built in the lunty was by Mr. Kellogg, in the Viets House. His third job of astering and chimney-building was in a small one-story house of ^0 rooms built by Johnson for Andrew Cole, on lot 4, block 10. )hnson's original claini shanty, on claim No. i, was torn down id used in the construction of this building. These three build- gs were the only houses in the county with plastered rooms until e season of 1853. Nearly all of the mason-work required by the settlers of this einity was done by Mr. Kellogg. He worked at his trade here r three or four years, and then went back to La Crosse. He 19 324 HISTORY OF "WINONA COUNTY. iwned the lot on the corner of Franklin and Secpnd streets, wh( Rohweder's meat-market now .stands. In the spring of 1853 3uilt a small one-story house on the corner, about 12x20, plastei aside and outside. This he occupied as his residence — his fam iving in La Crosse. He also built the house which stands on 1 3ame lot next to the alley. It was at one time used as a hotel. Roderick Kellogg was an industrious man, seldom idle if th( was anything to do, except when intoxicated ; then he was inclin ;o be quarrelsome. He was a handy man of all work, and when t engaged at his ti-ade he was always ready to undertake any sm: obs for the settlers, such as rough carpenter work, gardening, ei Mr. Kellogg always found a sympathizing friend in Rev. M Ely, who had, from his first acquaintance with him, taken an int- 3st in trying to bring about a reform in his life, but without succei ;he series of efforts were balanced, by a like series of failur( AilerMr. Ely engaged in mercantile business, in 1854, he sometim bund Mr. Kellogg's services about the store a convenience, and imes employed him. On one occasion Kellogg made his appef mce when partially intoxicated. He was told that his services we lot needed while in that condition. He attempted by argument show that he was not drunk — that he knew what he was aboi ilthough he had taken a drink. His remarks became insulting, ai Mr. Ely told him to leave the store — to go away and not come ba igain, for he would have nothing more to do with him. Kellogg went outside and became noisy and abusive — attracti: :he attention of the idlers about (of whom the writer was oni Becoming excited in his harangue, he fairly jumped up und dow mtil suddenly he stopped, as if strongly impressed with a new id )f retaliation for the fancied wrong done him, and exclaimed, '^ D jTOu, Elder Ely ! I'll get even with yoii yet — I'll go and jump yo ;laim for this." He at once turned and marched off.down the stre IS if his determination was a fixed one. He did not attempt to car )ut his threat, for when sober he respected the elder. The idea w I popular one, that the greatest wrong that could"t)e inflicted on settler was to jump his claim. i During the latter part of the season John and Kufas Emersc brothers, came into this county and settled on Wabasha prair Fohn Emerson had a wife and two or three children. After lookii ibout for awhile he selected a location south of the Evans claii oward the upper end of the lake. He built a shanty on it and mai POSTOFFIOES. 325 t his hom'e, with his family, for about two years, when he sold it to Cdwin Foster. Taylor'.s Addition i^ a part of the Emerson claim. i.r. Emerson moved to the western part of the county, where he ocated himself on a farm. Eufus Emerson was a single man. Without permanently locating limself, he speculated in claims by taking possession of some un- iccupied land (jumping claims) and selling out his interest to other lettlers. He was identified with several difficulties where claim- umpirig was charged, either for his own individual benefit or as an smploye of others. He pre-empted a claim on the bottom-land vest of Gilmore's. Rufus Emerson built a house on the Stevens ilaim in the spring of 1854. This h6use is yet standing. It is on Second Street, between Market and Franklin streets, on lot 2, block 14:3. This building was constructed from lumber found floating lown the river and picked up at different times. Emerson sold it >efore it was completed. It was afterward clapboard^d and finished )y "W. H. Stevens, into whose hands it fell. CHAPTER XXXlI. POSTOFFIOES. During the season of 1852 there were two postoffices created in ;his county by the postoffice department, although there was but )ne in regular operation until about the beginning of the following fear. The first was at Minnesota City, with Robert Pike, Jr., as Dostmaster. The other at Wabasha prairie, with George G. Barber 18 postmaster. - The office at Minnesota City was established with the proviso ;hat the mails should be transported, free of charge to the depart nent, to and from the nearest postoffice on the Mississippi. The nails were made up and received in regular form at this office, )ut no regular carrier employed. The special mail-bag provided, fras usually carried by some of the colonists who chanced to go to La Crosse, the nearest postoffice on the river, or it was taken to Wabasha prairie and sent down by the boats. On certain days, ibout every week, the mail-bag was brought up from La Crosse by 326 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. the boats aild left at WabaBha prairie, where some one from t colony awaited its arrival. Prior to this all mail matter belong! to the members of the association was usually carried and look after by the settlers of the colony. It was usual for the postmaster at La Crosse to deliver to sor well known settler all of the mail matter of the settlement to whi he belonged. Where parties were well known, their letters wt sometimes sent to them by the clerks of the boats, to be lefb at th( nearest landing-place. In this way Nathan Brown received lette at his landing. Bunnell -tbok charge of all mail matter for Bunnel landing, and in the early part of the season all letters for settle on Wabasha prairie were left in the care of Johnson. During the summer and early part of the winter the Eev. E ward Ely made frequent visits between .Wabasha prairie and ] Orosse. A portion of the time his family was living at the latt place. When he brought his family to Johnson's landing, he f awhile occupied Johnson's claim shanty on claim No. 4. His fi quent trips between the two places were made the means by whi( the settlers on Wabasha prairie received and sent awayjheir letter Mr. Ely always made it a duty to bring up all mail matter b longing to this locality, and was accustomed to carry it about wil him until distributed to the settlers, who usually flocked around hi; as soon as his arrival was known. This was readily ascertains for it was the usual custom for everybody to visit the landing on tl arrival of a steamboat from below. All letters sent by the boa were then left in his care lor delivery. It was from this matter ( accommodation, and from his custom of carrying all letters about h person, the traditional story originated, that "in the early days ( the settlement of this county the postoffice was in Elder Ely's hat." The second postoffice in the county was on Wabasha prairie. '. was called Montezuma ; the postmaster was George G. Barbe The first movement toward making application for this offic originated with the Wabasha Protection Club. Mention has alread been made that a majority of the members of this organizatio were residents of La Crosse, who held claims on this side of ti river, many of them never residents of the territory. The laws < the club allowed its members to hold claims for six months withoi making a residence on them, and with but nominal improvementi The members were pledged to aid each other in retaining possessio during that time. This law conflicted with the Uidted States ah POSTOFFICES. 327 erritorial claim laws, and led to frequent differences among tlie irly settlers. . At one of the meetings of the club the necessity of a postoflSce' as discussed and action taken in favor of making application to 16 postofifice department. A hlank petition was signed, but the rawing up of tjie necessary papers and forwarding the same was jferred to Andrew Cole, a lawyer in La Crosse and a member of le club. It was then supposed, and generally understood, that the jcretary, Abner S. Goddard, would be recommended in the petition )r postmaster, and that the name of the postoffice would be (Tabasha prairie. When the papers were drawn up, the attorney, with the approval f some of the members of the club, inserted Montezuma as the ame of the postoffice, and recommended George G. Barber as post- laster. Mr. Barber was a resident of La Crosse. He had made a [aim in Gilmore valley early in the spring, but never improved it. he hlcmk petition filled out at La Crosse was forwarded to the ostoffice department and the appointment duly made. Mr. Barber jceived his commission about the middle of June, gave the squired bonds and took the oath of office. He came up to make is arrangements for supplying the settlers of Wabasha prairie with leir mail and offered the position of deputy-postmaster to Mr. ioddard, who indignantly refused to accept the position. Mr. larber returned to La Crosse without being able to secure a deputy, he settlers on Wabasha prairie declined the honor, — the only istance in the history of this county where official position has been enerally declined. No improvements were made in postal facilities ; "the elder" jntinued to carry the " mail in his hat." About the 20th of July lyron Yiets moved up from La Crosse and accepted the position of eputy-postmaster from Mr. Barber. Mr. Yiets did not open the office regularly. The mails were lade up and distributed as before, at La Crosse. The only additional dvantage afforded was that the mail was carried by the boats in a mvas bag without a lock. By request of Mr. Yiets, the elder istributed the contents of the bag left in his charge as he had reviously done. The settlers were dissatisfied with the appointment of a non- jsident-as postmaster, who Hved thirty miles away. The name of [ontezuma was equally objectionable, although Johnson had 28 HISTORY or WINONA COUNTY. iopted it as the name of the town-site, then just plotted by John lall on "Wabasha prairie. A public meeting was called to consider the matter and the uestion freely discussed. All united in a petition to the postoffice epartment lor the appointment of Abner S. Goddard as postmaster I place of George G. Barber, a resident of another state. Nearly II petitioned to have the name of the office changed from Monte- iima to "Winona. In. discussing this change several names were roposed, "Winona, "Wabasha, Wabasha City, Prairie and Ozelle. he name of Winona was adopted by a majority of one when the ote was taken. It is now uncertain who first suggested the name of Winona. t has been said that it was proposed by Captain Smith. Some are qually positive that it was suggested by Dr. Balcombe. Others ly it was Dr. Childs. Dr. Childs was noted for his peculiarity of iving names to localities, and, to all animals in his possession. ri]m,9re valley was called by him "Winona valley," about the time le name of Winona was selected as the name of the postoffice. Letters in the* hands of Mrs. Calista Balcombe, the widcjw f Dr. John L. Balcombe, show that Dr. Balcombe, Mr. How- rd and Ed. Hamilton, then the proprietors of No. 6, the Ham- ton claim urged upon Captain Smith the propriety of calling ie new town plot Wabasha. This Captain Smith consented to o, provided he could induce Alexis Bailey to have the name f the postoffice at Wabasha changed, but Bailey would not con- 3nt. They then proposed to call it Wabasha City, and adopted le name themselves for use in their correspondence. Dr. Bal- ombe was always anxious to have a Dakota name given to the 3wn. Neither Captain Smith nor the proprietors of claiin No. 5 rere present when the name of Winona was adopted. The post- ffice department promptly changed the name of the postoffice to V^inona and appointed Mr. Goddard postmaster. When his com- lission arrived he was lying on his bed of sickness, from which e never recovered. He died before he was able to qualify for the osition. The postoffice was without a legal postmaster. The oats, however, carried the mails between La Crosse and the prairie, rhere they were taken care of by the volunteer postmaster. Elder 3y obtained possession of the keys and acted in that capacity with- ut taking the oath of office required, from those who handle the Jnited States mail. No mails were made up or officially received ' POSTOFFICES. 329 at this office. This duty was performed at La Crosse. The elder was simply acting in the same capacity of messenger that he had been previously doing, except instead of carrying the letters "in his hat " he was accommodated with a mail bag. The faithfulness shown by Mr. Ely in his attention to this self-imposed duty was satisfactory to the settlers. Among the traditional anecdotes of the early days is one showing the zeal of the elder in the performance of his duties. He received the mail bag froni the boat and also de- livered it with the letters to be posted at La Crosse. It was his custom to preach here on Sundays when not engaged at La Crosse, where he had regular appointments, alternating with Elder Hamil- ton — ^one preaching on one Sunday and the other on the next. While holding forth eloquently to an attentive congregation in his own shanty, on one of his days to spealj to the people, the settlers were suddenly and unexpectedly startled by the whistle of a steam- boat approaching the landing. The elder brought his sermon to a close very abruptly, with the remark, "There's a boat from be- low," and hastened to the levee to receive the expected mail. The elder denies having any recollection of this occurrence. Those who arefemiliar with his eccentricities believe it. George W. Clark says it is true, for he was one of his audience — that the elder stopped short in one of the best sermons he ever heard him attempt to delivei-, and left his astonished congregation to ponder on the finale of the discourse if completed, or to follow him to the levee and see if there was any one on the boat that they knew, and inquire for long ex- pected letters when the elder had secured the United States mail bag. To remedy all . difficulties arising from the irregularities of mail facilities, a meeting of the settlers was called to take the matter under consideration and recommend a candidate to fill the vacancy of postmaster. The Rev. Edward Ely was selected for the position by an unanimous vote, and a petition, signed by all oh the prairie, forwai'ded to the department in Washington. At this meeting an eflGort was made to again change the name of the postoffice — to call it Wabasha City — but the matter yas settled by a vote, and one majority for Winona. The elder says that his vote retained the name of Winona. Elder Ely duly received his commission and became the lawful postmaster at Winona, on Wabasha prairie, where he had had the distribution of letters that came by mail about nine months unofficially. The first regular mail made up by him after receiving 330 • HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. his appointment was on the 8th day of January, 1853. The oflB was in his residence on the corner of Center and Second street where now the "Ely block" stands. Mr. Ely held this positi( until early in the spring of 1855, when he was superseded by J. "V Downer, and the postoffice removed to the "Downer building which stood about midway between Market and Walnut streets, ( the north side of Front street. , This change was a political movement. When the United Stat land-oflGlce was established at Winona and the little settlement Johnson's landing began to assume some importance it w considered advisable that the postmaster should be one in sympatl with the party in power. The administration was democratic, ai as the elder was of different political faith the services of tl pioneer postmaster were no longer- required. The first marriage on Wabasha prairie, now the city of Winon and the first marriage within the present boundaries of this count was that of S. K. Thompson and Mrs. Sutherland, on the 9th November, 1852. The" marriage ceremony was performed by tl Kev. Edward Ely at his own house, where the parties were stoppii temporarily while waiting for a down boat to take them to LaCross S. K. Thompson was among the first arrivals here in the spriuj Without locating himself on a claim he had remained on Wabasl prairie during the season and made his home with John Evans. I was about forty-five years old, a man of good general intelligem and of dignified personal appearance. Mrs. Sutherland was widow about forty years of age. She came here with her brothe O. S. Holbrook, and kept house for him until her marriage, afti which Thompson and Holbrook lived together for awhile c Ilolbrook's claim, which he had discovered lying south of ar adjoining the McDermott claim, until Thompson made a claim ba( of the lake and moved on it. The claim; back of the lake, made by George Wallace early : the spring of 1852, had laid during this season with but little, if an thing, to show that it was claimed. Its exposed situation was temptation for some one without a claim to watch. The Rev. M Ely had not, as yet, taken a claim. On the 2d of December, 185: he, with his axe on his shoulder, crossed the lake on the ice ai jumped Wallace's claim. He took possession by, chopping do\( some trees arid blazing others, on which he conspicuously display* his name. POSTOFFICES. 331 Mr. Wallace was a nephew of Thompson's wife, the late "Widow Sutherland. Considering the Wallace claim to be a family posses- sion which should be guarded, Thompson jumped it from Mr. Ely on January 15, 1853, while the elder was at La Crosse holding a series of revival meetings for which he had been employed. The elder was too much engaged in his professional labors to devote his time and attention to the protection of his rights, and Thompson estab- lished himself on the claim by building a cabin on it, which he occu- pied with his wife; Mr. Thompson afterward bought the claim of Geofge Wallace and built a comfortable frame house, a story and a half building, in which he lived for ten or twelve years, or while he remained in this part of the country. The house is yet standing, and forms part of the present farmhouse qf Mr. John Zenk. # S. K. Thompson was a gentlemanly appearing man in dress and manners, and always seemed to have control of funds to engage in business. He held official positions, — was county commissioner, and for several years was justice of the peace. In his younger days he had been a merchant in Ohio. For about ten years before set- tling in this county he had been engaged in speculative investments along the upper Mississippi. He was for awhile in business as a merchant at Winona. It has been already related that when Elijah Silsbee sold his claim in 1854, he, with Charles S. Hamilton, started a store on the corner of Front and Center streets. About January 1, 1856, they dissolved partnership, Mr. Silsbee retaining the stock of goods. Soon after this S. K. Thompson bought the goods and carried on the business for about one year. In the fall of 1855 he purchased quite a large stock of general merchandise, groceries, etc. During the winter he sold out to Burr Deuel and Luke Blair. The incidents of this sale, are noted to show something of the manner of doing business at that date. When Mr. Thompson sold out to Deuel & Blair he gave possession at once, and was to receive the first pay- ment as soon as the inventory was taken, and theibalance in notes of the firm. The inventory was taken by Thompson and Holbrook. Before the inventory was completed enough was realized from sales to make the fii'st payment. The notes for the balance at six and twelve months were paid before due, the firm buying their own paper through an agent, A. P. Foster, at a liberal discount of 3 per cent per month. A portion of the Silsbee stock had been damaged by the sinking of the barge in which it was brought up the river in 332 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. 1854. To get rid of all of the unsalable goods, auction sales wer( held, at which "Uncle Luke" was himself the auctioneer and a pop ular salesman. . It was a current report that D. & B. made abou $3,000 clear in this transaction before the opening of navigation ii the spring, when they renewed their stock. Two or three years before Mr. Thompson left this part of th( country the community was somewhat startled to learn that he hac two wives, a mari-ied daughter and a very aifectionate adoptee daughter living with him in his house across the lake back of "Wino na. Some inquisitive ones, whose sensibilities were shocked by th( revelations, attempted "to have the affair investigated by the granc jury, to whom complaint was made, but the harmony of the happ] family prevented a full expose of the scandal. After remaining her( about a year the wife with the married daughter moved to Nebraska Thompson followed in a year or two after with wife No. 2 and tht adopted daughter. It is rumored th^t Thompson and wife No. i died from the effects of poison in Nebraska. The stores started by Mr. Robertson at Minnesota City, an( Mr. Den man at Wabasha prairie, were closed out early in the fall To procure their supplies for the winter, the settlers sent orders t( Galena by the boats; some combined and bought their groceriei and provisions at wholesale prices through Mr. Denman as agent Mr. Johnson went down to Galena and purchased goods for the settlers on the prairie. These supplies were brought up by th( Nominee on her last trip and left at La Crosse on November 15 Captain Smith was afraid to venture -farther up the river against th( ice that had began to form in the river. A severe snowstorn occurred on November 11, followed by intense cold, the thermome ter indicating several degrees below zero. Mr. Burley says that he went down to La Crosse with Mr. Den man, and was there when the Nominee turned back down the river They came up with Johnson the next day on foot, on the west sidi of the river; the snow was about six inches deep. They stayed a] night at Brown's. The news that their supplies were stopped a La Crosse was not very cheering to the settlers, for the most c them had but a limited amount on hand, and the prospect was tha they would be unable to procure more until the ice formed suflBcien to enp,ble them to travel on the river. The weather moderated, th snow melted away and the river cleared of ice. It was then expected POSTOFFICES. 333 that the steamboats would again come up and bring their freight, but no boats ventured on another trip. On December 9 a party of five men from the Rolling Stone, with half-a-dozen from Wabasha prairie, went down to La Crosse for the supplie's left by the Nominee, expecting to bring them up on one of the Black River boats. Among this party were D. Q. Burley, S. E. Cotton, Wm. T. Luark, J. S. Denman and Charles Bannan, of Minnesota City; from the prairie were E. H. Johnson, A. B. Smith, John C. Laird, George W. Clark, "Wm. H. Stevens 'and Peter Gorr. The weather became intensely cold and ice formed in the river, mak- ing the trip a laborious one. They reached Brown's the fir^t day ,from La Crosse, and stopped all night. The following day they landed their freight on the lower end of the prairie late in the even- ing. The boat was at once unloaded and started back to La Crosse under the pilotage of A. B. Smith and an assistant. Elder Ely also took passage down. They landed at Brown's and stayed until day- light, when they safely reached La Crosse without accident, although the channel was filled with floating ice. The settlers who remained in the colony and made their homes in Minnesota City during the winter of 1853-3 had comfortable cabins, in which they passed the winter. Some of these cabins were of logs, others were of boards. No cases of suffering from insufficient fpod or clothing were known in the settlement. Their principal employment was providing firewood for present use and laying in a supply for the ensuing year. After the sloughs were frozen over they engaged in chopping on the islands, cutting and banking steamboat-wood," getting out logs, timber, posts and rails for use in claim improvements. Their social enjoyments were quiet visits exchanged with each other and occasional meetings of the association. Among the incidents of the winter was the loss of the horses of S. M. Burns. On Christmas day he with his wife left their home on the bank of the river at what was afterward called Mt. Yernon, for the purpose of visiting the settlement at Minnesota City. He Started down on the ice with his horses and sleigh. While on Had- dock slough his horses broke through the ice and were drowned. Bums and his wife narrowly escaped the same fate. This team was the one Burns brought with him when he came to Minnesota. There was but one other team of horses in the north part of the county, that belonging to O. M. Lord, of Minnesota City. 334 HI8T0ET OF WINONA COTTNTY. Mr. Burns and his wife spent the day with their friends in tl colony. In the evening Mr. Lord took them up to their home wil his horses and sleigh, over the trail along the blufts. He came nei losing his own team while on this neighborly trip. In crossing ti run in the mouth of Deering's valley he missed the trail and droi below, where the banks were higher and drifted with snow. Tl horses attempted to jump across, but fell head first into the litt stream and were unable to rise. The long sleigh-tongue, whic projected two or three feet in front of the horses, was driven in1 the bank and held them fast. Their bodies formed a dam and tl water was soon pouring over their backs. Mr. Lord never travels without his ax ; he was a natural pioneer and prompt to act in casi of emergency. Although it was dark he comprehended tl difficulty, and with two or three blows with his ax severed the sleig tongue in the rear of the horses and set them at liberty, but m until they were nearly drowned. The tongue was soon repairc with cord brought along in the sleigh, and Mr. Lord made the tr without other accident. His team occupied Bums' stable until tl next morning. The following is a list of members of the Farm and Villa^ Association who settled in the colony at Rolling Stone in 1852 wi1 their families, and who in 1883 are .yet residents of that localit; O. M. Lord and wife, James Wright and wife, Egbert Chapman ar wife, Mrs. H. B. Waterman, Mrs. Pike (widow of Robert Pik Jr.,) and her daughter Emima, now Mrs. Frank D. Stewart, Robe Thorp and wife, E. B. Drew, S. E. Cotton and wife, Lawren( Dilworth and wife, Charles Bannon, S. D. Putnam and wif William Sweet, D. Q. Burley and H. Jones. H. B. Waterms resides in the State of New York. Rufus Waterman is Living : the city of Winona. The settlers on Wabasha prairie, like others along the river, the winter of 1852-3 engaged in cutting steamboat-wood, log timber, etc., on the island opposite. Among their social enjc ments was a general gathering and Christmas dinner held at tl Viets House, then occupied by Edwin Hamilton. At the Christm gathering held on the prairie twelve months before, Ed. Hamilt< was the chief cook and general manager of the bachelor dinnt At this second affair he was general manager, but Mrs. Godda had charge of the cooking department, although it is stated that E Hamilton provided a roast coon of his own preparation for the tab] rNCIDENTS. 335' This dinner was got up by a general contribtition of material from those "interested. Each family provided a part ; even the furniture and dishes were famished for the occasion. It is said by one who enjoyed it that the dinner was a good one. About half of the settlers on the prairie attended this gathering. Charles Bannon and S. E. Cotton with their wives were present from Eolling Stone. The following is a list of the settlers living on Wabasha prairie at that date : Kev. H. S. Hamilton, wife and two sons, Charles S. and Eugene ; Eev. Edward Ely, wife and two children, "Charlie" and "Nellie"; Dr. George F. Childs andjwife; Mrs. Goddard and son Charles ; George M. Gere, wife and a large family ; "Wm. B. Gere, Edwin Gere, Mary Gere, Henry C. Gere, wife and a large family ; Angelia Gere, Helen Gere, John Evans and wife, Abigal Evans, Boyal B. Evans, John Emerson, wife and children ; S. K. Thompson and wife, E. H. Johnson, Ed. Hamilton, George W. dark, Scott Clark, John C. Laird, Wm. H. Stevens, O. S. Hplbrook, Frank Curtiss; Eufus Emerson, A. B. Smith, Allen Gilmore, Caleb Nash, Jabez McDermott, Roberts and Elijah Silsbee. oOf the settlers living on Wabasha prairie at the close of the year 1852 the following are yet living in the county of Winona in 1883 : Mrs. Goddard, now known as Mrs. Catharine Smith, Elder Ely and wife, Wm. H. Stevens, John C. Laird, E.oyal B. Evans and George W. Clark. Without the aid of an official census, it was estimated by M. Wheeler Sargent "that the population within the present boundaries of Winona county on the 1st day of January, 1853, was about 350, of whom a majority were or had been members of the Western Farm and Village Association." CHAPTER XXXIH. INCIDENTS. Among the incidents of this winter at Winona, noted by Dr. Childs in his diary, was the following — " Sunday, January 30, 1853: Attended meeting ; Elder Hamilton preached. At night had the privilege of leading a prayer meeting at the house of Mr. Evans — the first prayer meeting ever held on the prairie ; Elder Ely present." ■ 336 HISTORY OF WINONA COITNTT. The building of the first bridge across the Gilmore valley cree the first bridge in this part of the county, is thus noted by E Childs — "Mdnday, January 31, 1853: Very mild, snow fast d appearing. Engaged building a bridge on the Winona creek, aid( by George and Scott Clark, Eoyal Evans, Edwin Hamilton ai Allen Gilmor^. Of all the men who voted at the meeting in fav of the work, pledging their assistance, from the village and low end of the prairie, but one was present." TJie following is also copied from the diary of Dr. Childs - "Sunday, February 27, 1853: Thawing, with rain; Allen G: more immersed. " At a prayer meeting held at Mr. Evans' on Su day, February 20, "Allen Gilmore expressed a wish to be ir mersed, which was decided to take place next Sabbath." This wi the first instance, of the observance of this religious ordinance : what is now the city of Winona. It is said that Rev. E. Ely of ciated at this baptism. An incident which occurred about the first of March of this yes (1853) will illustrate the reckless impulsiveness of Charles S. Han ilton; of whom mention: has been made. During the winter a pari of Winnebago Indians were camped over on the Trempeales bottoms, and for tha purpose of selling venison and fars and skii they frequently visited the settlement on the prairie. Aside froi being inveterate beggars, they were in no way troublesome. At tl time spoken bf, two of these Indians, who had been up to the vi lage, stopped at H. S. Hamilton's while on their way back to the camp. They asked permission to sharpen their knives on tl grindstone which stood outside. This was readily allowed t Charlie, who, with his young brother Eugene, were the pnly ones i home. The Indians quietly used the grindstone and started acroi the river on the ice. When they were at full long range distanc of his rifle from the house, Charlie, standing in the doorway, d liberately took aim and fired at them. One fell senseless. Fearir another shot, his comrade seized and dragged him beyond the ran^ of the gun. The wounded Indian, after lying a short time on the ici got up and, with the help of the other, went on over to the Trempe lean. The Winnebagoes complained to Bunnell of the unjustifiab' assault. Bunnell called at Elder Hamilton's to learn the cause ( the shooting, but Charldy had no excuse for the cowardly act exce] that he only shot at them to scare them, supposing they wei INCIDENTS. 337 . beyond the range of his rifle. The ball struck the Indian on the head and glanced off, inflicting a scalp-wound. The force was sufficient to knock hiua down and render him senseless without producing serious injuries. Bunnell warned Charley to be on his guard and take care of himself, for the Indian might attempt to retaliate if he had an opportunity. Charlie was afraid of the Winnebagoes after this occurrence, but no hostilities were ever threatened that was known. During the winter the matter of a county organization was a general topic of discussion among the settles along the river. The counties of Dakota and Wabashaw had remained unorganized, as they were created in 1849. The territorial legislature, during its session of 1853, divided th^m and made provision for several counties from these divisions. While this matter was under consideration the question of the establishment of the county seats of the new counties became an important matter ; almost every settlement pre- sented claims for the location of the county offices. Every settle- ment along the river in this part of Wabashaw county had lobby representatives in St. Paul for the purpose of securing the location of the county seat of this (Jivision. Minnesota City, Winona, Min- neowah and Brownsville were rivals/ for the honor. By a general act the legislature conferred the authority on the county commis- ■ sioners to locate the county seats. When Wabashaw county was divided and Fillmore county was created from tjie southern portion, March 5, 1853, its boundaries were described as "Beginning at the southwest corner of Wabashaw county, theaice southeast to the Iowa state line, thence east on said Iowa state line to the, Mississippi river, thence up the middle of said river to the mouth of the Minneska or White river, thence up said river on the south line of Wabashaw county to the place of begin- ning." The western boundary of Fillmore county was then supposed to include the present city of Rochester, in Olmsted county, and the present village of Chatfield in Fillmore county. Its northern and western boundaries were not clearly defined. The act by which Fillmore county was created declared it to be an organized county, "invested with all and singular the rights and privileges and immunities to which all organized counties are in this territory entitled to by law," and that it was the duty of the gover- nor "at so soon a time as possible to appoint all county officers, justices of the peace and constables, as said county may be entitled 338 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. to by law, who shall hold their offices until their successors shalH elected and qualified at the next general election." Wabashaw county, before it was divided, had no county sea The act creating Fillmore county provided as follows : "It shall 1 the duty of the first board of county commissioners which shall t hereafter elected in any county laid off in pursuance of this act, i soon after said board shall have been elected and qualified i provided by law, as the said board or a majority .of them sha determine, to locate the county seat of the county, and the locatio so made as aforesaid shall be the county seat of the county, to a intents and purposes, until otherwise provided by law. " Under this act the governor appointed the following officers Kegister of deeds, H. B. Stoll, o_f Minneo'trah ; treasurer, Erwin B Johnson, of Winona ; judge of probate, Andrew Cole ; sheriff, Job: lams. jThe justices of the peace previously appointed for Wabashai county were continued, viz, T. K. Allen, John Bums, Geo !M Gere and H. B. Waterman. The county commissioners appointee were Henry C. Gere, of Winona, Myron Toms, of Minneowah, am William T. Luark, of Minnesota City. The first meeting of the board of county commissioners, was hel at the " Winona House " on May 28. H. C. Gere was chairma: and H. B. Stoll as register of deeds was clerk. The business trans acted was the appointment of three assessors, — S. A. Houck, J. C Laird and Jeremiah Tibbets. The approval of the bond of sheri John lams, with O. M. Lord and E. B. Drew as sureties. The following names were ordered to be entered as a grand jur list for the June circuit court : H. B. Stoll, James F. Toms, Myroi Toms, Nathan Brown, Willard B. Bunnell, H. Carroll, Henry C Gere, George M. Gere, Wm. T. Luark, George H. Sanborn, Hai vey Hubbard, Isaac Hamilton, O. S. Holbrook, Wm. B. Gere, S A. Houk, S. A. Putnam, H. B. Waterman, E. B. Drew, 0. M Lord, T. K. Allen-, Egbert Chapman, A. A. Gilbert, Eober1|Taylo and A. P. Hall. The petit jurors for the same court were Edwin B. Gere, Job] Evans, Erastus H. Murray, Edwin Hamilton, William H. Stevens John C. LaiM, Alex. Smith, John Emerson, Erwin Johnson, Johi Burns, Frank Curtiss, George W. Clark, Scott Clark, Allen Gilmore H. B. Thompson, Isaac W. Simonds, Jerry Tibbets, Asa Pierce Fortune, S. J. Burnet, H. J. Harrington, William E. Hewitt Henry Herrick, Warren Kowell, James Kinkade, Fletcher INCIDENTS. ■ 341 Squire Day, A. T. Pentler, James Campbell, Thompson, Webster, Peter Gorr, O. H. Houk, J. S. Denman, Charles Bannan, S. E. Cotton, H. Stradling, Wm: H. Coryell, H. Hull, J. W. Bently, D. Q. l^urly, J. Nicklin, J. Wright, P. D. FoUett, K. Thorp, Louis Krutzly, Henry W. Driver, C> E. Coryell and Alex. McClintock. The second meeting of the board of county commissioners was held at the house of John Bums, in the mouth of Bums valley. Mr. Toms, Mr. Luark, and the clerk, StoU, were present, but there is no record of any business except to approve the bonds of the assessors, Mr. Toms acting as chairman. The next meeting was July 4, at Minneowah, at which no one was present except Mr. Toms and the clerk. "The chairman ad- journed to meet at Winona July 5." The next meeting was held piirsuant to adjournment, and the following entry afterward made on the record by Mr. StoU, who was not present. It was evidently designed as a squib at Wabasha prairie : " Winona, July 6, 1853 — H. C. Gere and Wm. T. Luark, commissioners, met pursuant to adjournment at the Winona hotel. Myron Toms, one of the absent commissioners, not being able to reach Winona on account of the high state of water and the then impassable gulf, the former commissioners adjourned to meet at the Winona Hotel July 9, 1853. Approved the bond of E. H. Johnson, county treasurer of Fillmore county. H. B. Stoll, clerk. " The office of H. B. Stoll, the register of deeds, was in the vil- lage of Minneowah. The first deed recorded was one from Isaac Van Etten to H. B. Stoll, dated January 4, 1863, and filed in the office May 11, 1853. This conveyed one half of Van Etten's inter- est in Minneowah. The consideration was $300. The first deed made in this county that was placed on record was a quit-claim from William B. Gere of part of his claim on Wabasha prairie to A. M. Fridley, of St. Paul. It is dated No- vember 1, 1852, but not filed for record until the 29th of June, 1853. , The consideration was $150. The acknowledgment was before George M. Gere, justice of the peace, November 4, 1852. ' The part of William B. Gere's claim transferred by this deed was eighty acres, on which the shanty of Henry C. Gere stood. The incidents of this transaction were given to the writer by Mr. Fridley many years ago. During the latter part of the season of 1852 ifr. Fridley made the acquaintance of Henry C. Gere, while on a steamboat between La Crosse and Wabasha prairie. Gere 20' 342 HISTORY OF WnSTONA COUNTY. then proposed to sell him a claim of eighty acfes he held on Wa- Dasha prairie'. Mr. Fridley^purchased the eighty acres where H. 0. Gere was . then living for $150, receiving a quit-claim from W^illiam B. Gere. He also gave H. C. Gere $50 to hold the claim for him until the following sgring. Gere continued to occupy the shanty until the spring of 1854, drawing upon Mr. Fridley during ;hat time, in consideration of his services as claimkeeper, until the sum total paid H. 0. Gere by A. M. Fridley for that eighty was |1,200. The claim was then placed in possession of L. D. Smith, ivho came here from S^. Paul with his family in the spring of 1854. [t is now known as Plummer's Addition to the plat of Winona. During the season of 1853, and until the following year, the 3laim pf Captain Smith at the lower end of the prairie — claim Nfo. 1, — held by Smith and Jtfhnsoii, had remained undisturbed, ao attempt having been made to molest it. Johnson removed the shanty, using the lumber for other purposes at the upper landing. Early in the spring, in April, 1853, the unoccupied claim was jumped by Isaac W. Simonds. As soon as this was known to E. E. Johnson, he, by direction of Captain Smith, commenced suit igainst Simonds in justice's court, before Squire Gere, to oust him :rom the possession he had assumed. The defense was under the management of a lawyer by the name of Stevens, from La Crosse, [t was then learned that Simonds had taken, possession of the claim br a stock company, composed of "William B. Gere, Charles S. Hamilton, Isaac W. Simonds and Stevens, the attorney in the jlaim suit. The suit was adjourned fro^m time to time, from in A-pril to about the first of June, without coming to trial. In the neantime the company, had a town surveyed and platted cover- ing 141 acres of the claim. It was given the name of Wabasha Dity. The claim shanty stood a little in front of where the residence )f Mrs. Keyes now stands. This was occupied by Simonds and Dharlie Hamilton. ' CHAPTEE XXXIY. A BLOODY CONFLICT. DxTETNG the winter and spring Johnson had made his head- quarters at the house he had built on Front street for the use of Andrew Cole, which he afterward sold to him. He, however, made his home with John Evans, whose daughter, Abigal M. Evans, he married later in the season., He usually spent his evenings at Evans' when on the prairie. Johnson became impatient %t the delay in the trial of his suit against Simonds, and while at supper one evening he remarked that he would have to go down to the lower claim and "clean them out" himself if he ever- expected to get possession. He soon after started for the village. This indicated another claim-fight. Johnson "cleaned them out "that night. The particulars of this fight were related to the writer by Koyal B. Evans, a son of John Evans, who took part in the affray. Mr. Evans says : "It was about the middle of May or a little after that Johnson shot Simonds. I came home rather late that day and found that the rest of the family had been to supper ; they were talking about Johnson, who had just gone down to the village. Father said Johnson would get into trouble if he attempted to drive Simonds and Charlie Hamilton off from the lower claim without he had some help. My sister wanted I should find him and tell him that father wished to see him. "After supper I went down to the landing ; a steambdathad just come* up and almost everybody living on the prairie was on the levee. Simonds and Charlie Hamilton were conspicuous, but Johnson was not there. John McDermott told me he saw him going back on the prairie jtist after the boat landed. It was then dark. I expected I should find him at the lower claim, and went down there in search of him. As I approached the Simonds sh^ty Johnson hailed me and ordered me to halt. I answered him and he told me to come in. Johnson said he expected to have a fight and was ready for them. He had a Colt's rifle and an old 'pepper box ' pistol. I had brought nothing with me, not even a club. He said that when he saw Simon4s and Hamilton up at the village he 344 HI8TOBY 01' WINONA COXJNTT. went and got his gun and pistol and started. "We sat down in froi of the shanty and examined them ; they had not been used in a Ion time. The rifle was out of repair and would not work. Finding was of no use, he took the barrel off and stood it beside the doo saying, ' That will do to use as a club.' "About ten o'clock we heard some one coming down the prairi( and knew that it was Simonds by his loud voice. Johnson haile them to stop, and threatened them if they advanced. He the snapped two caps on the pistol without a discharge. They came o to where we were standing, near the shanty, when Simonds pitche at Johnson and they two had a regular fist-fight, which lasted som time. Charlie and I looked on without doing anything. We wer about the same age and size. Simonds was much the larger an stronger man, and was too much for Johnson. They chnched, an Johnson, finding that Simonds had the advantage, drew his piste and shot him! The ball passed through the muscles of the forean and broke the bone above the elbow. They continued clinched fc awhile after, when Simonds called for Hamilton to take him of Hamilton caught Johiison by the throat and tried to choke him. then attacked Charlie "with my fists and knocked him down." "It was a still, clear, starlight night, and the noise made whil the fight was going on was heard at Hamilton's house, where som one halloed in return. Simonds called to them to bring his sho gun. Elder Hamilton and Jake McDermott came up just afte Charlie and I had had our set-to; Johnson kept back out 'of sigh Simonds complained of being faint, and asked the elder to take hh over to his house. I had not received any very hard blows, bi Johnson, as well as the other two, had been severely pounded. "Elder Hamilton took hold of Simonds and supported hi wounded arm, while I took hold of him on the other side to help tak him to Hamilton's house. Just as we started, Charlie HamUto attacked me from behind with a club — one of the oak stakes used i surveying the plot. He hit me once before I turned, and then strue me once or twice across the face, cutting me severely befoi McDermott separated us. McDermott then helped the elder tal Simonds home. Not hearing anything of Johnson I went over 1 Hamilton's to see what was going on there. A steamboat chance to be coming down and the elder signaled them with his lantern 1 stop at his landing, intending to send Simonds to La Crosse. . doctor on board examined and dressed the wounded arm, and woi A BLOODY CONFLICT. 345 was sent by the boat to La Crosse to have a surgeon come up from there. The elder washed the blood off from my head and face and bandaged up my wounds. The scalp-cut on the back of my head was the worst, but my face was badly cut and bruised. I then went back down the prairie in search of Johnson. While I was up at Hamilton's he had torn the shanty down, and thrown it and every- thing belonging to it into the river. We then went up home ; Johnson was living with us. The next morning we were both arrested by McDermott, the constable. After we had had our breakfast he took us down to Squire Gere's office, where we were detained some time, when the justice decided that the examination could not go on without the testimony of Simonds, and adjourned the court to H. S. Hamilton's house. Johnson refused to walk down there. Squire Gere then sent the constable to find a conveyance. We walked down toward the river, when the justice called,to us not to go away, but stay around where we could be found when McDermott came back. Johnson made no reply — I told him I was not going very far away. Johnson went over to Andrew Cole's house to change his clothes. Mr. Cole was then absent. I went home, had my wounds dressed and went to bed, where I slept until the next morning. I then came down to the justice's office and was discharged from custody." Considerable excitement was aroused over the matter by the new town site company, and when Johnson failed to make his appear- ance Sheriff lams was sent to find him and bring him before the court. The sheriff got trace of him at Minnesota City, and overtook him at Hall's landing, below the mouth of thfe White Water, where he was waiting for a steamboat to come along. Johnson left the river and went up the bluff with the sheriff after him. Johnson could outrun and outclimb the sheriff, and when beyond reach he stopped and told lams if he came any farther he would send some loose rocks down on him. The sheriff went "back to the trail and watched for Johnson to again make his appearance. He was com- peMed to return without his prisoner. Johnson succeeded in reaching the river without being observed. The steamboats at that time would land anywhere ff hailed by a passenger. Johnson wtent to St. Paul, where he secured counsel and returned to have the case disposed of and settled in some manner. He delivered himself up, and no one appearing against him he was discharged from custody. Simonds had been detained on the prairie to await the examination, 346 HISTORY OF WXNONA COUJNTT. but went to La Crosse two or three days before .Tohnson's return, which was on June 3. As soon as Captain Smith learned of the shooting of Simonds bj Johnson he sent his son S. J. Smith here to take charge of matters. By the advice of John Evans it was deemed necessary t9 put up a shanty on the lower claim to ho,ld possession. Mr. Smith secured the services of Mr. Evans and his son Koyal, and took a load of lumber down to build a cabin. He was met there by Mr. Stevens from La Crosse, one of the proprietors of the new town, who warned him not to attempt to occupy it, for they should defend their rights to the claim. Mr. Smith decided not to have any more fighting, but trust to the law for redress. He ordered the lumber taken back to the upper landing, notwithstanding the protests of Mr. Evans, who asserted that he could stand as ranch, shooting as they could. Mr. Smith then remained quiet at the hotel where he was stopping. As soon as Stevens returned to La Crosse he sent Asa Hedge up, who built a shanty and took possession of the claim. The next day after he was discharged from custody Johnson -went down and put up a shanty about where the one stood which Augustus Pentler once occupied. This was held by John Evans and Johnson. No collisions occurred between the occupants of the two shanties. About a week afterward Captain Smith brought up from Galena a house ready made for claim No. 1. It was put up a few rods above where the house of Mrs. Keyes now stands. The same day Mr. Hedge went to La Crosse and his shanty was torn down. It. was done by the consent of Mr.. Hedge, who sold the possession of the claim to Captaih Smith for one or two lots on Front street, fronting on the levee. Mr. Hedge at once built a small house on lot 1, block 11 — brought his family from La Crosse and made it his home for many years. He here opened a restaurant and saloon — the first saloon or place where intoxicafing drinks were sold in the city of Winona. His liquors were bought up by the citizens and destroyed. The ladies were the movers in this transaction. He ajfterward opened his saloon with a new stock, when they were again destroyed or seized by the sheriff. He afterward put up a better building and opened a grocery store, where .he carried on quite a trade for two or three years. Frank D. Sloan was his clerk and salesman in the grocery business. As an illustration of valuation of real estate and manner of A BLOODY CONFLICT. 347 doing business, the following incident is noted relative to this prop- erty. In about 1856 or 1857 Mr. Hedge found it necessary to secure a loan to carry on his business. Gable & Werst, money loaners and dealers in real estate, advanced him $5,000 and took a mortgage on the lot and store to secure the payment of his notes, drawing two per cent per month. As a matter of course Mr. fledge failed in business and the property was sold under the mortgage. How much Gable and Werst posted to profit and loss in this transaction is unknown. They held the property for many years. Among the early arrivals this season were Ithael Hamilton, the father, and Enoch 0. Hamilton, the brother, of H. 8. Hamilton, and Erastus H. Murray,' a brother-in-law. Harvey Hubbard and John I. Hubbard were also relatives of the Hamiltons. Enoch C. Hamilton made a claim where the city hospital is now located. His claim shanty stood twenty or thirty rods south of the building now used as a hospital. While living here the house was struck by lightning, during a severe thunderstorm on Sunday, June 19, 1853, and his wife instantly killed. Mrs. Hamilton opened a select school, which she had been teach- ing for a week or two previous to her death. This may with a great deal of propriety be called the first school on the prairie. The school opened in Mrs. Goddard's shanty, in 1852, by Miss Gere, then a girl of fourteen or fifteen, was hardly entitled to mention as an institution for instruction. Mrs. Hamilton was an experienced school-teacher. She left three children, Alvin^ Alice and Julia. Previous to her marriage Miss Alice Hamilton was for many years a well known teacher in the public schools of 'the city of Winona. Mr. Hamilton married again and pre-empted his claim as a home- stead. It is now known as E. C. Hamilton's addition. Mr. Ham^ ilton, with his second family, is now living at Minnesota City. Ithael Hamilton and his son Otis Hamilton made claims on the lower end of the prairie. They have been dead many years. Harvey and John I. Hubbard built two large dwelling-houses on what is now block 5, Hamilton's addition, which they occupied for several years. None of their families are now residents of this county. Erastus H. Murray bought the Yiets House, and improved it by putting on additions in the rear, finishing off the second story, and building a good frame bam on the rear of the lot. He made it a comfortable hotel, although limited in capacity, to accommodate the 348 HI8TOKY OF WIKONA COXTNTT. traveling public. He gave it the name of "Winona House," and kept it until early in the spring of 1854, when he sold it to Charles. Eaton, who came here at that time. The following June Mr. Eaton sold out his interest in the Winona House to S. H. Lombard, a recent arrival, and moved upon his claim, where George I. Parsons now lives. He is now a citizen of St. Paul. S. H. Lombard kept the Winona House a year or two, when he leased or sold it. The building was burned in the big fire of 1862. Mr. Lombard is yet a resident of Winona. Mr. Murray built a dwelling on Fourth street, which is yet stand- ing and is part of the New England House. In 1854 he built a dwelling on lot 4, block 14, and also a building for a boot and shoe . shop on lot 5 of the same block, on the corner of Second and Lafay- ette streets, where "Mues' Block" now stands. He carried on business here for two or three years with his brother, W. H. Mur- ray. His shoe-shop was afterward used for the postoffice. None of Mr. Murray's family are now residents of this part of the state. Warren Eowell became a resident of this countj' in April, 1853. He landed on Wabasha prairie and staid there with his family for about a month. During that time he occupied a part of the shanty bui|t by Mr. Stevens the year before for Mr. Goddard. Late in the fall Mrs. Goddard had built a house on the southeast corner of Franklin and Front streets, where she lived during the winter. Finding no better accommodations, Mr. Howell fixed up a part of the Stevens shanty as a place for his family to stay in for a few weeks, until he could select a location suitable for a farm. The other end of the shanty (a long building) was used as a bam, or place for the storage of hay and corn. Thi-eH^ilding was afterward burned by a prairie fire. Mr. Eowell selected a claim next above Gorr's, in what is now Pleasant Valley, built a log house, and moved there about the first of June. Some of the settlers from the prairie went out and helped raise his cabin. The claim he made in the spring of 1853 he still occupies ; it is the farm where he now resides, and has been his home about thirty years. The claim shanty — the log cabin of early days — has been superseded by more modern buildings. Large barns and outbuildings have taken the place of the pole sheds covered with wild grass. Mr. Howell was among the earlier settlers in this county to locate on farming lands as a home. By attentively minding his A BLOODY CONFLICT. 349 own business he has made farming a profitable business in the valley where he lives. In May, 1853, Dr. John L. Balcombe returned to Wabasha prairie from Illinois, where he had spent the winter. When he left, in the fall previous, he sold out his interest here, including his houses, to Edwin Hamilton, retaining his shanty on the acre given him by Johnson. During the winter Ed. Hamilton had used his dwelling as a stable. When the doctor resumed possession he found it more economical and agreeable to move the cabin to a new locality rather than attempt to remove the refuse and renovate the building as it stood. He occupied this temporarily. Not liking his location on the acre he had first selected, he aban- doned it, and purchased lot 3 in block 9 of Smith and Johnson, for which he paid twenty dolla/rs. The deed, a quit-claim, was made September 29, 1853, and filed for record January 26; 1854. He had had possession of the lot for two or three months previous, and built a house on it. This building fronted toward the river, and was designed for a store. It was about 20x40, two stories high. The front of the lower story was finished with large windows and folding doors. On the east side of the building a lean-to was attached, about 12x24. Before it was completed Dr. Balcombe sold this structure to Horace Eanney, but did not deliver possession of it until the spring of 1854. It was afterward known as the "Ranney Building," and was used for quite a variety of purposes — as a private dwelling, for offices, as a hotel, and lastly as a tene- ment house for several families. It was burned in the fire of 1862. Early in the summer of 1853 (July 11) Dr. Balcombe bought an undivided half of twenty acres of the Beecher Gere claim, east of the eighty sold to A. M. Fridley, and of twenty acres west of the Fridley claim. The other half of these two lots was purchased by Sanborn and Colbum. He also made a claim on the upper prairie, where Charles Riley now lives. This he afterward improved, and built the farmhouse now standing, which he occupied at the time of his death, September 24, 1856. Although poor health prevented Dr. Balcombe from being prominent, he took an active interest in the development of this part of the territory and in the political questions of his day. M. Wheeler Sargent says, in his historical address, "Dr. John L. Balcombe was a man of the most extended information of any among the early settlers, * * * one of the first and best of our early citizens." 350 HISTORY OF WINONA COtlNTY. George H. Sanborn came into the county early in the spring oi 1853 and settled on Wabasha prairie. Soon after Wm. H. Oolbom came on and joined him here. About the middle of June these two young men opened the first store in the county, with a general assortment of goods. For temporary occupancy, the "car-house" of Denman was moved to lot 6, block 10, and covered with a shingled roof. They here commenced business as Sanborn & Col' born. During the summer they built a store on the corner of the same lot, about 20x40, two stories high, and continued in business until the spring of 1854, when Mr. Colbom withdrew and a new firm was formed, consisting of G. H. Sanborn and M. K. Drew. E. L. King became a partner the same spring. They carried on the business during that season and then sold their stock of goods ^o Dr. Childs, who continued business for a short time in the same location. In 1855 Sanborn & King started in the forwarding and commission and wholesale and retail grocery business at the foot of Johnson street. Mr. Sanborn in 1856 built a very large three-story building on the river, at the foot of Washington street, which was known as Sanborn's warehouse. The third story of this building was used as a hall for public meetings. It was fitted up with a stage and scenery by the Philharmonic Society soon after it was first organized, and used by them until they moved to their present location. The building was torn down many years ago by the railroad company, into whose possession the property passed. Soon after he came here in 1853 Mr. Sanborn purchased the Viets claim and subsequently had it surveyed and plotted. It is now known as Sanborn's ''addition. He built his first residence on this claim in 1855, a small story-and-a-half house, on the corner of Lafayette and Wabasha streets. It is yet standing, and forms a part of the present residence of J. L. Brink. Mr. Sanborn was engaged in business for several years in Winona. About 1859 he closed up his aflairs here and went east to live. " He is now in Northern Dakota, where it is reported that he has made some fortunate speculations as a pioneer in that locality. As an incident of early days, an adventure of Mr. Sanborn's, brought to the mind of the writer, is thought worthy of notice. Mr. Sanborn was the owner of a pair of fine driving-horses. One ol these was a valuable horse, which he used as a saddle-horse. Although broken to harness, he had nothing that he considered .A BLOODY CONFLICT. 361 suitable to drive him in during the winter. Having business in St. Paul, .he adopted the idea of taking his horse with him and bringing back a stylish cutter. There was not sufficient snow to drive up, and he proposed to ride his horse to St. Paul. On the first of January, 1856, he started on his trip, taking along a new single-harness, with blankets and a buffalo-skin, on which he proposed to ride, instead of a saddle, expecting to reach Wabasha that -day. He went up Straight slough on the ice. When he reached Haddock slough, about where S. M. Burns lost his horses two years before, his horse broke through the ice, which was thin at that place, and took Mr. Sanborn into the water with him. With some difficulty he crawled out on the ice, which was brittle and gave way to his weight. He was within about twenty reds of the shore, for which he was headed when the accident occurred. The day was intensely cold, with a piercing wind, and a cold bath was far from agreeable with the thermometer showing zero. His horse remained afloat and broke the ice in his efforts to climb out after his master. Mr. Sanborn hastened to the shore and procured some logs of wood and rocks, with which he broke the ice and opened a channel to where the water was less than two feet deep. The intelligent animal followed him closely, but was unable to chmb out on the ice. He was chilled through by the length of time he had been in the water.- Mr. Sanborn was completely exhausted from the fatigue and cold, he having slipped in several times while breaking the ice. Feeling benumbed and* unable to do more for his horse, he started off for help. When he reached Mr. Burley's, nearly a mile below, he was almost unconscious. His clothing was frozen stiff and solid, and he was compelled to crawl on his hands and knees to reach the house. He was taken care of, and men went up to help the horse,, if he was not beyond help. They found him dead. Mr. Sanborn had loosened the harness and blankets while the horse was in the deep water, and they had floated away under the ice. Mr. Sanborn recovered from his exposure with some frost-bites, but without any serious illness following. He returned to Winona as soon as he was able to be moved, which was in a day or two after, and sent to St. Paul for his cutter, which was brought down by the mail-carrier. His second-best horse was promoted and became the pet. William JDavidson came into this county April 6, 1853. After 352 HISTORY OF WINONA COUgSTTY. some time spent ill' prospecting and explorations in the western part of the county, he selected a claim at the head of a small branch oi the White "Water, in what is now the town of St. Charles, on Sec. 10, T. 106, K. 10. He returned to Clayton county, Iowa, where his family were then living, and made his arrangement to transport them with his household goods, farming implements and live stock, up through the country to the location he had selected in Minnesota as his future home. Mr. Davidson started with four yoke of oxen and three wagons ; these, with his cows and young stock, and a saddle-pony used to collect the cattle* made up quite an immigrant train. They came into this county on the "old government trail," — the trail ovet which the Winnebagoes were taken when removed from Iowa to Long Prairie in 1848, up through Money Creek valley and out on the ridge near the head of Bums valley. They then went west, keeping on the high land to avoid the ravines leading into the Kqlling Stone, to Bentleys, now Utica, and reached their destination aboufthe first of June. They were eleven days making this trip of about 125 miles. Mr. Davidson was the first settler to come into the county by the "overland route." He immediately set his breaking team to work and put in a field of seed-corn and planted a garden. He built a commodious log house, making a trip to Winona in the latter part of June for lumber to complete it. Until their log house was ready for occupancy they lived in camp with but temporary shelter. He raised a good crop of corn and vegetables the first season, sufficient for his own use. The commeal used in his family was ground by hand i^ a large coffee-mill. Mr. Davidson here opened up a large farm, and in early days was prominently active in public affairs relative to the development of the county. He was county commissioner and held other official positions. He is now a resident of the city of St. Charles. L. H. Springer and Benjamin Langworthy landed on Wabashs prairie on May 31, 1853. They brought with them their familief and four yoke of oxen, three horses, eight cows and other animals, and also two wagons. Mr. Laird gave them the use of his shantj for temporary occupancy until they found satisfactory locations, They made claims on the White Water, and moved there with theii families about the middle of June. L. H. Springer settled at what is now the village of St. Charles A BLOODY CONFLICT. 353 He built a large, substantial log house and comfortable stables, and opened up a farm in this locality. This log house was used as a hotel for two or three years. '' Springer's " was a favorite stopping place for all who had business in that vicinity. These were the only settlers in the west part of the county in 1853. In the fall of 1864: L. H. Springer, George H. Sanborn and M. Wheeler Sargent, laid out the land claimed by Springer as a town site, and gave it the name of St. Charles. It was advertised as being " on the N.E. J of Sec. 19, T. 106, E. 10, twenty-five miles west Irom Winona on the south fork of the Meniska or White Water river, in the midst of as good farming lands as can be found anywhere. " Mr. Springer was prominently active in all measures to promote the general good. He, with William Davidson, was the first to open a wagon trail from St. Charles to Winona. Mr.' Springer lived at St. Charles for several years and then removed to Olmsted county, where he yet resides. Alexander McClintock came into the county this season and settled on a claim in the south Rolling Stone valley, above Putnams. He built a log house, and pre-empted this as a homestead after, and lived here with his family fot several years, until his death. None . of his family are now residents of the county. Henry D. Hufi' landed on Wabasha prairie Sunday, June 26, 1853. He stopped at the Winona House, then kept by E. H. Mur- ray. It was supposed at the time that he came to assume charge of Capt. Smith's interest in the town, which his son, S. J. Smith, was then here looking after. He purchased an undivided interest in the original town plot of Smith and Johnson, and later in the season also purchased the claim of Ed. Hamilton — claim I^o. 5. Hamilton had previously sold undivided interests to others ; Mark Howard held a third ; David Olmsted and Orlando Stevens held an interest. Through an arrangement with Hamilton and the others the whole claim was transferred to Mr. Huff,. who at once had it surveyed and plotted, and recorded with the plot of Smith and Johnson's claim as the "original plot" of the city of Winona. Mr. Huff built the cottage now occupied by Lafayett Stout,' near the corner of Fourth and Huff streets, and brought his family here. He lived in this cottage for several years, when he built^ the house on the same corner now owned and occupied by Hon. H. W. Lam- berton, in which he resided until he left Minnesota. From the first of his coming here he was prominently active in all public enterprises. 354 HISTORY OF WINONA OOTTNTT. Mr. Huff had been in mercantile business in Kenosha, and i dealer in real estate, before coming here. He had prior to tha passed some years of pioneer life in Wisconsin and Illinois, and wai familiar with early settlements in towns apd country. His expe rience, with his natural sagacity and enterprise and his indomitabh will power, made him a leader in all public matters or affairs ii which others were associated with him. His interests were inti- mately connected with the development and prosperity of the countj and citj- of Winona. There was no one almong the pioneer settlers who accomplished so much by his individual efforts to build up the city of Winona as Henry D. Huff". To him more than to any other person this city is justly indebted for its early prosperity and many of its present advantages. It was by him that the name of Winona was substituted for that of Montezuma, [t was through his efforts that Fillmore county was divided and Winona county created with the county seat at the village of Winona. Mr. Huff started the second newspaper in Winona — the first was the "Winona Argus," edited by Wm. Ashley Jones. The first issue was September 20, 1854. In April, 1865, Mr. Huff issued the first number of the "Winona Express," edited by W. Creek. In November, 1855, Mr. Huff sold the establishment to W. Gt. Dye & Co., who started the "Winona Eepublican." Soon after D. Sinclair became connected with it, and the paper has since been continuously issued under that name by D. Sinclair & Co. with the addition of a daily paper. Huff's Hotel was built by Mr. Huff in 1856. In 1867 he built a large flouring-mill near Toumans Bros. & Hodgins' sawmiU. It was built at a cost_of about $25,000, and was burned a few years after. He was one of the stockholders in the original Transit KaUroad Company. Mr. Huff sold out the most of his property here about ten years ago and went to Chicago. The time set by Judge A. G. Chatfield for holding the first session of a district court in what was then Fillmore county was at Wabasha prairie, on Monday, June 27, 1863, but the judge failed to reach Winona on that day. On Tuesday, June 28, he arrived with quite a large party of ladies and gentlemen from St. Paul, among whom were two attorneys, L. A. Babcock and H. L. Moss. I^e opened court- in the Winona House. Wm. B. Gere was appointed clerk of the court. The petit jury was dismissed. The grand jury A BLOODY CONTLIOT. 355 was organized and held a sitting on that day. On "Wednesday, June 29. the grand jury made a presentment in the case of Erwin H. Johnson, for the shooting of Isaac W. Simonds, and indicted S. M. Burns, of Mt. Yemon ^(Hall's landing), for selling liquor t« the Indians. They were dismissed at noon on that day and the court adjourned. This was the first district court held in southern Min- nesota. In the afternoon Judge Chatfield, with the party from St. Paul, visited Minnesota City and the valley of the Eolling Stone. John lams was the sheriff in attendance on the court. V It is said that the sheriff brought his dinner with hiija from home each day. On the first day, as he approached the crowd assembled around the Winona House, he was greeted by W.T. Luark, who, with a laugh of ridicule, cried out, "Here comes the great high sheriff of Fillmore county with his dinner pail on his arm ! " At noon the same crowd saw the sheriff and Mr. Luark sitting on the bank of the river eating their dinner from the dinner-bucket of the sheriff, and washing it down with river water. Grove W. Willis came to Wabasha prairie about the first of July of this year. Before coming here he had been promised the posi- tion of clerk of the court by Judge Chatfield, but on account of his failure to arrive in time to attend to the duties of the oflSce, the Judge was compelled to appoint Wm. B. Gere to the place. When Judge Chatfield was notified that Mr. Willis was at Winona await- ing his order, he revoked the appointment of Gere and gave the position to Mr. Willis, who was appointed clerk of the district court about the 7th of July. Mr. Willis brought his family here and rented the building on Front street built by Dr. Balcombe (the Ranney building), where he lived during the winter. He used the lean-to of the building as his office. The same room was also used as a schoolroom for a select school kept by his daughter, now Mrs. Gillett, living in the village of Chatfield. This school is really entitled to be called the first fully established school taught in Winona. It was kept three or four months with about twenty-five pupils. Mr. Willis lived at Winona during the winter and moved to Chat- field in the spring of 1854. About ten or twelve years ago he re- turned to Winona, and has since made it his home. John Keyes came to Winona on September 12, 1853. He landed with his wife and two children at Hamilton's, on the lower end of the prairie. He bought an undivided one-eighth of H. S. Hamilton's 356 HI8T0ET OP TVrtTONA COUNTY. claim, and lived in a part of his house during the winter and follo\ ing summer. While living here he procured timber and lumber 1 build a house on the upper part of the claim next • below where tt Hubfcards buUt their houses. The following season he became di satisfied with his investment with Mr. Hamilton, and having a opportunity purchased the interest of Captain Smith in claim Nc 1, the lower claim. The claim had been divided between Smith an Johnson, Johnson taking the west part, leaving the eastern portio for Captain Smith. Mr. Keyes at once put up a shanty and took possession. H moved his family there about September 1, 1854, and the same fa] built the house in which he lived nearly a score of years before h built the brick house (to which the old one is attached) where hi family now resides. John Keyes died in November, 1877. Mi Keyes was a lawyer by profession, and held his office in his hous when he commenced business here. In the fall of 1855 he wa appointed clerk in the United States land office by L. D. Smith, th receiver, and continued in that position until the spring of 1857, afte the land office was removed to Faribault. He then resumed thi practice of law. His office was in a small building on the lev& near the Winona House, owned and occupied by John, A. Mathew as a real estate and loan office. In 1862 this office was burned. H was afterward one of the firm of Sargent, Franklin & Keyes, an( at the time of his death one of the law firm of Keyes & Snow. From an early day Mr. Keyes took a great interest in the publi sdhools of the city of Winona. He was a director and clerk of th board from the time the first district school was opened until Ion; after the present system was established. The city of Winona ii more indebted to John Keyes for its present system of grade( schools than to any other one person among the pioneer settlers o citizens of more modem days. M. Wheeler Sargent came to Winona in this year. His arrival given in his address, from which quotations have been made, i mentioned as follows: "I first saw this county August 1, 1853 carrying a chain northward between towns 105 of ranges 8 and 9 The first house I saw was that of Wm. Davidson, August 11 Town 105 of ranges 7, 8, 9 and 10 had no occupants. Town 106 of the -same ranges, had no inhabitants except L. H. Springer, Wm Davidson and families, in 106. range 10, and Hull and Bently h range 9. A CELEBRATION. 359 "Town 107, range 9, had Wm. Sweet and family — 107, range 10, none — 108, range' 10, had John and David Cook. The other settlers of our county were on the Mississippi, or in the immediate valleys of some of its tributaries. # "On the 19th of September of that year the speaker first saw this prairie, coming in from the Grilmore valley. Fancy hfe made something of a spread that night, for, with a half-dozen others, he slept at full length on the ground, between his present office and the Mississippi, with his hat for a nightcap and boots for a pillow. His toilet he prefers giving in an autobiography when called for ; it is not particularly allied to the history bf this county." ^hen Mr. Sargent came into this county he was in the employ of Wm. Ashley Jones, who was engaged in surveying the public lands in this part of the territory. On reaching Wabasha prairie he decided to locate there and establish himself in the practice of his profession as a lawyer. He was appointed district attorney before the county of Fillmore was divided, and after Winona county was created he was elected register of deeds and appointed clerk of the district court. He was the first mayor of the city of Winona ; he was also a member of the legislature from this county. When he first came here he began the practice of law by himself; in 1855 he was of the law firm of Sargent, Wilson & Windom, and at the time of his death, which occurred in 1866, he was one of the firm of Sargent, Franklin & Keyes. More extended notices of these two prominent pioneer settlers (John Keyes and M. Wheeler Sargent) would be made if it were not that their biographical sketches will be given under another division of this history. CHAPTEE XXXY. A CELEBEATION. The fourth of July, 1853, was celebrated vnth a great deal of patriotic enthusiasm at Minnesota City. The settlers of EoUing Stone invited the citizens of Wabasha prairie to join them in the customary honors and hospitalities of "independence day." The invitation was accepted, and many from the prairie were in attend- 21 360 HISTOET OP WINONA COUlfTT. ance. The occasion was said to have been one of unusual intere and gratification to the settlers assembled. The celebration was held in "the public square," under tl oaks* The introductory was the following song, written by Robe Pike, Jr., the poet of the colony. It was sung' to the tune ^ " Baker's Farewell" : " We've left the homes our childhood loved, The friends we never can forget; The friends that long, long years have proved, The friends who still in dreams are met. We've come to make us other homes, On Minnesota's garden lands. Where ev'ry gen'rous heart that comes Is met by loving hearts and hands. What though the red-man roams the woods. And wild and rude the landscape seems ; Is it not fairer than it stood, As seen in fancy's brightest dreams 7 ^ What though our domes are all unreared, And labor in our pathway lies ; Labor is pleasant, when 'tis cheered ■ By helping hands and loving eyes. No greener valleys meet the sight, No purer fountains, gushing free. No birds of song, or flowers more bright. Bringing perfume and melody. Hurra ! then, for our chosen home. While bound by friendship's silken bond : Our feet no more shall seek to roam, Our hearts shall never more despond." The orator of the day was Egbert Chapman, who, it is said, gav an admirable and exceedingly appropriate address. He was fo lowed by Robert Pike, Jr., who became really eloquent in hi remarks, which were listened to with pleased expressions By +h assemblage. « An elegant repast was furnished by the ladies, to which all wer invited. The concourse then adjoiirued from "the park" to th tables prepared under the shade of the walnuts, where ample justic was awarded the good things provided. After all were satisfied volunteer toasts were drank from glasses filled with pure cold wate plentifully furnished. A CELBBKATION. 361 Toasts were given by Kobert Pike, Jr., Edwin Hamilton, W. H. Colburn, K Taylor, O. M. Lord, T. K. Allen, S. J. Smith, and others. Some of them are given to show the character of the enter- tainment. The first was by Robert Pike, Jr.: "The ladies. May they ever be pure, as our own bright fountains ; beautiful, as our wild flowers ; as even* of temper as our own delightful climate ( except the thunderstorms ), and as fruitful as the soil to which they have been transplanted." The second was by Edwin Hamilton : " Superior cookery. The art that makes us happy, and that none better iinderstand than the ladies of Minnesota City." The third was by W. H. Colburn : "The motto of our glorious country, ' tlnion is Strength.' Minnesota City an4 Winona, — may they be ever thus united is the earnest wish of Winona to-day." The sixth was by Robert Pike, Jr.: "Winona and Minnesota City. May all the rivalry which exists between them be the rivalry of good neighborhood, and the desire to excel in oflBices of kindness and humanity." The eighth was by T. K. Allen: "Peace, prosperity and equality. May it long be enjoyed in Minnesota." The twelfth was by E. Chapman: "The glorious 4th of July. May the remembrance of the day ever be in the hearts of the people." The thirteenth was by O. M. Lord : " Winona. Like her namesake, wild and beautiful, may she prosper till the height of her aspiration is amply rewarded." The eighteenth was by S. J. Smith: "Here is to Minnesota City from her eldest daughter, Winona. Although the- Dark Water city, yet her waters are clear and sparkling ; and to its men, who being Rolling Stone men,, yet gather commercial moss ; and to its ladies, who are blooming." Another by O. M. Lord : "The Mississippi river, the highway of the nation. As long as the water flpws in its channel may her valleys annually resound with the sound of cannon proclaiming the independence of the American people." The day's enjoyment closed with another song written by Robert Pike, Jr. This was the first time the " Glorious Fourth " was ever celebrated in southern Minnesota. July 9 the board of county commissioners of Fillmore county 362 HISTORY OF WINONA COUNTY. met at the "Winona hotel, and divided the county into precincts an appointed judges of election. The part of the county north of a line west from a point fii miles below the town plat of Mt. Vernon on the Mississippi rivi to the west line of the county was called Mt. Yernon precinc James Kirkman and Louis Krutzly, living at the mouth of tl White Water, and A. P. Hall, of Mt. Vernon,* were appointe judges of election. This precinct had twelve legal voters. The Minnesota City precinct was the next south of the Mt. Ve non precinct. The judges of election were H. B. Waterman, O. i Hauk and E. B. Drew. This had the largest number of voters ( any precinct. The Winona precinct included Wabasha prairie only. Tt judges of election were Harvey Hubbard, O. S. Holbrook an George F. Childs. The-Minneowah precinct extended south to a line due west froi a point on the Mississippi opposite the mouth of Black river to tl west line of the county. The line between this and the Minnesol City precinct was not defined. The judges of election were W. I Bunnell, of Bunnell's landing, James F. Toms, of Minneowah, an William Hewitt, of Bums valley. This had sixteen voters. The Root River precinct was between the south line of the Mil neowah precinct and a line west from the mouth of Root river i the west line of the county. The judges of election were G. "W GilfiUan, Joseph Brown and John L. Looney. It had ten legal voteri The Brownsville precinct was all of the county lying betwee the Root River precinct at the Iowa state line. The judges of ele tion were Charles Brown, Samuel McPhaU and M. C. Young. At this meeting of the board of commissioners a school distri( was established at Minnesota City, but no specific boundaries givei It was presumed to include the whole precinct. A petition for a public road from Winona to Minnesota City wi received and the following examiners appointed — Harvey Hubbai and E. B. Drew. These road examiners were to meet on Tuesda; July 19, at Minnesota City. C. R. Coiyell, of Rolling Stone, wi appointed county surveyor. The next meeting of the board was at the Winona House, on Jul 22, 1853. At this meeting Gere and Luark were preseiit. In tl absence of Mr. Stall, the commissioners appointed Sylvester . Smith clerk of the board pro tem. A OELEBRATIOIf. 363 II I •The examiners of the road between Minnesota City and Winona reported that they had located the road. The report was received, examined and fully accepted, and an order issued to the county surveyor to locate and survey the same. " This was the first public road officially located in the county. The above copy of the record is the only documentary CAddence of the fact. All books and papers relative to the proceedings of this board of county commissioners were taken to Chatfield, the first county seat of Fillmore county. Mr. E. B. Drew, one" of the exam- iners, says the road was surveyed and located about where the present road from Minnesota City to Winona is now laid. It was resurveyed after Winona county was created. The first general election held in the county was on the second Tuesday, the 11th of October, 1853. At this general election Hon. H. M. Rice was elected delegate to congress from the Territory of Minnesota. Hon. O. M. Lord was ele.cted a representative to the territorial legislature from this representative disti'ict. In Jan- uary, 1854, when Mr. Lord attended the fifth legislature to which he was elected, he walked from Minnesota City to St. Paul for that purpose. At this election the following officers were elected in Fillmore county: county attorney, Andrew Cole ; judge of probate, H. B. Waterman ; register of deeds, William B. Gere ; sheriff, John lams; county conamissioners, John C. Laird, Eobert Pike, Jr., and W. B. Bunnell. The justices of the peace elected were — for Wabasha prairie, George M. Gere and Wm. H. Stevens (Mr. Stevens had previously served as justice of the peace. He was appointed in July, 1858, by Governor Gorman) ; for Minnesota City, H. B. Waterman and Robert Pike, Jr. ; for Mt. Yernon, S. M. Burns ; for Minneowah, Mynon Lewis. Among the settlers who came into the county later in this season were Mathew Ewing, Dr. AUen, E. S. Smith, A. C. Smith, James McClellan, Luke Blair, G. W. Wiltse, Lysander Kately, James Worrall, George Gay and T. B. Twiford. Mathew Ewing settled on H. S. Hamilton's claim, where he built a comfortable frame house and opened a store with a fair assortment of goods. He sold goods during the winter and in the springy closed out his stock and gave up the business. He then located himself in the village and purchased, two lots on the corner of Third and John- 364 HISTOET OF "WIN'ONA COUNTY. son streets, and also a lot on the corner of Johnson and Front street where he built the building now standing on it. After two < three years here he sold out and.left the county. James McClellan brought a stock of goods with him and opene a store in the front part of the main portion of the residence of Rei E. Ely, which was built this year. Mr. McClellan remained hei until early in the spring, when he moved his family and goods 1 Ohatfieia. Dr. Allen (his initials are unknown to the writer) came here an located himself as a practicing physician. He was the first to sett] in the county to make that profession his special business. B remained here until the spring of 1854, when he moved to Chatfielc E. S. Smith bought an interest in the Stevens claim, and for year or two lived in Winona, dealing in real estate, etc. H married Miss Mary Burns, and settled in Burns valley, where h built the Glen Flouring Mill. , He remained there several years an then sold out and moved to Wiiiona, where his family yet :yesidei Mr. Smith went to Washington Territory, where he was for awhi] connected with the western portion of the North Pacific railroac Although he occasionally visits his home in Minnesota, he is j( engaged in business in Washington Territory, which requires hi personal attention there much of his time. Andrew C. Smith settled in Winona. In 1855 he started th first drug store ever opened in the county. After several yean residence here he moved to Stocktpn. He was a member of th State legislature from this county Jn 1869. He is now a resident c Rochester, Olmsted county. L. D. Smith visited Wabasha prairie during the fall and winte of 1853, but did not bring his family here to live until the spring ( 1854. He purchased the " Fridley claim " and built a house on ii where he lived several years. This house is yet standing near th corner of Franklin and Wabasha streets. He then moved to hi farm in the south Rolling Stone valley about half a mile above th village of Stockton, where he lived at the time of his deatl He was appointed receiver in the United States land office in 185^ and was one of the most active in securing the land grant for th benefit of the railroads in this state. Further mention will be mad of him in other divisions of this history. Wm. Ashley Jones was a deputy United States surveyoi During the summer of 1853 he was engaged in the survey ( A CELEBRATION. 365 public lands in southern Minnesota. In the fall of this year he visited Wabasha prairie, and in the spring following moved his family there and made Winona his home for about ten years, when he moved to Dubuque. He is now a resident of Dakota. Mr. Jones held an undivided interest in the Smith and Johnson town plot, and also an interest in the Stevens claim (Stevens' addi- tion). He opened up a large farm in the town of St. Charles. It is now known as the "Lamberton Farm." Besides dealing in real estate, Mr. Jones found time and means to start the first newspaper published in the county, "The Winona Argus." Luke Blair came to Wabasha prairie in the fall of this year. He bought two lots on the corner of Center and Second streets, where the " Simpson Block " now stands. He brought with him a small drove of cattle, which he wintered in stables built on the back part of these lots. He made a claim in what is now the town of Saratoga, bpt did not occupy it until the following season. Early in the spring of 1854 he built a store on lot 4, block 16, and brought on a stock of general merchandise. During the summer he moved his family out on his claim. In the fall he sold the two lots with his store building to W. G. Dye, who sold them to Y. Simpson, the present owner, and sold his stock of goods to James H. Jacoby, who continued the business in the same locality under the name of Day & Co. The upper part of Blair's building was used as a public hall. Meetings were held here until it was used as a printing-office by Wm. Ashley Jones. This was where the "Winona Argus" was started, with Samuel Melvin as associate editor and foreman in the office. W. G. Dye set the ffi"st type for this paper. Mr. Blair settled on his claim, which has been his permanent home. The vicinity was long known as the Blair settlement. Mr. Wiltse and Mr. Kately made claims in thl,t part of the county, and wintered there in 1853-4. George Gay made a claim in Burns valley, on what was after-. ward fciown as the Salisbury Place. He remained here a year or two and moved to Wabasha county. James Worrall settled in Winona, -and about two years after went to Wabasha county. » OHAPTEE XXXYI. ^ CHATFIELD SETTLED AND WINONA COUNTY OBGANIZED. In the fall of this year, 1853, T. B. Twiford came into this county from Lansing, Iowa. In his prospecting excursions and explorations he discovered the present site of Chatfield, in the northern part of Fillmore county, and conceived the project of making it a town site. At Winona he formed the acquaintance of Grove W. Willis, and a scheme was concocted to form a stock company and make Twiford's newly-discovered town site the county seat of Fillmore county. The plan proposed was to divide the stock into twelve shares. The shareholders were T. B. Twiford, G. W. Willis, H. 0. Gere, Myron Toms, William B. Gere, Harvey Hubbard, John I. Hub- bard, Eobert Pike, Jr., James McClellan and W. B. Bunnell. It was designed that each of the members of the board of county commis- sioners should be presented with a share in the new town site — the proposed county seat, but Mr. Luark of the appointed board was absent from the territory, and John C. Laird, of the newly-elected ^board was too strongly interested in Winona to be ^itilized. Neither of these men were shareholders in the project. Twiford and Willis put up a log shanty on the proposed town site, to which they gave the name of Chatfield, and placed a man by the name of Case in the shanty temporarily, to hold the locality for the company. It was generally known that the members of the old board of county commissioners, Gere and Toms, whose term of oflSce expired on January 1, 1854, were in favor of locating the county seat in the locality selected by Mr. Twiford, but it was considered extremely doubtful if they had any authority to act in th^ matter. The law provided that it should be the duty of the first board of county commissioners elected to locate the county seat. The first board had been appointed by the governor as provided by the act creating. Fillmore county. In furtherance of the plan of Twiford and Willis the appointed board assumed the authority to locate the county seat, although it was generally conceded by everybody that this power belonged to the first elected board. CHATFIELD SETTLED. 367 The following entry was made on the record of the proceedings ' of the county commissioners by the clerk : Pursuant to agreement, t^e commissioners of Fillmore county, Minnesota Territory, on December 19, a.d. 1853, at the residence of Mr. Case, in Root Eiver precinct, in the town of Chatfleld — present Henry C. Gere and Myron Toms. The object of said meeting was to locate the county seat of said Fillmore county, pursuant to the statute in such case made and provided. It was then and there resolved that the county seat should be located at Chatfleld, in the center of section 6, town 104 north, of range 11 west. Then the commissioners adjourned, to meet at the residence of W. B. Bunnell, in Minneowah, on Tues- day, December 27, a.d. 1853. G. W. Willis, Clerk County Commissioners, pro tem. The commissioners Gere and Toms met at Bunnell's on the 27th of December, 1853, and appointed C. F. Buck clerk of the board. They here audited the accounts of county officers presented, and issued county orders to the amount of $411.47. This was the last meeting of this board of commissioners. • At the time, the county seat of Fillmore county was located at ■ what i-s now Chatfield. The nearest settler was at Springer's, now St. Charles. There was not even a claim shanty within ten miles of the log pen designated as "the residence of Mr. Case." It was then considered uncertain whether the county seat was located within the western boundary of Fillmore county. It was estimated that on January 1, 1854, there were about 800 inhabitants within the present boundaries of Winona county. This is thought to be a liberal estimate and probably a large excess over actual numbers. The board of county commissioners of Fillmore county elected October 11, 1853, met at the house of Kobert Pike, Jr., in Minne- sota City January 2, 1854. Kobert Pike, Jr., John C. Laird and W. B. Bunnell were present. The register of deeds, W. B. Gere, clerk of the board, was also present. The board was organized by electing W. B. Bunnell chairman.. This session of the board continued two days. It is evident from the records that consider- able business was done. The following extract was copied from the record : "The board then proceeded to ballot for the location of the county seat, which resulted in one vote for Winona, one vote for Chatfield and one vote for Minnesota City. As the board could not agree upon the loca- tion, they decided that the locating should be postponed until a future meeting." 368 HISTORY OF WINONA. COUNTY. Aside from the stock company, the shareholders, there was not a settler in the county that favored the location of the county seat at Chatfield. Meetings were held at Minnesota City, "Winona and * Minneowah condemning the action of the appointed board, but each locality instructed its representative commissioner to locate the county seat at his own home or place, and under no circumstances to give it to a 'rival town. Mr. Sinclair says in his historical sketch in 1876: "At these meetings the commissioner from Minnesota City, Mr. Pike, was ^ instructed by his constituents to vote for the location of the county seat at that place, and in no event at "Winona ; but if it became necessary for him to exercise discretionary power in making a second choice, to vote in favor of Chatfield. The reason is obvious : the location at Chatfield, upon the division of the county, would give Minnesota City another chance, whereas locating the county seat at "Winona would forever debar Minnesota City from securing the coveted prize. The same reasoning led Bunnell, from his stand- point, to operate in like manner in favor of that other rival of "Winona, the much-vaunted Minneowah." "While each of the rival localities was clamoroas for the county seat, without a prospect ot either securing it, there were conserva- tive men in each locality who favored a division of the county rather than have the county seat located at Chatfield, as indications showed it would be. This was most strongly advocated at "Winona. H. D. Huff assumed the leadership of this scheme for the purpose of securing the county seat at his town. It was found that Mr. Lord, the representative in the territorial legislature from this district, although a resident of Minnesota City, was in favor of a division of Fillmore county,- and promised his aid. He gave Mr. Huff what he considered the proper boundaries for a new county — the same that are now the boundaries of "Winona county. Every means available was brought to bear to induce commis- sioners Bunnell and Pike. to cast their vote for Winona. Friendship and diplomacy failed to win the desired vote. There was no compromise with Bunnell. It was said that a bribe of a block of land was offered to Robert Pike, Jr., from two prominent citizens of "Winona, in consideration of his vote, which he indignantly refused to accept. On January 7 the board met at the office of John C. Laird and accomplished considerable business, but failed to settle the county- CHATFIELD SETTLED. 369 Beat question. The following extract from record shows the financial condition of the county: "There heing no receipts, the liabilities of the county at this date, by reference to the bills on file, is $536.86." M. Wheeler Sargent says in his address: "L. H. Springer and myself met H. D. Huff at his residence, where we agreed upon the outlines of a new county, to be called "Winona, with exactly its present boundaries. Huff, having the most time and money, agreed to engineer it through the legislature. Upon this mission, armed with a petition having as many names as we thought the population would justify, and the other documents adapted to various sup- posable emergencies, he started for St. Paul. On January 30, 1854, the board of county commissioners, pursuant to adjournment, met at the house oi Robert Pike, Jr., in Minnesota City, at which meeting Robert Pike, Jr. , John C. Laird and W. B. Bunnell, the chairman, were present. The register of deeds, W. B. Gere, was clerk of the board. At this meeting vacancies were filled by the following appointments : M. Wheeler Sargent, district attorney, and C. F. Buck, judge of probate. The clerk was ordered to notify them of their appointments. Robert Pike, Jr., had been appointed ^ounty surveyor at a previous meeting. '= The all-absorbing topic of conversation, the vexed question of location of the county seat, was settled at this meeting. The following copy of the record of their proceedings shows their action in the matter: "In pursuance of and in accordance with the eighteenth section of the eleventh ' chapter of the session laws of Minnesota Territory, passed by the legislative assembly at the session commencing January 5, a.d. 1853, the county commissioners proceeded to locate the county seat of Fillmore county. It was decided by the board of commissioners that the county seat of said Fillmore county should be at Chatfie^d, in said county, on section 6, township 104 north, of range 11 west." It was charged by some of the disappointed Winonians tbat John C. Laird sold out his constituents for a share in Chatfield. G. W. Willis, now living in the city of Winona, says this was not so ; that Mr. Laird never held a share in the Chatfield Land Company. Although Mr. Twiford was the originator, Mr. Willis was the leader and manager, of the scheme to locate the county seat at Chatfield. He says: "Bunnell and Pike located the county seat 370 HISTORY OF WINOITA OOTTNTT. — a majority of the board could do it. I never knew that Laird voted for it, and doubt that he did so, for he always opposed us. None of the commissioners were bribed to vote for it, although everything else was done to influence them. Bunnell and Pike would have voted for Tophet rather than have given- it to "Winona." Mr. G. W. "Willis went to St. Paul to procure a charter for the Chatfield Land Company, and to defeat the proposed division of the county. He was successful in securing the charter for the company from the legislature, then in session, but his influence there was in- sufficient to prevent the passage of the act creating "Winona county. The bill for the division of Fillmore county and forming of the present county of Winona was introduced and supported by Hon. O. M. Lord, in the house. He was strongly backed by H. D. Huff as a lobby member and general manager. "Winona county was created by act of the territorial legislature February 23, 1864:. CHAPTER XXXYH. THE DISTRICT SQHOOLS OF WINONA .COUNTY. Winona county was formed by the territorial legislature of 1854, from a part of Fillmore county, which had previously com- prised the southeastern portion of the state. The first permanent settlements were made along the Mississippi river in the spring of 1852. There was no school taught in what is now Winona county during that summer. A subscription school was opened for a term of three months in the autumn by Miss Ann Orton, with an attendance of about twenty pupils, at Minnesota City. July 9, 1853, a school district was formed by the county commissioners at Minnesota Gtty, and organized under the territorial law, and Miss Hester A. Houck was employed to teach. The term began October 31 and continued thirteen weeks. The names and ages of the children that attended this term of school are given fi-om the rate bill, by which the wages of the teacher were collected. The sum agreed upon was $48. There were twenty-seven pupils, eighteen of whom are now living (1883). The list is as follows : Mathew Foster,* age 11 years ; * Dead. THE DISTRICT SCHOOLS. 371 George Foster* 6 ; ]VElo Campbell, 7 ; Thomas Thorpe, 8 ; Kobert Thorpe, 6 ; Jobn Thorpe, 13 ; William Thorpe,* 3 ; Mary E. Cotton, 6 ; Randolph Wright,* 12 ; Dan'l W. Wright, 9 ; John H. Wright ; Edith Pike,* 11 ; Emma Pike, 8 ; Chariotte Denman,* 9 ; Mary E. Denman, 6 ; James L. Denman, 7 ; Eobert S. Denman,* 3 ; Chas. Kellogg, 16 ; Eollin Hotchkiss, 13 ; Robert Hotchkiss, 13 ; Lycurgus Luark, 11 ; Achilles Luark,* 6 ; Elbridge G. Lord,* 4 ; David Imes; 13 ; Samuel Imes, 7 ; Herman Hopson, 6 ; Ger- lana Mcdintock, 12. This school district was designated as No. 1. May 1, 1854, a petition was presented and district No. 2 was formed, comprising the town of Winona, and on June 5 following No. 3 was formed, comprising the north part of township 105 and the whole of 106, range 10. At a meeting of the county commissioners held July 3, 1854, the whole amount of tax autho- rized to be raised for school purposes for the current year was $152.05. In October district No. 4 was formed at Dakota precinct. Schools were opened in Nos. 2, 3 and 4 before the districts were formally organized, and the wages of the teachers were paid by rate biU or by subscription. No. 1 was for this year the only one that reported a three months' term to the state department. At the January meeting of the county commissioners, 1855, the boundaries of No. 1 were designated. Yoting precincts had at first been estab- lished by the governor, and were afterward so established by the county commissioners, and the first school districts embraced the election precincts which were not clearly defined. At this meeting No. 2 was divided. July 3 the amount of sehool-tax voted was $632.34. At one of -the meetings in this year a district was organ- ized at Springers', or St. Charles, and one in Lanes' Yalley, New Hartford township, one at Geo. WUtzies' in Saratoga, and one in Whitewater at John Cook's. The school districts of the county now numbered eight. At the January meeting of 1856 they were in- creased to fifteen ; at the April meeting to twenty-three ; at the July meeting to thirty-five. At the January meeting of 1856 the first record was made of the (iistribution of the school money. The amount collected was $1,336.47, which was apportioned among thirteen districts. At the meetings of 1857 the number of districts increased to forty-eight. January 9, 1858, the county treasurer reported as *Dead. 372 mSTOET OP WBSrONA COUNTT. ^ apportioned among thirty-five districts $3,533.50. The largest sum to one district was $663, the smallest was $22. The apparently unequal distribution of this fund gave rise to much dissatisfaction. The distri]3ution was based upon the number of residents of each district between the ages of five and twenty- one. In many cases district boundaries were not definitely recorded, and it was claimed that the residents were more than once reported. It was also claimed that some districts, instead of revising the lists from year to year, simply added new names each year to the reported list, and consequently drew more money than they were legally entitled to. At the last meeting of the school board for the year 1868 the districts numbered sixty-two, an increase of fourteen for the year. The amount of money apportioned among forty-seven districts for the year 1859 was $662. There were some complaints in regard to this distribution, as the organized districts numbered sixty-five, and while one district drew $90.75 another only received $3.'85 ; but as the county business was now transacted by the chairman of the township supervisors, and" each town in the county was represented, there was no cause of complaint, except as to unfair reports of resi- dents of districts. The first record of the number of persons upon which the apportionment was based was made at the January meeting of this year (1869), the number recorded being 2,392. This was the num- ber reported by the forty-seven districts, upon which the apportion- ment was made, although there were eighteen more organized at the time. During the year ten more were added to that number, making in all seventy-five, showing a remarkable growth for the tj^o years. The school tax, as reported by the finance committee of the county board for the year 1859, was $5,346.37. In 1860 the legislature changed the law in regard to county boards, and the commissioner system was again adopted, and the county trea^rer, in his report to the board, February 1, 1860, reported as school money on hand $2,967.72, and in March follow- ing an apportionment of $4,480.96 was made among the districts, which reported 2,724 persons of schoolable age. March 7, 1861, the school law was materially changed by the legislature in regard to forming school districts, etc. There was a revision of the whole code, which was framed from that of the THE DISTRICT SCHOOLS. 373 State of Michigan. In unorganized townships the county commis- sioners were authorized to form districts, but where townships were organized the supervisors had authority to change boundaries, to form hew districts, to levy taxes, to appoint a town superintendent and to direct the collection of taxes through the town treasurers. The legislature having neglected to provide for blank books, reports, records, etc., there was no uniformity of reports or records. In some towns the teachers were licensed and the school business transacted without regard to any particular form or system, and if any records were made they have not been preserved. ' Although the law required that existing boundaries of districts should remain if practicable, the loose records and changes, and ' want of system, involved the district boundaries in great confusion. Township lines interfered with district authority, and under this law districts were divided and new ones created without regard to desig- nation by numbers as recorded in the county .auditor's office. Owing to this condition of things it was found difficult to properly and legally levy school district taxes and to collect delinquencies. The delinquent taxes were reported by the town treasurer to the county auditor to collect with the county taxes, which placed a part of the fund in the hands of the county treasurer. When districts were without fands to pay their teachers, orders were issued upon the district treasury, whether the particular district was entitled to any money from the county treasury or not. If the county treasurer had no fund collected for that district the orders were usually sold to outside parties at a discount. The collection of these orders gave teachers a good deal of trouble. It was said that the county treasurer always stood behind outside parties in buying them at a discount, and that the district accounts were not properly adjusted. This system was not satisfactory to the people. Some of the local boards would not levy a sufficient tax to maintain good schools, and, owing to delinquencies, funds could not- at all times be made available. There are very few names on record of town superintendents. Among them are found Charles Heublin, A. T. Castle, WUUam Murray and Milton Buswell. From the years 1861 to 1866 there was no material change in the school work. The attention of the people was directed almost wholly to the war, and little or no attention was in some places paid to school matters. January 4, 1866, the county board appointed to 374 HISTOBT OF WINONA COUNTY. the county superintendency Albert Thomas, salary fixed at $1,200 per year. Mr. Thomas had taught the village school at Stockton for several terms. He was the principal of the first high school in Win- ona City, and was known as a teacher of marked ability. A pr^ious business engagement prevented him {tpm accepting the appoint- ment. May 22, 1866, the county was divided into five commis- sioner districts, and a school examiner appointed for each district, in lieu of township supervision. Geo. P. Wilson was appointed for No. li Y. J. Walker No. 2, M. R. Lair No. 3, Thomas P. Dixon No. 4, and Henry Gage No. 5. Under the operation of this plan the experience was found to be dearly bought. Oel-tificates of quali- fication to teach were obtained by asking for them.. ''There was no definite standard of examination and no uniformity among examiners. They were not required to visit the schools, or to exert any official infiuence for their welfare, and they felt no responsibility for the work of, the persons licensed." There being no unity nor system, no reliable statistics could be gathered from the districts and no groundwork laid for improvement. The county board now con- sisted of J. J. Randall (chairman), P. P. Hubbell, Collins Rice, H. C. Jones and S. W. Gleason. After much discussion, and owing mainly to the influence of Mr. Randall, it was resolved to change the plan of school work, and at a meeting of the board, Septem- ber 7, 1867, a resolution was adopted to organize the school work of the county under a provision of the school law of 1864, pro- viding for a county superintendency, in lieu of the general law as specified in section 28 of the same act. In this resolution was also embodied the appointment of Luther A. West as school superin- tendent, to hold his office until January, 1868, at an annual salary of $1,000. January 1, 1868, Mr. West was reappointed to serve until January, 1869. Mr. West entered upon the duties of his office in 1867. He was a good scholar, a teacher of large experience, and was well qualified to perform the duties of the office. A great deal of the work required was of the. missionary order, as the teach- ers and the people did not clearly understand the duties of the superintendent. Mr. West met with considerable opposition at first. Some persons supposed that the whole school authority was transferred from the district officers to the superintendent. Some were opposed on account of the large salary, and some regarded the office as entirely useless. Mr. West made his first special effiirt in the direction of improving the scholarship and methods of the THE DISTRICT SCHOOLS. 377 teachers, in which he was very successful, and as the people became acquainted with his plan of work his efforts were appreciated and cordially seconded. The first teachers' institute held in "Winona county was organized by Mr. West, assisted by Prof. Wm. F. Phelps and his corps of instructors of the norma] school. It was held at St. Charles, in October, 1867, with twenty-three teachers in attendance, and was considered very profitable to those in attendance. Prom the annual report for the year 1868 it is shown that ten good^ attractive and convenient schoolhouses have been built this year, at a cost of $11,000 ; also a building at St. Charles for the graded school, at a cost of $15,000. During this year Mr. West made a strong effort to secure greater regularity of attendance on the part of the pupils, and to awaken a deeper interest in the schools on the part of parents. That he succeeded in doing a good work in this direction will be seen from the statistical reports to the state superintendent. The average daily attendance for the year 1867, ■^nter and summer terms being 2,699, increased in 1868 to 4,393, though the enrollment of pupils in the last year, according to school population, had decreased from 52 per cent in 1867 to 48 per cent in 1868. Excellent schoolhouses were built at Pickwick, Saratoga and Witoka. A teachers' association was formed and meetings were held at four different places in the county. These meetings produced good results. The people became interested and took part in the discussions, and extended to teachers in attendance the hospitalities of their homes. Li October a state teachers' institute was held at St. Charles, with seventy-five in attendance. The exercises were conducted by an able corps of instructors, and diffused among the teachers a great deal of enthusiasm. ^ - October 26, 1869, a county teachers' institute was held at the normal school in Winona, in charge of Prof. Wm. F. Phelps. The attendance numbered 118. The lessons were presented by the teachers of the normal school and of the public schools of Winona. Gymnastic exercises were introduced by Prof. McGibney. Prof. Carson gave instruction in penmanship. On Tuesday evening Dr. Guthrie, of St. Charles, gave a lecture' on geology. Prof Hood, of the city schools, participated in the discussions. On Thursday even- ing the Hon. Mark H. Dunnell, state superintendent of public instruction, addressed a large audience upon "Education." The 22 378 HISTOEY OF WUfONA OOTTHTT. success of this institute was due mainly to tlie ability, activity anc earnest supervision of Prof. Phelps. In the report of Mr. West for-the year ending September 30 1869, he regrets that he is not able to make the financial par accurate, owing to the errors of district clerks. He reports having granted certificates to eighty-four teachers — ^twenty-three to malei and sixty-one to females; fourteen of first grade, forty-five of second, and twenty-five of third, and in a comparison of the year's worl with that of 1867 shows that great progress has been made, noi only in the character of the certificates, but in the increased interesi in school matters by . the parents, as shown by the increase o; teachers' wages, and in the discipline, order and conduct of th( schools. This improvement he attributes to the institute work anc to the influence of professional training of some of the teachers ii the normal school. There were eleven new schoolhouses built, ai an aggregate cost of $9,227. At the legislative session of 1869 the law was changed as to the "term of county superintendents, and the county board appointed Mr, West again to serve until April, 1870. At the meeting of the countj "board in March the Kev. David Burt was appointed, and enterec upon the duties of his office April 5, 1870. Mr. Burt had taught ir the common schools of Massachusetts for ten years, when he enterec upon an academic course to prepare for college. He graduated al Oberlin, Ohio, in 1848, and then spent three years in the theologica seminary at Andover, Massachusetts. He removed to Winona li 1858, and took an active part in all educational work ; he acted as member of the school board of Winona city, and served as superin tendent of its public schools. In 1866 he assumed the duties o: general superintendent of the colored schools of Tennessee, where he served for two years. Impaired health compelled him to reti;in to Winona. His appointment to the county superintendency was considered, and afterward proved to be, a fortunate and wise pleasure for th( public schools. In addition to his great natural ability, he was for tified in the work by a useftil and varied experience and untiring energy and faithfulness. He continued to hold the office until ap pointed by Gov. Davis to the state superintendency in 1875. Mr. Burt's first public examination for teachers was held a Stockton, April 22, 1870, and before the close of the month otheri were held at Winona, Fremont, Elba and Witoka. For this yea THE DISTRICT SCHOOLS. 379 there were issued 114 certificates ; ninety-three schools were visited and lectures given on "Our Common Schools" at Utica, White- water, Elba, New Hartford, Saratoga, Hillsdale, Lewiston, Stock- ton, Pickwick, Minnesota City and Dresback ; also in districts Nos. 9 and 74. From his report to the state department of November 1, 1870, there were ninety-nine organized districts and eight unorganized. The schoolable population was 5,463 ; number enrolled, 4,059. A teachers' institute in charge of Mr. Burt .was held at St. Charles, October 3, 4, 5 and 6, 1871. The enrollment of actual teachers was sixty-five, -and the institute was conducted on the plan of class recitations, and was pronounced by all-in attendance a decided success. The instructors are named as L. T. Weld, J. K. Eichards, E. Holbrook, Miss C. Harding, Miss F. Barber, C. Pickert, G. Olds, Miss E. Fisher, Geo. Wilson, Miss A. Bingham, Miss N. Taft and C. Boyd. There were three evening lectures : on Tuesday evening, on Reading, by Mr. Burt ; on Wednesday, Mo- tions of the Earth, by Mr. Richards ; and on Thursday evening, Our Common Schools, by Hon. Wm. H. Yale. At the fall examinations of 1874 sixty-one teachers were licensed. The schools, except ten, were visited during the winter following. In the spring of 1875 Mr. Burt, having accepted an appointment as state superintendent, was requested by the county commissioners to grant certificates to a sufficient number of teachers to enable the dis^ ' tricts to go on with their schools for the summer terms, or until his successor could be appointed. The school law at this time required a county superintendent to hold a' state certificate. Special exami- ners were appointed and held a meeting in Winona, at which there were only two or three candidates. The successful one was Mr. John M, Cool, of St. Charles, who was then appointed county superintendent by the board. Mr. Cool had received a common school education in Tomkins county, New York, where he had also taught two terms of school. He came to Minnesota in 1857, and taught in St. Charles seven terms of school. He was recognized as a very capable and efficient teacher. Mr. Cool issued two certifi- cates of second grqde, four of third and rejected two applicants. He visited a few schools in the beginning of summer, and was taken sick, from which he was unable to do any more school- work. At his death the. vacancy was filled, a.t a special meeting of the county commissioners on the 28th of September, 1875, by the 3S0 HISTORY OF WINONA COIENTT. apprantment of O. M. Lord, who entered immediately upon th( duties of the office. Owing to the resignation of Mr. Burt and to the sickness of Mr Cool, the summer schools received very little supervision. The county superintendents' report to the state department wai required to be made October 10, the school year closing Septembei ,30. The new incumbent found in the office teachers' term reports for the winter term, but some teachers did not report the summei terms, and several district clerks failed to make financial reports, There was only ten days of time in which to report to the stat« department, and no personal knowledge could be obtained of the condition of the schools in that limited time ; the consequence was, that the coimty superintendent's report for the year 18Y5 was very imperfect, but, from observations subsequently made, there was probably no material growth or change in the condition or charactei of the schools from that reported for the year 1874. The superintendent held five examinations in the fall, and spent the winter in visiting the schools and in becoming acquainted with the teachers and school officers. Examinations were also held in the spring and the schools visited during the summer. In this year, 1876, under, the state supervision of Mr. Burt, a very important change was made in county school work by issuing a more simple form of blanks to school officers and to teachers, and by fiirnishing a better form of clerks' and treasurers' books, and of school registers. A change was also made in the law in regard to reporting persons entitled to appointment of the state school fund. Only those reported. by the teachers as enrolled in the public schools, of school- able! age, were now entitled to the school fimd, instead of the resident population of the same ages. Through these changes and by this system the school statistics may be considered as entirely reliable. For the purpose of showing the extent of the growth of the schools of Winona, the following statistical tables, taken from the reports of the county superintendents of schools to the state depart- ment for the years 1867 and 1882 respectively, are given. It may be mentioned here that the table of 1867, which was prepared by the then superintendent, Mr. Luther A. West, pre- viously mentioned, is an especially valuable one, as it is the first on record of the schoolwork of the county combined as a whole. Attention is called to a comparison of the following items of both THE DISTRICT SCHOOLS. 381 tables, whereby some ide^ can be formed regarding the growth of the schools of the county for a period of fifteen years. SCHOOL STATISTICS OF WINOn/ FOE THE TEAR 1867. Number of school districts 99 ; frame schoolhouses 71, brick 1, log 14 — 86; value of all schoolhouses and sites $92,194; whole number of scholars, male 3,248, female 3,259 ; whole number of scholars in winter schools, male 1,475, female 1,218 ; average daily attendance in winter scoools 1,721 ; length of winter schools in months 216 ; number of teachers in winter schools, male 42, female 41 ; average wages per month of each teacher in winter schools, male $29.24, female $19.24; whole number of pupils in summer schools, male 789, female 720 ; average daily attendance in summer 978 ; length of summer schools in months 229 ; number of teachers in summer schools, male 5, female 80 ; average wages per month of teachers in summer schools, male $18.66, female $16.92 ; whole number of different schools for the year 168 ; whole number of diflerent pfersons in school for the year, male 1,833, female 1,661 ; per cent of aggregate attendance to the whole number of pupils' in the county .53; whole amount of wages paid teachers for the year ; $11,608 ; for building, parchasing, hiring, repairing or furnishing schoolhouses and purchasing lots $6,600.12 ; amount paid as teach- ers' wages $17,185.53; amount paid for other school purposes $1,551.79; cash on hand in district treasuries $718.45; number of new schoolhouses built during past year 11, value of same $62,800 ; amount received from state school fund $92,194; amount received by taxes voted by districts $30,550.84; per cent of school money raised by tax on taxable property in county .0101. 1882. Number of school districts, common school 111, special 2 — 113, ; number of frame schoolhouses 91, brick 7, log 7, stone 2 — 107; value of schoolhouses and sites $58,210, of school libraries $59, of school apparatus $695 ; whole number of schools enrolled, summer 4,089, winter 5,361 ; average daily attendance in winter 3,677 ; average length of school in months 61 ; number of teachers in winter schools, male 47, female 107; average monthly wages of teachers for the year, male $36H, female $28M; average daily attendance in summer 3,082 ; number of teachers in summer school, male 18, female 114 ; paid for teachers' wages and board 382 HISTOKT OF WTNONA COTHSTTY. $21,465.09 ; paid for building, purchasing, hiring, repairing o furnishing schoolhouses, purchasing lots, etc., $10,545.53 ; cash oi hand at end of the year $18,021.59 ; number of new schoolhouse built, frame 2, value of same $1,100 ; received from school fand liquor licenses, fines and estrays $8,068.55, from one-mill ta: collected $6,978.98, from special taxes collected $21,937.03, fron bonds sold $850, from all other sources $914.56. From the report of the county superintendent for 1867 it appear that there were sixty-three certificates granted, eleven of them t( males and fifty-two to females. Of these certificates, three were o the first grade, fifteen of the second and forty-five of the third. The superintendent complains of the parsimony of boards ii hiring teachers, and in supplying the schoolhouses with comfortahL seats, desks and other fixtures. The average wages for the yea was $19 per month.. From the report of Mr. Lord, the present superintendent, fo 1882 we learn that one hundred and forty-two certificates wen granted in the previous school year ; of these, thirt/-four weri received by males and one hundred and eight by females. The class of certificates issued were three only of the first grade while there were ninety-four of the second and forty-five of the thir( ■grades. This, together with the fact that thirty-four applicants wen rejected, goes to show that the standard of teachers' examination in Winona under Mr. Lord is a high one. From the year 1880 until the present (1883) there have been ni marked changes in the condition and character of the schools, ex cept such slight ones as might be expected in the natural growth o educational work. With the yearly development of the' country, it increase in wealth and material prosperity, the expenditures fo school purposes have been more liberal, tending to better school houses and fixtures, and to the employment of a higher grade o teachers. At the close of this year, thirty years will have pass© since the organization of the first school district in this county. A the present superintendent of schools for this county was one of th trustees of that first organized district, and for the past eight year has been engaged in active schoolwork, it affords us pleasure t give the following brief recapitulation, furnished by him, of som of the important matters connected with the schools of then and now "Thirty years ago our only schoolhouse was a small, roughlj covered log cabin, furnished with one small wdndow and a doo SKETCH OF THE STATE NORMAL SCHOOL. 383 ereaMng upon wooden hinges and fastened with a wooden latch. This rude structure was, after a short time, superseded by a small' but snug frame building, which, soon proving too small for the accommodation of the rapidly growing district, was enlarged by putting an addition to it. This enlarged frame schoolhouse in turn gave place to a substantial brick one, which Mr. Burt has described as having been built at Minnesota City. The teacher of that ji/rst school received $48 for three months' work. The trustee made the rate-bill, > ^ g'S'S g '2 gilgi^^« i'3'3i30«a d fl> » fl PI 0) Q 4J 0} QJ-S-S Pi f ^g sf^'f^^^^^S ^11^1 8§ a a*^ gwMSSa aWtdd a^ l-^"fil 3 8"^ flf^f^wwll i?*^ddOp.? dfi^6fi^>^^S:fiS^S^G6^^ |1 1 ■•■'''■''aa''§" illiilli if 111^1 a^ a s 8 a a § 8 a 3'^ "►^►^ a a'"."', a aH^Hi^f^^^fifi aH5P5P^pofio5a;n «aH«^®wti Sd s^ ^&:^,«45<5§«P3««^^^^^^>^^^aaddM«^ HsHa h; o o o d h; i-i W W 'K ►,• K W 1-; H gg § ■§,! 1 a a 1 1 a l^5aiss-ll : :||^^1?»g11|| lira's §|l ^E H ; ■ ■ ■ < d a fl ; S a ? ^1 s ^ 2 ■3 2 2 ■3 ■3 2 ■3 g § 1 § 1 1 IS o o N & £ o o o O 1 1 ■3 •a ■3 1 1 1 ^3^ ^ c8 o; 1 1 1 3 1 0} g 1 c t-3 1? 1-3 ^ a CO CO ^ ^ OB m CD ciS ^ ^ o o o o w w w w H^ i-i t-B 1-; o O f fs M "ri^ ; ; I H s fs : : 1 '^ 1 1 M at Jfl ^>)4 M El s p< a 1 w a a HI 1 3 ■E 1 o ■rt 1 T) 1 1 S 5 1 5 Pi •a •a ■a 13 i2 3 f4 1 1 »-3 Ai td 1 II d 1-5 P CO* CO cj d ?, r ^ s fl (=i Pi c □Q PI § OQ ; ti 1 2 1 a 1 g 3 1 > W 1 S 1 1 1 1 w K M H W P fi w p H " ■s H fi fl n : ^ Ah' Pi 1 to CO to CO 02 CO ^ 1 d B^ 1 1 a CO OQ CO 00 ; §■ ; 5 5 ; f fe u g d ■ 1 i i i i ^ i i i ' 1 0" 1^ i-s 1 ■g t Ph" a a S a a a o St s 1-^ ft 3 1-3 ■d 13 a ■9 •9" 1 ' 5 ■ 5 ' t-s N P3 N' l-i ■< ■< 1-:. h; H w M kJ l-H H ^ ^ ^ 1-5 n i-> t s g g g ja ,a A J3 A j3 ^ -d ^ ,d s a 1^ g s 1 1 02 CO to i CO CO CO 03 ^ S 1 1 1 « ^ ^ ^ < > > ■ 3 00 =p 5 1- 2 % ;j 1 s tj> CO nt ^ ^ S M ^ ;t 1 t S ? S hwi SJ sd od o6 s 00 op s^ ^. ^ ^ s s ic io OQ t £ fe □o on t^ < HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. CHAPTER XLIX. ABORIGINAL. Minnesota was settled by the French in 1680, and in 1763 they ceded the territory to Great Britain. In 1766 it was explored by Capt. Jonathan Carver, of Connecti- cut, and in 1783, about one hundred years from the present time, it became a part of the United States and was included in the North-, western Territory. Minnesota contains the summit of the central tablelands of the "fforth American continent, where, within a few miles of each other, are the sources of rivers which find their outlets in Hudson's Bay, the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Gulf of Mexico ; and it has more than fifteen hundred miles of navigable rivers, the sources of which are one thousand six hundred and eighty feet above the level of the sea. The first human inhabitants who occupied this land were the Mound Builders. Who and what they were, whence they came, or their ultimate fate, is wrapped in an impenetrable mystery that baffles the most industrious scrutiny of antiquarians. Many plausi- ble theories are advocated by writers,- yet by what means they dis- appeared will never be known, for, beyond a doubt, they disappeared centuries ago. Following their era, comes the Aboriginal period, or the period when the red i-ace were in possession of this region, and probably all the American continent, when it was discovered in the eleventh century. The nation which occupied this spot and the region round about, from the period concerning which any tradition exists, was the Dahcotah, or Sioux, one of the most powerful of the Indian nations of North America. In 1834 they consisted of seven distinct bands, known as the "M'day-wakentons," or People of the Lakes, whose summer resi- 33 562 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. deuce was in villages, the lodges being built of elm bark laid upon a framework of poles. The authority of the chiefs in olden times was very great, hut from the date of the first treaties negotiated with government it began to decline, until finally the chief was merely considered to be the mouthpiece of the soldiers' lodge, the members of which consti- tuted the only real power of the bands. Old Wapashaw, lortg since dead, was the leading hereditary chief of the People of the Lakes, and in all intertribal affairs of importance his word was law, not only with his own particular band, but with all those belonging to the same division. But it is not necessary to speak at length of the red race in this work, as their character, history and customs are too well known. They seem doomed to disappear before the settlement of the white man, and there is something very sad in the way they have been dispossessed of their ancestral heritage by the palefaced intruder, however lightly they may be regarded by those who have mingled with them on the frontier. The first settlement of this part of Minnesota is due entirely to the French. In the year 1654 two adventurous young men connected with the fur trade followed a party of Indians in their hunting excur- sions for two years, and were probably the first white men that ever penetrated the country of the Dahcotahs ; and upon their return to Quebec they gave such rapturous accounts of the lands they had seen and the nations they had become acquainted with, that both trader and ecclesiastic burned with desire to "go up and possess the land." The discoverers of the Northwest were the very opposite of those who settled on the shores of Massachusetts bay and Connecticut river. The latter were men of calm, even temperament and stern faith ; the former were men of excitable temperament, stimulated by their nation and their creed to explore new lands. The latter, looking up to heaven, acknowledged no superior but the ever-blessed Redeemer, and looked for no other conquest than that of their own evil desires, content to till the land around their immediate settle- ments, to study the divine word, and to train up their children in the admonition of the Lord. The former were taught that the con- verting the heathen to the religion of Eome, and to conquest in behalf of the sovereign of France were particularly meritorious. Hence the colonists of Acadia, accompanied by their priests and ABOEIGINAL. 563 bound by no social ties, were ever ready to desert their families and homes to seek for lands where wealth might be obtained for their employers, or the glory of their church. Either accompanying the missionary, devoted to a life of pov- erty, or in his immediate rear, came the trader, devoted to a life of gain, so that a chapel was hardly surmounted by a cross before a trading-house stood by its side. It was not until 1683 that a trading-post was established on this side of the Mississippi river. Nicholas Perrot, a native of Canada, who had been familiar from childhood with the dialect and customs of the Northwestern savage, together with all the excitement of border life, in company with twenty other bold, brave spirits, in that year visited the vari- ous nations, and with great enterprise opened trade with them. There is a tradition that the aged Mesnard started to carry the religion of Rome to the far west, and, after residing several months on the southern shore of Lake Superior, he started on a journey, accompanied by one person only, for the bay of Che-goi-me-gon, and, becoming separated from his companion, he was lost in the forest. Tradition has it that he was killed by the Dahkotahs, and that his cassock and prayerbook were kept as amulets by them for many years. This, however, did not deter others from making the same venture, and Claude AUouez, also a Jesuit, visited the shores of Lake Superior in 1665. At that early day there were rumors of a large mass of copper on the northern shore, but he did not succeed in finding it. He pushed on his explorations until he reached the island of La Pointe, the ancient residence of the Ojibways, and he has been regarded as the first white man who trod the soil of Minne- sota. While he was preaching to the Ojibways on Lake Superior he heard accounts of Jean Nicollet, who in 1639 had advanced on a mission to the Winnebagos so far that he discovered the Guiscon- sin river, and, floating down it, he heard from the Indians of a "great water," and also accounts of a powerful nation, called by the tribe Naudowessioux, meaning "enemies" in the Ojibway, and the mighty stream was called the "MeseSeepi," signifying "great river." De Soto discovered the Mississippi in 1641, but the discovery was well-nigh forgotten until over a century had passed, when it was again discovered from the north by Joliet. The Sioux, or rather the Dahkotahs — the term Sioux being a nickname given them by the early voyageurs for the sake of con- 564 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTT. venience — are the aborigines of this part of Minnesota, and Perrot being commissioned by De La Barre, then commander of Canada, "Commandant of all the West," pushed on his enterprise, until coming to or near the mouth of the Ouisconsin (Wisconsin) river he established a post which was known as Fort St. ' Nicholas. He was also commissioned to establish alliances with the loways and Dahkotahs on the west side of the Mississippi river. Proceed- ing up the river from Fort St.' Nicholas in fulfillment of his commis- sion, he landed near the site of the present city of Wabasha, and erected a rude log fort, it being the first European structure in all this vast region, and a generation before New Orleans was founded two thousand miles lower down the great river. This primitive establishment within the limits ot the state, upon some of the old maps is appropriately marked as Fort Perrot, so called from its founder. During the winter of 1683-^ Perrot and his party proceeded up the river to visit tribes above the lake, and were met by a large delegation coming down on the ice to meet him. Upon meeting his party they returned, and escorted the Frenchmen to their villages. Perrot opened trade and negotiations with them, and seemed to accomplish all things required according to his instruc- tions, yet it appears that for some reason he abandoned the port for several years, returning to it in 1868. With a party of forty men he returned and resumed* trade with the Dahkotahs, and in 1689 formally claimed the country for France, The first official docu- ment pertaining to Minnesota was given by Perrott, and is worthy of preservation. I insert it in this work for that purpose. It reads : " Nicholas Perrot, Commandant for the King at the post of the Nadoues- sioux, commissioned by the Marquis Governor and Lieut. Governor of all New France, to manage the interests of commerce among all the Indian tribes and people of the Bay des Preants, Nadouoessioux, Mascoutines, and other western nations of the Upper Mississippi, and to take possession in the Kings name of all the places where he has heretofore been, and whither he will go. We, this day, one thousand six hundred and eighty-nine, do in the presence of the Rev. Father Marest, of the Society of Jesus, Missionary among the Nadeous- sioux ; of Monsieur de Boueguillot, commanding the French in the lieighbor- hood of the Ouisconche on the Mississippi ; Augustine Legardeur, esquire ; Sieur de Caumant ; and of Messieurs de Seur, Herbert, Lemire and Blein ! Declare to all whom it may concern that being come from the Bay des Preants and to the Lake of the Ouiskonches, and to the river Mississippi, we did transport to the country of the Nadouissioux on the border of the river St. Croix, and at the mouth of the river St. Pierre, on the bank of which were the Mantanwans, and farther up the interior to the northeast of the Mississippi as far as the Menchokatoux, with whom dwell the majority of the Songes- ABOKIGINAL. 565 ketous and the Nadouessioux, who are to the northeast of the Mississippi, to to take possession for, and in the name of the king, of the countries and river inhabited by the said tribes, and of which they are the proprietors. The present act done in our presence, signed with our hand and sub- scribed." Then are given the names of those already mentioned. This record was dravpn up at Green Bay, Wisconsin. During the year that Perrot returned to Minnesota, Frontenac, who was then governor of Canada, issued an edict that all French- men in the upper Mississippi country should return to Mackinaw, and Perrott, with others, was obliged to leave his post and return. From these accounts we learn that the first French establishment in Minnesota was on the shore of Lake Pepin, and just at the foot of the same, quite near to the present city of Wabasha. This lake, called by Hennepin "The Lake of Tears," was afterward named "Pepin," after the Dauphin of France and son of Louis XIV. The fort was built upon the ground now occupied by the residence of Judge "Van Dyke. It was identified by Capt. F. W. Seely, of Lake City, as agreeing with statistics from the ' ' United States Army and Navy Magazine," which he holds in his possession. Capt. Seely has very kindly furnished me vrith these investigations which I here subjoin. He says : "My first knowledge of it was acquired twenty-seven years ago, when pheasant hunting in the chaparral near the present site of the Yan Dyke residence. While coursing through the dense growth of young oaks, I stumbled upon a ridge some eighteen inches in height, running in a straight line and parallel to the crest of the slope overlooking the river. My curiosity being excited, I followed it for some ten rods, until the dense growth of young timber obliged me to abandon the investigation. Of one thing, however, I was satisfied, namely, that the ridge was the work of men's hands, and, as I then believed, of the Indians. The work, commencing at the crest of the slope before mentioned, and ten rods south of the Van Dyke residence, bent westward for about eight rods, when it makes an obtuse angle tod runs parallel to the crest and directly through the location of the house, for a distance of ten rods or more. (Some of the work within the yard inclosing the house has since become obliterated by the grading of the premises, but at the time I first discovered it, was distinctly traceable through its whole length.) In 1864 I became possessed of a copy of the ' Army and Navy Magazine ' — April number — which contained a complete history, amplified from French sources, of the early 566 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTT. occupation of this country by adventurous Frenchmen from Canada, and inchided a precise history of old Fort Perrot, established in 1683 'near the modern village of Wabashaw.' My thoughts reverted at once to the old fortification which I had discovered, and I am convinced that it would prove to be the remains of the old fort. "Some few years since, in company witli Mr. Walton, editor of Wabasha "Herald" (without having in the meantime been' near the ground since my first exploration, and having since that time added to my knowledge of military engineering by ten years' service in the United States army, as an ofiicer of artillery), I visited the locality, which I found without any difficulty or delay, and found a portion of the old work (outside of Mr. Van Dyke's enclosure) as perfect as when I first saw it, twenty-five years before. Applying my knowledge of engineering to the location, I was then more than ever convinced of the correctness of my conclusions. "Let any person with the least knowledge of defensive works stand on the veranda of the Yan Dyke mansion, and look over the surroundings, and he must be convinced that it is the natural location for such a work as Fort Perrot, and the only one between that point and the lake. Westward from the fort was a gently sloping prairie, at that time probably clear of chaparral, which is of later growth, and which did not aiford any cover or lurking-place for attacking parties. Every foot of the ground within range, covered by the small arms in the loopholes of the palisades, the flanks of the inclosure similarly covered and protected, and facing the river, where the bateaux were moored, an abrupt slope to the water, easily guarded and defended. "The first separated from the semi-hostile village of Wabashaw by the broad arm of water, the modern ' slough,' which prevented a too intimate contact with the savages. The ground occupied by the work, muchA?^^Ae?"thanthesurroundingcountry, naturally commanded every approach, even the Indian village itself Here a few words as to the construction of the early frontier forts may not be inappro- priate : First, the bank was outlined, then a ditch was excavated, the earth therefrom thrown up on the inside, forming a parapet, in which were planted palisades (split trunks of trees), set close together and loopholed for small arms. Inside the wall thus formed were banquettes — shelf-like places, whereon the defenders could stand while discharging their small arms through the loopholes. Inside the inclosure were quarters, store and trading-house, and sometimes ABOEIGINAL. 567 a chapel^ all constructed of logs. Sucb works, when located in good commanding positions, afforded ample protection against marauding savages of those early days. In course of time, after being abandoned, the timbers of the old forts would rot away, but the excavations, if unmolested, would endure for generations. And so today, two hundred years since the construction of old Fort Perrot, portions of the works can be distinctly traced." One of the most picturesque scenes in North America is the approach to Lake Pepin. For miles, as the steamboat ascends the Mississippi, it glides through an extended vista, crowned in the distance by an amphitheater of hills which define the basin of the lake ; and in summer the islands in the river are covered with luxuriant vegetation, while tall cedar-trees, standing like sentinels along the bluffs, make an impression upon the mind of the traveler which a lifetime cannot erase. Again these steep walls of stone, with their fanciful outline of castles and ruined battlements, recede, and beyond are lovely prairies sufficiently elevated to be secure from all inundation, and these must have been entrancing spots to the ancient voyageur after a long and wearisome paddle in his frail canoe. From the magazine to which Oapt. Seely alludes we learn that "just helow Lake Pepin, on the west shore, is one of those beautiful plateaus," which so captivated Nicholas Perrot that he "landed" there in the year 1683 and ' ' erected a rude log fort. " Now it is evident that Capt. Seely cannot be mistaken in his conclusions in regard to the situation of this fort, from the fact that the plateau spoken of is the only one from the grand encampment to Point du Sable, and it being just at the foot of Lake Pepin, and nearly opposite the mouth of the Chippewa river, was just the place for an edifice of that kind. There is no other point of land sufficiently large to erect a fortification this side the lake either ; consequently our conclusions cannot be erroneous. The "slough" to which Capt. Seely alludes, at the time the fort was built, undoubtedly formed the main channel of the Zumbro river, which, from various causes, has been turned in its course, and now empties its waters in the Mississippi three miles lower down. In 1685 it became necessary for Perrot to visit the Miamis to engage them as allies against the English and Iroquois of New York, and it was for that reason undoubtedly that the fort was abandoned. It appears that the Foxes, Kickapoos, Maskoutens and other tribes, had formed a plan to surround and surprise the 568 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. fort during Perrot's absence, and then use the munitions of war against their enemies the Sioux. A friendly Indian informed Perrot of this and he returned with all possible speed. On the very day of his arrival, three spies had preceded him and obtained admission under the pretext of selling beaver-skins, and they had left, report- ing that Perrot was absent and the fort was only guarded by six Frenchmen. The next day two other spies came ; but Perrot, in ■ view of his danger, devised an ingenious stratagem. In front of the doors of the buildings, on the open square within the enclosure, he ordered all the guns to be loaded and stacked, and then the Frenchmen were made to change their dress after certa.in intervals and stand near the guns ; thus he conveyed the impression that he had many more men than the spies had seen. After this display the spies were permitted to depart, on condition that they would send from then* camp a chief from each tribe represented. Six responded to the demand, and as they entered the gates their bows and arrows were taken away. Looking at the loaded guns, the chiefs asked "if he was afraid of his children." Perrot replied " that he did not trouble himself about them, and that he was a man who knew how to kill." " It seems, "they continued, "that you are displeased." "lam not," answered Perrot, "although I have good reason to be. The Good Spirit has warned me of your evil designs. You wish to steal my things, murder me, and then go to war with the Nadouaissioux. He told me to be on my guard and that he would help me if you gave any insult." Astonished at his knowledge of their perfidy they con- fessed the whole plot and sued for pardon. That night they slept within the fort, and the next morning their friends began to ap- proach with their war-whoop. Perrot, with the fifteen men under his command, instantly seized the chiefs and declared they would kill them if they did not make the Indians retire. Accordingly one of the chiefs climbed on top of the gate and cried out, "Do not advance, young men, or you will be dead men. The Spirit has told Metamineus [the name which they gave Perrot] our designs. The Indians quickly fell back after this announcement and the chiefs were allowed to leave the fort. The fort was afterward abandoned until 1688, when he again reached Fort Perrot. In 1690 Perrot visited Montreal, and after a brief stay again returned to the west, establishing posts at various times as occasion required. From these accounts it is evident that Fort Perrot was the first one erected west of the Mississippi, and that we cannot be mistaken. ; ABOEIGESTAL. 569 in regard to the portion of the fort. In 1695 a second post was built by Le Sueur on one of the islands near the mouth of the St. Croix, and a few miles below the modern town of Hastings. This fort was erected as a barrier to hostile tribes, and the Indians were so strongly impressed })j the power of France that the fort became a center of commerce for the western parts ; but in 1696 the authorities at Quebec decided" to abandon all their posts west of Mackinaw, and the French were withdrawn from Wisconsin and Minnesota. Le Sueur, however, nothing daunted by this edict, applied to the king and obtained permission to return to Minne- sota in search of mines which he believed would prove rich and productive ; but upon his return to America the ship in which he sailed was captured and carried to an English port. After his release he again proceeded to France, and in 1698 he obtained a new license to take fifty men to the supposed mines. He arrived at a post not far from Mobile, on the Gulf of Mexico^ in December, 1699, and the next summer with a felucca, two canoes and nineteen men he ascended the Mississippi. On September li he sailed thrt)ugh Lake Pepin, and on the 19th entered the river St. Pierre, now called Minnesota. Ascending that stream he reached the mouth of the Blue Earth, and there, near the present site of the modern town of St. Peter, established the third post of the French. This post was completed on October 14, 1700, and called Fort L'Huiller, after the farmer- general in Paris, who had aided the project. When forts are spoken of in connection with these explorations, the reader must not imagine them built with walls of masonry and buttresses and angles with ordnance protruding therefrom. In those days there was neither time nor facilities for such work, but picture to himself a rude log cabin surrounded by a few pickets of logs and sticks, which would seem but slight protection from, the arrows of the savage. Le Sueur spent the winter of 1700 in the Blue Earth valley, and in April following commenced work at the mines, which were about a mile above the fort. In less than a month he obtained thirty thousand pounds of the substance found, four thousand of which he sent home to the king of France. In February, 1702, Le Sueur returned to the post on the Gulf of Mexico, and in the summer following sailed for France in company with the governor of Louisiana, who was a cousin of his by marriage. The next year the workmen he had left at Fort L'Huiller also came down to Mobile, 570 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. being forced to retire by the hostility of Indians and lack of supplies. For twenty years the posts in Minnesota were abandoned by the Canadian government, and the only white men seen were soldiers who had desertedand vagabond voyageurs, who, in both taste and principles, were lower than t^ie savages. It was at length perceived that the eye of England was on the Northwest. A dispatch from Canada says : " It is more and more obvious that the English are endeavoring to interlope among all the Indian nations and attach them to themselves. They entertain the idea of becoming masters of North America, being persuaded that the European nation which becomes the possessor of that section will in course of time be also master of all America. " To thwart these schemes, which in time were accomplished, the French proposed to reopen trade and license traders for the North- west. On June 7, 1726, peace was concluded by De Signery with the Sauks, Foxes and Winnebagoes, at Green Bay, and two French- men were sent to dwell in the Sioux villages, and to promise that, if they wouM cease to fight the Ojibways, trade should once more be' resumed, and a "black robe " come and teach them. In the follow- ing spring preparations were made to carry out these pledges, and both traders and ecclesiastic made arrangements to accompany the convoy. The Fox nation at that time were giving the French a deal of trouble, and in order to hem them in and prevent further diffi- culty it was decided to build another fort in the valley of the Upper Mississippi, which was the fourth and last post erected by the French. CHAPTER L. TRADITIONAL. On the Wisconsin shore, half way between Fort Perrot and the head of Lake Pepin, there stands a prominent bluff, four hundred feet high, the last two hundred of which is a perpendicular limestone escarpment. Opposite the Maiden's Hock, as this bluff is called, on the Minnesota side, there juts into the lake a peninsula, called by the French Point du Sable. It has always been a stopping-place for the voyageur, and here the party landed and proceeded to build the post. The stockade was one hundred feet square, within which TRADITIONAL. 571 were three buildings, probably serving the uses of store, chapel and quarters. One of the log huts was 38x16, one 30x16, and the last 25X16 feet in dimensions. There were two bastions, with pickets all around twenty-iive feet high. The fort was named in honor of the governor of Canada, Beauharnais, and the fathers called their mission-house St. Michael the Archangel. Maiden Eock derives its name from a beautiful legend connected therewith. These legends are peculiar to the Indians, owing, no doubt, to their having no way of transmitting their lore other than tradition. I introduce several in this work, not so much for their intrinsic fitness, as from a hope that such promulgation may tend in some slight degree to perpetuate among us seiitiments of respect for the once powerful and still interesting nations, whose traditionary legends are among the most curious and interesting to be found in the history of any people. The legend of Maiden Kock, or Lovers' Leap, as I shall call it,is romantic and beautiful. I present it here in juxtaposition with the fort because of its proximity and, the fact of its being told perhaps for generations before the fort was built. THE LOVEES' . LEAP. Unchanging hearts which idols make Of hearts as true though frail as they, Are ever doomed to hleed and break, And learn their gods are but of clay ! But though thrice shattered to the dust. And all deformed the image lies, The true heart in its boundless trust, Will deem it kindred to the skies ; ' For love though tarnished by the fall Survives to every age the same. And wigwam, cot and lordly hall Lights with its sanctifying flame. And, like its great Original, Is prompt to shield and slow to blame. Let us recall this legend hoar Of old Lake Pepin's sylvan shore ' Which floats adown tradition's stream Not as a vague and shadowy dream, But, as a high heroic theme, A stern reality of yore, Which hallowed once can die no more Than the fixed star's eternal beam. 572 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUHTT. Record may fade and pile decay, And town and rampart waste to dust, And nations rise and pass away, ' And time blot out their names with rust, While deed and sacrifice sublime Live freshly in the memory then. Defying all the assaults of time. While live and beat the hearts of men. Ah ! Indian maid, thy heart was tried Long, long ago, as legends tell ; When in its fresh and virgin pride Love oped its gushing founts all wide. And sealed thee as the martyr bride Too rashly loving, and too well. Oh ! she was graceful as the fawn. The young, the peerless Weenonay, And lovelier than the dappled dawn On the blue skies of flowering May. Of all the tribe, she was the flower. The sweetest of the wildwood bower. And hers the star which ruled the hour. And braves of fame and chiefs of power On her enchanting beauty hung. But only one of all the band Had touched her heart with love sublime. Though few in years, his deeds of fame At war dance and at feast were sung. And cowering fear came with his name, When whispered by a hostile tongue. She used, when pensive twilight brought Sweet moments of romantic thought, To hear him wake the warbling fl.ute. And to her mood the measure suit. Warmed by her smiles, with vigorous start First love upgrew within his heart ; And the wild passion of his soul Did brook no barrier nor control. But brothers ten of stern decree Did promise her, in revelry. To chieftain old with ample fame, Who wore Hhe proudest war-bird plume. And terror ruled where'er his name Did tales of great achievement prove. And chronicled with former wars. On brow and breast were glorious scars. TEADITIONAL. A beautiful lake is the Lake of Tears, And wild fowl dream on its breast unseated ; The golden brooch of costly price Is dim with its radiant wave compared. And tribesmen dwelt on its banks of yore, But a hundred years have vanished thrice Since hearthstones sn)i5J«^djUj)pji,it"^ f^hore. 'Tfd^'i >»J ^i^i oadTand silvery belt " ^ Of pebbles bright, and glittering sand v The waters into music melt, When breaking o'er the pebbly strand. Victors in many a forest fight. The bird of peace has taken flight ! The tree on which she framed her nest. Smoothed the bright feathers of her breast, Is shorn of its broad, leafy shield, Profaiung hands the bark has pealed ! Encamped the predatory horde ; their only cheer. Parched maize and smoked-dried flesh of deer. Oft, brothers, have the paths of war, From home and country led us far. And council on this shore had met, And ominous of coming strife, Clashed tomahawk and scalping-knife. And Wapashaw, with eye of skill. Took measurement of slope and hill, And tents were pitched by his command. On swells of undulating land Well guarded on the weaker flank By water and opposing bank. The sentinel was shown the bounds. Wherein to pace his lonely rounds. A signal by the chief was made To close the council, and obeyed, Yetr promptly with one voice decreed, That Weenonay, the chieftain's daughter. Should wed the brave, whose brow with might Came decked and armM for the fight. And she with savory nourishment. And gourds of cooling water. Was bade to cheer and grace the feast. While her light form of forest tone Breathed a low and whispered moan. The chieftain urged his suit again, And Sire again renewed the strain, And bade her bridal robes prepare. Nor dare to look on Neemooshe, Whose bride of moons she ne'er should be. 673 JY4 HISTOKY OF WABASHA COUNTY. A thing of beauty is the slender vine That wreaths its verdant arm around the oak, As if it there could safely intertwine, Shielded from axe or lightning strolce,— Thus the maiden clung unto her love, ^ ^^^^ While scaldir*' tears and "' '•'= '^ntbT ''■;'' "'"'"'^ "hi lifer u er-ju,Liored bosom, while her ears Fro-^^ygj-g flije(j Tifith tones that did not soothe her fears. She sought her warrior firm and true, And then resolved, come weal, come woe. With him to flee, and free to go Where they might roam from day to day. Till life should peaceful pass away. Love hath more devices far. When instant need to rescue calls, Than all the strategy of war Investing long beleaguered walls ; With stealthy step and agile limb The unconscious sentinel is passed. And now she stands alone by him On whom her soul's great stake is cast. Comely to look on was the youthful pair : One, like the pine, erect and tall. Was of imposing presence ; his dark hair Had caught its hue from night's descending pall ; Light was his tread, his port majestical, And well his chieftain brow became a form Of matchless beauty. And Weenonay, Ah, what of her ? Bright shapes beyond This darkened earth wore looks like those she wore. Graceful her mien as lily of the pond That nods to every wind that passes o'er. Softer than ripple breaking on the shore By rioonlight was her voice, and in her breast Pure thought a dwelling found — the bird of love a nest. Safely the guarded door is passed. The outer picket gained at last ; And now the uncovered way they take With the soft speed of startled deer, , When bounding hoofs are winged with fear. To gain the skiff upon the lake. Gained is the lake and light canoe But as they quickly push from shore With whoop and yell and wild halloo, Louder than battle's stormiest roar. TEADITIONAL. 575 A hundred dusky forms are seen Eushing along on either hand, Now plunging through the tangled green, Now madly leaping on the strand. Now, lovers, every sinew strain. Let no false stroke your speed delay, Your fierce pursuers on you gain ! Bow for your lives, away ! away ! The eastern beach is gained at last. But scarcely have they sprung to land And vanished in the forest vast. Ere their pursurers gain the strand ; They leap like wolves, a howling band. Up the steep bank and follow fast. The maiden speeds her lover past, And fleetly leads upon the trail; Yet higher, nearer swells the roar. She turns — a rocky steep is near, Which lifts its flinty summit high — A landmark, desolate and drear. Piercing the blue encircling sky — And leads her fearless lover there, Not to surrender, but to die. Far, far below, a depth profound, The lake sends up a murmuring sound. Meet place beneath the cloudless skies. For love's last solemn sacrifice. Far down from crag to crag swift leaping. With eagle plume and eye of fire, Weenonay sees her wrathful sire ; Above, one lightning glance he threw, Then notched an arrow to the string. And firm his trusty bow he drew ; The maiden sprang before her lover. His form with her light form to cover. That when the whizzing shaft should fly. She, she alone, or both might die. Still came the sire, his bow on higli. Nor shook his hand nor quailed his eye ; And well the desperate lovers knew His arm was strong, his aim was true. All bootless now the daughter's prayer. The parent heart is dark and stern. No throb of mercy softens there. But fiercest fires of vengeance burn. 576 HISTOET OF WABASHA COTINTY. In vain she 'warns her maddened sire, That sooner than'give up her brave, They both would seek a fearful grave. And slumber in the embrace of death, Far down the shelving gorge beneath. He heard, but deigned her no reply, And bade her brothers quickly fly ; They come ! and from that beetling hill In close embrace the lovers leap ! Two forms are flying down the steep — A sullen sound, and all is still. The warriors stand like wolves at bay, When baulked all sudden of their prey ; But as that sound greets the quick ear From the steep brow, they blanch and start. And a strange awe of chilling fear Creeps through the chief's bold heart. Little dreamed he, relentless brave, That this, his soft and timid dove. By the transforming power of love. Would the bold, tameless eagle prove. One hurried glance he gives below, Then calmly readjusts his bow, And on his awe-struck warriors calls. Far down that steep, by the sylvan lake, Two hollow graves they quickly make. And there they laid them side by side In their fearful wedlock, bridegroom and bride. And ever yet, in the leafy June, When full on the lake shines the round, bright moon. And the winds are hushed and the waves are still. And the echoes sleep on the sacred hill. Two forms steal out from the covert shore. With shadowy bark and spectral oar ; And with never a wake or ripple,, glide Slow and serene o'er the silvery tide ; But the whoop and the yell, and the wild uproar Of fierce pursuers, are heard no more. A LEGENB. The following legend, translated from the Sionx by Baptiste Rocque, and written by Miss Cora Clark, of Toledo, Ohio, is given as a sample of the traditions that have been handed down from ancient generations : In the old Indian days of the North Red Biver country, when an eagle's feather was worth a pony, and one feather might be added to the warrior's TEADITIONAL., 577 head-dress for each scalp taken, many were the young braves who made solitary and dangerous trips to the Eocky mountains to seek along appalling abysses for the aerie of that noble bird, the eagle. When once a warrior had sighted a nest, he most jealously guarded the spot against intrusion, and, with Indian obstinacy, clung to his right of discovery. Een-moo (the Panther), a young and brave Sioux, left the camp of his people and took his course with the sun toward the land of its setting. Young Een-moo's heart and limbs were strong ; he knew no fear, either of the deadly enemies in his way, or of the heights and depths of the mountains. He was alone but for his pony, his bow and arrows and a knife ; he carried also one buffalo-skin and a blanket. Een-moo reached the mountain country in peace ; the enemy had not crossed his path, and he had turned not, save to send an arrow in search of game. He placed his horse and blanket where none might discover them, and with his arrows, his buffalo-skin and his knife at his back, he went on further up the mountains. He stood at length midway 'tween earth and sky, and in rigid silence surveyed the scene before him. As he stood thus, the cliff spirit touched his eyes, his feet, his limbs; his eyes received the fire of an eagle's gaze, his feet and limbs the strength and swiftness of its pinions. Then came the climbing of dizzy heights, from which he peered into the cloudy chasms, searching the perpendicular sides for a chance shelf on which might be the rude angular works of an eagle's nest. This, the object of his strenuous efforts, was finally before him. His quick eye had caught sight of a projection upon the fSce of a huge wall beyond the black depth that lay at his feet. Indistinct at first, it had slowly assumed bolder outlines, and as if to confirm at that moment his almost assured hope, there was a movement, a majestic rising and falling, and the huge bird had left her nest. Een-moo's frame was on fire ; his eye flashedalongtheupperedgeof the cliff and then with equal speed marked out a course by which it might be attained. He must traverse miles and miles of rock; but, nothing' daunted, he commenced with a bound the perilous expedition. He rose and fell ; he went under and over down, down, up, up, up, and he stood above and a little over the nest. With folded arms, compressed lips and heaving breast he looked down, a long, long distance down, and counted six eggs ; he looked further to the black rock floor below. At this moment, from another position among those upper rocks another dark form appeared. A Cree warrior knelt with one hand pressed against a jutting stone, the other on the ground, and with eyes whose fire could be equaled only by that of the brave above him, he counted the same six eagle eggs. Neither saw the other, and day after day they crept stealthily to their respective places watching closely the nest, and afterward still more zealously the growth of the young birds. That the larger feathers might attain their full value, the birds were left unmolested until just ready to leave the nest. The momentous day for action set by Een-moo came at length, and with the earliest eastern light he began his preparation. He cut his buffalo-skin into long, slim strips, from which he twisted a light rope. When he reached the spot the old bird had not yet gone for morning food. He had not long to wait, however, for her to rise from her nest, when he sent an arrow to the noble mother's heart. Attaching the rope to the rock above, he cautiously descended by it toward the nest. 34 576 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. In vain she warns her maddened sire, That sooner than 'give up her brave, They both would seek a fearful grave, And slumber in the embrace of death, Far down the shelving gorge beneath. He heard, but deigned her no reply. And bade her brothers quickly fly ; They come ! and from that beetling hill In close embrace the lovers leap ! Two forms are flying dow^n the steep — A sullen sound, and all is still. The warriors stand like wolves at bay, "When baulked all sudden of their prey ; But as that sound greets the quick ear From the steep brow, they blanch and start. And a strange awe of chilling fear Creeps through the chief's bold heart. Little dreamed he, relentless brave. That this, his soft and timid dove. By the transforming power of love, Would the bold, tameless eagle prove. One hurried glance he gives below. Then calmly readjusts his bow. And on his awe-struck warriors calls. Far down that steep, by the sylvan lake, Two hollow graves they quickly make. And there they laid them side by side In their fearful wedlock, bridegroom and bride. And ever yet, in the leafy June, When full on the lake shines the round, bright moon, ^ And the winds are hushed and the waves are still. And the echoes sleep on the sacred hill, Two forms steal out from the covert shore. With shadowy bark and spectral oar ; And with never a wake or ripple,, glide Slow and serene o'er the silvery tide ; But the whoop and the yell, and the wild uproar Of fierce pursuers, are heard no more. A LEGEND. The following legend, translated from the Sioux by Baptiste Kocque, and written by Miss Cora Clark, of Toledo, Ohio, is given as a sample of the traditions that have been handed down from ancient generations : In the old Indian days of the North Red Biver country, when an eagle's feather was worth a pony, and one feather might be added to the warrior's TEADinONAL.. SYY head-dress for each scalp taken, many were the young braves who made solitary and dangerous trips to the Eocky mountains to seek along appalling abysses for the aerie of that noble bird, the eagle. When once a warrior had sighted a nest, he most jealously guarded the spot against intrusion, and, with Indian obstinacy, clung to his right of discovery. Een-moo (the Panther), a young and brave Sioux, left the camp of his people and took his course with the sun toward the land of its setting. Young Een-moo's heart and limbs were strong ; he knew no fear, either of the deadly enemies in his way, or of the heights and depths of the mountains. He was alone but for his pony, his bow and arrows and a knife ; he carried also one buffalo-skin and a blanket. Een-moo reached the mountain country in peace ; the enemy had not crossed his path, and he had turned not, save to send an arrow in search of game. He placed his horse and blanket where none might discover them, and with his arrows, his buffalo-skin and his knife at his back, he went on further up the mountains. He stood at length midway 'tween earth and sky, and in rigid silence surveyed the scene before him. As he stood thus, the cliff spirit touched his eyes, his feet, his limbs; his eyes received the fire of an eagle's gaze, his feet and limbs the strength and swiftness of its pinions. Then came the climbing of dizzy heights, from which he peered into the cloudy chasms, searching the perpendicular sides for a chance shelf on which might be the rude angular works of an eagle's nest. This, the object of his strenuous efforts, was finally before him. His quick eye had caught sight of a projection upon the face of a huge wall beyond the black depth that lay at his feet. Indistinct at first, it had slowly assumed bolder outlines, and as if to confirm at that moment his almost assured hope, there was a movement, a majestic rising and falling, and the huge bird had left her nest. Een-moo's fi-ame was on fire ; his eye flashed along the upper edge of the cliff and then with equal speed marked out a course by which it might be attained. He must traverse miles and miles of rock ; but, nothing daunted, he commenced with a bound the perilous expedition. He rose and fell ; he went under and over, down, down, up, up, up, and he stood above and a little over the nest. With folded arms, compressed lips and heaving breast he looked down, a long, long distance down, and counted six eggs ; he looked further to the black rock floor below. At this moment, from another position among those upper rocks, another dark form appeared. A Cree warrior knelt with one hand pressed against a jutting stone, the other on the ground, and with eyes whose fire could be equaled only by that of the brave above him, lie counted the same six eagle eggs. Neither saw the other, and day after day they crept stealthily to their respective places watching closely the nest, and afterward still more zealously the growth of the young birds. That the larger feathers might attain their full value, the birds were left unmolested until just ready to leave the nest. The momentous day for action set by Een-moo came at length, and with the earliest eastern light he began his preparation. He cut his buffalo-skin into long, slim strips, from which he twisted a light rope. When he reached the spot the old bird had not yet gone for morning food. He had not long to wait, however, for her to rise from her nest, when he sent an arrow to the noble mother's heart. Attaching the rope to the rock above, he cautiously descended by it toward the nest. 34 578 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. With all his previous preparation and present caution he could not save himself, for there was a flaw in the rope, and when within a few feet of the landing, the cord, which alone connected him to all living things, snapped, and he was precipitated among the affrighted birds. For a moment his strong Indian heart was daunted. He looked above, below, and saw no way of escape. It was but a moment ; with his inborn tact he soon set upon the only possible means of escape. He saw in the movements of the frightened eaglets a strength that might be put to use. With his natural alacrity and fortitude he immedi- ately put into action his desperate thought. With a stick from the nest he killed one of the six birds and dropped it below, nor did he for an instant watch its dizzy fall, for he knew he must follow. He then, with strands from the rope left in his hands, tied an eagle to the back of each ankle, to the back of his neck and one to each wrist, in such a way that their wings were free to move and in a natural condition. He raised his arms, made his body and limbs perfectly rigid, closed his eyes and let himself go from the rock. The birds, conscious of falling, tried with the greatest efibrts to keep up, so that Een-moo not only did reach the ground in safety, although dizzy and half-unconscious, but found himself borne a considerable distance from the base of the cliS. He returned to find the old bird and one young one, and having secured the desired feathers from the seven birds, proceeded to his horse, and thereupon took his home- ward way, anxious, after so long an absence, to receive from his family the honor of his success. At night he was loth to stop, but much wearied he crept into a bear's cave to take a rest, having a knife and arrow ready, expecting the return of the animal. Meanwhile with the early-rising sun the Cree Indian appeared, having made his preparations also to secure the birds that morning; but what was his consternation to find the nest empty, and not only that, but to see hanging from above a broken Indian rope. Filled with anger and mortification at this seeming robbery, he hastened to the summit of the cliff' and made close exami- nation of all the tracks, which soon told the whole story; but of the manner of escape he knew not, but knew that the enemy warrior was then on his way to the Red River country, the land of the Sioux. He determined to be re- venged, and to yet secure the eagle feathers. Late that night Een-moo roused from slumber to find a dark object bending over him ; before he could move one wrist was seized and a knife was descending, when with his free hand he caught the descending wrist of his foe. Neither Indian would release the other, so that they kept their rigid positions until daylight. In the gray dawn the fierce eyes of the foes met, — one a Sioux, the other a Cree, both young, brave, and of equal strength. The Cree claimed a right to the eagle feathers now in the possession of the Sioux, but Een-moo told him that he also had the right to them. They therefore agreed to settle the quarrel by gambling for the feathers. They came forth into the day, took ten arrows, and after arranging the mark, proceeded with the shots. Een-moo lost in succession each set of feathers, his pony, his blanket. He then in desperation put at stake his side scalp for one set of feathers, and thereupon won in succession each set of feathers, his^pony, blanket and knife, and those of the Cree ; then the Cree put up his side scalp for a set of feathers. This Een-moo would not accept, in admiration of his enemy, but oflfered to give him half the feathers. This was VEET EABLT TIMES. 579 done, and not only this, but the two exchanged friendship. As it was neces- sary, however, that there be a conflict because representatives of contending tribes had met, they agreed that at the full of the next moon they would each bring to that spot thirty warriors who should by a battle avenge the quarrel ; but as to themselves, one would ride a white horse and the other a black one, and although they must appear as foes, one would not injure the other, as in reality they were eternal friends. CHAPTER LI. VERY EARLY TIMES. In writing the history of any nation, county or town, it is de- sirable that it should be done before all traces of the facts related or the eye-witnesses of the events recorded should have passed away, in order that their accuracy may not be disputed. These records of the early history of Wabasha and this part of Minnesota, are all the more useful since the times which they chronicle have become already historic ; and, m we take into consideration the manner in which these bordermen held themselves amenable to the laws, being men of education and intelligence, we wonder not that they held the respect and fear of the savage tribes with whom they trafficked, or at their success among them. Men of brave, bold hearts themselves, the savage, so long as his rights were not infringed upon, could imitate, admire and respect the white m.an. The Indians have no heralds, no colleges, in which the lineage of their great men can be traced ; they have no parish register of marriages and births, by which to'ascertain their ancestry ; no monuments of their own art, to commend to future ages the events of the past ; no Indian pen re- cords the deeds of their warriors, their chiefs, and their prowess, or their virrongs. Their spoilers have been their historians ! And although reluctant assent has been awarded to some of the noble traits of their nature, yet, without yielding a dae allowance for the peculiarities of their situation, the Indian character has been pre- sented, with a singular uniformity, as being cold, morose and revengeful, unrelieved by any of those varying lights and shades which are admitted in respect to other peoples no less .wild and un- civilized than they. Forgetting that in the annals of the Hebrews their second monarch did not scruple to ' ' saw his prisoners with 580 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTT. saws," and to "harrow them with Harrows of iron"; forgetful, like- wise, of the scenes at Smithfield under the direction of our own British ancestors, and later, of the persecutions of the Quaker and the terrors of witchcraft ! But the poor untutored Indian has been, and is still, denounced with one accord as a monster of unapproacha- ble barbarity ! As though the summary tomahawk were worse than the iron tortures of the harrow, and the torch of the savage were hotter than the faggots of Queen Mary ! There has been none to weep for the poor Indian, while his wrongs have been wholly ignored and unrecorded. The Indians have no writer, no scribe, to relate their own side of the story ; and yet the annals of men probably do not attest to a more kindly reception of foreigners than was given to the Pilgrims landing at Plymouth by the faithful Massasoit and the tribes under his jurisdiction; nor did the "forest kings" take up arms until they too clearly saw that either their visitors or them- selves must be driven from the soil which was their own, derived, as they believed, from the Great Spirit himself; and that nation is yet to be discovered that will not fight for their homes, the graves of their fathers, and their family altars. No ! and until it be forgotten that by some christians in infant Massachusetts it %as held to be righteous to kill Indians as the familiars of Agazel, or ;intil the early records of even tolerant Connecticut, which disclose the facts that the Indians there were seized and sold as slaves in British West Indies, or until the rivers Amazon and La Plata shall have washed away the bloody history of the Spanish-American conquest, and until the fact that Cortez stretched the unhappy Gautimozin naked upon a bed of burning coafs is proved to be a fiction, let not the American Indian be pronounced the most cruel of men ! The fort established by Perrot was still in existence in the time of the French and Indian war, and was occupied as a military post at different times, until these lands were ceded to the English in 1T60. After the peace of 1763 between France and England was declared, Jonathan Carver, of Connecticut, conceived the project of exploring the northwest, and leaving Boston in, June, 1766, he arrived at Mackinaw, then the most distant post of the British, in August, and from that point pursued the usual route to Green Bay, where he amved on the 18th of the same month. The French post at that point was then standing, although much decayed. In com- pany with several traders, he left Green Bay and proceeded to "a town on the Mississippi, near the mouth of the Ouisconsin, called VERT EAULT TIMES. 681 by the French, La Prairie du Chien. It was a large town, con- taining about three hundred families. At a small stream called Yellow river, and just opposite Prairie du Chien, the traders, who ■ had thus far accompanied him, took up their residence for the win- ter, and from that point Carver, with a Canadian voyageur and a Mohawk Indian for companions, proceeded in a canoe up the Mis- sissippi. They reached Lake Pepin on the first of November, land- ing a few miles below. Carver was very much struck with the appearance of the surrounding land at this halting-place, and he says, while his companions were preparing dinner, he " took a walk on land," and the surface of the country struck him as very peculiar. He thought "it must be the site of some vast artificial earthwork." This was undoubtedly below Wabasha, at what is now called Sand Prairie, also a part of the "Grand Encampment," where mounds and relics of the prehistoric age have been found, many of which are traceable and easily seen. It is worthy of remembrance, that Carver was the first to call the attention of the civilized world to the existence of ancient monuments in the Mississippi valley. In his account of this ground, he says: "On the first of November I reached Lake Pepin, a few miles below which I landed, and while the servants were preparing dinner I ascended the bank to view the country. I had not proceeded far before I came to a fine level, open plain, on which, at a little distance, I perceived a partial elevation, that had the appearance of an entrenchment. On a nearer inspection I had greater reason to suppose that it ha4 been intended for this many centuries ago. Notwithstanding it was now covered with grass, I could plainly see that it had once been a breastwork of about four feet in height, extending the best part of a mile, and sufiiciently capacious to cover five thousand men. Its form was somewhat circular, and its flank reached to the river. Though much defaced by time, every angle was distinguishable, and appeared as regular, and fashioned with as much military skill, as if planned by Vauban himself. "The ditch was not visible, but I thought, on examining more curiously, that I could perceive there certainly had been one. From its situation, also, I am convinced that it must have been designed for that purpose. It fronted the country and the rear was covered by the river, nor was there any rising ground for a considerable way that commanded it ; a few straggling lakes were alone to be seen near it. In many places small tracks were worn across it by the 582 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. elks or deer, a»d from the depth of the bed of earth by which it was covered I was able to draw certain conclusions in regard to its great antiquity. I examined all the angles and every part with great attention, and have often blamed myself since for not encamping on • the spot and drawing an exact plan of it. To show that this descrip- tion is not the effect of a heated imagination or the chimerical tale of a mistaken traveler, I find, on inquiry, since my return, that Monsieur St. Pierre and several traders have at different times taken notice of similar appearances, upon which they have formed the same conjectures, but without examining them so minutel^"^ as I did. How a work of this kind could exist in a country that has hitherto (according to the general received opinion) been the seat of war to untutored Indians alone, whose whole stock of military knowledge has only within two centuries amounted to drawing the bow, and whose only breastwork, even at present, is the thicket, I know not. I have given as exact an account as possible of the singular appear- ance, and leave to future explorers of those distant regions to dis- cover whether it is a production of nature or ai-t. "Perhaps the hints I have here given might lead to a more perfect investigation of it, and give us very different ideas of the ancient state of realms that we at present believe to have been, from the earliest period, only the habitation of savages."* In Louisiana, layers of pottery six inches thick, with remnants of matting and baskets, have been found twelve feet helow the surface, and underneath what ig believed to be strata of the Drift. Pages of similar testimony might be quoted to establish these truths, but this work does not call for any argument or discussion in relation to * Science and research are daily establishing the truth of Carver's supposi- tions in regard to investigations, also that man existed in this region as far back in geological time as on the European continent ; and it may be shown that America is really the birthplace of the earliest race of man. One of the late important discoveries is that of Mr. E. L. Berthoud, which is given to the Philadelphia Academy of Sciences. He reports the discovery of ancient fire- places, rude stone monuments, and implements of stone in great variety, in several places along Crow creek in Colorado, and also on several other rivers in that vicinity. These fireplaces indicate several ancient sites of an unknown race, differing entirely from the mound-builders and the present Indians, while the fossils and shells found with the remains make it quite certain that the deposit in which these ancient sites are found is as old as the Middle Tertiary period, and Mr. Berthoud thinks the evidence strongly in favor of these loca- tions having been near some fresh-water lake, whose vestiges the present to- pography of region favors. — Scientific American. VEET EAKLY TIMES. 583 the existence of man before the Drift, or whether preglacial man was civilized or not. It will be seen at once that, without doubt, these earthworks were thrown up and entrenched even centuries before Fort Perrot was erected a few miles farther up the river, and it is still a mooted question whether they are the production of nature or art. It seems a great pity, too, that scientists have not pushed these investigations before all traces of the works shoT:id be effaced. Many of these mounds are still traceable and easily seen, and if they are the pro- duction of art, they but correspond to accounts we have of mounds and mound builders in other states, especially in Florida ; and these remains, in connection with a general estimate of aboriginal civiliza- tion, are to be found in each division of the western continent. That portion of the United States which lies between the Appalachian and the Rocky mountains presents three groups, at once the oldest and rudest monuments of bygone times. In Florida the natives always endeavored to build on high ground, or at least to erect the houses of the cacique or chief upon an eminence. As the country. was very level and high places seldom found, they con- structed artificial mounds of earth, the top of each being capable of containing from ten to twenty houses. Here resided the cacique, his family and attendants. At the foot of this mound was a square according to the size of the village, around which were the houses of the leaders and most distinguished inhabitants. The rest T)f the people erected their wigwams as near to the dwelling of their chief as possible. An ascent in a straight line, from fifteen to twenty feet wide, led to the top of the hillock and was flanked on each side by trunks of trees, joined one to another and thrust deep into the earth, other trunks of trees forming a kind of stairway ; the other sides of .the mounds were steep and inaccessible. Many of the artificial mounds noticed by travelers of the present day, and about which there has been so much learned speculation, were doubtless artificial structures thrown up by the natives for the purposes here given. These mounds of earth seem to be for similar purposes with those of stone on which are erected the ancient edifices found in Central America. The first group of the United States extends from the sources of the Allegheny to the waters of the Mississippi ; the second group occupying the Mississippi valley, and the third stretches from South Carolina to Texas. These groups consist wholly of mounds and 584 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. circumlocutions of earth and stone varying from each other very little. "Whether these structures were intended for worship or defense, it is impossible to decide ; more probably, however, they were of a military character. But, whatever their origin, they derive great interest from the analogous fact that within the same limits vases of earthenware and copper have been dug up, and pipe-bowls decorated with human heads of the type of existing aborigines, together with domestic uteusilB, personal ornaments, hatchets of stone, and weapons of copper, mica and shell. While attempting to appreciate aboriginal civilization, we cannot fail, in the light of these remains, to be struck with their magnitude rather than with their beauty, and the only safe conclusion is that in the new world, as in the old, there were different degi-ees of civiliza- tion, — some of them much higher than we could have expected in the utter absence of useful metals, and also beasts of burden. And again, stray visitors of a higher type might have produced all the phenomena — visitors such as appear to have figured in the traditions of Mexico and Peru ; or again, as Mr. Donnelly in his "Atlantis" would have, visitors from the submerged continent from whom both Europe and America derive their similarity of archi- tecture, manners, traditions, religion and customs. From facts and circumstances equally conclusive we surely may deduce an age for most of the mounds of the Mississippi valley of not less tJian two thousand years, but by whom built, or whether their authors migrated to remote lands, under the attraction of more fertile soil or genial climate, or whether they disappeared beneath the victorious arms of an alien race, or were swept out of existence by some climatic change or terrible epidemic, are questions probably beyond the power of human investigation. History is silent con- cerning them, and their very name is lost to tradition itself. The tenacity witii which the minds of the credulous cling to the mar- velous is wonderful ; yet the facts connected with the Mississippi valley indicate that the ancient population was numerous and widely spread, as the features common to all identify. Cartier in Canada, Smith in Virginia, as well as the Pilgrims, and the French in IS'ew York, all found the Indians con- structing defenses, consisting of palisades, ditches, embank- ments and other works, the remains of which are still numerous. Again, it is noteworthy that while the existence of minerals was known to the savages who lived near Lake Superior, VERY EAKLT TIMES. 585 and it was made known to the first explorers of that lake and its vicinity, the working of the deposit was not commenced till nearly two centuries later. Stranger still, that a race far older than the savages with whom the Jesuit fathers conversed, a race of which hut little more is known than that it existed, must have been extracting copper from the mines of Lake Superior long before Co- lumbus set forth to discover the new world. These people are sup- posed to be mound-builders ; and in the mounds, which are their only memorials, copper utensils and ornaments have been found. The Indians inhabiting the country had no knowledge of mining nor skill in working metals. In the winter of 1847-8 a most curious discovery was made on the south shore of Lake Superior, near the Ontonagon river, where the Minnesota copper mine is situated.* Mr. Knap discovered the remains of an old working, and found a mass of native copper ten feet long, three feet wide and nearly three feet thick, and weighing six tons. In the vicinity of the same were found stone hammers, copper knives and chisels, and wooden bowls for bailing out water. Though very rude, yet they were most ingenious, and must have been made by a people which had made greater progress in civiliza- tion than the Indians who succeeded and supplanted them. As Minnesota, and this part of it so near our city, was the first place in the new world where the attention was called to the exist- ence of earthworks, I have given some space to the consideration of the same and the opinion of others. Lake Pepin excited Carver's admiration greatly, as it has that of every traveler since his time, and he says of it, "I observed the ruins of a French factory, where it is said Capt. St. Pierre resided and carried on a great trade with the Nadoussioux before the reduction of Canada." Undoubtedly this "factory," as he calls it, was old Fort Beauharnais. Carver was the first English traveler who visited the Falls of St. Anthony, and this Capt. St. Pierre is supposed to be the same to whom Washington bore despatches from Gov. Dinwiddle in 1753. At that time the aged St. Pierre was in command of a rude post in Erie county, Pennsylvania. During the war existing between France and England in America, the ofiicers of the northwestern posts were called into action and stationed near the enemy, so that several posts were left unprotected. * Ray's "From New Foundland to Manitoba." 586 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. It appears that the erection of trading-posts on the Mississippi had enticed the Dakotahs from their old residence on the Rum river to come to these posts, which gave them the name of River Bands. Carver, in speaking of the Nadoussioux, says there were originally twelve bands, but one band revolted and left, which, at the time he made their acquaintance, left eleven ; and they were called "River Bands, because they chiefly dwell near the banks of this river," meaning the Mississippi. Carver's theory in regard to the Indians is not unlike that of many others who have given much time to research and the study of mounds and their builders. He supposed the Dalikotahs came from Asia, but says " this might have been at different times, and from various. parts, as Tartary, China, Japan, for the inhabitants of those countries greatly resemble each other." Others have observed the resemblance between the American Indian and those of Tartary, and theologians have generally believed that they Qould trace an affinity with the Hebrew, others again, with the Gaelic or Erse, particularly at the Sandwich islands. In his book of travels Carver says nothing in relation to a gr^nt made to him from the Dahkotahs, but after his death it was asserted that there was a deed in existence belonging to him of valuable lands, and that it was executed at the cave in the eastern suburbs of St. Paul. In this deed is the first known mention of "brother Jonathan," and it is presumed the term arose from this transaction. The deed claims to have been executed "at the Great Cave, May 1, 1Y67," and signed by Hawnopawjatin" and Olohtongoomlisheau. After Jonathan Carver's death a claim was urged for the land upon which St. Paul now stands, and many miles adjacent ; and in 1840 a corps of engineers came on to look up the lands for the English heirs, he having had two wives, the second one being an English lady. No good title, however, has ever been acknowledged, neither was the original deed presented by the heirs' assignees, and in 1823 the committee of public lands made a report to the United States, stating that, owing to the want of proof as to those facts, in their opinion "the claim was not such as the United States were under any obligation to allow" ; and the territory has remained the property of the United States. In May, 1800, the Northwestern Territory was divided. The portion now distinguished as Ohio was organized as the territory of Indiana, and in December following the Province of Louisiana, of which Minnesota was a part, was officially delivered to the United VEEY EAELY TIMES. 587 States by, the rrencl|. President Jeiferson, thinking it highly important to explore the country acquired, took measures for an expedition to ^he upper Mississippi. The iirst American who visited Minnesota, on business of a public character, was Lieut. M. Pike ; and in September, 1805, he arrived at Prairie du Chien, where he was politely entertained by the traders there at that time. These traders were Fisher, Frazer and Woods. Fisher traded there until 1815, when he went to the Red River of the North in service of the Hudson Bay Company, where he remained several years. From 1824 until 1826 he was at Lake Traverse. One of his daughters was the mother of Joseph Rolette, of Pembinaw, by J. Rolette, trader at Prairie du Chien. Mr. Rolette had two wives ; his first wife had two daughters, one of whom is still living, Mrs. Maj. Hooe, of Washington. His second wife married Mr. H. L. Dousman, a partner in the A.merican Fur Company, of New York, and trader at Prairie du Chien, where they continued to reside until Mr. Dous- man's death, which occurred in September, 1868. They had one son, who now resides in one of the palatial residences of St. Paul. Mr. Dousman was a man of sound and cultivated judgment, and great executive ability, and was successful in all his efforts to bring to proper working system the operations of traffic of the wide field in which he was engaged. Frazer has a son living at Mendota. Jean Baptiste Faribault was the last survivor of the old traders. He and his sons resided at Faribault for many years. Mr. Faribault entered the service of the Northwest Fur Company when a very young man, in spite of great opposition from his family, and the station or post to which he was assigned was that of Kankakee, on the river of that name, and not very far from the present city of Chicago, license having been granted them to trade within the jui-isdiction of the United States by the proper authorities. Mr.. Faribault, displaying so much business tact, was assigned the charge of a more important post on the Des Moines river, about two hundred miles above its mouth. The post was named Redwood, and the Indians with whom he traded, the Yankton Sioux. He continued in charge of that post four years, during which time he saw no white man except his own assistants. The region abounded with beaver, otter, deer, bear, and other wild animals, and it was the favorite resort of the Sacs and Foxes, the lowas and Sioux. The wages of a good clerk at that time was two hundred dollars per annum, an interpreter one hundred and fifty dollars, and a com- 588 HISTOEY OF WABASHA COUNTY. mon voyageur one hundred dollars ; rations allowed them being of the simplest kind. Having served his time, Mr. Faribault returned to Mackinaw with the intention of going back to Canada, but hearing there of the sudden death of both his parents within fifteen days of each other, he again entered the service of his former employers and was dispatched to the river St. Peters (now Minnesota) and took charge of a post at Little Kapids, about forty miles above its mouth. The band of Sioux with whom he traded were called Wah-pay-ton^ or People of the Leaf, and during the third year of his residence there he was married to a daughter of a Mr. Hause, a previous superintendent of Indian aflPairs. The groom was in his thirty-first year and his bride in her twenty-second. He was thenceforth a permanent denizen of the northwest. His eldest son, Mr. Alexander Faribault, was born at Prairie du Chien, and this son was the founder and a highly respected citizen of Faribault, in this state. The Northwest Fur Com- pany, not being permitted to continue their business upon American territory, sold out their interests to the American Fur Company, of which John Jacob Astor, of New York, was the head. Joseph Eolette was constituted the agent of the newly formed association in the northwest, and Mr. Faribault made arrangements with him for the supply of merchandise requisite for his trade, and afterward removed his trading station to Pike's island, near the present site of Fort Snelling. Mr. Faribault had four sons and several daughters, but one of whom is still living. He died August 20, 1860, at the ripe age of eighty-seven years. His memory deserves to be respected and perpetuated among the pioneers of Minnesota. After Lieut. Pike's stay of some days at Prairie du Chien he resumed his ascent of the Mississippi, and at Point du Sable, on Lake Pepin, he found a trader by the name of Cameron, and his son, who accompanied Pike to the Cannon river, where he found Ked "Wing, the second war-chief of the Dahkotahs. Continuing his ascent, he finally reached the encampment of J. B. Faribault, which was three miles below Mendota, where he made a short stay. Thence he ascended the river and continued his explorations as far as Red Cedar lake, and at Lake LarSang-Sue hoisted the American flag, effecting at both these points peace with the Sioux and Chippewas. Upon this trip he fixed the source of the Mississippi to be Leech lake, that being the highest point he reached, owing to the inclem- TREATIES WITH THE NATIVES. 589 ency of the weather, which prevented his pushing his discoveries still farther. Upon his return he passed through Lake Pepin with barges, and stopped at a prairie about nine miles below the lake, on the/ right bank going down, and there went out to view some .grounds which he thought had the appearance of an old fortification. These fortifi- cations, no doubt, were the same described by Jonathan Carver. Upon reaching Prairie du Chien, Pike was again entertained by the traders. Lieut. Pike was a bold, enterprising man of great tenacity of purpose, and will ever be entitled to the distinction of having been the first to extend researches to regions so wild and repulsive, at a time, too, when there existed no fort on the Mississippi above Prairie du Chien, the old French forts having been abandoned for years. CHAPTEK LII. TEEATIES WITH THE NATIVES. Lsr 1830 steps were taken for a congress of tribes at Prairie du Chien, and at this council the M'dewakantonwan Dahkotahs made a treaty, and conveyed to their relatives of mixed blood that tract of land about Lake Pepin known as the "half-breed tract." The tract of said treaty is described as follows : "Beginning at a place called the Bam, below and near the village of the Eed Wing chief, and running back fifteen miles, thence in a parallel line with Lake Pepin and the Mississippi about thirty-two miles to a point oppo- site Au Boeuf river, thence fifteen miles to the Grand Encampment opposite the river aforesaid. " This is the tract upon which our annals are laid, and with which the history of the city of "Wabasha is so closely connected. Oliver Cratte, of this place, asserts that he was present at that treaty, and that the above is a true rendition of it ; also that these lands were intended for the half-breeds of that generation only, and that no " scrip " should ever have been placed upon them. The chiefs present upon that occasion, according to Mr. Cratte, were Eed Wing, Black Dog, Little Crow (the father of the great Crow of Sioux massacre notoriety), Waconta and Wapashaw. In 3831, dur- ing the month of April, the authorities at Washington instructed the Indian agent at Sault Ste. Marie, H. E. Schoolcraft, to proceed to the upper Mississippi, and use his infiuence to make peace between 590 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. the contending tribes, Dakotahs and Ojibways, in which he partly succeeded, and in 1832 he was again instructed to visit the tribes toward the sources of the Mississippi. In June of that year he arrived, in comffeny of a military escort commanded by Lieut. James Allen, at the Fond du Lac trading-house on the St. Louis river, and, slowly making their way, in July they arrived at Elk Lake, which Mr. Schoolcraft named Itasca. The party were sure they had reached the true source of the great river at last, and geographers still mark Lake Itasca as the head and source of the Mississippi. The lake is about seven miles long, and varies from one to three miles broad, is of irregular shape, with no rock in place but some boulders on the shores. The Indian trade of the northwest was found to be so completely in the hands of British subjects, that trade could not be carried on by the Americans without their assistance. The secretary of the treasury in consequence issued a circular allowing the agents to license interpreters and voyageurs, who might be employed' by the American traders. Mr. Taliaferro was the first Indian agent in Minnesota, and he held the oflElce twenty-one years, licensing traders at different points as occasion demanded at different times. In 1833 the licensed traders of Minnesota were : Alexis Bailly, Men- dota ; J. E. Browne, mouth of the St. Croix ; J. B. Faribault, Little Kapids ; Joseph Renville, Lac qui Parle ; Louis Provencalle, Traverse des Sioux ; Hazen Moores, Lac Traverse, and B. F. Baker at Fort Snelling. In 1835 we find Joseph E. Brown at Lac Traverse, near the head of the Minnesota river, and Joseph Laframboise on the Coteau de Prairie, at the Lake of the Two Woods, and Alex- ander Faribault, son of J. B. Faribault, on the Cannon river. There were other prominent traders who came into the country in 1 837, among whom were N. W. Kittson, Philander Prescott and Fran- cois Labathe. Franklin Steele and "Wm. H. Forbes also came to Minnesota in 1837, and H. M. Eice, who was at the head of an extensive trade with the "Winnebagos and Chippewas, in 1839. In 1837 about twenty chiefs and traders^ by direction of Gov. Dodge, proceeded to Washington to make a treaty ceding to the United States their lands east of the Mississippi. They were accompanied by Maj. Taliaferro, agent, and Scott Campbell as interpreter. The fur company was represented by H. H. Sibley, Alexis Bailly, Joseph La Framboise, Augustin Eocque, Labathe, the Faribaults, and others. Joel E. Poinsette, a special commis- sioner, represented the United States. CHAPTEE LIII. • BUSINESS BEGINS. The first white man to resume trade in these parts after the old forts were abandoned, was Augustin Eocque, grandfather of the family by that name in Wabashaw. His first post was built about 1800, where Eeed's Landing now stands. Lieut. Pike makes no mention of him in his account of his explorations, and it is probable that Eocque had left the post before Pike passed up the river, as it appears that for some reason he abandoned this post and returned to Prairie du Chien. Mr. Eocque was a French Canadian, coming to these wilds when a very young man. He married a Dahkotah woman, by whom he had a large family, his son Augustin being the father of the family now at this p^ace. About the year 1830 Augustin, who followed the business of his father as Indian trader, moved back to this point on the "half-breed" land and erected a dwelling and trading-post on the site of old Fort Perrot. Being con- nected by marriage with the Sioux and Fox Indians, he traded through different parts of Minnesota and Iowa, one of his outposts being on the site of the present town of Cedar Eapids. Mr. Eocque's influence among the tribes with whom he traded was almost unbounded, and several outbreaks at different times were quelled by his sagacity and influence. So great was the respect of the Indians for him, they looked upon him almost as a father, and hence his influence. The portrait of Mr. Eocque hangs in the capi- tol at Washington, together with several of the Sioux chiefs. At the time of his return to this point, the present site of Wabashaw was covered with underbrush and trees. His place, when steam- boats ran, was called Eocque's Landing. At that time Wapashaw Eed Leaf) was living with his band where Winona now stands, the prairie being called Wapashaw prairie — by the old voyageurs, " La Prairie Oseilles" — that is, "Flag-root Prairie." The city of Winona was named for Wapashaw's sister Weenonah. The first steamboat upon these waters was the Virginia, which ascended the Mississippi as far as Fort Snelling in 1823. Fort Snelling was first named Fort St. Anthony, but in 1824, at the sug- gestion of Gen. Scott, it was changed to Fort Snelling. As Col. 592 HISTOEY OF WABASHA COUNTY. Leavenworth and troops, en route for Fort St. Anthony in 1819, stopped at Prairie du Ohien, a child was born to Lieut. N. Clark, whose first baptismal name was Charlotte, after its mother, and the second was Ouiscftisin, given it by the officers in view of the fact that she was born at the junction of that stream with the Mississippi. Li course of time Miss Clark married a graduate of "West Point, who afterward became Gen. H. P. Van Cleve, U. S. A., and this ver}'- worthy couple still reside in Minneapolis, Mrs. Van Cleve being the oldest resident of Minnesota. In 1820 Mrs. Col. Snelling gave birth to a daughter, which was the first white child born in Minnesota. Before the advent of steamboats upon these rivers commerce and navigation had been carried on byttoeans of keel-boats and canoes, and for a long time after it was found that steamboats could ascend the upper Mississippi, commerce being unequal to the sup- port of steamboat navigation, the keel and canoe were used as before. The British and American fur companies always used the canoe for shallow waters and rapids, and the keel-boat for transpor- tation, until the volume of business warranted their supersedure by the steamer. The keel was built much like an ordinary barge, but shallower, and provided with running-boards on each side, their carrying capacity varying from seven to twenty tons. The largest were usually manned by fourteen men, six on a side with poles for propelling the boat, and a cook, with sometimes a trader or agent on board. These men were Canadian-French hall-breeds, called voyageurs, under the supervision of some active trader or agent. The earliest manuscript written in Minnesota is written by Col. Snelling, dated August 4, 1820, and reads as follows : In justice to Lawrence Taliaferro, Esq., Indian agent at this post,* we, the undersigned, officers of the Fifth Regiment here stationed, have presented him this paper as a token not only of our individual respect and esteem, but as an entire approval of his conduct and deportment as a public agent in this quarter. Given at St. Peter, this 4th day of August, 1820. T. Snelling, Col. 5th Inf., N. Clark, Lieut., S. BuRBANK, Br. Major, Jos. Hare, Lieut., David Perry, Capt., Ed. Purcell, Surgeon, D. Gooding, Br. Capt., P. R. Green, Lt. and Adjt., J. Plympton, Lieut., W. G. Camp, Lt. and Q. M., R. A. McCabe, Lieut., H. Wilkins, Lieut. (St. Peter was afterward called Mendota.) *Neill's " History of Minnesota." BUSINESS BEGINS. 593 The first white man who built on the present site of "Wabasha was Oliver Cratte,* who came here from Fort Snelling in 1838. About the same time came Joseph Bnisson, who, for some time, car- ried the mails on foot from Fort Snelling to Prairie du Ohien, a dis- tance of two hundred and four miles, accomplishing the round trip in fourteen days. Mr. Cratte was sent to this place by the govern- ment and located as blacksmith for the Wapashaw band. He was born in Liverpool, England, in 1801. He was early left an orphan, and he and his sister came to Canada when he was a mere boy. H« learned the blacksmith's trade at Montreal, and after completing it he came west as far as Mackinaw, where he remained about a year. He then went to Prairie du Chien in company with some traders, and was there employed by the United States government. In 1828 he was sent to Fort SneUing, where he remained until he came to Wabasha in 1838. Mr. Cratte has been married three times. His first wife was a daughter of Alexander Graham, by whom he had five children, and his present wife is a daughter of Scott Campbell, who acted as interpreter for the chiefs and braves who visited Washing- ton in 1837 for the purpose of ceding their lands east of the Missis- sippi to the United States. Mr. Cratte is still living and is the oldest living white man of his time. He is entirely blind, yet his memory is good, and it is like reading history to hear him recount the scenes of his long and varied experience. The old man is poor, which renders his blindness still more pitiable. He has, in his day, been far beyond want ; but loaning gold and, in his own honesty of purpose and heart, trusting the word of those who came to him in need, taking no proper security, he has thus, in his old age, become reduced to poverty and sorrow. Coming here in the fall of 1838, he built a shop of logs on the levee, chinking it with mud and sand, and occupying it that winter for shop and dwelling. In the spring following he added a "lean-to" and sent for his family, they having remained at Fort Snelling during the winter. This dwelling was the first ever built by white man at this place. Mr. Joseph Buisson built a small house the same season and brought his family here also, which house was the second one erected on the site of Waba- sha. Mr. Cratte's eldest son, David Cratte, who resides in Wabasha, has been a man of great activity and swiftness of foot, figuring * Cratte's LandingAvas the original name of the site of the present city of Wabasha. 35 594 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. largely in the early annals of the place. In 1854 he was sent by H. S. Allen's agent at this place with dispatches to Chippewa Falls, where Mr. Allen resided. Young Cratte carried them on foot, and upon his refurn, just after leaving Eau Claire, he noticed a party of Chippewas lurking around in ambush for a party of Sioux, who were on their way to St. Paul. The Chippewas, knowing the surroundings far better than the Sioux, waited for and surrounded them, capturing and killing every one of them. Cratte, learning what was going on, and fearing for his own life, took to his heels and ran all the way to Wabasha, arriving at nine o'clock in the evening, a distance of fifty miles in nine hours. The enmity existing between the Ojibways (Chippewas) and Dahkotahs (Sioux), owing to their frequent encroachments upon each other's hunting-grounds, was very bitter, and was the cause of constant feuds among them. Mr. J. Buisson was a trader of some ability, remaining at this place until his death, in 1857. He had quite a family of sons and daughters, most of them still residents of Wabasha. On the island just opposite the present city of Wabasha stood iJ trading-post in 1849, erected by one Kobar. Mr. La Bathe, a French ' trader, built and, in 1841, occupied the log house on the levee, just below the residence of W. T. Duganne, as a trading-post. In 1844 he sold this post to Alexis Bailly, who occupied it for store and dwelling for many years. A part of said house is still standing, and in good repair, being occupied as a dwelling. * Mr. Bailly added to the building, living in it until after his second marriage, in 1857, when he built the substantial residence which, since his death, has been known as "Riverside" to all travelers. In 1841 another post was built upon the same island, about mid- way between Wabasha and Read's Landing, by a Mr. Nelson, which point is familiarly known as Nelson's Landing. These posts were built expressly for trade with the Chippewas. The history of the early days of our western homes has been so obliterated by the march of improvement in a quarter of a century, and traces of first beginnings so lost that a comparison of the present times with those of the past is hardly possible, and young people of the present day emigrating from their luxurious eastern homes * Since the above was written the building has been consumed by fire, April 23, and thus destroying the last landmark of the old traders. BUSINESS BEGINS. 595 should bear in patience the slight ills to which they may be subjeeted, being, as they are, so small in comparison with the trials, privations and hardships of the early settlers. It is, no doubt, difficult for them to realize how very primitive were all these beginnings, and history itself cannot portray them as they really were. Again, the settler on any of our western prairies, and the ax man who enters upon the primeval forest, must often be the subject of strange reflections as he follows his plough, throwing the rich alluvial soil that through all the ages has remained undisturbed, or hews down the lofty pine that for thousands of jears has flourished and grown unnoticed and uncared for, and the ma;jestic oak in all its strength ; he must wonder how it should occur that he, of all the people that have lived, and still live on the earth, should be the first to appro- priate to his own comfort these blessings so long held in nature's vast storehouse ; and wonder, too, why his race should require all the resources of earth, the productions of forests, mines, rivers, lak«si oceans and seas, — of the soil planted, cultured and garnered; the flocks and herds feeding and gamboling in undisturbed freedom upon a thousand hills, for his subsistence and convenience, while other races have remained from generation to generation in all the untamed wildness of the deer and elk upon which they subsist. Wliat of the race that but yesterday was here ? Save these rivera^,, plains and forests, now so peaceful, always been so calm and still ? Or have they been the scene of sanguinary savage conflict? We speculate in vain upon the long-ago dwellers upon the banks of these lovely streams. Then savage yells may have been the only sound that ever waked the stillness of these hills ; or a race long since gone may have builded and worshiped, and cultivated all the amenities of civilized life, and the records of their virtues and deeds have become obliterated by time's relentless fingers. Until 1849 the territory now comprising Minnesota was included in six counties, namely, Ramsey, Washington, Benton, Dakota, Wabasha, Pembinaw ; total population in 1849 being four thousand nine hundred and forty. The first white man who built within the precincts of the county was Augustin Rocque ; upon his return to his post, at or near the site of old Fort Perrot, in 1830, and when steamboats began to navigate these waters, his place was called Rocque's Landing. Gov. Sibley makes mention of his place in his memoranda of first coming to Minnesota, and says: "Some idea can be formed of the great changes which have occurred since 1834 596 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. wheu I state that when I performed the journey from Prairie du Chien to St. Peters, now Mendota, in the autumn of that year, a distance of nearly three hundred miles, there was but one house between these points, and that was a log cabin, occupied by a trader named Kocque, situated below Lake Pepin, near the present town of Wabasha." Mr. Cratte, as has been stated, was the first white man who built upon the present site. The city of Wabasha was not named until 1843, when it was called Wabashaw, after the old chief. The ceremony of christen- ing was performed in the following manner : A hole was dug in the ground on the levee, and a bottle containing a paper giving an account of the event was placed in the hole ; then a post was set up over it with a board nailed thereon, upon which was printed or written the name "Wabashaw" in large letters. A bottle of whisky was broken to celebrate the christening, and everyone became jubilant. In 1853, ten years later, the old sign-post was still standing. It is diflScult now to locate just the place where the post stood ; but Mr. Cratte informs us that it was on the levee between Alleghany and Pembroke streets. Mr. Francis Talbot saw it when he landed here in 1853 from the steamer Nominee. At the time of this christen- ing, Wabasha was nothing more than a trading-post and stopping- place for traders and voyageurs. It had been a stopping-place for the American traders for a long time as they passed up and down the river, trafficking with the different bands of Indians on both sides of the. river and around the lakes, their headquarters being at Prairie du Chien, so that " the Pi-airie " seemed like home to them, particularly so to the pioneer Frenchman. After the town was organized Mr. Bailly was appointed justice of the peace by the governor, and was thereby made the first civil officer of the county. Before that time the manner of living had been quite patriarchal in its way, and no better illustration can be given of it than to quote Mr. Eocqiie"s advice to his sons, which gives his opinion of the law. . It says: "Mes fils, ce faut que vous engardez bien a ce moment parceque la loi c'est venue en ville. La loi c'est le diable, et Mon- sieur Bailly il est la loi." Interpreted: "My sons, it is necessary that you be very careful now, because the law has come to town. The law is the devil, and Mr. Bailly is the law." CHAPTER LIV. ORGANIZATION. The Territory of Minnesota was divided into counties by enact ment of first territorial legislature. The county of Wabasha according to this division, comprised all that portion of territor; lying east of a line running due south from a point on the Mississipp known as Medicine Bottle village, at Pine Bend, to the Iowa line being the entire territory belonging to the present counties o Wabasha, Goodhue, Dodge, Olmsted, Winona, Mower, Houston Fillmore and nearly one-lialf the territory belonging to Dahkota Wabasha county was not organized under that act, but the divisioi was declared to be for the purpose of the appointment of justices o the peace, constables and such other judicials as might be speciall; provided for. Wabasha was attached to Washington county fo judicial purposes by provision of said act. By an act of March 6 1853, the county was somewhat reduced in size, that portion nortl of a line extending from a point twenty-five miles south of the nortl branch of the Cannon river to Lake Pepin, at a point on the lak seven miles below Sand Point, being set off into the counties o Goodhue and Dacotah. By the provisions of this act, Wabashi county was attached to Goodhue county for judicial purposes. Fil" more county was also set ofi" and organized under the same act, am comprised all the territory south of the White Water river, and ej tended west to a line running due southeast from a point on the nortl branch of the Cannon river, as above described, to the Iowa line The remaining portion of land situated between Goodhue am Fillmore counties comprised the territory of Wabasha county a organized during the same session. By an act of February 23 1854, the counties of Winona and Houston were organized, bene the limits and boundaries of Wabasha were again changed. B; this act the boundaries were as follows: "Commencing at th' southeast corner of township 107 north, of range 11 west ; then© ■ west thirty miles to the southwest corner of Kalmar, in Olmstei county ; thence north twelve miles to the northwest corner of wha is now the town of New Haven ; thence east six miles to the south 598 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. west corner of the present town of Mazeppa ; thence north twelve miles to the northwest corner of town 110, range 14 (being the present town of Chester) ; thence east six miles to the northeast corner of the same town ; thence north six miles to the northwest corner of the town of Mount Pleasant ; thence east to Lake Pepin ; thence down the lake and Mississippi river to the present boundary line between Winona and Wabasha counties ; thence west to the northwest corner of Winona county ; thence sOuth twenty-four miles to the place of beginning. " By an act of February 20, 1855, Olmsted county was organized, with its boundary lines as at the present time ; eight of the southern towns of Wabasha were set off as a portion of the territory of Olmsted countj^ leaving the boun- daries of Wabasha county as at present described on the state maps. The first election in the county was held at the house of Augus- tin Rocque, in what is now the city of Wabasha, October 11, 1853. At that election the following gentlemen were elected to the county offices : Christian Shively, Oliver Cratte and Peter Larrivierre, county commissioners ; Alexis P. Bailly, register of deeds ; C. Shively, treasurer and coroner, and Levi Murphy, sheriff. The board of commissioners met March 6, 1854, in accordance with an act passed by the territorial legislature, February 9 of the same year, and presented their certificates of election, properly certi- fied to and endorsed, which were ordered to be deposited in the files of the office. Mr. Alexis P. Bailly acted as clerk of the meeting. The board then proceeded to business: A temporary seal was adopted, consisting of a circular piece of paper containing a red wafer, upon which was inscribed : " Temporary Seal of the County Court of Wabashaw County." Mr. Shively was elected chairman of the board.' Adjourned to meet again on the 11th, at ten o'clock.' Pursuant to adjournment they met again the 11th, and divided the county into three assessment districts, by denominating all that portion north of a line running from an old ferry-house, which stood a little above Read's Landing, to the western extremity of the county, as the first district ; Wm. Campbell was appointed assessor. The second district comprised the territory north of a line extending west from the house of Oliver Cratte on the levee, to the county line, not included in the first district ; and the third district com- prised the residue of the county. Mr. Whitmarsh was appointed assessor for the second district, and Mr. J. McKenzie for the third. At this meeting it was discovered that Mr. Murphy was not eligible OEGANIZATION. 599 to the office of sheriff, as he was not a resident of the county, and Dr. Francis Milligin was appointed by the board to fill the vacancy. They also at that time located the county-seat at "Wabasha. They met again on the 13th, pursuant to adjournment, to receive the bond given by F. H. Milligin, given as security for the faithful perform- ance of his duties as sheriff. On the 20th of same month the board again met, and appointed Francis La Point road supervisor. Messrs. Campbell and Whitmarsh never having qualified, they held another meeting on the 24th and appointed Amos Wheeler assessor for the first district, investing him with power to assess the second also. At their next meeting, which was held July 3, they found they had acted contrary to law, or to the statutes regarding the assessment- roll, and the whole matter was dropped. They then proceeded to divide into election precincts. The first precinct comprised towns 108 and 109, of ranges 14 and 15 ; the place for holding elections was fixed at the house of Leonard B. Hodges, in Orinoco. Messrs. E. Chilson, J. Clark and G. Gordon were appointed judges of election. The second precinct comprised the rest of the county, the place for holding elections being the house of Augustine Rocque, in Wabasha. The board also appointed Messrs. Wheeler, I. O. Seely and J. McKenzie for judges of election. A portion of the northern part of the county was set off in November as the Monte- zuma precinct, elections to be held at the house of Mr. John Lyons. For judges of election the board appointed Messrs. Thomas Allen, E. S. Philips and J. Hanson. At the same meeting they appointed Joseph Pingrey county surveyor. The first representative in the territorial legislature from the county was James Kirkman, of Wabasha, in 1855, who was suc- ceeded by A. P. Foster, of Plainview, in 1856. Messrs. S. H. Kemp and B. C. Baldwin were delegates to the constitutional con- vention in 1857. James Redpath, from Tepeeotah, was the first senator. In 1858 J. T. Averill was elected senator, S,nd W. J. Arnold, J. H. Bumham and F. E. Skillman, representatives. Owing to the delay in the admission of the state to the Union, Gov.- elect H. H. Sibly was not inaugurated until May 24, 1858, and it became optional with him to call or not to call the legislature together the next winter. As the republican party was successful that fall, and the election of United States senator the question of interest, no session was called. Politics had before that time been prominently democratic, and it was hoped the next election might 600 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. secure again democratic majority and thus elect a democratic senator. The next autumn the result was the same, however, and the same parties from "Wabasha coimty were re-elected with Hon. Alex. Ram- sey as governor. W. S. Wilkinson was elected by that legislature to the United States senate. Commissioners Shively, Cratte and Larrivierre, under the terri- torial government, were elected in 1853. Mr. Shively was elected chaii'man, and was the only member of the board who could read and write. They held several meetings during the spring of 1854, but Messrs. Shively and Larrivierre refusing to present themselves at the regular meetings, Alexis P. Bailly and John McKee, Esq., who, by the way, was the first lawyer in the county, were appointed to their places, and Oliver Cratte made chairman of the board. This new board, consisting of Oliver Cratte, Alexis P. Bailly and John McKee, held their offices until the close of 1865. The mem- bers composing the board in 1866 were : C. R. Read, chairman, Levi Cook and A. A. "Weston ; they were elected in the fall of 1865. Mr. Read was chosen for three years, Mr. Cook for two years and Mr. "Weston for one. Mr. "Weston being re-elected, the board, in 1857, comprised the same members with no change except that the chair was filled by Mr. "Weston instead of Read. Before the close of the term, however, Mr. Read was again made chairman, owing to an injury inflicted on Mr. "Weston by the shot of an outlaw, ren- dering him unable to attend the meetings of the board. The mem- bers composing the board in 1868 were : C. R. Read, chairman, Henry Amerland and G. Maxwell. Before the termination of the year, the commissioner system was abolished and a supervisor elected from each town. Previous to this time the towns had not been organized, and during the supervisor sys- tem, which was in use from the adoption of the state constitution until its repeal in February, 1860, the towns represented, were : "Wabasha, Pepin, Plaiiiview, Zumbro (now Zumbro and Hyde Park), Mazeppa, Mt. Pleasant, Elgin, Pall, Smithfleld (now Highland), "West Albany, "Watopa, Gillford, Minneiska, Lake City, Bear "Valley (now Chester), Glasgow and Greenfield. In February, 1860, the supervisor system was abolished, and the legislature passed an act authorizing the division of ..counties into commissioner districts, from which one should be elected for a term of three years. In pursuance of that act the county was divided into five districts, as follows: First district — Minneiska, "Watopa, OEGAliriZATION. 601 Highland and Plainview ; second district — Elgin, Pell, Znmbro, West Albany and Glasgow ; third district — Mazeppa, Chester, Gill- ford and Mt. Pleasant ; fourth district — Pepin, Wabashaw and Greenfield ; fifth district — Lake City. This division was an act of the commissioners, June 5, 1860. G. W. Marsh was the first county auditor, holding the office in 1868 by provision of the statute making the register of deeds also auditor. This law was changed at a special meeting of the legislature in the fall of the same year, when W. W. McDougall was appointed by the board of commissioners, and held the office during the years 1859 and 1860. E. W. Foster was elected in the fall of 1860, and held the office until November, 1861, when he entered the army, thus leaving the office vacant. Again it devolved upon the commissioners to supply the vacancy. They found their task a hard one, as it was with the greatest difficulty that a sufficient number of members could agree to make a majority. Several names were proposed, and eacli felt anxious for the position. Finally the one hundred and third ballot resulted in the election of A. G. Foster, who held the office the remainder of the term, and was elected in 1862, and again in 1864. W. W. Case was elected in 1866 and held the office until 1871, when he was succeeded by F. E. Stauff, who in turn was succeeded in 1875 by "William Campbell, and Mr. Campbell by the present incumbent, Mr. G. A. Perkins. Mr. C. Shively was elected treasurer in 1853, but never qualified, and Dr. F. H. Milligin was appointed by the board to fill the vacancy. He held the office until January 1, 1856. Mr. William Bonnell was elected in the fall of 1856, but leaving the country soon after, the board appointed Joseph Peak, who held the office until the spring of 1857, when he left the country, and L. M. Gregg was appointed for the remainder of the term. Mr. Gregg was elected in the fall of 1857, and held the office during the years 1858-9. William W. Prindle was elected in the fall of 1859, and held the office four years. Mr. J. F. Rose succeeded him, holding the office until January 1, 1868. Mr. A. Y. Felton was elected in the fall of 1867, and re-elected in 1869. He was succeeded by Anson Pierce, who held the office two terms ; he in tura succeeded by A. J. Fowler, and Mr. Fowler in January, 1882, by E. A. Johnson. Alexis P. Bailly was elected to the office of register of deeds in 1863, and held the office until July, 1855, when Dr. Milligin was 602 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. appointed by the county board for the remainder of the term. Mr. Abner Tibbetts held the office in 1856-7; G. W. Marsh in 1858-9, and was succeeded by C. W. Hackett, of Lake City, who held the office until January 1, 1864. He was succeeded by Mr. D. H. Eldridge, who occupied the position until January 1, 1868. In the fall of 1867 Messrs. O. D. Ford and N. S. Wright were competitors for the office, and both claimed the election. This election was at the time of the vote for the county-seat, when exceeding heavy returns were received from some towns ; and the consequence was great difficulty in determining who had the majority. Mr. Wright received his certificate of election, and held the office during the year 1868, when a decision was given by the supreme court that Mr. Ford was entitled to the election. Mr. Ford held the office during the remainder of the term, and was re-elected for another term of two years. Mr. Ford was succeeded by James G. Lawrence, who held the office four years, being succeeded by H. H. Dickman, one term, and he by J. C. Bartlett, the present incumbent. Mr. H. P. Wilson held the office of judge of probate in 1856, Mr. G. F. Childs in 1857, Mr. B. C. Baldwin in 1868-9. Mr. A. Z. Putnam was elected in the fall of 1859, and held the office four years. He was succeeded by Mr. G. C. Dawley in 1864^5, who in turn was succeeded by Mr. E. Lathrop in 1866-7. He was succeeded by Mr. A. Fuller in 1868-9, who was re-elected in 1869 for 1870-1. Judge A. Z. Putnam followed, two terms, then J. T. Pope, one term, succeeded by F. J. Collier, one term. In the fall of 1882 Judge Putnam was again elected. The first clerk of the court, elected under the state constitution, was Mr. S. A. Kemp, who held the office from 1858 to 1861 ; previous to that time the office was held by S. L. Campbell, Esq., by appointment of the territorial district court. Mr. N. F. Webb succeeded Mr. Kemp to the office, and held the position eight years. Mr. C. J. Stauff was elected in 1869, and still retains the position. Levi Murphy was elected sheriff in 1853, but did not qualify, and the county commissioners appointed Dr. F. H. Milligan to fill the vacancy. Mr. Amos Wheeler held the office in 1854-5 ; B. S. Hurd in 1856. He resigned the office, and R. M. Piner was appointed in his place, holding the office during the year. In the fall of that year he was duly elected, and held the office until January, 1860, when he was succeeded by H. H. Butts, who held the office until January, 1862, being succeeded by William B. Lutz. Mr. OEGANIZATION. 603 Lutz was succeeded by H. H. SI ay ton, who held the oflSce four years. In the fall of 1867 "William Box was elected, who filled the office three terms ; succeeded by Sydney Smith, two terms ; and he in turn succeeded by Lyman H. Gregg, two terms. In the autumn of 1881 Mr. H. Brukhardt was elected, and is the present incumbent. The first judge of probate in the county was H. P. Wilson. The first district attorney of the county was Judge John Tyson, succeeded by Hon. S. L. Campbell, and he in turn by John B. Davis. J. D. Jaqueth was elected in 1863, and in 1866 was re-elected and resigned. John B. Davis was again elected and held the office until January 1, 1867, when "W. "W. Scott qualified. Mr. Scott was succeeded by J. B. Davis, and Mr. Davis by J. Hahn, Esq., who held the office two terms, being succeeded by W. Matcham. Mr. Mateham held the office one term, and was succeeded by J. K. Bene- dict, one term, who was succeeded, January 1, 1883, by J. McGovern, the present attorney. The educational interests of Wabasha county have not been neglected. The first school district was organized on November 20, 1855, and comprised a territory of some thirty square miles. The first school was taught by H. B. Potter, although a private school had been taught for a short time in Wabasha by Thomas P. Flynn. These interests have now assumed a prominent position in the history of the progress and prosperity of the county. The first superintendent of the schools was Mr. E. Hogle, who held the office in 1866 ; Wm. H. Robinson, in 1867, and he was succeeded by T. A. Thompson, who held the office until 1873. Mr. Thomp- son was an earnest, faithful worker, and to him is due, in a great measure, our present high standard Of schools in the county. Mr. Thompson was succeeded by A. G. Hudson ; Mr. Hudson, by J. H. Hays, and Mr. Hays by A. J. Greer, the present official. CHAPTER LV. WHERE THEY CAME FROM. The first settlers of the county were from the eastern states, from New England to Illinois, with some Irish and German immigration, who, with very few exceptions, were poor, bringing with them barely enough to feed and clothe themselves until the first cabin could be built and the first crop gathered. Industry and economy have repaid the most of these old pioneers with comfortable, commodious homes, surrounded with nearly all the comforts of the east. They were possessed with determination, believing that others had thus prospered before them, and what others could .do they could also, and would ; yet the way to opulence and comfort has been through , continued hardships and untiring perseverance. In later years nearly all nationalities have contributed to help increase the population of the county, and nearly two-thirds of these people constitute the population at the present time. In 185Y the county began to fill up with farmers, and towns and villages grew almost like magic. The soil of the county is varied. Along the banks of the streams it is somewhat sandy, but the prairies have a deep, rich, dark loam, with a gi'avelly subsoil, producing all kinds of grain and vegetables in abundance. The surface of the country along the Mississippi is hilly, while back from the river is rolling prairie. That known as Greenwood Prairie, is celebrated for its immense wheatfields, some seasons there being one continuous wheatfield for twenty to twenty-five miles. The town of Plain view was first settled by Messrs. A. T. Sharp, E. B. Eddy, Thomas Todd, Wm. Boatman and David Campbell. They arrived there in the spring of 1855, on May 21, and with one accord agreed that this was the land they long had sought, and at once decided to remain. They at once began the construction, of domiciles for their families, and having provided those, commenced operations for agricultural improvement. A Norwegian by the name of ISTels Oleson had arrived before them, and settled in the northeast corner of the town, and he was probably the first to break the sod in the town. Before the close of the ' month the number of WHEEE THEY CAME FEOM. 605 families increased to seven, bj the arrival of David Ackley and Edwin Chapnaan. In June the colony was swollen by the arrival of A. P. Foster and Benjamin Lawrence, from Vermont, together with several families from Wisconsin. They went to work with a determination that the settlement should be permanent. Before fall their settlement contained thirty families. The first thing to be considered was education, and they proceeded to erect a school- house, the boards of which were sawed out with a handsaw by Mr. Boatman, and the shingles were made by Mr. Eddy. This was in the spring of 1856. Before June their schoolhouse was completed, and Miss Annie M. White employed to preside over twenty scholars; hence to her is. due the honor of teaching the first school in Plain- view. The same zeal in regard to educational advancement has existed ever since, and there is probably no town in Minnesota, containing no greater population, that has expended more in the cause of education than Plainview. At the time the first school- house was built no village existed in town, although a. portion of the same section upon which the town was built was laid out into lots the same spring, and a good deal of effort was made to build up a town. Those most instrumental in this effort were Messrs. Boat- man, Sharpe and Burchard. They succeeded in getting a postoffice, and Mr. A. P. Foster received the appointment of postmaster. The name of this office was Greenville, that being the name by which the settlement was known. A branch store had been opened during, the winter previous by Messrs. Eichards, of Eead's Landing.. Mr. Burchard became a partner in the spring, and had special charge ' of the Greenville branch. This was the first store opened on ' ' the Prairie." During the summer of 1856 Messrs. O. Wilcox, Dr. F. C. Gibbs, T. A. Thompson, J. Y. Blackwell, David Ackley, E. Chapman and T. A. Tomlinson laid out a village site on sections 17 and 8. They gave the name of Centreville to the new town. This transaction was much to the disadvantage of Greenville, and gave rise to a jealousy between the two villages. Greenville retained the postoffice, but Centreville made the more rapid strides in growth and commercial prosperity. Yery few buildings were built in Greenville after the new town was laid out, and a few of the buildings erected there were afterward moved to Centreville. In 1858 the postoffice was discon- tinued and a new one opened at Centreville. This event changed the name of the town. There was a postoffice in Winona county by 606' HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. the name of Centreville. In view of the location, which was the watershed of the Zumbro and White Water rivers, and in plain view of a large tract of surrounding country, they changed the name to Plainview. Since that time the town has made rapid advancement in wealth and general prosperity. They have now a fine school-building erected at a cost of fifteen thousand dollars, and the school is in a very flourishing condition. The Methodists were the first to erect a church edifice. The first church service was held in 1856 by the Rev. J. Cochrane, a Congregational clergyman. There are at present two churches and four organizations : Methodists, Con- gregationalists, Baptists and Disciples. The first flouring-mill was erected by C. T. Allaire during the summer of 1869. The southern sections are traversed by the north branch of the Whitewater, and along the banks of this stream the wooded portion of Plain- view is situated ; the remaining portion is prairie land of vast rich- ness of soil. The amount of territory constituting the farming lands is twenty-qne thousand eight hundred and sixteen acres. HIGHLAND. Patrick McDonough and John Canfield were the first settlers of this town. They came in the summer of 1855 and built small homes for themselves, installed their families therein, and went to work. The next year other settlers moved in, among whom were W. L. Cleveland, James S. Felton, the brothers Doane and E. G. Smith. In 1857 C. G. Dawley and Thomas Smith located. Mr. Smith built a store and stocked it with general merchandise in 1858 ; it was destroyed by fire in 1859, and Mr. E. J. Duganne built another in its place the same year and filled it with a general assortment of ■ gaods for the accommodation of the settlement ; but Plainview and Wabasha drew so largely on the trade that Mr. Duganne closed the store, and it has never been reopened. In 1857 D. J. Watkins built a mill near the center of the town, which furnished a large amount of hard lumber for fencing and building purposes ; he also, in 1860, built a gristmill, but finding the water-power insuflScient to propel the machinery of both, the sawmill was allowed to go into disuse. This stream is called Indian creek. In 1864 Mr. Henry Hampe built a flouring-mill upon the same stream. Both of these mills add greatly to the business interests of the town. A schoolhouse was built in 1859, in what is now district No. 40, in which religious services were first held by a Methodist minister the same year. WHERE THEY CAME FEOM. 607 There is but one church edifice in the town, wliich was built in 1866 by the Roman Catholics. A postoflBce called Smithfield was estab- lished on the road from Wabasha to Plain view in 1858, and James S. Felton was appointed postmaster. Another ofSee was established near the center of the town in 1864, called Lyons; W. L. Cleveland, postmaster. The town was christened Smithfield in honor of one of the settlers, but when organized under the state law it was changed to that of Highland. The surface of the land is quite rolling, and in some places even hilly, particularly along the banks of the streams. Much of the surface is covered with scattering oaks, which furnish a good supply of fuel. The soil is very productive. Highland contains an even township of thirty-six sections, most of which is now under cultivation. HYDE PAEK. This town includes all that portion of government township 109, range 13 west, lying north of the Zumbro river. At the time of the government survey the township was known as Concord, that being the name of the election precinct in which it was situated. At a town meeting in May, 1 858, it was given the name of Troy, but the legislature not indorsing the action, a new christening resulted in Zumbro, to correspond with the river which runs through the town. The first settlement dates back to May, 1855, when quite a num- ber sought homes and selected claims. The town settled up rapidly, and in 1856 a schoolhouse was built, and a school taught therein the next winter by Miss Mary J. Shaw. In consequence of the inconvenience of the settlers on different sides of the river getting together- for elections and public meetings, the town was divided, upon application, by the county commissioners in 1862, the Zumbro river being the dividing line ; the part north of the river was set off as another town and named Hyde Park. A postoffice was also established, Mr. Wm. Parker being postmaster. In 1866 the county purchased of John T. Rose one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 11 of this town, and located the county farm for the benefit of the poor. This was afterward changed, and a farm of eighty acres was purchased about one mile from the city proper of Wabasha and business part of the same. MiinsrEisKA claims next to Wabasha to be the oldest town in the county. One Michael Agnes came up from St. Louis and settled in the southeast corner in 1851, and Louis Krutely arrived about a month later. Some time during the same year Charles Read, of 608 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. Eead's Landing, purchased a claim four miles farther up the river, but nothing was done at either of these points except to cut wood for the boats until 1852, when Abner Tibbetts and B. 0. Baldwin purchased property at the upper yard and one Joseph Schurb settled in the vicinity of the other. In 1853 several settlers arrived at each place. Messrs. Bead, Baldwin, Tibbetts and Eeppe laid out a portion of their claim into a town site the same year and called their place West Newton ; it was so named from the fact that the wreck of a steamboat was lying at that time in the river, but a few yards from the site, by the name of Newton. The boat had sunk in shallow water, and the name in large letters remained on her pilot-house above the water. A postofEce was established in 1853, and West Newton might have become an important point, but the land was low, and the river kept wearing the banks away, which finally compelled the town to surrender. The village site now lies mostly in the waters of the Mississippi, and all there is left of West Newton is the name. It is now considered the finest hunting-grounds for ducks and other feathered game on the river. Mr. Agnes, however, succeeded better with his settlement, and he laid out the village of Minneiska in 1854. It was named after the river which runs through the township and enters the Mississippi near the upper part of the village. "Minneska" is the Indian name for white water. Minne is water and ska means white ; the name of the river was changed to Whitewater, and the town is called Minneiska. But little improvement was made until 1856, when Mr. Putnam went there. He built a hotel in the autumn of that year, which is still standing as the back part of the Minneiska House. A large grain warehouse was built therein 1859 byTimmerman & Swart,- and Mr. A. P. Foster, of Plainview, drew the first load of wheat to that .warehouse that was shipped from Wabasha county. Another large grain warehouse was built in 1861 by Messrs. Bentley & Tale. A steam sawmill was erected in 1856 by Biglow & Son, which was in operation about four years, when the machinery was removed to some other point. Minneiska has great note as a wheat market, although it has suffered somewhat since the advent of railroads. The first school taught in Minneiska was in the summer of 1858, by a Miss Adams, but no schoolhouse was erected there until 1866. The Eoman Catholics built a fine church there in 1867, and the Lutherans built one in 1871. The Methodists, also, have a smaU house of worship. Minneiska is a fractional town, and is the only town DESCEIPTION. 609 in the county where a greater number of acres are made use of for the production of hay than of wheat, about four hundred acres being meadow-land, whole number for farming purposes under cultivation being nine hundred and twenty-five. CHAPTEE LYI. DESCRIPTION. Among the many beautiful lakes which dot the soil of Minnesota, Lake Pepin is the most conspicuous. The scenery is very fine, and it has given the lake a wide reputation for its varied beauties, which are said to be unsurpassed by any in this country so noted for scenic loveliness. When viewed from almost any direction its natural beauty is perfectly enchanting ; and there are standpoints where the panorama, as you turn the gaze, is at once grand and beautiful, in fact more than beautiful, even sublime. The pen can- not do it justice, and it must be seen in order to be appreciated. Surely Lake Pepin has no rival on the continent, and from the sum- mit of the bluffs back of Lake City is obtained the most enchanting view of the ever-graceful outline of its sparkling waters and its surrounding scenery. Between us and the lake as we gaze lies a beautiful prairie covered with business blocks and many neat cottages, together with a sprinkle of more imposing dwellings. The busy hum of energetic, active life comes borne upon the air, while out upon the lake are steamboats freighted with merchandise and human life. To the pleasure-seeker Lake City has many attractions, and it has become, noted as the resort of invalids, and its hotels are filled with pleasure-seekers and guests every season. In the fall of 1853 Mr. Jacob Boody made a claim on this prairie, and he was the only resident until the next June, when a brother of his and Mr. Abner Dwelle arrived and staked out claims. Mr. Dwelle made his on what is now the lower part of the town, and built his house near where he now resides. These were the only locations made until the spring of 1855, when quite a number settled upon the place. Among them were Messrs. Samuel Doughty, Abner Tibbetts, William Barry and Seth Skinner. Mr. Skinner brought with him a stock of goods, and retailed them from a board shanty belonging to 36 -eiO HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. Mr. Tibbetts. Messrs. Tibbetts, Dwelle and Baldwin built a store in 1866, and Mr. H. F. Williamson filled it with a stock of general merchandise. A town was plotted and surveyed that year, Messrs. Tibbetts, Dwelle and Doughty being the proprietors. The City Hotle was the first one in the place, and business increased, as did also the population. A school was opened the same year, and Eey. Silas Haslett employed as teacher. He also commenced holding religious services about the same time. ' The country around was still unset- tled, and the Indians ofl;en encamped near the mouth of the creek just below the city, where they stopped to fish and hunt. "Wolves were common, and were frequently seen in the winter on the lake. Mr. Doughty brought with him a set of blacksmith's tools and estab- lished a shop in order to sharpen his plows while breaking, as well as to care for his horses. He built the first frame house in the place in June, 1855. In 1856 Mr. Tibbetts built a grain warehouse, which was occupied by Mr. J. L. Armstrong and J. H. Maples, who started the forwarding and commission business. The Congregationalists built a small church in 1857, which was partly finished when it was blown down by a severe windstorm. It was, however, immediately rebuilt. The Baptists and Presbyterians each built churches in 1860. The Catholics also built a small church, which has been superseded by a magnificent brick structure. In 1866 the Episcopalians erected a handsome little church, and in 1870 the Methodists erected a brick edifice which adds much to the place. In 1862 a large, commodious schoolhouse was erected, in which is taught a graded school. A postoffice was established in 1856, Mr. H. F. Williamson being post- master. The first town meeting was held in May, 1858. MAZEPPA. Mazeppa was settled by pioneers I. O. Seely, Joseph Fuller, Enoch Young and C. C. Sleeper. These gentlemen made claims on sections 4 and 5. This was in the month of February, 1855. In April Mr. Joseph Ford and his son, O. D. Ford, and Mr. G. Max- well arrived, and they were soon followed by others, among whom were two other sons of Mr. Ford. The same year came John E. Hyde, Francis A. Stowell and Elijah Lout, thus making quite a colony. The west half of section 6 was laid out in a village plot by Mr. Joseph Ford and his son, 0. D. Ford. The site included a splendid water-power on the Zumbro, where the mills now stand. Arrangements were made to build up a village, and a saw and grist DESCEIPTION. 611 mill were erected that winter. Another mill has since been erected, some two and one-half miles east of the village, and the milling interest of Mazeppa today is a power in the county. John E. Hyde built the first store in Mazeppa in the fall of 1855, Mr.^ G. W. Judd a blacksmith-shop, and in 1856 Mr. O. D. Ford erected a small hotel. When Mr. Seeley and his friends first arrived at Mazeppa they found a cave near the center of the town, where Trout brook empties tion the Zumbro river, which was some fifteen feet high and twelve wide at its entrance, but diminished in height as they advanced. It was about seventy feet deep. On one side of this cave were found many curious pictm-es of birds and animals, some hieroglyphics also. These were rudely carved upon the rocks. They put their horses in the back part of this cave and then made themselves comfortable in the front, until they could build themselves homes to live in. The cave was considered a great blessing, and made them comfortable quarters lor some time. The north branch of the Zumbro enters Mazeppa in the northwest coi-ner, and runs down near the center of the town, and empties into the main Zumbro, which flows on through the town of Chester, entering it on its southeast quarter section. In addition to the water-power just in the village, another- just below which is improved. Trout brook affords several fine powers. A flouring mill and sawmill are built upon it about two and one-half miles from Mazeppa. About one-fourth of the surface of the town is covered with timber, and the rest is rolling prairie. The first school taught in the place was in the claim shanty of J. E. Hyde, and the first church service was also held in it by Elder Jacob McManus, a Methodist minister. The first school-teacher was Mrs. Sidney Munson. In 1869 the Congregationalists built a handsome church, and the schoolhouse was built in 1858. A graded school of high standing is sustained, and the building is a commodious one. The Catholics have also a very pretentious church completed. Mazeppa had a postoffice established in 1856, and J. E. Hyde was the first postmaster. The farming lands of this town are twenty thousand one hundred and fifty-two acres. The average yield of wheat is about twenty bushels to the acre. MOUNT PLEASAJIT Is situated in southwest corner of the county, bounded on the east by Lake City, on the south by Gilford, and north and west by Good- 612 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. hue county. It is called Mount Pleasant, the height of ground affording a commanding view of the country around. These views are among the most interesting in the interior country. It was settled by white men in 1854. A small colony of men made claims in the northeast part of the town and only a short distance from Lake Pepin and the village of Lake City. The southwestern portion of the town was settled in the spring of 1855, by a company of gentlemen, who staked out their claims an'd made preparations to put up houses and establish themselves in their future homes. Thus the settlement grew, and soon here and there could be seen the claim shanty of the pioneer, and the people began to think them- selves neighbors when they were within one or two miles of each other. • Many were the privations that these new settlers were called upon to endure, yet they willingly took up the burden, looking to the future for the fulfillment of the promise of an abundant return for the labor bestowed. Golden harvests crowned their efforts, and all looked prosperous and encouraging. The first school in the town was taught in the summer of 1857, by Mrs. Alex. Graham, and Eev. Silas Haslett held the' first religious services in the house of Mr. E. P. C. Powler. After the schoolhouse was erected the meetings were held in that. There is a public house about five miles from Lake City, but no stores have ever been erected, owing to its close proximity to Lake City. There is a blacksmith-shop in the town, and the Methodists and Presbyterians each had small churches erected in 1858, in which regular services are held. The surface of the land is generally rolling prairie, with occasional groves of oak, and it i^ watered by springs and small streams not large enough for any extensive water-power. In 1866 Mr. E". F. Randolph repre- sented "Wabasha county in the state senate. The first mark of civilization in the town of Watopa, was made by Mr. John Gage in 1855," who made a claim to a section of land in the valley of the "Whitewater in the northeastern part of the town. Mr. Gage reached the town in August, and in September sent for his family, and for a time they were the only white inhabit- ants. The Indians were quite numerous, and would often give trouble by stealing their loose property. Mr. Gage was the only settler until 1856, when his brother joined him and soon Mr. Garret Fitzgerald, C. Abbott, Ole Poleson and others arrived in the neighborhood. Mr. Charles Simpson taught the first school in the neighborhood, in the winter of 1857-8, in a small house belonging to DESOEIPTION. 613 Mr. Gage. There are now several schoolhouses in the town, in which schools are taught during the school terms of the year. Watopa is somewhat hilly in some parts, as the Mississippi bluffs run through a portion of the town, which makes the soil better adapted to stock-raising and grazing than the'production of cereals ; although the land in the valleys is, to a great extent, productive, and yields large quantities of hayr;and grain. Religious services were first held in Watopa by a Baptist clergyman, Kev. William Weld, in August, 1858. The history of Zumbro has been given in that of Hyde Park, of which it was a part until 1861, when it was thought best to divide the town and make two. The ford of the Zumbro at these places has been spanned by a bridge three times, the last one costing the county four thousand dollars. On the night of the 15th of April, 1883, it was destroyed by the w'ind, or cyclone, which travfersed that part of the county. Oakwood was first settled by white men in 1856, by William Tope, David and James Toley, Lawrence and Patrick Tracy, and Mathew Kinsley and son. These men arrived in the spring, and in t]je following autumn several other families came. Mrs. J. H. Bernard taught the first school in 1859-60, and a comfortable schoolhouse was built in 1861. The Roman Catholics built a small church edifice in 1865, which is the only one in town. At the time of the organization of this town it was called Pell, but in accordance with the wishes of its inhabitants it was changed, and has since been known as Oakwood. A postoflSce, called Mill- ville, was established in 1867, and Patrick Fleming was appointed postmaster. Since the building of the Minneso|;a Midland railroad, Millville has grown to be a place of some pretension, and there is now a store, a blacksmith-shop, hotel, and a number of good dwell- ings in the place. A fine grain elevator has been erected, and there is also a watering and wood station for the Minnesota Midland railroad. In the winter of 1858-9 a portion north of the Zumbro was joined to West Albany, but as it did not give satisfaction, in 1867 it was set back again by legislation. WEST AI,BANT. A man by the name of S. Brink took the first claim in this township in 1856. He erected a two-story log house and opened it as a hotel. He then made a move to get a road laid out from 614 HISTOET OF WABASHA COtTNTT. Eead's Landing to Oronoco, which opened np a highway between the two towns, giving his hotel some custom, as most of the hauHng of himber and provisions from Read's Landing had to pass through to the interior. In the spring of 1866 there was quite a large emi- gration to the place, and in the spring of 1857 Messrs. L. B., E. B. and 0. A. McCoUum bought the west half of the northwest quar- ter of section 28, and laid it out into blocks and lots for a village, which was called West Albany. Mr. "William Applegarth built and stocked a store. A postofSce was established and Mr. E. B. McCollum was the first postmaster. The plat was sent to the regis- ter's office, but remained unrecorded, and was at length withdrawn, but in 1859 the present village of Albany was platted by Mr. D. Applegarth, and a hotel was built by Mr. Dawson. A gristmill was erected by Mr. Applegarth, and a store and a blacksmith-shop were built. Another mill has been erected about a mile below the town, and it has become quite ^a thriving little village. The first school taught in the township was by Augustus Applegarth in the summer of 1858, and the first religious services were held in Mr. William Applegarth's house. In 1857 the Roman Catholics bought a build- ing and fitted it up for a church, and the Methodists, Lutherans and Presbyterians each have places of worship and regular services. Presbyterians built in 1859. The aggregate of farming lands com- prise 10,102 acres. The first settlement in the town of Chester was made in the spring of 1855 by J. M. Kimball, and about the same time Mr. R. F. Maxwell made a claim in the vicinity, in the southwestern part of the town, which comprises an even government township of thirty-six sections. Chester is bounded west and north by Goodhue county, east by Gilford and south by Mazeppa. A fine and fertile valley extends through the entire town from the southwest to the northeast. It was first named Bear Valley, and tlie postofiice was established imder that name ; but at the time of its organization under state law in 1858, by common consent it was changed to Chester. A schoolhouse was erected in 1857, and religious services were first held in the same. In 1866 a fine flouring-mill was erected by Mr. Benjamin Clark in the southeast quarter of the southeast section-of the township on the Zumbro river. The town is watered by the Zumbro river and Trout brook, a small, clear stream fiowing from springs. There is some timber along the Zumbro river, but DESCRIPTION. 615 the surface is mostly rolling prairie, of dark, rich loam, with clay subsoil. In 1859-60 Mr. F. M. Skillman represented the county in the state legislature. ELGIN. In the southern part of "Wabasha county, and bounded north by PeU, or Oakwood, east by Plainview, and Olmsted county on the south and west, lies the town of Elgin. The north branch of the White- water traverses the town from east to west and drains the southern part, while the small streams in the southern part are tributary to the Zumbro. There is a grove of oak timber in the central part which covers about six hundred acres.* The soil is productive, and its agricultural advantages are second to none in the county. It was first settled in the spring of 1855, by Messrs. George and Curtis Bryant, H. H. Athurton and George Farrar, who took claims adja- cent to each other on sections 27, 28 and 34. A schoolhouse was built and a school kept in it in the summer of 1858, by Miss Gould. This schoolhouse was Situated on the present site of the village of Elgin. The first church was organized in the spring of 1857, at the house of Mr. John Bryant, by Rev. J. Cochran, a congregational clergyman. Elgin postoiEce was established in 1857 ; Mr. George Bryant, postmaster. Since ^the advent of the Eyota branch of the E'orth western railroad in Elgin, the place has improved rapidly. There are now several stores and a large grain elevator, which makes Elgin a formidable rival of Plainview ; a commodious church also, in which regular services are held ; a first-class school and school-building and several stores. Mr. Bryant held the oflace of postmaster ten years, when he resigned. In the northern part of the town of Elgin is another postoffice, called Forest Mound. The first colony of Elgin were all sturdy, highminded, intelligent Yermont- ers, and the town to this day bears the impress of the energy and ambition of its first settlers. GILFORD. ' Gilford was settled in 1855, by persons from Illinois. This town is also an even government township, and contains twenty-three thousand and forty acres. It is well watered by small brooks run- ning through it in various directions. The surface is mostly prairie, although there are groves of oak which supply a reasonable amount of timber for fuel and fencing. The organization of the town took place in 1858, and a postoffice was established called Lincoln. * This grove is the only timber in the township. 616 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. GLASGOW. Glasgow wad settled by white people in 1855, Mr. "Wm. Mc- Cracken being the first to break the soil for a crop. This was iu June 1855. It was too late for wheat, and Mr. McCracken put in corn, and in the autumn harvested a good crop ; this was the start- ing of all agricultural pursuits in the township. These settlers were mostly Scotch, and the town was named after old Glasgow, in Scotland. A schoolhouse was built in 1858, and Miss Mary Cosgrove taught the first school in it the same summer. Eeligious services were held in the spring of 1858, by Eev. B. F. Wharton, a Baptist clergyman, at the house of Robert Cochran. A postofSce was established in 1867. Although the early settlers were mostly of the Scotch element, quite a large portion of the present population is composed of Germans. There are relics in various parts of the town of the former occupants of the town, which remind one forcibly of the mutability of all things, and that we, too, must pass away and yield to others the labor of our hands, and the homes we love. Glasgow is also an even government township, and contains eighteen thousand and ninety-eight acres of farming lands. The first settlement in fepin township was made in 1841 by Edward Hudson, a soldier under command of Col. Snelling at Fort Snelling. Shortly after coming to Pepin he married the daughter of Duncan Campbell, and settled down among the Sioux, cultivating a small piece of ground, the property of his wife. He erected upon that ground the first building in the town, and occupied it as a storer house, storing therein the supplies shipped up i the Mississippi for the Chippewa lumber trade. Hudson died in 1843, and was buried not far from the present steamboat landing. John Campbell arrived here in 1843, being sent out by the English government for the pur- pose of operating among the Indians against the French. Until 1847 there was not a white resident in this part of Minnesota, except those connected with the Indians, either by blood or marriage. Mr. Charles E. Read came here during the month of April of that year, and to him is due, to a great extent, the honor of inaugurating civilization in southern Minnesota. He came over from Nelson's Landing, where he had lived for three years. He occupied, after his arrival, the land owned by Edward Hudson's widow, by lease, for a time, but finallj' purchased the property and became sole owner. The landing had been called Hudson's Landing. He built a house the same year, and lived under rather adverse circumstances until the DESCEIPTION. 617 Indian titles to the lands were settled. In 1851, just before tlie treaty was ratified wMch extinguished their title, some of the mixed bloods tried to get Mr. Head removed from the place, but, struggling on to overcome the boisterous discord, he remained, and soon other members of the white race clustered around the fold. In the fall of 1851 Mr. F. S. Richards bought in and became a partner with Mr. Eead in business. They established a trading house, and shipped goods and did commission business for the Chippewa lumber trade. The first steamboat that navigated the waters of the Chippewa was the Roller — Smith Harris, master — in 1852. Gov. William K. Marshall came here in the fall of 1862, and purchased an interest in the claim of and also an adjoining claim of John Campbell, upon which he erected a steam sawmill. This claim and the one occu- pied by Messrs. Read and Richards, is the present village site of Read's, which was laid out by the proprietors in 1856. Mr. T. B. Wilson, one of the present firm of Knapp, Stout & Co., came to the place about this time, and he and Mr. Richards built a block large enough for two stores, which were occupied by themselves for that purpose. Mr. F. A. Seavy put up a blacksmith-shop in 1854, and also a hotel, called the American House. A postoffice was estab- lished as early as 1860, Mr. Read being the first postmaster. The village in earlier days was the scene of many battles between the Sioux and Chippewas, and bones and implements of war, and domestic utensils have been often found while plowing gardens and grading the streets. The location is a pleasant one, extending along under the bluffs for some distance, giving it the appearance of a village of one street. The road to Lake City winds up the bluff, just above the village, and, as the summit is reached, the gaze turns upon one of the finest landscapes of the Mississippi, and admiration is lost in wonder at the magnificent scene. The village of Read's is situated in the eastern part of the town. In 1856 it was recorded as the village of Pepin, being just at the foot of Lake Pepin, but it is known all over the state as Read's Landing. A charter was framed during the winter of 1867-8, and approved by the legislature March 5, when the site was detached from the town of Pepin and set off as the village of Read's. The first election was held April 2, 1868. In 1856 the county began to fill up rapidly with farmers from all parts east of the Mississippi ; and when we look at the location ot Wabasha county and its beautiful situation for scenery, and adapta- 618 HISTOKY OF WABASHA COUNTY. tion to agricultural pursuits, it is not hard to comprehend why this was one of the first settled counties of the state. Lying on, the western shore of Lake Pepin, with bold bluffs rising in ma,iestic grandeur over its waters, with moderate climate, exhilarating atmosphere, and a soil whose productions are almost boundless, with its natural beauty of scenery, it is certainly one of the most favored localities in the state. The county was named in honor of the celebrated chief by'that name, of the Dakotah nation. The town of Greenfield remained an unbrokeSli wild until the spring of 1854, when Messrs. Aaron and Levi Cook, Henry Amerl- land, Isaac Cole, Madison Wilds, J. W. Murphy, C. C. Stauff and others took claims along the valley of the Zumbro. This valley extends from the Mississippi river, up the south side of the Zumbro about twelve miles, and is of fertile soil. It is commonly known as Cook's Valley, taking that name from the brothers Cook, who were among its first settlers. Cook's Yalley postoffice was established in 1858, a schoolhouse built in 1857, and Miss Aurora Albertson taught the first four months' school during the winter of 1857-8. A church was built in 1861 by the Methodist society ; this church is in the upper part of the v«lley. During the fall of 1856 Hon. Thomas H. Ford, ex-governor of Ohio, and Judge Casey, of Penn- sylvania, visited this valley, and, being charmed by the prepossessing features of a claim owned by Timothy Enright, they purchased it at once, and laid out upon it a village-site, believing that it would develop itself in the building of a commercial city. This quarter section was situated upon the Mississippi, four miles below Waba- shaw. The location was indeed beautiful, it being an island in the delta of the Zumbro. The bluff's of the Mississippi are about four miles back of this point, and the surrouilding country was level. This island for many years had been the general encampment of Wapashaw's band, and the proprietors of the village determined to name their city Tepeeotah, from the Indian tongue " teepee," mean- ing house, and "otah," many. They fully expected to see their city possess far greater dimensions than "Wabashaw, which was then improving rapidly. A steam-sawmill was erected, in 1857, by D. Sinclaire & Co., and operations began in the spring of 1858. Mr. Theodore Adams became a joint proprietor of the town in 1857, and the company was known as Ford, Casey & Adams. Hancock Brothers built a store, and a goodly number of dwellings were erected, together with a hotel. But these business transactions came to a DESCRIPTION. 619 sudden close. It was found that boats could not land there except in high water, in consequence of the bar in the river, called Beef Slough bar, and which they thought would prove beneficial to them, to the detriment of Wabashaw, it being difficult for boats to pass it in low water. Then the hard times of 1857-8 came on, the pro- prietors became deeply involved, and the business of Tepecotah, laboring under these combined disadvantages, sank to nothing, and in March, 1859, a fire occurred which obliterated the young city and not a remnant of its greatness can now be traced. As the town site was laid out, the lands adjacent to it were considered very valuable, which excited envy in the minds of many. A person owning a claim at the north of the town died in the fall of 1856, and many endeavored to possess themselves of the claim. This led to much disturbance, a quarrel ensued which was called the "Tepee- otah war." Parties in Waba«haw claiming to be creditors of the deceased tried to hold the claim, and, of course, met with strong opposition from the residents of Tepeeotah. A general combat ensued which resulted in hostilities that lasted for a year. In those early days law was of little avail, and several shots were fired, a man by the name of Polehemis being killed. The incendiarism before mentioned probably arose from this trouble. The fine site still remains, but the soil is sandy, and is not sufficiently fertile to be of value for farms. The business transactions of Greenfield at the present time are carried on at Kellog. A village called Pawse- Kn was laid out in 1863 by Messrs. Johnson & Morgan, who thought they had discovered a clay from which the pottery by that name was manufactured. Like many other discoveries, it proved to be a myth, and their town did not increase in population until 1871, when the Minneapolis, St. Paul & Chicago road was built through here, and just at its junction with the Zumbro the village of Kellog was laid out adjoining, which entirely suspended Pawselin, and business centered there. A large grain elevator was erected, which added to its importance ; the postoffice was removed to KellOg, a Methodist church built, and two hotels. Many difficulties attended the early settlement of Greenfield, owing to a band of outlaws settling there. The leader of this band was one Dresser, Kufus Dresser. He settled upon a claim now owned by Mr. James Orr, and endeavored, by aid of his crew, to keep possession of the entire valley. Other parties taking claims, Dresser, or some one of his band, would declare ownership at once, a dispute would commence, and crime be the result. 620 HISTOBT OF WABASHA COUNTY. A man by the name of George Hayes purchased a claim, and Alexander Beard, one of Dresser's men, claimed ownership. Mr. Hayes, not willing to give up possession, employed a Mr. Wilds and others to remove'Beard, who was building a log house. Dresser was then assisting him. Mr. Wildsj upon his arrival, ordered them both off the place. A quarrel arose upon this, which came to blows, and finally Dresser ordered Beard to shoot, which he did, shooting and mortally wounding Mr. Wilds, who died the same day. A warrant was issued, by a justice from Wabashaw, for their arrest, and sheriff Hurd attempted to arrest them, but failed. A p^rty from Wabasha met them at Tepeeotah that same night, among whom was A. A. Weston. They arrested and conveyed them to Wabashaw, where they were examined, and afterward conveyed to Stillwater, but, soon making their escape from there, they returned and boldly made their appearance at Wabasha. Beard was again arrested and confined, but escaped again and left the country. Mr. J. J. Stone was deputy sheriff at this time, and in attempting to arrest Dresser was shot at by Dresser's wife through the door. On' the loth of February Mr. Weston was shot through the window of his house and died from the effect of the wound about three years after. Dresser was again arrested, but finally made his escape and left the country. It is supposed that this same band were instru- mental in the destruction of Tepeeotah by fire. Greenfield is well watered and has a fair amount of timber. The Zumbro flows through the town from west to east, and discharges its waters into the Mississippi through three different mouths. The extent of the farming lands are fifteen thousand seven hundred and thirty-seven acres. Wabasha county possesses as good facilities for m.anufacturing pursuits as any county in Minnesota. The immense power at Minneapolis, of course, more than equals any other single power ; but the powers of the Zumbro and its tributaries are being rapidly developed, and they are equal to propel as much machinery as any in Minnesota. The united forces of the four principal forks of this stream traverse the county through its entire length, a distance of about fifty miles. The two middle forks unite in the township of Oronoco, in Olm- sted county, forming one rapid stream, which winds its way for a distance of two miles and unites with the waters of the south branch, which it carries onward about two miles farther, and enters Wabasha WABASHA AND AaCINITT. 621 county in the town of Mazeppa. The north branch also enl:ers the county at this point, and flows a distance of about four miles, and discharges its waters in the main Zumbro very near the center of the town. From Mazeppa it finds its way eastward, forming the boundary line between Zumbro and Hyde Park, crossing the north- west corner of Oakwood and the southeast corner of West Albany, traversing the towns of Glasgow and Greenfield, and enters the Mississippi, receiving on its way tributary waters from smaller streams. The principal powers that are improved on this stream are at Mazeppa and Zumbro Falls. The French name of this river is Embarrass, so called from its many windings and turns, and difli- culty in following it to its several mouths. The Indians call it Waziouja. CHAPTER LVn. WABASHA AND VICINITY. A LARGE share of the early settlers of Wabasha were Canadian French, succeeded by a percentage of Irish and German Roman Catholics^ — good citizens and zealous Christians in their way, but not to be counted on when the claims of other sects are presented in the furtherance of religious . enterprises, which, with the hardships at- tending new undertakings here, and the struggles of every one to provide for his own, made the prospect of establishing a Protestant church in Wabasha look rather discouraging. CHUECHES. In 1842 Father Ravoux, now of St. Paul, sent a log building from Mendota to this place to be used as a chapel. The building was placed upon a raft and fioated down the river, and set up on the point where Main street now terminates. This was the first build- ing for religious purposes ever erected in Wabasha. It was used for the purpose designed several years, but went finally into disuse as a cl^urch edifice in consequence of the irregularity of services, and was afterward used for secular purposes. The first paper printed in Wabasha was printed there, and a school was taught in it ; finally it succumbed to civilization, and today all traces of the "old church" are obliterated. 622 HISTOEY OF WABASHA. COUNTY. In 184:9 a bill was passed organizing the territory of Minnesota, whose boundary on the west extended to the Missouri river, and at that time the whole region was little more than a vast wilderness. Mr. Alexis Bailly was at Wabasha and Messrs. Read and Eich- ards at Read's Landing, where they had a store. Mr. H. S. Allen, of Chippewa Falls, built a warehouse upon the levee during that year, and some years later added to it and opened a store therein in company with a Mr. Creamer. This was the first warehouse on the Mississippi from Pi'airie du Chien. The Indians were numer- ous, but very peaceable with the white people, but their enemies, . the Chippewas, were often made to realize their hatred, and when some unfortunate Chippewa ventured so near as to lose his scalp, the Sioux would hold what they called a scalp dance. The last of these occurred in 1858, on the levee just below the American ^ouse, then kept by C. "W. Wyman. In 1860 Congress constructed a military road from Wabasha to Mendota, costing five thousand dollars. The length of this road was seventy-five miles. The "first recognized postmaster of Wabasha, was Mr. Alexis Bailly, and all mail matter, previous to his appointment in 1853, went to Read's Landing, where Mr. F. Richards had been appointed ;' postmaster in 1849 by the government. Previous to the establish- ment of the postoffice at Read's Landing the mail matter for this section of country was brought from La Crosse, sometimes by boat, more frequently, however, by voyageurs or persons detailed for that purpose. The town of Wabasha was surveyed and laid out in 1855 by A. S. Hart, the proprietors being Messrs. Oliver Cratte, Joseph Buisson and Philo Stone. Mr. Shively, Mr. Amos Wheeler, Mr. Store and Mr. Murphy, agent for H. S. Allen & Co., Chippewa Falls, were the first American born settlers. Mr. Stone was a native of Yermont, coming to this country in 1838. He engaged -I in hunting on the neutral grounds between the Sioux and Chippe- was, which being seldom visited by either tribe, made most excel- lent groimd for hunting. He was very brave, of a wiry, quick, impulsive temperament, and passed through many skirmishes in earlier times, always coming off the best man. His first wife was the daughter of Campbell G. Scott, by whom he had several chil- dren. She was an excellent housekeeper, and took great pride in their children. Two of the daughters still reside here. His second ' -WABASHA AND VICIOTTT. 623 wife was from Michigan, and they now reside on a farm in Polk county. He has a son and daughter by this second marriage. The location of Wabasha for beauty and scenery is unsm-passed by any on the Mississippi. The river at this point is broad and smooth, and forms north and eastern boundaries of the town, and also the dividing line between Wisconsin and Minnesota. It lies about two miles below the foot of Lake Pepin, and, until the lake opens in the spring, is the head of navigation. The warehouse erected by -Mr. Allen at this place stood at the corner of Bridge and Levee streets, and remained a landmark until destroyed by fire in 18Y0. Mr. B. F. Hurd is also one of the early settlers, coming to the place in 1855. He erected the hotel known as the Hurd House in 1866, and is still proprietor of the same. The American House, which stood on the corner of Pembroke and Levee streets, was erected also that year, and was the first hotel opened to the public. Destroyed by fire in 1868. Hancock brothers erected a grain ware- house in 1856, which was also destroyed by fire. In the summer ot 1857 Mr. Hiram Kogers, of Zanesville, Ohio, came to the place, and erected the third warehouse of the place, together with several dwellings. The county of Wabasha, as at present described on the state map, was organized in 1856, with Wabasha as the county seat. The history of Wabasha county is so closely connected with that ot the city that it is given here under the same head. The first term of the district court was held by Judge Thomas Wilson in Septem- ber, 1857, and the building used for that purpose was the large warehouse erected that year across the slough by Mr. Lowrey, of New York city. John McKee and S. L. Campbell were the first lawyers who settled in the place. The first newspaper published in the county was the " Wabashaw Journal," conducted by Mr. H. J. Sanderson, making its first appearance on the 4th of July, 1856. It remained under his control some two years, when it passed into the hands of S. S. Burleson, Esq., of North Pepin, who changed its name to the "Minnesota Patriot"; its politics were democratic. After a few months Burleson sold out to H. C. Simpson, who changed the name to the "Journal" again. In 1860 Mr. Simpson took Mr. G. W. Marsh in connection with him, and the "Journal " became a republican paper under the campaign which elected Abraham Lincoln to the presidency. 621 HISTOEY OF WABASHA COUNTY. The "Herald" was first issued at Eead's Landing in May, 1857, by the brothers T. A. and W. C. McMaster, and was a neat seven- column paper, and republican in politics. After its first issue the two senior brothers were drowned by the upsetting of a sailboat, May 12, and the "Herald" did not appear again until September, when Mr. N. E. Stevens, of the "Watertown (Wisconsin) "Chi-onicle" issued the paper as "The Wabasha County Herald," and published it at that place until 1860, when the oflice was removed to Wabasha, displacing the "Journal," which was removed to Lake City by Mr. Simpson. Mr. Stevens continued the publication of the "Herald" until 1862, when U. B. Shaver purchased the subscription list, and on the 6th of July commenced its publication with entire new material, the old presses and types being withdrawn by Mr. Stevens. In 1863 Mr. E. H. Copeland, of the "Alma Journal," purchased a half interest in the paper, which continued until January, 1864, when he severed the connection and enlisted in the United States army. In July, 1865, the "Herald" was published by E. W. Gurley, who associated with him Mr. Frank Daggett, Mr. Daggett finally purchasing his partner's interest. Soon after he associated with him Mr. H. W. Rose, and the new firm worked up the credit of the paper to a high degree of usefulness. Mr. Daggett withdrew in January, 1868, and Mr. Eose remained in charge until his death in April following. Mr. Daggett again purchased the "Herald" and published it until 1871, when it was purchased by Amasa Sharpe, who continued its publication until 1874, when it passed into the hands of W. S. Walton, who remained in charge until April, 1881, when Mr. O. S. Collier purchased all interests and continues in charge at the present time. Eead's Landing was for a time a place of some note, and a good healthy business was done there for several years, owing to its posi- tion at the foot of Lake Pepin, and confluence of the Chippewa river with the Mississippi ; but the advent of railroads destroyed its importance, while Wabasha has gradually increased in population, manufactures and wealth. Being recognized as the county seat, a small jail was erected in the spring of 1858, and during the summer of that year a stone schoolhouse was erected. It proved to be too far away to accommodate the needs of the town, and in 1860 the county purchased it for court-house and county offices, a building of wood being put up in another part of the town for school purposes, ' which was occupied for the same until the fall of 1869, when the beautiful brick structure now occupied was completed; WABASHA AND VICDSmT. 625 Wabasha was incorporated as a city in 1858, its first mayor being Capt. W. W. Wright; Carlos W. Lyon, recorder; Charles Webb, city justice ; Lyman M. Gregg, marshal ; S. N. Wright, city treasurer ; D. W. Wellman, surveyor ; John N. Murdock, city attorney ; and the official paper, the " Minnesota Patriot." Its first aldermen were John B. Downer, William B. Lutz and W. W. Prindle. The act of incorporation consisted of seven chapters, the first relating to city boundaries, whicli were as follows : Sec. 2. Terri- tory within the following boundaries and limits shall constitute the city of Wabasha, namely, beginning at a point in the Mississippi river on the dividing line between Wisconsin and Minnesota, at the mouth of a small creek, called Smith's creek, between Wabasha and Reed's Landing ; thence up said creek to the west line of town- ship 111, range 10 ; thence along said township line to the south- west comer of section 6, in township 110, range 10 ; thence along the south line of sections 6, 5 and 4, of township 110, range 10, to the southeast corner of said section 4 ; thence north along the east line of said section 4, township 110, range 10, and section 33, town- ship 111, range 10, to the Wisconsin line ; thence along the Wis- consin line up to the place of beginning. The second chapter relates to the election of officers and vacancies ; the third, to the powers and duties of officers ; the fourth, to the city council, its powers and duties ; the fifth, to taxes, manner of assessment, levy- ing and collecting ; the sixth, to the opening of streets, lanes, etc. ; the seventh, to miscellanieous provisions. Nothing could argue so well for the character of our first settlers as the early erection of places of worship. Man is eminently a religious being, and, though often departing from the immutable principles of right, his loftiest aspirations, his finest feelings and sublimest conceptions have their foundation in, and are most inti- mately connected with, his religious nature ; for without religious cul- ture his whole life is a moral waste, a desert, unrelieved by a single green spot of virtue and highTtoned thought or aspiration. In the autumn of 1858 two churches were erected in the place, the first completed being a Baptist church, the society having been organized the spring previous. The second was Congregational, which society was organized in February, 1856, the original members being deacon Oliver Pendleton, Mrs. W. W. Prindle, Mrs. W- Hancock, Mal- colm Kennedy, W. S. Jackson and Mrs. H. Wilson; Eev. S. 37 626 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. Morgan, missionary director. This was properly the first church society organized in the place. As before stated, Eev. Father Kavoux had built a log house, in which to hold religious sei'vices, but this was before Wabasha had been considered a town, and his principal members were of the French and mixed blood population. The first settled pastor of the Congregational church was the Rev. S. L. Hillier, who commenced his ministry May 1, 1857. Mr. Hillier was succeeded by Eev. David Andrews, October 15, 1858, and he by Eev. J. Doane, August 27, 1860. Mr. Doane was succeeded by Eev. L. N. Woodruff, September 16, 1862, and he by Eev. Edward Hildreth, April 19, 1866 ; Mr. Hildreth by Rev. Henry Loomis, October 1, 1868. Eev. C. W. Honeyman succeeded Mr. Loomis in 1871, and Eev. O. Hobbs officiated from January 14, 1874, to April 2, 1874, when he was succeeded by E. W. "Weeks. Mr. Weeks by Eev. J. T. To'dd, JSTovember 3, 1875, and Mr. Todd by Eev. J. W. Eay, April 4, 1877, who continued his pastoral care until October 1, 1882, when he was succeeded by Eev. C. P. Watson, the present incumbent. This congregation erected a , beautiful parsonage on the church grounds in 1872. The first and only pastor of the Baptist society was the Eev. James Wharton, from Ohio. A bell was purchased by the citizens for this church during the winter of 1858, and hung in its belfry, being the first to ring out the glad tidings of salvation to willing ears in the place or county. As the old church had gone to decay, a new Catholic church was erected in the spring of 1858 by Eev. Father Tissott, which in 1874 was succeeded by a new and elegant brick under the direction of the Eev. Father Trobex. An Episcopal congregation was organized in 1859, and in 1865 they purchased the Baptist house, removing it to another block, under the pastoral care of Eev. H. G. Batterson, and have occupied the same until the present time, erecting a commodious rectory upon the same grounds in 1869. A Methodist chapel was erected in 1860, and the four last-men- tioned churches have been sustained, the Eoman Catholic element, however, being much the strongest, both in town and county. The building given to the county for a court-house has been added to and improved greatly, and in 1872 a large and substantial ifi brick building was erected just in the rear, for jail and residence of sheriff. The city was first platted in 1854, south Wabasha being added WABASHA AND VICINITY. 627 in 1855. Since that time the county has advanced with rapid prog- ress, and when we compare its present civilization with its barbarous existence previous to that time, it almost seems that the wand of magic has passed over the land, changing the hunting-grounds of the savage into cultivated farms and homes. Being located in part upon what was called "the half-breed tract," much trouble was ex- perienced both in town and county by the first settlers in obtaining good titles to their land. These were finally adjusted by the govr ernment, and Wabasha county has become one of the most prosper- ous counties of the state, with a most intelligent and enterprising population. The city charter was revised during the winter of 1868-9, which revision divided the city into two wards, with two aldermen elected in each wai'd, who held their office two years. The city recorder is elected for one year. In the spring of 185Y a new comply was organized and the town site greatly enlarged by the platting of one thousand acres on the west side of the slough which divided the plateau from the original site. This company consisted of Messrs. S. P. Gambia, B. W. Brisbois, S. L. Campbell, Tho. A. Tomlinson, H. M. Eice, Gen. Shields, Oliver Cratte and Philo Stone ; Hon. S. L. Campbell, trustee. A large warehouse was erected on that side by Mr. Lowry, of 'New York city, and the foundation of an extensive hotel was laid, and the prospect was flat- tering for the growth of the city on that side. But the terrible convulsions in the financial world which commenced this year came with crushing effect upon the young city, and discouraged both pro- prietors and people. Immigration fell off, and business of all kinds sufiered exceedingly. In consequence, that part of the city was given up and the land divided among the pi'oprietors in 1860 ; yet the city proper continued to increase in population slowly until 1871, when the river branch of the Minneapolis, St. Paul & Milwaukee railroad was completed, and Wabasha rejoiced in its first railroad. The mail facilities until 1856 had been very irregular, but in that year arrangements were made with the boats to carry the mails, and a triweekly mail was the consequence during the summer, and in winter thej- were carried by private enterprise. In the spring of 1857 the boats brought a daily mail, and Mr. H. C. Burbank put on a line of stages that fall from St. Paul to La Crosse, carrying the mails as well as passengers, thus affording a daily mail both up and down the river. In 1858 the name of the postoffice was changed to "Wabasha," leaving off the final "w" as superfluous, at the sugges- 628 HISTOEY OF WABASHA COUNTY. tion of some of the citizens, so that the original Indian name of Wapashaw, like that of many other towns, has become extinct. To our taste, the original spelling and pronunciation of these names and places and rivers is far more liquid and musical than the modernized, and most of them should have been perpetuated. Like many other new counties where rival towns are springing up, the qiiestion soon arose for the removal of the county seat. Plainview had aspirations that way, and Lake City had assumed a high position, and parties there were ambitious that it should become the shire town, and laid their plans for its removal to that place. A vote of the county was taken in 1860 upon the proposed removal, which resulted in favor of Wabasha ; the people of Lake City not being satisfied with that result, a bill was introduced in the legislature in 1867-8, which passed both houses, again allowing the people to vote upon the question. The feeling of rivalry was very strong between the two towns as election day approached, and. voters were sought for, far and near ; but by dint of hard work Wabasha again succeeded in securing the most votes, four thousand and fifty-two being polled for that location, while Lake City had three thousand and thirteen. Some people thinking there was irregularity in these votes, brought the matter before the courts, and the supreme court finally decided in favor of Wabasha, where the matter still rests. The first agricultural fair of the county was held in September, 1859, across the slough, in the building erected for a warehouse, which building, in 1864, was removed to this side the slough and occupied as a grain elevator until it was consumed by fire April 3, 1883. Mr. S. L. Campbell was president of the association, Mr. H. 0. Simpson, secretary. Address delivered by S. L. Campbell, Esq. A company was organized at one time for the improvement of the Zumbro.* This was to be done by bringing its waters along the base of the bluffs, a distance of some five miles, in a canal running in what is now called the slough, which would furnish an immense water-power. The enterprise seemed to be of great importance, but for want of capital to carry forward the work it has been abandoned. *The early French explorers named the Zumbro river La riviere des Embarras, which means " the embarrassed river." The early American settlers could not pronounce the word " Embarras," so they got it as near as they could and called it " Zumbro," by which name it is now known. WABASHA AND VICINITT. 629 In 1858 determined efforts were made to build a road across the island bottoms, just opposite the city, to the bluffs, in order to secure the trade from that side of the river. Much labor and money were expended, but owing to the crash in the financial world it became a failure, and the ferry and ferry-boat succeeded the effort in 1862. As the county improved Wabasha became a good market for wheat and all other productions of the farmers. In 1865 a large grain elevator was erected on the levee, and occupied by H. "W. Holmes & Co., and about this time a steam flouring-mill was erected by A. Gr. Kemendino on the corner of Bridge and Third streets, which passed into the hands of F. Klinge. Destroyed by fire in 1868. In 1870 a machine-shop and foundry was started by Mr. Lowth, who also, in connection with J. B. Downer, erected the stone flouring-mill now in operation. Messrs. Ingraham, Kennedy and Gill erected a planing-raill in 1871, and opened Tip a lumber- yard corner of Second and Alleghany streets, reaching to Bridge in the fall of .the same year. The first lumber-yard of the place and county was opened in 1851 by H. S. Allen & Co., of Chippewa Falls, on Levee street between what is now Bridge and Alleghany streets. The pioneer hardware establishment of Wabasha was opened by Joshua Egbert in the summer of 1867. Mr. Egbert sold out to Jewell and Duganne in 1868, Duganne retiring in 1869. The busi- ness continued for some years under the name of Jewell & Son ; in the autumn of 1882 Mr. Jew'ell sold out all interest to H. B. Jewell and Julius Schmidt, which firm still continues the business. About a mile above the city, on the bank of the river, the city has located a lovely spot, consisting of about fifteen acres of land, as the final resting-place of the weary, when the higher, nobler part shall have winged its way to the beautiful land, which all anticipate and hope for, yet from which no traveler returns. Riverview cemetery truly is one of the beautiful places where Streameth down the moonlight On cliff and glen and wave, Descending ever softest, On a little grassy grave. And where " With tenderest effulgence, a tide of pallid gold * Down issues, brightly bathing the marble and the mould." In the fall of 1868 a club was organized with forty-two members, the object being to invite and develop literary culture, build up a circulating library, and establish a place where all could spend 630 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. * their leisure time profitably. The club rented a hall and furnished it neatly, supplied the table with the daily papers of the state, together with most of the popular magazines and leading literary journals, and filled the shelves of the room with a select number of books. Thej also furnished facilities for all and various drawing- room games. This club consisted of the best society of the place, both ladies and gentlemen. Its managers, however, were gentle- men. During the winter of 1870-1 the interest in the club seemed to be on the wane, and fears were entertained that this good begin- ning might have to be abandoned. But the ladies decided that it shoiild not be a failure, and they took the library off the hands of the gentlemen entirely, reorganizing under the name of the "Ladies' Library Association," which has been sustained by efforts of the ladies wholly, and is still in a very flourishing condition, there being, at the present date, some sixteen hundred volumes. Messrs. Luger brothers in 1876 erected a large furniture factory on Bridge street, on the site of the flouring-mill before iqentioned, and the business supplies the trade here and a large branch house in Fargo, and other points of the northwest. The manufacturing interests of Wabasha are improving; the natural facilities being great, capital only is required to perfect what nature has so liberally provided for. In the autumn of 1871 the Minneapolis, St. Paul & Chicago railroad was completed, passing through Wabasha on the west side, which event was hailed with great rejoicing. In 1878 the Minne- sota Midland was projected and completed as far as Zumbrota, start- ing from Wabasha ; since which event the place has seemed to receive new impetus, and its business has increased nearly one-half. The Lake Superior & Chippewa Valley was completed to this point in July, 1882, crossing the Mississippi between this place and Eead's Landing, and intersecting the Minneapolis, St. Paul & Chicago road at their depot, giving Wabasha some prominence as a railroad center, creating great hopes again of its growth in wealth and population. The business of the city has ever been transacted on a safe basis, and ^ after struggling through continued hardships with untiring perseverance, it now looks as though Wabasha had a grand future before it. The first meat-market in the place was kept by S. Demary. There are now three. Misses Kate and Winifred Redmond were WABASHA AND VICINITT. 631 the first milliners and dressmakers here. That line of business has improved and increased greatly also. The first banking house in Wabasha was instituted by H. Eogers and son, from Zanesville, Ohio, in the summer of 1857. This did not continue long, however, owing to the financial crisis of 1857-8, and Mr. Eogers removed to St. Paul in 1859. In 1861 Mr. E". F. Webb opened a bank on Main street, which continued in business until the autumn of 1870. Messrs. Southworth and Florer in 1871 established a bank, which will be fully treated of in the his- tory of the town ; changed managers in 1882, and is now known as the bank of Wabasha ; directors, A. D. Southworth, J. G. Law- rence, L. S. Van Vlfeit, C. F. Young, H. P. Krick, 0. F. Eogers, Lucas Kuehn. The first physician to settle in the town was Dr. F. H. Milligan, who came in 1853. He married a daughter of Mr. Alexis Bailly, and settled here soon after. Dr. William L. Lincoln was the next, coming here in July, 1857. There was a young lawyer here by the name of John McKee, when the town was organized, of marked ability, but intemperance fastened her fangs upon him and he died in 1857 from the effect- of her seductions. Death has claimed many of our prominent and esteemed pioneers. C. W. Lyon, W. W. McDougall, Charles Wyman, Dea Oliver Pendleton, W. W. Prindle, W. S. Jackson, whose places here have not yet been filled. Mr. Francis Talbot, the last of the pioneer fur traders, came here in 1853 with letters of introduction to Mr. Bailly, from his friend, John H. Kinzie, of Chicago, with whom Mr. Talbot was connected at an early day. The first white child born in Wabasha was Charles, son of B. S. Hurd, on the 14th of May, 1855. A steam planing and saw mill were erected on the east bank of slough at the foot of Fourth street in 1856, by Mr. L. Clapp. This mill did a good busi- ness until the financial crash of 1857, when it succumbed gracefully to the pressure. Philo Stone in 1850 erected the dwelling on Levee street after- ward owned and occupied by Dea Oliver Pendleton until his death in June, 1875. A building on the levee, just above the present residence of Mr. W. T. Duganne, was erected in 1853 by a river pilot, whose name was Harold, and it was kept as a boarding-house, known as Harold's Exchange. Destroyed by fire in 1858. It seems like magic that in so brief a period of time the Indian titles to forty millions of acres of land, broad and beautiful, should 632 HISTOEY OF WABASHA COUNIT. have been made to blossom as the rose, and that the keen-eyed enterprise of the American people shbuld have accomplished so much as has been done in a quarter of a century, and the fabled magic of the eastern tale that renewed a palace in a single night, can only parallel the reality of this. Minnesota was admitted to the union in 1858, since which time the blankets and painted faces of the red man have entirely disappeared, together with the moccasins and red sashes of the French voyageur and half-breeds, while civili- zation, with its thousand arms, has advanced in their stead with resistless and beneficent empire ; and now arts, manufactures and science equal those of any state in the union, while steam on the water, steam on the land, is almost unparalleled. Immigration from the Atlantic and European states is rapidly developing the almost unsearchable riches of the lands, while the immense line of rail- roads, when completed, will bring the Atlantic and Pacific coasts in direct communication with the great markets of the world. In the preceding pages reference has been made to most, per- haps to all, of the subjects of these sketches who have been pro- minent actors in some department, and further notice may seem like repetition ; but as the object in view is to pay tribute where it is due, I trust the reader will pai'don the iteration. Messrs. Kocque and Buisson were of French descent, and their children and descendants still remain in Wabasha. Augustin Eocque built the first house in this vicinity in 1830, and Duncan Campbell was the next to build, and on the same side of the slough. Oliver Cratte was sent here in 1838, and he built the first house on the present site of the city. Mr. Eocque died in 1856, and, at his own request, lies buried upon the top, and just on the verge of the highest bluff' overlooking tha town, with no stone or epitaph to mark his resting-place, other than the silent grandeur of the scene. His son, Joseph Kocque, was ac- counted the greatest hunter of his time, and was so fleet on foot, that one time upon a wager he ran down a deer and drove it into camp. At another time he carried dispatches on foot from Fort Snelling to this place, a distance of ninety miles, from sun to sun. The governor fearing he would not be able to make the trip, sent a man on horseback after him ; but Rocque left man and horse on the prairie, and distanced both. He was perfectly familiar with the country, having traversed it many times in company with Itidians and voyageurs, and understood the shortest route, which he took, and so executed his mission in due time. Another son, Baptiste, acted WABASHA AND YICINITT. , 633 as scout for Gen. Sibley during the Indian outbreat of 1862. Men- dota at that time was called St. Peters. Nearly all the old French traders married Sioux wives, and the government set apart four hun- dred and fifty square miles for the benefit of the so called half-breed children. In 185Y these half-breeds received four hundred and eighty acres of land scrip from the government in place of their re- served land, and several old French settlers at Wabasha received scrip for their wives and children. Duncan and Scott Campbell received about twenty-three scrips ; Mr. Cratte had nine ; Mr. Alexis Baily, seven. The Campbells were men of Scotch parentage, and both were well known at all the different posts and among various tribes. Dur.can Campbell was killed in a duel near Mackinac, with one Crawford, a brother of the agent of the Northwest Fur Company. Campbell was an independent trader in opposition to the Northwest Company. Nelson's Landing was a trading post on the Wisconsin side of the river. At one time, a war party of Chippewas, numbering about one hundred and fifty, came down to the Mississippi, and stopped at the Landing. This was in 1853. They threatened the village, and just as they made their appearance on the river bank a Sioux Indian was seen coming down the river in his canoe. On see- ing his enemies so close to him, he threw himself over in the water, and holding his canoe with the left hand swam ashore, the canoe serving him as a shelter from the bullets of his enemies, although completely riddled by them. But " Oregon " (so he was called by the whites), managed his bark so as to reach the Minnesota side without being wounded, and as soon as upon land he gave the war- whoop common to his tribe, which was soon answered by scores of his friends, and the Chippewas were glad to retreat without even a scalp. A short time before, a treaty of peace had been perfected between the Chippewas and Wapashaws band, which was ratified by all the principal men of the band, and everything seemed quiet. But the Redwing band either did 'not know of the treaty or ignored it whMly, and made raid upon the Chippewas, which renewed hosti- lities at once. When the writer of these annals first came to Wabasha, in the spring of 1857, the teepee of the Indian was to be seen in every direction, and the dusky form of the savage might be expected to walk in upon you, or be seen peering curiously at you through the window at any time. Usually they wanted food or "coshpop" (the Indian term for ten cents), begging being one of their strong charac- 634 HISTORY dF WABASHA* COUNTY. teristics. Just below the house in which we lived stood a little copse of wood, where the death-soug of the "poor Indian" was heard many times when he thought himself dying ; the "fire-water" of the white man proving too much for him. He would get thus far on his way back to the teepee, lie down, as he thought, to die, and then the terrible wail would begin and continue until the poor fellow was overcome and dead-drunken sleep drowned all sensibilities. Their dances, too, were very frequent and dreadfully hideous, yet apparently enjoyed with all the zest their benighted brains and energies could desire. Their medicine and war-dances were the most frequent ; they had also a snake-dance, which took in all the serpentine antics and hisses, while the monotonous beatings of their drums was most unearthly'. Sitting at our dinner-table one day, we were startled by the door being opened suddenly and five dusky faces, one above the' other, peering in at us, the last one with face painted black and red, with mischief-gleaming eyes and two feathers in his hair. Our eldest son, who, in a short time, had caught much of the Sioux language, upon seeing the last face, jumped up and accosted him with, "Now, Dick, what does all this mean ? " "Indian hungry," was the reply. "But why are you here with that face?" "Dick dandy," he replied, and it appeared that he had painted and dressed himself in those habiliments for our especial benefit. The Indian was known ever after as " Dandy Dick." In the raid upon the whites, in 1863, Dandy Dick came to grief as one of the marauders, although pro- testing his innocence and pleading hard for life. He was finally removed, with many others, to the Santee agency, I^ebraska. Among those banished to that reservation at that time was the old and faithful Sioux, Ta-mah-haw, who had been a friend to the United States all his life. He was familiarly known as ' ' the one- eyed Sioux," and Lieut. Pike speaks of him as "my friend" in his journal, and also says he was a war chief, and that he gave him his "father's tomahawk." In the table of the appendix of this journal he is set down as belonging to the Medaywokant'wans ; he was also called "the Bourgne " (French for one eye), but his Dahkota name was Ta-mah-haw, his French name was "L'Orignal Leve," and his English, "The Rising Moose." He was born at Prmrie Aux Ailes (Winona), and in his younger days was noted for his intel- ligence, daring and activity. During a game in boyhood one eye was accidentally destroyed, giving him the peculiarity by which he WABASHA AND VICINITY. 635 was always known. In person, he was tall and of fine appearance, muscular and active even to the day of his death. During the war of 1812 he rendered most valuable service to the American cause. Gen. Clark, of St. Louis, employed him as scout and messenger, and, with one exception, he was the only Sioux who remained friendly to us during that contest. This other was Hay-pie-dam, who belonged to the band of Wakuta. Col. Dickson, the British leader, once had him arrested at Prairie du Chien and threatened him with death, but Ta-mah-haw bravely and firmly refused to betray his cause. Gen. Clark esteemed his services highly, and on May 6, 1814 (sixty-nine years today) gave him a commission as chief of the Sioux nation, together with a captain's uniform and medal. He carefully kept and treasured this commission and shows it with genuine pride to every new comer. Most of the early settlers are familiar with his characteristics, always wearing a high-crowned hat, and often appearing in an officer's blue swallow-tailed coat and epaulets, given him by Gov. Clark. He was remarkable among the Sioux, and it was his highest pride and boast that he was the only American in his tribe. He deserved, on this account, to receive from the government authorities special consideration ; yet he was suffered to go away in banishment from his old friends the white men, which grieved him so much that he died in a few months. In the Dahkota tongue Ta-mah-haw means "pike." He was given that name by his band, undoubtedly on account of friend- ship for and intimacy with Lieut. Pike. It may be thought that too much pains has been taken to eluci- date the history of this man, but he was more than an ordinary Indian, and his personal friendship for Lieut. Pike, of whom he delighted to talk, and his devotion to the American cause, justly attaches to his history more than ordinary notice. Old Wapashaw, the grandfather of the present chief who bears his name, was the man of his time, and tradition has preserved the name of no braver, greater man than he. He was the leading hereditary chief of the People of the Lakes, and in all tribal affairs his word was law, not only with his own particular band, but with all those belonging to the same division. At one time he went to Quebec to settle some trouble in relation to a murder which had been committed, and there he represented the Dahkotahs as living in seven bands, with as many chiefs, of whom he was one. He there received for them seven medals, one being hung around his own 636 HISTOEY OF WABASHA CODWTT. neck, and the remainder to be given one to each chief of the other bands. "Wapashaw died far away from his home on the Hoka river, and, it is said, the father of Wakuta was the physician who attended him in his last illness. The Dakotahs will never forget the name of Wapashaw, and their affections cluster around and cling to this place from very reverence to his memory. I copy from the "Wabasha Herald " the particulars of an inter- view with Wakuta, the last Sioux chief who dwelt on the Mississippi, and who is said to have possessed one of the medals given Wapa- shaw at the time of his visit to Quebec: "A few days since we had the pleasure of looking at a few old relics in the shape of parchments, commissions, treaties, etc., which privilege was granted us by an old Indian chief, Wakuta by name, at present located at the San tee reservation in Nebraska with his tribe, and who is pay- ing his old friends and acquaintances here a visit. The first docu- ment shown us was a commission to Tatangamanie, or "Walking Bufialo," appointing him as grand chief of the Gens de Lac Nation (Men of the Lakes), and signed by James Wilkinson, com- mander-in-chief of the army of the United States and governor of the territory of Louisiana and superintendent of the Indian affairs, indorsed as follows : "Given under my hand and seal of arms, at St. Louis, this STth day of May, in the year of our Lord one thou- sand eight hundred and six, and of the independence of the United States of America the twentieth." Signed by " his excellencie's command, James Wilkinson." Also another, bearing date August 26, 1812, appointing Walking Buffalo as first chief of the Mende- wacouton band, which constituted all the Sioux on the Mississippi river ; also another, appointing Walking Buffalo chief of the Tribes of the Lakes, signed by Wm. Clark, governor of Missouri, bearing date July 29, 1815. He had another document, a treaty of peace, signed at St. Louis in 1816 by the following chiefs and commission- ers : Wm. Clark, Marian Edwards and Aug. Choteau, commission- ers, and Tatangamanie, the "Walking Buffalo"; Hai-saw-nee, "The Horn"; A-am-parha, "The Speaker"; ISTa-ru-sa-ga-tp, "The Hard Stone" ; Hai-ba-had, " The Rounding Horn," chiefs. These papers are in a good state of preservation, and the one bearing date of 1806, is written in both English and French, while the others are all in English. From these papers it appears that Walking Buffalo was grand chief of the Gens du Lac Nation (People of the Lake), and also chief of the Men-da-wa-con-ton band, which WABASHA AND VICINITY. 637 included all the Sioux of the Mississippi river. The documents were handed down by Walking Bufialo to his brother, Wakuta, the "Eed Wing," who in turn gave them into the possession of his son, the . present chief, who is seventy years old at this time. The domain of the Tribe of the Lake Band extended from Read's Landing to Red Wing, and the domain of Wapasha extended from the same point to the mouth of the Black river. Although Wakuta spoke in the Sioux language, we were able to glean a good many interesting facts from him through his nephew, Jos. Oarron, and only regret that our education in that language was neglected in our early days ; that deprived us of a further research. Although seventy years old, Wakuta does not appear to be over forty. On showing him a specimen of a stone axe claimed by many to be of the stone age, he said that the Indians used it for almost every- thing in their every-day life. On handing him a piece of pottery that was supposed to be the handiwork of the mound builders, he immediately recognized it as a part of an Indian cooking utensil. This was handed him for the purpose of finding out whether he knew anything of such a race, and upon being questioned, said many years ago, which he counted by the five. or six hundred, there was a nation of people (he called them Indians) that lived in what is now known as Indians mounds, and instead of burialplaces they were their habitations. • This race, he says, disappeared when his people came, and thinks they were either killed or driven off. He also said that when the present Indians came to this land, there were a couple of houses standing near the present town of Stockholm, Wisconsin, on Lake Pepin, which he thinks must have been built by the French voyageurs. The old chief has been over nearly the whole of the United States, and immediately recognized a bird's-eye view of the city of New York, and laid another as a scene on the Hudson. From our limited "talk" we judge that he was " well read,*" as they say in the United States, and was well informed of the events of his time, and had stowed away many traditions of the nation and country he represented, of which the modern historical researcher would gladly avail himself. An incident on Lake Pepin is also given in the shape of a fish story — an old Indian story told and handed down from time to time — that a catfish was caught in the lake that measured the length of seven bows between the eyes. An Indian bow being, say, about three feet in length, would make the fish some twenty-one feet 638 HiSTOEY or wabasha county. between the eyes, which makes a pretty large fish story, and should be placed side by side with the sea-serpent stories of the east. As fishy as it may seem, they tell it as a fact, and all give the same version. At the date of this writing Wakuta is dead, having died at. the Santee agency. Their old camping-ground at this place was very dear to them, and they would return at times to visit their friends and relatives among the half-breeds who still remain here, and upon what is called the " Grand Encampment," five miles below on the river. It was given that name by the old French voyageurs who made it a point to camp there on their way up and down the river. Teepeeotah, as remai'ked in a former chapter, is situated on this encampment. In the preceding chapters it has been shown that "Wabasha justly lays claim to being the oldest town on the Mississippi from Prairie du Chien to Fort Snelling and Mendota, and that its position has ever been an important one. Situated, as it is, just below the mouth of the Chippewa river, it has been the rendezvous for all the lumber rafted down that river, and from this place to the great markets below, ever since the manufacture of lumber began from the pineries above. The lumber, after coming out of the Chippewa, is rerafted at this point and sent down the river, and now much of it goes farther west by means of the railroad communication with other points. The Midland road intersects the Northwestern at Zumbrota, and the prospect is that tl^e road will be continued to Austin, and thus direct transportation be opened from the great lumber manu- factories themselves to Omaha and other points west. A goodly number of smart, enterprising villages have sprung up along the line of the Midland, the first being Glasgow, then McCrackens, at which point there is a never-failing spring of pure water, Theilmen. ton, Tracey, Keegan, Millville, Jarrett, Hammond, Funk, Zumbro Falls, Mazeppa, Forest Mills, Zumbrota. All these stations are of considerable importance as shipping points, and several possess extensive grain elevators ; and all these are tributary to Wabasha. With these and many other advantages the city of Wabasha undoubtedly has a grand future before it. Stillwater claims to have been the first settled town in the state, which is a mistake. That city was first settled in 1843, and Wabasha dates back to 1838 and 1841, being christened "Wabashaw" in 1843. For beauty of loca- tion Wabasha is unexcelled, and the sunset from the place is most enchanting. Just at the outlet of Lake Pepin the river makes a WABASHA AND VICINITT. 639 bend, which from this point seems to bring the bluffs of Wisconsin and Minnesota very close together, leaving just space enough to see the sun in all its glory as it sinks to rest in the placid waters of the lake, and its last rays light up the bluffs on either side* with a golden radiance that fills the heart with rapture at the beautiful scene. It is in the month of June especially charming, and would quite repay a little journey to the place by any lover of beautiful scenery, just to have one look at this enchanting sunset. More than a century ago traveling fur traders would ascend the Mississippi for the purpose of trading with the Indians and obtaining valuable furs, of which they usually had an abundance, their head- quarters being at Prairie du Chien. Mention has been made of some of these ti-aderS, and it seems fitting that this work should give some notice of some of the most prominent of these, particularly those who at times have either lived here or transacted business with others who did. A sketch has been given of Mr. J. B. Faribault, and it seems most fitting to introduce just here a sketch of his son- in-law, Mr. Alexis Bailly, as he figured largely in the early history of the place. Most of the pioneers of Minnesota, as a class, have been men superior in morality, intelligence and education to those of the pioneers of the earlier territories, and they have left their impress upon town and state. Many of them were attracted to this wild region from the love of adventure, or of the chase, there being just enough danger always to ,give zest to frontier life, more than mere love of gain ; yet they were by no means free from the frailties and vices of poor human nature, and were not especially given to respect law, especially when it favored the speculator at the expense of the settler. Mr. Bailly was born at St. Josephs, near the shore of Lake Michigan, but received his education at Montreal. When about nineteen he came to Mackinaw as clerk for the American Fur Com- pany, and remained there some two years. In 1826 he was em- ployed by the company to drive some cattle to the Red River of the North, and he, with eight others, made the trip on foot, leaving Mackinaw the middle of May, reaching their destination late in October. Upon their return they lost their way, going between two and three hundred miles to the west, striking the shed waters of the St. Peters river (now Minnesota) instead of those of the Sauk, as they had intended. They endured almost untold hardships, going several days without any food, except a few kernels of dry corn, but 64P HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. finally succeeded in reaching Prairie du Chien without loss of life. Mr. Bailly was a man of fine business habits, and was an intelligent and very genial companion. He was married twice, his first wife being the daughter of J. B. Faribault, who died in "Wabasha. Sev- eral years after, he married, at St. Paul, a Miss Julia Corey, of Cooperstown, New York, who is still living here. At the time Mr. Bailly engaged with the fur company the wages of a good clerk was two himdred dollars per annum ; that of an interpreter, one hundred and fifty dollars, and common laborers or voyageure, as they were called, was one hundred dollars, with rations, which rations were of the simplest kind. The articles principally used in the trade with the Indians were blankets, calicoes, cloths, tobacco and cheap jewelry, including wampum^ which served in lieu of money as a basis of exchange. During the winters the traders and their men ensconced themselves in then- warm log-cabins, but in the spring it was required of them to visit the various Indian camps and secure the furs and peltries collected by the savages in their hunts. Goods were always paid for on delivery, and never given on credit. Mr. Bailly commenced trading on his own account at Prairie du Chien in 1828, but removed to St. Peters (now Mendota) in 1835, and subsequently opened a store in St. Paul. Not meeting with the success he desired he removed to Wabasha, where he remained until his death in June, 1861. Mr. Bailly figured largely in the interests of the county, and did much to settle the difficulties in relation to the half-breed tract, and his eldest son, Alexis P. Bailly was the first register of deeds of the county. His second son, Capt. H. Bailly, was killed in the rebellion, at the battle of Lookout Mountain. Mr. Bailly was the first civil ofiicer in the county, being ap- pointed justice of the peace, after the town ot Wabasha was organ- ized, by the governor. ^ He was at one time associated with N. W. Kittson in business, they holding trading-posts in diiferent localities. Mr. Wra. H. Forbes, a brother-in-law of Mr. Bailly's, came to Minnesota as Indian trader in 1837. Mr. Bailly's trade was principally among the Sioux. Mr. Bailly, upoii coming to Wabasha, bought out Labathe, of whom a rich anecdote is related by Hon. H. H. Sibley. Indian etiquette demands on all occasions that the visitor shall leave nothing unconsumed of the meat or drink placed before him. There was a WABASHA AND VICINITY. 641 tea-party given at one time at Fort Snelling by Capt. Gooding, of the army, and Joseph Laframboise, Alex. Faribault and Sabathe were invited. It was in July, and the weather very warm. It appears that Laframboise spoke with fluency several different languages, and both he and Faribault were practical jokers. In due time the party were seated around the table, and the cups and saucers of those days were of the generous proportions ignored in these days. The large cup filled with tea was handed to Labathe and soon disposed of. At that time the poor fellow could speak nothing more of English than the imperfect sentence " tank you." When his cup was emptied, JMrs. Gooding, who was at the head o'f the table, said, "Mr. Labathe, please take some more tea." Labathe replied, "tank you, madam," which the waiter understood to mean assent. He took the cup and handed it to the hostess, which was forthwith supplied with the tea. Labathe managed to swallow that, sweltering meanwhile with the fervent heat of the evening, and was again requested to permit his cup to be replenished. "Tank you, madam," was the only reply the poor victim could make. Seven great cups full of the hot tea had been swallowed, Laframboise and Faribault in the meantime almost dying with laughter. For the eighth time the waiter approached for the cup, when the aboriginal politene.ss which had enabled him to bear up amid his sufferings gave way entirely, and rising from his seat, to the amazement of the company, he exclaimed frantically, ^' Laframr- loise, pour Vamovr de hon Dieu, powrquoi ne dites vous pas a madame qui je ne vout point da/owntageV — " Laframboise, for the love of God, why do you not tell madam that I do not wish any more tea ? " Gen. Sibley says Labathe never heard the last of that while he lived. Mr. Eoque, too, mentioned in preceding pages, affords another instance of the inconvenience of not being able to speak English. He only knew one compound word, and that was roast-beef,, which he called "Ros-bif." At the time of his accompanying the delega- tion to Washington City, on being asked at the public-houses what he would be helped to, he could only say ros-bif ! So, the old gentleman, although longing for a chance at the many good things he would have preferred, performed the round trip on ros-bif. We find Mr. Bailly figuring largely in matters concerning the Sioux, to whom he was a good friend, and he is frequently mentioned in connection with the treaties made and also as justice of the peace. 38 642 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. He married several couples while acting as justice of tlie peace of this county, and in 1 852 acted as assistant commissary at the treaty with the Dahcotahs at Traverse des Sioux. It became necessary that the territory bordering on the Red River of the North should pass into the hands of the United States government and become subject to the civil jurisdiction of the terri- tory. President Fillmore departed from the usual mode of appointing commissioners for negotiation, and deputed the commissioner of ' Indian affairs, the Hon. Luke Lea, and His Excellency Gov. Ramsey to meet the representatives of the Dahcotahs and conclude a treaty with them for such lands as they might be willing to sell. A large number of half-breeds and others, citizens of the United States, who were originally a part of the Selkirk settlement, demanded protection of the government against the encroachments of the Hudson Bay Company and the privileges of American citizens. On the 27th of June, 1852, Commissioner Lea arrived at St. Paul, and, in company with Gov. Ramsey, proceeded to Traverse des Sioux, arriving there June 30. This treaty was considered of great impor- tance, the conditions being the ceding and relinquishment of all their lands in the territory and State of Iowa by the Wah-pay- kootah and Med-a-wa-kan-toans bands of Indians, the United States reserving for them a home the average width of ten miles on either side of the Minnesota river and bounded on the east by Little Rock river, on the west by the Yellow Medicine, paying them certain moneys and annuities to continue for fifty years. Another treaty, the same year, was perfected with the Tillager band of Chippewas, by which they ceded a country sixty-five miles in width by one hundred and fifty in length, intersected in its center by the Red River of the North, for this land the government agreeing to pay them annually the sum of ten thousand dollars for twenty years and thirty thousand dollars cash down. Mr. Bailly was spoken of at these treaties as " one of the most useful and active camp men that ever was. " At the Traverse des Sioux camp Mr. Bailly married, in the Episcopal form, David Faribault and Nancy Winona McClure, after which the groom gave a dinner, and all went to dine together. After the repast, toasts and speeches appropriate to the occasion flowed freely. One of the toasts was given by Joseph La Framboise, who was one of the oldest and most intelligent pioneers of the valley of the St. Peters. Hon. Wm. H. Forbes, who was also present at WABASHA ANP VICINITY. 643f' this treaty, gave as a sentiment, "Gov. Ramsey, ex-officio superin- tendent of Indian affairs, a public officer who has, as he deserves to have, the entire confidence of the Indians under his ch^ge." Gov, Eamseygave " Millard Fillmore, a national president — a man worthy of his high trust." After dinner there was a virgin feast of young Dahcotah girls, nineteen in number, and fifteen young men. Before sitting down to the feast, consisting of tea and fried cakes, each of the party advanced and touched a red stone which was placed in their midst, this being the test oath of truthfulness and virtue. Mr. Wm. H. Forbes was present at this treaty ; also Mr. Kittson, J. E. Brown and Hon. H. H. Sibley. * Minnesota is the "land of the Dahkotahs." Long before their existence was known to civilized men they wandered through the forests between Lake Superior and the Mississippi, in quest of the bounding deer, and over the wide prairies beyond, in search of the ponderous buffalo. They are an entirely different group from those found by the early settlers of the Atlantic States, on the Connecticut, Mohawk and Susquehanna rivers, and their language is much more difficult to comprehend ; yet they have many customs common with the tribes who once dwelt in New England, ISTew York, Pennsyl- vania and Illinois, while other peculiarities mark them as belonging to a xiistinct family of the aborigines of North America. Winona, Wapashaw, Mendota, Anoka, Kasota, Mahkato, and other names designating the towns, streams and lakes of Minnesota, are words derived from their vocabulary. When they were first noticed by the European adventurer they occupied the country between the Mississippi and the headwaters of Lake Superior, which is a country of many lakes, and the voyageur gave them the name of "People of the Lakes." The word Dahkota, by which they love to be designated,' signifies joined together in friendly compact, equiva- lent to the motto on the seal of the United States. In a history written by a Catholic missionary nearly two centuries ago, it is remarked of the Dakotahs : "For sixty leagues from the extremity of the upper lakes, toward sunset, in the center of the western natioiis, they have all united their force iy a general league.'''' This refers only to the Sioux tribes, which name originated among the early voyageurs. The Ojibways were a people whose ancestors had lived on Lake Michigan, but had been driven westward by the Iroquois. For centuries they had waged war upon the Dahkotahs, and the two nations were deadly foes. Many nations 644 HISTORY OF WABASHA COiraTY. call the Dahkotahs Nadouessioux, the last two syllables being the Ojibway word for foe, but Charlevoix, wbo visited Wisconsin in 1721, says the name "Sioux" was entirely original with the yoyageur. From an early period there had been three divisions of this great people, which again had been subdivided into smaller bands. That division known as the M'dewakontons, or People of the Lakes, con- sisted of seven distinct bands, whose summer residence was in villages. These villages were situated at Wapashaw prairie, now the site of Winona, Eed Leaf or Wapashaw, Red Wing, Kaponia on the Mississippi, and another at Lake Calhoun, another at the Little Eapids on the banks of*the Minnesota, near the pres,ent. village of Belleplaine. Old Wabasha w, long since dead, was the leading heredi- tary chief of the People of the Lakes, and in all intertribal affairs of importance his word was law, not only with his own particular band, but with all those belonging to the same division. The authority of the chiefs was very great ; but from the date of the first treaties negotiated with the government it began to decline, until finally the chief was considered the mere mouthpiece of the soldiers' lodge, the members of which constituted the only real power in the bands. Though the treaty of 1763 between France and England ceded all the territory within the limits of Wisconsin and Minnesota to England, yet for a long time the English did not obtain a foothold. The French traders, having purchased wives from the tribes according to their customs, managed to preserve a feeling of friendship toward their king long after the trading-posts at Green Bay and Sault St. Marie had been discontinued. This was the cause of so many French half-breeds, especially at Prairie du Chien, whose children and their descendants coming up the Mississippi settled in and around Wabasha w. Prairie du Chien was the great mart where all the tribes on both sides of the river annually assembled to dis- pose of their furs to the traders, who also had their Indian wives ; and Carver speaks of their village, upon his arrival there, as being one of about three hundred families. About the year 1785 Prairie du Chien made its transition from an encampment for Indians and their traders to a hamlet, and among its first settlers were Messrs. Giard and Dubuque. In 1780 the wife of a Fox warrior discovered a large vein of lead in Iowa, on the west bank of the Mississippi, and at a council held in Prairie du Chien in 1788, Julieii Dubuque obtained permission to work the mines on and near the city which now bears his name, and on the bluif stands the little stone house that covers his remains. WABASHA AND TICINITY. 645 After the treaty of 1783 between Great Britain and the United States, the British did not immediately surrender their posts, which led to much ill-feeling ; and when Washington sent Baron Steuben, in 1784, to Detroit to take possession of that fort, the British com- mander refused to give possession, upon the ground that it was upon Indian territory. But in the treaty effected by Mr. Jay, Great Britain agreed to withdraw her troops, from all places within the boundary lines of the treaty, and after France ceded Louisiana to the United States, in 1 800, this part of Minnesota began to be settled by white people and French half-breeds, — Augustin^Eocque, as^before stated, being the first white settler at "Wapashaw. In 1806, Lieut. Pike held a conference with the Sioux Indians, when they agreed to grant to the United States full power and sovereignty over these lands forever. For more than a century there had been a westward tendency in the emigration of the Indian nations, and a frequent source of war was the encroachment upon each other's hunting-grounds, and in 1825 a congress of tribes was convened at Prairie du Chien to estab- lish the boundary lines between the Chippewas and Sioux. This did not prove effectual, and in 1830 another congress was convened at Prame du Chien, at which time the M'dewakantonwan band made a treaty, 'bestowing npon their relatives, the mixed bloods, this tract of land about Lake Pepin, since known as "the half-breed tract." This tract in said treaty is described as follows : "Beginning at a place called the Barn, below and near the village of the Red Wing chief, and running back, fifteen miles, thence in a parallel line with Lake Pepin and the Mississippi about thirty-two miles to a point opposite O'Beuf or Beef river, thence fifteen miles to the Grand Encampment, opposite the river aforesaid. " This reservation begins at Eed Wing, Goodhue county, and runs through the town of Eed Wing in a southwesterly direction, thence through Hay Creek town- ship, including all of it but a small part of the northwest corner, including the southeast corner of Fetherstone township, all of Belvidere township and Florence ; runs angling through Goodhue to section 31, thence southeast through Zumbrota, including the north- east corner thereof, to the town of Chester in Wabasha county ; it runs diagonally and includes the northeast half of the town through Hyde Park, leaving the southwest corner of it which lies north of Hammond's ford ; takes in most of Oakwood, except a part of the southwest corner ; then striking the northeast corner of Elgin and runs diagonally across Plainview to section 24 ; from there it runs 646 HISTOBT OF WABASHA COUNTY. northeast througli the town of Whitewater, in "Winona county, diagonally through Watopa, including the northwest half of the town, taking in all of Highland and the most of Greenfield, through which it runs diagonally, leaving out the southeast corner, and strikes the Mississippi near the southeast corner of section 12, at what is called the Grand Encampment. It also includes all of the townships of Wabasha, Lake, Mount Pleasant, Guilford, West Albany and Glas- gow, thus including all but a small part of Wabashaw county and a portion of Goodhue. The year 1887 forms an important era in the history of Minnesota, as the first steps were then taken for the introduction of the wood- man's ax and the splash of the millwheel. Missionaries were also sent out by a society from Lausanne, Switzerland, who arrived and located at Redwing and Wabashaw villages, but after a short time they abandoned the attempt to ameliorate the condition of the Dahkotahs. The same year a deputation of Dahkotahs was sent to Washington, and all lands east of the Mississippi were ceded by them to the United States, but this reservation was held as a sacred bequest to the half-breeds, according to the treaty at Prairie du Chien in 1830. White men began to stop at Wabashaw, and settle- ments began upon this tract, yet disputes as to possession frequently arose, and the Indians being numerous, the safety of the white man was very precarious. There was often a hundred lodges, sometimes more, about Wabashaw, and it is easy to conceive how the natural love of the beautiful should prompt the red men to select this as their home and hunting-ground. Canoes lined the shore, and games, feasts and dances filled in the time, while long in the night the hol- low beat of their drums, and the dismal screech of male and female, could be heard in the woods, trying to drive away the Evil Spirit, or cure some Indian sick man. In 1850 the population of this county was two hundred and forty-three souls. In the census of 1880 it was sixteen thousand one hundred and forty-nine. The halt-breed tract contained four hundred and fifty square miles. In 1854 the government appointed commissioners to enroll the half-breeds in order to divide the lands equally among, them, and in the spring of 1857 Gen. Shields was sent on to issue land scrip to them, in place of these reserved lands, each half-breed receiving four hundred and eighty acres. This scrip made a nice haul for the sharpers, who in most cases figured them out of it. The French settlers at Wabasha received scrip for their wives and families. PEPIN TOWNSHIP. 647 Joseph Buisson had seven scrips, Alexis Bailley had seven, Eocqne's family had thirteen, Mr. Cratte had nine, Monette had four, Trudell had seven ;< Duncan and Scott Campbell had twenty-three, Francois la Batte had ten. Most of these have not a cent left. Few of the old settlers remain, some have gone to other parts of the country, but most of them lie sleeping their last sleep, and the hunting-ground of the red man is now turned into fieMs of grain and flowering gardens. A beautiful city stands on the site of the old camping-ground, which a short time ago was lighted only by the council fires of the savage. CBAPTEE LVIII. PEPIN TOWNSHIP. This is the name given to a fractional township lying along the shores of Lake Pepin and the Mississippi river. It contains a little less than one-half the number of sections of land comprised in a full-sized township as determined and set oif by United States gov- ernment survey. There are in Pepin township sixteen full sections, one fractional half-section, and five other fractions of sections that are mer# strips along the shores of the river and the lake ; the whole .five forming less than one full section, or one mile square. Pepin township lies six miles in length along the shores of the lake from whence it derives its name, and the Mississippi river, and has an average width of three full sections, except in the southeast corner, where one section is cut oS and attached to the corporation of the city of Wabasha. Lake Pepin is simpLy a broadening of the Mississippi river into a beautiful sheet of bluff-environed water, low lying in the basin of the hills which rise on all sides from four hundred to five hundred feet above its clear waters. The length of the lake is about thirty miles ; its width from two and one half miles to four miles. The origin of the name "Pepin" is matter of merest conjecture. ITeill, in his history of Minnesota, queries whether or no it may not have been so named in honor of Pepin, the Seur de la Fond, who married the aunt of La Parriere, the builder of an old fort on the north side of the lake, in the fall of 1727. The name itself is one immortal in French history for over one thousand years. 648 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. It was first brought into prominence by the old Oarlovingian, Pepin le Vieux, whose grandson Pepin le Gros effectually checked the encroachments of the kingly line of the Merovingians in the seventh century. This Pepin le Gros was the father of the illus- trious Charles Martel, the mayor of the palace to the last of the Merovingian dynasty, whose power he also reduced, and who is celebrated as the deliverer of Western Europe from the rav- ages of the Saracens, whom he- routed at Poictiers in 732, and again in 738 at Lyons. This name of Pepin, so illustrious in those early days, has always had an honored place in French history ; and this fact taken with that other, namely, that the early Mississippi explorers were adventurous Fi'enchmen, may be all that is neces- sary to account for the name of the lake, Pepin, the origin of which has puzzled so many writers of early northwestern explorations. • Pepin township is virtually a ridge or narrow tableland, lying be- tween the Mississippi river and the Zumbro, at an elevation of from three liundred feet to five hundred feet above the level of the Missis- sippi river. This tableland breaks off abruptly on the north or lake side, but descends more gradually on the south toward the valley of the Zumbi'o ; but this southern declension does not begin within the limits of Pepin township, so that the high character of the ground is preserved to its extreme southern limit. The surface of this table- land is quite rolling, at times even broken, but all lies elevated, and is, with the exceptions of some ravines jutting ^top from the lake, of tillable character. There are no streams crossing the face of the township, though a small one, in which water is found run- ning at nearly all seasons of the spring, summer and fall, empties into the lake near the northeastern corner of the township, through the ravine technically known as Icing's cooley. This term "cooley" is doubtless a corruption of the French "couler," to run or flow, and was applied to those ravines through which the water flowed from the/tablelands downward to the lakes or larger streams. There are two^of these "cooleys" within the limits of Pepin township—- ■ King's cooley in the northeast, and Smith's cooley in the south- west. Through both of these the water rushes, an impetuous torrent, after copious rains, or when the deep snows, lingering late on the uplands are suddenly melted by the ascending sun of late spring, ■ but at other times they are dry, and in Smith's cooley for most of the time no water is found running. The soil of Pepin township is a friable clay, yellowish in color, and with a very slight admixture PEpm TOWNSHIP. 649 of sand, hardly sufficient to be discovered, yet it no doubt exists in sufficient quantities to temper the quality of the clay, and render it more easily worked. This soil is admirably adapted to the growth of wheat, oats, barley and other cereals. It is a common saying, that when wheat cannot be grown in Pepin township, it cannot be grown anywhere. Comparatively little stock is raised by the farmers here, as the operation of the herd law, doing away with fences, compels every farmer to fence in especially for his stock, and this entails an expense more severely felt than it would be were the farms all fenced. To commence raising stock would require a very large outlay in the matter of fences alone by nine out of every ten farmers in the town- ship. The surface of' the soil was originally covered with ouck, scrub-oak openings, and, once grubbed, no finer wheat lands or more productive are to be found in southern Minnesota, but it is doubtful if the soil is as well adapted to raising com as the warmer and more alluvial soils of the valleys. There are no wells ' in the township ; water for stock and domestic purposes is generally supplied from the cisterns, with which every farm is abundantly provided. There are, however, in some locations, to be found most excellent springs of pure water, and these not confined to any one section of the township. The rule of all early settlement in this section of the west, and probably in ^11 others, has been that the valleys and lower levels are taken up first, leaving tKe uplands to those who should follow after. Wabasha county was no exception to this general custom of the northwestern pioneers, and the valleys of the Zumbro and its tribu- taries were dotted with flourishing farms before it could be fairly said that any settlement for farming purposes deserving the name had been made in Pepin township. Cook's valley, in Greenfield township, Mazeppa, Bear's valley, in Chester, and Plainview, had all been Settled before agricultural operations had made any head- way in Pepin township. The Lager and Schmauss families are the oldest residents in the township, both coming here in 1859. Claims had been taken as early as 1867, but were not improved, and it can- not be said with strict fidelity to fact that the farming lands on the ridge were put under cultivation prior to 1859. Henry Schmauss' farm, taken by him in 1859, the N.W. J of section 30, was claimed originally by one Allen (first name not known), who laid a soldier's land warrant upon it, and of this man, Allen, Schmauss purchased,' 650 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. occupying the land in the season of 1859. Ben Lager, the present chairman of the board of supervisors for the township, who bought claim of F. Learey in 1859, and at that date settled on the northwest of section 28, says that in 1859 there was not, all told, more than fifty acres of ground broken on the ridge between Schmauss' and Eead's Landing, which is virtually to say there was not more than that amount under cultivation in the entire township. The fact that the elevation above the lake was high, no streams affording water for stock, and the situation naturally exposed to the wind, seemed to overbalance the considerations of productiveness of soil and near- ness to market, to such an extent that the lower-lying and well watered valleys of the interior of the county were settled from four to five years before Pepin was really taken for farming purposes. While this is true, however, of the uplands of the township, it is also true that the very earliest white settlement for permanent occu- pancy made in southern Minnesota was made within the geographi- cal limits of Pepin township. This was the settlement made by Charles E. Kead, who as early as 1847 stuck his stakes in the north- east corner of the township, opened a trading and supply depot for traffic with the natives, half-breeds and lumbermen of the Chippewa valley, and announced his intention of staying despite all attempts to oust him from the land, which by treaty of 1830 belonged to the half-breeds and was known as the half-breed tract. The particulars of the bestowal of this tract upon their relatives of mited blood by the M'dewakantonwan Dahkotahs, its extent and the consequent litigation when white settlers attempted to locate upon, as also the deleterious effect upon the early settlement of the county, are among the most interesting matters connected with this "history" and will be found fully treated of in another chapter. AJl that has been said under the title Read's Landing from 1858 to 1868, when the village became duly incorporated as the village of Eead's, properly belongs to the history of Pepin township, ot which Read's Landing was virtually the capital until it took cor- porate honors upon itself and ceased to be an integral part of Pepin township for all political purposes. Prior to 1858, during the eleven years that Read's Landing had been stamping its identity into the trading consciousness of the upper Mississippi and the Chippewa, the Lauding had been variously governed, ungoverned and misgoverned. The first attempt to introduce home government in the limits of Pepin township was made in 1860, when Charles R. PEPm TOW]ssHip. 651 Eead was appointed justice of the peace by the then territorial governor, Alexander Ramsay. Scenes of violence and bloodshed were not uncommon in those early days, and to the ordinary rough and ready ways of frontier life were not only added all the increase of lawlessness and disre- gard of life common to the rough raftsmen, who thronged the land- ing by the scores and even hundreds, but the savagery of Indian character as well. The river at Read's was the meeting-place of tiiose hereditary foes the Chippewas and the Sioux, and to their mutual hate was often added a common enmity against their white neighbors,^whose presence on both sides of the river was frequently resented. As illustrative of this latter fact take the following inci- dent : Late in November, 1856, two white men, Sam Sutton and Jerry Landerigan, were paddling down the river in a canoe past Nelson's Landing, where a party of whites, half-breeds and natives were sitting near the shore. Among the bucks was the son of old Ironcloud, second chief of Wacoutah's band. Young Ironcloud had lor some time aspired to the h|Onors of chieftainship, and on being taunted by the young men of his tribe with having done nothing to deserve such distinction, had declared he would shoot the first white man or Chippewa he met. The present seemed a fitting occasion to display his prowess, and remarking that he wondered if his gun would carry that far, drew bead on the men in the boat and shot them both. Sam Sutton was mortally wounded, surviving, however, about twenty-four hours. Jerry Landerigan was severely wounded in the breast, but recovered after being laid up several months. Wahshechah-Soppah (the white black man), now living and 'known by the English name of John Walker, was in the company with young Thundercloud, and immediately crossing the river to Read's Landing, gave information of the affair. As both the wounded men resided at Read's the excitement was intense. Sutton had made his home at Charlie Read^s for more than a year, his principal occupa- tion being the manufacture of ox-bows for the lumbermen in the pineries. Landerigan had recently come to the landing. It was not considered prudent to allow the matter to pass, as young Thun- dercloud was known to be a dangerous character. A party was soon started across the river who captured the murderer and brought him to Read's for trial. He was arraigned before Squire Richards, but the justice was powerless in the case, the crime hav- ing been committed in another territory. To obviate this difiBculty 652 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. resort was had to Indian law. The culprit, of whose identity there was not the smallest doubt, was quietly escorted to the place from whence he came by a band of determined whites, led by Charlie Read, and there expiated his offense in a way not uncommon at this day on frontier settlements and in mining canaps, Judge Lynch pronouncing sentence of de_a'th, which was speedily carried into exe- cution. The squaws tracked the party by their imprint in the snow, and the next day cuttingdown young Ironcloud's body, brought it across the river and buried' it. The snow lay deep upon the ground at the time. The margin of the river was frozen on either side,, the _, current in the main channel only open. "Wrapping the \)odj in blankets, the squaws tied a rope around the feet and dragged it to the margin of the stream, placed it in a canoe and brought it over to the Minnesota shore, where it was buried by them near the site of old Fort Perrot. A ball was in progress at Eead's Landing the evening of the lynching, and the excitement was most intense among the young people there assembled, many of whom had only that sum- mer come to the county, and were totally unused to such scenes of blood, or to such a summary mode of dealing with a murderer. Charles R. Eead, at that time one of the commissioners of the county, took a very active part in the affair above narrated, and as he was by some censured for his action, the reasons that induced him thereto are not out of place. In ISM, just after Read came to Nelson's Landing, Sheriff Leister, of Prairie du Chien. who had been up the river to summon witnesses in an important case coming on at Prairie du Chien, returning down the river, was shot by an Indian in cold blood in much the same way that Sutton was. The sheriff's boat was opposite Fountain City at the time and no provo- cation was given for the murderous deed. The Indian who killed Mr. Leister was arrested, taken to Prairie du Chien, put upon his trial, and after two years discharged for want of evidence to convict. This Indian, upon his release, came up the river, was frequently at Nelson's Landing, where Read often heard him boasting of his deed, and Mr. Read determined if another case of the same kind happened it would not be his fault if the murderer escaped. The history of the early operations of the fur-traders and lumbermen ia the vicinity of Read's, at an early day, is replete with incidents of a really thrilling character, illustrating the nature of both savage and (so called) civilized society, when removed from the usual restraints of law, and the safeguards that surround society in more PEPIN TOWNSHIP. 653 densely populated, and judicially organized districts. As it was, the necessities of the case, as each arose, demanded such prompt and vigorous action, as would at least render public opinion, the opinion of the better class of that public, a terror to evil-doers. Thus the forms of law grew to be a possibility, the fact of law even under the most adverse circumstances, as in the affair above nar- rated, having been duly ' demonstrated. As these forms of law became better understood, and their necessity recognized, a general acquiescence in their regulations and demands followed, until with the establishment of the state government in 1858, and the consequent organization of the several counties into townships, for electoral and locally judicial purposes, the era of lawlessness may be really said to have passed away and the reign of law, order and accepted government truly begun. The formal organization of Fepin township was effected in com- mon with that of the other townships in the county. May 11, 1858. This meeting of the electors of the township for the purpose of for- mal organization was held in the hamlet of Read's Landing, in the exti-eme northeast section of the township. No. 24, at the office of S. A. Kemp. The number of votes polled was thirty- two, and the names of the officers-elect will be generally found in the tabulated list of Pepin township officers. In addition to those mentioned in that table, William Bain was elected overseer of the poor, William Perkins and J. Murray were elected constables, and Frank Berins overseer of the poor. The first recorded act of the new township was to settle the question of allowing or not allow- ing hogs to run at large. The vote on this occasion was so miich larger than the vote upon the election of town officers that one is led to conclude that the expression of opinion on the hog question was not confined to the qualified electors of the township. The vote resulted in a decided majjority against hogs being allowed to run as free commoners, being seventeen nay to fifty-one yea, a total vote of sixty-eight, as against thirty-two cast for town officers the same week. In 1860 the vote of the township, as evidenced at the regu- lar state election, held November 6 of that year, was ninety-eight. The vote for presidential electors standing sixty-five republican and thirty-two democratic, a vote of eighty-three to fifteen being cast for and against one of the candidates for state repr^entative. In 1862 only sevpnty-one votes were polled ; two years later the vote 654 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTT. rose to one hundred and twenty-six, declining again in 1866 to a maximum ballot of one hundred and eight, the yote cast for S. S. Kepler for state representative, he being a candidate on the demo- cratic ticket, against whom there was not a ballot cast in the town- ship. This was the last state election held in the township of Pepin prior to the incorporation of "Reads" as a village. The vote of 1868 shows a decline from one hundred and twenty-six in 1864 to fifty-two in that year, from which it would appear that the voting strength of the village was a little in excess of the rest of the town- ship. The vote of the township in 1870 was sixty ; in 1876 a total of seventy-three ballots was cast, and this was the highest ballot ever cast by the township since Reads was set oif, the ballot for 1880 being recorded at sixty-four, and that for 1882 only reaching an aggregate of fifty-six. The levy of the town board for town purposes, including roads, falls a little short of $250 annually, it being, in round num- bers, for 1880, $256 ; for 1881, $252, and for 1882, $180. The voting returns of the township, as above given, will indicate with sufficient accuracy the statistics of population, if the years are taken into account in which the votes were cast ; that is, comparing the years of presidential elections with each other, and those in which only state elections were held with each other. The village of Reads being included in the enumeration district of Pepin township, by the commissioner for this census district, the population of the township and village can only be given in the aggregate. The re- turns for 1860 show a total population in both (Reads and Pepia townships) of four hundred and thirty. The population of both today will be about four hundi-ed, as near as can be ascertained. It does not appear from the returns regularly made to the auditor's office for the county of Wabasha, that the valuation of property in Pepin has greatly changed since Reads was incorporated. The de- struction of the records by fire prevents any accurate statement of values prior to 1867, the year before "Reads" village was set off". The 'real and personal property returned for that year was as fol- lows : Real estate (not including the value of town lots in Reads), $39,109 ; town lots (in Reads), $42,665 ; personal property, includ- ing village and town, $44,666. The value of real and personal property in Pepin, at various dates since the incorporation of Reads, has been as follows : PEPIN TOWNSHIP. 655 1870 ■[ -^^^^ property $42 047 ■ \ Personal property 11 232 1875 •[ -^^^^ property 92 905 ■ I. Personal property 11 572 ^oyq / Real property 85 760 loi!). "i^ Personal property 15 341 1889 / ^^^1 property 66 292 ° \ Personal property 13 321 There are no churches in the town of Pepin of any denomina- tion. The number and condition of the common schools in the township will be included in the general report of educational mat- ters for the county. The general character of the population of Pepin is such as is to be looked for in a plain agricultural commu- nity — thrifty, industrious, economical and virtuous. The people are mostly foreign born, or descendants from the German, 'Hano- verian and Luxembourgan families that first settled the township ; and, in religious faith, a majority of them members of the Roman Catholic church. MetkocUst Ejpiscojpal Cfkurch. — The planting of the church in this place was a proceeding of no small diflSculty, and it was more than a decade after the first attempts were made before the seed had germinated suflSciently to predicate a fact of life in the case at all. As Read's Landing and Wabasha have always been connected for church purposes, save during those years from 1856 to 1866, in which it does not appear that Read's Landing was even thought of in connection with the religious work of the "Wabasha circuit, with which from 1854 to 1856 it was connected as a missionary station. In 1857, by vote of a quarterly conference held at "Wabasha for the Lake City and Wabasha circuits of the Red Wing district, it was de- cided that the Wabasha circuit should include "V^abasha, Read's Landing and Cook's valley, but- there is no record elf any services at Reads, nor, as before said, is there authentic account of further work there until 1866. The importance attached to Reads at this time may be inferred from the fact that in the i'all of this year, when the annual estimates for minister's salary were made up, it was hoped that a deficiency of seventeen dollars, remaining after other appor- tionments had been allotted, might be supplied by Reads. Whether this modest hope was realized or not, does not appear from the record, and in fact for ensuing two years no promise of life appeared for church organizations at Reads. Its life as a lumber depot, and 656 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. center of rafting operations, called together the wrong class of people for any very marked interest in church work. Exceptions of neces- sity there were, but so little hold had all attempts hitherto made taken upon the life of the place, that at this time the church had neither class nor organization of any kind, nor did it have for the ensuing two years. In 1868 Kev. S. G. Gale was transferred from the JSTew York East conference to the Minnesota conference, and appointed to the Wabasha and Eead's Landing circuit. His salary was fixed at eight hundred dollars, six hundred and fifty dollars of which to be paid by the churches, the remaining one hundred and fifty dollars from the missionary fund. In the following winter, 1868-9, Rev. Gale entered vigorously upon his work of building up a church at Eeads, as the village incorporated the previous spring was called. A series of meetings was held with gratifying suc- cess, and steps taken to build a church. A lot was secured in a central location, one street back from the main business street of the village, and on this property, the gift of some generous-hearted Christian whose name is not recorded, a comfortable frame church, 30 X 60, with spire and bell, was erected. • The contract price for the building was two thousand six hundred dollars. Furnaces were afterward put in, and these, with bell, raised the entire cost to a little over three thousand dollars, almost all of which was raised by con- tribution from the generous-hearted citizens of Reads. , The original board of trustees, incorporated according to state law and church usage, were : "W. W. Slocum, B. F. Welch, W. W. Cassady, W. B. James, S. BuUard, Geo. J. J. Orichton, W. F. Kennicott, Daniel Dansion and Franklin Berins. Rev. W. C. Rice was pastor of the church from the fall of 1869 to 1870. Rev. B. Y. Coffin was his successor, and in the fall of 1871, Rev. S. G. Gale was reappointed. During this, his second pastorate, a substantial frame parsonage was erected, at a cost of sixteen hundred dollars. It stands on the lot adjoining the church on the east, commands a pleasant view of the river and the Wisconsin bluffs, and is really a comfortable and com- modious residence fqr the incumbent of the church. Rev. Gale remained two years, leaving behind him as monuments of his three years' ministry, a commodious church, a comfortable parsonage and a flourishing "class." His successors have been: Revs. W. 0. Shaw, M. O. M'Niff, W. H. Soule, James Door, W. A. Miles and D. J. Higgins, the present pastor. PEPm TOWNSHIP. 657 This is the name of a small village on the Minnesota side of the river just where Lake Pepin narrows into the usual channel of the Mississippi. It received its name ahout thirty-six years since from Charles R. Head, a man with a history, and who is still living just outside the corporate limits of the village, which was given the honors of a corporate existence twenty-one years after he set up his stakes and built his shanty just opposite the mouth of the Chippewa river. The location is a delightful one and most admirably adapted for the purposes of early Indian trade. Above it the river broadens out into the beautiful waters of Lake Pepin, around whose shores the natives were wont to gather, and associated with whose waters and rocks are some of the most plaintive legends of the northwest- em tribes. Just across from it is the mouth of the Chippewa river, down whose current the fur-laden canoes came in early days, only to be followed in later years by the rafts of the "Wisconsin lumber- men, each raft the tribute of a forest. The village occupies a nar- row strip along the river, at the base of the cliffs or bluffs which here rise, quite precipitous, almost from the rocky shore, leaving footing, however, for the business houses and dwellings of what was once the most thriving town on the upper river. Somewhere on the margin of the river, if tradition speaks correctly, just east of the old Richards warehouse, on ground now occupied by the tracks of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Hallway Conapany, Augus- tine liocqiie, a Scoteh-French-Canadian, built the first trading shanty ever erected in this region. Mention is made of earlier trading- posts along the shores of the lake, but nothing positive is known concerning them; and, well authenticated as are the facts of Eocque's occupancy of the present site of Head's Landing as a trad- ing-post for some fifteen or twenty years, nothing accurate can be learned as to the date of his coming or the time of his departure. This much we can ascertain : it was some time in the early part of the present century, during the first decade, that Augustine Rocque, leaving Prairie du Chien, located at the foot of Lake Pepin, and made that point the center of his trading for furs with the Indian tribes on both sides of the river. The Sioux, as they were then beginning to be known to the whites, brought their furs to the post established by Eocque, receiving goods in return. The Chippewas received their supplies from him and brought their furs to the tem- 39 ■ 658 HISTOEY OF WABASHA COUNTY. porary post established by him at Chippewa Falls, and which li visited at regular intervals. Beyond this little is known of Augui tine Kocque's operations under the direction of the traders at Prairi dn Chien. He continued at the foot of Pepin, so says his granc son, Baptiste Rocque, of Wabasha, for some fifteen or twenty years till the infirmities of old age necessitated his relinquishing th arduous labors of a fur-trader on the frontier, and he returned t Prairie du Chien, where he shortly afterward died, at which titn he was supposed to be about ninety years of age. Augustin Kocque married a half-breed woman, and by her had four childrei two sons and two daughters. Of these sons, one, Augustine, foUowe his father's occupation on the banks of the Mississippi and its tribi taries, becoming in time quite an influential trader, whose voice wa respected in the councils of the Sioux and also of the Sac and Foj to which latter tribe his wife belonged. The other son of the elde Augustine, name not definitely known but given as M'Kendie, wa in the service of the Hudson Bay Company, and subsequently loi in the wilderness there, no trace of his fate having been learue by his people. Augustine, Jr., when a young man, opened a trading-post at th mouth of La Riviere au Boeuf, or Beef river — the present mouth ( the Beef slough, and continued in trade there for some time, whe he removed his headquarters to the west side of the Mississip] below Minneiska, at a place known as Mount Vernon in the earl history of this section. Augustine Rock extended his trading open tions up the Chippewa as far as the falls, and through souther Minnesota into Iowa, establishing posts along the Turkey and Cedj rivers. His trade had become quite extensive, when it was broke up by the Black Hawk wai-, and his interior posts abandonee During this war Mrs. La Chapelle, a French-Sioux woman whos descendants are now living on the lot adjoining Baptiste Rocqu( at Wabasha, was called upon to act as interpreter between tl United States authorities under Gen. Dodge, and the Sior chiefs. Baptiste, son of Augustine, was at that time a boy of ten ( twelve years of age, and describes in a very graphic manner tl conference between Gen. Dodge and Wahpashaw, in which the latt( was completely won to the side of the whites, and took up arn against the Sac and Fox under Black Hawk. Not long after tl conclusion of the Black Hawk war, probably about 1834 or 183: Augustine Rocque removed from Mt. Yernon and established PEPIN TOWNSHIP. 659 trading-post on the margin of the river, just within the present limits of the city of "Wabasha on the west, very nearly on the site of old Fort Perrot. Here he brought his family, consisting of four sons and four daughters, and this place became his home until the day of his death,' about twenty-iive years since. His body was buried at his own request on the bluff overlooking the river and town, that his spirit might have a free outlook over th« scenes of his earlier career. As before said, he was a man of note among- the tribes to which he was allied by blood and marriage. When Gen. Dodge, at the con- clusion of the Fort Snelling treaty with the Chippewas, July 29, 1837, requested the Indian agent to select a delegation of Sioux and proceed to Washington, Augustus Rocque accompanied the chiefs and, in con sort with Alexis Bailly, Joseph Laframboise, Francis Labathe, and others, represented the fur-traders' interests. During this visit the portraits of these representatives of the far west were taken, and that of Augustine Rocque now adorns the walls of the Indian gallery at the national capitol. The Eocque family, in the person of Augus- ' tine the elder, were the first to establish trade at what is now Read's Landing, and Augustine the younger was the first permanent settler at what is now Wabasha. All these settlements were for the pur- poses of trade and not as actual occupants of the land. In 1840 one Hudson, an Englishman who had been living for some time at St. Peters (now Mendota), and had there married a woman of mixed blood, a daughter of Duncan Campbell, a licensed trader on the St. Croix, came to Reads and located there. As the husband of a half-breed woman, representing her rights, he laid claim to her share of Ihe half-breed tract conveyed, in the treaty of 1830, by the M'Dewakantonwan Dahkotahs to their relatives of mixed blood. Hudson found himself without the means to build any considerable-sized house, and as the lumbering operations on the Chippewa were growing into importance, and it was desirable to establish some base of supplies on the Mississippi at the mouth of the Chippewa, a proposition was made to Hudson, by the lumber firm H. S. Allen, and accepted. In accordance with this arrange- ment Hudson proceeded to the lumber regions, after a short stay at Reads, and the following season returned with lumber for his ware- house, no doubt a moderate one, in which he conducted business until his death in 1846. Hudson's yidow married Lewis Rocque, son of Augustine the younger, and thus the trading-post at the foot of Lake Pepin came again into the possession of the Rocque family 660 HISTORY OF WABASHA C0TINT1. after an interval of over a quarter a century. Matters were in this condition at Hudson's Landing, as it was then known, when Charles E. Eead, who had occupied a post at Nelson's Landing, just across the Mississippi on the Wisconsin shore, came over into Minnesota, and occupied the vacant post, which he rented from Louis Rocque. Nelson's Landing, at the mouth of the Chippewa, on the Wisconsin shore, had been named from one Nelson, a trader, who some years previously had established a post there in connection with one Churchill, for purposes of trade with the Chippewas. This trading- post had been under the charge of Read for two or three years, when, in 1847, he abandoned the trade there and came over into Minnesota. This Eead, the Charles R. Read from whom Read's Landing afterward derived its name, was an adventurous young Englishman, who at the early age often years crossed the seas with his brother's family and settled near the forks of the Chippewa river on the old Niagara peninsula. After some years spent in Canada, young Read left his brother's household and came over the , lines into the United States. He was at Cleveland, Ohio, when the Canadian rebellion broke out in 1837, and the following year, though only seventeen years of age, enlisted in the American army of invasion for the liberation and annexation of Canada. This army crossed the frontier near "Windsor, opposite Detroit, and after rout- ing the Canadian militia and capturing the barracks at Amherstburg, were in turn routed by the British regulars under Gen. Erie, and Read, with many others, made prisoner. His devil-may-care appearance and youth won upon his captors, he was decently treated, and though tried and sentenced to be hung, was pardoned by the queen's clemency and returned to the United States in June, 1839. After five years' service in the American army in the tidian Territory and Texas, where he formed an acquaintance with the Indian character and habits that after stood him in good stead, young Read found himself at St. Louis in the summer of 1844. From St. Louis he came up the river to the mouth of the Chip- pewa, taking service with Messrs. Churchill & Nelson, for the first year as cook, afterward in charge of their business at Nel- son's Landing, buying furs and trading with the Indians. In 1847, as before said, Mr. Read having secured permission from the United States authorities, crossed the river into Minnesota, rented the old Hudson warehouse from Lewis Rocque, and opened trade. Prom that date the place has been known as Read's Landing. PEPIN TOWNSHIP. 661 Thus after an interval of a quarter of a century the old trading- post of the elder Rocque began to be transmuted into a modern trading-post for whites and half-breeds, as well as natives. This change soon became more manifest and became distinctively a trade with the whites, but not without some opposition and at times the danger of sanguinary strife. The coming of Mr. Eead to Minnesota soil, and his establishment of a trading-post for Indian traffic, was strongly opposed by Alexis Bailly, of Wabasha, who had been Indian trader at that point for some years, and was, by virtue of his early marriage relations with the Sioux chiefs, in condition to make his opposition felt. When Mr. Read went to Fort Snelling to secure his license from the Indian agent at that point, he took steamer up the river. Wah- pashaw had secured a numerously signed remonstrance against Eead's securing government license, and this remonstrance was forwarded by United States mail on the same steamer with Read. This boat only went to Stillwater, and Read carried the mail (a small one, which he put in his pocket) on foot to Fort Snelling, a distance of twenty-six miles. Read handed his mail to the Indian agent, Col. Bruce, and at the same time his request for license as an Indian trader. The colonel opened the letter of remonstrance in Read's presence, told him the nature of its contents, and how difficult it would be for him, as agent of Indian affairs there, to overlook the remonstrance. Fortunately for Read, he had a friend at court in the person of post sutler Frank Steele, and through his representa- tions and influence the license was granted, and Read returned, to the landing. He was allowed to pursue his business one year only in peace, when the opposition to his trading took definite form, and the Indians, instigated thereto, began to give him trouble. One day in June, 1848, Read was sitting on a log which he had been sawing for shingles, when a strapping Indian came up and, seating himself on the log, told Read he (Read) would have to leave there at once, that the tract he was on belonged to the half-breeds, and that he had no business there, and if he did not go they would make him. For reply Read raised his hand and, giving the Indian a hard back-handed blow, knocked him off the log ; at which -the Indian took himself off, and Read says he was not seen in that vicinity for a year thereafter. One evening in the following Octo- ber, after supper, Read was sitting in his shanty, when he was sur- 'TOunded by Little Crow, a chief of the Kaposia band of Sioux, with 662 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. twelve of his braves. These Indians had been on a visit to Wahpar shaw, and it is supposed were instigated by him to get Eead out of the way. These, with one exception, were ail on horseback, and members of Little Crow's band ; the Indian on foot was a member of Wahpashaw's band, and entering the cabin informed Eead they had come to kill him, and clean him out. Kead had learned that promptness in dealing with an Indian is the only strategy, and seizing a chair he felled the Indian to the floor, and set one of the legs through his upper lip, tearing it out, and four teeth with it. The savage sprang to his feet with a yell, and darted through the door, the blood spurting from his mouth. Kead's blood was up, and he dared another one of them to enter his cabin at peril of his life. In the meantime, William Campbell, an educated half-breed Sioux, and warm friend of Head's, came up, and being informed of the trouble, armed himself with an axe, and taking sides with Eead stood in the doorway, and told Little Crow he could only get at Eead over his dead body. The prospect was not inviting, and Little Crow drew off his band, leaving Eead in peace, and no farther at- tempt to drive him away by force was resorted to. Upon the organi- zation of the territory, the following year, 1849, Gov. Eamsay was requested to remove Eead, on the ground ot his being the cause of all the Indian disturbances in that region, and also because, as was alleged, he was selling liquor to the Indians. The investigation was ordered, and after a careful examination the charges were dismissed. All that could be substantiated was that Eead had sold an empty barrel, formerly containing whisky, to an Indian, who claimed that there was some whisky in the barrel at the time he purchased it. This was the last attempt to .interfere with Eead's trade at the land- ing ; the following year other persons came, and the life of a solitary trader ended for him. In 1849 Mr. Eead built his new warehouse, a more commodious structure than the one previously occupied by him. This latter building stood where the postoflBce now is, in the old Eichards warehouse, built in 1855. In 1850 Mr. S. F. Eichards, a native of Genesee county, New York, who had been at Prairie du Chien for some years, came to Eead"s Landing and opened trade with the Indians, also supplying the lumber camps up the Chippewa valley. Mr.' Eichards built his first store very near the corner of Water and. Eichards streets, as they now are, on the river side of Water and east of Eichards. His capital was by no means small, and his trade* PEpm TOWNSHIP. 663 was quite extensive. Some five years later he built his storeroom and warehouse on the northwest comer of Water and Kichards streets. This was a three-story building as seen from the levee, two stories from the street in front, 25 X 60 feet, and in this Mr. Richards did a very large business for years. The following season Knapp, Stout & Co., one of the heavy lumber firms of the Chip- pewa valley, built their store and warerooms on the west of Richards', adjoining, and so business multiplied. Prior to this, in 1854, a hotel was built, and later the Bullard House was erected, which fi-om 1859 to 1865 was known as the best hotel on the river. In 1863 the storage and commission house of Charles Nunn was estab- lished. Helmick & Warszawski followed, with others, until at the close of the war there was not a point on the Upper Mississippi river where so thri\ang a trade was carried on as at Read's Landing. The causes of its prosperity and decay are matters of some little interest, illustrating as they do the rise and fall of towns as business is diverted from or directed into certain channels. The early lumbering operations on the Chippewa and its tribu- taries were carried on at a very manifest disadvantage. All supplies must necessarily reach them from below through the Mississippi river and the navigable waters of the Chippewa and its tributaries. This channel of communication was only open during certain seasons oi the year, and when navigation closed the lumbermen in he pineries and at the mOls were cut off from the outside world, to a very great extent. Mails had to be transported on voyageurs' shoulders or by pony express for hundreds of miles, and heavy freighting during that season became quite too expensive as well as hazardous to be resorted to only in extremity. The lumber crews returning from their voyages down the Mississippi to the up-river steamers would land at the mouth of the Chippewa and wait for rafts to be made up for new trips. All the necessities of the trade required that at some point at the mouth of the Chippewa there should be a depot of sup- plies for the mill-owners and storekeepers in the woods and at the mills, commission houses and agencies to transact business between the lumber firms and the crews that fioated logs down the river to their various places of consignment, and hotels and accommodations for the waiting crews. For many years this want was supplied by Read's Landing, and as the volume of the lumber trade along the Chippewa and its tributaries increased from year to year, the volume of the trade at Reads increased until its yearly aggregate was out ot 664 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. all proportion to tlie size of the place. It was the center of exchange for all matters connected with the lumber trade of western Wiscon- sin ; its one hand reaching up the Chippewa, clutching the innumer- able string of logs and lumber that issued from its streams and woods ; its other hand stretching down the Mississippi, directing the course of these rafts to their various points of destination and returning the proceeds, less commissions and wages, to the directing head. So long as Heads could maintain this position as the center of exchange, her prosperity was assured. For years her levee was one busy scene of activity so long as the unchilled current of the Mississippi went ^flowing toward the gulf ; and in winter there was suificient trade on sleds up the valley to at least keep the channels of trade opened and incite to new activity when the imprisoned waters should again go free. At this time it was no unusual thing to see from three hundred to four hundred raftmen at the landing waitiiig for the Chippewa floats to be made into rafts for them to navigate down the river, and the volume of freight discharged at the levee was simply enormous. It was in fact the Mississippi landing for all the supplies necessary to provision,' clothe and equip the lumber camps and mills, and employes connected therewith. The first setback Heads received was on the completion of the Western Wisconsin railway to Eau Claire in 1870. By this opening of railway communication to the lumber camps and mills the neces- sity of Read's Landing as a center for supplies and distributing depot was abolished. Supplies came direct by rail to the very heart of the lumber district; consignments of goods, mails, etc., were more readily made by rail than by water, with this added advantage : the communication was not closed by the incoming of winter, but remained open the year round. Less capital was accordingly locked up in transit, returns being made more readily and the accumulation of winter supplies being no longer indispensable. The commission, and trading houses were the ones to feel this curtailment, but gen- leral business at Heads still continued good. The constant outgoing and incoming of her hundreds of raftsmen day by day created trade, and money was always in free circulation. Reads was necessarily the headquarters of the rafting crews and their point of departure from the lumber camps in the logging season after navigation had closed for the year. Only the one arm of Reads' prosperity was thus cut off, the other, however, was soon to be crippled. The trade sustained by outfitting rafts, furnishing supplies of all kinds, PEPIN TOWNSHIP. 665 notably provisions and clothing for the men, was in itself sufficient to keep a good-sized town alive. But the slow process of floating rafts down the Mississippi became too tedious for the hasty, hurrying movements of western enterprise, and the idea of towing rafts down the river by steamer was soon mooted, discussed, scouted at, tried, and, proving a success, was finally adopted, became the rule, the number of raftsmen was decreased to one-third of the former army required to man tlie floating rafts, and the second chapter in the history of Bead's Landing's decadence was ended. The credit of towing the first lumber raft down the Mississippi belongs to Capt. Si. Bradley, of StiUwater, who successfully accom- plished the generally considered impossible feat in the Minnie Will, in 1866. A patent was applied for, denied, and little by little the towing by steamer became general, until floating down the Mis- sissippi was practically abandoned. Still there was an immense business centering at Read's Landing. All the rafts that went down the Father of Waters, whether of timber or of logs, and the number was legion, came down the Chippewa in strings, to be made into rafts at the mouth of that stream, and when so coupled, to be towed to southern lumber mills and yards. This business of coupling "strings" into rafts was very extensive, and hundreds of men found employment at this work, whose trade and the supply of whose daily wants kept business still healthily alive at Read's Landing. But even this source of revenue was denied her after a time, and all logs were destined to forsake the main channel of the Chippewa and find an outlet into the Mississippi through the southern mouth, usually known as Beef Slough. The Chippewa river forks some twenty miles above its entrance into the Mississippi at Bead's Landing, and one branch of this delta follows the east range of bluffs till it enters into the Mississippi about twelve miles below Beads Landing ; the other and more direct chan- nel of the Chippewa follows the foot of the west line of bluffs and empties into the big river opposite Reads. The first-named channel, fi-om its forking from the main Chippewa stream to its entrance into the Mississippi, is a succession of lagoons, or sloughs, opening one into the other with innumerable islands and sluggish channels, cover- ing the whole flat surface between the foot of the_ bluffs and the open channel of the Mississippi. Through these sloughs the logs are now brought ; miles of booms stretch their parallel lengths through these sluggish waters ; crews of men are stationed at intervals to receive HISTOBT OF WABASHA COUNTY. the logs, assort them, trail each owner's logs into strings and deliver them at the mouth of the slough, to he coupled into rafts and taken down the river. This immense business, aggregating from 400,000,000 feet to 600,000,000 feet annually, within a few years has been entirely transferred from the upper to the lower mouth of the Chippewa, and the trade it created and fed was deserted from Bead's Landing to Alma in Wisconsin and Wabasha in this county. Thus was the third chapter in the financial decrease of Keads written, and its mopuments are the unoccupied piles of brick and mortar, where business no longer flourishes, but all is silent, deserted, and going to dry rot. The finishing stroke was given to the trade of the landing by the completion of the Chippewa Valley railroad to Wabasha in 1882. By this construction all the real profits of Chip- pewa valley trade, so far as it benefits Minnesota merchants, is reaped at Wabasha, the rail carrying all crews and their kits direct from the mouth of the Chippewa to Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls, leaving scarcely any gleanings of trade for the merchants of Read's Landing, who find each year less prospect of returning prosperity. VILLAGE or BEADS. It was during the season of Eeads' greatest prosperityj before the opening of the railway to Eau Claire, that the incorporation of the village was deemed advisable by the inhabitants of the little big trading and freighting post, and steps accordingly taken to accom- plish that object. This incorporation was effected under an act of the state legislature approved March 5, 1868, and the election to fill the various ofiBces created by said act was held on the second day of the following month, April 2, 1868. The ofiicers to be elected were five trustees, one clerk, one treasurer, one marshal, one justice of the peace and one assessor. The judges of election were : Messrs. J. Saner, C. R. Read and Wm. B. Haines ; the clerks were : P. B. Cline and Claude R. Haines. The highest num- ber of votes cast was for the office of trustee, ninety-seven being polled. The successful candidates were — ^trustees : F. S. Richards, D. W. Wilson, Joe Dietericb, Jacob Sauer, Christ. Neihardt ; clerk, Joseph Warszawski ; treasurer, B. Brass ; marshall, Wm. F. Clock ; justice of the peace, Wm. B. Haines ; assessor, Chas. Hornbogen. The officers-elect met on the 20th of the month (April) and organized, with S. F. Richards as president of the board of trustees, for the ensuing year. The bonds of the various officers PEPIN TOWNSHIP. 667 were fixed as follows : treasurer, $2,000 ; justice of the peace, $500 ; marslial, $100. The first act of the newly inducted village fathers was to pass an ordinance prohibiting all illegal and un- licensed traffic in spirituous, yinous or fermented liquors, under penalty of one hundred dollars, or fine for every such offense, upon conviction thereof. License was fixed at fifty dollars and the seller was required to execute an approved bond for five hundred dollars to keep a decent and orderly house, gaming of all kinds for money being expressly prohibited. Licenses were made nontrans- ferable, and the place at which liquors were sold under any given license could only be changed by permission of the board of trustees. By the provisions of section 1, act of incorporation of village of Beads, the board of village trustees formed the village school board ; the village clerk was the clerk of the school board, and the village treasurer, treasurer of the school board. The present cor- porate limits of the village of Keads extend from Brewery creek on the east to a point on the river west of the table-land upon which residences have been built, and stretching up the foot of the bluff overlooking the village on the west. The entire length of the vil- lage is about one and one-half miles and its breadth at the widest point does not exceed half a mile. Brewery creek is a small stream fed from springs in the ravine back of the village, and emptying into the Mississippi river just west of Riverview cemetery. It forms the boundary line between Keads and the corporate limits of the city of Wabasha, and during some of the fioods that have poured down the sides of the bluffs, during the excessive rainfalls of this season, has been swollen to a destructive torrent. The most disas- trous rise was that of July 21, 1883, when in an hour's time it over- flowed its banks, flooded Burkhadt Brothers' brewery to a depth of eight feet, swept out as though it were brushwood the solid stone abutments of the bridge on the main road from Reads to Wabasha, and carried the solid granite block, weighing tons, rods down the stream, leaving scarcely a stone to mark the old foundations. Not long after the incorporation of Reads it was found that the elections were held too late in the spring for the interests of the village. By the middle of April the raftsmen had all returned up river and the loggers from the pinery, at least such of them as designed rafting, and the election was at the mercy of these incomers who had proba- bly as much home right at Reads as elsewhere, and yet had no inter- est in the place and no concern to see its government decently admin- 668 HISTOEY OF WABASHA COUNTY. istrated. Accordingly, in 1869 a change was made in the date of holding the election, and March was designated as the month in which the village board should be chosen. This change continued until 1875, when a still earlier date was deemed advisable, and the month of February was made election month. The first election under this latter change was held February 8, 1876, at which date one hundred and fifty-six votes were cast. The growth and de- cadence of the village maybe somewhat discerned from the number of votes polled at the elections held at different times. At the first election, 1868, the whole number of votes polled was ninety-seven. In 1871 the number had increased to one hundred and sixty-nine, and three years later, 1874, Reads cast her highest vote at any char- ter election held in her corporate limits, polling one hundred and ninety-three. This number had decreased to one hundred and fifty- six in 1876, to one himdred and thirty-two in 1878, to eighty in 1880. At the last election, held February 13, 1883, the whole number of votes polled was sixty-nine. In the spring of the year, during the interval between. the opening of the river and the lake (Pepin), a period of about two weeks, more or less. Reads was formerly, before the completion of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railway up the river, a place of great activity. The steamers arriving from below, a score in number, loaded with north-bound passengers, were impatiently awaiting the opening of the lake. The crews had no better business on hand than to make the most of their time on shore, and the passengers, those of them who did not take stage northward, only served to swell the tide of impatient discontent. Bets would accumulate, and money was freely wagered daily on the question of an opened or closed lake within a given period. Burbank's stage route, which connected La Crosse with St. Paul during the winter season, was fully utilized at this season by those desirous of making their way north- ward for opening navigation, without delay ; and as the rattling vehicles clattered over the gravel and cobble-stones with which the streets of Reads are so plentifully sprinkled, the little town took on an appearance of business that of late years it has unfortunately been a stranger to. Reads has had some knowledge of the ups and downs of business life. You find upon her streets today those who have made good use of their opportunities and reaped at least a moderate harvest while the fields of enterprise and trade activities were still golden. Out of her have gone many superior business men, who. PEPIN TOWNSHIP. 669 carrying witli them the experience there gained, are pushing their way in new fields of endeavor, certain to succeed if energy, perseverance and ability can bring the success they deserve if they do not achieve ; others remain to conduct what business still survives, and these few houses are doing a moderate trade. The Knapp, Stout & Co. Company now maintain the largest trading establishment at Reads, and are probably selling from $25,000 to $40,000 worth of mer- chandise and supplies at this point per annum. One of the features of JReads just now is L. Troutman, Jr's, drug-store — a perfect gem in the way of a drug-house ; nothing more artistic in the finish of the interior or its arrangement can be found in any house of the kind in Minneapolis or St. Paul. It is pronounced on competent authority the most complete and finished in its appointments of anything in the state, eq-ualed by only one in Wisconsin ; and certainly when the character of its surroundings is taken into the account, it is one of the most curious instances of luxury in the lap of decay it has been our lot ever to witness. So new, so clean, so artistic in the finish of its shehdng, counters and prescription case, so brilliantly clear in its plate-glass and silver-plating, so unique in some of its appointments, yet all so harmonized in color and utility as to give only the most pleasing effects ; it is certainly worth a visit from any one who with an eye to effects has roamed over the stranded town, taken in the scores of deserted store-rooms, and thus, prepared only for decay and dry rot, drops into this grotto of freshness and takes in the full measure of the contrast. Reads has one consolation in her decay : she has not lost ground by any penny-wise pound-foolish policy of her citizens, individually or collectively. She has been the victim of circumstances over which she had no control. No human prescience could have averted the destiny upon which she has fallen. She could no more prevent the tide of business from following the chan- nels of necessity, and flowing where the lumber-rafts crowd the streams, than could old Wahpashaw prevent the passing away of his people from the homes so long enjoyed by them on tlie shores of the great Father of Waters. INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT. Prior to the incorporation of the village of Reads in 1868 the support and direction of the public school for the children of this section of the county was provided for in the same general man- ner as was prescribed for all other sub-districts in the county. 670 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. This work was under the direction and supervision of the regularly appointed and elected superintendent of education for the district or county, as the case might be, and all matters connected therewith during this period naturally belong to that department of the school work for the county that is reported of by them. Our notice of the school at Reads in this connection therefore only includes the his- tory of said school from 1868, and of that but little need be said. The work of education for the newly incorporated village was com- mitted, by virtue of its act of incorporation, to the trustees annually elected to manage the affairs of the corporation. I'he succession and list of village officers will also give full information concerning the succession and list of officers who managed educational affaire, both boards being one. The independent school district, embracing all within the corporate limits of the village of Heads, was organized as school district E, April 20, 1868. The school-building for the independent district was erected two years later, on an elevated lot fronting the river, two blocksback from the levee, and affording a delightful view of the whole valley of the Mississippi up and down the river for miles. This school-building is two stories and basement, brick, with solid stone foundations. It is fifty feet square on the ground and divided into four good sized, well ventilated rooms, two on each floor. The enrollment for 1882-3 is two hundred and seventeen pupils. The average attendance during the winter term was, in round numbers, one hundred and .fifty, for the spring and summer terms about one hundred. The school is under the direc- tion of Prof C. A. Hamilton, of the Oshkosh, "Wisconsin, high school, who has been engaged in teaching for the past ten years. This is Mr. Hamilton's third year as principal of the school at Keads, and his work approves itself to the judgment of those who are sufficiently interested in the management of school affairs to see that genuine instruction is given and real results attained. There are three departments in the school. The other two are, the intermediate, under the care of Miss Mae Hechards, and the primary, taught by Miss Victoria Dell. CHAPTEE LIX. ARMY. FIEST EEGIMENT. Wabasha county was well represented in the war of the rebell- ion, and responded nobly to the call for men. Although so young prior to these stirring events (the grandest in the history of the world), it furnished its full quota of heroes, who fought and bled for their country, returning in honor to their homes, or laid down their lives as martyrs in a glorious cause. It would not have seemed strange if many beheld the approach of that terrible conflict with indifference, and felt a want of patriotic ardor, that characterized older and more favored sections. But if all the facts could be set forth of public and personal sacrifice, of heroic devotion and per- sistent efforts by the people of this county, it would not only com- pare favorably with the most loyal communities of the land, but make a valuable contribution to the history of the state ; and a care- ful and just recognition of the claims of each locality reflects great honor upon each neighborhood. In the beginning of the war, when no bounties were offered, and patriotism was the sole incentive to enlistments, many volunteers went from their homes to the villages which received credit for the names enrolled, so that when it was found necessary to order a draft, the claims *of such localities were ignored, consequently the draft fell upon some communities already decimated by voluntary contribtftions. Next to our religion, the claims of country should undoubtedly receive our ardent attention, and it was this interest that caused the American people, irrespective of party or party interests, to respond so promptly, and sacrifice so much in such a cause. But as citizens of the world, caring nothing for country or locality, or the welfare and prosperity of one state or section more than another, men would cease to be regarded as patriotic ; and no matter how philanthropic they might regard them- selves, without some special consideration for the countiy of our birth or adoption, and of its success and happiness, ■ we should scarcely be considered good citizens. 672 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. The 1st regt. Minn. Yols. was mustered into service April 29, 1861, and it is a noteworthy fact that it was the first one tendered to President Lincoln upon his calls for troops after the attack upon Fort Sumter, April 19, 1861. It was ordered to Washington, June 14, and participated in the battle of Bull Kun, July 21, 1861. In that memorable battle the regiment lost one hundred and eighty-nine men. The bravery of its officers and men in that engagement filled the whole country with admiration. Charge after charge was made, and still the Minnesota First stood its ground, every man proving himself a hero. The regi- ment participated also in the skirmish at Edward's Ferry, Maryland, October 22, 1861, guarding six miles of the Potomac in the battle of Yorktown, May 7, 1862; was in two engagements at Fair Oaks, May 31 and June 1 ; in battles of Peach Orchard and Savage Station, June 29, 1862 ; in battles of White Oak Swamp and Nelson's Farm, June 30, 1862 ; in the battle of Malvern Hill, July 31, 1862. In these, last engagements the regiment lost, in killed, wounded and missing, ninety-one men. October 7, 1862, it took part in a heavy reconnoissance to Malvern Hill, also several severe skirmishes. August 30,1862, it reached Oentreville, Yirginia, and acted as rear guard of Oen. Pope's retreat from Faii'fax Court House to Chain Bridge ; had several severe skirmishes ; participated in battle of Antietam, September 17, 1862 ; the first siege of Fredericksburg, December 11, 12 and 13, 1862 ; the second Fredericksburg, May 3, 1863 ; also the fearful struggle of Gettysburg, July 2 and 3, 1863, and was at Bristow Station, October 14, 1863. There is probably no regiment of the whole war that shows a better record than that of the heroic Miimesota First. The following is a list of the men from this county enrolled in that regiment : • Company I. John H. Pell, Joseph Harley, Charles B. Halsey, Waldo Farrar, Richard L. Gorman, Wm. H. Worthington, Edward B. Price, Oliver M. Knight, Daniel S. Weaver, William J. Eoe, Francis Fornerod, David A. Coffin, James O'Neal, John M. Churchill, John A. Organ, Henry Wells, Carl M. Carlson, Augustus Ellison, Byron Welch, Henry Abbott, Nathan S. Bledin, Jehial W. Boyd, Bollins M. Burnham, Nahum C. Baker, Ransom A. Bartlett, William 0. Can- field, James Cannon, Thomas Carroll, Patrick S. Curenefif, Bartholomew Cari- guet, Andrew H. Colyer, James Coleman, Amose Canfield, Alfred Dechanette, Stephen B. Dilly, Jeremiah Donevan, Albert S. Davis, Philander C. Ellis, Levi Enery, Jacob F, Freeze, Myron I. Faries, Joseph Frey, John Fox, Allen H. Hancock, Marcus L. Hendricks, John Hickey, Wesley Harris, William D. AEMT. 673 Howell, James W. Hetherington, Anson E. Haydon, Daniel Hutchins, Andrew Johnson, Nelson Johnson, John A. Johnson, George S. Keeler, Daniel "Keis, Edward M. Keriott, Mark Kenney, George Kline, Hermon Lawson, Ferdinand Leasing, Benjamin Lent, George Miller, Frederick Miller, George A. Millikin, John H. McKey, Charles F. Mason, Ernest L. F. Miller, John O. Milne, Lewis F. Mitchell, John W. Murray, Charles Nassig, Freeman Orcutt, flenry C. Orcutt, Corwin Pickett, William N. Peck, William A. Putnam, William L. Paul, Edwin Paul, James Q. Pittinger, Henry Parsons, William B. Philbrook, Herman Eabaca, William K. Richards, Samuel E. Seymour, Omar H. Sutliflf, William Stull,» George M. Smith, Palmer Soper, Edmund Soper, Michael Sohweizer, Sivert Strandt, Anton E. Shimeck, John Sullivan, Henry Widger, Milo S. Whit- comb, Oscar Woodard, William F. Wellman, George Weaver, Edward E. Win- kleman, Thadeus N. Hitt, John M. Churchill, Daniel S. Weaver, Frank S. Brown, Dermis Crandall, Thomas M. Dwelle, Thomas G. Pickett, F. M. Hen- dricks, Alexander Erwin, Loyd G. Pendergast, Levi Clark, Thomas Conner, Charles K. Fisher, Van H. Fisk, Benjamin Jackson, Ambrose Jones, George W. Ketchum, Edward P. Hale, Edmond Veon, J. McClay, P. Niman, J. Scurry, H. Coleman, ,J. Cooper, J. Lavercombe, N. Shook, William Schmeigert. Upon the first call of President Lincoln for troops, impromptu meetings were held all over the county, which resulted in the for- mation of a company for this regiment, known as Co. I, Capt. J. H. Pell, of Elgin. As this regiment passed down the river to its sanguinary struggle, the boat landed at the Wabasha levee for the purpose of giving the enlisted men of the county the privilege of a last look, to many, at home and friends, and a final "good-bye." The ladies of Wabasha, in anticipation of this event, had purchased a beautiful silk fiag, assisted by several patriotic ladies of Lake City, which was presented to the company at that time. Capt. Pell re- ceived it in behalf of the company with an assurance that its colors should never be surrendered. He kept his word, and after passing through the bloody struggles of Bull Run, Antietam and the Wilder- ness, all tattered and tornj it was returned to the state and is now treasured with other glorious relics of those times, among the archives of the State Historical Society. t SECOND EEGIMENT. The 2d regt. Minn. Yols. was organized in July, 1861. It rendezvoused at Fort SneUing until October, 1861, and was then assigned to the army of the Ohio. It was engaged in many battles, skirmishes and sieges, and was noted for its patriot- ism and the bravery of its men and officers. It participated in the battle at Mill Spring, January 19, 1862 ; was at the siege of Corinth, 40 674: HISTOKT OF WABASHA COUNTT. in April, 1862, and then transferred t^ the army of the Tennessee. Was at Bragg's raid. Perry ville, October 8, 1862 ; participated in the skirmishes of the TuUahoma campaign ; was at Chickamauga, September 19-20, 1863 ; at Mission Ridge, November 25, 1863. This regiment was veteranized in January, 1864. Participated in the battles and skirmishes of the Atlanta campaign, namely, Eesaca, June 14, 15 and 16, 1864 ; Kenesaw Mountain, June 27, 1864 ; Jonesboro ; Shermans march through Georgia and the Carolinas ; was at Benton ville, March 19, 1865, and discharged at Fort Snelling, July 11, 1865. The following is a list of the brave boys who par- ticipated in the fortunes of this gallant regiment from Wabashaw county : Henry P. Holland, John C. Jones, Jacob Heald, Henry Kelsey, Frank Kelsey, William C. Smith, Henry C. Simpson, Jules Capon, Dd,niel B. Bailly, George W. Marcune, Frank J. Hyland, Tilson Tibbets, William A. Bacon, John Acker, Peter Auger, Joseph Beaudette, John J. Brown, Rudolph Brunner, John Caney, Ceaser Derigon, James Kent, Jonathan Jackson, Joseph Laroque, John McAuliff, Asahel Putney, Christia Schilt, Charles Seny, Mathias Shoeny, Peter Walrich, Martin C. Gassell, Valentine Jacob, Michael Kane, John Marlett, John B. Baldwin, Michael Casey, John Cummings, David Siddel, Timothy Regan, John Stewart, John Wales, Flora Birch, Rufus A. Colby, Michael J. McGrath, John Zeigler, Louis P. Stoups, John B. Rieve, Gil- bert H. Bone, Abram L. Mills, Lewis N. Smith, William H. Weagant, Julius E. Williams, Tenbroeck Stout, Edward Nessell, Henry H. Hills, James W. Delong, Francis M. Harrison, Edwin P. Mosier, George W. Hart, ThadeusBerge, Orrin EUithorp, John Funkj Charles Latham, Rufus A. Colby, Marian F. Hills. THIRD EEGIMENT. The 3d Minn. Inf. was organized in October, 1861 ; ordered to Louisville, Kentucky, in N'ovember, 1861, and to Nashville, Ten- nessee, in March, 1862. This regiment participated in the engage- ment at Murfreesboro, in July, 1862 ; were captured and there paroled ; afterward ordered to St. Louis and thence to Minnesota, where they engaged in the Indian expedition of 1862, participat- ing in the Wood Lake battle of September, 1862. Ordered to Little Rpck, Arkansas, in November, 1863, and was veteranized in January, 1864. Was engaged in the battle of Fitzhugh's Woods March 30, 1864. Ordered to Pine Bluff, Arkansas, in April, 1864, and thence to Duvall's Bluff in October the same year. This regiment was mustered out of service at Duvall's Bluff, September 2, 1865, and discharged at Fort Snelling. AEMT. 6Y5 Following is a list of men enlisted and recruited from "Wabasha county : Everett W. Foster, Ezra B. Eddy, Levi M. Philips, Richard C. Custard, Abraham F. Dearborn, Lewis A. Hancock, Deville Ford, Frederick A. Pell, James A. Canfield, Evander Skillman, George L. Fisk, George S. Harrison, George S. Krick, Chauncy D. Gibbs, Charles F. Wyman, Ezra J. Sergeant, James J. Sibley, William Yawman, Eldridge E. Andros, John K. Arnold, John K. Boxwelt, George W. Buckman, Madison Barber, William G. Barnard, Andrew Bingham, Lewis H. Barr, Justus B. Clark, Dexter Chaddock, Milvin W. Cross, Thomas Canfield, Evan Crum, James Clarkson, Erastus G. Cross, EzraT. Champlin, Moody Cook, George Campbell, Wallace W. De Long, Robert E. Evans, William C. Fox, George F. Gregg, Josephus S. Ferren, Charles A. Grow, Howard M. Gross, Ziba C. Goss, James M. Hendricks, William E. Hale, Edgar A. Holcomb, John 0. Hancock, Charles Hull, John S. Howe, Edward B. Hawkins, Loren P. Hall, Francis M. Jerry, Avon E. Johnson, Degrove Kimball, Albert D. Knapp, Isaac Knox, Alden G. Levitt, Israel M. Marsh, George W. Mack, Perry D. Martin, Frederick Messer, William McGee, Abra- ham Miller, Joseph J. Mertz, John Negus, Elihu J. Oaks, William F. Oliver, Albert D. Pierce, Erick Peterson, William Pell, Norman Prior, William Palmer, Philip Quigley, Edward^Quigley, John L. Rice, Oliver Shurtliflf, James A. Shrigler, Franklin Skillman, Edward L. Sharpe, John B. Smith, Casper Schellenberg, William W. Smith, Michael Smith, Horace N. Smith, Robert S. Terrell, James 0. Wilcox, William H. Warring, William Borett, George Forbes, Gould D. Allen, Henry 'W. Applegarth, Ezra B. Andrews, John B. Ashton, John W. Barns, Isaac B. Collier, Thomas Cranshaw, Robert H^ Cross, Silas Cross, Edward E. Collins, Abban Davis, William T. Flora, William Foster, Julius Fellows, Lafayette Grow, John H. Graves. THE FOTJETH EEGIMENT Was organized December 23, 1861, and was ordered to Benton bar- racks, Missouri, April 19, 1862 ; was assigned to the army of the Mississippi May 4, 1862, and participated in the siege of Oorinth in April, 1862 ; was at luka on September 19, 1882 ; at Corinth, Sep- tember 3 and 4, 1862 ; and was with Gen. Grant in the siege of Yicksburg, and fought bravely in the assault and capture, July 4,. 1863. Participated in the skirmishes and battles of Forty Hills, Eaymond, Jackson and Champion Hill ; was transferred from the 17th corps to 15th corps, and was at Mission Eidge November 25, 1863 ; was veteranized in January, 1864 ; at Altoona, in July, 1864 ;. participated in Sherman's march through Georgia and the Carolinas ;, was at Bentonsville, March 20, 1865, and on July 19, 1865, was. mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky ; discharged at Fort Snelling, Minnesota. Volunteers for this regiment from Wabasha county were : Elephalet B. Hale, William Smith, Francis W. Shaw, Albert B. Morrison. 676 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. FIFTH REGIMENT "Was organized in May, 1862, and was ordered to Pittsburgh Land- ing May 9, 1862. A detachment of three companies remained in Minnesota to garrison some of the frontier posts, and were engaged with the Indians at Jledwood, Minnesota, August 18, 1862. "Were at the siege of Fort Eidgely, August 20, 21 and 22, 1862 ; also at Fort Abercrombie, Dakota Territory, the last of August, 1862. The regiment was assigned to the 16th Army Corps ; participated in the battles of luka, September 18, 1862 ; Corinth, October 3 and 4, 1862 ; Jackson, May 14, 1863, and siege of Yicksburg ; took part in the assault of Yicksburg, May 22, 1863 ; was at Mechanicsburg, June 3, 1863 ; was atHichmond, June 15, 1863 ; at Fort DeRussey, Louisiana, March 14, 1864 ; participated in the Eed Eiver expedi- tion, March, April and May, 1864 ; was at Lake Chicot, June 6, 1864 ; at Tupelo, June, 1864, and was veteranized in July, 1864 ; was at Abbeyville, August 23, 1864, and marched in September, 1864, from Brownsville, Arkansas, to Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and from thence by boat to Jefferson City, thence to Kansas line, and from thence to St. Louis, Missouri. Was ordered to Nashville in November, 1864, and participated -in the battles of Nashville, December 15 and 16, 1864 ; was at Spanish Fort and Fort Blakely in April, 1865, and was mustered out of service at Demopolis, Ala- bama, September 6, 1865. Thift regiment, next to the noble First, saw greater service and more hardships, and lost more men, than any of the other Minnesota regiments. The following is a list of the men from "Wabasha county : John Gardner, Ambrose Gardner, Orlando Eddy, Alexis P. Bailly, Eobert M. Piner, Timothy Puller, James W. Vance, Lyman T. Payne, Dewitt C. Collier, Jacob Bush, Jonas Snyder, Benjamin Young, Hercules P. Lachapelle, Henry G. Eising, Maitland H. Wilcox, Thomas Mills, Oliver Bebeau, Henry Buisson, Bennet Budde, Andrew Benjamin, George Campbell, James W. Drew, William J. Dickey, Michael Fury, Frederick L. Grammets, John Huddleston, John Hig- gins, Dennis Kelly, Thomas Le Blanc, Francis Le Point, Jerome Lansing, George Lansing, George Matselder, Oliver Monette, FinkeyC. Myers, Joseph Myers, Henry Putnam, Monroe Stevens, Charles H. Sibley, George H. Suits, Franklin S. Meason, Eli S. Picket, Seth W. Paine, John Robson, Baptiste Q. Eocque, Andrew Stewart, Daniel Smith, David Springstead, Mike St. Jake, Charles J. Stauff, Andrew J. Wilds, Edmond F. Weston, George W. Scott, Mar- cus M. Ingram, Lyman Stoddard, James M. Waskey, Charles G. Strong, Isaac E. Bryan, Amos C. Barber, Nathan Buckingham, Lewis Butterson, Clark Cong- don, Henry E. Congdon, Jacob A. Cutshall, Philetus Crandall, Zara Cornisle, George Chamberlin, Henry Davis, Daniel Elletson, Samuel S. Everson, Charles A. Erickson, Henry C. Jeffrey, Barzie Jerry, Edwin W. Maxwell. ARMT. 677 SIXTH REGIMENT. The 6th regt. Minn. Inf. was organized in August, 1862, and was ordered immediately upon the Indian expedition on the fron- tier. A detachment of two hundred men were engaged in the battle of Wood Lake, September 22, 1862. The regiment garrisoned frontier posts from November, 1862, until May, 1863, when ordered on the Indian expedition and en- gaged with Indians, July 24, 26 and 28, 1863. Again stationed at frontier forts from September 18, 1863, to June 5, 1864, when it was ordered to Helena, Arkansas. Ordered to St. Louis, Mis- souri, in 1864, and then to New Orleans in January, 1865. Assigned to the 16th Army Corps, and participated in engagements of Spanish Fort and Fort Blakely in April, 1865. This regiment was dis- charged at Fort Snelling, Minnesota, August 19, 1865. The volunteers from this county for this regiment are as follows : Rupel A. Johnson, Edwin C. Eaton, Gustaf Sandberg, Charles Wilson, Arnold HoUman, Nathan W. Tapper, Joshua A. Tapper, Sylvester Franklin, James H. Adams, Joseph N. Woods, John T. Averill, James Ardins, John S. Huntley, Nathan W. Tapper, Sylvester Franklin, James H. Adams, Joseph N. Woods. EIGHTH REGIMENT. The 8th regt. Minn. Inf. was organized August 1, 1862, and was stationed at frontier posts uptil May, 1864, when it was ordered upon the Indian expedition, and participated in the following skirmishes,- battles and marches : At Tah-cha-oku-tu, on July 28, 1864, battle of the Cedars, Overall's Creek ; ordered thence to Clifton, Tennessee, and thence to Washington ; from Washington to Wilmington, North Carolina, and thence to Newbern ; was in the battles of Kingston, March 8, 9 and 10, 1865. This regiment was mustered out at Char- lotte, North Carolina, July 11, 1865, and was discharged at Fort Snelling. Names of enlisted men from Wabasha county in this regiment are as follows : George Atkinson, Wesley Kinney, Nathaniel F. Randolph, Henry Selover, Lyman E. Thorp, James Armstrong, Samuel D. Welch, Samuel V. Carr, Benj. Eawalt, Stanley M. Veeder, Moses B. Whitney, Enos Way, Sandford Wood- worth, Joseph E. Farrow, Albert H. Taisey, George C. Everett, James A. Oliver, Allen Allison, Thomas Baldwin, Daniel L. Burdict, Clark B. Bartlett, Lewellyn Bartlett, John Body, Gilbert Beardsley, Joseph S. Collins, Patrick Carroll, ■ Joseph Crawshaw, Alonzo Congdon, David Cronin, James E. Cady, James A. Densmore, Stephen W. Downing, Pratt Drinkwalter, George H. Davis, John 678 HISTOET OF WABASHA COTTNTT. Desso, Henry C. Eaton, W. B. Emmons, Onecannes N. Frink, Albert j; Field, James B. Glover, Kufus E. Goodell, John R. Goodenough, Wilson Hutching, James Hendren, William H. Hayes, Lewis C. Judd, Albert , Jones, Oliver Jones, Thomas Kinney, William C. Knapp, Manly B. Lowe, Nicholas Lippert, Wm. McDonough, Daniel Monroe, Fred Mack, Eugene Manning, Wm. H. Norton, Thomas Nesdell, Lewis C. Paxon, Barna B. Powers, John J. Ross, ' William Beeves, James Reeves, George Selover, Miles H. Sweeny, James 0. Smith, Isaiah Sinith, Samuel B. Smith, James Sanders, Benj. L. Starr, Galon Sinclaire, Henry K. Sherman, Daniel W. Schaeffer, Frank Shepard, John Soules, Charles F. Taylor, Riley C. Tabor, H. G. Thompson, John T. Webster, Thomas J. Webster, John R. S. Warring, Reuben Warren, James L. White, Horace M. Workman, Alexander Youngs Philander O. Bartlett, David C. Crow, Augustin Carpenter, John J. Dilley, Richard Hammond, John C. Harradon, Henry C. Keeler, William H. Parsons, Henry C. Rigby, John J. Stearns, Leander W, Stearns, Edwin Walters, James H. White, Edwin Woodworth, Chauney Woodworth, John S. Huntley, John K. Davis, Henry Denne, Jacob Ide, Martin Kratz, William H. Milton, Thomas Milton, Julius Niehardt, Frederick Nie- hardt, Joseph Netzer, Nicholas Webber, Peter Dickman. The 9th Minn. regt. was 'organized in August, 1862, and was stsitioned at frontier posts until September, 1863, -when it was ordered to St. Louis, Missouri. From there it was ordered to Jefferson City, Missouri, and thence distributed among several posts in the interior of that state ; ordered to St. Louis again in May, 1864, and from there to Memphis, Tennessee. This fine regiment engaged in the Guntown expedition in June, i86i, and was assigned to the 16th Army Corps, same month. Was at Tupelo in July, 1863, at Tallahatchie in August, and in the Oxford expedition the same month. This regiment participated in the celebrated march in pursuit of Price, from Brownsville, Arkansas, to Cape Girar- deau, and thence by boat to Jefferson City ; from there marched to the Kansas line, and from that again to St. Louis. This regiment participated also in the battles of Nashville, Tennessee, December 15 and 16, 1864, Spanish Fort and Fort Blakely, in April, 1865, and was discharged at Fort Snelling, August, 1865. The following is a list of volunteers to this regiment from Wabasha county : Jules (!!apon, Frank Lohr, Etna Benjamin,-Francis Trudel, George Abbott, Alois Burzell, Octabo Barker, Joseph Baker, Jacob Baden, Pierre Demars, James Fitzgerald, Paul Felix, Paul Guhrt, Jacob Germ, John Gilbert, Frederick Heilman, Karl Kirchner, Gerhart Lehnert, Herman Lessing, Frederick la Chapelle, Alexander Morto, Bartholomew dinger, Charles Pratchett, Pierre Rodier. Alois Soitzmesser, Jacob Theilen. Record of 10th regt. Min^. Vols, is as follows : Was organized in August, 1862, and stationed at the frontier posts until June, 1863, AEMT. 679 when i^t was ordered upon Indian expedition. Participated in the engagement .with the Indians upon the plains, on July 24, 26 and 28, 1863. '"Was ordered to rendezvous at St. Louis, Missouri, in October, 1863, and went from there to Columbus, Kentucky, in April, 1864 ; from there to Memphis, Tennessee, in June, 1864 ; and was assigned to the 16th Army Corps. Participated in the fol- lowing battles, sieges, skirmishes and marches : in the battle of Tupelo, July 13, 1864 ; Oxford expedition, August, 1864 ; and marched in pursuit of Price from Brownsville, Arkansas, to Cape Girardeau ; thence they went by boat to Jefferson City ; from there to Kansas line and back to St. Louis, Missouri. This regiment par- ticipated in the battles of Nashville, Tennessee, December 15 and 16, 1864 ; was at Spanish Fort and Fort Blakely in April, 1865, and was discharged at Fort Snelling, August 19, 1865. The following is a correct list of names of volunteers from this county in that regiment : Walter M'Nallan, Bartholomew Costello, George W. Tenny, Christian Shil- son, William 0. Sleeper, William M. Parvis, George C. Putnam, Josiah A. Peck, Henry Southwick, James K. Taft, John Thompson, Francis H. Wilde, John D. Winter, William W. Wright, Ogden D. Warner, Horace B. Whiting, Daniel Winter, Solomon Young, Daniel Young, Nathaniel Yeoman, Royal W. 01m- •sted, Lemuel S. Orton, John Nelson, Christ Nelson, Edward H. Matterson, Eusebius Mullens, Eobert Moody, George Mathewson, James W. Lockey, Merritt G. Lawrence, Albert Linstram, Hans Jaelson, Lewis Johnson, James W. Hayes, James G. Foster, David Foley, Charles D. Foster, Peter Erickson, Almon H. Doeg, Daniel M. Davis, George W. Drew, Thomas J. Cross, David E. Cross, Alanson H. Case, Thomas C. Cepperton, William Canfield, Hiram Bemis, Franklin M. Buck, John Burnes, Clarence L. Burtch, Silas E. Burpee, John Burton, John M. Benthall, David Ackley, Octavius A. Leland, Collins Pratt, Austin D. Carroll, Henry Hippie, Charles G. Dawley, James M. Collier, Francis W. Knapp, John M. Burnham, John W. Murphy, Martin W. Bechter, Oliver P. Crawford, John B. Eobinson, Oliver H. Holcombe, Wallace W. Case, John Lathrop, Charles W^ Hackett, Albert S. Hopson. The' 1st regt. Minn. Heavy Art. Inf. was organized in April, 1865, and was ordered to Chattanooga, Tennessee, where it remained imtil mustered out of service in September, 1865, and was dis- charged at Fort Snelling. Harlan P. Allen, George W. Colby, John L. Conway, Charles F. Church, John p. Dunham, William F. Fulton, Franklin H. Gillott, Orlando Gaylord, David Jagers, James Lewis, Charles A. McKean, William Sullivan, Alexander Selover, Charles H. Sibley, Marshall Wier, Perry D. Willard, William H. Thorp, Eobert P. Andrews, Charles G. Austin, TJlric Beebe, Eudolph Burk- hardt, Gottlieb Burkhardt, Edwin Brown, James C. Burns, Charles C. Bidwell, Albert W. Bean, Joshua Clarkson, William C. Carpenter, James McGrath, 6S0 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. William H. Mathews, Georg Porter, William M. Porter, Robert H. Piner, Turner Preble, Jr., William M. Perkins, Albert E. Ross, John N. Ross, Martin Ryan, Ira Stone, Frank St. Clare, John Satory, Antoin Schult'zer, Charles W. Sargeant, Augustus W. Stowman, Sidney H. Smith, Jerome J. Stone, Charles Needham, Clinton N. Sterry, Andrew Clark, Orville D. Ford, Lament Gilbert, Dewitt C. Collier, Hiram Dieterle, Alonzo Darow, Peter H. Fenton, Orton D. Ford, Ira A. Fiefield, George B. Franklin, Lorenzo J. Fiefield, Ebenezer P. Farnsworth, Frederick Gramonds, Joseph. Guthner, Herman Graner, Isaac N. Green, William Hayes, Henry Horton, Edward Johnson, James Kenedy, Oscar Kestner, August Kirchner, Herman Lawson, John H. Lewis, Dwight Leach, George S. Leach, Charles Lindt, Charles Myers, H. H, B. McMasters, William P. Nelson, Charles Piers, John Montgomery, Miles Sherin, William P. Tenny, Jr., William P. Tenny, Sr., Thomas Thorp, Charles White, James H. Whaley, Henry Wherenberg, Elon Warren, Isaac York, William Yonke, George W. Tyson. The 1st bat. Mirni. Vol. Light Art. was organized in October, 1861, and rendezvoused at Fort Snelling until ordered to St. Louis, Missouri, in December, 1861. From St. Louis it went to Pittsburgh Landing in February, 1862, and engaged in the following marches, battles, sieges and skirmishes : At Shiloh, April 6 and 6, 1862 ; siege of Corinth, April, 1862 ; at Corinth on October 3 and 4, 1862, and marched from Corinth to Oxford, Mississippi, and from Oxford to Memphis, Tennessee ; was assigned in November, 1862, to the 17th Army Corps, and veteranized in January, 1864. This battery jvas ordered to Cairo, Illinois, and from there to Huntsville, Alabama; from there to Altoona, Georgia, and from there to Ackworth, Georgia. Participated in the battle of Kenesaw Mount ; was at Atlanta July 22 and 28 ; and was in Sherman's cam- paign through Georgia and the Carolinas. Discharged at Fort Snelling, Minnesota, June 30, 1865, having been in active service three years and eight months. The following is a list of the volunteers for this battery from Wabasha county : James M. Cheatham, Joseph Latherman, Henry Hart, William H. Grif- flng, Albert W. Allen, Alfred B. Bruce, Ozias W. Burdick, James Boaz, John Cassaden, John Davison, Charles W. Donaldson, William Furlong, Brigham Foster, Reuben Farnum, Warner Freer, David Greeve, Joseph D. Griffing, Denniaon J. Griffing, Levi S. Goddard, Robert H. Smyth, William H. Griffing, John W. Studaberkin, Charles E. Murphy, Joseph W. Marcyes, Andrew D. Howison, Reuben Farnham, Brigham Foster, Henry Hart, David H. Duryee, Miles Dunning, Ira Humphrey, David Hart, Andrew D. Howison, Henry Hil- gidick, Abiel E. Kibbe, Alfred W. Lathrop, Elijah D. Lathrop, Creniss Laknei Albert Ponieroy, Alvin Pomeroy, John W. Pogson, John W. Ploof, John D. Ross, Absalom Elliott, Eugene T. Wilson, Nelson Cheatham, John Conkite, R. D. Case, A. G. Crawford. AEMY. 681 'The 2d regt. Minn. Vol. Car. was organized in January, 1864, and ordered upon Indian expedition in May, 1864 ; partici- pated in the battle with Indians July 28 and August, 1864. This regiment was stationed at frontier posts until mustered out by com- panies between November, 1865, and June, 1866. Enlisted men from Wabasha county as follows : William B. Haynes, Wilson R. Russell, George C. Butterfield, Charles L. Fertile, Evan E. Johnson, Peter Peterson, Thomas B. Root, Edgar F. Tibbetts, Philo J. C. Walker, Levi Tibbetts, Mathew S. Tyler, Franklin Alle, William Lansing, George P. Harris, John R. Brown, James K. P. Fetzer; John A. Harris, Ezra M. Mathews, Philip P. Weaver, John Leewald, George S. Johnson, John C. Fowler, Luther McNeal, Jonathan Tisdale, David Belling, Jr., William B. Haines, John Kelley, Truman D. Merrill, Nathan F. Dane, Thomas Evanson, Almond L. Austin, George W. Adrian, Erastus T. Green, Henry S. Hoyt, Henry B. Lockwood, Charles E. Mills. The 1st Mounted Rangers Minn. Vol. Cav. was organized in March, 1863. This cavalry was stationed among frontier outposts until May, 1863, when it was ordered upon Indian expedition, and participated in the engagement with the Indians on July 24, 26 and 28, 1863, and upon the return of the expedition was again stationed at frontier forts until mustered out. This regiment was mustered out by companies between- October 1, 1863, and December 30, 1868. List of men enrolled from this county as follows : Newton Williams, Albert R. Field, Timothy R. BuUis; James R. Burker, George W. Emeigh,' Stephen R. Field, J. S. Harrison, William Kirkpatrick, William C. Pious, Thomas Smith, R. M. Weaky, William Wooden, Benjamin S. Youngs, William Young, Milton Hatohenway, Frederick E. Vance, Albert W. Bean, James O. Hattlested, James H. Kinney. Bracket's bat. Minn. Vol. Cav. consisted originally of com- panies 1, 2 and 3, and was organized in November, 1861. It was ordered to Benton Barracks, Missouri, in December, 1862. In April, 1862, the name of this regiment was changed to the 5th Iowa Cav. ; was veteranized in 1864 and ordered to the department of the Northwest ; was mustered out by companies between May and June, 1866. The men who engaged in this battalion from Waba- sha county were : George Phelps, Edward W. Hunt, Henry Slaymaker, Reuben Slaymaker. The Independent bat. Minn. Vols, was organized July 20, 1863, and stationed at Fort Abercrombie until mustered out of service by companies from April, 1866, to June, 1866. From Wabasha county there were only five enlistments, namely : Edward L. Sharpe, Abbot H. Handy, Jacob Meetmesser, William B. Brumard, Albert Kimball. 682 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. The 3d bat. Art. was organized in 1863 and ordered upon' the Indian expedition, and upon the return of this expedition stationed ^t the frontier forts until mustered out of service February 27, 1866. Men enlisted from Wabasha were : Henry M. Montgomery, Gad M. Dwelle, Thomas Rodney, Richard Rew, Lyman D. Rosier, William Rouleau, Isaac Rogers, David Richardson, Reuben W. Russ. OHUECHES. Episcopal Cfiurch. — The first Episcopal service held in Wabasha was given in June, 1857, by the Ift. Rev. Bishop Kemper, missionary bishop of the Northwest, which included Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska and Dakota. After Minnesota became a diocese, the first service held in the diocese by its bishop, the Et. Rev. Henry Benjamin Whipple, was at Wabasha, in the Baptist chapel, October, 1859, as he was on his way up the Mississippi to St. Paul. Regular services were held during the year 1860, by the Rev. Charles W. Clinton, in a room fitted up for that purpose in a building on Bridge street known as Apollo Hall. A Sunday school had been organized in the winter of 1857 by a lady, holding it in her own house, under the sanction of Bishop Kemper, being assistfed from time to time by clergymen who held occasional services in the place before Rev. Clinton's ministry began. That school has been continued until the present date without interruption, and it was the first Sunday school organized in Wabasha. Mr. Clinton remained about eight months, preaching alternately here and at Lake City. After h^ left, the Rev. C. P. Dorsett held occasional services until the autumn of 1862, when the Rev. H. G. Batterson commenced his labors here, his first service being given on the twenty-third Sunday after Trinity, November 23, 1862. The parish was not organized until December 16, when, at a meeting, it was voted to call the organization by the name of Grace church, Wabasha, regular service and Sunday school being held in the court-house. In the spring of 1863 three lots were given by Wm. W. Prindle for church purposes, and arrangements were made during that year for building a stone church upon the ground, contract let to R. P. Andrews for the laying of the walls. Basement was completed in the spring of 1864, and corner-stone laid on June 15, with appropriate ceremonies. A copper box was placed in the stone, containing a copy of the Holy Scriptures in English, according to the standard of King James' translation, a copy of the Book of ABMY. 683 Common Prayer, a copy of the Church Almanac, with parish list for 186i, also copies of the "Church Journal," "The Northwestern Church," and the " Wabasha County Herald," one silver dime and half-dime of the issue of 1853, an English shilling piece of the reign of Charles III, 1788, a five-cent Canada coin of silver, Yictoria, 1858, ten and five cent specimens of the postal currency, ten-cent piece of scrip, Bank of Tennessee, Nashville, December, 1861, a copper coin of Canada and United States, ein kreuzer, 1816, photograph of the first bishop of Minnesota (Bishop Whipple), and the pastor, Eev. Mr. Batterson ; the names of the bishop and clergy of Minnesota for 1864, with names of the members of the standing committee and other officers of the diocese. The day was heautifdl, and in the evening the friends of Mr. Batterson called to offer their congratulations. Unfortunately, on June 23, the builder - and contractor were drafted for the war, and the work on the structure had to be suspended and the project finally abandoned, for, as the price of labor and material advanced, the parish had not the means to carry forward the work. During the winter of 1864-5 the Rev. Mr. Batterson was absent from the parish on account pf ill health, during which time Mr. Ealph E.- Arnold gave a lay service every S'unday morning and took charge of the Sunday school, which at this time numbered one hundred and nineteen scholars. Mr. Batterson returned in the spring, and on the first day of June, 1865, the Baptist chapel was purchased and removed to the church lots on corner of Bailley and Third streets. It was thoroughly repaired and painted, a bell tower in the rear being added, and the opening service was held therein on Sunday, July 30. By a general subscription, aided by friends of Mr- Batterson, a bell was purchased of Messrs. A. Fulton, Sons & Co., of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and it was rung the first time on Sunday morning, October 29, 1865. The weight of this bell was eight hundred and fifty pounds. On April 29, 1866, Eev. Mr. Batterson preached his farewell to the parish, and was succeeded by Rev. Samuel Wardlaw, who commenced his labors on June 24, 1866. Mr. Wardla,w was succeeded by the Rev. Alex. Seabrease, B.D., who took charge of the parish May 23, 1869, first Sunday after Trinity. During this year the parish built a rectory, costing sixteen hundred dollars, and steps were taken to fill up the basement made for the stone church by taking out the wall and filling it up. Rev. Mr. Seabrease closed his connection with Grace church on June 2, 684 HISTORY OF WABASHA COtfNTT. 1872, and was succeeded by the Kev. Horace Hills, who closed his rectorship of the parish on September 30, 1877. Rev. James Cornell, the present rector, entered upon his duties on October 7, 1877. During the summer of 1881 the church building was again repaired and improved by the insertion of stained-glass windows, new chandeliers and other fixtures, at an expense of two hundred and fifty dollars, the excavation was also tilled up fully, which cost some twenty dollars more. Size of the building is 24 X 50, with a vestibule 10x6. It contains a chancel 12x10, and vestry-room on the left, library on the right, of 10 X 6 each. The congregation num- bers about two hundred, including the Sunday school. During the summer and autumn of 1858 two churches were erected in "Wabasha, the first being a Baptist church, the society hav- ing been organized during the summer of 1857. This building was 24X 60 feet, with a belfry of sixty feet, and cost one thousand dollars. The first and only pastor of this society was the Rev. James Wharton, from Ohio, who organized and kept the congregation together for two years after the church was dedicated. A bell was purchased by the citizens, and hung in the belfry of this church, which was the first bell to ring out the glad tidings of salvation to willing ears in the place or county. The second finished was the Congregational, which society was organized in February, 1856, the original members being Deacon Oliver Pendleton, Mrs. W. W. Prindle, Mrs. W. Hancock, Mrs. H. Wilson, Malcolm Kennedy and W. S. Jackson, Rev. S. Morgan, missionary director. This organization, next to the Catholic, is the oldest in the place. The ' first settled pastor was the Rev. S. L. Hillier, who commenced his ministry May 1, 1857, services being held in what was called Apollo Hall. Mr. Hillier was succeeded by Rev. David Andrews October 15, 1858, and he was the first clergyman who held service in the new church. This church was built on lot 2, of block 14, on Second street, its size being 22x50, and was dedicated October 20, 1858. Rev. Mr. Andrews was succeeded by the Rev. J. Doane in August, 1860, he commencing his labors on the 27th. Upon the breaking out of the rebellion Mr. Doane resigned his charge for another in the service of his beloved country, and was succeeded by the Rev. L. N. Woodruff, September 16, 1862, and Mr. Woodruff by Rev. Edward Hildreth, April 19, 1866. Mr. Hildreth remained some two years, and was succeeded by the Rev. Henry Loomis in October, 1868. Rev. C. W. Honeyman succeeded AjRMT. 685 Mr. Loomis in the spring of 1872, in which year the society erected a beautiful parsonage upon lot 1 of the church property, which cost thirty-six hundred dollars. Mr. Honeyman's health failing him, the Rev. O. Hobbs oflBciated from January 14, 1874, to April 2, 1874, when he was succeeded by Eev. E. W. Weeks ; and Mr. Weeks ended his labors with this congregation in August, 1875, being succeeded by the Eev. J. F. Todd on November 3 of the same year. Mr. Todd continued his ministry here until succeeded by Eev. J. W. Eay April 4, ^877. Mr. Eay continued his pastoral relations until the autumn of 1882, when he was succeeded by the Kev. 0. P. Watson, the present incumbent. This church has a membership of sixty persons, and congrega- tion, with sabbath school included, of some two himdred. The sabbath school was organized in the autumn of 1858, and has been continued with unabated interest and success until the present time, Mr. Malcolm Kennedy acting as superintendent some twenty-two years. W. S. Jackson was the very efficient and interested librarian of this school from its commencement to the time of his death in February, 1882. The first deacons of this church were Oliver Pendleton, Sr., and William W. McDougall. The present officials are Dr. William L. Lincoln and J. Stuart. Deacons Pendleton and McDougall both lie in their narrow beds at Eiverview cemetery. The size of this church edifice is 22x50 feet, with a bell-tower in the rear and a bell weighing one thousand pounds. The building was erected at an expense of one thousand' dollars. In 1842 Eev. Father Eavoux, now of St. Paul, sent a log building from Mendota to this place to be used as a chapel for worship. It was placed upon a raft and floated down the river ; and after reaching Wabasha it was put up on the ground of what was called the Point, which is now the terminus of Main street, north. This was the first building for religious purposes erected in Wabasha county, and was used as a church edifice some fourteen years. In consequence of there being no settled pastor of the flOck, services were very irregular, and the building was finally used for secular purposes. The first printing-press of the town was set up in it, and the first paper printed in the county issued therefrom. A school was taught in it also for a time, but it finally succumbed to civiliza- tion, and "the old church" fell to decay, all traces of it being now wholly obliterated. In the autumn of 1858 Eev. Felix Tissot came to the place, and 686 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. immediately took measures to erect a new church upon the ground of the Catholic cemetery, in the southeast part of the city, on what is called "Eocque's Addition." It was completed in the spring of ' 1859, hut it proved to be too far from the center of the town for convenience, and in 1862 it was taken down and moved to lot 6 in block 22. The size of this church was 30X50, with a tower in front in which a bell was hung weighing five hundred pounds. It was consecrated by Rt. Rev. Bishop Grace on July 27, 1862. In the ^ fall of 18T2 a school was opened in the b^ement story of the church under the charge of the Sisters of Notre Dame, Milwaukee, of ninety pupils with three teachers, Sister Yenantia the superior. It now has an average attendance of one hundred and seventy-five pupils, with a corps of five teachers, and sends out yearly its graduates in music, drawing and needlework, together with a high average in all the English branches of education. This church, proving too small for the increasing congregation, had to give place to the new and beautiful brick structure on lot 1 and half of lot 2, in block 26, which was erected in 1872, the cornerstone being laid with imposing cere- monies by Rt. Rev. Bishop G-race, of St. Paul, July 14, and it was consecrated the following year on July 18. An immense con- course of people gathered together from all the adjacent towns to witness the ceremonies. -The size of this church is 50Xlj)0feet, with a sanctuary 26 X 28 feet, and a vestry-room 17 X 20 feet, with a tower eighteen feet square at the base and a height of one hundred and fifty-five feet. The plans were made by Mr. Charles Ross, of Ea Crosse, builder of the La Crosse cathedral. The contractors were A. W. Gage & Co. , of Winona, and with the plans, ground, altar vestments, stained-glass windows, etc. , cost the congregation thirty ' thousand dollars. Many citizens of Wabasha who were not mem- bers of the Catholic church contributed liberally toward its erection. The first resident pastor of Wabasha was Rev. Felix Tissott, rector of St. Felix church from October, 1858, to October, 1866, when it was placed in charge of Rev. James Trobec, who is still the resident pastor. The St. Felix congregation contains some fifteen hundred souls. A convenient rectory was built upon lot 6, block 22, at an expense of twenty-two hundred dollars, in the year 1872. Gerinan Lutheran. — This congregation was organized in 1875, with a membership of fifty, with the Rev. August Kanne as pastor. Their service was held in the court-room until July, 1876, when their church building was completed which stood on Market street. The AEMT. 687 .size of this church was 25x40 feet, and the whole expense, includ- ing the church lots and belfry, amounted to two thousand dollars. The first trustees of this church were Jacob Thoney, Sr. , Christian Florine and Wilhelm Euchenbauch. They were succeeded by Her- man Lessing, Philip Grub and Maurice Ending. These were suc- ceeded by J. Breger, Jacob Scholer and Albert Lueck. This church and society have a Sunday school, which was organized in 1876, with forty scholars, and the school and congregation number at the present date about one hundred and fifty. A seven-hundred-pound bell was purchased in 1877. The first pastor of this church was Eev. August Kanne, who was succeeded in 1879 by the Eev. A. Krahn, who still remains in charge. The lot upon which the church was built was found to be not pleasing to the congregation, and in the spring of 1881 another was purchased on corner of Jefferson and Second streets, South Wabasha, and the church removed to it in the spring of 1882, at an expense of one hundred and fifty dollars. The members constituting this church were : John Yoelger, Henry Balow, Jacob Thoney, Joseph Thoney, Jacob Eay, Jacob Gengnagle, Peter Ter- vana, Peter Yanette, Herman Lessing, " George Bance, Peter C. Cavedetesher, Jacob Miller, William Eeichenbach, Jacob Mingold, Peter Klaus, Philip Grub and Jacob Schuler. The .first Protestant services held in Wabasha were by Eev. Dwight Kidder, in the bar-room of the American hotel, in 1856. Mr. Kidder was a' Methodist, and had been sent to take charge of the mission embracing Eead's Landing, Wabasha, Central Point and Wacouta. A class formed in Wabasha, consisting of H. B. Potter, leader, H. Tracy, T. G. Bolton, J. W. Bolton, Nancy Bolton, Euth E. Bolton, Mrs. Wilds and Hannah Drew. Wabasha at that time contained about one hundred inhabitants. The first quarterly meet- ing held in the place was in the log chapel belonging to the Catholics, December 15-16, 1855. A Mr. Crist was appointed to this charge in 1856, but did not remain, and services were interrupted until August, 1857, when the Eev. S. Salsbury was placed in charge by the first Minnesota conference, his work to comprise Wabasha, Eead's Land- ing and Cook's valley. Mr. Salsbury left in the spring of 1858, and the next pastor in charge was the Eev. James Gurley. A Sunday school, was instituted this year of forty-five scholars. The next pastor in charge was a Mr. Dyer, the next Eev. Jesse Smith, in charge to the fall of 1861, when the Eev. Harvey Webb was placed -in charge, and remained until 1863. During his administration, the HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTT. church was reorganized accordmg to the statutes of the state, by appointing John E. C. Creighton, secretary, Kev. H. Webb, pastor, presiding. Five trustees were elected, namely, Thomas Roberts, John E. Creighton, James Crowley, John Lewis and James Luscombe. The term of years each trustee was to serve was determined, and they decided to build a church upon a lot which had been previously purchased for that purpose by Mrs. T. Eoberts. This lot was on Second street, and the church bought it of Mrs. Eoberts. A build- ing committee was chosen, consisting of Eev. H. Webb, L. Dietz, John McArthur, Thomas Bolton and Thomas Eoberts. Specifiear tions for the church building were, > size 24X40 feet, height 14 feet, the vestibule being added afterward. John Luscombe, builder. The whole expense of building amounted to one thousand dollars, and it was dedicated on August 6, 1862. The Eev. A. Wilford was placed in charge September, 1863, and remained in charge during 1863-4. In November, 1864, Eev. Wilford was appointed, by the governor, chaplain to the 3d Minn. Vol. Inf., and his place was supplied by Eev. J. E. Creighton, who had received license to preach at confer- ence of 1864. At the ne^ session of conference in 1865, Eev. T. M. Gossard was appointed in charge, and he was succeeded by Eev. J. L. Farber, who was reappointed in the fall of 186Y and remained until 1868, when the Eev. S. G. Gale succeeded him. Eev. W. C. Eice was pastor in 1869-70, and he was succeeded by Eev. B. Y. Coffin, who remained in charge until the fall of 1871, when the Eev. S. G. Gale was returned as pastor. Mr. Gale remained two years, when Eev. W. C. Shaw succeeded him. Mr. Shaw died in February, 1874, and the Eev. M. O. M'JSTift was appointed to supply the remainder of the year. September 14, 1875, Eev. W. H. Soule was appointed pastor and remained in charge until October 21, 1878, when the Eev. James Door succeeded him. October 11, 1880, the Eev. W. C. Miles commenced his pastorate, which continued until October 10, 1882, when the Eev. D. J. Higgins was placed in charge and is the present incumbent. This church was removed to its present site on Fourth street, lots 7 and 8, in 1870, the old lot being sold for three hundred dollars. The first stewards were : H. B. Potter and E. F. Morris, in 1855; James Crowley and A. Gibbs, in 1856; A. W. Weston and O. W. ColHer, in 1860 ; J. S. Felton, J. W. Lus- combe and L. Emery, in 1861 ; J. E. Creighton and T. G. Bolton, in 1862; M. H. Brown, in 1866; James Crowley and T. Eoberts, in 1870; and Thos. Eoberts and O. H. Porter, in 1878. The present stewards AKMT. 689 are John Lewis, O. H. Porter and H. Coval. The first trustees were James Crowley, Thomas Eoberts, J. K. Oreighton, John Lewis, John "W. Luscombe. In 1866 James Crowley, Thos. Eoberts, George B. Downer and C. Piper were elected. In 1868 M. H. Brown, E. C. Crum and J. K. Benedict were elected to fill vacancies. In 1879 M. H. Brown, V. R. Mace, Thos. Eoberts and O. H. Porter were elected, and the present trustees are O. H. Porter, M. H. Brown and Y. E. Mace. The Sunday school has had various superintendents, the first one being E. F. Morris, then James Crow- ley, J. P. Creighton, T. G. Bolton, J. W. Howland, M. H. Brown, V. E. Mace, J. M. Martin and O. H. Porter. The school now numbers some thirty scholars, and congregation, all told, about sixty members. ' SCHOOLS. The first school taught in Wabasha was a private school taught by Thomas Flyn. After the first school-district in the county was organized, which was that of Wabasha district No. 1, in 1855, a school was taught in it by H. B. Potter, the building used for the purpose being the old log church mentioned in another chapter, which stood upon what was then called " The Point." Mr. Potter taught a few months in 1856, and then the school was discon- tinued. Miss E. Hogard taught a private school for a few months in a small building on Bridge street, erected by B. S. Hurd in 1856 ; Miss Hogard taught during the spring of 1857, but discontinued it on account of the public school being resumed by Miss A. Strickland, who taught for about three months. Mrs. J. J. Stone then opened a private school in her own house on Pembroke street, and taught more or less during the years of 1858 and 1859, removing her school to a small frame building on Main street, below Pembroke. During the summer and fall of 1858 a private school was taught on tte west side by E. F. Dodge, in a building erected for that purpose by Mr. Jarvis Williams, of Saco, Maine, who then resided on that side. Meantime steps were being taken by the city for the erection of a schoolhouse adapted to the needs of the town, and lots were purchased in'block 5 of South Wabasha for that purpose. A stone building was erected during the summer and fall of 1859, the corner- stone being laid with appropriate ceremonies on July 4, 1859. This house cost twenty-five hundred dollars, size 40x45, and a school was opened in it on January 3, 1860, taught by W. C. Bry- ant, assisted by Miss Henrietta Angler, of Toledo, Ohio, all private 41 690 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTT. schools merging into it. Mr. Bryant was from Cincinnati, Ohio, wh he had done much to establish a high grade of common schoc and his efforts here were the very first made in Wabasha coui toward the union or graded schools. Mr. Bryant continued teaching until the close of the spring term. . No other school v taught in the building as a schoolhouse, as the city donated 1 building to the county for a courthouse the same year, and I county offices were removed thereto in the fall of 1860. In the fall of 1860 Mr. "Walter Gurley opened a private school the courtroom of this building, teaching it until January, 1861, wh Mr. Joseph Gates took the school and completed the term, teachi another term during the spring of 1862. The public school m taught very successfully during the winter of 1861-62 by Mr. H. Whitmore, his school numbering one hundred pupils. The nf school was taught by Mr. Gates, during 1862-3, in the Bapt church building, which was rented for that purpose. A wood structure at this time was in process of erection, by private ent prise, for an academy, which stood on Third street, between Wain and Allegheny streets. It was completed- in November, 1865, a: a very successful school taught in it during the winter of 1865-6 Mr. L. Jenness. A parish school had been instituted under t auspices of the Episcopal church, by the Kev. H. G. Batterson, 1863-4, which was first taught by Miss Kate Dougall, — afterward 1 Miss Wealthy Tucker, of Winona, — in a building owned by Henry i Camp, corner of Bailly and Second streets, but as the other schools a vanced in character and course of study, it was given up, the teacht Miss Tucker, accepting a position as assistant in the school of t academy. Mr. Jenness, having a better oifer in Minneapolis, left the spring of 1865, and no school being taught, Mrs. Marian ' Bowditch opened a private one in the courtroom for the surami Mrs. Bowditch continued her school, assisted by her niece. Miss Bowditch, in her own house the next winter, discontinuing it in t spring of 1866. Meanwhile the school in the academy was taught 1 Eev. Bonnel, a Baptist clergyman, assisted by his wife. The ci needing a schoolhouse badly, finally negotiated for ti^e acaden building, and it passed into the hands of the city in 1865. Previo to that the public school had been taught in the Baptist chapel 1 J. Gates very satisfactorily, assisted hj Mrs. J. J. Stone, Mi M. Staples teaching the summer term. After the purchase of t academy by the city, Mr. Hopper was employed as principal, M Henry F. Eose succeeding him. Mr. Rose remained two years, ai AUMY. 691 was succeeded in the fall of 1867 by E. Hogle, who taught the school two terms, assisted by Miss D. Clark and Miss J. Lynch, Mr. E. A. Booth succeeded Hogle, and remained until the spring of 1858, when he resigned the place, his position being filled the next term by Mrs. E. L. Douglass ; Miss Jennie Fyfe, teacher of interme- diate department ; Miss McCune, of primary. The academy building was now too small to accommodate the different grades, and rooms were rented therefor in different parts of the city. In the spring of 1858 the subject of a more com- modious and central schoolhouse was agitated, which resulted in the erection of the present fine edifice in block 4, South Wabasha, and in the gathering of the different departments of the graded school under one roof. The board of education, after deciding upon the amount oi funds needed for that purpose, and to issue bonds upon the credit of the school-district No. 1, submitted the same to a vote of the electors of said district on April 27, 1868, as required by law. The vote cast was for ^e issue of these bonds, and they were issued to the amount of twenty thousand dollars, redeemable between July 1, 1870, and July 1, 1880. The size ^ this building is 62^X82^ feet, is three stories high, including basement, and con- tains twelve rooms, besides the halls and wardrobes; four in the basement, four on the first floor, with a wardr^bie to each room, and four on the upper floor, with wardrobes also. The high school department occupies the double room on the northwest side of the house. A belfry in the center of the building contains a bell of six hundred pounds, and it is warmed by three Lossing furnaces. Messrs. Gates, Brink & Harlow were the contractors, and the whole cost of building and seating the rooms amounted to twenty-flve thou- sand dollars. Board of education at the time consisted of Kev. B. "Wharton, S. S. Kepler, J. Satory, J. B. Davis and George Hall. The school was opened in this building in December, with E.. H. Sturgis, principal, and four assistant teachers. In September, 1870, S. L. Sayles, of New York, accepted the position of principal of the school, with five assistant teachers, and taught and regraded it very successfully.' Mr. Sayles resigned the position in 1872, and was succeeded by Mr. M. B. Foster, also an able and efficient teacher, who remained four years. Mr. E. Hogle succeeded him for one year, when J. B. Hawley was employed, together with six assistant teachers. In the fall of 1880 Mr. Hawley resigned and Wm. A. Snook succeeded him, remaining two years. The present efficient principal, Horace Gibson, took charge of the school in September, 1882. CHAPTER LX. BENCH AND BAR. Minnesota was organized as a territory in March, 1849. By the organic act the judicial power of the territory was vested in a supreme court, district courts, probate courts and courts of justice of the peace. The territory was divided into three judicial districts, and one of the supreme judges assigned to each district, and the three acting together formed the supreme court of the state. The judges* appointed by the president, and comprising the supreme court in 1856, were William H. Welch, chief justice ; Moses Sherburne and A. J. Ohatfield, associate justices. Wabasha county formed part of the iirst judicial district, and the Hon. William H. Welch, residing at Eed Wing, was assigned to the first district, and held the position of district judge for said district until superseded by the election of the Hon. Thomas Wilson as district judge under the state constitution in 1858. Although Wabasha county is one of the oldest counties in the state, it was not organized for judicial purposes until the vdnter of 1856 ; prior to that time it was attached first to Washington and then to Goodhue counties for judicial purposes. In the winter of 1854 the village of Wabasha was designated, by legislative enactment, as the county seat of Wabasha county, Alexis Bailly was chosen the first justice of the peace of the county, and an efibrt made to establish law and order. It is related that Augustine Kocque, an old half-breed Indian trader, then residing at Wabasha, learning of the appointment of Alex Bailly as justice of the peace, called his numerous progeny around him and admonished them that it now stood them in hand to be on their good behavior, "for," said he, "the law has come, and Alexis Bailly is the law. " The first term of the district court for the county was held in what was known as H. S. Allen & Go's warehouse, in the spring of 1856, Hon. William H. Welch presiding ; S. L. Campbell, clerk ; Blois S. Hurd, sheriff; and Thomas Wilson, of Winona, district attorney. No business of importance was transacted. The bar of BENCH AND BAB. 693 the county was John McKee, J. W. Tyson and S. L. Campbell. No grand or petit jurors were in attendance, and after hearing a few motions and granting a few naturalization papers, court adjourned. At the next term of the district court there was a full attendance of jurors. Seventeen indictments were found, all of which were dis- missed for irregularity, much to the disgust of the then district attor- ney, Samuel Cole, and J. W. Tyson, acting as county attorney. Alexis Bailly applied for admission to the bar as a qualified attorney, but failed to pass an examination. He was subsequently admitted at St. Paul. Being asked by one of the attorneys of the county how he managed to pass an examination, he replied that he had a bottle of champagne under each arm and two in his pockets, and nary question asked by the committee. J. A. Criswell succeeded Alexis Bailly in the administration of the law, and was the , principal judicial officer of the county, until it was organized for judicial purposes. Although his education was limited, he was an excellent judge of the law, having held the office of justice of the peace in Michigan and Miimesota for over twenty years. Seldom was one of his decisions reversed. He was a man of iron will and strong physical ability, which well fitted him for a frontier justice of the peace. The following incident will illustrate his manner of administering justice. At one time one of the leading physicians was before him, charged with an assault and battery upon one John Murray. During the trial the contestants engaged in a fisticuff, in which the learned justice immediately took a hand, sending each of the combatants to his respective corner. Saying as he did so, "I fine you twenty dollars each for fighting in my court, and you will pay it before you leave the room, or I will lick hell out of you." The doctor soon produced the twenty dollars, but Murray could only find ten dollars. Criswell very generously remitted the balance, say- ing, "The fine goes to the poor, and I would like to see any one poorer than I am," as he chinked the money into his pocket. The first attorneys to settle in the county and open offices were Frank Clark and John McKee, men whose characters were dia- metrically the opposite of each other. John McKee was open, frank, and generous to a fault ; the other was shrewd, cunning and dis- honest. He was arrested in the winter of 18i55 for stealing and mutilating the county records, but succeeded in escaping from the officer who had him in charge, and fled the state. He subsequently 694 HISTOET OF WABASHA COtTNTT. . abandoned the profession and opened up a doctor shop in Chicago as a specialist of bad repute. In 1858, Minnesota, having adopted a constitution, was admitted as a state, and the Hon. Thoma% Wilson, of Winona, was elected district judge, and held the position until he was appointed chief justice of the supreme court of the state in 1864. The first term of the district court for Wabasha county, under the state organization, was held in what was then known as Hurd's Hall, in Wabasha, in the fall of 1858, Hon. Thos. Willson, presiding; S. A. Kemp, clerk ; John W. Tyson, district attorney ; R. M. Finer, sheriff ; Wm. J. Jacobs, foreman of the grand jury. There was quite a strong bar present: John N. Murdoch, tfohn McKee, John W. Tyson and S. L. Campbell, resident attorneys of the county, with quite a number of foreign attorneys in attendance. Among the most noted of these were Hon. William Windom (late United States senator) and Gen. Berry, of Winona, J. W. Brisbin, of St. Paul. Quite a number of civil causes were tried, — none of note, however. Seventeen indictments were found by the grand jur}"^, all of which were quashed on motion for informalities in the drawing of the indictments, much to the chagrin and disgust of the county attor- ney, J. W. Tyson. Judge Wilson, on being elected to the supreme bench, was succeeded by the Hon. Lloyd Barber, of Eochester, who held the position for one term (being succeeded by Hon^ C. N. Waterman in the fall of 1872), and died February 18, 1873. He held two terms of court in Wabasha county, and presided at the trial of Hicks, Stacks and Farrell for the murder of one Elliott. This was one of the most exciting trials ever held in the county, and lasted for and during thirty-two days. W. W. Scott, -of Lake City, then county attorney, assisted by the Hon. Thomas Wilson, of Winona, prosecuted these cases, and the Hon. S. L. Campbell, of Wabasha, conducted the defenses, assisted in the case of Stacks by Gov. Gorman, of St. Paul, on the trial of Hicks by L. S. Flint, Esq., of St. Paul, and on the trial of Farrell by the John Stew- art, of Wabasha. Strenuous efforts were made by the prosecu- tion to obtain a verdict with the penalty of death attached, while the defense put forth their utmost endeavors to save the parties from hanging. The result of these trials was the finding of Stacks and Hicks guilty of murder in the first degree without the death penalty being attached, while in the case of Farrell it was guilty with the death penalty attached. The former two were duly sentenced BENCH AJSTD BAR. 696 to the state's prison for life, and sentence of "death" was passed upon the latter, but by the efforts of his counsel and others, his sentence was afterward commuted to imprisonment for life by Gov. Austin. The following is a brief Summary of the fdcts attending the mnrder as appeared upon the trial. On the day of the murder one William Fitzgerald had drawn, as back pay and bounty money for services as volunteer soldier in the late rebellion, about seven hun- dred dollars. This he, diwing the day, had unguardedly exhibited in the saloons, especially to Patrick Stacks, who was a boon companion and was drinking with him. Stacks conceived the idea and laid his plans to rob Fitzgerald that night, and persuaded Hicks and Farrell to join him in his nefarious enterprise. Their plan was to visit the house in which Fitzgerald boarded, and which was occupied by one Nicholas Wagner, being situated directly opposite the cemetery between Wabasha and Kead's Landing. Stacks was to spy out the location and situation. Hicks was to enter Fitzgerald's bedroom after he had retired and abstract the money, while Farrell was to stand on guard, and if need be to play the buUy and bruiser. One Edward Elliott, a thin, spare man, in feeble health, boarded at the same house with Fitzgerald. Between one and two o'clock that night, he had occasion to step outdoors and was seized by Stacks, who put a pistol to his head, caught him by the throat and threw him on the ground, when one of the three jumped upon him. Another called out, it is not our man, do not hurt him. Another said, dead men tell no tales. Supposing Elliott to be dead, they carried him across the road and threw him into the cemetery. Keviving, he crawled on his hands and knees to a house about a quarter of a mile distant, and was able to arouse the inmates, and was by them taken in and cared for. He survived his injuries about three days, giving the facts, as to what took place at the time of the assault, in his dying declarations, although he was unable to recognize any one of his assailants. The inhabitants of Wabasha and Read's Landing were highly incensed at the crime, and strong efforts were made, and large rewards offered, by the county for the arrest of the murderers. Geo. Young, then marshall of Eead's Landing, was successful in striking the trail ; and, by ingratiating himself into Farrell's good opinion, whom he found in jail in La Crosse, Wisconsin, and assisting him to regain his liberty, was able to get a statement of the facts in the matter from him, and to Young is due the credit of bringing all three of the mui'derers to justice. 696 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTT. Patricia Stacks was one of the most noted desperadoes of the upper Mississippi valley. On his way from Wabasha to the state's prison, in charge of the sheriff and deputies, and handcuffed to his mate, besides bemg otherwise heavily ironed, they jumped from the deck of a steamboat, while it was in motion, into the Mississippi river, and succeeded in swimming to an island, on which they were several days afterward recaptured in a half-famished condition, being unable to separate themselves or remove their irons without tools, or escape to the mainland by swimming, until they were removed. He afterward made sevei-al attempts to escape from the state's prison, in one of which he was successful, being again retaken after reaching the mountains in Nebraska, through the betrayal of his identity by an associate for the reward offered for him. Again he was incarcerated in the prison, and soon afterward put an end to his miserable existence by poison mysteriously procured. Before he died, but while on his deathbed, he made a declaration in which he stated that Farrell did all he could to save Elliott from harm. Influenced by Stack's confession and by the good record of Farrell while in^state's prison, through the exertions of S. L. Campbell, of Wabasha, and others. Gov. Hubbard was induced to extend to him pardon after eleven years' imprisonment. Since his release he has conducted himself in an upright manner and is well liked by his employers. Hicks still remains in prison. Nothing shows the fal- libility of juries and human tribunals more than the result of these trials. During their progress, and from the time of the arrest .until final judgment it was the almost universal opinion that Parrell was the most guilty of the thr^e. At the present time it is unanimously conceded that Farrell not only was not guilty of the murder, but that he did all he could to prevent it. The Hon. John YanDyke, of Wabasha, was appointed district judge to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of the Hon. C. IST. Waterman, and held the position until the next general election, when the Hon. William Mitchell was unanimously chosen by the people to fill the position and held the same until 1881, when he was appointed to the supreme bench of the State of Minnesota, and the Hon. C. IST. Start, of Eochester, was appointed in his place, and now performs the duties of the oflSce to the entire satisfaction of the bar and people, having been unanimously elected in November, 1881, for a full term. Wabasha and the village of Eeads are both situated near the BENCH AND BAE. 697 mouth of the Chippewa river, where its waters help to swell the tide of the "Father of Waters." Large quantities of lumber are annually floated in small rafts down the Chippewa river and along the banks of the Mississippi, near the mouth of zhe Chippewa are coupled or joined into larger rafts for floating down the Mississippi to St. Louis and other points. Consequently a large number of " floating population " congregated at these points in former years seeking employment in transporting lumber, as heretofore desig- nated. Yery many of this class of men were persons of bad repute — thieves, gamblers and dninkards ; hence there has been a vast amount of criminal business in the county, and only a few years years ago Wabasha had the unenviable reputation ol having had more murders committed within its borders than any other county in the state ; but of late years the lumber has been towed by tugs or steamboats and required but few raftsmen, that class having greatly diminished, and in fact have almost entirely disappeared, and with them the criminal calendar. Another source of litigation in former years was caused by the fact that nearly the entire Sioux half-breed reservation is located within the county and located with Sioux half-breed scrip, much of which belonged to minors. Titles to land could in such cases only be obtained through the uncertainties of a probate court, the prac- tice in which was formerly quite unsettled ; but while there has been frequent and persistent atttempts to disturb the titles to such lands in the county, courts and juries have almost inyariably ignored technicalities and sustained the titles. For a number of years quite a sti'ife existed between Lake City and Wabasha for the county seat of Wabasha county. In the winter of 1860 an act was passed to remove the county seat from Wabasha to Lake City, provided such removal should be sustained by a vote of the people. A vote was taken and the returns showed a majority against such removal. Lake City not being satisfied with the returns commenced proceedings to test the legality of the vote in the courts. Hon. Thomas Wilson, then district judge, declared the law under which it was taken to be unconstitutional, and this ended the matter for that time. Lake City still being dissatisfied, a bill was introduced and passed the legislature in 1868, again submitting the same question to a vote of the people. This time the blood of both places was up (as one may say) and they used their utmost endeavors to win. 698 HISTOEY OF WABASHA COUNTY. Every town in the county was thoroughly canvassed pro and con, and rivalry was at white heat. The retjirns again showed a majority in favor of Wabasha. Lake City again appealed to the courts, and after a protracted investigation in the district court, before the Hon. Lloyd Barbour, he rendered a decision in favor of Lake City. Wabasha appealed to the supreme court and the decision of the dis- trict court was reversed wholly on technical grounds. One remark- able feature of this investigation was, that while the census showed that Lake City and Wabasha each had a population of about two thousand people, the returns showed that Lake City had cast two thousand and thirteen votes ; the City of Wabasha, four thousand and fifty-two votes. Judge Barbour, at the next term of the district court for this county, instructed the grand jury that the statutes made it their duty to inquire into all irregularities and violations in and of the election laws, and if there was fraudulent voting it was their duty to indict all parties guilty thereof. F5r, said he, " On the purity of the ballot-box rests the foundation of our republic." The grand jury failed to bring indictments, and on his admon- ishing them that they must have failed in their duty, was coolly informed by the foreman that Wabasha c®unty could not afibrd to send half of her best citizens to the penitentiary. S. L. Campbell was appointed in January, 1856, the first clerk of the district court of Wabasha coi^nty, and held the office until the admission of the state into the Union. In October, 1857, S. A. Kemp was elected clerk under the new organization, and held the office till 1861. ]Sr. F. Webb was his successor, and held the ofiBce for one term. Charles J. Stauff was elected in 1869, and is the present efficient clerk, and likely to hold the position so long as he may desire to do so, as he has been twice re-elected by the almost unanimous vote of the people, and discharges his duties to the entire satisfaction of bench and bar. JUDGES OF PEOBATE. H. p. Wilson was elected probate judge in 1856 ; his successor was George F. Childs, elected in 1857, and held the office one year, when B. C. Baldwin, of Lake City, was elected and held the office for two years. A. Z. Putnam was his successor, elected in the fall of 1859, and held the office for four years. G. C. Dawley filled the office in 1864-5. E. Lathrop was elected in 1866. M. A. Fuller was his successor, and held the office for four years. A. Z. Putnam was again elected as his successor, and held the office one term. J. F. BENCH AND BAK. 699 Pope was elected in 1874, and held for two terms ; he was succeeded by F. J. Collier, of Wabasha, who held the office for one term and was succeeded by A. Z. Putnam, who was for the fourth time elected to the office in 1 879. F. J. Collier was again elected in the fall of 1883, and is now the present incumbent. DISTRICT AND COUNTY ATTOENETS. The Hon. Thomas Wilson was district attorney in 1856, suc- ceeded by Samuel Cole, of Winona county, who held the office until the organization of the state. In- the fall of 1857 John W. Tyson was elected county attorney, and was succeeded by S. L. Campbell, who held the office one term and resigned ; he was succeeded by John B. Davis, who held the office for two years and was again elected in 1865. J. D. Jacquith was elected in 1863, holding the office till 1865. W. W. Scott was elected county attorney in the fall of 1866, and held the position for one term. John B. Davis was again elected in 1870, holding the office for one term, and was succeeded by J. H. Hahn ; elected in the fall of 1872, holding the office three terms. George H. Matchin was elected in 1878, C. H. Benedict in 1880, and John McGovern in 1882, and is the present incumbent. SHEEIFFS. At the first election held in Wabasha county, at the residence of Augustine Eocque, in what is now the city of Wabasha, on the 11th day of October, 1853, Levi Murphy was elected sheriff. He having failed to qualify, the board of county commissioners, on the 13th of March, 1854, appointed Dr. F. H. Milligan sheriff of the county, and he gave bonds and entered upon the duties of his office. In the fall of that year Amos Wheeler was elected sheriff of the county ; he was succeeded in 1866 by Blois S. Hurd, who resigned his office and K. M. Piner was appointed to fill the vacancy, and was elected at the next general election and held the office till Janu- ary, 1860. H. W. Butts was his 'successor, holding the office for one term. Wm. B. Lutz was sheriff in 1862-3 ; his successor was H. H. Slayton, who held the office for two terms. S. H. Smith succeeded him and held the office two terms. William Box was elected in the fall of 1867, his successor was L. M. Gregg, who held the office for two terms, and was succeeded by the present incum- bent, Henry Burkhardt, who was elected in 1881 and re-elected in the fall of 1883. CHAPTEE LXI. THE MEDICAL FRATERNITY. The history of tlie medical profession of any county in any state bordering on the Mississippi river will refer us to "a time antedating the occupation of any land by. the white inhabitant. The various tribes of American Indians were advised by their medicine- men, from whom they expected relief no less signal than that required by their white successors. The lower the tribes remained in the scale of intelligence, as a tribe, the more they looked for cures from some irrational source, and so the medicine-man entered upon his duties with the flourish of trumpets and the beating of gongs, and continued the orgies until the disease had been driven out from the patient or the patient had died. The early citizens of the city of "Wabasha will all remember the latter days of March, 1858, when for three long nights the wakeful ones could hear the assembled medicine-men on the opposite bank of the river, from dusk until daylight, curing a poor So, who for two years had been the victim of consumption. The poor fellow was shrouded and the trees bore his body before they bore leaves in that spring, even if the consump- tives did flock to Minnesota from all parts of the Union to escape death fi'om that dreaded disease. But howling over the prostrate form of the sick or wounded to drive away some evil spirit which they imagined the cause of the disease, was not the only claim which the native medicine-man had to entitle him to the degree of doctor in medicine. There can be no valid denial to the claim that the Indians of North America possessed a knt)wledge of what roots were edible, before contacts either with the pilgrims or with the John Smith colony ; then why not go one step further and accord them some skill in selection of roots and bark that were medicinal ? There is a precedent in Wabasha for this acknowledgment, in that after the horsepower and threshing-machine had been domiciled in this county, an Indian, not knowing that it was loaded, put his foot so far into the gearing, tliat a consultation of graduates of Jefferson Medical College decided and informed him of the result of their council, which was that amputation was the only hope to save his THE MEDICAL FEATEENITY. YOl life. ' The Indian declined the amputation and called another physician, who gave him every encouragement that he might still have a useful foot, with good treatment and care. He permitted the physician to dress the foot by the method which, previous to the date of "Listerism," gave promise of the best results attainable. Three days afterward the physician found his dressings all removed and the foot enveloped in about a peck of pounded barks and roots, from which the foot emerged to chase the deer before midwinter. The Indian surgeons of Wabasha county were- not unskilled in the "lost art" of venisection, as the median basilic of many an Indian witnesses to this day. They were also skilled in the art of "cupping," or drawing blood by scarifying, and producing a vacuum with a cup of horn, and the mark of that on the temple or other parts of the body is a testimony to that claim. But the day will come when the medicine-man must give way to his more ambitious white brother ; and so the first rhan who announced himself as a practitioner of the healing art in the county of Wabasha took up his abode in the city of Wabasha and announced himself as Dr. M'Thurston. What medical lore he was master of he brought with him from the "Green Isle." His stay was short, for though he was temperate, law-abiding and kindhearted, he was a descendant of Adam, and the woman tempted him, and he, like the Arab, folded his tent and gave place to a successor, and in the autumn of 1853 the first physician upon whom had been conferred the degree of M.D. located in Wabasha to practice his profession in the person of Dr. 'F. H. Milligan. For two or three years he enjoyed the field alone, not only the whole of Wabasha county, but the whole - region on both sides of the river, a territory almost equal to a New England State. In 1857 he left the county and located at Hastings, Dakota county, but returned to Wabasha in 1858, and has continued to practice his profession to the present time. In the winter of 1855-6 Dr. J. P. Bowen arrived on the ground and soon formed a copartnership with Dr. Milligan, which continued for a year. Dr. Bowen remained at Wabasha until the spring of 1859, when he left for a less severe q^ftia;te. In the year 1855 Dr. Geo. F. Childs and Dr. N. S. Teft located in the flourishing village of Minneiska, and continued in the practice of medicine, both in town and country, until I860,, when Dr. Childs went to Washington, D. C. ; and Dr. Teft removed to Plainview, where he has led an active and laborious life 702 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTS. in his profession, except when he has been called by his constituents to sit in the councils of the lawmakers of the state. In the earlj' spring of 1856 Dr. O. S. Lont took up a residence in Mazeppa. Of modest demeanor, genial and kindhearted, he did not claim to his compeers to be a graduate of any school ; his leaning was to the non-heroic in practice, and by a conservative practice he won many friends. The writer will never forget a case of fracture, maltreated in such a manner and degree that a loss of the limb was the result, which case might have been his but for his retiring mod- esty. The doctor told the parties interested that he did not profess to be much of a surgeon, and so the case fell into the hands of those who did profess, but whose services resulted in the loss of the leg. We have always held the opinion that if Dr^ Lont had taken charge of the leg his usual modesty would have prevented him from spoiling it. In the summer of 1867 Dr. "W. L. Lincoln commenced the prac- tice of medicine in the city of Wabasha, and has devoted his life to his professional duties at the same place during the years as they have passed. In 1857 Dr. Chauncy Gibbs, of Painesville, Ohio, worn out by the practice of his profession, to renew his failing health and if possible to prolong his life, removed to a farm on the beautiful prairie where now is Plainview. He did not contemplate the practice of his pro- fession, but a noble soul can never know of suffering without oifer- ing relief, so he was again in the harness for a few short months, and the "wheel was broken at the cistern." The exact date is not obtained, but not far removed in point of time. Dr. 0. C. Vilas located at Lake City remaining a few years, and then removing to Michigan to return again to Lake City after the close of the war, which field he has constantly occupied to the present date. In 1860 Dr. Sheldon Brooks removed from Winona county to Minneiska ; and while he gave a large share of his time to business, he practiced his pi'ofession as the occasion demanded his services, and so he may be well among the men wlio have contributed their share to gi^* honor to the profession of Wabasha county. At this stage of our citation the war of the rebellion was precipita^ted upon our nation, and young physicians went to the field of strife from all parts of the land, and young men neglecting the halls of learning do not so fast obtain the title of doctor, save here and there a hospital steward who acquired the title by brevet. After the restoration ot THE MEDICAL FEATEENIl'Y. T03 peace and prosperity the profession of medicine began to take on new life, and as the number of physicians in the connty seemed to warrant, there was a movement toward the formation of a medical society, and a tacit understanding was indulged in by those who had been in the practice of medicine in "Wabasha and Plainview as to the status of a county medical society ; but this arrangement did not carry. Dr. Yilas had left Lake City and it was. not known that there was a graduate in medicine in active practice there at that time. The initiatory steps were, however, taken at Lake City, but no clue to the date is at hand or any official record of the society. The iirst tangible point as found in the records is that an informal meeting was held at Lake City on the 25th ult. , when the permanent organi- zation of a county medical society was established. Dr. F. H. MilHgan, president ; Dr. E. C. Spaulding, of Lake City, secretary. The slip cut from the local weekly newspaper was clipped of its date. Dr. Spaulding was not engaged in the practice of medicine, but a newspaper man of Lake City, which may account for the manner of the records. Dr. E. N. Murray, who was at this time engaged in the milling business, soon after this meeting entered upon a practice at Lake Qty. Dr. W. H. Spafford, of the same place, belonged to this organization until his death. Dr. Isaac J. Wells was also one of the charter members, as was Dr. P. C. Kemondino, a graduate of Jefferson College, Philadelphia, but a convert to the tenets of Hahnemann, and his advertisement was yet in the paper that pub- lished the organic transactions of the society. An important item of business at this meeting was a bid for medical attendance on the county poor, and it was resolved to propose to the county com- missioners to perform the duties of county physician and surgeon for one year for eight hundred dollars, and, if the proposition be accepted, to purchase with the same instruments and books for the benefit of the members. The proposition was accepted by the commissioners, but so far as can be ascertained there are now no books or instru- ments in possession of the society. In December, 1869, is a record of a meeting at Lake City, when a motion was carried to elect Dr. J. P. "Waste and Dr. N. iS. Teft, of Plainview, members, when they shall have signed the constitution and paid the membership fee. "Who were present at the meeting does not appear there, and a future record would lead us to infer that Dr. "Waste and Teft were not present, for we next find note of a 704 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. meeting January 7, 1870, at the office of Dr. Teft in Flainview, at which meeting the two were unanimously elected members. On December 8, 1870, is a record of a meeting at the office of Dr. Milligan, and a more methodical secretary appears in the field. A list of the members present is recorded, among which we find the name of Dr. F. Lessing, a young man who went to the war from Wabasha. He served as hospital steward ; at the expiration of his term he went toi Philadelphia and graduated from the university of Pennsylvania, after which he located at Wabasha. The other name new in the record was the recording secretary. How or when these two joined does not appear, nor when Dr. B. F. La Eue, of Lake City, was chosen secretary, but they entered at the "strait gate," for they were not the kind of men to ' ' climb up some other way. June 20, 1871, records a meeting at Lake City with Dr. G. E. Patton's name added to the list of members, with no intimation when he became a member. Dr. Patten removed from'tlincinnati, Ohio, and located at Lake City in 1871 ; and it is to be presumed he was elected a member then and there at the same meeting. Dr. J. C. Adams was elected an honorary member. Dr. Adams was at this time rector of the Episcopal church at Lake City, which accounts for the designation honorary member. The record here reads : "The second annual meeting of the Wabasha County Medical Society con- vened at Dr. Teft's office at Plainview, January 16, 1872. By vote of the society. Dr. Wm. L. Lincoln, of Wabasha, and Dr. Bacon, of Mazeppa, were elected members. Dr. Spafford was chosen presi- dent ; Dr. Lincoln, vice-president, and Dr. La Eue, secretary. On June 4, 1872, the society convened at the house of Dr. Lincoln, at Wabasha, with all the members present, and the records are com- plete ; papers and discussions on subjects of interest to the profession occupied the time until dinner was announced. Immediately after the repast, the following resolutions were passed : " Resolved, That we, the members of the Wabasha County Medical Society, would request the county authorities to procure a more suitable and central , position for a county poor farm, the present building being totally unfit for such a purpose, and the distance from medical aid being too great." Another item of the records of this meeting is worthy of note, as follows: "Upon request the society then visited the county jail to examine it in reference to ventilation. They found upon the plans of the architect a complete system for ventilating the cells, which had not been carried out in the building. Alas for 'post prandial' WM L. LINCOLN. THE MEDICAL FRATERNITY. ' 705 judgment in that matter, for the sanitarian knows that with such a constructed jail there never could be a decently healthy condition of the cells by any system of ventilation. " A break in the records brings us to June 7, 1875, when the meeting convened at the oflBce of Drs. Milligan and Tupper at Wabasha. In the absence of the secretary Dr. Stone was chosen secretary pro tern. When he became a member does not appear, but there are good precedents for his membership without such record. At the meeting Dr. J. P. Davis, of Kellogg, and Dr. E. A. Tupper, a partner of Dr. Milligan, and Dr. W. F. Adams, now of Elgin, were voted members of the society. On June.l, 1876, the society met at the office of Dr. J. C. Adams, of Lake City, who, at some time since he was elected an honorary member, had retired from the pulpit and entered the no less important profession of medicine, and he was now the honored president at this meeting. Dr. F. W. Van Dyke was elected a member and was made treasurer of the society. The next recor^ informs us that the society met at the office of Drs. Lincoln & Yan Dyke, at Wa*basha, when Dr. Low, of Wabasha, was elected a member and made treasurer. One of the trophies of the surgeon's art exhibited at this meeting was a codfish rib, two inches long, removed from the "recto ischiatic fossa," and yet the patient never remembered to have swallowed a whole cod- fish. Another important item in the report of this meeting was the treatment, by the secretary, of a surgical disease "by instrumenta- tion." Whether the disease was cured does not appear from the newspaper slip containing the report of the meeting, but the secre- tary has the honor of seeing his case reported in print, and his word, which appeared in print for the first time, there to await the coming lexicographer, to gather it into the spoken language of the future. Fortunately the disease is one which is as likely to fall under the obsei-vation of the " tyro " in surgery as into the hands of the grey-beard, and so will lead to no confusion. On the 10th of June, 1878, the report shows that the meeting was held at Alma, Wisconsin, and as neither president or vice- president were present. Dr. N. S. Teft was elected president pro tem. Dr. Charles W. Tinker, of Wabasha, now of Stewart, was elected a member of the society. A vote was carried to expel all members who were in arrears for dues. On October 1 a motion was carried that an order for eleven dollars be drawn on the 42 706 ' HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. treasurer to pay the fare of the eleven who came to the meeting on the steamboat Sien ; but even then doctors, leaders in humanitarian measures, forgot to vote a half-peck of oats to the horses of those who came by that method of transportation. A motion was carried requesting the newspapers of the county "to publish those sections of the national code of ethics relating to quackish advertisements and handbills." Whether the press honored the request, the writer is not advised, but if such was the case, it must have had much the same effect as the pope's bull did on Martin Luther. The quack will reveal himself in or out of the profession, and the tiniehearted physician will labor for the love of humanity and the love of that God "in whose hands our very breath is," and both, receive their coveted reward. In 1879, on June 12, at which meeting no new members were elected and the membership was reduced by the expulsion of Dr. Seller, of Alma, and Dr. Tupper, now of Zumbrota, Goodhue county, for neglecting to pay dues, the record of expulsion appears to be more methodical than most records. On September 14, 1880, the record shows the annual meeting to have convened at Wabasha, at the office of Dr. Milligan, where the first item reads as follows: "Dr. Patton's resignation read and accepted ; " and next in order Drs. E. 0. Davis, of Plainview, and H. N. Rogers, of Zumbro Falls, were elected members. Dr. Davis was a citizen of Plainview, a student with Drs. Teft & Waste. After graduating in medicine he remained in the town where he had- been reared, and entered upon a successful practice, in which he continued for two years, until removed by death. The annual meeting of the society was held June 14, 1881, at the office of Dr. Lont, at Mazeppa, and a motion prevailed to pay the expenses of those coming from abroad out of the current funds of the society, and so by implication, and is in accordance with memory, that at some former period the society voted to -receive into membership physicians living in the near towns in Wisconsin. Just why tjie physicians of Wisconsin should be paid for attending the meetings is not apparent. Dr. Boyd, of Millville, was elected member at this meeting. In 1882 the annual meeting was held at Plainview. Dr. A. E. Baldwin, a native of that place, a graduate of Chicago Medical Col- lege, and Dr. E. A. Gove, of Millville ; also W. E. Taber, graduate of the Missouri Dental College, were elected members of the society. THE MEDICAL FEATEENITY. 70T Dr. Baldwin and Dr. Adams, of Elgin, were appointed a committee to draft resolutions of respect to the memory of our late brother. Dr. E. C. Davis. The annual meeting of 1883 was held June 12, at Wabasha, at which meeting no new members were elected ; but that fact does not indicate a loss of vitality in the society, but would rather suppose there were no new doctors in the field. Our brethren who affect the granula and attenuation theory are represented in the county, and have been for some years, by the "jolly medicine-man " Charles W. Crary, who reports himself a graduate of Albany Medical Col- lege, in 1858, and also of Jefferson Medical College, in 18Y0, which fact does not look like attenuation in regard to diplomas. Any attempt at an epitome of history of the medical profession in our county would appear incomplete if the name of Dr. Cun-y were left out. A cultured, gesitlemanly Scotchman arrived from Canada in the early years of the war, having brothers, friends and acquaintances of the same nationality in the county. He located at Lake City, but previous to his coming here disease had shaken his large and well- knit frame, and to bring relief from suffering he had resorted to the "drug which enslaves," and his days were soon numbered. The doctrine of heredity is exemplified in the medical profession of Wabasha in the person of Dr. E. A. Patton, of Minneapolis, son of Dr. Patton, of Lake City, and again in Dr. William H. Lincoln, of Chicago, son of Dr. Lincoln, of Wabasha. The Wabasha County Medical Society seems now to be on a firm basis and will undoubt- edly exert a good influence on the members of the profession, and wiU recommend its good work to the general public. CHAPTER LXIL COUNTY POORHOUSE. Peioe to the admission of Minnesota as a state into the Union Ih 1858, the care of the poor in the several counties devolved upon the county commissioners, who were empowered to appoint an overseer of the poor, and levy- such taxes as were necessary for the relief of the indigent within their several county borders. Upon the pas- sage of the township act in August, 1858, providing for the organiza- Y08 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTT. tion of townships throughout the state, and presenting the number and duties of town officers, a radical change was made in the poor- law, by which an overseer of the poor was to be chosen in each township, and the town authorities given the custody and cliarge of their own poor. By this same legislature (1858) the chairman of the several township boards in the county were made a county board of supervisors, and upon them devolved the management of the county business ; but the care of the poor was not included in the list of their prescribed duties, that matter being committed to the town- ships as such. By act of February 28, 1860, the provision for a board of county supervisors, composed of the chairmen of the various town boards, was abrogated, and the present arrangettient, dividing the county into commissioner districts, was adopted. ' By the new law two or more townships were to be united into one com- missioner district, according to population, one> commissioner to be elected from each district, and the commissioners thus elected to form the board of county commissioners, whose duties were very largely the same as those formerly devolving upon the ' ' board of supervisors for the county." By this act no change was made in the regulations for the oversight and care of the poor, each township having independent control and taking individual care of its own poor. Four years later, March 4, 1864, a radical change was made in the law for the support and maintenance of the poor, and since then the matter has remained almost at rest, so far as any change of method is concerned. By this act the care and maintenance of the poor was made a county instead of a township charge, and the county com- missioners, by virtue of their office, were made superintendents of the poor of their respective counties, and to theni was committed the management of any poorhouse, farm, workhouse, etc., provided for the comfort, support or employment of the poor, maintained at public expense, and by them the overseer of such poorhouse or farm was to be appointed. It was in accordance with the provisions of this act that the county commissioners of Wabasha county, after having made temporary provision for the care of the poor within the county for some time, purchased in 1867 the first poor-farm owned by the county. This was a tract of one hundred and sixty acres on Sec. 11, T. 109, K. 13 W., of the P.M., lying in the town of Hyde Park, about one and one-half miles north of the Zumbro river. The COUNTT POOEHOUSB. T09 purchase price was four thousand two hundred dollars, and the county commissioners put the farm and the management of their poor under the supervision of George Bartholmew, who held that office until the county poorhouse was removed from -Hyde Park to Wabasha in 1873. The county commissioners in 1873, recognizing the undesirableness of attempting to care for their poor on a large farm in a secluded part of the county remote from the county build- ings, where their meetings were necessarily held, exchanged the property in Hyde Park for that now occupied as the poorhouse grounds. This property comprises a tract of thirty-two acres of land, 'situated on the east side of the public highway running from Wabasha to Kellogg, the poorhouse standing abou); One mile from the court-house. The buildings at that time upon the property were quite inadequate to the uses required of them. The main building had been erected originally for a barn, and was afterward converted into a dancehonse. This building was rearranged at the expense of the original owner, and taken possession of by the county in 1873. In 1879 a comfortable hospital for the comfort of the county wards was built. This building, 20x30, two stories in height, of brick, in which is the dispensatory, stands near the north line of the, poor- house premises, a little retired from the road, but as it interferes with the prospect from the new county-house, now approaching completion, it will very probably be moved to the rear. The old building contained twelve rooms, and in these, to date, August 1, 1883, were seventeen persons, among them three insane, one idiotic and one blind. The county provides clothing and medicines, and the superintendent supplies food and care at a certain contract price per head. No attempt is made to work the land by pauper labor, but inmates are required to help themselves in all proper ways, and do such light work as the wisdom of the overseer considers fitted for them. The present cost of maintaining the indigent of the county at the county-house is about three thousand dollars per annum. George Bartholmew was succeeded by Samuel Demery, who had charge of the county-house from 1873 to 1876, when Mr. Bartholmew was reappointed, and remained as superintendent until the county-house was placed in charge of the present incumbent, F. J. Collier, who assumed his duties as superintendent February 20, 1878. The new county building now in process of erection under con- tract with Messrs. Alexander & Lutz, of Lake City, is really a 710 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. credit to the county. The building presents a very imposing appear- ance ; architecturally it is well proportioned, and the durability of its construction will not be questioned by those who have watched its erection, or carefully examined the materials of which it is built. The plans were drawn by E. Alexander, of Lake City, the original contractor, who afterward associated with him Mr. Wm. B. Lutz; also of Lake City, and by them it was erected. The extreme length of the front wing, facing westward, is seventy-six feet eight inches ; of the side wing, facing north, sixty-four feet four inches ; the sides of the inner angle are forty-nine feet and thirty-two feet respectively; the walls rise twenty-seven feet above the water-table, and the roof will be of tin.' There are porticoes over the two main entrances on the west and north, and a porch along the entire length of the southern side of the shorter wing. There is a solid stone foundation under all, in building which sixty-eight cords of stone were used, and the walls contain two hundred thousand brick. Ground was broken in the early summer, the first stone was laid in the foundation June 1, and work pushed so rapidly that the walls were completed August 4. The contract requires the completion of the entire, structure September 15, and the work goes on with every prospect of accomplishing it within the specified time. The original contract was for seven thousand nine hundred and forty dollars, but some changes have been made in water-tables and other particulars, which will bring the total cost to eight thousand two hundred and fifty dollars. The building is lighted by seventy-two windows — those in the lower story having lights of 14xiO inches ; the upper story 14x36 inches, all four-light sash. The walls of basement are seventeen inches in thickness ; of superstructure, twelve inches. The basement contains the furnace and laundry, in addition to the usual cellar room, and there is an excellent cistern with a capacity of two hundred and thirty barrels. The window and door sills are of solid stone, and there is a very substantial as well as ornate appearance to the entire structure. J. Cole Doughty & Co., of Lake City, supply the furnaces and put on the roof; Jewell & Schmidt, of "Wabasha, furnish all other hardware. The superin- tendent's rooms and the kitchen are in the east wing ; the dining- room and quarters for the inmates in the main wing, fronting the public highway. The kitchen is 15 X 17 feet ; the dining-room 25 X 18 feet; the rooms for inmates are each 8x11 feet. The lower hall is ten feet four inches, upper hall six feet, and there are three stair- SOCIETIES. 711 cases, varying in width from three feet eight inches to three feet. The building contains twenty-nine rooms, all told — thirteen down- stairs, twenty-six in upper story. The whole arrangement is such as to economize space and labor in caring for the county's wards, without couiining them to cramped quarters or vitiated air. There are six inmates, whose ages range from sixty-five to eighty-four years. Gertie Day, a simpleminded girl, is the oldest case of the poor- house, having been an inmate for ten years. CHAPTER LXIII. SOCIETIES. MASONIC FEATEENITl'. The establishment of the masonic order in the city of Wabasha was effected at a very early date ; the organization of the first lodge of the A. F. & A. M. at this point antedating the incorporation of the city about a year and a half. The population of the city at that time probably aggregated six hundred, among whom were several who, remembering the old days when they were wont to -be called from labor to refreshment, determined to establish a lodge of the craft in the new home they had chosen for themselves in the then far northwest. Accordingly a petition for a dispensation to open and conduct a masonic lodge, to be known as Wapahasa Lodge, No. 14, of Wabasha, Minnesota, was forwarded to Grand Master A. T. C. Pierson. A dispensation was granted October 22, 1856, and on the 7th of January, 1857, a charter was issued, under the authority of the grand lodge, empowering S. L. Campbell, J. J. Stone, F. J. Collier, S. A. Kemp, Lindsay Seals, Wm. Pierson and B. A. Grub to open a lodge of A. F. & A. M., to be. called Wapa- hasa, No. 14, of the State of Minnesota. The lodge was organized in due form with S. L. Campbell, W.M.; J. J. Stone, S.W.; and F. J. Collier, J.W. The original lodge room was in a new building on the corner of Walnut street and the Levee, which had been erected for general merchandising purposes by Campbell Gambler & Pendleton. This building was at that time the best store building in the city, and the new lodge room, in the upper story was a very creditable meeting-place for the craft. The site upon which this 712 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTT. landmark of early times stood was the ground now occupied by the Midland railroad depot, and the old building is now used as a paint shop, corner of Main and Walnut streets. From their quarters in the upper story of this structure the Masons subsequently removed to the upper story of the Ijrick building on Main street, between AUeghaney and Pembroke streets, at that time occupied by Luger Bros, as a furniture warehouse and salesroom. From Luger's, in 1870 the lodge removed to the third story of the Campbell House block, since burned. The upper story of this building, which stood just west of the present Masonic block, corner of Main and AUe- ghaney streets, had been erected by special contract with the mem- bers of the masonic order, who had contributed six hundred dollars toward the erection of the block, in consideration of which, and a stipulated rental, a lease was executed for a specified term of years. In 1878 the craft removed to the third story of John Schirtz' build- ing, one block east of the Campbell House, and thei'e remained until the completion of their own building, Masonic block, of which they took possession December 1, 1880. This building was the out- growth of a desire on the part of the fraternity in this city to secure a prominent location for themselves by erecting a building of their own. Accordingly, in 1880, the Masonic Building Association was organized, having for its object the erection of a suitable masonic building. The capital stock was placed at ten thousand dollars, shares ten dollars each. Only fifty per cent of the face value of the shares was called for. The building was erected, and care taken to regulate the issue of stock so as to insure its absolute control by members of the order. The conditions of the issue were such as provided for the gradual redemption of all stock certificates by the masonic lodge in its corporate capacity, and this result is being steadily reached. The rate of interest was fixed at seven per cent, Wapahasa lodge taking one hundred shares, and of those outstanding all are held, with two exceptions, by members of the masonic fraternity. The annual rental of the lodge room is fixed at one hundred and fifty dollars by the board of directors. Masonic block is a substantial brick struc- ture, solid stone foundations, tin roof, and rises two stories above he basement, with side walls of thirty feet. It fronts fifty feet on Main, corners on AUeghaney street, and has a depth of eighty feet. Only the west half of the block is owned by the masonic fraternity, and of this they occupy only the second story, the main floor, 25X80) being occupied by the United States ppstoflice department, at a SOCIETIES. 713 rental of one hundred and eighty dollars per annum. The lodge room proper is 24x50 feet within walls, with ceilings oi 12^ feet. It ib very handsomely furnished and decorated, the symbols of the order duly displayed, and all the appointments in excellent taste. The anteroom 12x30, and the preparation-room, of same size, are also comfortably carpeted and furnished, and there are ample closets and cabinets for the regalia and other insignia .and paraphernalia of both blue-lodge and chapter. The cost of building, in round figures, was five thousand dollars ; cost of furnishing, about nine hundred dollars. The whole number of master masons who have been connected with Wapahasa lodge from its institution, nearly twenty-seven years ago, to date, aggregates two hundred and four. The present membership is seventy, and twenty-four have gone out from the earthy portals at the call of the Grand Master, to lay the designs upon their tressleboards before Him and submit their work for inspection. The present oflicers of "Wapahasa lodge are : J. A. Peck, W.M. ; C. J. Stauff, S.W.; B. Florer, J.W.; Paul Miller, Secretary ; J. H. Evans, Treasurer; H. S. Elkins, S.D. ; Pearl Eoundy, J.D. ; Thos. Koundy, TUer; Chas. Hirschy, S.S. ; J. Geugnagel, J.S. The names of those who have been stationed in the east, west and south since the organization of Wapahasa lodge, twenty-seven years ago, are herewith appended. The list will awaken many memories among the surviving members of the lodge and recall many names almost forgotten. The list is official. YEAK. 1856.. 1857.. 1858.. 1859. . i860.. 1861.. 1862.. 1863. . 1864. . 1865. . 1866. . 1867.. 1868. . 1869.. 1870. . 1871.. 1872. . 1873.. 1874.. 1875. . 1876.. W. MASTER. J. WAKDEN. S. WABDEN. J.J.Stone F.J. Collier. J. J. Stone F. J. Collier. J. J. Stone F. J. Collier. S. L. Campbell John Hitt. Wm. Pierson Wm. B. Lutz. S. S. Burlesson J. J. Stone. E. F. Dodge .S. S. Kepler. A. S. Mills A. G. Foster. U. B. Shaver H. Beall. U. B. Shaver H. W.«Rose. H. W. Eose J. W. Tyson. W. H. Eobinson H.N. Smith. W. H. Eobinson H. N. Smith E. BuUard. . . .W. H. Eobinson H. N. Smith Bradford Almy. . . . S. L. Campbell . ...S.L.Campbell. . . . S. L. Campbell . . . .J. J.Stone . ..S. S. Burlesson. . . .S. L. Campbell. . . .S. L. Campbell. ...S.S.Kepler... ...A.S.Mills ...A.S.Mills . ..A. S. Mills H. W. Eose ..H.N. Smith Bradford Almy . . . .H. N. Smith Bradford Almy. . . . .H. N. Smith Bradford Almy. . . . .Bradford Almy Wm. Green . . .Bradford Almy M. Kennedy . . .H. N. Smith ; . . .E. J. Dugan W. H. Campbell. . . . J. H. Evans Jos. Buisson I. J. Pennock. ...T.S. Van-Dyke. . . .E. E. Stearns. . . . E. E. Stearns. ...J. A. Peck. . . . J. H. Evans. 7M HISTOET OF WABASHA COTJNTY. YEAR. "W. MASTER. 1877 R. E.Stearns 1878 I.J. Pennock 1879 1. J. Pennock 1880 J. A. Peck... 1881 J. A. Peck... 1882 J. A. Peck... 1883 Jos. Buisson. 1884 J. A. Peck... S. WARDEN. .1. J. Pennock .H. P. Krick .. .H.J.Smith .. .J. M. Martin . .H.S. Ellins.. .H. S.Elkins.. .C. J. Stauff ... J. WARDEN. ...Wm. Box. ...C.J. Stauff. . . . R. E. Stearns. ...H. S.Elkins. ...S.S.Nichols. . . .8. S. Nichols. S. Myrtetus. . C. J. Stauff B. Florer. Relief Chapter, JVo. 35, E.A.M. — Wapahasa Lodge, Ko. 14, had been in existence twenty-four years, and the masonic building was just completed when the members oi the craft deemed it wise to take steps toward the establishment of a chapter, that such as desired might receive instruction in the more advanced work of the craft, as exemplified in the higher orders of Masonry. A dispensation to form a chapter was accordingly petitioned for. This dispensation was granted December 12, 1880, and on October 11, 1881, a charter was issued by the grand chapter of the state, constituting Eelief Chapter, 'So. 35, of Wabasha, Minnesota, naming the following as charter members : Jos. Buisson, C. J. Stauff, Francis Talbot, H. N. Smith, A. Campbell, A. J. Bent, W". H. Campbell, David Cratte and I. J. Pennock. The chapter has now had a successful and prosperous existence of over two years, during which time fifty-three members have been borne upon its rolls. Of these three have demitted, leaving a present membership of fifty. The work of the chapter is now conducted under the following official leadership: J. H. Mullen, M.E.H.; J. A. Peck, King; B. Florer, Scribe; Paul Miller, C. of H.; Kev. Jas. Cornell, Chap.; O. H. Porter, Sec; Francis Talbot, Treas.; Chas. J. Stauff, R. A. Cap.; R. E. Steams, G.M. of 3d v.; John Mealey, G.M. of 2d Y.; H. S. Elkins, G.M. of 1st V. ; Thos. Roundy, Sentinel. Bed Leaf Chapter, O.E.S. — No sooner had Relief Chapter, No. 35, R.A.M., been instituted and the work of instruction begun in their camp, than the establishment of a chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star was decided upon by the wives and daughters of the members of the masonic fraternity in this locality. The organization was effected, and on January 12, 1881, Red Leaf Chapter, No. 10, Order of the Eastern Star, was duly instituted with the following- named charter members : Mesdames Franc. D. Clarke, Mary I. Staufl, Ellen L. Dugan, Anna L. Walton, Carrie E. Krick, Emma S. Peck, Susan S. Robinson, Barbara Porter,. Selma Oswald, and Messrs. W. A. Clarke, C. J. Stauff, E. J. Dugan, H. Oswald. Regular SOCIETIES. 715 communications are held in .the masonic temple on the first and third Fridays of each month. The chapter has had a healthy growth during the two years and a half it has been in existence, and there are now forty-eight members upon its rolls. One of the objects of the order being the promotion of the social life of its members, the ladies of Red Leaf chapter have recently furnished their closets in the anterooms of the masonic temple with the necessary linen and tableware for the tables that are spread from time to time in their banqueting-room. The funds for this purpose were raised at a very enjoyable masquerade given by the ladies of'Eed Leaf on January 18th, 1883. The oflScers of the chapter, for 1883 are:' Susan S. Eobinson, W.M.; Chas. J. Stauff, W.P; Ellen L. Dugan, A.M.; Anna L. Walton, Sec; Mary J. Stauff, Treas. ; Emma S. Peck, Cond.; Mary E. Florer, A.C. The institution of Eed Leaf Chapter has been a decided gain to the social life of the masonic order in this city. Its work in this direction, and in th'e care of the sick, and in such other ministries and helps as naturally fall within the sphere of the obligations of its members, is just such work as is everywhere needed to crown all fraternal association with the highest possible good. Eed Leaf chapter is the only chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star in the county. I.O.O.F. Teutonia Lodge, No. 19, I. O. O.F. — The only subordinate lodge of the Independent Order of Odd-Fellows in this city works only in the German language, and is the outgrowth of the German Aid Society established in "this city in 1860. This "aid" society was a local organization, having for its object the promotion of social relations among its members and the care of its members in case of sickness. It had a numerous membership and was in quite a flourishing condition for some years after it began opera- tions. But it was soon apparent that its benefits could not be extended beyond the limits of its own pale, and as its members removed from the city, they were. thenceforth debarred from all benefit connected therewith. Accordingly, in 1867, a committee of five was appointed by the society to take the situation under consid- eration, examine into the workings of the various aid or fraternal associations having a national existence, and report which one, in their opinion, was the nearest allied in its objects and work to then- own local aid society. This committee consisted of F. L. Eiechter, 716 HISTOEY OF WABASHA COUNTY. L. Gintner, John Satori, J. T. Gintaer and F. Kling, who, aft( due examination and consideration, reported in favor of the 1. 0. 0. F as most nearly answering the ends sought. The report of tl: committee was approved, and they were further instructed to pr ceed to Plainview, Wabasha county, where there was a lodge of tl Odd-Fellows order, receive initiation into tlie same, and so be pr pared to take all necessary steps to secure a lodge of the order i Wabasha. The duties assigned the committee were duly performed a paper was circulated among the members of the "Aid Society to ascertain how many of the members were willing to enter a Odd-Fellows lodge when formed, and all things proving satisfactor the five members forming the committee of the Aid Society, beir now members of the I.O.O.F. at Plainview, petitioned the gran lodge for permission to open and conduct a lodge of the I.O.D.l in Wabasha. The petition was duly granted, and on September 5 the lodge was organized as Teutonia Lodge, No. 19, I.O.O.F., i Wabasha, with F. L. Kiechter, J. T. Ginthner, John Satori, L. Ginthn( and F. Kling as charter members. The first meeting of the lodf was held in the hall in the third story of Schwirtz block, and coi tinued to meet there until 1876, when they removed to the secon story of John Satori's building, northeast corner of Main and Pen broke streets, which quarters they occupied till the completion of the: , own building in the fall of 1882. This is a solid brick structur( stone foundation ; window and door caps and sills also of stone two stories in height, fronting twenty-eight feet on Main street an running seventy-five feet to the rear. The lodge room is 26 X 50 fe( within walls, thirteen feet between joists, and very pleasantly an comfortably furnished. The anteroom is 18x24, and is furnishe with cabinets for the ensignia and paraphernalia of the encampmen and such other furniture as is necessary. The whole number of members that have been connected wit Teutonia lodge, since it organization sixteen years ago, is one hui dred and eleven, one-half of whom are members at this date, th present number being fifty-six. Of the original charter memberi but three remain, one of the number dying while still connected wit the lodge here, F. Kling. The whole number of deaths in the lodg has been seven. Teutonia numbers among its members some of tt most solid business men of the city, and is ,in a fairly prosperoi condition. The three principal chairs of the lodge have been fille( as appears from the table herewith appended, since the institutio SOCIETIES. 717 of the lodge. The present oflBcers of the lodge are : Carl Krebs, N.G. -, Hermann Oswald, Y.G. ; Jos. Ginthner, secretary; Lucas Kuehn, treasurer; Michael Kuehn, E.S.N.G. ; Peter Taverna, L.S.N.G. ; Henry Baumgartner, E.S.V.G. ; Godfred Enckhaber, L.S.Y.G. ; J. T. Ginthner, ward : E. Eichenberger, cond. ; F. Bauin- garten, O.G. ; Gabriel Loechler, I.G. ; Fred Below, E.S.S. ; H. S. Ammerland, L.S.S. Oriental Encampment, I.O.O.F., No. 24, of Wabasha, was instituted February 23, 1883, with eight charter mem- bers, the charter being countersigned by Grand Patriarch Eomaine Shire, and Grand Secretary J. Fletcher Williams. The names of the charter members, as they appear upon the charter displayed on the walls of the lodge-room, are : Herman Oswald, John Schermully, C. H. Crause, Henry Burkhardt, F. H. Milligan, M.D., Paul Casparis, E. J. Dugan and Michael Kuehn. The work of the encampment is conducted in the English language, and the order has had a very satisfactory growth since its institution, about six months ago. The present membership is twenty-nine, and there is not a meeting of the encampment at which there is not one or more applications for membership. The stated meetings of the emcamp- ment are held on the second and fourth Friday evenings of each month, and are well attended, the interest in the work of the encampment being well sustained. The list of officers (elective) now fiUing the various chairs of Oriental, No. 24, are : Hermann Oswald, C.P. ; John Schumuly, S.W. ; F. H. Milligan, H.P. ; E. J. Dugan, J.W. ; Paul Casparis, scribe; Henry Burkhardt, treasurer. YEAR. NOBLE GRAND. VICE-GRAND. SEC. J867 F. L. Riechter L. Gintner John Satori. 1868 Theo. Ginthner H. Dieterle J. T. Ginthner. 1868 H. Dieterle Anton Schnitzler Peter Kirsch. 1869 John Satori Frank Bhomberg Paul Casparis. 1869 Frank Bhomberg Michael Kuehn Paul Casparis. 1870 Michael Kuehn John Voelker Phil Grnb. 1870 John Voelker L. E. Hanemann John Satori. 1871 Michael Kuehn Phil Grub John Satori. 1871 Phil Grub Ferd. Luger J. T. Ginthner. 1872 Ferdinand Luger Felix Koelmel John Satori. 1872 Felix Koelmel J. T. Ginthner John Satori. 1873 J. T. Ginthner Godfrey Waelty John Satori. 1873 Hermann Dieterle -y. . Mathias Pesch'. John Satori. 1874 Mathias Pesch Peter Clavadetscher Phil Grub. 1874 P. Clavadetscher Fred Below Phil Grub. 1875 Fred Below Peter Taverna H. Dieterle. 1875 Peter Taverna Joseph Ginthner Paul Casparis. 1876 Joseph Ginthner John Schermuly Paul Ca,sparis. 1876 John Schermuly Lucas Kuehn John Satori. 1877 Hermann Dieterle Henry Burkhardt Phil Grub. 1877 Henry Burkhardt Paul Casparis Wm. Eiggert. 718 HISTOEY OF WABASHA COUNTY. YEAR. NOBLE GRAND. VICE-GRAND. SEC. 1878 John Satori : . . .C. E. Hermann Joseph Ginthner. 1878 C. E. Hermann Wm. Eiggert Joseph Ginthner. 1879 Wm. Eiggert Henry Baumgarten Joseph Ginthner. 1879 Henry Baumgarten John Luger Joseph Ginthner. 1880 John Luger Hermann Leasing Joseph Ginthner. 1880 Lucas Kuhn Lorenz Miller H. Dieterle. 1881 Lorenz Miller Edmund Giebel H. Dieterle. 1881 Edmund Giebel Theo. Klein John Satori. 1882 Theo. Klein Hermann Marquard. . . .John Satori. 1882 Hermann Marquard Carl Crebs Jos. Ginthner. 1883 Carl Krebs. . . H. Oswald ^ Jos. Ginthner. Bead's Land/ing Lodge, No. 81, I. 0. O.F. This subordinate lodge of the Independent Order of Odd-Fellows is of recent institu- tion, having been established about two years and a half since. It works in the English language and several of its members are from the city of Wabasha, two miles distant, the lodge of the order in that city conducting its work in the German language. Read's Landing Lodge was granted its charter February 26, 1881, and was duly instituted four days later, March 2, 1881. The charter members, five in number, were H. Burkhardt, P. Casparis, J. S. Walker, W. B. Mohler, S. B. Withrow. Of these W. B. Mohler was l^.G., J. S.. Walker, Y.G., and Paul Casparis, Sec. The first meeting was held in the hall of Burkhardt's block, and this has continued to be their place of meeting. The hall is centrally located, easy of access, comfortably furnished, and commodious. It fronts twenty feet on Water street and has a depth of forty -five fefit, ten feet of which are partitioned ofi!, in the rear, for anteroom. The meetings of the lodge are held each Wednesday evening and are well attended, particularly after navigation closes, as several of the members are rivermen. Pead's Landing, No. 81, has had a regular steady growth since its institution, and now numbers forty-eight members. One death has occurred since organization, that of O. A. Olsen. The chairs aiid stations of the lodge-room are filled for the present quarter as follows : W. C. Piers, N.G. ; Bruce Florer, Y.G. ; Paul Casparis, Sec; C. H. Crouse, Treas. ; Godfried Burkhardt, Ward. ; Peter Gibson, Cond.; Henry Burkhardt, R.S.N.G.; William Cady, L.S.N.G.; John Sanborn, E.S.V.G.; O. F. Collier, L.S.V.G.; E. Watkins, E.S.S.-, G. Burkhardt, L.S.S.; P. Peterson, O.G.; J. Johnson, I.G. ; E. J. Dugan, P. Petersen, William Cady, trustees. Henry Burkhardt was the first P.G. and has been D.D.G.M. since the institution of the lodge. SOCIETIES. 719 Officers filling the three highest chairs in Bead's Landing Lodge, No. 81, I.O.O.F., since its institution : YEAR. NOBLE GRAND. VICE GRAND. SEC. 1881 W. B. Mohler J. S. Walker P. Casparis. 1881 P.Casparig C. H. Grouse W. B. Mohler. 1882 C. H. Grouse Peter Gibson R. G. Burkhardt. 1882 P. Gibson William Palmer R. G. Burkhardt. 1883 J. S.Walker H. W. Black G. A. Hamilton. 1883 W. G. Piers Bruce Florer P. Gasparis. KNIGHTS OF HONOR. Wabasha Lodge, No. 677, K. ofH., was organized here April 5, 1877, with ten charter members, who filled the various ofiices of the lodge for the first term of its existence. Names of charter members and designated offices being: F. H. Milligan, P.D. ; J. G. Law- rence, D.; J. H. Mullen, V.D.; G. A. McDougall, A.D.; H. K Smith, Chap.; E. Hogle, Eeporter ; H. P. Krick, Fin. Kep.; W. S. McArthur, Treas. ; Jos. Buisson, Guardian ; W. J. Dazell, Sen- tinel. The Knights of honor is a fi-aternal association of about ten years' standing, 'its avowed objects being the mutual improvement of its members, mutu§l assistance in case of need, and the establish- ment, maintenance and disbursement of a fund for the benefit of the widows and orphans of deceased members. By the terms of its charter five thousand dollars is the limit it may pay of beneficiary money in any given case, but according to the regulations of the supreme body only two thousand dollars is to be paid upon any full rate certificate, and one-half that amount upon a half rate. Assess- ments upon members are graded according to age, and the order has had a reasonably rapid growth. There is but one jurisdiction, and the whole order is assessed to pay death losses, without reference to grand lodge lines or limits. The first meetings of the Wabasha Lodge, K. of H., were held in Masonic Hall, over Schwirtz' store, but the following year, 1877, the hall over J. Satori's store was rented and has been their place of meet- ing ever since. Two deaths have occurred among the members of the lodge here since its institution seven years since ; its growth, how- ever, has been slow, as the present membership indicates twenty- nine. Eegular meetings are held the second and fourth Mondays of each month. The affairs of the lodge are managed by the following board of officers : W. S. McArthur, P.D. ; Peter Munroe, D. ; H. N. Smith, A.D.; Peter Gibson, V.D.; Frank Stuetzel, Eep.; John 720 HISTOEY OF WABASHA COUNTY. Satori, FId. Kep. ; W. S. McArthur, Treas., Kobert Yan Dyke, Guide ; L. Pfeilsticker, Guardian ; L. C. Malin, Sentinel ; H. N. Smith, Peter Gibson and John Schmidt, Trustees. The medical examiner is F. H. Milligan, M.D., and W. S. McArthur is repre- sentative to grand lodge, with Joseph Buesson as alternate. EQUITABLE AID UNION. Wabasha Sitbordinate Hmon, No. 215, of the E.A.. TJ. was organized January 14, 1881, by E. G. Manley, Deputy Supreme President. The order has for its objects the benefit of its members socially and financially, the watch care over them in sickness, the performance of earth's last sad rites in case of death, and the pay- ment of such moneys to the family of a deceased member as they are entitled to by the terms of membership. All persons between the ages of sixteen and sixty-five years, of sound bodily health, are admitted to membership, irrespective of .sex. The Wabasha Union was organized with eighteen charter members, and up "to date of August 10, 1883, had initiated eighty-one members, of whom sixty were in good standing and entitled to all the benefits of the order at the date above noted. The Union cares f* its members in case of sickness, providing watchers and otherwise exercising fraternal care over those who are sick, but does not pay any stipulated sum in such case, only contributing, as the lodge may determine, to the support of those who really require assistance at such times. So also in case of death, while no burial fund is provided for the inter- ment of deceased members, the general fund is drawn upon for burial expenses of those who could illy afibrd to have such expenses taken from the benefit fund to which they are entitled at death of such member. Benefits are rated according to amount of individual assessment each member elects to pay, and his age at date of initiation. The payments vary from twenty-five cents to one dollar per member per assessment, which is levied whenever there is less than three thousand dollars in the treasury of the supreme lodge, and the benefits accruing in case of death are from two hundred to three thousand dollars, according to age and class of assessment. Yearly dues are three dollars per member, and the annual death rate calls for about thirteen assessments every twelve months. The order meets a want, among those particularly who can only afford a small amount of insurance, and doubles that benefit by extending the pro- visions without regard to sex. Wabasha Union holds its meetings Busmsss. 721 in the hall in Satori's block, corner of Pembroke and Main, which they rent jointly with the Knights of Honor. The present officers of "Wabasha Subordinate Union, No. 215, E.A.U., are: H. A. Chadwick, P.O.; T. H. Roundy, C; Bruce Florer, A.; M. W. Doud, P.; J. H. riper, Y.P.; H. P. Paine, Sec. ; Julius Schmidt, Act. ; H. P. Whiting, Treas. ; W. T. Lackey, Chap. ; Lucas Piper,, Aux.; Erick Hovde, Ward.; Emil Eichenberger, Sent.; August Balow, Watch.; S. G. Smith, Trustee; F. W. Yan Dyke, M.D., Med. Ex. CHAPTER LXIY. BUSINESS. WABASHA BUILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIATION. This association, having for its object the saving and loaning of moneys, to enable its members thereby to purchase lands and erect buildings for themsel\«s, was duly incorporated under the provisions of the statute of the state, in such cases provided, May 5, 1883f and the articles of incorporation filed with the secretary of state four days thereafter. The incorporators wei-e thirteen in number : Mal- colm Kennedy, C. Jellison, H. B. Jewell, John Stewart, John Schwirtz, E. J. Dugan, F. J. Luger, Andrew Campbell, Peter Mom-oe, C. L. Chamberlain, J. H. Evans, John Gardner and John Lakey. The incorporators composed the official board and the directory. Malcolm Kennedy was chosen president ; C. Jellison, secretary ; H. B. Jewell, treasurer ; John Stewart, attorney. The rest of the incorporators formed the board of managers for the first three years irom date of incorporation, and were divided into classes of three each, Messrs. Schurtz, Dugan and Luger serving for one * year, Messrs. Campbell, Monroe and Chamberlain for two years, Messrs. Gardner, Evans and Lakey for three years. The legal exist- ence of the association was fixed at thirty years, commencing May 24, 1883 ; Wabasha was made the principal place of business, and the maximum liability of the corporation fixed at one thousand dollars. The capital stock of the association was fixed at five hundred thousand dollars, to be issued as called for in shares of two hundred dollars each, each share taken to be paid for in monthly installments 43 722 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. of one dollar each. The first series issued was one thousand shares, no new issues to be made within six months of the date of first series. Of this thousand composing the first series, seven hundred shares were taken within sixty days of issue, and the stock rose to a pre- mium of four per cent. The first loan of six hulfdred and twenty- five dollars brought seventy-five per cent, bid, the Second loan of four hundred and ninety-five dollars brought one hundred and one, and the third loan of six hundred dollars was taken at one hundred and twenty-five. The meetings of the association are held in the rear room of the bank building, and its benefits seem full}' appreciated by the mem- bers. The tax for incidental expenses is fixed at thirty cents per annum per share. "Wabasha Mill Company was organized in September, 1882, with a capital stock of seventy-five thousand dollars. The incorpo- rators were James G. Lawrence (president), Lucas Kuehn, W. P. Dugan, H. P. Krick, L. F. Hubbard, P. A. Kichards (secretary and treasurer), and J. E. Young (head miller). ' The business of the company is the manufacture of flour, at this point. , This indus- try'- was started as a partnership concerfi, in 1872, by Downer & Lowth, who erected the mill and conducted the business about five years, when they sold out to Messrs. J. G. Lawrence, W. H. Camp- bell and A. G. Foster. Mr. J. G. Lawrence became the sole owner by purchase in 1878, and managed its affairs successfully until- the formation of the joint-stock company as above stated. The mill property is on the east half of block seventeen, corner of Second and Arch streets, and connected by spur track with the main line of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railway. The mill is a solid stone structure three stories high, 36 X 40 feet, and having an addition on the west 26X60 feet, one story in height, containing the boilers and engine, rated at seventy-five horsepower. The mill, erected in 1873, was originally a burr mill -with six run of stones, and had a capacity of nearly eighty barrels a day. Various improvements were intro- duced from time to time until 1881, when the whole mill was remodeled and made a full roller mill. By this change the capacity was increased to two hundred and twenty-five barrels a day, and their average daily product raised to one hundred and seventy-five barrels. The supply of wheat is largely local and is supplied by the company's elevators at Lake City and "Wabasha. Market for flour is a home one, the reputation of their brands being such that the BUSINESS. 72? demand exceeds the supply, orders being principally from the river- towns in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa and up the Chippewa valley. The whole force of the mill is eighteen hands. Early in August, 1883, the mill company broke ground for their new elevator, wmch adjoins the mill on the south. This is a solid stone structure, 36X46- feet, with side walls rising.4:5 feet, and the whole surmounted by a cupola 24 X 12 feet. The storage capacity of tlie elevator will be twenty-five thousand bushels, and in it will be placed the machinery for cleaning grain heretofore occupying needed space in the mill building. This will materially increase the room for handling flour and conducting milling operations generally, and add much to the comfort of the millers and their assistants who have been confined to quite cramped quarters hitherto. The mill has been most successfully run, and during the past twelve months there has been scarcely an hour's intermission of the actual running time of the mill for changes or repairs. BANKING. The true inwardness of the early history of banking operations in the city of Wabasha is by no means easy to determine. The attempts made by early financiers were not particularly fortunarte in results to themselves, and in some cases equally disastrous to the community. Whether this condition of things arose from lack of capital, business capacity, or other causes over which the bankers who attempted to established business had no control, we cannot now say ; the facts alone remain, that prior to 1872 no really success- banking house was established in Wabasha. The first attempt in this direction was made in May, 1857, at which time H. Kogers & Son opened a banking office on the corner of Pembroke street and the Levee. Mr. Rogers was a prominent business man of Zanesville, Ohio, who came west in the flush times of 1856, and had made some investments in' St. Paul before coming to this city, in the spring of * 1857. He purchased quite freely of real estate here, paying wild- cat prices for lots to which he could subsequently gain no title, on accoufat of the vexed question of half-breed scrip, and being squeezed in the financial crises ot 1858-9 closed his banking house, aban- doned all his property here and departed for St. Paul, having per- manently invested about seventeen thousand dollars in this city, from which he never realized a dollar. For several years after the withdrawal of Eogers & Son from the business circles of Wabasha, no attempt was made to do a banking '721 HISTOKY OF WABASHA COTOiTTY. 'business here, although the mercantile firm of Kepler & Jackson sold exchange on the eastern banks when such paper was demanded. Matters were in this condition until the spring of 1864, when W. W. Prindle (county treasurer) and N. F. "Webb (clerk of the district court) formed a partnership under the firm name of Prindle & Webb, and opened a banking office in a wooden building on the corner of Main and Alleghany streets, where Lucas Kuehn's drygoods house now is. The bank location was subsequently changed to the south side of Main street, where they fitted up the small building now occupied by James G. Lawrence as an office (between Alleghany and Walnut streets), and in this they conducted business several years. The firm as it originally stood was subsequently changed to Webb, Prindle & Chase, and finally became Webb & Co. The amount of capital invested in this business cannot now be ascer- tained. It is the impression among those best fitted to form a correct opinion, that while the individual members of the house had a limited capital available for banking purposes, they were able to command unitedly a considerable sum, but this of necessity was only conjecture. The business was strictly private, and there was no means of knowing, then or now, the amount of capital employed. Webb & Co. . continued in business until April 12, 1 872, when the bank suspended payment, too thoroughly crippled to even attempt a settlement. ' An assignment was made to E. M. Birdsey, who, when the bank was declared bankrupt, was appointed assignee in bank- ruptcy for the settlement of the estate. The creditors subsequently received fifteen cents on the dollar, the liabilities aggregating thirty three thousand eighty-one dollars and thirty-one cents; and thus closed the second chapter of banking history in Wabasha. About two months after the failure of Webb & Co., a banting house was opened in the Campbell block (on Main, a few doors west of Pembroke), by A. D. Southworth and W. J. Florer, under the firm name of A. D. Southworth & Co. ; capital, ten thousand dollars, ^his banking establishment soon gained the confidence of the mercantile community, did a successful business, was subse- quently removed to the north side of Main street, just east of Pem- broke, and continued in business until the fall of 1881. W. J. Florer having died in August of that year, and A. D. Southworth being unable to attend to business through ill health, the banking house of A. D. Southworth & Co. dissolved, and the bank of Wabasha was organized as its successor, September 1, 1881. This was the first BUSINESS. 725 bank organized in this city under the state law. The incorporators of the bank of Wabasha were C F. Eogers, C. F. Young, L. S. Yan Vliet, A. D. Southworth, James G. Lawrence, W. S. Jackson, Knud Johnson, Dr. J. J. Stone, J. H. Evans, H. P. Krick, Samuel fluschy, Henry Funk, Mrs. C. E. Krick, Mrs. M. A. Florer, Mrs. A. L. Hills, Mrs. M. E^ Wetherbee, Loring Ginthner, H. J. Whit- more and Lucas Kuehn. The capital stock was placed at fifty thou- sand dollars, of which one-half was paid in. W. S. Jackson was elected president, and held that office until his death in February, 1882, when he was succeeded by Lucas Kuehn, the present presi- dent. Mr. Bruce Florer, who had been for some time cashier of the bank of A. D. Southworth & Co., was elected cashier of the bank of Wabasha at its organization, and still retains that position. The present board of directors are Messrs. Lawrence, Van Yliet, Young, Krick and Johnson. The annual deposits aggregate one hundred thousand dollars ; the bank has a surplus of three thousand five- hiindred dollars, and the semi-annual dividend is six per cent. October 1, 1882, the bank removed to its present central location on the north side Main street, midway between Pembroke and Alle- ghany streets, in the new building which the Oddfellows had just com- pleted at that time. The bank occupies the main floor 24 X 90, the banking office being in the front with directors' rooms in the rear. The office is well provided with all the conveniences, and safeguards 'against fire and violence, having a good fireproof vault and safes, with Hall's improved time-locks. At a meeting of the stockholders of the bank held June 30, 1883, it was decided to make a change in the condition and character of the bank, making it a bank of issue as well as of deposit and exchange. An application for a charter as a national bank, under the general banking law of the United States, was applied for and granted. CHAPTEE LXY. MAZEPPA TOWNSHlt. The credit of the first settlement within the limits of this town- ship is unanimously ascribed to Ira O. Seeley, now a prominent citizen of Appleton, this state. It is said that Mr. Seeley visited the locality in the fall of 1854, and being pleased with the valley where Mazeppa village now stands, decided to squat upon a claim there, and to that end erected a bark shanty on the west side of the river, not far from the present site of the milldam. Ketuming to Wabasha for his family, he became convinced, On reflection, that the valley of Trout Brook afforded greater advantages for general farming purposes ; so when he came on with his family next spring he located on section 5, where Daniel Mack now resides. Immediately after Mr. Seeley came Enoch Young, Joseph Fuller and G. C. Sleeper, all making claims on sections 4 and 5. In April of the same year came Joseph Ford and his son, Orville D., and George Maxwell; the last two named are still residents of the village, where O. D. Ford located at that time. During the same season the following located within the township : Anson L. Carrier, Nelson B. Smith, Turner Preble, Francis A. Stowell, John E, Hyde, Elijah Lont, J. B. Miller, James H. Sandford, Lewis Blunt, George Duncan, Charles Fox, Isaac Nicholls, George Bailey, and possibly others. The advantages of the water-power and town site were at once perceived by the Fords, who made their claims thereon. All of the west half of section 6 lying east and north of the river was by them platted for a village. They offered the water-power to Mr. NichoUs if he would build a mill thereon. The offer was at once accepted, and preparations were immediately made for the erection of a saw- mill. This was set in operation during the winter, and timbers were at the same time prepared' for a gristmill. William Amsbry became associated with Nichols in the construction of the gristmill, and subsequently bought out the latter. Amsbry & Barber completed it and began business in the fall of 1856. They were succeeded by Augustus Ambler, and the latter by the Forest Mills and Mazeppa Mill companies. MAZEPPA TOWNSHIP. 727 A sawmill was .built in the fall of 1856 on the main river, half a mile above the month of the north branch, by Alexander Somers and Ehoderick Drinkwater, and set in operation the next spring. It was kept busy night and day cutting lumber for settlers' shanties. In December, 1857, Somers' body was found in the river. The verdict of the coroner's jury was that he did not come to his death by drowning. Foul play was suspected, but there was no evidence fastened to any one a,nd the matter was dropped. From that time the mill was neglected, and the dam subsequently washed away. In the spring of 1857 a sawmill was built on Trout brook by Ealph Frasier on Sleeper's claim, section 9. After the settlers began to seek for pine lumber, the dam was neglected and washed away. The mill was purchased by A. H. Bright with the land on which it stands, and is now used by Bright's sons for the manufac- ture of beekeepers' supplies. They use steam to drive their machinery. In 1858 a distillery was built about halfway between -the present upper and lower bridges in the village by Loyd, Kobi & Franklin, and the manufacture of whisky was carried on there till 1862. I. T. Nichols then built farther up the stream and removed the machinery thither, and the first distillery was torn down. Mchols ' shortly built a mill on Trout brook. Augustus Ambler bought the distillery and tore out its machinery, which he removed to his mill. He paid eight hundred dollars for the property in order to stop the manufacture of whisky here, and refused to sell it, lest it be turned to the same use again. Beside being an ardent temperance advocate, Mr. Ambler was a firm observer of the sabbath, and would not permit the operation of his mill on that day. The Trout brook mill changed hands several times, and .has long since been swept away by flood. There are but two mills now in the town, both within the yillage, and described below. In June, 1865, J. E. Hyde began the erection of a log building for a store and residence. This was completed in September, and he returned to Galena for his family and a stock of goods. These arrived on October 1, and from that time supplies were kept here for the convenience of settlers. Hyde's original building still stands, on the corner of First and Walnut streets, but has been clapboarded and finished inside, and none would suspect it is built of logs. The need of postal facilities was soon felt among so large a colony, and steps were taken to secure a postoffice. John E. Hyde 728 HISTOET-OF WABASHA COUNTY, was appointed postmaster, his commission bearing date January 2, 1856, and the Dubuque and St. Paul stages were made to pass through Mazeppa and take and supply mail. Schools and churches were also very early provided for. In the summer of 1856 a school was maintained in the claim shanty of Mr. Hyde, on the ' south side of the river, with Mrs. Sidney Munson as teacher. Here the first religious service was conducted in July, ] 856, by Eev. Christopher McManus, a Metho- dist local elder, residing south of Pine Island. During the same season Rev. A. E. Standish preached in the mill. The first church edifice was that of the Congregationalists, built in 1869. In 1858 a large two-story frame schoolhouse was built at a cost of about seven hundred dollars, most of which was secured by subscriptions. The preparation of lumber and timbers was begun in the fall of 1857, and J. A. Martin, then operating the sawmill, cut it as part of his share in the cost. Yarious additions have been made, and. there are now four departments, in which are instructed one hundred and seventy-five pupils. The principal receives a salary of sixty dollars per month. Early in the summer of 1856 a Sunday school was organized, with Francis M. Skillman as superintendent. This was also held in Hyde's shanty, and formed the nucleus from which grew a large school. The place has never been without a sabbath school since. During the year 1858 a school was taught tfyMissHuldah McManus (now widow of G. W. Fowler, residing at Lake City), in a log building erected for that purpose by the settlers in the valley of the Zumbro, on its western side, about a mile above the site of Somers & Drinkwalter's mill. The flood of 1859 swept this building away and it was never rebuilt. Lewis, son ot Francis A. Stowell, was born here in the fall of 1856, and Roxie H., daughter of Enoch Young, was born Decem- ber 14 of the same year. These were doubtless the first children born to white parents within the township. Zarah Cornish, Jr., passed away June 1, 1856, and thus furnished occasion for the first funeral. The first town meeting under the state organization was held at the residence and hotel of Elijah Lout, in the village of Mazeppa, May 11, 1858, in common with all other townships, John A* Marten was made chairman, G. Maxwell was elected moderator and Charles F. Fox and H. M. Stanton clerks. The next annual MAZEPPA TOWNSHIP. 729 « meeting was there fixed, by a vote of twenty-nine to thirteen, at the residence of C. F. Fox. One hundred and three votes were polled. For chairman, C. F. Fox had 57 votes ; F. A. Stowell, 46. For side supervisors, James H. Sandford. received 102 votes ; E. W. Drink- water 50; C. F. Fox, 40; scattering, 4. For town clerk, Ansel F. Fox, 57 ; H. M. Stanton, 46. For assesssor, George W. Fowler, 98. For collector, Ansel F. Carrier, 102. Overseer of the poor, William A. Preble, 57 ; Otis K. Gould, 43. Constables, A. F. Carrier, 102 ; "W. A. Preble, 59 ; Orville Ford, 9. Justices of the peace, Corydon Avery, 60 ; John Eeimund, 69 ; James Bent, James L. Bent, Ladd Eobi and G. Maxwell, received each a number of votes. In each case, the persons first named under the respective offices are the ones elected. At a meeting of the supervisors on July 10, following, the town was divided into three road districts, the main and north branches of the' Zumbro river making the dividing lines. At that time the whole of the government township was embraced in the organiza- tion, and this was a fair division. The following list includes all the principal town officers for the several years following 1858, down to the present : YBAK. . CHAIRMAN. SIDB SUPBBVISOES. TOWN CI.EBK. 1859. . . .Wm. H. Amsbry . . J. C. Fifleld, Jas. L. Bent U.F. Maxwell. 1860. . . .1. O. Seeley John C. Fifield, E. J. Lord Ladd Eobi. 1861. . . .0. D. Ford J. H. Sandford, 0. S. Smith Ladd Eobi, 1862. . . -J. H. Sandford Geo. W. Fowler, F. A. Burdett. . . . W. B. Emmons. 1863 J. H. Sandford Geo. W. Fowler, James A. Henry John A. Martin. 1864. . . .L 0. Seeley L. J. Fifleld, D. W.Drinkwater . . .Frank Shepard. 1864 0. D. Ford P. Eobinson, F. A. Stowell John A. Martin. 1865. . . .P. Eobinson Oliver Smith, M. Eedfield John A. Martin. 1866. . . .L 0. Seeley A. F. Fox, J. H. Sandford John E. Hyde. 1867. . . . A. W. Mathews. . . A. F. Fox, L. J. Fifleld John E. Hyde. 1868 William Eobi A. F. Fox, Jonathan Davis Job n E. H v de. 1869. . . .1. O. Seeley B. E. Low, Ziba Boughton E. Skillman. 1870 I. O. Seeley Pratt Drinkwater, Ziba Bough ton. E. Skillman. 1871 . . . .Z. Boughton Geo. W. Fowler, W. W. Black E. Skillman. 1872 A. F. Fox E. F. Maxwell, P. Drinkwater Tie vote. 1873. . . .A. F. Fox E. F. Maxwell, Jas. A. Henry J. E. Hyde. 1874. . . .0. S. Lont Chas. F. Fox, J. H. Sandford J. E. Hyde. 1875. . . .A. F. Fox O. S. Lont, J. H. Sandford J. E. Hyde. 1876. . . .E. V. Dickey Z. Boughton, J. H. Sandford W. W. Black. 1877. . . .E. F. Maxwell . . . . A. F. Carrier, D. L. Philley J. S., Huntley. 1878 .... E. F. Maxwell A. F. Carrier, D. L. Philley E. F. Hopkins. 1879 G. Maxwell Orrin Boughton, J. H. Sandford. . .E. F. Hopkins. 1880 D. L. Philley Orrin Boughton, L. J. Fifleld E. F. Hopkins. 1881 D. L. Philley Orrin Boughton, L. J. Fifleld E. F. Hopkins. 1882 D. L. Philley Orrin Boughton, L. J. Fifleld George Sandford. 1883. . . .D. L. Phille.y A. W. Mathews, L. J. Fifleld W. B. Smith. 730 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. « On December 9, 1865, at a meeting of the board, O. S. Lont was appointed chairman, and G. W. Judd supervisor, to fill vacancies caused by resignations of Prosper Robinson and M. Kedfleld. It is evident that several of the officers elected at the regular town meeting in 1864 failed to serve, as a second election was held in the May following. Their names are shown in the above table, with the exception of A. H. Bright, who was elected assessor in place of L. B. Matthews. In 1866 Lyman E. Thorp was appointed supervisor in place of J. H. Sandford, who failed to serve. At this meeting it was decided that two days' labor be required to pay each poll tax. At the town election in 1872 the vote on clerk, treasurer and constable was a tie, and the following persons were appointed to those offices in the same order: J. E. Hyde, G. Maxwell, Adelbert Eandall. On April 22, 1876, a spedial election was held to vote on the question of voting bonds to the amount of twelve thousand dollars in aid of the Minnesota Midland railroad. A majority of seventy' eight votes was cast, out of a total of one hundred and thirty-six, in favor of the proposition. The road was built and operated in accordance with the conditions, and the bonds were issued. The bonds were to run twenty years, with the privilege of earlier payment. Nothing has yet been paid except interest. Three bridges are now maintained across the north branch of the Zumbro, one over Trout brook, and a joint bridge between Zumbro and Mazeppa towns, over the main Zumbro river. The latter is a combination of wood and iron, and cost forty-five hundred dollars. Two of the former are within the limits of Mazeppa village, which corporation furnished most of their cost. Elections have been held, from and including 1860, at the village of Mazeppa. An entry in the town records says: ^'Bj notice given, a special meeting was held August 20, 1864,. for the purpose of voting a tax as a bounty for the payment of volunteers, which gave a majority for bounty of ten." A meeting was held in due form on January 23, 1865, at which a majority of eleven votes was cast in favor of "issuing orders against town for the purpose of raising moneys to pay volunteers." An entry made in the town records October 12, 1865, reads: "The amount returned to county auditor to be assessed for bounty purposes, thirty-five hundred dollars." MAZEPPA TOWNSHIP. T31 t On the organization of the county under territorial administra- tion, Moses Hal] was appointed justice of the peace for this precinct, and Enoch Young constable. The precinct included Chester, then called Bear Yalley. This region abounds in natural curiosities. Near the junction of Trout bropk with the Zumbo river is a cave in the side of the bluff, on the farm of A. H. Bright. This is probably fifteen feet high and nearly as wide, extending thirty 9r forty feet into the ground ; a small passage at some distance above the floor of the cave runs back as much farther. The side, roof and walls of the cave are solid lime- stone rock and are covered with Indian hieroglyphics representing the leading birds, fish, and game animals of the region. There are numerous other characters whose significance is known only to a few. It is said by some of the early settlers that the Indians who remained here afber settlement were made refused to enter the cave, saying " the devil lives there." It served as a shelter for some of the early prospectors after claims, and their horses. It was walled up by Mr. Frazier, who shortly came into possession of the claim on which it was situated, and has ever since served as an outdoor cellar. In the fall of 1883 a well was dug in the rear of W. W. Day's livery barn on "Walnut street, Mazeppa, and well preserved pieces of wood were taken from it at a depth of over forty feet. They appear to be some kind of willow, and the circumstances clearly show that an immense deposit of soil has been made since they grew. Roots and pieces of timber were encountered at various depths. Several similar discoveries have been made in digging wells, in the vicinity. Mazeppa township is not essentially an agricultural one. By far the greater part of it was covered with a natural forest growth, and it still furnishes fuel for a large tract of adjacent country. Almost the first enterprises, as above related, were the erection of sawmills ; these have now disappeared and husbandry is the chief occupation. A goodly proportion of the surface has been cleared, and furnishes the best kind of field for the husbandman. With the home markets now supplied, Mazeppa offers an advantageous prospect to the farmer. The experiences of the last five years have taught the people of this region that grain-raising is a delusion, as the farmers' sole dependence. Stock-raising is steadily growing in favor, and swine are being quite extensively grown. During the month of September, 1883, there were three severe, successive frosts, which completely 732 HISTOEY OF WABASHA COUNTY. t ruined the corn crop, and those who were depending largely on hogs were severely pinched. This will discourage some, but as this was the first total failure of corn ever known here, this branch of agriculture will receive only a temporary check. Mr. E. F. Hopkins, of Mazeppa, is quite extensively engaged in breeding pure Berkshire swine, and is doing much to encourage stock-raising among farmers. MAZEPPA VILLAGE. By an act of the state legislature during the session of 1866-7, section 6 of Mazeppa township was incorporated as a village under the same name. The organic act appointed E. L. Ford and N. J. Majerus as judges of the first election, and fixed March 17, as the date thereof. Accordingly on that day the legal voters assembled at Huntley's hall and proceeded to ballot in due form. There were eighty-six votes, and the following officers were elected : 0. D. Ford, president ; P. Robinson, D. Van Vliet and Wells B. Smith, trustees ; George Maxwell, treasurer ; "Wesley Kinney, recorder ; J. S. Huntley, justice ; Alvin Kinney, constable. The next election was held on the first day of 1878, resulting in choice of the following officials, eighty-four ballots being cast : 0. D. Ford, president ; P. Robinson, D. Yan Yliet and E. S. Hyde, trus- tees ; W. Kinney, recorder ; G. Maxwell, treasurer ; D. A. Gilbert, constable. For the ensuing years the following were elected : 18T9— President, W. W. Day ; trustees, P. Birkenfurth, A. J. Taft, V. L. Boney ; recorder, J. W. Kingsley ; treasurer, G. Max- well ; constable, William Richlag. 1880— President, W. W. Day ; trustees, A. J. Taft, M. Olsen, Peter Birkenfurth ; recorder, John W. Kingsley ; treasurer, G. Max- well ; justice, 0. S. Lont ; constable, F. Kinney. 1881 — President, trustees and treasurer, same as previous year ', recorder, D. Van Vliet ; constable, H. Robinson. 1882— President, N. C. Elston ; trustees, R. F. Maxwell, M. Olsen, . J. H. Clear ; recorder, D. Van Vliet ; treasurer, G. Max- well ; justice, O. S. Lont. 1883— President, R. F. Maxwell ; trustees, P. Birkenfurth, W. B. Smith, E. F. Hopkins ; recorder, D. Van Vliet ; treasurer, Wm. D. Angell; constable, W. M. Rice. In June, 1880, there being a vacancy in the office of village con- stable, John B. Gregoire was appointed to fill it. MAZEPPA TOWNSHIP. Y33 Three vacancies occurred after the election of 1883. D. Van Vliet resigned the office of recorder in April, and A. J. Myers was appointed in his place. The death of W. B. Smith caused the appointment of M. Olsen to the office of trustee in July. In Febru- ary, Frank Kinney was appointed constable, in place of W. M. Eice, who failed to qualify. At the first meeting of the village council, March 21, 18*77, the license of liquordealers was fixed at one hundred dollars per annum, and it was resolved that licenses should be granted for no longer than three months at a time. On March 31, the road poll-tax of each citizen was fixed at two days' labor or three dollars in lieu thereof, and a property-tax of one- half per cent be assessed. An appropriation of seventy-five dollars was made for improving the road leading north in the village, on what is known as "Cemetery Hill." The ordinances in regard to sale of liquors have undergone many changes. At one time the yearly rate was fixed at $150. The records show quarterly payments of $35, $37.50, $27.50, $28 and $25, at various periods in the village history. On April 25, 1879, by official action, a village prison was located on the northeast corner of lot 1, block 24, where a comfortable build- ing is now maintained for that purpose. A village park- was established early, and is still maintained, south of and adjoining the school grounds. Cherry street intervening. At a meeting of the council in May, 1883, an appropriation of thirty- five dollars was made for the benefit otsthe Mazeppa brass band. Concerts are given by said band at the park on summer evenings. At the same meeting, last above named, it was decided to pur- chase two hand fire extinguishers for the use of the fire brigade. At the meeting in February, 1883, A. J. Myers was made chief of the fire brigade, and all its members exempted from poll-tax. As above noted, the village is on the extreme western boun- dary of the county. The flat was at first bounded on the west by the Zumbro river, but in 1876 an addition was made by Ford and Wells, carrying it to the Goodhue county line. This western addition con- tains many fine residence sites, overlooking the village and valley. It is sometimes called Coopertown, from the fact that the Mazeppa Mill Company's cooper shops are located on that side of the river, and many of the men there employed reside in that vicinity. The center of a line drawn from Ked "Wing to ' Eochester will locate this Y34: HISTOEY OF WABASHA COUNTY. village on the map, being twenty miles from either point. A line drawn from here to Lake City and thence to Ked "Wing will, with the first line named, enclose a nearly perfect triangle. From a description of the village and its business, written by E. F. Hopkins, and published in the Lake City "Sentinel" in the spring of 1877, we make some extracts: "Whether you approach the town from the north, east or west, you see a valley containing about two hundred acres, and a handsomer one you might go far to find. We consider the view from the hill north of the town the best. As you round the point of the hill on the Eed Wing road, a full view is ofifered of the ■main street (First), the churches and the north and west part of the village, while only the southeastern por- tion is hid by the rise of ground upon which the land reserved for a park is located, known as 'Schoolhouse Hill.' "At your right is the mill-pond, now almost a lake, and farther down all the buildings of the Mill Company and the suspension bridge. " Twenty-two years ago [now twenty-eight], when Joseph Ford, in company with his son Orville, saw this valley fi-om the brow of the hill east of town, he said, ' We will go no farther ; this valley shall be our home.' And so it has been to this day. [Joseph Ford has gone to his reward, but his- son still remains.] Though nothing but oak brush could then be seen on the east side of the stream, and heavily-wooded timber land on the west for fifteen miles, yet he saw the prospect of health, wealth and happiness in the useful combination of wood, water and protection from cold and storms which the tiinber would give to a home here. Since that time the bulk of the timber Jias been removed in the immediate vicinity of town ; yet still enough remains to satisfy the market, while probably not less than five thousand cords have been taken from these woods the present reason. Prices have ranged this winter from one dollar and a half to two dollars for hard wood, which does not show a scarcity of fuel at present. [The deep snow of 1882-3 interfered a great deal with the operations of wood-cutters, and at this writing — fall of 1883— prices are about double those quoted by Mr.- Hopkins. Many people, in both town and country, are adopting coal as a heating agent.] "Not until the year 1876 did the village begin to attract atten- tion from outside the circle of its regular trade, and for this reason no great eff'ort had been put f6rth by its citizens to attract attention MAZEPPA TOWNSHIP. 735 If and trade or promote its growth. The immense water-power, which all knew to be ot great value to the town, had never been used to a tenth of its capacity. The fact was apparent that much would depend upon the improvement of the Zumbro, and the success of the Mazeppa Mill Company was eagerly watched and talked of by all. During the winter of 1875-6 this was the theme of conversation by citizen and stranger, and all looked for business to revive and take a grand stride forward. Progress has been so marked and rapid that all must admit we have not looked in vain, and the Mazeppa of today is far in advance of the village of a few years ago. Our propertyholders are firm and do not seem anxious to transfer title, and we venture to assert that not more than five thousand dol- lars' worth of real estate has changed hands inside of or adjoin- ing the town plat during the year, while many inquiries are made for lots and lands by parties who could purchase for cash." At this time houses for rental are in great demand, and every boarding- place is full. Not an empty store or business stand can be found, and building operations are numerous and active. During the year 1876 the buildings and improvements of the Mill Company cost sixty thousand dollars, and those of other parties made a total of eighty thousand eight hundred and fifty dollars. During the same year a business of three hundred and forty-six thousand seven hundred dollars was transacted in the following lines ; drygoods stores, 3 ; groceries, 6 ; clothing, 3 ; boots and shoes, 4; drugs, 2; hardware, 2; furniture, 2; confectionery, 7; shoemakers, 2 ; blacksmith-shops, 2 ; tinsmith, 1 ; harness-shop, 1 ; wagon-shop, 1 ; lawyer, 1 ; hotelkeeper, 1 ; physician, 1 ; meat market, 1 ; livery stable, 1 ; millinery stores, etc. The business of the Mill Company alone furnishes one hundred and fifty thousand dollars of the above total. At that time the capacity of the mills was one hundred and fifty barrels per day. Eleven coopers were employed, and all flour was transported by wagon to Lake City for shipment. The principal business of the village is now transacted by the following establishments : Mazeppa Mill Company, making six hun- dred barrels of flour per day ; four general stores, where are retailed •dry goods, clothing, groceries and boots and shoes ; three groce- ries, one of them also carrying footwear ; two drug stores, one com plete hardware store and tinshop, two shoeshops, two blacksmith- shops, one wagon-shop, one tailor, one hotel, one law ofiice, 136 HISTORY or WABASHA COUNTY. one livery stable, two warehouses and grain elevators, and five saloons. A custom flourmill is in course of construction, and will be in operation with four sets of buhrs before this reaches the eye of the reader. There is also a stone-quarry and limekiln within the village limits. ' i CHUECHES. The earliest church organization was a class of the Methodist Episcopal church, under the auspices of Presiding Elder N. Hobart, of Winona. Key. J . W. Rogers had a circuit including this charge. A. E. Standish was the local elder, and F. S. Skillman class- leader. There were eight members in the first class, as follows: Francis S. and Julia Skillman, James and Mary Ann Jackson, James Standish, Mary McLeach, Alvin Stoddard and Thurza Eraser. While other sects have multiplied in numbers, death and removals have diminished this flock of believers. Four communicants of the church now remain, namely, Mr. and Mrs. J. B. McManus and daugh- ter ,Loa, and Miss Salome Stoddard. To the Congregational society belongs the honor of erecting the first church edifice. This was completed in 1869, at a cost of thirty-five hundred dollars. Its dimensions on the ground are 60 X 32 feet, and it has seating capacity for two hundred and fifty persons. The society was first organized under the ministration of Eev. Henry Willard, May 17, 1860, including the following per- sons : Ezra and Asenath Eobinson, Anna Stowell, Charles H. and Eosina L. Goodell, Eliza J. Day, Nellie G. Ormsby, Eliza A. Hyde and Freeman Pearson. The first ordinance of baptism was admin- istered to Freeman Pearson and Eosina L. Goodell ; all the others being admitted on the recommendations furnished them by their respective churches from whence they came. Charles H. Goodell was elected deacon and treasurer, and Freeman Pearson clerk. Since Mr. Willard's pastorate the following have served as pastors : Warren Bigelow (died here), J. E. Burbank, E. P. Deeda, J. B. Ladd, S. H. Barteau, Wm. M. Weld, H. K. Painter, IST. H. Pierce and Bradshaw. A Sunday school has been kept up, and now numbers about eighty members, presided over by S. H. Wyatt. The society now includes thirty resident members, and is steadily carrying on its work. The church stands on the southeast comer of Walnut street and Broadway, fronting the latter and overlooking the business part of the village. MAZEPPA TOWNSHIP. 737 Uie Catholic Mission Church of St. Peter and St. Paul was organized as early as 1867 by Kev. Father Stariha, of Eed Wing, and he continued to visit the charge at intervals till the summer of 1878. At this time the mission was attached to Belle Chester church (in Belvidere, Goodhue coiinty), and the several pastors there have ministered to the spiritual wants of this people. From 1878 to September, 1881, Father John Meyer presided, and was suc- ceeded at that time by the present priest, Eev. John Tori. When organized, the flock was small and scarcely able to build a church. During the same year of its inception, however, a small edifice was erected — the bulk of its expense being contributed by one member, Peter Clemens — and was used for public worship until 1876, when the present handsome structure was completed. Its cost was fifteen hundred dollars. It stands on the east side of and fronting First street, just north of the railroad track. Large grounds surround it, and it is thronged with people at the bimonthly services. Owing to demands upon his time at Belle Chester, Father Tori is able to hold only one Sunday service here per month, the otlier being on Thursday. The cemetery of this body is north of the village, on a bluff" running down to the riverside. At the present time there are forty families in communication with this church. Free-Will Baptist Church.— In March, 1880, Kev. J. N. Haskell organized a society of Free -Will Baptists here, this faith having been cherished by a few for many years. The following persons formed the original class: Charles and Jane Troxell, Wilson, Mrs. Mary and Miss Jane Hutchins, Elmer and Phoebe Stotts, James and Angeline Oliver, W. W. and Eliza Dean, and Misses Emma, Minnie and Lydia Dean, Eosa and Flora Oliver and Martha Harrison. Services were held in the schoolhouse, where the first quarterly meeting was held in 1881. During this year a church edifice was begun On the corner of Broadway and Chestnut streets, fronting the former, and was completed next season at a cost of about eight hun- dred dollars. It is a plain and neat appearing frame building, with room for one hundred and fifty people within its walls. Mr. Willard was succeeded by Eev. E. J. Keville, who remained a year. There is no pastor at present. A sabbath school has been kept up ever since the organization of the society. It was at first under the super- intendence of Miss Emma Dean, who was succeeded by the present superintendent. Miss Loda McManus. 44 738 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. SOCIETIES AND OEDEES. The first secret society organized here was the masonic. On January 11, 1871, this lodge was instituted with fourteen charter members. The organization was christened Tyrian Lodge, JS'o. 86, and E. W. Robi was designated as Master ; James Oliver, Senior Warden, and James Maxwell, Junior "Warden. The other members were as follows : E. Skillman, A. J. Taft, W. M. Evans, George B. Franklin, M. Skillman, Ziba Boughton, G-. W. Judd, O. D. Ford, E. W. Ford, W. W. Black, W. W. Day. Some work had been previously done by Masons resident here, under a dispensation from the grand lodge. During the existence of this organization eighty- nine persons have been in full membership, and over sixty now retain their standing. With the large number of removals that characterize this region, this is an excellent showing for thirteen years of work. In 18T4 the lodge built a hall for its use, on the east side of First street, between Walnut and Chestnut. It consists of one story built above a store, and cost over five hundred dollars. ' Considerable furniture has been added to the room, and the lodge is in fine working shape. The oflicers for the term closing December 1, 1883, were: G. Maxwell, W.M.; G. W. Hall, S.W.; A.J. Myers, J.W. ; H. Hallaway, treasurer; J. B. Gregoire, secretary; E.' S. Hyde, S.D.; A. J. Taft, J.D.; S. H. Wyatt, Chaplain; A. Marshall, Tyler. I. 0. 0.F.—On August 6, 1879, a lodge of the Independent Order of Odd-Fellows was instituted here, to be known as Mazeppa Lodge, No. 71. The following were named as charter members and held the officfes of the lodge as here noted : S. Phillips, N.G. ; F. L. Boney, V. G. ; M. Schram, secretary ; G. W. Judd, treasurer ; E. W. Black and James Hickox. At the second meeting other oflBeers were installed as follows : C. C. Emery, Warden ; R. A. Johnson, C; E. W. Black, LG.; W. King, R.S.KG.;* Alvin Kinney, L.S.IST.G.; E. Black, E.S.V.G.; J. B. Gregoire, L.S.Y.G.; William Eitschlag, E. S. S. ; Daniel Macky, L.S.S. During the existence of the lodge twenty-nine persons have been connected with it, and twenty-two are now in active communication. A neat hall is rented and fitted up comfortably for lodge meetings, which occur every Tuesday evening. For its age and the popu- lation of the town, this lodge is doing well. /. 0. O. T. — An organization of this order has been three times effected here, but it has twice died out through lack of interest. The MAZEPPA TOWNSHIP. 739 present lodge is a very efficient and prosperous one. It was insti-< tuted on January 31, 1883, under the auspices of Col. J. T. Long, state organizer. There were forty charter members, with officers, as follows: W. W. Day, P.W.C.T.; S. H. Wyatt, W.C.T.; Clara r' Preston, W.V.T.; W. H. Day, W.R.S.; Murray Philley, W.F.S.; D. L. Philley, W.T.; J. B. McManus, W.C; Hazen Eunnells, W.M.; Mary Marshall, W.I.G.; L. S. Judd, W.S.; Lodge Deputy, Lucy J. Bigelow. For a month the lodge meetings were held in the Baptist church, and ever since the lodge has met every Wednesday evening in Odd Fellows' hall. The membership has steadily increased until it now numbers seventy-two, with finances in excel- lent condition. The officers for the cuiTcnt term, ending January 31, 1884, are: Charles Woodworth, W.C. T.; Mrs. Cliff, W.V.T.; J,- ^ Kachael Phillips, W.E.S.; W. H. Day, W.F.S.; Julia Hyde, W. I T.; Carrie Day, W.C; J. W. Turner, W.M.; N^ora Judd, W.LG.; Wilford McManus, W.S. Women^s Christian Temperance Union. — This was first organ- ized on April 15, 1878, with eighteen or nineteen members, and had at one time thirty-five. The last meeting under this organization was held in April, 1879. On September 24, 1881, a new start was made, with the original number, and a good work is being accona- plished in the distribution of temperance literature, and upbuilding and fostering a right public sentiment. There are now twenty- eight members of the union, with the following officers : President, » Miss Julia R. Hyde ; vice-presidents. Miss Lucy Bigelow and Mrs. L- J. E. Hyde ; recording secretary. Miss Eliza Hyde ; corresponding ' ; secretary, Mrs. Ed . Noonan ; treasurer, Mrs. W. W. Day. A reform club was at one time maintained here, but long since disbanded, and its records have been destroyed or mislaid. A lodge of the Sons of Temperance also existed over two years, into which over a hundred members in all were initiated. No records of either of these organizations can now be found. On January 8, 1878, a lodge of the Ancient Order of United Work- men was instituted, and started off' under very favorable prospects, but so many of its members shortly removed as to very materially weaken it, and it was abandoned. MILLS AND WAEEHOtJSES. The leading industry of the village is the manufacture of fiour, carried on by the Mazeppa Mill Company. This corporation was '©rganized under the laws of the state in 1871, with a capital of one 740 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars. The water-power -and buildings were purchased from a part of the corporators, and large improvements were at once instituted. The company was composed of four individuals. L. F. Hubbard (now governor of the state) was president and treasurer, O. D. Ford secretary, and W. S. Wells general manager. The other partner was W. P. Brown, and all save the secretary were residents ot Eed "Wing. A dam of twenty- six feet depth was built in and upon solid rock, and a frame mill was built, 56x72 feet in size and four stories high. The Zumbro furnishes a steady supply of water sufficient to run eight sets of buhrs, and these were placed in the mill, with all the necessary appli- ances necessary for first-class merchant milling, and a capacity of one hundred and seventy-six barrels per day was thus secured. In 1878 an addition 60x70 feet in size was made for engine and boiler rooms. A Harris Corliss engine of two hundred and twenty horse- power and three boilers are now used in connection with the water- power to drive the machinery. In 1881 the buhrstones were removed, and there are now in operation thirty-eight sets of rollers for making patent flour, of which all but one set are double, making really seventy-five sets. During the season of 1883 an elevator ■vjas erected east of and close by the mill, with capacity of one hun- dred thousand bushels. This is covered with sheet iron to protect i| it from sparks. About three thousand bushels of wheat are now daily consumed by this mill and turned into six hundred barrels of flour. The product of this mill is largely shipped direct to London, Liverpool and Glasgow. The principal home market is in the New England States. One hundred standard-gauge cars are owned by the company, which has ten elevators and warehouses along the valley of the Zumbro, and furnishes the bulk of freight traffic for the narrow gauge railroad in the shipment of grain and flour. During the season of 1883, a custom mill was built at the south end of the village by Turner J. Preble and Alonzo Comstock. This building rests on a splendid stone basement, and is 32x40 feet in area, with twenty foot posts. It is the intention to do only a cus- tom business, and four sets of buhr stones are being placed in position at this writing. Ground was first broke for the dam in March, 1883. It stands on outlot 1, of Hyde's addition to Mazeppa. The dam is seven and one-half feet high, and sufficient fall is secured in the flume to give a ten-foot head of water. The mill stands far above the level of the river, at the brow of a steep bank, and the MAZEPPA TOWNSHIP. 741 power is conveyed from the wheel to the machinery by means of a wire cable. This will be a great convenience to the farmers of the vicinity, as the other mill does only a merchant business. In 1878 Prosper Robinson built a warehouse for storing grain near the railroad track, south of the depot. This building was 60X30 feet on the ground. In 1883 it was raised and elevating machinery put in, and it now has storage for thirty-five thousand bushels of grain. Mr. Robinson and the mill company purchased all the grain brought in, making business very lively during the fall season. Ever since the advent of the railroad in 1878, and in fact before that time, this has been a better market for the sale of wheat than Rochester, and has drawn a large trade from Olmsted county. BE ASS BAND. In November, 1880, a musical society, or cornet band, was organized, partly fdr amusement and mutual improvement. There were twelve members at first, and, although changes have occurred, that number is still maintained. Under the leadership of George Westphall and business management of John W. Kingsley, it has made steady advancement and is a source of gratification and pride to our citizens. Weekly practice is kept up, and aid and encourage- ment from the people is earned and received. NEWSPAPEE. In the fall of 1877 the publication of the Mazeppa "Tribune" was begun by Schram & Clark, the first issue bearing .date November 3. In a. little over four months Matthias Schram became sole pro- prietor, and has so continued ever since. From the beginning the paper has been an eight-column folio, one-half printed at home, and will compare favorably in appearance and ability with country journals throughout the land. Mr. Schram is a practical printer of many years' experience in Chicago, and when his ire is aroused by any of his contemporaries, they find his mettle has the true ring. The begin- ning of this venture was made with second-hand type, and has now been supplied with a neat dress. A building has been erected for an office by the proprietor, in which he is comfortably established. Some of the incidents related by early settlers may not be out of place here. The survey of the village plat of Mazeppa was begun soon after the site was located by the Fords. G. Maxwell was employed for this labor. During the summer the subdivision of the county was 74r2 HISTOEY OF WABASHA COUNTY. completed by government surveyors, and Mr. Maxwell's lines were found to vary but a trifle from the variation used by the United States survey, and they still stand. During the summer of 1855 Messrs. Ford and Maxwell staked out a road to Ked Wing. The stakes were made of saplings and peeled, so that one could be seen in daytime from the location of its nearest neighbor. Thus it was comparatively easy to find the way across the prairie. In the succeeding fall, I. T. Nicholls set about the erection of a mill, and to this end employed Mr. Maxwell to go to Ked Wing after lumber. Maxwell reached Eed Wing one after- noon in time to get a load on his wagon ready for a start in the morning. During the night a heavy rain fell, and next morning both load and roads were heavy. With two yokes of oxen he set out on the return to Mazeppa. At dark he had covered two-thirds of the distance, and found his wagon stuck fast in a slough. In making an extra effort to move the load the tongue of the wagon was broken, and no tools or material for repairs were at hand. In this dilemma Maxwell set out to reach home with the oxen, leaving the wagon and load.. But now a new difficulty arose. The stakes that guided his course were not visible in the darkness, and he was several times at a loss as to directions, and nearly the whole night was consumed in reaching home. ISText day he returned with means for repairs and succeeded in reaching Mazeppa with the load. Not a house was to be seen on the way, and the traveler was obliged in those days to depend wholly on his own resources. G. W. Fowler was among the earliest settlers. On one occasion he killed a fine deer and proceeded to carry the carcass liome. On the way he was pursued by wolves, and was compelled to abandon the venison to them in order to save himself. The first coffin made in the town was put together for an Indian by Mr. Fowler. GOLD MINING. The famous "gold diggings" that caused so much excitement along the Zumbro, in 1858-9, were located in this town. The base of operations was at Oronoco, in Olmsted county, where a mining com- pany was formed. In 1856 gold was discovered on the river bank by Holden Whipple, who lived near the junction of the north branch with the main stream. Search showed the existence of minute particles of the precious metal all along the stream, and a considerable quantity was found to exist in the village of Oronoco. MAZEPPA TOWNSHIP. 743 In the fall of 1858 a company was organized for the purpose of systematic mining, and sluices were erected on section 22. Here was found a large deposit of clay in the narrow river valley, which yielded a good percentage of "shot gold." By the time the works were ready for operation winter closed in, and a long period of impatient waiting was imposed on the sanguine miners. But their patience was destined to be still more highly taxed, for the melting of the snow in the spring following raised the river very high, and their handiwork was swept away by the remorseless Zumbro. Their courage was, however, unshaken, and the company was reorganized with additions to its membership and capital. More extensive improvements were at once planned and begun, and by the end ot June were ready for business. Everything was completed on a cer- tain Friday night, anoNmost of the proprietors retired to Oronoco to rest and prepare for pushing the work on the following Monday. A few of the most enthusiastic or industrious remained over Saturday to set the work going. That night the sluices were cleaned up, and something over twenty dollars' worth of gold was taken out. Alas ! how mutable are earthly things ! " The best laid plans o' mice and men Gang aft aglee." On Monday morning the memorable flood of July 3, 1859, had arrived, and the works of the "Oronoco Mining Company" were swept entirely away. The courage and resources of most of the miners having now been exhausted, the work was abandoned, and has thus since rested. There is no doubt that a large deposit of gold exists somewhere on the Zumbro river, and could its original hiding- place be found, a fortune would be secured to the lucky discoverer. It is also quite certain that fair compensation could be wrung from the auriferous earth of Mazeppa township, by concerted labor with proper appliances. The great flood of 1859, above referred to, caused great suffering and hardship all along the stream. Considerable manufacturing machinery was swept down from Oronoco. The approach of the rise was so sudden and rapid that many settlers along the river bottoms were unable to save anything. G-. W. Fowler left home in the morning and returned shortly alter noon. His house, which stood on a knoll, was entirely surrounded. The boat, moored by a chain on the river bank, was still there, but in a vertical position, the stem 744 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. being just visible above the seetbing waters. After diving in vnin two or three times to- unfasten it, he succeeded in breaking the chain and removed bis family to a place of safety. Numerous other settlers fared in a similar manner. A sad accident occurred in the fall of 1856, at the "Whipple Ford," a short distance below the mouth of the north branch. A stranger who was traveling with a gun was set over the river in a boat ; on reaching the shore he seized the gun by the muzzle and drew it toward him ; the hammer caught on the edge of the boat, discharging the load into his body. The ferryman hastened to Mazeppa after Dr. Lont, but when the latter heard ^his description of the wound he declined to go, for the injured man would be dead ere they could reach him, and so it proved. An incident in the experience of Dr. Lont will illustrate the severity of the winter of 1856-7. One day he set out with a team to visit a patient seven miles away across the prairie. A furious snowstorm came on and he succeeded in going only four miles and was housed up four days. At the end of this time, with assistance, he was able to make his way through the drifts back to Mazeppa. In the meantime he had not seen the patient, and the feelings of his wife, who was at home alone and knew nothing of his whereabouts, cannot be easily imagined. CHAPTEE LXYI. CHESTER TOWNSHIP. This township is probably as happily situated for the agriculturist as any to be found in the state. The Zumbro river crosses its south- west and southeast quarter-sections ; on the former corner there is no timber save a small grove of second-growth. In the southeastern portion of the town there are several fine groves. The general con- figuration is quite uneven, the region being traversed by numerous valleys, but a rich prairie loam covers the whole and affords a hand- some return to the tiller of the soil. A deep valley tributary to the Zumbo, with its several branches, drains the whole surface. Through this valley a bear was pursued by the early settlers, and the region became known as Bear Valley, a name by which the only postoffice CHESTER TOWNSHIP. 745 is still known. When the town was organized, on the admission of the state, its present name was attached. The postolEce was estab- lished in 1856, with Joseph Caswell as postmaster, and was sup- plied by the Wabasha and Faribault stage line for some time. Mail is now received twice a week by the Lake City and Mazeppa stage route. Mr. Caswell kept the office six years, after which it was held by the following persons in succession, the last having held it since February, 1879 : Silas Cross, James M. McMillan, C. M. Bontelle, E. H. Smith, William Morris, Charles E. Buckminster. A permanent settlement was made here previous to any in Mazeppa. Dufing the winter of 1854—5 a party of St. Paul gentle- men who were out on a trapping, hunting and fishing expedition, encamped on Trout brook in the southwestern part of the town. Among the number was James M. Ejmble, who was so pleased with the stream, filled with fine trout, that he determined to settle there. On returning to St. Paul he secured tools and supplies and fiat out with only one companion to establish a claim. There were hundreds of men at Red Wing waiting for the snow to settle, but Mr. Kimble and his companion pushed on. They lived two weeks in a cloth tent on the banks of the creek, while getting out material and building a cabin. Thus a claim was established in February, on the northwest quarter of section 30, and here Mr. Kimble brought his family in April following. The next settler was probably For which the speech of England has no name, — ' The Prairies. j^ Lo ! they stretch In fairy undulations, far away. As if the ocean in his gentlest swell Stood still with all his rounded billows Fixed and motionless for ever." In the earlier days of the settlement, wheat was the staple pro- duct, and the abundant harvests which in those days invariably rewarded the settler's trust to this crop, soon made a p^psperous community and gave this grain a monopoly of the farmer's attention. Corn was supposed to be ill adapted to this climate, and barley was yet to be introduced to any considerable extent. Passing years brought a decrease in the wheat production, with an occasional fail- ure, and barley, corn and oats soon claimed a large share of the acreage, though wheat is still king and is likely to be for ma;ny years to come. Within the past few years increased attention has been given to stock-raising, owing to partial failures in grain, and the indications are that this industry will grow to considerable import- ance, though scarcity of water will always be one drawback to com- plete success in this line.' The statistics given below are from the assessment rolls for for 1882. ACREAGE. BUSHEL. Wheat 6,780 81,570 Oats 1,240 39,690 Corn 960 24,700 Barley 1,190 23,460 VALUE. Horses | 16,531 Cattle ■ 5,510 Real estate 189,750 WEST ALBANY TOWNSHIP. 779 EAELT SETTLEMENTS. In June, 1855, the hitherto undisturbed reign of nature and the Indian, in what is now West Albany township, was broken by the appearance of Samuel Brink, who erected on the southwest quarter of section 21 a two-story log hotel 24 X 46 feet. A few weeks later John MeCollom settled on section 28, accompanied by a Dr. Spaf- ford who left shortly after the death of Mrs. McCuUom in August of that year. This was the first visit of "that grim ferryman" that poets write of, — a visit that has too oft been repeated. In the summer of 1855 came also Abram Lyons, followed in the early fall by Leroy, Eugene, and Cornelius McOoUom. These settlements were all made in the valley near the future site of the village of West Albany, the first comers being attracted by the supposed superior fertility of the soil and the advantages of water and wood not found on the prairie. In the spring of 1852 Abram Lyons took unto himself a helpmate in the person of Miss Jane MeCollom ; this Tirst marriage of the township was blessed by the appearance of a daughter the following spring, Laura Ann Lyons, who was the first child born in Wes,t Albany. The summer of 1856 brought several new comers ; their names, as far ascertainable, being as follows : Wm. Wright, of England ; Frederick Jacobs, of Hanover ; Andrew Hook, of Baden ; Charles Wise, of Baden ; John M. Welsh, of Ireland, and Patrick Cronan, of Ireland. This summer saw the destruction of Brink's tavern by fire ; he had remained but a short time after his location here, and when he took his departure he left the hotel in charge of a Mr. Smith. At the time of its burning it was occupied by Frederick Jacobs. For some time afterward the settlement was designated as "the Burnt Tavern." In the spring of 1857, Lawrence Tracy, of Irish nativity, who had previously settled in what is now Oakwood, moved to West Albany. In the same year came Sylvester and William Applegarth, of Canada; Henry Schmuser, of Ilolstien ; Wm. Funk, and some others. In 1858 began the establishment of the Scotch settle- ment in the northeastern part of the township. In this year came George and William Wilson, William Duffus, Henry Glashen, Geo. and William Perry, Charles Forest, Alexander Thoirs, William Sterling, David Munro, and William Corry ; these have since been followed by many others from Scotland and Eacine county, Wiscon- sin, some also from Canada. Many of these came here poor, but all 780 HISTOEY OF WABASHA COUNTY. are now successful farmers, and the. Scotch settlement will be found a christian, hospitable community where peace and prosperity reigns. Thus we see the early establishment of three nationalities in this township, German, Irish and Scotch, and to these three the popu- lation still mainly belongs, but very few being of American descent. Like the early pioneers of every part of the country the first set- tlers of West Albany saw their share of hardship and privation, and here as elsewhere bitter cups were often sweetened and brooding clouds lighted by the merry meetings which varied a life of toil, and a generous spirit of equality and neighborly kindness, over the departure of which many an old settler will be seen to shake his head regretfully. Money was scarce, and settlers were 'sometimes in actual want of food or reduced to a diet of johnnycake or potatoes. The abundance of game was often a great advantage, and the numerous flocks of prairie chicken and grouse, and the occasionaL deer that haunted the valleys, frequently increased an otherwise slim bill of fare. Sometimes the men would devote a day to ball or "shinny," and braking and hauling bees were quite common, often being a necessity, as teams were rather scarce. In the winter, sleigh-rides, singing-schools, lyceums, spelling-schools, donations, etc., varied the monotony and will always be remembered with pleasure by the participants. An Indian trail from Wabasha to Blue Earth passed through this township, over which the Indians often passed, frequently stopping along West Albany creek to fish for the brook-trout that haunted its deeps. Winter sometimes saw them camped in the valleys, generally along the Zumbro, and though they often visited the settlers, to beg or bring in a little game, they gave no serious annoy- ance. Mr. Tracy's cabin, which then consisted of one room, was a favorite resort, and on cold winter evenings they would invade this warm retreat, lay around on the fioor, in the way, and play cards, sometimes until midnight. In 1862 the settlers were badly fright- ened by the rumor that the hostile Indians from the north were coming, and many wakeful nights were passed on this account.'. Some left temporarily, some would go to neighbors' houses to spend the night, and some talk of fortifying a retreat was indulged in, but the Indians never came and no scalps were lost. Having taken this brief glance at the planting of civilization from a social standpoint, let us return to the year 1857 and consider other WEST ALBANY TOWNSHIP. 781 matters which time and diange have given to the historian's pen. About this time the first road in the township was established. This was a road from Read's Landing to Oronoco and Mazeppa, passing through the village of West Albany. In the spring of 1857 Leroy, Eugene and Cornelius McCollom bought of George H. Fari- bault the W. i of JSr.W. i of Sec. 28, on which they laid out a town, naming it West Albany. William Applegarth built a store, which he stocked with a small supply of general merchandise, and the proprietors erected a sawmill. Upon the petition of the McCollom s a postoffice was established, being located at Applegarth's store, with E. B. McCollom, postmaster. The future prospects of the town seemed very flattering, but the plat was never recorded, and this was the extent of its growth. The store was sold, about 1866, to R. Barry, who carried on the business until within two or three years, and was postmaster until 1878, when the office passed into the hands of ^. Thomas Smith. The mill was run a few years, when it was aban- doned, and in 1874 it was sold to Hiram Fellows, who removed it to the present site of Brandt's flouring-mill. In the same spring (1857) John McCollom platted the town of Union on the W. ^ of N. W. J of Sec. 27, but agriculture was the only business ever carried on within its limits. On the first Monday in May, 1868, the township was organized as West Albany, though to whom the credit of naming the town is due, could not be ascertained. The election was held at William Applegarth's, resulting as follows : E. B. McCollom, chairman of board ; William Applegarth, clerk ; Leroy McCollom, justice of the peace ; and Cornelius McCollom, constable. In the spring of 1859 Sylvester Applegarth laid out the village of Albany, on section 29, about a half-mile west of the town started two years before. The plat was recorded May 3, 1859, and the place soon became the metropolis of the township. Eichard Daw- son erected a hotel, Sylvester Applegarth a gristmill, S. Mclntyre a store and saloon, and Jacob Fister a blacksmith-shop. About this time a small land office was run by E. Foster, who did business of various kinds for the settlers, but upon his election as auditor he left this part of the county. July 4, 1861, the blacksmith-shop was burned. Its destruction was the result of a quarrel about the possession of an anvil with which the inhabitants intended to demonstrate their patriotism. The same year saw the burning of the hotel. Both were soon rebuilt. In 1862 the hotel passed into the hands of 782 HISTOEY OF WABASHA COUHlTr. Frank Ryan, who ran it as a hotel and saloon for a few years. This place became a favorite resort, and dances were often held under its roof, with their attendant mirth and uproar. These were the hamlet's palmiest days, though to those most inter- ested in its progress hope whispered that these were but beginnings. In the minds of the proprietors and others this location was destined to become the capital of Wabasha county ; and eligible sites for the county buildings were pointed out with confident predictions as to the bright future of West Albany. But shortly after the war its star began to wane, and now biisiness of all kinds has entirely deserted this part of the township. In the early days of the settlement the leading spirits in this part of the township were the McCoUoms and the Applegarths, all of whom are now gone. Perhaps more than casual mention is due to some. Leroy McCoUom is remembered by those who knew him as an "odd genius," and his influence in "affairs of state" was considerable in those days. He was rather a successful pettifogger, a justice of the peace several years, and always took a great interest in local squabbles. He was a good neighbor and a man of shrewd- ness, but his time was largely passed, with legs crossed, whittling a stick and discussing the various topics of conversation that presented themselves. About 186Y Charles Nunn put a good-sized stock of general merchandise in the house now owned by Thomas Smith, and did a flourishing business for two or three years. In 1867 Ryan's hotel was purchased by the Catholic congregation, who used it as a church several years. Besides the business institutions men- tioned, shoe and blacksmith shops have been in operation at different times ; but all have now departed, and the little vitality left at the time was extinguished by the advent of the railroad in 1878. SCHOOLS. In the establishment of a new community schools are, of course, a matter of early consideration. The condition and advantages of society, are in a measure reflected in the schoolhouses and attendant educational facilities, and the best educational means available are often very crude. Such was the case in West Albany, and the first terms in the different districts were generally taught in abandoned claim shanties and cabins, or perhaps in a private house. The first term of school in this township was probably taught by Augustus Applegarth, in the summer of 1858, in a building owned by William WEST ALBANY TOWNSHIP. 783 Haines. Further than this nothing could be learned. Good frame schoolhouses now dot the township, and the schools are generally in a prosperous condition. CHTJECHES. Baptist. — The majority of the members of the organization are residents of West Albany ; but meetings were for many years held in the schoolhouse of district 26, which, until 1878, was located in Glasgow towHship. At that time a new schoolhouse was erected in West Albany, where services were afterward held. The first Baptist preacher who ministered to this community was Benjamin Wharton, a native of Virginia, and at that time a resident of Wabasha. This was in 1858. His first services were held in the log house of John Owens of this township, and until the erection of the schoolhouse of district No. 26, in 1861 or 1862, he held meetings at inter«^als of two or three weeks, here and at the residences of William Corry and B. B. Fetzer. July 14, 1861, he organized the church at the log schoolhouse. Eight were enrolled as members, viz: Isaac Corr;f, William Corry and wife, Charles Forest, John Owens and wife, by letter from the Baptist church of Wabasha ; B. B. Fetzer and Martha Fetzer, from Clarion county, Pennsylvania. The first officers chosen were B. B. Fetzer and Isaac Corry, deacons. Wharton was suc- ceeded by William Sturgeon, who preached about one year, when Wharton returned, remaining several years. He was followed by Eev. Cummingg, and one year later by Levi Ross, under whose charge the church saw its season of greatest prosperity, the member- ship reaching thirty-three. After a ministration of two and a half years he was succeeded by T. F. Babcock, who remained but a short time, and was the last to visit the church. About this time the ranks were greatly thinned by emigration westward ; so much so that services have been discontinued about two years. In 1859 a sabbath school was organized, and was kept np until the breaking up of the church. Catholic. — In the early days of the settlement the Catholics were favored with occasional visitations by Father Tissot, of Wabasha. He repeated his visits until 1866, when he was succeeded by Father Trobec, also from Wabasha. In 1869 Father Herman divided his time between this charge and Lake City, and was followed by- Father Quinn. In the fall of 1879 Father Jacobs took charge of the church, being the fii'st resident priest, and remaining four years. In the spring of 1883 the present priest, Father Boland, began his 784 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. ministration. About 1863 the congregation purchased sixty acres of land near the village of West Albany, and two years later they bought twenty additional acres, with Frank Eyan's hotel, which they used for a church several years. The new church was begun during the ministration of Father Herman, and will be completed in ISSi, at a cost of about twenty-two thousand dollars. A com- modious parsonage was begun in 1881 and will be finished at an expense of fifteen hundred dollars. The church is prosperous, and has a membership of seventy-nine. A Catholic school at this place is one of the probabilities of the near Aiture. United Presbyterian. — At the request of.a fe'w persons, residents of West Albany township, they were visited in September, 1860, by Rev. James McCartney, who preached at the house of William Sterling on the evening of September 13, 1860, and in schoolhouse No. 21 on the 14th. Though preaching was earnestly desired, other engagements prevented him from returning until January, 1861. Prom this time until July he preached here half the time. The Caledonia congregation of' the United Presbyterian church was organized March 19, 1861, with nine members. Seven of these were by letter, from Yorkville, Wisconsin, — William Wilson, Jeanette Wilson, Henry Glashen, Jane Glashen, William Sterling, Lucretia Sterling and George Perry ; and two joined on profession, — William Perry and Mai'tha Perry. In the summer of 1861 Rev. J. K. Black visited them a few times, and July, 1862, A. B. Coleman was sent b}' the general assembly and preached half the time for a year. He was followed by H. McHatton, James P. Rait, James M. Wallace, J. Tate, James Rogers, and perhaps others. July, 1882, A. Y. Houston, the present incumbent, took charge. The present membership is about thirty. The year 1884 will probably see the erection of a frame church, at a cost of fifteen hun- dred dollars. A sabbath school has been in progress at various times since the organization, and is now in a prosperous condition. Lutheran. — About 1863 Prof. Moldenke, of Milwaukee, made this section a visit and preached at the house of Henry Schmuser, on section 16. Through his influence the few adherents to the church in this neighborhood were visited in 1864 by William Vom- hof, of Olmsted county. During the fall of that year he organized a church of six members, as follows : John Dankwart, Henry Schmuser and wife, John Haase, Fritz Lange, Henry Lange and John Schmidt. The succession of ministers since that time has WEST ALBANY TOWNSHIP. 785- been as follows : F. Seifert, A. Hoffman, M. Stulpnagel, P. Eub- reih, and P. Bechtel, the present incumbent. Their church, a neat frame, was erected in 1868. At the same time a parsonage was ereQted. A sabbath school has been running eight years. German Methodist. — The exact date of the first preaching was not ascertained, though it was probably in 1861, by Rev. Grechten- meyer at C. Furhman's house. The following are the names of ministers who have followed him : Wm. Schreiner, Philip Funk, August Lamprecht, Adam Wilier, Frederick Hermsmeyer, Frederick Hogrefe, Louis Thoele, Henry Schnitker, and Frederick Herms- meyer, of "Wabasha, who still preaches to the congregation. A frame church was built in 1866 at a cost of about eight hundred dollars. SOCIETIES. July 26, 1875, Good Templar Lodge, No. 120, was orgaiiized by F. C. Stow, G.W., secretary of LO.G.T., with forty-one charter members. The first officers were : J. P. Owens, L.D. ; A. G. Sul- ton, P.W.C.T.; John Munro, W.C.T.; Jennie Ritchie, W.V.T.; John Brown, Secretary. Meetings were held regularly in the schoolhouse of district No. 26 ; then in Glasgow township. Through dissatisfaction, carelessness and emigration, the organization was dis- banded April, 1878. The greatest membership (73) was reached April, 1877. MILLS. West Albany creek offers the advantage of good water-power to industries of this kind, and its hurrying course was first checked by a water-wheel in 1857, when the McColloms' sawmill was put in operation. In 1859 Sylvester Applegarth built a gristmill, in his town, with two run of buhrs. Three or four years after he sold it to Patrick McNamee, and after passing through different hands and experienc- ing several changes, it was destroyed by fire and never rebuilt. In 1867 "Wm. Applegarth built a feedmill on this stream. It was soon sold, and in 1877 it passed into the hands of its present owner, John J. Hoffman. He reconstructed the mill at a cost of about two thousand dollars, putting in a new dam and machinery, and now has three run of buhrs, — two for flour and one for feed. As before mentioned, the sawmill built by the McColloms was purchased in 1874 by Hiram Fellows and moved farther down the 47 Y86 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. stream. In 187Y it was purchased by the Brandt brothers, who re moved the machinery and erected their present flouring-mill at a cost of twenty-four hundred dollars. In the fall of 1882 improve- ments were made to the extent of one thousand dollars, and more are contemplated. They have a turbine wheel, three run of buhrs, with first-class machinery, and are doing a prosperous business. We must not omit mention of the Gopher Prairie postoffice, es- tablished about 1860, on section 2, with Benjamin Dodge as post- master. This became a favorite place of resort for the neighbors to gather in, tell stories, discuss politics, or read the newspapers of which Dodge always had a plentiful supply. In the course of two or three years it was moved to the house of Wm. "Wilson and shortly after to the town of Lake. The only practicing physician who has resided in this township was Dr. Miller, who located on section 14 several years ago and re mained about two years. * RAILROAD. In 1878 the Minnesota Midland railway was completed, following the course of the Zumbro river through the southeastern part of the township. The history of the road will be found elsewhere, and only one thing need here be mentioned in this connection. Before the buildifig of the road, agents of the company went among the farmers and got a majority of the voters to sign a petition for the road agreeing to aid the company to the extent of five thousand dol- lars in case the road was completed. This afterward created con- siderable dissatisfaction in the township, and when the road was completed they declined to grant the bonus. The case was carried to the supreme court where the law under whic]^ the petition was gotten up was declared unconstitutional, thus relieving the township of their obligation to pay the amount. , TOWNS. Since the advent of the railroad two little towns have sprung up in the township. Tracy was so named by Mr. Lakey, superintendent of the road, in honor of Lawrence Tracy, on whose farm the station was estab- lished. Since 1878 the Mazeppa Mill Company has been buying wheat at this place. In the summer of 1879 P. J. McGinn built a two-story frame building and put in a stock of general merchandise, valued at about five hundred dollars. He met with fair success, HYDE PAEK TOWNSHIP. 787 increasing it from time to time, and in the spring of 1863 he sold to P. J. Fox, who continues the business. In 1880 the postoffice was moved from West Albany to Tracy, McGinn assuming the duties of postmaster. In 1883 he was succeeded by P. J. Fox, the present incumbent. The postoffice is called Lakey, there being another Tracy in the state. Theilmanton is on the railroad in section 36, pleasantly located on a terrace in the valley, and about forty feet above the Zumbro river. It was named in honor of Christian Theilman, through whose influence the station was established, and by whom the town was platted in 1877. In Ja,nuary, 1878, Peter Hall completed and occupied the commodious two-story frame, where he still holds forth, putting. in a stock of general merchandise, valued at about one thousand dollars. He was the lirst to locate on the site of the town, and his stock is now worth about four thousand dollars. In the spring of the same year he was followed by Nicholas Eeil, who erected a good fi-ame building, which he has since occupied as a b§ot and shoe shop. During the same season William Morris built a blacksmith-shop, and Henry Sommerholder a wagonshop, which he yet occupies. In the fall two saloons were started by William Colegraif and Nils P. Christianson respectively. The latter after- ward sold to John Will. Upon the petition of Peter Hall a post- office was established, December, 1878, with the petitioner as post- master. During 1878 a commodious grainhouse was erected by C. Theilman, who then began buying grain. In 1882 it passed into the hands of the Wabasha 'Elevator Company. About forty thou- sand bushels of grain were shipped from this place in 1882. The population numbers about sixty, and is now almost entirely German. CHAPTER LXXXII. HYDE PARK TOWNSHIP. In the early part of May, 1855, Paris Devitt and Samuel Parker settled in the district of cpuntry now known as Hyde Park. The next day after their arrival came John Eitter, Charles Holzman, William McCloud ; and it was but a very short time until George and Seymore Fanning and the Baker families arrived and took up homesteads. 788 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. It was the rolling farm-land, dotted with poplar groves, which attracted these men, some of whom came from northern Pennsyl- vania, while others from Maryland. The close of the summer of 1855 found almost every quarter-section "claimed," and a log cabin erected to shield the pioneer from Minnesota's wintry blasts. The winter of 1856-6 is a notable one in the history of the country as the "cold winter," and the earl 3' settlers suffered greatly since they were so far from mill and market, besides their means were very scanty. Many tales of hardship are related of that "cold winter." When the snow became so deep and the weather so cold that it was impossible to get the grain to mill, the old coffee mill was used, and the words " Flannigan's Mill" bring back to many old settlers recollections of pioneer life in the winter of 1855-6. At the time of the government survey the tract of land now included in the townships of Zumbro and Hyde Park was called Concord. This name, however, for some reason, did not suit the people, and at a meeting held in May, 1858, the name Troy was chosen. The legislature would not accept this, however, as another town in the state held the same name, so it was named Zumbro, after the river which divided it. The larger part of the population lived on the south side of the river, and all township elections and meetings were held on that side. This was a source of trouble to the north side people, for at the spring and fall elections the river was swollen so much with the rains that they could not cross but with a risk of their lives, so a general feeling of dissatisfaction arose, which culminated in the spring of 1862,' in dividing the township by the river, the south part retaining the name Zumbro. At the first meeting held north of the river the name Hyde Park was sug- gested by an Englishman, so that the township is named after one ' of the most famous places in London. This is only a fractional township containing about ten thousand acres, four thousand and eighty-nine aci'es being undef cultivation. The land is varied. Along the Zumbro river, and extending two miles northward from its banks, the land is very rough and hilly. Dense forests of heavy oak cover the ground, and even at the present day the fox, wolf and deer are found, with an abundance of smaller game. In the north part of the township may be found fine i"olling farms suitable for grain and corn. , The present population is largely Irish. They are kind and hospitable, and their appreciation for learning is shown by the character of the schools. . They are' HYDE PAEK TOWNSHIP. 789 hardy and industrious, caring more for an abundance of the neces- saries of life than for superfluities. The first settlers of this township coming from centers of chris- tian influence, were not unmindful of spii'itual things in their new homes, and with the foundations of their log cabins they erected altars of prayer and praise. As early as 1856 religious services were held in the cabins of the farmers, and people old and young came to the meetings. The first preaching services in the township were held at the home of John Ritter, and the minister was the renowned pioneer Jas. McArdell. These meetings were continued for several years, but no Protestant church has ever been established, and at the present time there are but few Protestant families in the township. There is a Koman Catholic church at Hammond. It was erected in 1881, and is a frame structure 26x36 feet, with a wing 12x16 feet, and twenty-two feet high. The membership consists of about eighty families, and services are held every two weeks, at which a priest from Lake City officiates. At a very early day Sunday schools were established, and through the earnest efforts of some good ladies the work still goes on. Agriculture is the chief occupation of the people. Minnesota has always been called the great wheat state, and as good crops have been raised in this township as in any part of the state. The past four years have been rather unfavorable to wheat-growing, and the farmers are now turning their attention more to corn and barley growing and to the rearing and feeding of stock. The following is a summary of the products of the year 1882 : Wheat, 16,271 bushels ; oats, 23,223 bushels ; barley, 20, 525 bushels ; corn, 19,773 bushels ; potatoes, 2,950 bushels ; apples, 203 bushels ; hay, 427 ■ tons ; butter. 9,550 pounds; wool, 152 pounds. Hyde Park has an I.O.O.F. of which she is justly proud. The first movement toward organization was begun in the summer of 1577, and public interest in the lodge became so intense that before the summer was half over it was organized and started with a large and effective membership. It is generally conceded that Scot Foster was the prime mover in the organization of the lodge, largely aided by the venerable John Ritter, who held the first office of Noble Grand. The name of the lodge is the Hyde Park I. O. O.F. , although many of its members are residents of Gillford and West Albany townships. The place of meeting is in Gillford township, at a place called "Gcange Corners," where they have a pleasant room 18x22 790 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. feet, and comfortably furnished. The lodge holds weekly meetings and is in a very promising condition. The following is a list of its charter members : Scot Foster, Fred Foster, Albert Foster, Clarence Foster, Geo. A. Eoberts, Joe Eoberts, Wilson Roberts, Albert Eob- erson, Louis O'Harra, L. A. Doty, Eobert Disney, John Disney, David Williams, J. Clark, E. D. Southard, Eussel Warren, Frank Warren, Samuel La Mont, Ed. Clifford, John Eitter. TOWNS. This township has two small towns which furnish a market for not only the people of Hyde Park but also for the townships adjoining it. Jarretts is a thriving little village, situated in the southeastern part of the township, on the C. M. & St. P. narrow-gauge railroa,d, just thirty miles from Wabasha. Before there was an inhabitant near the present site of the town, there was a ford in the Zumbro where the old settlers in an early day crossed, and since the nearest dweller was Mr. Jarrett, the place came to be called " Jarrett's Ford," and when a postoffice was established it received the name of Jarretts. The village consists of one general merchandise store with postoffice, one flouring-mill, one grain elevator, a sugar manufactory and about one dozen dwelling-houses. The town really had its birth in 1878, when the narrow-gauge railroad was built. The flouring-mill, run by water-power, was built in 1878 by Kimball & Kitzman, and is the only mill in the township. The elevator is a frame structure with a capacity of five thousand bushels, and is used as a feeder to the large flouring-mill at Mazeppa. Hammond is a village of about two hundred population, situated three miles west of Jarretts, on the C. M. &St. P. narrow-gauge rail- road. The place derives its name from a Mr. Hammond who owned the land where the village now stands. The town is divided into two parts by the river Zumbro, and the two parts are connected by a large bridge of wood and iron work, mounted on stone basements. The flrst building was erected in 1877, and from the increase in the past the prospect is encouraging for its becoming a tovm of more than county reputation. The elevator owned by the Mazeppa Mill Co. is a large wooden structure, erected in 1879, with the dimensions 40x80 feet, eighty-five feet high. It has a capacity of seventy-five thousand bushels. This is the largest elevator in the county, audits erection and operation has greatly benefited the citizens of Hyde Park and the surrounding country. HYDE PAEK TOWIfSHIP. 791 SCHOOLS. There are three sehoolliouses in the township all of which have a large attendance and which are well conducted. It has always been the desire of the people to have good schools, and the trustees, realizing this desire, have aimed to secure able teachers. The re- sults of good training are attested by the fact that now men and women educated in these schools are teaching in all parts of the county, some even holding the responsible positions as principals of the high schools of Elgin and Plainview. The first schoolhouse in the township was built in the summer of 1856, on the northeast corner of section 3, on the land now owned by Eobert Fish. This schoolhouse was in the district now numbered 45. The first teacher was Miss Mary Shaw, who received twelve dollars per month for her services. There were three families in the district : Shaws, Parkers and Yorks. The first school held in what is now known as district 46, was taught by Unus Potter in 1857 at a private house. The next year it was held in a barn owned by Mr. Peter Kelley, and the next year a log schoolhouse was built by the settlers. The first school in - district 84 was taught by Miss Lucy Roberts, the date being uncer- tain, probably about 1859. MISCELLANEOUS PACTS. In 1866 the county bought of John F. Eoss one hundred and sixty acres of land in this township to be used as a county poor- farm, but for convenience it was exchanged for a farm near the county seat. In 1856 Wm. Parker opened and stocked the first store in the township, which he operated until 1866. He was the first post- master in the township. John Keller was the first blacksmith, and he opened the first shop in 1858. Francis Shaw had the first shoe- shop, which he opened in 1857. The first birth was that of Efiie Woodward, born" February 14, 1856. The first marriage was that of Jacob York and Mrs. Jane Shaw, June 22, 1856. At the time of the construction of the narrow-gauge railroad through the township, the question whether the township should bond itself was voted upon. At the first election the "bonding" was defeated, but after a few days the decision was reversed and the people agreed to pay six thousand dollars, giving seven per cent 792 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTT. payable semi-annually. This was a large amount for so small a township to pay but they have gained great benefit from the road, since now they have a good market close at home, whereas, prior to the construction of the road, the grain and marketing had to be taken by wagon twenty to twenty-five miles. The year 1883 is tlie first year liquor license has ever been granted in this township. Politically the township is strongly democratic. The township has a population of about four hundred and eighty-five, of whom ninety-one are voters. CHAPTER LXXXni. GILLFORD TOWNSHIP. In the early part of May, 1855, Messrs. Wm. McOloud, George and Seymour Fanning came to this township, and after taking claims and working through the summer season, they returned to Illinois for the winter and in the following spring they returned here with their faniilies. The same yeai*, 1855, Jos. Fuller took a claim near Mazeppa, but being discouraged by a heavy frost in June was about to return to Illinois when his brother-in-law, Mr. Gill, dissuaded him, and they both settled in Gillford. In the fall of 1855 Mr^Gill re- turned to Illinois for his family ; after spending the winter there and when returning here he was taken sick and died. Mrs. Gill, however, settled in this township, and on account of her amiable character the township was named for her. Much might be said in commendation of all those old settlers, but one deserves particular notice here. Mr. McCloud was a man of very great worth to county and township. He laid out the roads in the township ; he was a great patron of schools ; he did his utmost to promote religious interest in the community ; as regards hospitality he could not be sur- passed. In the spring of 1856 Messrs. E. M. Hoyt, E. F. Hoyt, W. F. Green and F. Lamb came to this township and took claims in the northwestern part. The first town meeting' was held at the house of L. W. Manning on May 11, 1856. The result of the first election was as follows : E. M. Hoyt, L. W. Manning, David Fanning, supervisors ; E. M. GILLFOED TOWNSHIP. 793 Eider, town clerk ; James Morehead, "William McCloud, justices of the peace ; S. Tysdel, assessor ; William Green, overseer of poor. The number of votes cast was thirty-four. LAND. The land of this township has a gentle roll, and is exceedingly- suitable for grain-growing. It is situated midway between the forests and rough land, bordering on the Zumbro on the south, and the similar land along the Mississippi on the north. There is an abundance of clear-running water, which renders stock-raising com- paratively easy. PEOPLE. In the early history of the township the people were mostly natives of New England, New York or Pennsylvania, but the last ten years has seen quite a change. A large number of the old settlers having moved farther north and west, their places are now occupied by Germans. A careful investigation has shown that more than one-half of the present population are German, who occupy the eastern and northern parts of the township ; of the other half, quite a large number are Irish, who reside in the southeastern part, and the rest living in the western part of the township are for the most part natives of New York and Pennsylvania. The present population numbers about two thousand, and the largest vote cast was two hundred and six. TOWNS. There is but one town in the township, Zumbro Falls. It is situated in the extreme southwestern part of the township and has a population of about two hundred people. The river Zumbro divides it, the dwelling-houses being on one side, in Chester township, while the business-houses 'are in this township. A large bridge connected the two divisions until recently, when a storm, which did much damage to the village and surrounding country, completely destroyed the bridge. A new one will soon be constructed. A man . by the name of Tuttle first owned the land where the town now stands. Mr. Tibbitts owned it next, and then Mr. Whaley, who is still a resident of the place and owner of considerable property in that vicinity, purchased it. The town really began to exist in 1878, when the narrow-gauge railroad was laid through this township. Mr. Haradon is the present postmaster. There is a postoffice in the northern part of the township with 794 . HISTOET OF WABASHA COtTNTY. which is connected a general merchandise store. Mail is received and taken twice a week by stage. The name Oak Centre was given to this postoffice by Mr. C. C. Lowe on account of the abim- dance of oak-trees in that vicinity. EELIGIOUS SEEVICES. Until the summer of 1859 no religious services were held in the township, the principle reason being there was no leader. In that summer Haradon organized a Sunday-school at Oak Centre, and after that was in successful operation, two more were organized. As yet there was no preacher or preaching. In the spring of 1860 a man by the name of Stillwell came into the township and took a claim. It was soon rumored around that he was a Methodist exhorter, so he was waited upon and asked to preach at Oak Centre the following sabbath. He preached, and the people were so well pleased that he made several appointments, and thus the work continued through- out the summer. In the course of several months a great revival took place, which was so widespread that three new churches were organized, which still exist. Mr. Stillwell was one of those quiet, modest men, with little self- confidence; but he won the respect and admiration of all the people with whom he came in contact, and the good he was the means ot accomplishing cannot be overestimated. There are three churches in the township. A Methodist Episco- pal church, on section 16, which was built in 1862, but which has no regular services at present. There is a large cemetery connected with this church, wh^re many of its members and others are laid to rest. A woman's mission organization hold regular sabbath ser- vices in the schoolhouse, district No. 19. The German people have a Lutheran church at Jacksonville. It is a handsome trame structure, 30X16 feet, comfortably fui-nished and surrounded by one-half acre of land covered with beautiful • shade-trees. About twenty-five families attend this church, Mr. Mire having been the pastor since the church was organized in 18Y8. All these churches sustain large Sunday schools, and an annual union picnic is held, which is one of the grandest occasions of the year to all. There are two Grood Templars lodges in the township, one at Zumbro Falls, with a membership of eighty-six, and the other at Oak Centre, with a membership of forty-five. They are in a pros- perous condition, holding weekly meetings, at which literary exer- GILLS'OED TOWNSHIP. • 795 cises form a part of the eveniBg's programme. Games and social pleasures are also indulged in, and many pleasant as well as profit- able evenings are spent together by the young people in uniting themselves against the common foe, intemperance. SCHOOLS. There are five schools in the township, Nos. 15, 16, IT, 19 and 20. The first teacher in the township was Miss Lizzie Green (Bartlett), who taught a select school in a "claim shanty," 10x12 feet in dimensions, in the summer of 1858, in the bounds of the district now known as No. 15. The second school was established on section 12, near the present schoolhouse No. 19, and the first teacher was Miss Rosa Montgomery. It is a lamentable fact in connection with the schools of this township, that the records, iincludng names of teachers, number of pupils, salaries, dates, etc., have not been preserved. \ GENERAL FACTS. The first marriage was Mr. E. S. Fanning and Miss Hannah Fanning in the spring of 1865. The first birth was Miss Mary Fanning, a daughter of the above. The first death was that of Mr. Samuel Fanping, in the fall of 1856. A liquor license has never been granted in this township. Dur- ing the war there was not a man drafted from this township ; a sufficient number enlisted. At the time of the construction of the narrow-gauge railroad through the township a vote was taken whether the town should bond itself. It was lost by a few votes. There are six thousand two hundred and sixty-nine acres, of land under cultivation. Politi- cally the township is republican. CHAPTER LXXXiy. LAKE CITY. The citizens of that section of Wabasha county lying along the shores of Lake Pepin and contiguous to the county of Goodhue on the north, did not aspire to corporate responsibilities, honors and burdens at a very early date. That portion of the county, for years known as the town of Lake City, had been organized as a township for nearly thirteen years before any attempt to in- corporate a village or town within its territory was attempted, and it was more than seventeen years from the date of the perma- nent settlement of the town before any effective attempt at incorpo- ration was made. During those years ther^ had grown up here an intelligent and thriving community of twenty-five hundred souls. Under no government other than that of the township organiza- tion, effected on the admission of the state into the union in 1858, a prosperous mercantile and shipping trade had been developed and successfully fostered ; churches had been organized and built ; schools established and well provided with all necessary appliances of buildings and apparatus ; streets had been opened, graded and furnished with sidewalks ; police and sanitary regulations adopted, and in short the whole paraphernalia of village organization intro- duced and successfully manipulated under that old township organi- zation of May 11, 1858, supplemented by some special legislative acts to which specific attention will be necessary in order to arrive at a true understanding of the status of this city, which was only a town ; and of this portion of the town of Lake City, which was so much more than a township, as was only too apparent when the city of Lake City was carved out of the old township of Lake City, which one year thereafter received by legislative enact- ment the curtailed name of "Lake," as it now is. The state census returns for 1865 give as the population of the town of Lake City for that year, fourteen hundred and eleven souls. De- ducting the population of the township outside of the corner occu- pied by the afterward city, and making allowance for the increase of population during the year ending March 31, 1865, and it will LAKE CITY. Y97 not be far from the actual figures if we place the population of that section of Lake City township, now included with the incorporated limits of Lake City, at about eleven hundred, in the spring of 1864. By special legislative enactment, of date March 3, 1864, the super- visors of the town of Lake City were given special powers, which special powers were equivalent in general terms to those usually exercised by the board of trustees of an incorporated village, or the common council of an incorporated city, but these special powers were only made applicable to a particularly specified section of the town of Lake City, to wit : The S.W. J of S.W. I and lots Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4 of Sec. 4 ; and the E. |- and ISf.W. i of S.E. J of Sec. 5 ; the E. i of N.W. i and the S. i of N.E. i and lots Nos. 1 and 2 of Sec. 5 ; and the E. i of KW. J and the E".W. iofJST.W. J and lots ]!Tos. 1 and 2 of Sec. 9, all in T. Ill K, of R 12 W., according to United States survey. This tract, as above described, included very nearly so much of the present city .limits as is laid off in plats and blocks. Or, to describe it otherwise, it included that portion lying between the railroad track and the lake, with the addition of some small territory on the south side ot the railway ti-acks about the depot, and also in the lower part of the village. It was a strip of land lying along Lake Pepin, a distance of a little over one and a half miles in length and extending backward from the lake a distance varying from one-half to three-fourths of a mile. It was this portion of Lake City township, that while still con- tinuing an integral part of that township, was practically cut off from it, by the special act of March 3, 1864, above referred to. The powers conferred by this act upon the supervisors of the town of Lake City, were to the effect that within the above specified territory, they could enact and enforce ordinances for a variety of purposes, which briefly stated were : 1. To compel owners and occupants of slaughterhouses, groceries, cellars, stables, sewers, vaults, or any unwholesome or nauseous house or places, to cleanse or abate the same as deemed necessary for the health and comfort of the town. 2. To direct the location and management of slaughterhouses, markets, and to regulate the sale, storage and conveying of gunpowder and other com- bustibles. 3. To prevent the incumbrance of streets, alleys or sidewalks, with anything whatever. 4. To restrain cattle, hogs, sheep, dogs, poultry, etc., from running at large, and to provide for impounding, selling or destroying them as the case might be. 798 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. 5. To prevent the bringing into the district as above described, any putrid carcass or other unwholesome thing, or in case of its being so brought in, to provide for and enforce its removal. 6. To regulate the burial of the dead, and provide against the spread of contaaious diseases and their introduction. 7. To prevent any persons from doing damage to the crossings and side- walks. 8. To prevent open drunkenness, brawling, obscenity, etc., and provide for the arrest and punishment of those guilty of thus offending against the general peace. 9. To prevent the dangerous construction and condition of chimneys, fire- places, ovens, boilers and boiler-stacks, etc., the deposit of ashes in the high- ways, or in unsafe places ; to regulate the use of fireworks and firearms, and in general to prevent and provide for the extinguishment of fires as might be con- sidered necessary and expedient. 10. To provide for the maintenance of suitable sidewalks and street-cross- ings on both sides of Washington street, at the expense of the owners of the adjacent properties. 11. To establish a grade for Washington street, under direction of a com- petent surveyor, cause profiles thereof to be made and registered as town plats are recorded, and make regulations for excavating or filling in streets as may be required. 12. To prevent and punish noise at public meetings and assemblies, riots, disturbances of all kinds, and generally to promote and preserve the public peace. It was made the duty of the township supervisors to enforce the regulations that should be made in the interest and for the further- ance of the above objects, and the manner of procedure in such cases was duly set forth ; all by-laws, regulations or ordinances passed by them for this purpose were declared to have the force of law pro- vided they controvened no existing laws, and severe penalties could be enforced for their violation. The justices of the town of Lake City were given original and exclusive jurisdiction in all cases aris- ing under the act, and no appeal could be taken in any case where the fine imposed did not exceed twenty dollars. The supervisors of the town of Lake were also empowered to appoint a marshal, and it was made their duty to so appoint within thirty days of the an- nual town election. Said marshal was required to furnish bond, and given all the authority of constable under the statute of the state, to receive fees for his services, and such other compensation as the supervisors should determine, subject to limitation. The supervisors were also authorized and required to vote a tax upon the taxable property of the district thus governed siifficient to pay t.attth: city. 799 the expenses incurred in carrying out the provisions of the act ; that tax was to be by majority vote of the town supervisors, and the town clerk was required to file a copy of record of such vote upon which the tax was to be levied and collected, as all other towr.ship taxes were. The assessor of the town of Lake City was also required to make a separate list of the persons and personal property of all resi- dents ot the specified district in the same manner as was required to be done in the case of residents of incorporated towns. The act took effect from and after its passage, and thenceforth the town supervisors of Lake City had a corporation to look after, which was not incorporated, and the district above described had all the honors and privileges of an incorporated village or city without its liabilities and many of its burdens. The legislature of 1866 made some addi- tional provisions, supplemental to the act of 1864, by which the special regulation concerning the building of a sidewalk on Wash- ington street became a more general one, and included all the streets of the special district. In addition to this the town supervisors were authorized to direct so much of the poll and road tax, derived from the tax of the special district, as they deemed to be best, to the maintenance of bridges and highways in adjacent townships. This was only in .eiFect to empower the town supervisors to do officially what the public spirit of the citizens, of the village which was not a village, had been doing privately and unofficially for a number of years. Of this more specific mention will be made in another place. Bj act of legislature, approved March 9, 1867, some very ma- terial additions were made to the powers of the supervisors of the town of Lake City, by which they were authorized to license and regulate exhibitions and shows of all kinds, caravans, circuses, con- certs, theaters ; also, all auctions, billiard tables, tenpin alleys, bowl- ing saloons, etc.; also, all taverns, saloons, and persons dealing in spirituous, vinous or fermented liquors. They were also given authority to prohibit gaming, card-playing, and restrain persons from engaging in the same, or from vending any article for which license to sell was required, until the license so required had been duly granted. Another important addition to their powers was that of establishing fire-limits, and prescribing what character of material should be allowed in building within such fire limits ; also, to prevent the reconstruction within such limits of all wooden build- 800 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. ings, where such buildings had been damaged fifty per cent of their value. It was also enacted that they should provide a place for the confinement of all arrested persons, no matter from what cause, until discharged by due process of law or committed to the county jail. They were finally empowered to lay out a street through the center of a certain block (Ko. 1), levy a tax to compensate owners for damages, and to lease so much of the levee as to them shall seem just, provided it does not seriously affect or injure said levee, and pro- vided also that said leases should not extend for a longer term than ninety-nine years. The supervisors and town clerk were allowed two dollars per diem compensation each for all time actually em- ployed in discharging the duties set forth in the above act and its amendments ; and with this the special legislation ended for this special district which was virtually the incorporation of the city of Lake, and yet did not exist as such incorporation until eight years thereafter. There are few cases that can parallel this, and none that have come under our own notice. This existence of eight years in which the inhabitants of a favored corner of Lake City township were privi- leged with all that actual incorporation could confer, relieved of its financial burdens, might well mark an era in their history and be designated by a white stone. Not one substantial benefit that could be secured through a city charter that they did not reap ; not one responsibility, which as a city they must have assumed, that they did not in this manner largely avoid, and that without working aught but good to them. They could open streets and tax property therefor ; laj sidewalks, grade, condemn property, lease the levees, prescribe fire limits, regulate sale of specified articles, require licenses, construct their own courts of municipal justice, issue their writs, execute them and enforce penalties without recourse (within certain limits); take the taxes for road purposes and appropriate them where they could do most good — and in every conceivable way exercise all the privileges of an individual or body corporate ; but they were not a body corporate in law, had no existence in fact, could not sue or be sued, could not contract any obligation, could not be forced to meet any ; and all the expense of carrying on this machinery was the sum of two dollars per capita for the township supervisors and town clerk for every day actually expended in the direction of affairs. True the township officers could be sued, but there was no provision for their contracting any LAKE CITY. 801 obligations for this specified district as such, and the arrangement all through was one on which Lake City, unincorporate, might well congratulate herself. The verdict of one of her citizens — that she fortunately stumbled upon the peculiar legislation which this con- ferred privilege without responsibility, was after all, perhaps, not very wide of the mark. Early in 1867 the question of formally organizing as a city was discussed, and meetings held to consider the question. The matter was finally disposed of in a meeting of the citizens held at Williamson's hall, on the evening of Saturday, January 19, 1867. The objection to the existing order of affairs was urged, on the ground that as now administered, the town authorities lacked the power properly to administer the affairs of a community like this, and corporate powers hkd become a necessity. To this it was answered that the powers in the hands of the supervisors was ample, and, only needed to be exercised. Also that if more legisla- tion was needed it could be obtained, but that it was unadvisable to saddle the town with the burdens of maintaining a corporate exist- ence. The test question, as subnjitted, was that a city charter be drawn up, and the proposition was negatived by a very decided majority. The meeting instructed the supervisors to rigidly enforce such by-laws and ordinances as were already in existence, and a committee chosen to draw up amendments to the present regula- tions, increasing the power of the town supervisiors so as to include the various subjects afterward specified in the legislative act of March 9, next ensuing. Matters remained in this state so far as the exer- cise of govermental powers was concerned, until the formal incor- poration of the city — although one more attempt to incorporate was made, which led to no definite result. By act of legislature of 1870, it was provided that any community, within any specified district, numbering not less than two thousand souls, and not more than fifteen thousand, might, upon filing with the judge of probate for the county within which "such district was located, a petition for incor- poration signed by not less than two-thirds of the legal voters ot said district, become thereby incorporated, and it was made the duty of the judges of probate, before whom such petition should come, to order an, election for the purpose of filling the various ofiices set forth in the charter as petitioned for. Such petition so signed by three hundred and twenty-two legal voters residing within a certain described district (substantially the corporate limits of the- present city of Lake City), came before A. Z. Putnam,. 48 S02 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. judge of probate for the county of "Wabasha, on May 15, 18Y1. The judge gave, notice of election to be held July 1, 1871, for the purpose of filling the various offices, and designated the place of holding such elections. Caucuses were held, and a full ticket nominated, but owing to opposition on the part of some, and a general distrust of the legality of such an incor- poration, the polls were never opened, and the election passed. The friends of the measure were not satisfied with this disposition of the case, and C. E". Sterry, Esq., secured the opinion of Hon. Thos. Wilson, of the city of Winona, and also of Messrs. Bigelow, Flan- drau & Clark, of St. Paul, as to the constitutionality or otherwise of the city charter. The opinions in both cases sustained the action of the citizens as legal, and the indorporation as a valid act. The opinion of the St. Paul attorneys was also to the effect that failure to hold the election in no case vacated or dissolved the corporation. The recourse as contained in the opinion, was to re-petition for a designated day of election, or apply to the legislature to appoint a day. The former was not done, and instead of the latter, an act of incorporation was duly passed at the next session of the legislar ture in accordance with which Lake City was incorporated as a city, and the long-vexed question finally settled. The condition of the city, its growth and development as a cor- porate body, virtually dates from the year in which, under special legislative enactment, the inhabitants of this particular portion of Lake City township began to assume the methods of city govern- ments ; and in this view of the case we will speak of Lake City as existing from 1864. Little change requiring note appears to have transpired in 1864, and the early part of 1866. The attention of all classes was directed to the great struggle between national authority and organized rebellion, to the exclusion of almost all else ; and it was not until the nation emerged from the conflict, and her brave defenders came trooping homeward, regiment by regiment, wha^t was left of their decimated ranks, that the great heart of the country breathed free, and the life of all industries resumed their natural flow. At this time, midsummer of 1865, the township of Lake City had a population of fourteen hundred and eleven ; of these from eleven hundred to twelve hundred were included within the citv limits. The citizens of the little mart on the shores of Lake Pepin were aspiring to the direction of so much of the trade of the sur- LAKE CITY. 803 rounding country as a liberal policy would enable them to control. They had reached out a liberal hand over the adjacent townships, and attempted the creation of a market for grain at this point by providing the best roads possible, along which the loaded wagons might reach their warehouses and wharves. They had steadily resisted all seductions to combine against the producer and depress prices, and by this policy had gained the confidence of the wheat- growers in adjacent counties, many of whom, as far as practicable, brought their surplus grain to Lake City market, the advance in price secured here more than compensating for the remoteness of the market. By this means the little city-to-be soon became noted as a profitable market in whicli to sell cereals, and successfully dis- puted the palm with older and more populous centers of trade. The season for grain shipments during 1865 lasted two hundred and forty-eight days ; and in that time there were shipped from this point, of wheatr* alone, 660,394 bushels; and there was in store 66,000 bushels, as seen by the warehouse receipts — an aggregate of 726,394 bushels of wheat brought to this market in wagons. Prices ruled for the year about one dollar and five cents on the average, and had it not been for the rapacity of the 'transportation companies, it was claimed that the average price for the season would have ruled ten cents per bushel higher — a difference of seventy-two thousand six hundred and thirty-nine dollars and forty cents in the pockets of the wheat-growers. This ten cents represented the increase above what was claimed to be a fair price for transportation. This exaction led to attempted combinations on the part of the shippers, out of which new lines of freight-carrying vessels originated ; and competition, as far as practicable, restored the balances to something like equity. The tonnage of the vessels passing this point, and receiving and dis- charging freight at Lake City docks, was computed at twelve thousand six hundred and thirty-one tons, and the whole number of vessels fifty-three. To these were to be added one hundred and twenty-nine barges and lighters, with a farther capacity of nineteen thousand three hundred and fifty tons. The increase in population of the town of Lake City for the semi-decade from 1860 to 1865 was five hundred and forty-five, an increase of sixty-three per cent. No separate census returns were kept of population within the village, and how much of the increase was in town or how much in country cannot now be ascertained. The substantial improvements in building Washington " 14 Main " 7 High 8 Oak 16 Garden " i; Prairie " 9 Miscellaneous, 8 804 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. alone during the year aggregated nearly eighty-five thousand dollars, about one-fliird of which was on "Washington street. The improve- ments on the various streets, as shown in round numbers, and these very largely new structures, were : Franklin street, 8 buildings, valued at $ 5,000 " " 27,000 " " 5,500 ." 8,500 " " 19,000 10,000 4,500 " 5,000 During the year 1866 there was no very marked improvement in the volume of business transacted, neither was any decrease noted. The aggregate of city improvements was nearly the same, the total being eighty-seven thousand six hundred dollars. A board of trade was organized in February, oflScered as follows : H. F. Williamson, president ; A. B. Doughty, vice-president ; S. B. Munson, Jr., secretary. Directors : A. Tibbitts, J. L. Armstrong and 0. F. Rogers. Most of the leading men of the city were identified with this organization, which had, among other objects, that of securing more equitable freight rates for grain and merchandise. An anti- monopoly convention had been called, representing the merchants and shippers of the state, to meet at St. Paul on February 9, and to this convention the Lake City board of trade sent its representatives. The result of the deliberations at St. Paul was the determination to build a line of boats and put them on the river — to be known as the People's line — the people holding and owning the stock. Com- mittees were appointed to secure subscriptions to such stock, and President Williamson, of the Lake City board of trade, was appointed solicitor for this section. The organization of the Minnesota Trans- portation Company was the result of this convention ; but as the old monopolies were breaking up, and it was thought that the resulting competition would equalize freight charges, the building of boats was abandoned. The beginning of this year 1866 was marked by a decided interest in temperance matters on the part of the public at large. A Good Templars' lodge was organized here January 20, with a membership of sixty, and only one week later the number was increased to one hundred. A genuine wave of temperance feeling tided over the county ; lectures were common, lodges multi- LAKE OITY. 805 plied, the recruits were numerous, and the interest was well sus- tained throughoitt the year. There was also a proposition made to the citizens by the state conference of Congregational churches looking toward the establishment of a college here under the auspices of that body. The matter was taken in hand by the citizens, meet- ings held of the legal voters of the town of Lake City, and the supervisors were ordered to issue the bonds of the town to the amount of twenty thousand dollars in aid of such an institution. Further conference with the church authorities having the matter in hand elicited the unexpected fact that if the college was established Lake City would have to build the structures, and provide largely for the expenses, the Congregational church throughout the state endors- ing the school and recommending contributions and endowments from the friends of education within that denomination. The matter dropped there. From the ledgers of the merchants doing business in town, it was ascertained that the volume of trade for the year ended August 1, 1866, aggregated a little over one and a half millions of dollars. The returns, however, are quite incomplete ; oats, corn, barley, manufactures in general, saloons and some other branches of business are not mentioned. The list, as tabulated, is : Drygoods. $166,000 Flour and feed $ 26,000 Groceries 164,000 Harness 7,500 Clotliing 90,500 Bakery 8,000 Agricultural implements 74,800 Horses sold 65,000 Hardware 51,500 Butchers' produce 20,000 Drugs 15,000 Lumber 60,000 Boots and shoes 47,500 Wheat 765,350 Not scheduled 60,000 The price of wheat ruled high during the shipping season, and fifteen thousand dollars a day was quite frequently paid by the buyers here. The shipments for the season were 652,054 bushels, a decline of 57, 544 as compared with the shipments of the previous year. The amount in store at close of navigation was 6,800 bushels. The decreased shipments all over the state were doubtless owing to the partial failure of the crop. The shipments at Eed JVing fell off 300,000 bushels from coiTCsponding period of previous year ; Hast- ings showed a decline of 78,000 bushels. In November the price paid here on the streets rose to $1.75, the Milwaukee quotations being from $1.80 to $2.13. The year 1867 was ushered in with a fire, which broke out in the livery stables of Russell & M'lSTeil, on 806 HISTOET OF WABASHA COtTNTT. Franklin street. The flames sped so quickly that only a portion of the stock could be saved, and seven horses were burned to death. The total loss, building and contents, was twenty-five hundred dol- lars, on which there was three hundred dollars insurance. The questions of supreme importance that engaged the attention of the citizens of Lake City during the year 1867 were those of rail- road aid and county-seat removal. The Chicago & St. Paul Rail- way Company had come to a standstill in their efforts to secure the construction of the road. A prejudice was felt against the road and eastern capitalists would not invest in its bonds ; it was therefore attempted to secure the placing of some of these bonds at home, or at least a sufficient number of them to convince eastern capitalists that the road enjoyed the confidence of the residents of that portion of the state through which it was to pass. A conference between the representatives of the railroad company and leading citizens of Lake City was accordingly held June 26, and after some preliminary investigation into the character of the investment a motion was made by Judge Stout, recommending the supervisors of the town of Lake to subscribe for first mortgage bonds of the Chicago & St. Paul Railway Company, to the amount of twenty thousand dollars, on the conditions embodied in the report of the committee that had been previously appointed and whose report was then under con- sideration. No result was reached, and the old company was reor- ganized in November, with Hon. W. B. Ogden, of Chicago, at its head. On March 6, 1868, by special act of the state legislature the town of Lake City was authorized to issue its bonds in aid of the construction of the Chicago & St. Paul railway. This act was amended February 2, 1869, and on the 6th of that month the super- visors of the town passed an ordinance, submitting the question to the legal voters thereof. Due notice was given, and the election was held Tuesday, February 26, 1869, at which a total vote of four hundred and thirty-seven was polled. The amount of the proposed issue was seventy-five thousand dollars, and the poll stood : for issue, 306 ; against issue, 131. The issue of the bonds thus voted and their transfer led to litigation, in which the corporation of Lake CitjJ^ was made defendant and won the suit as against the railway company. Judgment was subsequently recovered against the town of Lake, so much of as was not included in the corporate limits of Lake City, and the matter compromised by the payment of the sum of twenty-five hundred dollars. The history of this litigation will LAKE CITT. 807 appear in another place. The county-seat question was one equally tedious of settlement, and much more provocative of animosity and sectional bitterness. On March 7 of this year, 1867, an act legislative was passed, submitting to the voters of the county the question of the removal of the county-seat from its then location, Wabasha, to Lake City. The act was passed upon a petition of the citizens, and competition for the capital honors became lively. Lake City bid for the removal by pledging her bonds to the exteat of twenty thousand dollars for the erection of suitable county buildings in case the county seat was located here. It was urged that this would be a saving of at least ten thousand dollars to the county, as that amount was imperatively needed to provide a jail at Wabasha, and the matter of issuing county bonds for that amount had ah-eady been under consideration by the county commissioners. The legality of the issue of twenty thousand dollars in bonds as proposed by Lake City was submitted to the attorney -general Hon. W. Colville, who affirmed the legality of the issue. The bonds were duly issued and deposited with the county treasurer as the property of the county in case the removal should be effected. These bonds were to bear interest at the rate of ten per cent annually, and were made payable in five yearly installments of four thousand dollars each. The press of the rival cities waxed heated in the contest which ensued, and no means were left untried to secure a possible victory. The resources of the language were somewhat severely taxed, as well as the upper cases of the printing-offices, in supplying epithets and capitals, and so the day of election came on. The voting was something extra- ordinary, and the immense number of 9,480 votes were polled in a county not exceeding 13,500 population all told. The contest was carried into the courts and a hearing had before Judge Barber,- of the third judicial district. Case was adjourned for months to take testimony, Judge Mitchell, of Winona, acting as referee, together with Counsellor Benedict, of Hochester. The conclusion finally was that 2,531 legal votes had been cast, of which number 1,457 had been cast in favor of Lake City, and 1,074 in favor of Wabasha. The case was carried to the supreme court and a decision rendered in January, 1871, reversing the judgment of the district court, on the ground that it requires a majority of the legal voters of the county and not a majority of the votes cast to effect the removal of the county seat, and in this manner the matter was disposed of three years and a half after the vote was taken. 808 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. The city suffered quite a loss on August 30 of this year by the destruction of the planing-mill of J. W. Harding, which, with the warehouse of A.msbry & Fletcher, was totally destroyed by fire. The planing-mill was quite an extensive establishment, and the loss was probably not less than ten thousand dollars, upon which there was no insurance. The warehouse was 30 X 90, valued at five thou- sand dollars, insured for half that amount. This year marked an era in the history of the United States post- oflice here, which was made a money-order office September 9. The price of wheat rose to $1.83 for ISTo. 1 early in October, and for the first four days of the month the sum of $76,000 was paid by the buyers of the city to farmers for wheat. Two weeks later one firm in this city took in one hundred and ten loads, and barges were loaded at the rate of 2,000 bushels per hour. There was a decided falling off in the wheat shipments this year ; only 342,622 bushels were forwarded, from this place, and at close of navigation 25,855 bushels remained in store. The improvements in the way of buildings footed $74,600. With the year 1868 the town reached its first decade as an or- ganized part of the governmental system of the state. A comparison ot the votes cast at the opening and also at the close of this period of ten years, shows that the increase was from one hundred and thirty- four votes in 1858, to five hundred and twelve in 1868. The area of the township, exclusive of town lots, in acres, 17,408A acres, which was valued at $100, 602, or about $5. 77 per acre. The aggregate value of town lots in 1868, including buildings thereon, was $180,639, making a total real-est te valuation for the town of Lake City of $290,241. The total value of the personal property of the town was rated at $149,374, a little more than one-seventh of all the personal property of the county, which was returned at $1,005,856, about $75,500 less than the real property as scheduled by assessor. "While the vote of Lake City in 1868 had increased to almost four times that cast in 1858, the vote of the county at large had increased to a little less than three times the vote cast at the general election of ten years ago. Chester, Elgin, Gillford, Eichland, Highland, Plain- view and Zumbro, all showing a larger rate of increase than Lake City, the balance of the township a much smaller ratio. There was a decided increase in the amount of grain shipments from Lake City during this year as compared with 1867, but prices did not rule so high. Total wheat shipments were 502,288 bushels, and about 4,000 LAKE CITY. 809 bushels of barley. A census taken in this year by Abner Tibbetts, the assessor, gave 3,031 as the population of the town of Lake City, an estimate a little higher than the United States census returns of two years later seemed to warrant. The amount expended in building improvements for the year was about $28,000 in excess of that of 1867, the total amount for 18^8 being $102,760. The inhabitants of the city were forcibly reminded in the beginning of this year that they were not quite out of the woods, by the advent of an immense wild-cat, which crossed the lake on the evening of January 11, and raided the chicken-house of David Lalaw, near the lake, and piled his poultry in a heap, after sucking their blood. On being discov- ered, he went out through the sash, and, taking refuge in Willis' warehouse, was shot. He was described as of immense size, almost as large as a wolf. These "varmints" were .quite common in the Wisconsin woods across the lake, but their advent in the streets of Lake City was something unusual. During the year 1869 thef ques- tion of voting aid to the reorganized St. Paul and Chicago Eailway Company was the all-absorbing theme. Of this mention has already been made. On July 9 a tornado, the first ever seen in Wabasha county within historic periods, struck the county, inflicting considerable damage in Mount Pleasant township, where three dwellings were destroyed, some stock killed, but no persons injured, with the exception of L. C. Carson's little girl, who was carried about one hundred and fifty feet and considerably bruised. The storm seemed to be identical in character with those that have re- cently devastated portions of this and Olmsted counties, and its descent into Lake Pepin and passage across, about one mile below town, are described as peculiarly grand and terrible. It appears to have formed on the highland between Read's Landing and the West Albany roads, and swept over the bluff back of Morrison Lake, near the O'Hara House, and descended to Lake Pepin. Its path was nearly three hundred yards wide, and where it descended the steep bluff, brush and sapling were scooped out by the roots and scarifications made in the soil. Trees, fences, telegraph-poles, and whatever came in its path as it swept toward the lake, was carried into the air and hurled in all directions, its progress being accompanied by a tremendous roar that drowned the noise of the hoarse thunder then reverberating through the air. As it approached the lake, so .says an eye-witness, it appeared a funnel-shaped cloud whirling about one hundred yards above the surface of the water, diagonally 810 HISTORY OF WABASHA COTTNTT. inclining toward the water. It gradually assumed an upright posi- tion, descending in its course until it commenced drawing up the waters of the lake, which rose to meet it. It was about fifteen minutes in passing over the lake, and the waters for nearly three hundred yards diameter were in a state of agitation impossible to describe. The water was mixed with the dust and debris carried from the shore, and there was a strange play of light within the cloud, which gave it .the appearance of a lake on fire. "When it reached the Wisconsin shore it had greatly diminished in breadth, but swept the waters out on the beach in a column thirty to forty yards wide and twenty feet above the ordinary lake level. As it rose, the bluff side, to pass over into the valley beyond, the trees that it lifted were plainly seen from the watchers on the shore at this point sailing away in the whirling death-dance of the tornado. Its force was so great that whole oak-trees, thirty inches in diameter, were twisted completely off, their stumps remaining to tell how powerful must have been the force excited. The storm crossed the lake about six o'clock in the evening, and when about midway the lake, the sun broke through the dun-colored clouds in the west, and a beautiful rainbow crowned the head of the tornado and rode upon it as upon the wings of the wind over to the Wisconsin shore, — Nature's presentation of "beauty and the beast" on a gorgeous scale, within the beautiful amphitheater of bluff-crowned Pepin. . The city continued to show a gratifying increase in trade and improvements. The amount expended in buildings was $109,000. The shipments of grain were much in excess of previous years ; barley began to assume importance as an item of freight, and flour shipments largely increased also. The shipments of wheat this season were 618,531 bushels, which, with the 23,800 baiTels of flour, equivalent to 119,000 additional bushels at that time, and the 86,165 remaining in store, would give a total of 823,696 bushels of wheat as the season's business. To this may be added 20,645 bushels of barley, and some other shipments of oats and corn not tabulated, which would bring the grain business of the season to about 850,000 bushels. The year 1870 was that in which the United States census was taken, and the returns as flled by the enumerator gave the town of Lake City a total population of two thousand six hundred and eight, of whom two thousand one hundred and seventeen were within what may be denominated the limits of the city. This was some- LAKE OITT. 811 ■what less than was expected, as from the assessor's returns of 1868 it -was confidently believed that the population would not fall below three thousand. The winter of 1869-70 a rivalry arose among the various drivers along the stage-route from La Crosse northward as to the quickest possible time between the terminus of the railroad, La Crosse, and Lake City. On Wednesday, February 9, one of the up-stages left La Crosse at 7:15 a.m., and making stoppages aggre- gating fifty-eight minutes at Winona, Minn^iska and Wabasha, reached Lake City at 4:38 p.m., making the distance of eighty-eight miles in nine hours and twenty-three minutes, or, deducting stop- pages, in eight hours and twenty-five minutes. It was not always, however, that the drivers were so fortunate. The south-bound gtage on December 28 went through the ice about three miles above Read's Landing, drowning the wheel horses and losing express, mails and freight. Two passengers on board escaped, one dry-shod, one with an ice-bath in Pepin. The mails, express and freight, with the coach, were hooked up by a party of volunteers from Eead's Land- ing, and the horses only were a total loss. This year witnessed the organization of the First National bank, and the completion of the Methodist Episcopal church so far as to enable the society to occupy the basement, which they did, on December 18. These matters will be more fully treated of under "Churches" and "Banks." The expenditures for buildings during the year footed up $88,125. The volume of grain business was: Shipped, wheat, 861,000 bushels; barley, 62,100 bushels ; oats, 27,000 bushels ; corn, 3,000 bushels. The shipments of flour were not tabulated. There is a record of one shipment of eight hundred barrels, and as there was considerable local Wisconsin demand, it is within bounds to say that of wheat (and the equivalent in flour), barley, oats and corn , the actual shipments from the wharves here were in excess of one million one hundred thousand bushels. The year 1871 marked an era in the history of the town of Lake City, and was the beginning of the end of that anoma- lous existence in which the city that was not a city enjoyed all the privileges of a full-fledged corporate existence. As before cited, it was during this year that the attempt to incorporate through petition to the judge of probate was made. The retiring board of town supervisors made a tabulated report of the town business at the close of their term of ofiice, March 14, 1871, for which, at the town meet- ing held on that date, they were handsomely complimented in a resolution of thanks, as also for their efficiency and economy in the 812 HISTORY OF WABASHA GOTTNTY. management of the town business. The meeting also expressed the hope that their successors would imitate their good example, and fur- nish each year a full statement to the press for publication. The year's expenditures for bridges, roads, streets, drains, tools for road- work, etc. , were $853.48. The ordinary town expenses were $536. 26. Legal services in the county-seat contest were $591.53, and for build- ing a lock-up they had expended $378. With uncollected taxes, taxes levied, delinquent highway tax and cash, the total assets of the town from these sources were $9,128.89 ; town bonds, town orders, and bond orders outstanding, with interest to date, $4,533.31, show- ing a balance in favor of the town of $4,595.58. The treasurer's report showed total receipts for the year, $7,140.73 ; all accounts audited and a balai^ce in the treasury of $334.47. The Patrons of Husbandry organized a grange of the order in Lake City, June 3, and steps were taken to consolidate the work of the grange through- out the county, so as to secure some practical results. This year was rendered memorable by the completion of the railway to this place, and the arrival of the long-expected locomotive. The track- layers crossed the county-line from the north on Tuesday, July 11, and by nightfall the rails were laid half-way through town. On the 25th regular trains were put on between Lake City and St. Paul, and the road at the south was rapidly extending itself up the river. Work on the depot here was being rapidly pushed and matters wore a Tery businesslike air about the railroad terminus, the only objec- tion to which was its location so far from the business portion of the city. The first through train for Winona came down on Wednesday, September 6, and the following day regular trips commenced over the road. One train a day each way, meeting in this city at 1:15 P.M., was the arrangement, and it was no longer possible to say the upper river towns were out of the world six months of the year. On Friday, October 13, the United States mails were brought in on the trains, and so closed the old era of stages and' steamboats as mail transports for Lake City. The new order of things was brought about by the personal attention of congressman Averill, who gave a day of his time in Washington to matters and secured the benefits of railway mails without the usual delay. This year was also marked by the organization of the public library and the opening of its shelves to the reading public. The matter was consummated August 22 by the organization of the Lake City Library Associa- tion, with the following board of oflBcers and trustees, who also con- stituted the directory : J. Eletcher, president ; Mrs. C. A. Jewell, LAKE CITT. 813 Tice-president ; W. J. JVtcMaster, secretary ; 0. W. Hackett, treas- urer ; L. H. Grarrard, C. A. "Wood, Mrs. Hulett, M.r^. Williamson, Mrs. Guernsey, trustees. About the middle of November the reading-room in Richard- son's .block, on Center street, was opened. It was a free reading- room, neatly and comfortably furnished, and provided with all the leading northwestern dailies, as also those of New Xork and Wash- ington. Foreign reviews and home periodicals were provided, and the doors thrown open every evening at half-past six o'clock, made it a very desirable place for young people to visit, and was a decided rival to the saloons. The library began to arrive about the middle of December, the first installment consisting of two hundred and seventy volumes, to which, two weeks later, many more were added. These, with occasional donations, gave at the close of the year a very respectable selection from which to make choice, and the opportunity was not neglectfed. To add to the attractions of the association, a lecture course was organized, and during the winter seven lectures delivered under its auspices. The report of the school directors of the Lake City district also showed a very satisfactory condition of e.ducational affairs, as will appear under the head of "Lake City schools." Elevators were erected during the fall and winter along the railroad track, and a decided impetus was given to business, already flourishing, by the advent of railway communication. Other things seemed also to have come in with the railway, which were not so acceptable. Lake City wheat buy- ers had long before established the policy of paying as high prices for grain as the market would possibly justify, and this because it was just to the producer, conserved the interests of the trade of the city, gave the market at this point the preference over others, and so centered trade at this point. In order to compete with the buy- ers in this market, shippers at other points were therefore necessi- tated to pay the very top price the market would justify, and the speculators concluded to manipulate the market at this point. All the large wheat-^buying houses were interested in the scheme: Culver & Graves, of Duluth ; Kellogg & Mann and Angus Smith & Co., of Milwaukee ; the Davidson and the Diamond Jo line of steamers were all interested. An arrangement was eflected with the Lake Gty warehousemen by which a uniform price of twenty- five cents below the Milwaukee quotations should be paid for wheat in this market, and all profits were to be pooled. The monopoly extended wherever the river and railway lines extended, 814 " HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. and as tlie freight was only twelve cents, commissions one cent, elevator charges one cent, and cost of buying three cents — at which there was a good profit — the cost of wheat here was justly within seventeen cents of the Milwaukee quotations, a clear gain beyond legitimate trade profits of eight cents per bushel, or a dead loss of that amount to the wheat raisers of the state. The merchants and press of the- city opened upon the combination, and an agitation was begun by which, within thirty days, the ring was completely "busted " — as it was graphically expressed — and a return to honor- able competition became once more the order of the day. Control- ling as they did the whole wheat purchases of the market, the transportation lines forbid all warehousemen from paying more than the dictated price, from buying any wheat or shipping on his own account, or from receiving into the warehouse grain which had been purchased above the stipulated price. The large wheat mer- chants of the centralized markets and the transportation companies enforced, or attempted to enforce, their measures, by making non- compliance a ground of expulsion from the market, and set their own spies, with power to enter a warehouseman's oflice and examine his books, as a special police to. enforce these regulations. The reputable wheat merchants of the city had entered very reluctantly into the arrangement at the outset, and only acquiesced under protest, to see how matters would turn out, not clearly seeing the depth of the business to which they were asked to com- mit themselves. The "ring" lasted about three weeks, and then collapsed, dishonesty getting so distrustful of its partners, that the Duluth members, finding their own interests sufiering through the keener operations of their eastern partners, suddenly withdrew from the combination, and wheat went up by a rebound to within ten cents of the Milwaukee market. During the continuance Of the monopoly, wheat here was lower than in the adjacent cities off the river and St. Paul railway, and the receipts were largely diminished. As a result, the members of the ring, no longer in combination, were pitted against each other, and the following week (after Duluth withdrew) the price ruled twenty to twenty-five cents higher than at Eochester, and by Saturday night the grand total of $130,520.20 had been paid for grain received in this city. The improvements for the year 1871 were largely in excess of all previous years, and some of them of a very costly and substantial character. The list aggregated $150,000. The more important structures were : W. H. Lyon's brick block, on Lyon avenue, LAKE CITY. 816 $35,000 ; C. F. Young's block, $12,000 ; the Chicago & St. Paul railway depot and improvements, $9,400 ; John McBride's brick store, $8,000 ; George Patton & Son, store, $8,000, dwelling, $8,000; H. Gillett, foundry, $5,000, and Amsbry & Fletcher, elevator, $5,000. The most important — or certainly not the least important — of the changes and improvements made this year, was the widening of Pearl street, now Lyon avenue, from a width of seventy to that of ninety feet. This work was the liberal donation of Mr. "W". H. Lyon, of New York, who had extensive property interests in the city, and has always been liberal in devising for the little city by the lake. What property he did not own he purchased from High street to the lake, and, setting the buildings back the required distance, opened a street ninety feet in width. Purchasing some blocks about the depot, also, he meditated the widening of the entire street from the lake to the city limits, but was tempora- rily prevented by the owners of some property along the streets. The city, however, in 1873, took the matter in hand, condemned the lots that jutted out into the street (of which there were only three), and gave the city a beautiful avenue of the uniform width of ninety feet throughout its entire length. Other improvements meditated at the time, and which would have been of immense advantage to the city, were prevented by shortsighted opposi- tion to Mr. Lyon's plans, which So nettled him that he abandoned them and made his investments elsewhere. From the assessor's books of this year we gather the following statistics of the property, real and personal, and the agricultural products, stock, etc. ACHES. BUSH. Wheat 3,493 60,407 Oats 589 23,760 Com 411 16,960 Barley 158 5,205 Buckwheat 15 425 Potatoes 10 1,215 Beans 1 60 ACRES. TONS. Hay, cultivated 133 228 Hay, uncultivated 15 25 Honey, number of hives 50, product 1,200 pounds. Apples, number of trees in bearing 5,987 2,000 bushels. Strawberries, acres 5, produce ' 6,000 quarts. Wool 98 pounds. Butter 18,975 « 816 HISTORY OF WABASHA COTTNTT. MISCELLANEOUS PRODUCTIONS IN VALUE. Whole number of acres cultivated 4,874 Number of farms • 77 Number of horses 358 Number of mules . . . : 22 Number of cows 253 Number of sheep 22 Number of hogs 17S Increase of acreage over 1870, oats 209 " " wheat 353 " " corn 168 Amount of personal property, 1871 Increase of personal property over 1870 The report of tte board of supervisors for the year ending March 12, 1872, the last in which the town and city were to be included together, showed that the total expenses for highways, bridges, sidewalks, crossings, sewers, city marshal's salary, etc., was $2,025.25. The assessed valuation of town property was $638,767.00. THE TEBASUEBR's REPORT SHOWED: Cash on hand $ 384 47 Licenses 1,651 05 Justice Court fines '. 78 00 Bounty tax 70 80 Town tax 2,812 75 Delinquent road tax 326 11 Special or bond 3,308 40 18,641 58 Bonds redeemed $2,992 72 Orders redeemed, issued for road purposes 837 38 " " " " lumber 839 35 " " " " road damages 65 00 " " " " town expenses 1,728 41 Interest paid on bonds and orders 363 95 Treasurer's fees 100 14 Cash on hand, March 2, 1872 1,648 63 $8,641 58 INCOEPOEATION OF LAKE CITY. Notwithstanding the failure to incorporate the city under the pro- Tisions of the general law of 1870, known as the judge of probate act, and under which, as before noticed, an attempt at incorporation was made in 1871, the incorporation at an early day was accepted as certain. The failure in 1871 arose from the uncertainty of the LAKE CITY. 81T nature of the act, more than from any other cause. Accordingly, on the assembly of the legislature in the winter of 1871-2, an act of incorporation for the city claimed attention. A charter had been duly prepared embodying the views of those who had interested themselves in this matter, and a bill granting the charter prayed for was introduced by Mr. Thompson, representative from this district, early in the session. This bill passed the house under suspension of the rules on February 19, was as favorably received by the senate when it came before them the following day, was approved on the 26th of the month, and became of effect fi'om and after its passage. The city limits as defined under the charter were materially enlarged from what had constituted the special district exercising municipal powers under the administration of the supervisors of the town of Lake City. The new corporation retained the old name "Lake City," and its boundaries as described in the act were : "Beginning at the northwest corner of the N.E. i of Sec. 6, in T. Ill N., of R. 12 W., running thence south one and one-half miles to the center of section 7 in said township, thence east along the quarter-section line and the continuance thereof to the center of Lake Pepin, thence up the middle of said lake to a point due east of the termination of the line between townships Nos. Ill and 112, thence to and along said line west to the place of beginning. Otherwise described, the city limits, so much of them at least as were not covered by the waters of Lake Pepin, extended west from the lake shore, along the line separating Wabasha and Goodhue counties, a distance of one and a half miles, thence south one and one-half miles, thence east two and one-half miles to the lake shore, thence northwesterlj' along the irregular shore line to the boundary of the county on the north. The landed area of the city as thus defined embraced about three and one- quarter sections of land ; and there was not far from the same area covered by the waters of the" lake. The city as thus limited was divided into wards, as follows : All that part of said territory lying and being westward of a line beginning in the southern boun- dary of said territorial limits at a point twenty-seven and one-half [rods] west of the center of section 8, in T. Ill N., of E. 12 "W., thence along the middle of the public road north to a point where a line running through the center of Pearl street in the plotted town of Lake City continued southwestward will intersect the same ; thence northwestwardly by said line running through 49 SIS HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. middle of Pearl street and the continuation thereof to Greenwood avenue, thence through the alley between blocks E and F in said town of Lake City, thence northerly to the northern boundary of said territorial limits, shall constitute the first ward. All that part of said territorial limits lying and being eastward of said described lines constitute the second ward. The error in this description is in making Pearl street run northwesterly,— should be northeasterly. The division of the city into wards may at present be practically stated to be by a line running through the center of Lyon avenue and extending from the southern limits of the city to the lake. This does not differ materially from the division as expressed in the act, the city limits and ward boundaries remaining practically as they existed at the time the charter was granted. The elective offices, as established by the charter, were : For the city — mayor, treasurer, recorder; for the wards — one alderman (except at first election, when one should be elected for one year), one justice of the peace and one constable, for each ward, whose terms of oflBce should be for two years. The terms of office of city treasurer and recorder were fixed at two years, mayor to be elected annually. .All candi- dates to office, to be eligible, must be residents within the city limits and qualified voters. The first Tuesday in April in each year was designated as the day for holding the charter election, of which ten days' previous notice was to be given by the common council, in which notice time and place of hplding election, and the offices to be filled, should be set forth. Provision was also made for removals from office by a fourth-fifths vote of the aldermen of the city, all such removals to be fpr cause after due trial or notice of trial to accused, the specific process in which was fully laid down. The city wards as established by law were to constitute the electoral districts for all state and county elections as well as municipal ; a refusal on the part of any officer-elect to qualify within ten days of his election, or his removal from the city, vacated the office ; the ward alderman and one legalized voter from each ward, to be designated by the council, should constitute the board of judges of elections, and all elections were to be conducted in the same manner as provided for in holding ■ state and county elections ; officers-elect were to be duly notified by the recorder of their election ; terms of office were to be from the second Tuesday of April in the year in which the election was made, and continue one year, unless otherwise specified ; failure to elect on the day designated was made cause sufficient for holding a new LAKE CITY. 819 election, of which, as in the case of the regular elections, the council were to give ten days' notice. The appointive officers of the city were attorney, marshal, assessor, street commissioner, and such others as the council might see fit to elect, and the terms of office of city attorney and assessor were fixed at two years each; that of street commissioner, for one year. The mayor and aldermen were debarred from receiving any compensation for their services as such ofiicers, and the compensation of the city recorder was limited to the sum of one hundred dollars per annum. The treasurer's fees were made to conform to the law fixing the fees of town treasurer, "and the recorder was prohibited from being directly or indirectly inter- ested in any contract, job or loan, in which the city is a party or negotiator. Provision was also made for city printing, by designat- ing one paper printed in the city, in which all proceedings, ordi- nances, acts or by-laws requiring to be published shall be printed, and it was made the duty of said city printer to file with the recorder a copy of all such publication, with affidavit of time that same has been published, and such affidavit shall be conclusive evidence of its publication. All city contracts in which any alderman might be interested were thereby rejected, and money paid on such contracts was made recoverable by law, as against all such contractors. The general powers of the council were amply set forth in the charter, and covered all matters to the well-being, peace, healthfulness, good conduct and safety of the city, as well as all matters affecting her credit and finances : as, to regulate and prescribe fees for all exhibitions, shows, auctions, sports, sale of liquors, spirituous, vinous or fermented; to abate gambling, drunkenness, disorderly persons, houses of prostitution, and all nuisances, physical and moral alike ; to prevent fast and reckless driving in the streets, or the incumbrance of streets, sidewalks, public grounds, etc., by any unnecessary articles ; to prevent all cattle, swine, poultry, etc., from running at large ; to make and establish public cisterns, hydrants, and other receptacles for water, and control all waterworks estab- lished ; to regulate and control all carrying of passengers and freight within the city, by hacks, omnibuses, trucks or other like vehicles, and to provide for lighting the public streets and grounds ; to make all necessary market regulations, provide for board of health, estab- lish hospitals, to regulate runners or porters, and other soliciting agents, for boats, cars, hotels, etc. ; to regulate the sale of combus- tibles, and prevent the use of firearms in such way as to endanger 820 HISTOEY OF WABASHA COUNTY. life, comfort or property ; to provide standard weights and measures, and for the inspection of liquors and provisions, measurement of materials for building, and the appointment of the necessary officers for such inspection; to prescribe fire-limits, and make all needed regulations to prevent their occurrence and spreading ; to provide workhouse for persons convicted of offense, and put such offenders at ' work therein, or» upon the streets of the city ; to establish a fire department and purchase the necessary engines, hose, and other apparatus, and to exempt members of such fire department, after certain terms of service, from poll-tax, jurj' service or militia duty. All ordinances M'ere to receive the affirmative vote of a majority of the council, be approved and signed by the mayor, and published in the official paper of the city for ten days before becoming law ; and provision was made for auditing all accounts of officers and agents of the city, and making full record of the settlements made. Their powers in levying taxes, collecting and disbursing same, were duly declared, as also their control of the streets and side- walks, alleys and pubHc grounds, and methods of procedure in all cases specifically set forth. All property of the fire department, or of the several companies that might compose it, all markethouses and their furniture, city-hall and council-room furniture, pounds and the lots on which they stand, and school property, was exempted from levy and sale under execution, save in the case of action of sellers of property to recover for property thus sold to the city. All private property was exempted from levy and sale for city corpora- tion debts ; all contracts for city work were to be to lowest bidder, of whom a bond was to be required for all contracts in excess of twenty-five dollars, unless work was done under supervision of some city officer. All city property was made free from taxation, and the power of the city to purchase, hold or lease both real and personal property for the city was specifically declared. By the same act of incorporation it was enacted that "all that part of the town of Lake City, not included in the limits of the said city of Lake City, under this act, shall constitute and be a town by the name of 'Lake,' with all the authorities, rights and powers of towns under the laws of this state. " Section 11 of chapter 8 of the charter authorized and empowered Asa B. Doughty, Merrell Dw^lle and Carlos Clement to appoint three discreet and judicious persons in each ward to act as judges of the election to be held on the first Tuesday of April, 1872 ; and also LAKE CITY. 821 to locate and provide a place in each ward for holding the election. March 30, 1872, under call previously published, a union caucus for the nomination of city oflBcers, irrespective of political parties, was held at the opera house, and a ticket put in nomination. The ward caucuses were held after the general caucus, one at the opera house and one at the Washington street school building. The caucus was numerously attended, and the proceedings were of ^, character to show a deep interest on the part of the best citizens that a city government of approved ability should be chosen. The nomi- nations were made, and on the following Tuesday, April 2, 1872, the polls were opened for the first charter election for the city of Lake City. The official returns are as follows : Candidates and Tebm of Office. Mayor . . . Eecorder . Treasurer Aldermen . Justices of the peace, Constables f Joel Pletcher I Elijah Stout M. R. Merrell W.A. Doe...... ' J. C. Bartlett, two years . . . G. D. Post, two years M. A. Baldwin, one year. . . H. K. Terrell, one year. . . . G. M. Dwelle, two years. . . J. Manning, one year Ed. Wise, one year ' Geo. F. Hatch J. C. Lawrence J. E. Favrow W. J. Jacobs L.E. Thorp J. W.Matthews Oliver Young H. M. Powers First Ward. 169 56 225 224 174 49 132 90 167 35 15 114 110 Second Ward. 170 134 301 303 296 190 110 302 206 87 Total Vote.' 339 190 525 527 174 49 132 90 296 190 110 167 '35 15 302 114 110 206 87 Majori- ties. 149 525 527 125 42 296 80 117 302 4 119 The total vote cast was five hundred and twenty-nine. The vote in the town of Lake (the election in March having gone by default, that the city and town elections might be held on the same day and all conflictions avoided) was seventy-six, making a total vote in city and town of six hundred and five, an increase of ninety-seven over the vote polled at the presidential election in 1868, and an increase of sixty-six over the state election of the previous fall. The ratio of five inhabitants to one vote would thus give Lake City at the time of incorporation a population of twenty-six hundred and forty-five. It was generally conceded that the city ofiicers-elect were as good timber for the new city government as could have been selected, and the result was hailed by the citizens as an omen of a 822 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. good administration of city affairs. The first informal meeting of the oflScers-elect was held on April 6, and an adjournment "made to the evening of the 9th, at which time the members of the council were all present and took their respective oaths of office. Treas-, urer's bond was fixed at twenty thousand dollars ; constables at one thousand dollars each ; a copy of the city charter (official) was received. The city printing was awarded to Messrs. McMasters & Spaulding, and a 'committee of two appointed to complete contract for printing. ^. M. Wilson, Esq., was elected city attorney, and J. W. Matthews street commissioner. The city attorney-elect, with aldermen Dwelle, Bartlett and Manning, were appointed a committee to draft ordinances and report as early as practicable. Messrs. Man- ning and Bartlett were appointed a committee to secure valuation ot taxable property in city and town, for the purpose of an understand- ing settlement between the city and the town of Lake. At the meeting of council held on the 28th inst., Elijah Stout was chosen assessor by a unanimous vote, street commissioner's bond was fixed at one thousand dollars for the current year, and the committee on settlement between the city and the town of Lake reported, and they were instructed to draw up an agreement to be signed by the proper officers, to perfect settlement. This was accordingly done, and the settlement made. By the terms of this agreement all moneys on hand, whether in hands of town or city treasurer, were to be divided between the city and town, according to the assessed valuation of property in each, and all unpaid accounts were to be paid by each in the same proportion. The assessed valuation of city property was found to be $536, Y87 ; of town property, $102,000 ; the money standing to the credit of the former town of Lake City, after all out- standing orders were paid, amounted to $1,932.60. Of this sum the town received $337.13 and the city $1,595.47. The committee on city ordinances performed their work as expeditiously as possible, and presented the results of their work to the council before the close of the month. The ordinances as reported, and adopted by the council during this month, were by title as follows : Restraining the running at large of horses, cattle, swine and other animals ; licensing shows, caravans, circuses, theatrical performances, billiard tables, bowling-saloons, auctioneers, ordinaries, hawkers, pawn- brokers, money-changers and other persons ; licensing and regula- ting the sale of spirituous liquors and the keeping of billiard tables, pigeon-hole tables, shooting-galleries and ten-pin or bowling alleys LAKE CITY. 823 in saloons ; creating a board of health and defining its duties ; relating to misdemeanors ; relating to disorderly houses and houses of ill-fame ; establishing a city prison ; regulating the planting of shade and ornamental trees within the city and for protecting the same ; also to prevent the obstructing of streets, sidewalks and crossings of streets ; establishing the duties and powers of city mar- shal; concerning streets, sidewalks and alleys ; relating to nuisances ;jt establishing a night police within the city ; to provide for the safe keeping of powder ; licensing dogs. An ordinance creatine; fire limits, and establishing regulations for the erection of buildings within such limits, was passed on May 4 ; and on December 21 following, an ordinance providing a market for the sale of hay, straw and wood within the city, and for weighing and measuring the same, was adopted. The fire limits included all of blocks one, two and three, blocks nine to sixteen inclusive, and twenty-three to twenty- six, inclusive. All buildings within the limits were to be of fire-proof material, but some portions of this territory were exempted from a rigid construction of this ordinance, at the discretion of the council. This limit included practically that portion of the city enclosed be- tween Chestnut, Park, High and Dwelle streets. The portion in , which this ordinance was to be strictly enforced without exception included the territory bounded by Franklin, Main, Pearl and Marion streets, the lots in the surrounding blocks facing these streets. LAKE CITY FEEEY. The situation of Lake City, on the shore of the lake, at some dis- tance from its outlet or its inlet, has. always had the effect of curtailing its trade, cutting off as it practically does almost all, or at least a great part, of the trade to the north and east and southeast. Repeated attempts have been made to overcome this disadvantage of location by establishing ferries or subsidizing them to a certain extent, with the view of drawing trade from the lake villages and the territory contiguous thereto on the Wisconsin shore. This attempt has not been very successful, arid it is to be doubted if the maintenance of a ferry at this point will ever pay the expenses of its maintenance. The attempt to make successful bids for trade over ferry routes on the Mississippi, under much more favorable auspices, at other points has not as yet been very successful. The ferry at Winona, for instance, costing the city yearly considerable more than the cost of its maintenance, and that over a route less than one- 824 HISTORY OF WABASHA. COTINTY. fourth the distance across Lake Pepin at this point. Not only so, but the little coasting steamers plying upon the lake will always, and necessarily, become formidable rivals to any ferry company attempting to maintain regular communication across the river and return without making trips to the adjacent villages on either shore. The patronage of the one being confined to the direct travel across ^the lake, the other including all travel across and upon the lake for miles in every direction. The width of the lake and the character of the navigation, the water being at times very rough, require good substantial boats. The cost of navigating and maintaining these is too great for the patronage that can be secured, and loss is the inevitable result, or at least has been, of every attempt to maintain a ferry here. The first regular, or perhaps, more properly speaking, irregular, communication across the lake, for passengers only, was established in the closing years of the war by Capt. J. Hull, of Maiden Eock Village, Wisconsin, who ran a small sloop-rigged sailboat, the Daisy, from Maiden Eock to Lake City, a distance of about eight miles. In 1866 Capt. John Doughty, of this place, put a sloop-rigged sailboat, called the Union, upon the lake. This boat was capable of carrying seventy-five persons comfortably, and for three years it was sailed here by the captain, making trips across the lake and coasting its shores as pleasure-parties or the demands of business required. After doing duty for three years as a sailboat, the sails were taken out, a small engine put in, and the young pro- peller, christened the Winfred, navigated the lake one year, was a financial loss to the owner and discontinued. Two boats were upon this part of the lake that season, the May Queen being the name of the other, which was afterward taken to Bear lake, and burned there some years later. In the year 1870 Capt. Nelson put a regular ferry on the lake between this city and the village of Stockholm, directly opposite on the Wisconsin shore. This was a sailboat and was exclusively for passenger traffic. Matters were in this condition until 1872, when Wm. B. Lutz and W. W. Scott received a charter, conferring on them, for a period of ten years, the exclusive right of keeping and maintaining a ferry across the Mississippi river at the town of Lake City, in the county of Wabasha, and State of Minnesota, at any point within one and one-half miles northwesterly or southeasterly up and down said river, from a point where the center line of Center street in said town continued northeasterly will strike said river. The charter required the parties therein 826 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. named to give bonds in the sum of one thousand dollars to perform the duties set forth in the act, which was specific as to the time of running, charges or tolls t(f be levied for ferriage, fines to be imposed for failure of the said Lutz & Scott to give prompt attendance upon all parties desiring to cross the ferry between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. between the dates of May 15 and November 16 in each I year, unless prevented by ice, high winds or other cause which would render the attempt to cross dangerous or imprudent. By act of legislature of 1873 the time of franchise was extended to fifteen years, and the time of opening the ferry from twenty to thirty months, and of filing bond from eighteen to thirty months, from the passage of the act of March 4, 1872. A similar franchise was owned by parties on the "Wisconsin shore, and this was pur- chased, together with a barge owned by said parties, by Messrs. Lutz & Scott, and preparations made for establishing a steam ferry ; but Mr. Lutz was stricken with partial paralysis, incapacitated from attending to any business for two years, and nothing was done with the franchise, which expired in due time by limitation. Pending the expiration of this charter in the fall t)f 1873, a proposition was made to the city to purchase the franchises on both sides of the river (or Lake), together with the two lots on the "Wisconsin shore (at their actual cost to the owners of the charter), and give a bonus or loan to some responsible parties, who should undertake, under bonds, to establish and maintain a ferry for a given term of years. Antici- pating some necessity of this kind as likely to arise, the city council, in February, 1873, had secured the passage by the state legislature of the ferry-bond act, authorizing them to issue the bonds of the city to the amount of $2,500 in aid of a ferry, pro- vided the legal voters of the city so desired. The matter was sub- mitted to the electors at the charter election held April 1, 1873, and the proposition was snowed under by a vote of 295 against issue to 83 in favor of issue. This attempt having failed, the sum of $800, in shares of $25 eaph, was subscribed for the purchase of the charter held by Messrs. Lutz & Scott. This sum was raised in April, 1873, but no purchase of the charter was eflfected, and in the following September negotiations were entered into with Capt. Murphy, looking to the permanent establishment of a steam-ferry. Mr. Murphy's proposition was, that in consideration of the sum of $2,500, and the franchise for a term of fifteen years, he would put himself under approved bonds to maintain the ferry for that LAKE CITY. 827 length of time. The sum of $2,600 was raised, but the matter had dragged, and before the result was announced to Mr. Murphy, he had made other arrangements, and the Whole matter fell through. In the meantime Capt. Murray, of the little steamer Pepin, had been making regular trips around.the lake, touching at Maiden Eock, Stockholm and Pepin, on the Wisconsin side, and at Frontenac and Lake City on the Minnesota shore, with occasional trips to Read's Landing. His little steamer was sometimes accompanied by a barge, on which merchandise and passengers were transported, but it was not suited to the purpose. Accordingly in the season of 1874, early in May, a subscription was started to procure money to build a barge or boat to be used in carrying teams and passengers between this city and the Wisconsin shore. Meetings were held, commit- tees appointed, funds raised, a boat built at an expense of about $500, and Messrs. Doe, J. G. Richardson, Fan-on, Baldwin and Murray were appointed a committee to make a written contract with Capt. O. N. Murray, of the steamer Pepin, to operate the ferry. On Thursday, July 16th, the first regular trip was made in the city's own boat ; the mayor and common council in attendance, and the landing made upon the other shore in seventeen minutes, according to the time given by a local reporter. The city barge had a capacity of six teams and as many passengers as could crowd on. Trips were made at 9 A.M. and at 4 p.m., for which the free use of the barge was granted Capt. Murray. The rest of his time was devoted to his regular coasting trips around the lakes. That fall, 1874, the charter of the Messrs. Lutz & Scott expired, and in the following spring, by special act of legislature, the franchise for a ferry was granted to the city, with power to operate or lease at their discretion. This charter gave the city the exclusive right to maintain a ferry within the corporate limits of the city, and the territory extending one-half mile beyond said limits on 'the north and west. In case the city council should lease the ferry to be car- ried on by other parties, the duration of said lease was not to exceed ten years, and the city was also required to reserve such rights as would empower them to terminate the lease at any time by equitable payment to the lessee for outlay in construction of docks, levees, breakwater, etc. The city council were also empowered to regulate the charges for ferriage and control the place for the landing of boats, and provide such regulations as would insure the comfort and safety of passengers. And all grants or lease on the part of the city 828 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. under the provisions of this charter were so by ordinance of the council duly passed and signed as in the case of all other ordinances, and the lessee under such ordinance was to file such bond, for the proper maintenance of the ferry according to the regulations pre- scribed, as the council should deem sufficient and equitable. During the years 1875 and 1876, the exclusive right to the ferry charter was granted to Capt. Murray, and during those years the communication between Lake City and the Wisconsin shore was maintained as it had been in 1874. Early in the spring of 1877 a joint stock companj'-, with a capital of ten thousand dollars, was organized for the purpose of maintaining and operating a ferry at this point, such as would establish regular communications at all hours of the day with the "Wisconsin shores, and not merely for a morning and evening trip. The company was named the Lake City Ferry and Transportation Company. This company purchased the franchises held by Milison, Sandburg & Co., of the ferry privileges on the Wisconsin shore, and secured a lease of the Minnesota franchise from the common council of this city, together with the barge or boat belonging to the city, for the term of ten years from and after April 3, 1877. The company, by the terms of the ordinance," was required to provide a good, safe steamboat for the transportation of teams and passengers ; that not less than six trips per day were to be made during the season of navigation, and the Wisconsin landings were designated " to or near the village of Stockholm, and to or near the mouth of Bogus creek in the county of Pepin." The city, by the terms of the ordinance, absolved itself from all responsibility in the matter of expenses incurred, which were to be met by the transportation company without claim upon the city, but the city was to furnish them the use of the barge and confer the rights of the franchise without charge. A rate of tolls or charges was established by the ordinance, as follows : Each team of two animals with vehicle, loaded or unloaded, together with driver, fifty cents ; single animal with carriage attached, fifty cents ; horse, cow, ox or mule, without carriage, twenty-five cents each ; each sheep or swine, ten cents ; wagon or carriage without team attached, twenty-five cents, and merchandise for the sum of twenty-five cents per hundred pounds. The ferry company were to keep the barge of the city in good repair and return it to the city at the expiration of their lease or use of it, in good condition as when received, except the usual and unavoid- able wear and tear. The company was also to own and continue LAKE CITY. 829 to own the franchise on the Wisconsin shore as a condition precedent to the continuation by the city of the grant of its charter. The ferry company was composed of responsible business men in Lake Gty, who were desirous of maintaining more frequent communica- tion with the Wisconsin shore, believing the same would be bene- ficial to the trade of the city. The books of the company were burned in the disastrous fire of 1882, which almost wiped out the business houses of the city, and it is impossible to give a list of the stockholders. The first board of directors were : John J. Doughty, H. Gillett, J. C. Stout, Wm. Campbell, W. J. Hahn and H. D. Stocker. They immediately purchased the steamer Clipper, which had been sold under the hammer by the United States marshal, Gapt. Kaney, paying therefor the sum of fifteen hundred dollars. The Clipper was a boat of about twenty-eight feet beam ; length over all about seventy feet. Her hull was new, having been built only the season before, and she was really a staunch built craft. Her engines, however, were old and comparatively worthless, and not at all adequate for the work required of her. The company expended about two thousand dollars on repairing the boat, building cabin, etc., and she was run during the season of 1877 with the old engines. During the winter of 1878 she was supplied with new engines, and some other improvements, upon which the company expended a further sum of three thousand dollars. This latter amount was refunded the company by special vote of the citizens, and this was the only subsidy ever received. The cost of maintain- ing the ferry was too great for the receipts derived from the freight and passenger and other transportation charges, and there was year by year a growing diminution of capital. When four seasons had been passed in this way, the regular trade over the ferry line, continually cut into by the coasting steamers plying along both shores of the lake, and the low rate of transportation keeping receipts at a minimum, the company called ■ a halt. It was found that the original stock had been absorbed, as also the three thousand dollars bonus received from the city and the amount received for transportation during the four years the company had been operating the line^ This latter sum aggregated about as much as the others, maki^ a total sum of twenty-six thousand dollars expenses for four years' ferry maintenance. Under this condition of afikirs the directors concluded to wind' up the aifairs of the company and dispose of the assets. This was done. The 830 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. steamer was put up at auction and bid in by Messrs. Stout & Post, two of the stockholders, for an amount equal to the company's liabilities, — about eighteen hundred dollars. The franchise on the Wisconsin shore had been placed in the hands of the city council, and also a mortgage upon the boats of the company, as security to the city that the company would maintain the ferry a given number of years. This was done in 1878, when the bonus of three thousand dollars was given by the city. These franchises, thus the property of the city, were the property of Messrs. Post & Stout, so long as they fulfilled the obligations of the old ferry company. The city, retaining the franchises, released the mortgage upon the boat, at the request of the directors, upon showing how they had lost thousands of dollars in the attempt to maintain the ferry for the benefit of the city. Messrs. Post & Stout kept the ferry running during the season of 1881, and that fall closed out, having only added to their former losses by the attempt to continue the line in operation. They started their boat for Stillwater when the ferry season closed, intending to dispose of her to the trade there, but on the way up the river the pilot ran her on the government pier near Prescott, and there she remained during the winter. The following spring she was left to break up, her machinery taken out, and when high water came she floated off and the hull sunk some distance down stream. This was the last of the ferry steamer Clipper, and of the attempt to maintain a regular ferry at this point for the crossing of teams and passengers between Lake City and Stockholm. In the spring of 1882, Murray & Lenhart resumed trips between the Wi^ionsin and Minnesota shores ; and Murray dying, the firm became Lenhart & Collins, who are now (1883) running the steamer Pepin and barge from Lake City to Maiden Kock, Pepin and Stock- holm, on the "Wisconsin shores, making semiweekly trips to Read's Landing, in this county. The attempt to maintain a regular ferry here has only proved disastrous to those engaged in it. Thousands of dollars were spent in the public-spirited attempt, from which the stockholders of the ferry company received no benefit, only such in- crease of trade, so many of them as were in business, that came to them from the Wisconsin shore. As related at the outset, the cost of maintaining the ferry ov* so wide a stream was too great to be met by the charges ibr transportation, and the majority of the citi- zens were unwilling to subsidize the ferry to the extent of guarantee- ing the running expenses, not considering the returns in trade sufficient to justify the outlay. LAKE CITY. 831 ^ FIEES. Down to the date of the incorporation of the city in 18Y2, Lake City had suffered comparatively little from fires. December 9, 1870, the old grain warehouse on the Point, technically known as the Armstrong warehouse, and at the time of its destruction owned by Bartlette & Smith, was burned. The fire occurred, at about eleven o'clock. The warehouses of Atkinson & Kellogg and Angus Smith & Co. were in close proximity on either side, and the problem was the salvation of these buildings. The pails standing at the doors of the grocery houses were unceremoniously seized by the hurrying hundred who started on the run for the Point, there being at that time no fire company or engine of any kind in the city. The people present worked with a will. The water of the lake afforded an ample supply, and as fast as the adjacent ware- houses caught fire, they were extinguished by the crowds who swarmed upon the roofs and every available spot where an advan- tage could be taken of the situation and the contents of a water^^pail be made effective. Burned hands, scorched faces and singed hair and clothing were the rule ; but the situation was fully understood, and had the fire gained headway, there would have been more to follow. Pluck and water gained the day. The adjacent warehouses were saved, and no further destruction of property than that of the old Armstrong warehouse and its contents ensued. There were about seven thousand bushels of wheat in the warehouse at the time, six thousand bushels of which were a total Ipss, one thousand bushels being saved in a damaged condition. There was an insur- ance on the" building of about thirteen hundred dollars, 'fiie grain in the warehouse wa^overed by about three thousand dollars insur- ance. There were some other warehouses, one stored full of tobacco, and an elevator at the depot burned prior to the incorporation of the city, but no very serious loss resulted in either case ; the tobacco was fully covered by insurance. On Sunday morning, April 20, 1872, at about three o'clock, an alarm of fire was sounded, and the lurid reflection upon the build- ings and sky, as those who were aroused rushed into the streets, proved only too conclusively that a destructive fire was in progress, and had already made no little headway. The fire was found to be in Bessey & Burdett's wheat warehouse, on the lake shore near the city flouring-mills. The wind was fresh from the north, and carried the burning shiilgles and other light material for a long distance 832 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. over the city, requiring constant vigilance and the application of •water and wet blankets to prevent a general conflagration. The origin of the fire was never clearly ascertained ; the Building had taken fire on the afternoon before, probably from the spilling of a can of kerosene upon the floor near the stove, but the flames had been thoroughly extinguished, and a watch kept upon the premises until ten o'clock at night, when Mr. Burdett, who was on watch, went home. There were between eight thousand and nine thousand bushels of wheat in the warehouse at the time, fully covered by insurance. The building was one of the largest warehouses in town, and was a total loss, upon which there was no insurance. These fires had all been in the suburbs, or, more properly speaking, along the lake front of the city, and not in the heart of the business or residence portion. The next call was nearer home, and up to the date of its occurrence was the most disastrous fire that had yet visited the city, involving a loss of about thirty-five hundred dollars, one-third of which was covered by insurance. This fire occurred in the evening of January 28, 1873, at which time flames were seen issuing from the cellar of Glines & Gould, druggists, on Main street. All eflTorts to reach the flre were unavailing, and it was only a few moments — so inflammable were the contents of the cellar — before the flames broke out, and it was with difficulty that the books and contents of the safe and money-drawer were saved. The buildings destroyed were, besides the drugstore, an unoccupied building adjoining, owned by Mrs. J. A. "Waskey, Oliver Young's residence, which was torn^own to prevent the spread of the fire, and for which he afterward claimed remuneration from the ci^. From the rear of the burning buildings on Main street, the fire communicated to the rear of Wise's block on Center street, cleaning out the saloons there in a hurry, and wrapping Hudderon's brick block adjoining in a sheet of fire. This block was partially occupied by the stock of J. E. Farron, general merchant, who succeeded in saving the greater portion of his goods in a damaged condition. Kerrey's brick block (usually known as the Harley block) followed, and this was the last of the buildings consumed. The upper stories of this block were unoccupied, the corner storeroom was in possession of S. S. Ball, grocer and bookseller. Young's brick block and Ker- rey's wooden buildings, on the opposite side of Center street, were covered with wet blankets to keep the fire from' licking them up. LAKE CITY. 833 and in this they were successful. Glines, Gould & Co. lost, on building and stock, ten thousand dollars, on which there was about seventy-five hundred dollars of insurance. The occupants of private rooms in this building were losers to the extent of about five hun- dred dollars additional. Mrs. "Waskey lost one thousand dollars, insurance eight hundred dollars ; Mr. Young's loss was five hun- dred dollars, of which about two-thirds was, after much delay^ paid by the city council ; Were's block was valued at five thousand dol- lars, insured for sixteen hundred dollars. The saloon losses were about one thousand dollars, no insurance ; Mr. Huddleson's loss was over seven thousand dollars, uninsured. J. E. Farron's damage was covered by insurance. Gen. Herrey was insured for four thousand dollars, about one half of his loss. Other losses were all of a minor character, and did not aggregate much in excess of one thousand dollars. The north side of town was the next visited, and again it was a grainhouse, this time upon the tracks of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railway. The Boston elevator was the fated structure this time, which was discovered to be on fire about three o'clock on the morning of March 12, 1875. The origin of this fire is also- involved in mystery. It was first discovered by the, watchman. Ijreaking out overhead in the office, and doubtless originated in the end of the elevator adjoining the engine-room. The watchman, who was sleeping in the building at the time, found the fire had gained too much headway to leave any hope of saving the building. This ele- vator was built in the season of 1873 by a company of Boston capi- talists, who had becom^interested in the future of the city. It was Ihe most conspicuous building on the town site, was thoroughly constructed, well supplied with the best machinery for cleaning and elevating grain, and cost when finished about twenty thousand dol- lars. The insurance on building and machinery was twelve thou- sand five hundred dollars. There was a large amount of wheat in store at the time the fire occurred, probably about sixty-five thou- sand bushels ; nearly one-third of this was saved in a damaged condition. Insurance upon grain was sixty thousand five hundred/ dollars. The company promptly adjusted all claims of farmers for wheat stored and resumed business in a rented storeroom, pending the erection of a new elevator. The smoke of this fire had hardly cleared from the sky, when the cry of fire again resounded upon the night air ; this time a little nearer the business of the heart of the 50 834 HISTOEY OF WABASHA COUNTY. c%, and among its manufacturing industries. This fire occurred not quite two weeks after the destruction of the Boston elevator. The fire broke out March 25, 1876, at the corner of Franklin and Center streets, in the large wooden building occupied by J. H. Emery as a blacksmith-shop. The wind was blowing -a moderate breeze from the east, right in the direction of the other shops in the block, and the hotels on the other side of Lake avenue, kept by Messrs. Neal and Sexton, which were so seriously threatened that their destruction was regarded certain. The fire next spread to John Dobner's wagon and blacksmith shop, and then took in A. IST. Curtis' carriage-making establishment, which, with "Neal's barns with their contents in the rear of the shops, were totally destroyed. The fire had now reached Lake avenue, just across which were the hotels. Here a determined opposition to the further progress of the fire was made by the volunteer pail brigade, and after a heroic fight, in which men were completely exhausted and many burned, the fire was prevented crossing the street. The aggregate losses were in the vicinity of ten thousand dollars, upon which there was little insurance. Mr. Emery's loss was five hundred dollars, in tools ; no insurance. The building he occupied was owned by David Timmerman, of Utica, New York, and was insured for twelve hundred dollars, about one-half its value. Mr. Dobner's loss, mostly in seasoned material and manufactured stock, aggregated six thousand dollars ; insured for eighteen hundred dollars. A. N. Curtis' loss was fifteen hundred dollars ; no insurance. Neal's bam, insured for four hundred dollars ; loss above insurance, five hundred dollars. As before said, these fires, following so sdon one upon the heels of the other, awakened public attention to the need of an eflicient fire department, and its speedy organization was the result. The fire department had been organized a little over three and a half years when it was called to battle with the most destructive fire that had heretofore visited the city, and whose ravages were not stayed (owing to an unfortunate circumstance over which the depart- ment had no control) until the First National Bank building, a brick structure, corner of Center and Washington streets, and seven wooden buildings were laid in ashes, involving a total loss of nearly seventy-five thousand dollars, about one-third of which was covered by insurance. The origin of the fire was never definitely ascer- tained. The flames were seen in the back part of J. E. Favrows' store, and spread rapidly in every direction. The alarm was given LAKE CITY. 835 about one o'clock on the morning of November 16, 1879. The fire department was promptly an hand, and a telegraph despatch for aid was sent to Ked Wing, which, owing to delays on train, did not reach here until about four o'clock, by which time the work of destruction was as complete as it was likely to be. The new arrivals did good service in cooling oif safes and quenching the smouldering flames, for which the exhausted firemen of the city were deeply grateful. The fire gained headway through a whole hour, in which the fire engine was rendered absolutely useless by the supply pipe becoming choked with sand. About three years before the fire, after the other fire cisterns had been completed, it was deemed expedient to provide a water supply near the corner of Center street and Lake avenue, which would save about one hundred and fifty yards of hose con- nection with the lake in case of fire in the eastern or southeastern part of the city. The well was dug in the low ground east of Ifeal & Johns, to a point considerably below that to which the water would rise through the sand in case of extreme low water in the lake. This well was not cemented on the bottom, and the suctioQ of the steamer's supply pipe drew the sand into this pipe and into the engine pumps, completely choking the engine, in fact packing it solid with sand and rendering it absolutely useless. During the hour spent in getting ready for even such work as in its damaged condition it could perform, the fire made fearful headway, sweeping round the corner of "Washington street, and making clean work of everything between the bank corner and the heavy stone and brick- work of Patton & Son's store. The fire on Center street was not so destructive, and its progress was checked by the pail brigade and Babcock extinguishers'^o effectively that only one wooden building on the stj-eet adjoining the bank was burned down. Others were damaged, and stocks of goo'ds so materially injured as to involve almost total loss ; but the progress of the fire was stayed without spreading through the block to Main street. With the exception of the bank building, the structures consumed were wooden, and old city landmarks, representing the early palatial stores of pioneer ' days ; and in their destruction somfe old relics were forever swept out of existence, the original Masonic and Odd-Fellows' halls among others. The First N'ational Bank block was the pride of the city. It was erected in 1873 on the south comer of Center and Washington streets (the streets all running diagonally to points of compass). The bank was on the corner, with stores on Center and Washington streets. 836 HISTORY OF WABASHA .COUNTY. These stores were the property of the then cashier and president, respectively, L. S. Van Vliet and L. H. Gerrard. It was built of Milwaukee white pressed brick, iron columns, galvanized iron cor- nice, white draped stone caps, sills and trimmings, plate-glass windows, etc. The banking office was elegantly finished with solid black-walnut counters, desks, doors and casings, and was a model bank office. J. E. Pavrow, who suffered so seriously in the fire of 1872, in the adjoining block on the south, was this time completely wiped out. The " Sentinel " office was so completely consurned that not a shooting-stick even was saved. The law office of Stocker & Matchan, over the bank, with its library, was consumed, including account books, old journals, etc. The losses of building were : First National Bank, seventy-five hundred dollars ; Yan Yliet's & Ger- rard's store, seven thousand dollars ; and the store of Peter Beck, H. C. Bronco, S. Lindgreen, Mrs. A. W. Ditmars, D. C. Corwin, H. L. Halsey and George Patton, each valued at from twelve Imndred to two thousand dollars. The value of the buildings destroyed was about twenty-five thousand dollars, upon which there was an insurance of nine thousand five hundred dollars. The damage to buildings not burned was probably not more than fifteen hundred dollars, and upon these there was ample insurance to cover all loss. The heaviest losses in merchandise and other stock, fixtures, etc., were: J. E. Favrow & Co-., sixteen thousand dollars, insured for four thousand dollars ; H. D. Brown, printing-office, ten thousand dollars, insured for fifty-five hundred dollars ; Stocker & Matchan, law library and furniture, sixty-five hundred dollars, insured for seventeen hundred dollars ; Henry Miller, druggist, five thous^d dollars, insured for fifteen hundred dollars ; E. M. Everson, twenty-five hundred dollars, fully insured ; S. Lendgreen, two thousand dollars, no insurance. The total loss on buildings was about twenty-seven thousand dollars, on stocks forty-eight thousand dollars ; upon the former of which there was an insurance of eight thousand seven hundred and fifteen dollars, and on the latter of seventeen thousand seven hundred and forty-five dollars. The morning light of Monday had scarcely broken before the debris was being cleared away and prepara- tions made for rebuilding and resuming trade. These fires, disastrous as they were, and severely felt as they must have been in a town of twenty-six hundred population, were so com- pletely overshadowed by the calamity of 1882, that the plucky business men of the city are wont to say, "We never had LAKE CITY. 837 but one fire here that amounted to anything, and that was in 1882, when we were all wiped out clean as with a sponge." This fire, technically known as the "great fire," originated in an unused room of the old Sexton House on the Point, which was discovered to he in flames at about two o'clock on the morning of Saturday, April 22, 1882. The wind was blowing a fierce gale, from the lake, and carrying the fiames into the old wooden rookeries in that part of town, sheds, barns, etc., fanned them into a roaring conflagration, and swept the~cinders, shingles and burning material of all kinds right over the western and northern parts of the town, threatening the whole with speedy destruction. The workmen in Neal & John's establishment saved that manufactory by almost superhuman exertions, and thus prevented the spread of the flames across the block to the west, and no doubt saving the blocks between Washing- ton and Franklin streets, on the west of Center. The wagonshops of Curtis & Richardson Bros. & Co. were speedily wrapped in flames, which almost instantly leaped across the street to John Dobner's blacksmith-shop, and to the buildings on the east side of Washington, between Center and Marion ; all of which, though good substantial brick structures, were ■ consumed. Nothing was left standing thus far from the starting point of the fire east of Washing- ton, between Center and the lake, except the big warehouse just across Marion street. Crossing Washington street, Sam Lindgregn's saloon, and the other brick buildings on that side of the block from the First National Bank to Patton's block, were soon in fiames^ which swept across Center street, through the wooden structures on the northeast corner of Center and Washington, moving down both sides of Center to Main, and leaving nothing standing in its track. Leaping across Main street, it swallowed up the fine brick stores of C. P. Young & Bro. ; and on the north side of Center street, carrying .destruction with it as far as the building of the Lake City Furniture Company, which was destroyed. The buildings on the lower side of 'Center street, between Washington and Main streets, were all destroyed except the lower corner room of the Lake City Bank building, a fine three-story structure, in which was the postofBce. The fire had quickly spread over the entire block bounded by Main, Center, Washington and Lyon streets ; the fierce gale blowing the flames in a due westerly course diagonally through the block £^d across the corner of Lyon and Main streets to the Commercial hotel, which, having been destroyed, the destruction was stayed in that 838 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. quarter for lack of material. The efforts of the firemen were prin- cipally directed to saving the block bounded by Center, Washington, Lyon and Franklin streets, in which was the Merchants' hotel, an immense three-story wooden structure. The burning of this block would in all probability have involved the destruction of the entire northwestern portion of the city, as far down as Center point, as the wind was blowing a perfect gale, and buildings were taking fire sev- eral blocks from the center of the conflagration, iired by the burning shingles which were whirled blazing through the air, only to fall on some dry roof and kindle it into a blaze. The firemen made a stand at Kichardson's corner, where their brick building interposed some obstruction to the progress of the flames through the block ; and though several times on fire, as were also the other buildings of the block, the catastrophe that would have followed their burning was averted by the heroic exertions of the citizens, who had turned out en masse to save the town ; many of them so intent on fighting fire at its very center that their own properties were consumed before they were aware of the fact. Another stand was made against the progress of the fiames at the wooden saloon on the Main street side of the National Bank Building " block, as, had that building gone, nothing could have saved the block across the street, and its destruc- tion would have involved the center of the residence portion of the city, including all the church buildings. The efforts in both cases were finally successful, and the fire was finally stayed after sweeping through six blocks, the best business blocks of the city, in which scarcely a structure of any kind remained to tell the awful story of destruction. So complete was the work of annihilation, and so serious the losses sustained, that many seriously doubted the practicability of rebuilding the city. All that remained standing was the row of brick stores on the northwest of Lyon avenue, and the block on the northeast of "Washington street and northwest of Center street. It would be utterly useless to attempt to specify the losses on either bi^ildings or goods. There were about fifty buildings burned, involving a loss of property in structures and contents, as nearly as can be ascertained, of at least three hundred and seventy thousand dollars, upon which there was an insurance of about one hundred and seventy-eight thousand dollars. Of this amount, however, consider- able proportion was insurance on damaged goods, and partially ' destroyed or damaged buildings ; so that the loss may be fairly said to have been about one-third covered by insurance. Thus, within a LAKE CITY. 839 period of less tlian ten years, destructive fires had three times ravaged the business center of the city, involving a loss of over half a million dollars in a small town of about twenty-six hundred population. The grit of the little city was fully apparent in this calamity. The common council met immediately, and, refusing all applications for permits to erect temporary wooden structures, extended the fire limits to the lake shore, upon which the fire had originated. Monday evening, following the destruction of Saturday, an enthusiastic meeting of the board of trade was held, and it was apparent that the enterprise and courage of the city was by no means in ashes, if the buildings of the city were. Capt. Seeley, the city postmaster, on the alarm of fire, left his own household goods to destruction, and used all his exertions to save the mails and records of his otfice, in whicli he was successful ; all letters, papers and oifice records being safely removed. The First National Bank were at work immediately, and resumed business in a building they put up on a corner across Center street from their own property. "Work upon the bank corner was immediately begun, and the structure was soon ready for occupancy. The Lake City Bank moved into the reading-room in the Merchants' Hotel, and resumed. Their first business after the fire was to receive a deposit for three hundred dollars from A. P. Merrell, of Maiden Eock. The Masonic fraternity lost all their furniture, including their records, the latter a serious loss. The destniction of the valuable museum of Dr. Estes was much to be deplored. Its collection had been the work of a lifetime ; and, besides con- taining curiosities of very rare and valuable character, many of them impossible to duplicate, the Doctor's manuscripts and notes, the work of years, and which it was his intention to have given to the public in permanent form, were all destroyed, leaving him, in his own pathetic words, " Not a scrap of my life work ; not a scrap, sir." This was a loss not to be computed in dollars and cents. The burned ■ district has to a great extent been rebuilt, and the business of the city goes on its prosperous way, in the earnest, hope that, having been tried so as by fire, it may henceforth escape the destructive ordeal. FIEE DEPARTMENT. Lake City had no regularly organized fire department until three years after her actual incorporation as a city. Several narrow escapes from disastrous conflagrations had warned the citizens of the pos- sible danger to the business center of the city, unprotected as they 840 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. were against any serious fire that might break out in the more densely-built portions of the city; but tlie danger passing, the matter was lost sight of. On the night of March 25, 1875, afire which broke out on the corner of Center and Franklin streets, and for a time very seriously threatened all the lower portion of the town, reawakened the interest of the citizens in fire protection. This fire, which destroyed ten thousand dollars' worth of property, following close upon that of the twelfth of the same month, when the Boston elevator was burned, and which involved the destruction of sixty thousand dollars' worth, very forcibly aroused the public attention to the imperative necessity of organizing and maintaining an efiicient fire department. The matter was at once taken hold of energetically, and petitions numerously signed were presented to the council, asking for the immediate creation of a fire department, as authorized by chapter 4, section 38, of the city charter. This petition came before the new council at its first regular meeting after the spring election in 1875, and Messrs. Fowler and Farrow were appointed the council's committee on fire department. The petition was referred to this committee, who were also instructed to negotiate for the purchase of a steam fire-engine, hose and necessary equipments. At a special meeting, held April 16,- a proposition was received from Samuel McDowell, of Seneca Falls, New York, to furnish the city with one of Silsby's patent rotary steam fire-engines, third size, two hose-carts, fifteen hundred feet of hose, and all the equipments necessary to operate it successfully, for seven thousand two hundred and fifty dollars ; terms, twelve hundred and fifty dollars cash, the balance to be paid in three equal yearly installments of two thousand dollars each, bonds to bear interest at ten per cent. This proposition was accepted by the coimcil, and the engines and apparatus ordered, with the understanding that they were to be shipped within three weeks. The council also passed an ordinance providing for the organization of a fire department, to consist of one engine com- pany of forty men, two hose companies and a hook and ladder company, to consist of thirty men each. W. A. Doe, L. S. Yan Yliet and I. S. Eichardson were appointed a committee to enlist suitable members for the companies, and to call a meeting for organization so soon as twenty members were received for each company. Saturday, May 1, 1875, the companies met and per- fected their organizations. Meeting was held in the Academy of LAKE CITT. 841 Music hall, with L. S. Yan Yliet in the chair, and H. E. Hum- phrey, secretary. G. D. Post was elected chief engineer of the department and the various companies organized, as follows : Engine company : E. B. Ellsworth, foreman ; L. L. Fletcher, assistant foreman ; H. E. Humphrey, secretary, and L. S. Van Yliet, treasurer. The members of the engine company were : L. S. Yan Yliet, E. B. Ellsworth, J. M. Martin, John Phillips, Geo. C. Stout, Henry Hoth, D. M. Smith, Chas.' Forrest, J. E. Doughty, H. R. Warner, H. Gillett, Calvin Neal, J. C. Hassinger, Eobt. Eomick, H. E. Humprey, I. E. Norton, M. L. Hulet, L. L. Fletcher, John Fletcher, E. H. Center, T. Stout, J. J. Doughty, Geo. Gibbs, H. C. Whitcher, H. M. Powers, C. J. Collins, Charles Knapp, K. B. Gates, Henry Scott, M. T. Stevens, Wallace DeLong, C. J. Cogswell, W. E. Muir, C. Sinclair, Frank Bouton, Oliver Young, A. N. Curtis, Frank Phelps, Ferd. Baker, L. E. Thorp. The hose company organized, and elected for officers: F. W. Seeley, foreman and president ; W. A. Doe, assistant foreman and vice-presid^t ; M. P. Stroup, secretary ; I. S. Eichardson, treas- urer. The following were the enrollment as members : I. S. Eichardson, W. A. Doe, M. C. Humphry, Jr., C. E. Cate, E. Hanish, G. W. Mossman, M. P. Stroup, F. L. Kojjplen, N. E. ' Stringham,W. H. Dilley, G. D. Post, Heniy Selover, Henry Dwelle, G. K Tupper, W. J. Hahn, J. B. Hawley, O. IST. Smith, F. W. Seeley, Joseph Harley, H. L. Smith, Francis Jenks, L. Lutz, E. H. Brown, Frank Whitcher, Chas. Sargeant, Dan'l Crego, Wm. M. Sprague, E. M. Baldwin and James Gillett. Within three weeks the hose company had received an additional enlistment of twenty-six members. The new engine arrived on the 14th of May, and the trial test was made on the afternoon of Satur- day, the 22d of that month. The day was made almost a»genex'al holiday. The mayor of Eed Wing headed a delegation from that city. The chief engineer of the Winona fire department and his assistant, and others from neighboring towns put ,in an appearance. The "department" was out in force. The engine was stationed near the pond in the vicinity of Doughty & Neal's wagonshop, and four hundred and fifty feet of hose were quickly laid up Center to Washington, and around the corner in front of Eichardson Bros' store. In thi-ee and a half minutes from lighting the fire, with cold water in the boilers, the steam-gauge indicated five pounds of steam, which was rapidly increased, until at the end of seven and 842 HISTOEY OF WABASHA COUNTY. a half minutes the pressure was thirty-five pounds, and water was running from the nozzle of the hose. With ninety pounds of steam, a stream was thrown up the street two hundred and twenty- seven feet through a one and one-eighth inch nozzle, and also to the height of one hundred and twenty-five feet. More hose was attached and extended up Center street to the corner of Main, and a stream thrown completely over a three-story building on the upper side of the street. A second line of hose, each was seven hundred and fifty feet, was attached, and both streams were thrown over the building, and with a branch section the three streams were thrown one hundred and sixty feet in a horizontal direction. Then a single line of hose, fifteen hundred feet long, was run up to the Episcopal church, and a stream forced over the spire and up to the height of one hundred and twelve feet from the ground. The test was pronounced satisfactory by the council in special session on the following Thursday, and the papers were duly made out. Lake City had at last secured what so many of her citizens had long desired — a good, serviceable fire engine, and many breathed freer, feeling their property was, at least to some extent, reasonably secure. At the first regular meeting of the council, in May of this year, the sum of four hundred and fifty dollars was appropriated for the purchase of a lot on the southeast side of Center street, between Oak and High streets, upon which to erect an engine- building, and the fire committee were instructed to purchase the same. Steps were also taken for the building of cisterns in neces- sary locations for water supply, and the council's committee on fire department given charge of the matter. A committee visited La Crosse, Wisconsin, for the purpose of securing information con- cerning' the character of the cisterns needed, and reported their conclusion to be in favor of brick cisterns, as the only reliable ones in this soil. The council's fire committee reported bids for building three cisterns, of dimensions according to specifications drawn by J. B. Hawley. The contract was awarded to Dix & Bonney, as the lowest bidders, for seventeen hundred and eighty dollars. Not long afterward, G. W. Thayer was awarded contract for erecting an engine-house for fire-steamer and hose-carts, building to be 20 X 50. The front thirty feet to be used as an engine-room, the rear twenty for council-room ; contract price, six hundred and thirty dollars. The cisterns were located as follows : The main cistern, with a LAKE CITT. '' 84:3 capacity of one thousand barrels, at the intersection of Center and High streets ; two others, each having a capacity of five hundred barrels, one at the intersection of Garden and Dwelle streets, the other at the iritersection of Oak and Doughty streets. A very sad accident occurred during the excavation for the cistern at the corner of Garden and Dwelle streets, by the caving in of the walls, owing to the lack of care in stoning up the walls. The men were repeatedly warned of the danger, but did not deem the alarm neces- sary and continued at work, until by the sudden caving in of the walls they were buried alive. Their names were A. H. Sandford and Benjamin Kramer. They were both taken out dead, Mr. Kra- mer after two hours' work, Mr. Sandford about seven hours after the accident. There is another water reservoir, which is more a well than a cistern, at the rear of Messrs. Neal & Johns' manufac- tory, on Center street, and from these the city has quite an ample water supply, well distributed. Improvements, in the shape of hose-tower, hook and ladder company's apparatus, etc., have been added from time to time, until today the city has quite a comfortable city building and engine-room. The old engine-house has had a story added within the past year, the hose-tower has been increased in height, arid now the departments are well supplied with places for meeting as well as apparatus for extinguishing fires. The city build- ing as now standing is a conveniently-arranged two-story structure, 20X50, with a hose-tower, 12x12 feet at the base, rising fifty-six feet above the ground. The lower story of the city building is devoted to the storage of the engine, hose-carts, hook and ladder truck, coal-truck, and appliances. The engine is in excellent con- dition, under the care of chief engineer H. Gillette, and can get ready for business, under a full head of steam, within ten minutes of lighting the torches. The engine-room has a supply pipe for furnishing hot water to the boilers in cold weather, greatly expe- diting the work of getting up steam. There is also an excellent force- pump for the protection of the city building, with hose attached, through which water can be instantly turned on any part of the building. The hose-tower has a tank conveniently arranged for •cleaning hose, and both tower and engine-room are supplied with abundant heating apparatus for winter use, in thawing out and drying hose and apparatus. The hose-reels are supplied with about twenty-five hundred feet of good hose, on the two carts known as Nos. 1 and 2. The hook and ladder trucks are furnished 844 ■ . HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. with one forty-foot ladder, one thirty-five feet, one thirty feet, and some shorter ones ; and also with twenty-four good fire-buckets. There are four Babcock extinguishers in the building, and all kept in perfect order, ready for any emergency that may arise. The upper story, which is reached by a broad, covered stairway on the outside of the building, is the city hall. Here the council holds its sessions, public meeting? of the citizens are convened here, the engine and hose companies use it for firemen's hall, and it is just what it purports to be — the city's hall. It is comfortably warmed, lighted and seated, and from it emanate the decrees of the city fathers for the government of the little municipality. The present officers of the fire department are : H. Gillett, chief engineer ; W. M. Sprague, assistant engineer. Engine company : James H. Gillett, engineer ; Ed. J. Collins, treasurer. Hose company : Ed. Tupper, foreman ; Frank Peirce, assistant foreman and secretary ; L. P. FoUett, treasurer. Hook and Ladder company : H. McMillan, foreman ; Sumner David, assistant foreman ; Frank Adams, secretary ; F. Schindler, treasurer. CHDECHES. Presbyterian. — The first Presbyterian church of Lake City was organized December 31, 1856, with Kev. Silas Hazlett as acting pastor, and B. C. Baldwin, A. Y. Sigler and Mrs. Hazlett as mem- bers. B. C. Baldwin and A. V. Sigler were elected elders. For nearly a year and a half the church held union services .with the Congregationalists, in the old Congregational church erected by the contributions of both societies, the pastors of the two churches alternating in the services. In 1858 the Presbyterian church rented what was then known as Skinner's Hall. This was in the third story of a store-building situated on lot 2, block 14, fronting on Washing- ton street. In 1859 the church erected their church edifice on lots 4 and 5, block 58, which had been presented to the society by Mr. Samuel Doughty. These lots are now occupied by the residence of Mr. Charles E. Crane. The church-building, which originally cost nine hundred dollars, was removed in 1863 to its present location on High street, just north of Lyon avenue, and in 1876 was repaired and enlarged at an additional cost of eight hundred and fifty dollars.- In 1862 the trustees purchased lot 1, block 56, and erected their present parsonage at a cost of eight hundred dollars, and in 1878 it was enlarged and repaired at a further cost of six hundred and fifty dollars. LAKE CITY. 845 The total number of members received into the church since its organization has been one hundred and ninety-seven, and of these one hundred and three were received upon the profession of their faith in Jesus Christ. The total baptisms during these years have been one hundred and four. The present membership is sixty. The oflBcers of the church are : Pastor, J. "W. Eay ; elders, A. Y. Sigler and A. T. Guernsey ; trustees, A. T. Guernsey, J. B. McLean and J. W. Kennedy., The names of the pastors who have successively served the church, in the order of their service,' are : Kevs. Silas Hazlett, Porter H. Snow, William Speer, D.D., John Valeen, John A. Annin, Hugh W. Todd, John L. Howell, James M. Pryse, "W. J. Weber, Samuel 'Wyckoff, and J. W. Eay, the present incumbent. The Sunday school was organized on January 1, 1860, with A. T. Guernsey as superintendent, who held the office eighteen years, since which time the following persons have held the positioii : Oliver Jones, who was superintendent two years, and Messrs. J. B. McLean, S. M. Emery and Wm. Wilson, who have each held the office one year, the last-named gentleman now serving his second term, having been re-elected recently. SwecUsh iMth&ran. — The Swedish Lutheran church, in this city, was organized October 10, 1869, at a convocation called for that purpose, the Kev. P. Sjoblom, of Eed Wing, presiding. The original number of communicants was forty-five, prominent among whom wei'e Messrs. L. A. Hockanson, G. F. Edholm, A. E. Edholm, P. Sundberg, G. Erickson and others.- Services were conducted for a time by two lay preachers, L. A. Hockanson and A. G. Westlong, and the congregation was ministered to at intervals by Eev. P. Sjoblom, of Eed Wing, Eev. J. Fremling, of Stockholm, Wisconsin, and Eev. J. Wagner, of Svea, Wisconsin. In 1879 the congregation secured the services of the Eev. S. A. Lindholm, who also minis- tered to churches at Millville and Minneiska. Until the year 1875 the congregation worshiped sometimes in a small hall, at other times in the Presbyterian or Baptist churches of this city, which were kindly opened for their accommodation. In 1875 a small church, 26X40 feet, was built and neatly furnished. This building stands on the upper side of Sixth street, three blocks northwest of Lyon avenue ; and facing it on the opposite of Sixth, a commodious parsonage was built in 1881, at a cost of twelve hundred dollars. The Sunday school, in connection with the church, organized in 846 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. 1873, has always been maintained in a flourishing condition. Its superintendent for many years was Mr. P. Sundburg : the present superintendent is O. Chinberg. The present membership of the congregation is about eighty-five, recent removals having led to a very material decrease. A very efficient Ladies' Society has been working within the church organization for several years, collecting money fonchurch and missionary .purposes. They meet the third Friday in each month, and during the year 1883 contributed one hundred and eighteen dollars toward the six hundred and seventy- five dollars raised by the congregation. The present officers are Kev. L. A. Lindholm, pastor ; Mr. Ed. Edholm, secretary ; Mr. Nils Peterson, treasurer ; deacons, P. Sundberg, A. Anderson, G. Ericksoh, O. Chinberg ; trustees, A. E. Edliolm, Mis Hallin, Chas. Chinberg. St. Mary's CathoUc Church. — The first religious services held in Lake City in connection with the Catholic church were in 1857, in which year Father Auster conducted services in the house of John Moran, in the vicinity of the brick schoolhouse in the first ward. This was the first Catholic service ever held in the place, and though no church building was erected until seven years afterward, regular ministrations at the hands of Father Auster were enjoyed until his departure from the parish in 1860. During these years and sub- sequently, until the old church was built, the congregation wor- shiped from house to house and in public halls, particularly Will- iamson's, in which services were held longer than in any other one place. To Father Auster succeeded Father Tisot, in 1860, remain- ing four years. In 1866 the old church was erected, on Center* street, one block nearer the lake than the railway tracks of the Chi- cago, Milwaukee and St. Paul railroad. This was a substantial frame building, about 36 X 60 feet, and in this the church continued to hold services, until 1873, when the church lots were sold and property bought farther down town. The new property consists of an entire block, bounded by Lyon avenue, Center, Prairie and Garden streets. Upon this site the old frame church was moved, refitted for service and occupied until 1877, when it was converted into a school-building for the use of the parish school. Father Tisot was followed by Father Trobec, the present parish priest at Wabasha, in 1865, and he in turn by Father Hermon, in 1868, who continued in charge until 1875. It was during his ministry that the old church was removed to the present eligible and central location. LAKE CITY. 84T Father Quinn became parish priest in 1875, upon the removal of Father Hermon, and remained in charge until his failing health compelled him to seek rest in a more congenial climate. He accordingly crossed the seas and took up his residence in France, but the vital energies were too severely taxed to respond to the call, and he died shortly after reaching France. He was an earnest and indefatigable worker, and it was largely owing to his energetic efforts that the beautiful church structure on the corner of Lyon avenue and Garden street was constructed. The present church edifice, erected in 1877 at a total cost of sixteen thousand dollars, is much the finest church structure in the city. It faces fifty feet on Lyon avenue,, and has an extreme length of one hundred and sixteen feet along Garden street, including the sacristy, which is 16x53. The building is a substantial brick structure, stone founda- tions, water-table, caps, sills and trimmings. The side walls are twenty-two feet in height, and the top of the cross is one hundred and sixty-one feet above the sidewalk. It is finished inside to the roof, and seated to accommodate about six hundred. There is room, however, for quite a number of additional pews, and the seating capacity may be easily extended to eight hundred if desired. The church is an ornament to the city, and its spire can be seen from almost all parts of Lake Pepin, rising above every surround- ing object in its vicinity. Father Quinn was succeeded by Father Riley, a young man who remained in charge six months, and who was followed in the summer of 1882, by Father Kiordan, who resigned his charge and went south for his liealth, January 1, 1884. * The parish school, which was established in 1868, has not been in session for some time past, and probably will not be until the church has a permanent priest. The services are at present con- ducted by supplying priests from St. Paul. The number of con- tributing families in the parish is about thirty-five, but the number of families actually connected with the parish is much larger. Congregational : The first Congregational church in Lake City was organized on August 8, 1856, with ten members — four men and six women. This was the first church organization in this place, and at the time of its institution there were probably not far from three hundred people within what are now the corporate limits of Lake City. Eev. DeWitt C. Sterry (who died last summer in Kan- sas) was the first acting pastor of the church, which flourished vigor- ously during the ten years that he remained in charge as its minister. 848 HISTOEY OF WABASHA COTTNTY. the increase during the first year being more than fourfold. The little society worshiped in halls and rooms, as they could best secure accommodations, for one year, when they moved into their own house of worship which they had built upon the lot presented them tor that purpose by Abner Dwelle, Esq., one of the original proprietors of the town site. Their site was lot No. 10, block 27, and upon it the church-building, a frame structure 30 X 50 feet, was erected. In 1866 this old house of worship was reconstructed, turned partially around, enlarged and refitted for service, the cost of the improvements being considerably in excess of one thousand dollars, which was all paid early in January, 1869. In 1866 a par- sonage was erected on the south half of lots 6 and 7, ■in block 4^, at a total cost of about fifteen hundred dollars. Since then the build- ing has received several additions and needed repairs, and is now a commodious and comfortable residence. In 1873 the old church was repainted, and six years later was burned to the ground. The congregation then decided to abandon their old location and build a new church in a more desirable part of the city. The site selected was on the north corner of Lyon avenue and Oak street. The lot fronts one hundred and thirty feet on Oak street, and one hundred feet on the avenue. Here in .1880 the present beautiful church structure was erected. This is a substantial stone and frame, modern style of architecture, extreme dimensions 40x60 feet. The basement is of stone with a ten-foot ceiling, and is conveniently arranged for Sunday- school and social services, as well as the regular church reunions. Above the basement rises the auditorium, finished to the Gothic roof, comfortably) seated and furnished, having sittings for about two hundred and twenty-five persons. The contract price for the building was forty-nine hundred and sixty dollars, but its actual cost was considerably above that figure, the entire outlay for lots, build- ing, furniture, upholstering, bell, etc., being in round numbers about nine thousand dollars. . As before stated, De Witt Sterry was the first acting pastor of the church, and he sustained that relation for nearly ten years, whe;i he was succeeded by the Eev. Edward Anderson, whose ministry con- tinued a little less than two years, when he resigned, and W. B. Dada accepted a call to the pulpit. His ministry, begun in December, 1867, terminated in February, 1873, when he was succeeded by Rev. J. W. Ray, whose pastorate lasted five years. In October, 1877, Rev. P. LAKE CITY. 84:9 B. Fisk was called to the oversight of the church, and remained its pastor until the spring of 1882. In May of that year, Rev. J. W. Horner became minister of the church, an office which he now sustains withgreat acceptability to the church and congregation. The whole number of members connected with the church from the date of its organization to the present has been two hundred and seventy. The present membership is one hundred and twenty-five. The present officers are : Trustees, A. E. Smith, president ; C. A. Hubbard, treasurer; N. C. Pike, secretary; deacons, Carlos Clem- ent, M. C. Humphrey ; Eev. J. W. Homer, church clerk. There is a very efficient Sunday school maintaiiftd by the church, the average attendance at which is about one hundred. W. H. Moore, the principal of the city schools, is its superintendent. This Sunday school was organized immediately after the church organiza^ tion was effected, .and has been in continuous existence until the present. Ejpiscopal Church. — St. Mark's Protestant Episcopal church is one of the strong church organizations of Lake City. The first services were held here in the fall of 1857, at which time Bishop Kemper visited the place, preached and baptized. Subsequent visits were made by the bishop, by the Pev. E. E. Wells, of Red "Wing, and in 1860 by Bishop H. B. Whipple. In 1862 the parish was formally received into union with the council, but no vestry was formed until December, 1864. On the 14th of this month a ^ meeting was held at the residence of Rev. John W. Shatzel, parish missionary, at which time the vestry ^s constituted by the election of the following : Wardens, Lyman H. Buck, senior, John O. Junkin, junior ; Vestrymen, Wm. E. Perkins, John T. Graves, P. R. Hardt, Thomas Gibbs, B. L. Goodi-ich, Wm. Marsh, Asa Doughty and Mathias Dil- ley. L. H. Buck was elected secretary of the vestry, and R. S. Goodrish, treasurer. Services were first held in a small school- room owned by Mrs. O. E. Walters, and afterward in a hall under the Masonic lodge, from which they removed in the spring of 1864 to what was known as Harley's hall. Here they remained until the completion of the church-building in the summer of 1866. Prepara- tions for building were begun in 1863, the sum of sixteen hundred dollars was raised or pledged, and a church lot 75X100 feet pur- chased, for which the sum of three hundred and fifty dollars was 51 850 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. paid. It was found that lumber could not be procured, and build- ing was deferred until the fall of 1865. The church was completed early in the summer of 1866 and the opening services were held July 1, but the parish being in debt for the building to the amount of eight hundred dollars, the consecration was deferred until "Wednesday, January 16, 1867, when the church was formally con- secrated according to the usages of the Protestant Episcopal church. The site of this church edifice is a commanding location on Oak street, just south of Lyon avenue, fronting the lake and overlooking the main business portion of the city. The structure is of wood, 50x30 feet, with*^ front tower 12x12 feet, and a chancel extension 10x18 feet. The side walls are fourteen feet and the ridge of the ceiling thirty-one feet. The tower is forty-five feet in height, and above it rises the spire a farther distance of thirty-four feet, sur- mounted by a cross four feet high, the total height from sill to cross-top being eighty-three feet. The building is comfortably furnished and has sittings for a little over two hundred persons. The entire cost was about thirty-five hundred dollars, and of this sum two thousand dollars were raised by the society at home, the rest being contributions from abroad. There have been connected with this church from the date of its organization to the present a total membership of two hundred and fifty-four. Baptisms, for the same period, four hundred and fifty- two ; confirmations, two hundred and one ; marriages, seventy-six ; burials, one hundred and fifty. The succession of rectors of St. Mark's is as follows : C. P. Dorset, 1861-2; J. W. Shatzel, 1863-6; C. W. Kelley, 1867^, J. C. Adams, 1868-72 ; C. H. Plummer, 1873, to May, 1883 ; Eev. W. Gardam, the present incumbent, having been in charge only since last May. The present church ofiicers are : Rev. W. Gardam, rector ; L. H. Buck and W. E. Perkins, wardens ; vestrymen, G. F. Benson, S. K. Gates, J. C. Adams, C. W. Crary, Thos. Gibbs, A. Wells, O. P. Francisco, C. H. Benedict. Mr. L. H. Buck is secretary and Mr. W. E. Perkins, treasurer. The present number of communi- cants is one hundred and twenty-two. St. Mark's church maintains a flourishing Sunday school with eighteen teachers and one hundred and forty scholars, of which Mr. J. M. Underwood is superintendent ; Mrs. G. F. Benson, librarian and L. H. Buck, treasurer. LAKE CITY. 851 Baptist. — Baptist meetings were held by Kev. Edgar Oady from July, 1867, to pecember of the same year, when the first Baptist church of Lake City was organized, December 13, 1857. The num- ber of constituent members was twenty-one. Up to 1871 two hundred and twenty-five members had been added to the church, including twelve members of a branch church at Maiden Eock, Wisconsin, in 1863. Of the above number seventy-seven were by baptism, the balance by letter and experience. Subsequent statistics of membership are not available. The present number of members is sixty-four. The Baptists worshiped first in Gay lord's Imh which stood, I .believe, about where Perkins' livery stable now is. The present edifice was erected under Rev. A. P. Graves' supervision, in 1869, at a cost of two thousand dollars. It has been enlarged and im- proved during the past year by the expenditure of about seven hundred dollars. The church owned a parsonage until a few years since, when it was sold to Mr. Terrell in order to liquidate the church indebtedness. Of pastors the following is a complete list, with dates of settle- ment and terms of office : Rev. Edgar Cady, July, 1837, one year and four months ; Rev. A. P. Graves, August, 1869, two years and fiva months ; Rev. G. W. Freeman, September, 1862, two years and two months ; Rev. G. AV. Fuller, April, 1865, six years and two months ; Rev. H. H. Beach, June, 1872, four years ; Rev. E. C. Anderson, November, 1876, four years ; Rev. A. Whitman, December, 1880, one year and five months ; Rev. W. K. Dennis, October, 1882, present pastor. The Swede Baptist church, of Lake City, was at first a branch church, and eventually organized during Rev. M. Beach's pastorate, and the English Baptist church, of Maiden Rock^ Wisconsin, was an off'shoot from this church. The Baptist Sunday school was organized in Gaylord hall in 1867. Number of pupils, eighty-five. List of church officers : Pastor, Rev. W. K. Dennis ; clerk, J. ' M. Chalmers ; treasurer, Mr. Alex. Selover. Trustees : A. R. Spauldings, A. Selover, N. K. Eells, A. D. Prescott, F. Bouton. Superintendent of Sunday school, J. M. Chalmers. Methoddst. — Prior to 1857 no society of the Methodist Episcopal church was known in Lake City, although a few of the old settlers were members of that church. During the month of September, 852 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. 1857, Kev. S. Salisbury was sent, by the bishop presiding over the Minnesota annual conference, to Wabasha and Lake City circuit. He came to Lake City and preached one sermon in the Congregar tional church, but we saw his face no moje. This was the first sermon ever preached in Lake City by an ordained minister of the Methodist Episcopal church. The few members (five in number), as a flock without a shepherd, were soon in charge of Rev. C. Hobart,a supernumerary member of the minister of the Minnesota conference, who at that time resided in Red Wing. We rented a robm known as Skinner's Hall, a small room vsdth but limited seat- ing capacity, ligh'ild with tallow candles. Here we waited for the salvation which God had promised. It seemed as if each member , of the small company received a special commission from the King Eternal to go forth and win souls. A class was soon formed by Dr. Hobart, which consisted of D. C. Estes, M. E. Estes, Seth Tisdale, Augusta Dollar, Jane Terrill, Eliza Baily and Bidwell Eedley. D. C. Estes was appointed leader. Seth Tisdale was a local preacher. This completed the organization of the society. Of these seven members five are still living. Bid- well Pedley was killed during the late war, while engaged in the service of his country. Seth Tisdale died in September, 1883. Eliza Baily lives in St. Paul. Augusta Dollar is now living in California. D. C. Estes, M. E. Estes and Jane Terrill are still members of the society in Lake City. Rev. Seth Tisdale was the fii'st preacher of the Methodist Epis- copal church to engage in special revival services. His work began first at Florence. He was a man of strong faith and untiring energy. Soon after Dr. Hobart took charge of the work the first quarterly meeting was held. Rev. Dr. Quigly preached from Isa. Ixiii, 1, a sermon of marvelous power. It was as of old a demonstration of the spirit. The little company of believers enjoyed the privilege at that quarterly meeting, for the first time in the new country, of receiving the sacrament of the Lord's Supper as a society of the Methodist Episcopal church. Dr. Hobart was assisted during the winter by Bro. Tisdale. In the spring of 1858 we moved to a vacant storeroom on Main street, in the building which is now occupied by Mr. D. Crego as a dwelling. About this time Rev. J. Gurley, of Pepin, Wisconsin, was appointed to supply Lake City, but on account of the difficulty of crossing the LAKE CITY. 85S lake he was not able to render much service.. In 1858 Lake City was left to be supplied. In 1859 Eev. E. E. Lathrop was appointed as pastor, being a man of kind, genial spirit, and a good preacher. The society prospered under his administration. In 1860 Eev. A. V. Hiscock was appointed pastor ; a year of encouragement during which many were added to the church. In 1861 Eev. C. T. Bow- dish was pastor. In 1862 the society was left to be supplied. In 1863 Eev. G. W.T. Wright was appointed pastor. He served the charge until September, 1866, when Eev. T. M. Gossard was appointed. During Bro. Gossard's term of two years the churcli was favored with a gracious revival. During Bro. Gossard's pastorate the place of meeting was changed. The society rented a vacant store-building on Upper Washington street. This building is now occupied as a dwelling by Mr. Brown. In 1868 Eev. D. Tice was appointed as pastor. During his first year the corner-stone of the church was laid, the site for the building being a lot which had been previously secured on -the corner of Chestnut and Oak streets. The church was enclosed and the basement occupied by the society in 1869. In 1870-1 Eev. H. Goodsell was pastor. In 1872-4, Eev. C. M. Heard was pastor. In 1875 Eev. J. Door was appointed. The audience-room was finished and dedicated in 1876. The dedicatory services were held July 9, 1876. Eev. Mr. McChesney preached the dedicatory sermon. In 1878-80 Eev. G. W. T. "Wi'ight was pastor for the second term. In 1881 T. B. Killiam was appointed pastor. During 1882 and 1883 the entire debt, which had for years been a burden to the society, was paid. We now have a good property, a membership of ninety persons ; a good sabbath school, the average attendance being seventy. Church officers : Pastor, T. B. Killiam ; class-leader, Eev. C. L. Dempster ; sabbath-school superintendent, J. M. Martin. Stewards : James M. Martin, D. C. Estes, L. W. Lemley, E. Wrigley, E. F. Carpenter. Trustees : T. Megroth, D. C. Estes, A. Koch, J. Harding, E. F. Carpenter, E. Wrigley, L. W. Lemley. The Methodist Episcopal Simday school of Lake City, Minnesota, was organized by Dr. D. C. Estes on the first sabbath in Septem- ber, 1857, — being the first Methodist Sunday school held in Lake City, and the second one organized in the county of Wabasha. The first services of the school were held in the unoccupied store build- ing situate on lot 9, block 17, fronting on Main street, then but re- cently vacated by the firm of Johnson & Kittredge, since remodeled 854: HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. into a dwelling-house, and owned by Daniel H. Orego. The records of the school from its organization down to September 3, 1866, were all destroyed in the fire of April IT, 1882, that burned Dr. D. 0. Estes' office ; but we learn from the report of the superintendent. Dr. Estes, made to the school on the occasion of their tenth anniver- sary, September 1, 1867, that there were but few children in the first organization. "Our beginning was but a feeble, a small one," .but increased gradually. From that day down to the present the Sunday school has continued without interruption, following the fortunes of the chairch in its various movings from store to store, from store to halls, from halls to church ; at times with lessening and again increasing attendance. As far as the records extant dis- close, the largest average attendance appears to have been in the winters of 1868-9, when the average attendance was one hundred, and again in thevnnter of 1876-7, when the enrollment was one hundred and forty-eight, and average attendance of one hundred and three ; and again in^l 880-1, when the number enrolled and in attendance was about the same as in 1876-7. In the spring of 1881, from removals, the numbers decreased largely, the present enrollment (February, 1884) being one hundred and five, with an average attendance of seventy-two. • Since the organization, the following have been superinten- dents in the order and for the times named : Dr. D. 0. Estes, September 1, 1857, to September 13, 1868 ; Dr. "W. H. SpaflFord, September 13,, 1868, to September 3, 1871 ; Kev. H. Goodsell, September 3, 1871, to June 2, 1872 ; Chas. M. Gould, June 2, 1872, to April 27, 1873 ; J. M. Martin, April 27, 1873, to October 21, 1877 ; P. S. Hinman, October 21, 1877, to September 7, 1879 ; Geo. L. Matchan, September- 7, 1879, to January 1, 1882 ; J. M. Martin, January 1, 1882, to present time — re-elected for ensuing year September 9, 1883. The present officers of the school are : J. M. Martin, superintendent ; E. L. Carpenter, assistant superinten- dent ; Maggie Koch, secretary ; Lutie Chapman, treasurer ; Henry Koch, librarian. Teachers : Rev. T. B. Killiam, Mrs. J. Dobner, Mrs. S. L. Strong, Mrs. F. M. Martin, Miss Jennie Baker, Miss H. M. Dobner, Miss Marion Lee, Chas. A. Koch, J. M. Martin. THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS. It is impossible to present any connected history of the Lake City schools, such as we would esteem it a pleasure to prepare, had LAKE CITY. 855 we the data. The records and material for such history are unfor- tunately lost, having been destroyed in the great iire of 1882, in which so much that was valuable and indispensable to a complete history of the city was irretrievably lost. All efforts to restore these records, or recreate them from the memories of those now living, have proved abortive, as th<3re is too wide a divergence in the statements of those who were living here a quarter of a century since to predicate anything very positive upon such sources of information. The human memory, unassisted by records or un- corrected by memoranda, is not to be relied upon for much outside of merely personal matters, and not always for even these. This, at least, is the conclusion very reluctantly reached after weeks of care- ful inquiry, and we are therefore necessitated to content ourselves with a general statement, into which is interwoven so much of de- tail as is warranted correct by the agreement of the narratives of those who have been interviewed, and their recollections noted. In addi- tion to this, the files of the old newspapers still existing have been thoroughly scanned for points, but these also are silent where most naturally they would be expected to speak — as, for instance, in not- ing the erection, completion and opening of school-buildings. Thus we are cut off from the two most reliable sources of information, viz, the school records themselves, and the reports found in the news- papers of the specific dates at which particular occurrences took place. The probabilities are that the public schools in this city never formed an integral part of the school system of the county, having been organized prior to the establishment of the school system of the state. Not only so ; they appear to have attained sufficient growth to have been included in an independent school district, before the public school system of the county took form. The schools here were origindlly of the character known as subscription schools, being supported by the voluntary subscriptions of the resi- dents of the place. The pioneer school in the little settlement, now Lake City, was opened by the Eev. S. Hazlett, in the fall of 1856 (November), and was taught in a frame building, the lower portion of which was used as a carpenter-shop, on the lot, now vacant, at the east corner of the Academy of Music block. The number of pupils in attend- ance was about thirty, and the estimated population of the settle- ment at that time was three hundred. From this date, schools in 856 HISTOEY OF WABASHA COTINTT. Lake City were regularly taught somewhere. Gaylord's hall, near the present site of W. E. Perkin's livery stables, was subsequently opened for school purposes, and schools were taught at various places^ — now here, now there — for the next five years, the city hav- ing no school-building of its own prior to 1861. In this year it was determined to build a suitable schoolhouse, and in the early summer plans for such building were prepared by Geo. Rogers, and contract for the lumber was made. Work was immediately begun, the base- ment exeav*ed, the stonework laid up, and the building partially enclosed, when the school trustees released the contractor from his contract to furnish the clear lumber, because the price of lumber had advanced, and the building came to a standstill. Late in the fall the basement was finished, and school opened, — Geo. T. Gibbs, now of St. Paul, being the first teacher to guide the young idea in the new schoolhouse. This building was a credit to the city. It was a commodious two-story frame, 40X60, with stone foundation and basement. The basement only was completed in 1861, and in this school was held until the upper stories were finished and fur- nished in 1863, when the whole building was occupied for school purposes. This schoolhouse is the one now standing upon its origi- nal foundations, on Garden street, and doing duty as the high- school building of Lake City. In the meantime the citizens of the ambitious little city by the lake had made provision for a somewhat higher grade of scholar- ship than was contemplated in the common schools of twenty-five years since, and the Lake City Academy came into existence. This Academy building, also on Garden street, now known as the old Crane residence, was largely erected by the private contributions of the citizens, with the evident intention of its becoming the property of the city, to be used as an academy for higher instruction. It was built (date not accurately known) with funds provided as above mentioned, for Mrs. C. W. Hackett, who opened a school or academy there and taught it for some years. The property subsequently passed into Mrs. Hackett's possession in some undefined way, and was sold. With the growth of thie city, the accommodations .of the wooden building erected in 1861 became totally inadequate to meet the wants of the city, and the erection of a new school-building was determined upon. LAKE CITY. 857 By the legislative act of 1864, giving the settlement, now Lake City, all the rights and immunities of a corporate city without its responsibilities, a change was made in its government, and this was followed in 1865 by a change in the administration of school affairs. In the spring of this latter year a board of education was elected, of which Dr. Estes was clerk, and to this board and its successors have been entrusted the managempnt of all school matters for the past nineteen years. Finding that the work of education was suffering for lack of proper school accommodations and appliances, the board determined upon the erection of a school-building in the first ward, that would accommodate all the children of that ward below the grammar and high school grades, and thus draw into one building the scholars scattered in various places throughout the city, as rooms could be obtained. Plans for the new building were prepared, bids advertised for, and in the summer of 1872 the con- tract was let' to Eed Wing parties for a little less than nine thousand dollars. This is the building between Oak and Garden streets, known as the first ward schoolhouse. It occupies a full half-block, fronts northeast and northwest ; is a substantial two-story brick with a high stone basement; has two schoolrooms on each floor with commodious hallways and closets, and is provided with the requi- site flues for furnaces, should they ever be deemed necessary. Its entire cost, including sidewalks, fencing and furniture, was about eleven thousand dollars. School was first opened in this building early in the winter of 1872-3, with James M. Martin and Misses Anna Montgomery' and E. M. Burrett as teachers. But three rooms were occupied. These were graded "A," "B," "C," and the enrollment of pupils was about eighty, forty-five and sixty, respectively. Ten years pafesed away before any additions were made to the school-buildings of the city, and again the demand for school-room had. outgrown the accommodations. In 1883 the second ward schoolhouse was erected, on the original school lot on Garden street, just a little southeast of the old building in which school had been opened in 1861. This new building is also of brick, two stories, with substantial stone basement, and is intended to form one of the wings of a complete structure, which shall , include high school, grammar school, and ward school in one. The dimensions of the wing already built and occupied, are as follows : width, 31 858 HISTOEY OF WABASHA COTINTY. feet; length, 66 feet; height over all, 57 feet; vestibule on the southeast front, 10x27i feet. This vestibule is the full height of the building, and from it access is gained to the schoolrooms, two in number on each floor. The building is furnished in the latest style, well provided with all needed appliances. The ceilings are fourteen feet each, and the whole structure complete cost a little in excess of the contract price, eight thousand dollars. The contract- ors were Messrs. Lutz & Alexander, of this city, and by them the building was turned over to the school board on September 20, 1883. The present ofEcers and members of the school board are : J. C. Adams, president ; C. D. Vilas, clerk ; J. M. Martin, treasurer ; C. "W. Crary and W. H. Hobbs, committee on supplies ; H. D. Stocker, committee on textbooks ; W. H. Moore, city superintendent of schools. The schools are graded into high, grammar, intermediate and primary, taught as follows: The high school and "A" grammar is taught by Superintendent Moore, assisted by Misses Sarah E. Pal- mer and Anna C. Marston. Mr. Moore is a graduate of Darmouth College, class of ''81, and his assistants are both graduates of the State University, classes of '81 and '83 respectively. The "B" grammar is under the charge of Mrs. Alice Fox, of the State Normal School at Winona, and the "C" grammar under that of Miss F. M. Thornton. Miss Jennie M. Baker has the "A" and "B" in- termediate in the second ward, and Miss Helen Dobner the same grades in the first ward. The "C" intermediate and "A" pri- mary are taught by Miss Kate J. Lilley in the first ward, and in the second ward by Miss Margaret Clearman. Miss Belle Hulett has the "B" and "C" primaries in the first ward, and Miss Mollie Greer in the second ward. The " D " primaries are taught by Misses Nellie J. Estes g,nd Sue Slocum, of the first and second wards respectively. The total enrollment for the year is about six hundred ; the aver- age enrollment, four hundred and fifty. The aggregate cost of main- taining the schools, not including interest on or cost of constructions, is about eight thousand dollars per annum. Salaries vary from thirty-five dollars per month to one hundred and twenty dollars. It is with extreme satisfaction that we record the exceptionally high rank taken by the Lake City schools, particularly the high school, which since 1881 has been the banner high school of the LAKE CITY. 859 state, the percentage of its pupils passing the examinations prescribed by the high-school board of the state, being greater than that of any other of the fifty high schools competing for the state appropriation. SECRET SOPIETIES. The history of the secret societies of .this city is one most diffi-. cult to prepare satisfactorily, owing, as in the case of the city schools, to the destruction of the records by fire and loss of important data. In this case, however, the work of reconstruction has tiot proved impossible, as the matters treated of are more individual and specific, and private memoranda have been found that materially assist in fixing dates. Personal recollections also are more available here, and the reports of the higher representative bodies, with whose trans- actions the subordinate bodies were to some extent involved, have been drawn upon for such information as they contain. Not only so — the destruction of records in this case was not as complete as in that of the schools, and we are therefore prepared to assert quite confidently that the subjoined statements will be found, if not absolutely accurate in all particulars, at least sufiiciently so to answer all the purposes of a substantially correct record of the insti- tution, growth and present condition of the benevolent fraternities of Lake Qty. Cwmelian, JVo. ]fi, A.F.A.M. — Lake City had grown into a town of considerable proportions ; her schools and churches had been in existence for a period of five or six years, and her citizens included no inconsiderable number of the "ancient craftsmen," before any attempt was made to set up the ancient landmarks, and organize a masonic lodge upon the banks of the beautiful lake, where so many of the A.F.A.M. had reared their home altars and industries with the intention of ending their days there. The first year of the war of the rebellion had closed, and many of Minnesota's bravest and best had given themselves to the service of their country, when the members of the masonic order in Like City, remembering the former times, took counsel together and determined to organize a lodge of Ancient Craft Masonry. Accord- ingly, early in the summer of 1862 (probably in May— date not accurately known), a petition was presented to M.W. A. T. C. Pierson, grand master of the state, for a dispensation to open a masonic lodge in Lake City. The petition -was approved and dispensation granted to C. G. Bowdish, "W.M., John McBride, 860 HISTOEY OF WABASHA COUNTY. S.W., and Benjamin Smith, J.W., to open and conduct a masonic lodge here. This dispensation was in force only until the meeting of the grand lodge next ensuiiig, October, 1862. Owing, however, to the absence of so many Masons from the state, in the ranks o: the Union armies, no grand lodge meeting was held in 1 862, and ii December of that year Grand Master Pierson notified the memberi of the order here that if they would designate such persons as the^ desired to open and conduct their lodge, he would grant then another dispensation. In accordance with this intimation the mem bers of the craft here held an election on January 13, 1863, a which time the following officers were elected : Benjamin Smith, W.M.; S. E. Merrell, S.W.; C. F. Kogers, J.W.; k' Gould, Sec. S. P. Hicks, Treas.; C. W. Smyth, S.D.; Anson Peirce, J.D. Th( dispensation was duly granted until the meeting of the grand lodg( in the ensuing fall, and under this renewed authority the lodg( worked until the assembling of the grand lodge, at Masonic Hall, in the city of St Paul, October 27, 1863. From {his grand lodge a charter issued to Carnelian Lodge, No. 40, A.F.A.M., of Lake City, bearing date October 28, 1863, ii which the following were named as the charter members : C. G. Bowdish," John McBride, Benj. Smith, C. M. Loring, C. F. Eogers, C. W. Smyth, N. Gould, Elijah Stout, F. E. Sterrett, E. F. Dodge, S. E. Merrell and probably Dr. D. "W". Green. Of this latter name there is some doubt, recollections differing. As the charter waf burned in the great fire of 1882, and also the original records, th( question cannot be definitely settled. Of the other names then appears to be no doubt. The first masonic meetings were held in what was then knowi as Gaylord's hall, which stood on Washington street, on the presen site of W. E. Perkin's omnibus barn. Here the lodge remained fo: several years, and worked and grew and prospered. Probabb about the year 1878 the lodge removed to the Armstrong building on Washington street, just below Center. They did not continui in this location very long, for in February, 1869, the lodge removet to Harley's hall, the present site of the Academy of Music, wher( they remained until November, 1872, when they took possession o the hall in Young's block, corner of Center and Main streets which they had leased for a period of ten years. This hall wa specially fitted up and arranged for the work of the masonic bodie LAKE CITY. 861 of the city, and its destruction by fire was a severe loss to the craft, as many of their records, regalia, furniture, working-tools, etc., were destroyed. Since that destruction the blue lodge and chapter have been holding stated meetings and convocations in the hall of the LO.O.F., in Lyon block. The commandery has held no regular asylum since the fire, having no suitable arrangements for work. Carnelian Lodge has numbered among its members very many of the best business and professional men of this city, and upon its rolls may be read the names of a majority of those citizens whose records are inseparably interwoven with the business enterprises of the city. During the almost twenty-two years of its existence, Carnelian Lodge has entered the names of two hundred and two members upon its registers, and of these just one-half remain affiliate, the other one hundred and one having either died, removed or demitted. The list of those who have sat in the east, west and south since the organization of the lodge is herewith given, and should be carefully preserved as a matter of reference, as the data from which the roster is made is most difiicult of access. 1864 S. E. Merrell Anson Peirce L. J. Fletcher. 1865 S. K. Merrell L.J. Fletcher R. Ottmari. ' 1866 S. R. Merrell C. W. Smyth W. A. Doe. 1867 L. J. Fletcher W. W. Scott M. L. Hulett. 1868 S. R. Merrell Anson Peirce C. J. Collins. 1869 C. G. Ayres M. L. Hulett Lafe. Collins. 1870 W. W. Scott Rev. G. W. T. Wright. . .E. B. Ellsworth. 1871 W. W. Scott Lafe. Collins E. B. Ellsworth. 1872 Lafe. Collins Oliver Gibbs, Jr Samuel Dale. 1873 W. W. Scott M. L. Hulett Samuel Dale. 1874 :.M. L. Hulett H. D. Brown H. Dwelle. 1875 M. L. Hulett John Wear H. Rofif. 1876 J. Wear M. P. Stroup J. Hassinger. 1877 M. L. Hulett M. P. Stroup H. K. Terrell. 1878 .M. P. Stroup C. W. Crary Oliver Young. 1879 M. P. Stroup John Wear Oliver Y.oung. 1880 John Wear H. Roff C. A. Hubbard. 1881 H. Roff C. A. Hubbard C. J. Coggswel^ 1882 H. Roff O. P.Francisco J. S. Stanford. 1883 O. P. Francisco J. W. Kennedy .A. J. Fowler. 1884 O. P. Francisco J. W. Kennedy A. J. Fowler. The other oflBcers for the current year are : 0. Neal, Treas., who has held that office ten years ; Adebert Wells, Sec, who has held his office four years ; C. C. Low^ S.D. ; C. H. Hanson, J.D. ; James Lister, S.S. ; F. G. Slocum, J.S. ; James K. Baker, Tyler. 862 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. Hope Chapter, No. I'B, R.A.M. — The war had closed, the citi- zen soldiers had returned to their homes, trade had resumed its wonted channels, and peace settled permanently upon all our hroad domain ; when, with the return of prosperity and the abiding convic- tion that war's rude alarms would not soon disturb their quiet, the members of the Late City A.F.A.M., who in other places had enjoyed the privileges of the higher masonic bodies, determined, if possible, to secure the institution of a chapter of the royal arch at this place. A petition was accordingly forwarded to B. F. Smith, ofMankato, G.H.P. of the G.E.A.C., for dispensation to open a chapter of E. A.M. in Lake City. The petition was favorably re- ceived and the request granted. The dispensation, bearing date February 2, 1867, came duly to hand and on the evening of the seventh day of that same month was read before the following named Eoyal Arch Masons, who constituted the original members of Hope Chapter, No. 12 : Eduard Anderson, E. F. Dodge, Benj. Dodge, A. H. Beach, John McBride, C. G. Ayres, Geo. K. Saylor, L. J. Fletcher, Benjamin Smith, T. M. Gossard, W. E. Lowell. The dispensation named A. H. Beach, H.P. ; Geo. Saylor, K. ; John McBride, Scribe; Benj. Smith, C. of H. ; C. G. Ayres, P.S., and L. L. Fletcher, E.A.C., to act until the convocation of the G.E. A.C. in the ensuing fall. The chapter thus working under dis- pensation continued its labors until the convocation of the G.E. A.C, October 12, 1867, when the act of dispensation was approved and a charter issued. The G.H.P. not being able to attend in per- son, appointed, as his proxy, companion S. B. Foote, of Eed Wing, who, under instructions from the G.H.P., visited Lake City on December 3, 1867, to install the oflScers-elect and consecrate and dedicate the chapter. In addition to the names already given as petitioners, the list of charter members included the following : B. S. Goodrich, C. W. Smyth, S. S. Whitney, S. B. Munson, Jr., H. K. Terrell, J. W. YanVliet. The meetings of the chapter were r^ularly held in Masonic hall and the numbers increased steadily. The whole number of companions who have been borne upon the rolls of Hope Chapter, Fo. 12, E.A.M., since its institution nearly seventeen years since, has been one hundred and forty-six, and of these ninety-six are now members. Of the original petitioners three have entered within thS veil of the unseen temple, the house not made vnth hands, viz : Geo. K. Saylor, Benjamin Smith and W. E. Lowell. LAKE CITY. 863 The oiEcers who have filled the three highest positions in the chapter from the date of its dedication, are as follows : YEAR. H. P. KING. SCRIBE. 1868 C. G. Ayres John McBride B. S. Goodrich. 1869 S. B. Munson S. 8. Whitney .L. J. Fletcher. 1870 E. F. Dodge W. J. Whitney W. J. Townsend. 1871 W. J. Whitney W J. Townsend S. E. Merrell. 1872 C. G. Avres C. W. Smyth J. E. Favrow. 1873. . . .E. B. Ellsworth W. J. Whitney H. H. Dickman. 1874 W. N. Vilas H. H. Dickman J. E. Favrow. 1875 E. B. Ellsworth H. H. Dickman L. E. Thorpe. 1876 H. H. Dickman M. L. Hulett L. E. Thorpe. 1877 M. L. Hulett J. E. Farrow Calvin Neal. 1878 M. L. Hulett Calvin Neal H. K. Terrell. 1879 M. L. Hulett Calvin Neal G. W. T. Wright. 1880 W. J. Hahn Calvin Neal G. W. T. Wright. 1881 W. J. Hahn Calvin Neal G. W. T. Wright. 1882 Calvin Neal J. C. Stout H. Roff. 1888 J. C. Stout H. Eoff O. P. Francisco. 1884 J. M. Martin O. P. Francisco J. Nute. The oflScers for the current year, other than those above given, are : M. O. Kemp, C.H. ; C. A. Hubbard, P.S. ; 0. C. Lowe,, E.A.C. ; C. W. Smyth, Treas. ; Adelbert Wells, Sec. ; J. Cole Doughty, M. 3d Y. ; J. W. Kennedy, M. 2d V. ; C. H. Salisbury, ' M. Ist V. ; Jas. F. Baker, Sentinel. Zake City Oonmiandery, No. 6. — The organization of the com- mandery in Lake City followed the institution of the chapter about three years. In the spring of 1870 a petition was presented to E. D. B. Porter, K.E-Gr.C, for dispensation to erect an asylum in Lake , City, and the dispensation, in accordance with such petition, was granted on March 21 of that year (1870). One month later, April 21, 1870, the first meeting of the commandery was held. The Sir Knights to whom the dispensation of R.E.G.C. Porter came, were : E. F. Dodge, S. E. Merrell, F. A. Wells, Henry W. Holmes, Grove B. Cooley, S. Y. Hyde, Chas. H. Lindsley, Richard A. Jones and E. H. Kennedy. Of these, E. F. Dodge was named E.C., S. E. Merrell, G., and F. A. Wells, C.G. In the following June the grand conclave met, approved the Work of the Sir Knights Snd issued them a charter in regular form. On October 31 following. Sir Knight S. E. Merrell, of this city, received orders from the E.E.G.C. to organize the commandery, and on November 12, 1870, the orders were obeyed, and Lake City Commandery of Knights Templar, No. 6, was formally organized. The commandery has had a prosperous existence, and until the trial by fire, nearly two years since, was steadily increasing in numbers, influence and effi- 864 HISTORY OF WABASHA COtTNTT. ciency. JSTotwithstanding the organization of Eed Wing comman- dery so near their asylum, within less than half the prescribed limits, Lake City Sir Knights have added to their numbers from year to year until one hundred and seventeen have taken the orders of knight- hood in the asylum here, or been received from others. Of this whole number of one hundred and seventeen, only twenty-nine have sev- ered their connection, leaving an actual membership of eighty-eight. Of the twenty-nine who are no longer carried upon the list of Sir Knights connected with this commandery, five have gone out at the orders of the Supreme Commander, to enter the earthly asylum no more forever. Their names are : C. A. Bayard, who died in 1872 ; Wilbur Carrol, in 1875 ; "W". E. Collins, in 1880 ; H. M. Powers, in 1881, and H. P. Krick, who received his summons only last Sep- tember. The three principal posts in the commandery have been held by the following Sir Knights from the organization of the body, in 1870, until the present. In this table the years in which the elections were held are the ones given : 1870. . 1871.. 1872.. 1873. . 1874 . 1875. . 1876.. 1877.. 1878 . 1879. . 1880.. 1881.. 1882.. 1883.. B.C. G. C.G. , . . .E. F. Dodge S. R. Merretl Geo. Atkinson. . . . S. B. Munson S. R. Merrell Geo. Atkinson. . . S. R. Merrell D. M. Baldwin .. Geo. Atkinson. . . . D. M. Baldwin W. J. Whitney W. E. Collins. . . . W. J.Whitney W. E. Collins W. N. Vilas. . . .W. E. Collins , . . .E. B. Ellsworth G. W. Mossman. . . .E. B. Ellsworth C. W. Smyth H. D. Brown. . . .E. B. Ellsworth C. W. Smyth H. D. Brown. . . . E. B. Ellsworth . . . .• J. E. Pavrow J. C. Stout. . . .J. C. Stout J. E. Favrow H. Roff. . . .J. C. Stout J. E. Favrow H. Roff. . . . J. C. Stout H. Roff C. A. Huhbard. . . .C. A. Hubbard H. Roff C. J. Stauff. ...C.A.Hubbard H. Roff J. Cole Doughty. The completed roster of the Sir Knights holding office in the commandery here at present are : Rev. James Cornell, P. ; James C. Hassjnger, S.W. ; J. C. Parkhurst, J.W. ; O. P. Francisco, Treas. ; M. 0. Kemp, Eec. ; H. H. Dickmann, St.B. ; C. H. Salisbury, Sw.B. ; Calvin Weal, Warden ; J. O. Junkin, 1st G. ; A. B. Kegar, 2d G. ; H. Lorentzen, 3d G. ; E. H.. JSTeal, Sentinel. Zake City, No. n, 1. 0. O.F.— The I.O.O.F. of this city have had a continuous and prosperous existence of nearly sixteen years. The lodge was instituted here by C. C. Comee, G.M., and C. D. Strong, G.Eep., July 23, 1868. The charter members were: E. H. Matthews, S. S. Whitney, Albert Glines, T. H. Perkins, E. E. Gray and Eichard Weeks. The original elective officers were : S. FRANCIS TALBOT. LAKE CITY. 866 S. Whitney, N.G. ; Albert Glines, V.G. ; E. H. Matthews, - Sec. ; Eichard Weeks, Treas. The appointed officers were : T. H. Per- kins, Warden ; E. E. Grey, Guardian. The first meetings of the Lake City Lodge, No. 22, I.O.O.F., were held in what was then known as Gaylord's Hall, on Washing- ton street, upon the present site of W. E. Perkins' omnibus bam. In December, 1871, they went into permanent quarters in their present location, in the third story of Lyon block. They have a very comfortable hall 30x55 feet, with commodious anterooms, committee rooms, pr-eparation and regalia rooms, and all the neces- sary accompaniment^ for the regular prosecution of their work. The whole number of members received into the order here since its organization, both by card and initiation, has been two hundred thirty-two. The present membership is ninety-four. The officers now serving are : W. M. Sprague, N.G. ; J. 0. Schmedt, Y.G. ; W. A. Stevens, E.S. ; C. H. Hanson, F.S. ; A. Koch, Treas. ; E. OlLffijrd, Warden ; D. G. . Heggie, Conductor ; L. D. Avery, O.G. ; P. J. Anderson, LG. ; N. C. Pike, E.S.KG. ; H. D. Wickham, L.S.N.G. ; S. W. Webster, E.S.Y.G. ; S. P. Stettler, L.S.Y.G. ; B. W. Dodge, E.S.S. ; W. H. Whipple, L.S.S. ; Eev. T. B. Killiam, Chaplain. The trustees are Eobert Eomick, T. J. Morrow, E. C. Eaton. . The chair of P. G. has been filled since the institution of the lodge by the following members, whose names appear in the order of their succession : S. S. Whitney, A. Glines, E. H. Mathews, A. K. Gay- lord, M. C. Humphrey, Jr., G. W. Fuller, A. H. Taisey, D. C. Estes, E. Weeks, David Walker, E. A. Kelley, H. H. Arnold, J. E. Maas, A. Beardsley, D. G. Heggie, Eob. Eomick, J. M. Collins, H. C. Jackson, Edwin Wrigley, N. C. Pike, L. P. Hudson, Gran- ville Clark, 1^. J. Snow, H. A. Young, Eobert Cliffi)rd, C. E. Hinkley, C. H. Hanson, John Phillips, Henry Schmidt, C. M. Colby. Mount Zion Enccumpment, Wo. 7, I.O.O.F. — The ^Lake City Lodge were no sooner fixed in their comfortable quarters in Lyon block than the organization of an encampment, which had been fre- quently considered, was actively entered into. An informal meeting , of such patriarchs as were interested in the organization was held on December 23, 1871. Measure* were taken to secure the proper authorization from the grand encampment, and on February 20, 1872, the organization was formally effected, with the following as 52 866 HISTOET OF WABASHA OOUNTT. the charter members : E. B. Gates, Albert Glines. E. A. Kelly, H. A. Young, ]Sr. C. Pike, IST. T. Estes, A. H. Taisey, A. Beardsley, S. W. Webster and E, W. Clifford. The encampment was instituted by Grand Patriai-ch C. D. Strong, assisted by other officers of the grand encampment. The officers elect were then installed, viz : Albert Glines, C.P. ; E. B. Gates, H.P. ; A. K. Gaylord, S.W. ; E. Weeks, J.W. ; E. A. Kelly, Scribe ; H. A. Young, Treas. The appointed officers were : N. C. Pike, Guide ; N. T. Estes, Sentinel ; A. H. Taisey, 1st W. ; E. W. Clifford, 2d W. ; S. W. Webster, 3d W. ; H. H. Arnold, 4th W. ; A. Beardsly, 1st G. of T. ; E. Clifford, 2d G. of T. Since the, organization of the encampment, Mount Zion, No. 7, has met regularly on the first and third Tues- days of each month, and have just completed the twelfth year of a very prosperous existence. The whole number of members con- nected with Mount Zion since its organization has been eighty-two. The present membership numbers forty-two. The elective officers for the present term are : Henry Schmidt, C.P. ; D. C. Estes, H.P. ; J. C. Schmidt, S.W: ; C. M. Colby, J.W. ; K C. Pike, E.S. ; E. Eomick, F.S. ; J. M. Collins, Treas. The trustees are H.' C. Jackson, J. C. Schmidt, C. M. Colby. Insurance, No. 38, A. 0. IT. W. — This lodge, having for its object, among others, the payment of lie certain stipulated sum of two thousand dollars to the widows and orphans of deceased members, was organized in this city January 19, 1878, with sixteen charter members, namely, George W. Lemley, A. T. Guernsey, G. W. Thayer, C. C. Stone, Wm. Jewell, John Adolph, C. W. Crary, Chas. Funk, L. A. Lemley, Charles Hartmau, Wesley Carpenter, Fred. Abraham, John Trobke, Henry Selover, A. J^. Curtis, H. W. Banks. The lodge was duly instituted and the officers-elect installed by A. H. Taisey, D.G.M.W., and the lodge was ready for business. A. T. Guernsey was the first M.W. of the new lodge, and William Jewell its recorder ; and these gentlemen, with Dr. C. W. Crary, were the first board of trustees. Dr. Crary was appointed medical examiner to the lodge, a position which he still continues to hold. The organization of the lodge was effected in Eogers' Hall, in the rear of the Academy of Music, but the members shortly afterward took possession of a hall in the third story of Lyon block, and here they continued to hold their regular meetings until September, 1882, when they sold their furniture to the K. of H., who had been burned out in the great fire of the spring previous. Since LAKE CITY. 867 that date, September, 1882, the A.O.U.W. have held their regular meetings on the second and fourth of each month in the hall of the K. of H., over the postoffice. The present number of members is forty-four. Whole number belonging since the organization has been, as nearly as can now be ascertained, about eighty. The present officers are : A. T. Guernsey, P.M.W.; M. F. Hills, H.W.; Oscar Anderson, F.; Fred Abraham, O. ; G. W. Thayer, Eec. ; D. M. Smith, Fin. ; G. W. Lemley, Receiver ; Andrew Steel, Guide; Peter Lindblad,.I."W".; F. Lange, O.W. Lahe City, No. 576, K. of H. — This organization, differing little in its general features from the A.O.U.W., has had an exist- ence in this city of very nearly seven years. It came into being at Odd Fellows' Hall April 4, 1877, under the hand of J. S. Marvin, D.S.D. The charter members numbered fourteen, and all of these ■were necessary to fill the several lodge offices save Messrs. E. Hanisch, H. A. Young and F. J. Kopplin ; and of these Messrs. Hanisch and Young became trustees. The names of the original officers who, with those mentioned above, constituted the charter members were : A. K. Gaylord, P.D. ; K. B. Gates, D. ; E. Romick, Y.D.; J. Dobner, A.D.; H. L. Smith, Eep.; C. F. Kircher, F.Eep.; Chas. Wise, Treas. ; J. E. Maas, Guide ; Frank Doughty, Guard. ; W. L. Doe, Sent.; C. W. Crary, Chap. The lodge subsequenty removed to a building near the corner of Main and Center streets, and were burned out in the spring of 1882, when they rented of the A.O.U.W. for some months, finally pur- chasing the furniture of that body and fitting up a very pleasant hall for themselves in their present location over the postoffice. Since the organization of the lodge sixty-seven members have been carried upon their rolls, and of these forty-seven still retain member- bership with the lodge here. The others have removed, died, demitted, or dropped out. The K. of H. are all included in one general beneficiary dispensation; the A.O.U.W. have separate beneficiary jurisdictions largely corresponding to state lines. Lake City, No. 576, K. ofH., is officered as follows : J. H. Gillett, P.D.; E. H. Warner, D.; G. Eossler, V.D.; L. Schindler, A.D.; J. B. Johnson, Ge. ; F. Cotter, Chap.; Robert Romick, Rep.; A. Krall, F.Rep.; R. Hanisch, Treas.; J. C. Schmidt, Guide ; H. Gil- lett, Sentinel. S.S.H.F. — The Scandinavian Relief Association was formed in 1874 by a number of the Scandinavians of Lake City, with the object 868 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. t of helping poor emigrants, and also its members. The members meet once a month to pay their dues, and has at present twenty-eight members. At the last annual meeting the following officers were elected to serve for one year*i O. Chinberg, president ; C. E. Carl- son, vice-president ; A. Anderson, treasurer ; Edward Edholm, secretary. BANKING 1^ LAKE CITY. Lake City, lite all new towns in the west, had no lack for men of enterprise and push. Following .close in the wake of the pioneer, and before he had scarce made a beginning on the frontier, the mer- chant and business man, with his stock of goods or eastern bank account, also put in an appearance. Among the first to do anything having the semblance of a banking business, was C. P. Cogswell, a young man from the east, who opened a bank in 1858 on the corner of Main and Marion streets, in a very pretentious and expensive building (for that ep,rly day), erected for .banking and office purposes in the summer of 1857 by Dwelle & Tibbetts. In the spring of 1859 Ml'. Cogswell turned over his agency of the Phoenix Insurance Co. to Mr. A. T. Guernsey, and left here for some place of more metro- politan pretensions. He was succeeded by E. Chamberlain & Co., from — no person seems to know where, who conducted a (pretended) flourishing banking business ; however, only for a few weeks, and would, perhaps, by this time have been forgotten here if he had paid a small bill due the village printer. About this time Mr. H. F. Williamson (now merchant in Duluth) established a large general merchandise store here, carrying a full line of such goods as were best suited to a pioneer trade, and taking in exchange therefor every staple article produced on the farm. He also, as a matter of con- venience to himself and friends, connected with his business a com- mercial exchange. This was principally done by purchasing checks, drafts and other commercial paper having a par value, from traveling men and newly-arrived emigrants. In 1863 the grain and commission firm of Bessey & Doughty, who were then doing an immense business, added a banking or commercial exchange department to their house, not so much as a matter of profit to themselves, but as a matter of convenience in their growing trade. They were also agents for, and did a large traffic with, the old northern line of steamboats on the Mississippi, and in this way found the convenience of a .banking system almost indispensable. This commercial enterprise prospered without event LAKE CITT. 869 till one morning in the summer of 1866, when the town was startled by the announcement on the streets that the bank had been robbed. The rumor was authentic ; the bank had been burglarized, and as no mystery surrounded this (to Mr. Doughty) unfortunate affair, he con- cluded to forego the profits and advantages of conducting a banking business under the circumstances in Lake City. The already great commercial interests and still growing enterprises at this important point created an urgent demand for a commercial exchange. The opening soon found a capitalist, and Lake City dates her first per- manent banking house, as established here in 1868, by C. W. Hackett (now of St. Paul). This was a private enterprise, but one that enjoyed the entire confidence of the people, and did an exclusive banking business. In 1870 Mr. Hackett sold out to Joel Fletcher, Esq., of St. Johnsbury, Yermont, who continued it as a private enterprise till 1873. It was then incorporated according to state laws, with a capital of fifty thousand dollars. Mr. Joel Fletcher was its first president, Hon. Sloan M. Emery, vice-president, and C. A. Hubbard, Esq., cashier. Mr. Fletch*r died in 1875, and Samuel Doughty, Esq., was then elected to the presidency, and still fills the position. Mr. Emery resigned ^he vice-presidency, when he became connected with the Jewell Nursery in 1879, and no vice- president has since been elected. Mr. C. A. Hubbard still fills the position of cashier. Its present board of directors is composed of G. F. Benson, Samuel Doughty, C. A. Hubbard, J. M. Underwood, Kobert White, "W. E. Perkins, J. W. Eay and S. M. Emery. In April,. 1882, the bank building (corner of Lyon avenue and Wash- ington street), a fine three-story brick structure, in size 60x82^ feet, was destroyed by fire. The office and vault on the corner, with the two upper stories burnt off, remained standing and uninjured. A temporary roof was put on, and business continued unobstructed, and the same season the block was rebuilt and finished as a two-story structure. First National Bank. — This bank was organized in 1870, ac- cording to the United States laws, with a capital of fifty thousand dollars and the following board of directors : L. H. Garrard, L. S. Yan YHet, John W. Willis, Wm. S. Timerman, G. F. Benson, H. Center, and J. B. McLean. L. H. Garrard was elected president, G. F. Benson, vice-president, and L. S. Yan Yliet, cashier. The bank building, a substantial two-story brick, is sit- uated on the corner of Washington and Center streets, and is the 870 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTT. third building, its two predecessors having been destroyed by fire, without the loss of a paper. The present board of officers and directors consists of C. F. Yoniig, president ; L. S. Yan Vliet, cashier ; A. Basey, C. F, Eogers, G. H. Grannis, J. 0. Hassinger, D. M. Smith, directors. These two banking-houses are a credit to not only Lake City, but the county, and are institutions in which the people feel a just pride. They are as permanent as the foundations of the city, inasmuch as. they are under the directorship of its most honorable and wealthy meii. Personal sketches of them appear further .on in this work. NUESEET. One of the interests of which Lake City has just reason to be proud, is known as the Jewell Nursery. It is situated on the upper bench of the Lake Pepin bottoms, west of the city, and now contains about one hundred acres of growing trees and shrubs. The varieties grown have been selected with great care, having a view to adaptability to th® climate in which they are sold — the west and northwest. The proprietors, Messrs. Underwood & Emery, are men of sound judgmenl^nd business habits, and are determined to make it one of the permanent institutions of the state. The firm has three hundred acres of land adapted to this purpose, and is steadily enlarging the plant. More fruit-trees will be set from this nursery in the spring of 1884 than all others in the state combined, and more than are grown in any nursery west of Ohio. This industry was foimded in 1868, by Dr. P. A. Jewell, now deceased, and thus derives its name. Ten acres of oak grub-land were set at first to fruit-trees, and additions were made from time to time, reaching eighty acres in extent at the time of the doctor's death. The business was managed by J. M. Underwood, who became sole owner in 1878, and next year associated with himself Mr. S. M. Emery, constituting the firm above named. The location commands a view of the city and valley, and is one of the most pleasant that could be imagined. Messrs. Underwood & Emery also give a great deal of attention to stock-raising, and have one of the finest herds of pure-bred Holstein cattle in the northwest. By lease they have control of five hundred acres additional, and carry on extensive farming operations. The influences of these enter- prises are destined to be powerfully felt throughout this and adjoin- ing states in the near future. It is well that such men live, for LAKE CITY. 871 they have a tendency not only to baild up and enrich themselves, but also to enhance the value and elevate out of the old-time " ruts " of other days a vast expanse of country surrounding them. On February 26, 1884, this already immense enterprise was or- ganized into a joint stock company and incorporated under general laws of the State of Minnesota, with a capital of one hundred thou- sand dollars, for the purpose of propagating and selling nursery stock, as well as importing, breeding and dealing in pure-hred Holstein cattle, and the transacting of a general real-estate business. The management of the incorporation is vested in the following board of officers : ' President, J. M. Underwood ; secretary, S. M. Emery ; treasurer, J. Cole Doughty, with principal office at Lake iCity and a branch in Kichland county, Dakota. In speaking of this enterprise, the Lake City "Graphic" says : "You will find right here the beginning of a thoroughbred Fries- land dairy-ranch, that is destined to be one of the largest enter- prises in Wabasha county. You will find here the entering wedge of one of the best paying industries in this state, and that wedge driven half-way home. You will find here the starting-point for a lucrative stock business, the breeding and selling of fine-bred dairy-cattle, that will give Lake City a name in every county of this immense northwest. This commendable enterprise is only one more sign of the innate and inborn business vigor there is in the big nursery-firm whose operations put more spot cash in the tills of our merchants than the business of any other firm in this or any adjoining county. Out of this new venture of Messrs. Underwood & Emery it needs no prophet's eye to see the grand results which a very few short years must bring forth. The best herd of thorough- bred, gilt-edged dairy-cattle west of the great lakes, imported with judgment and bred with the utmost care, it will follow as a neces- sity that buyers from all our northwestern state will make their semi-annual visitations to this point for purchases, and thereby be no inconsiderable factor in Lake City's prosperity." FATALITIES. Mourning, disaster and death are the common lot of man, and though he seek out and settle in the fairest and most beautiful spot in all the Creator's fair universe, yet the "pale horse and rider " is his unseen companion. The most appalling and heartrending fatal disaster that has 872 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. fallen to the writer's lot to place on the historic page is (if we except the terrible calamity caused by the falling of the bridge at Dixon, Illinois, on Sunday, May i, 1873, when two hundred men, women and children, who were witnessing a baptismal ceremony, were pre- cipitated into the Kock river without a moment's notice, thirty-seven being drowned or killed, and five mortally wounded) the drowning of the Stout and Stowell girls in Lake Pepin. On a fair and beauti- ful Saturday morning, in the month of June, in 1858, a party of Lake City young people, composed of John Stout, William Corn, Misses Julia and Kebecca Stout, Miss Julia Cooper (now Mrs. G. M. Dwelle, and the only member of the party still residing in Lake City), and two sisters (young ladies from Mazeppa, by the name of Stowell) organized for a day's picnicing and excursion to Maiden Kock. They embarked in a sailboat with happy hearts and a bright prospect for a delightful day's recreation. The lake was calm and the morning fair and lovely: the sun shone in all its glory on the surrounding hills. Friends on shore bade them good morning with the wish that they might enjoy themselves as much as the day was beautiful. Maiden Eock was reached without incident, the linen spread and dinner served on its summit. A couple of hours were spent in gathering flowers and viewing the grandeur of Lake Pepin's scenery in the distance. At about two o'clock in the afternoon the party started on its return, and when about a mile down the lake and a half-mile from shore, the wind suddenly ' arose and almost instantly became a gale. The young men saw the peril and attempted to cut the rope that held the sail, but the same instant the boat was overturned and lay bottom up. A moment's struggle in the water and six of them had a hold on the boat, but one of the Misses Stowell was gone. In a very short time the boat turned again ; this time Miss Eebecea Stout lost her hold and sank from sight. Miss Cooper also lost hold of the boat, but while sinking caught hold of one of the young men's feet and climbed to the surface and again clung to the boat. The craft was then on its side, and appar- ently held in that position by the sail and mast. The three remain- ing girls now took positions as best they could on the side of the boat and hoped to finally drift ashore. About an hour after Julia Stout and Miss Stowell, either becoming chilled, discouraged or asleep — at least apparently unconscious — slipped off into the water and sank without a struggle. Miss Cooper, describing her experience, says she fought and struggled desperately for her life, LAKE CITY. 873 and only by the aid of the young men was she kept awake. Sleep seemed to be her danger and it required all her will-power to fight it off. About two hours from the time they first upset, the remain- ing three reached shore, more dead than alive. A Swede settler's cabin was found half a mile from where they landed, and he was dispatched with the sad intelligence to their friends. The same evening the survivors reached home, and the next Saturday the bodies of the four young ladies were picked up at diiferent; points in the lake, and were all buried together near the city. This sad affair happened on Julia Stout's fifteenth birthday, and Rebecca Stout was to have been married in a short time. On December 13, 1878, two more young and promising lives were yielded up to feed Lake Pepin's hungry waters. On this even- ing a skating party had congregated on the ice and all enjoyed them- selves till the usual hour of adjournment, returning to their respective homes — all save Porter B. Guernsey and Florence Wyckoff. They were skating companions during the evening (which was very dark) and had become separated from the others, who supposed they had gone home. Mrs. Gufernsey's injunction to her boy was that he should always return from skating at nine o'clock. This he had invaria- bly done heretofore. This evening the usual hour had passed, the busy clock had ticked away the tedious minutes and struck the hour of ten. A half-hour more of intense anxiety was passed, and Mr. Guernsey, who was attending a meeting during the evening at the hall, returned. The mother had hoped up to this time that the son had joined his father at the hall. ISTow thoroughly alarmed, Mr. Guernsey hastened to the residence of Mr. "Wyckoff, thinking his son might have tamed there. The two anxious parents now aroused their neighbors and began a search which lasted all night. JSText morning the bodies were found and taken out of an air-hole in the ice not far from the foot of High street. The young man was the son of Mr. A. T. Guernsey, long and well known in this city, and was in the sixteenth year of his age. He was a bright and promis- ing young man, a general favorite with his companions. The young lady was the daughter of Eev. Samuel Wyckoff, pastor of the Pres- byterian church of this city, and was in her seventeenth year. The sudden and untimely death of these young people cast a gloom over the entire city. The most singular among. Lake Pepin's disasters, within the recollection of the pioneers of this city, was the crushing in the ice 874: HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTT. of the steamer JEoliait in the spring of 1859. Early that spring- several steamboats had arrived at Eead's Landing from St. Louis, and were waiting for a passage through the lake, being delayed or ice-bound several days. At last a channel appeared, supposed to be wide enough to enable them to reach the open water at Lake City and land below the point. The old "War Eagle (a substantial and powerful boat) forced a passage through, followed by another vessel (name unknown) of nearly equal size and strength. The moment these large crafts emerged from the narrow channel into the open space, the great bodies of ice on either side closed together on the ill-fated ^olian, which was only a short distance behind, and cut her in two at the water's edge. The lower part, with the machinery and three persons (two men and an old lady who ran below to save some articles of clothing),, sank immediately, leaving the cabin and pilot-house on the ice. The bodies were recovered after the ice was removed, and were buried near this city. Two of them were on their way to this place to locate and start to make themselves a home. On June 12, 1882, Frank Collins was drowned by the criminal carelessness of the officers of the steamboat' Centennial. Young Collins was out in a skiif, in company with two other men and a boy, and was engaged in fishing, lying at anchor about sixty feet from shore at the end of the point. The Centennial, on her way up the lake, had made her usual halt at Washington street, and resumed her course. When rounding the point she ran over the skiiF, cutting it in two. The other parties who were with Collins sprang into the water and were saved, while Collins, who attempted to pull in the anchor, was drowned. He was a son of Mr. Timothy Collins, an early settler of this city, and was about twenty-three years old. The captain, Thomas L. Davidson, was sued by the young man's father for his personal damages in the United States court at St. Paul, and obtained a judgment for fifteen hundred dollars and costs, in Decem- ber, 1883. • The pilot, John King, was indicted by the grand jury, tried in the district court at Wabasha, and convicted of manslaughter in the fourth degree. Judge, Card, of Lake City, prosecuted the case in the United States court, and assisted the county attorney in the prose- cution of King. On'^Sunday, April 22, 1883, John Matter and his newly-married wife were drowned in the lake about a mile from this city. They were residents of Pepin, and on the day named had come to Lake LAKE CITY. 8Y5 City for a few needed articles aiid a pig. They had started back about 3 p.Mi, and when about a mile out were struck with a gale of wind which instantly overturned the boat. Otto Marks, who accom- panied them, was rescued by some boy, in a drowning condition ; the pig, more fortunate, succeeded in reaching shore alive. The bodies were recovered in a few days arid buried at West Abany. * Scores of precious lives have been lost in Lake Pepin's beautiful though treacherous waters, and no less than nine bodies were covered with the ice of the winter of 1884. Other inqidents worthy of mention are the shooting of 'Thomas Martin and Patrick Murphy by City Marshal S. B. Dilley. This . unfortunate affair happened on 'Saturday, September 12, 1868. The victims were comparative strangers in town, having been in the employ of farmers during harvest, and had come to town for a little hilarity. Drinking, singing and playing games had been the order of the day, and night had found them and their companions con- siderably intoxicated, and consequently noisy. About eight o'clock in the evening the marshal's attention was attracted to a drinking den on Washington street, between Center and Marion streets, by the boisterous and vociferous demonstrations within. Upon going to the door (the evidence at the trial disclosed) he was met by some of the parties in a fearful state of excitement, who, he supposed, were about to attempt to lay hands on him. In the momentary excitement one chamber of his revolver was (some say accidentally) discharged, the bullet taking effect in Martin's breast. Murphy then took hold of the marshal's throat, and was instantly shot in ihe chest. The two men soon after died of their wounds, and excitement among the Irish element ran high. The better class of them, however, suc- ceeded in restoring order, called a meeting and passed resolutions declaring that any person who attempted personal violence or revenge on Marshal Dilley was no friend of theirs. They also, at the same time, took steps to raise means for the purpose of a vigorous prose- cution of the slayer of their friends. On Monday following the marshal gave himself up, waived a formal examination, and asked • the court for permission to be released on bail. This was granted, and bonds in the sum of ten thousand dollars were signed and turned over to the guardians of the law for his appearance before the district court. After being continued through several terms of court his case was finally brought to trial, and by the most strenuous efforts on the part of his attorneys — Judge Wilder, of Eed Wing, and H. 876 . HISTOEY OF WABASHA COTJUTY. D. Stocker, of Lake City — he was saved from the penitentiary. The prosecution was conducted by the county attorney, "W". "W. Scott. Other able counsel had been employed to assist the county attorney at first, but as the years passed interest seems to have been lost, and the money and counsel, so lavishly promised at first by the dead men's friends, never materialized. Another shooting affair, attended with fatal results, occurred in the fall of 1882, about a mile below the city limits, at a house of questionable reputation. The victim, David Davis, while in an ex- citing altercation with a young man named John White, was shot by the latter, and died within forty-eight hours. Davis was a man of whom little is said, and was perhaps better known by men who possessed similar ti-aits of character. White was tried by a jury of his fellow-citizens, and sentenced to the penitentiary for five years. He is a young man of German birth, and promises to outlive this unfortunate disgrace, and yet become an honored and law-abiding citizen. "The cistern has caved in — two men are buried!" were the . words that spread from lip to lip, and from house to house, a short time before noon, on August 11, 1873. People fled from their stores, shops, and, in fact, from all parts of the city, to the scene of the disaster, at the corner of Garden and Dwelle streets, where the fire department was having a cistern con- structed. The report was confirmed, and the appalling sight which met the eyes of the gathering crowd can better be imagined than described. The cistern, which was about twenty feet square, had been excavated to a depth of nearly eighteen feet, when the earth suddenly gave way on all sides — burning two poor unfortunate laborers under tons of dirt. Men went to work regardless of time, talent or station in life, and the same evening restored to their hap- less widows and helpless orphans the lifeless bodies of Benjamin Kramer and Adna Sanford. Those men had dwelt here for several years, and had become known and respected as honorable and indus- trious citizens. Mrs. Sanford still resides here, and has raised her family of eight orphan children honorably, and without the aid or interference of either the city or county. Near the corner of Center and Prairie streets, while re-curbing a well, Mr. J. F. Hall was buried a distance of thirty-five feet below the surface, by the sudden caving in of the well, while he was at ^ GREENFIELD TOWNSHIP. 877 work near its bottom. His body was recovered after forty-eight hours' arduous labor. On January 18, 1871, Mrs. John McBride was instantly killed while out riding with her son, C. W. Smyth, of this city. 'l''he horse being frightented, became unmanageable, and began running and kicking. Mrs. McBride, realizing her imminent danger, sprang from the cutter, the concussion of which produced a fracture of the spinal column near the base of the brain, and died without speak- ing. She was one of Lake City's most respected ladies, and her loss was much felt by its citizens. CHAPTER LXXXV. GREENFIELD TOWNSHIP. Most of this town lies in the bottoms adjacent to the Zumbro river, at its confluence with the Mississippi. The northeastern part is known as Sand Prairie, and the character of the soil is shown by its name. Great expectations were once indulged in regard to this particular locality. On the shore of the great river were standing the empty tepees of an Indian village when white men had begun to congregate in this locality. Timothy Enwright made a claim here, and the location soon attracted the speculative eye of several capitalists, as a feasible site for the upbuilding of a town. Accord- ingly, in 1856, Messrs. Thomas H. Forde, of Ohio, and Judge Casey, of Pennsylvania, platted a town, and named it "Teepeota." This was four miles southeast of Wabasha. Boats were induced to land here for a time, and the "boom" prospered. In 1857 Theo- dore Adams became a partner in the townsite. During this year a three-story hotel was erected, two stores and a blacksmith-shop were in operation, and the village numbered about thirty residences. D. Sinclair & Co. built a sawmill, which was set in operation in the spring of 1858, employing thirty men. The apparent success of this rival soon aroused the jealousy of Wabasha people, and bitter feelings were engendered. However, Teepeota was shortly com- pelled to acknowledge the superior advantages of its older rival. Boats refused to land there except at rare intervals, and people 878 HISTOKT OF WABASHA COUNTY. began to avoid and desert the isolated locality. On a IVCarcli night in 1859 an incendiary torch was applied to its deserted buildings, and in a few short hours it was swept out of existence. No trace of it can now be seen. South and west of the Zumbro lies a beautiful and fertile bench, about half-way between the level of the stream and that of the prairie at the top of the bluffs. Here settled, in the spring of 1854, on section 30, Messrs. Levi and Aaron Cook, and this. gave rise to the name Cook's Yalley, by which the locality is now known. Their location was at the mouth of Cook's valley proper, a valley tributary to that of the Zumbro, and running back southward several miles. Both these gentlemen are now deceased. The former has five children in Dakota and the west. During the same year. Dr. C. C. Stauff, a native of Germany, who had settled at Wabasha in 1853, located a claim near the river on section 19, on this bench, where he dwelt several yeai's. He is now a prosperous merchant in Lake City, and his eldest son is clerk of the district court at Wabasha. Ephraim Wildes was another settler of 1854, having first located on the northeast quarter of section 34. The next year he moved to section 30 and built the first frame house in the township. Here he died in 1861. In April, 1854, Isaac Cole, now a resident of Wabasha, located on section 22, on the south bank of the Zumbro. He established a ferry and hotel and was largely patronized, for travel from Wabasha westward naturally followed the valley of the Zumbro. The Indians located by hundreds on the banks of the river were at times exceed- ingly troublesome, especially when returning noisy and furious from Wabasha, filled with the old-time fire-water. Brandishing their bowie-knives they threatened to kill and exterminate the whites, from which they were prevented only by the squaws wresting the dangerous weapons from them without ceremony. On one occasion they undertook to carry off Cole's ferryboat, and in fact did, but were compelled to abandon the enterprise by a posse of men who pursued and overtook them. Cole's son still occupies the old home- stead, having a residence in the village of Kellogg, about one-fourth of a mile south of the site of the log cabin which did duty as a "tavern." In fact, every settler in those days kept a hotel, for explorers were glad to find a dry place to lie down when overtaken by night, and none were turned away hungry as long as the larder GKEENFIELD TOWNSHIP. 879 contained bacon and cornmeal. Game furnished a considerable portion ofthe provision against starvation and frequently furnished a meal with no accompaniment save salt. Among other pioneers of 1854 may be mentioned G. H. Amer- land, H. P. Wilson, John W. Murph}^ and Michael W. Riley, none of whom are now resident here. The next year marked the arrival of Garret A. Cook, still a prominent and respected citizen of the town. He is a brother of Aaron H. and Levi Cook, and a biographical sketch of him will be found farther on. Garret Albertson, a local Methodist elder, now deceased, came this year. His brother William at the same time located on section 30, where he now resides. His house has always been open to the weary traveler and is well known as a resort for preachers. Patrick Holland located a claim on section 29, April 19, 1855, and still dwells thereon. Daniel Metzgar located on section 30 in 1857, and still tills a small farm there. He is now sixty-two years old and is venerated and beloved for his noble qualities of mind and heart. J. H. Wehrenberg, Henry Frye, Henry Graner and George McCaflFrey settled in the valley in 1856. A fine stream winds along the middle of the bench and is known as Cook's Valley creek. On the northeast quarter of section 34 is a small gristmill turned by this stream, known as Fish's mill. Most of the early settlers were men of family, and appreciated the need of educational facilities. ' At a meeting of the citizens held in G. A. Cook's house, November 8, 1857, a school district was organized. John Canfield, a resident of Glasgow township, was made director. Garret Albertson, treasurer, and G. A. Cook, clerk. The latter has filled the same office for this community ever since, and still has the records of this first meeting. Nearly all the citizens of the town were present, and it was decided to raise fifty dollars for school purposes. By mutual contributions of labor, a log building was erected for a schoolhouse, on the site of the present one, in district No. 28, and school opened the same month. G. A. Cook's daughter, Aurora, was employed at a salary of ten dollars per month, and presided over the instruction of fifteen pupils during the winter. There are now four schoolhouses in the township, and the youth will compare in intellectual development and culture very favorably with those of other rural localities in the state. 880 HISTOBT OF WABASHA COUNTY. A postoffice was located in Cook's valley in the spring of 1869, and supplied by the Wabasha and Austin stages. Daniel Metzgar was appointed to take charge of *it, and after keeping it a little more than three years, turned it over to G. A. Cook, who has ever since administered its affairs. In 1862 a postoffice was established at Pauselim, with "W. A. Johnson as postmaster. On the organization of the village of Kel- logg, the office was moved thither, and now bears the latter name. Several of the pioneers were devout Methodists, and steps were early taken to secure the preaching of the word. The earliest religious service were held in the year 1857, at the cabin of Levi Cook, and was conducted by Eev. Crist, a Methodist clergyman. Rev. H. Dyer was soon after sent here by the conference, and he organized a class. In August, 1859, he was assisted in his labors by Garret Albertson, a local elder residing here. Sunday school here included thirty-five pupils. In March, 1863, a meeting was held at Cook's Valley school- house to take steps toward building a house of worship. The fol- lowing trustees were elected at this meeting : Oliver Collier, G. A. Cook, John K. Brown, Ezikiel Collins, Nelson Staples. This com- mittee, with the assistance of Eev. H. Dyer, were instructed to solicit funds, and proceed to invest them as fast ^s secured in the construction of a church edifice. During the same year foundations were prepared and lumber brought on the ground. In the fall, N. Staples was awarded the contract for the carpenter work at seventy- five dollars, to be completed by' March 1, 1864. The latter year saw the completion and occupation of the building. It is located on the south side of the Plainview road, on section 30, and is a plain frame structure, 24x36 feet in superficial dimension. It has been painted white, but at this writing (February, 1884) is in need of a new coat of color. The original cost of the building was about six hundred dollars, and it will comfortably accommodate one hundred persons. A church_of the same character and dimensions was built at Pauselim, simultaneously with that at Cook's valley. It was re- moved to Kellogg in 1882, and is now located in the southwest quarter of section 22. Divine service is held in these churches once in two weeks. Eev. Acres, i-esident at Eead's Landing, is the circuit pastor. The sabbath school at Kellogg includes about twenty-five pupils, in charge of Mrs. Charles LaEue. OLIVER CRATTE. GREENFIELD TOWNSHIP. 881 Much of the religious information above is derived from records now in the hands of G. A. Cook, who was secretary of the first board of trustees. About the time that these churches were built, a Presbyterian missionary was at work among the people, but he did not succeed in organizing a society., It was at first the intention of the Methodists to build only one church, but it was decided to be necessary that a society be maintained at each end of the town in order to preserve the supremacy of Methodism. No minister of any denomination is resident in the town, and the churches above described are the only ones in existence. Garrett Albertson, a local elder, dwelt here some years, and then removed to Alma, Wiscon- sin, where he died. Many residents of the town are communicants in the Catholic chui-ch at Wabasha. On November 9, 1868, a meeting of citizens was held to arrange for the establishment of a common burialplace. A cemetery assq| elation was formed, with J. A. Cole, G. A. Cook and Henry Graner as trustees. The latter was made treasurer, and all have served in the same capacity ever since. Two acres of land were purchased at fifty dollars per acre, from Henry Frye and Henry Graner, and the latter donated one-fourth of an acre. This constitutes -Greenfield cemetery, and is located on the south side of the Zumbro, in the center of the south half of section 20. Lots sixteen feet square at first sold for five dollars each; but have materially advanced in valu- ation since that time. By the spring of 1855 there were many families residing here, and the population soon began to increase by natural augmentation, as well as by immigration. The earliest birth among Caucasian residents was that of Frank, son of H. P. Wilson, and occurred June 25, 1855. August 31 of the same year a son was born to Carl and Wilhelmina Stauff, and christened Frank Henry. He is now associated with .his father in business at Lake City. On November 16 a son was added to the family of Levi Cook. Augustus was the name given to this child, and is now living in Dakota. Frank Wilson is also supposed to be living somewhere in ^akota. Wherever youth of the opposite sexes are associated together, there the little god of the bow and arrow is sure to be found. He came to reside in Greenfield probably as early as 1857, for March 28, 1858, witnessed one of his triumphs in the nuptials of J. Henry Wehrenberg and Anna Frye. This couple still resides here, sur- S82 HISTOEY OF WABASHA OOIXNTY. rounded by a large family of children. Some time during the same year Henry Stewart and Augusta "Wildes went to Sand Prairie and were married without any previous" knowledge of their friends that such was their intention. This match appeared to prosper, and the couple is now living in Dakota. The number of births and deaths recorded by the town clerk since the law requiring such record went into eflFect — from 1871 to 1883, inclusive — is as follows : Births 16 I 14 I 17 I 24 I 17 I 45 I 51 I 23 I 8 I 17 I 8 I 11 I 13 Deaths 5| 8| 9| 8| 8|25| 5| 3|ll| 9| 3| 3| 7 FATALITIES. The earliest deaths recorded in Greenfield were due to violent causes. . The first was that of William B. T. Piers, whose demise •ccurred April 6, 1855, at Wabasha, and was the effect of inflam- mation caused by the bite of a dog inflicted here. Madison Wildes had two Indian dogs that were very savage, and poor Piers, by some means, incurred their displeasure. E. M. Wildes, the owner of these animals, was the second resident to bite the dust. ■ Wildes and George Hayes had made claims on adjoining eighties, and these were "jumped" by two men named Henry Dresser and Aleck Beard. These latter built a shanty on the line between the claims and jointly occupied it. This was in the fall of the year 1856. On a certain Friday Andrew Wildes, a young brother of Madison, with the assistance of another lad, tore down the shanty in the absence of its usurping occupants. On Saturday night following Hayes started for Wabasha from the residence of Ephraim Wildes, father of the boys above named, and was met by Dresser and Beard, who had just discovered the destruc- tion of their cabin. They told Hayes they would rebuild the shanty if they had to shoot every man in the settlement. These men were known to be desperate characters, and Hayes became frightened and returned to Wildes'. Next morning a posse of citi- zens was gathered and proceeded to the scene of action, on section 29, to induce the unlawful occupants to leave. When the party " approached Dresser was on the roof and his companion inside. The former swore he would shoot the first one who touched a board of the building. Disregarding this threat, Wildes walked up and leaned against the building, whereupon Beard began firing at him with a revolver. Wildes was struck above the right groin by a GEEENFIELD TOWNSHIP. 883 bullet and sank to the ground. He was carried home by his friends and lingered in agony till the next day. Dresser was known as the leader of a gang of lawless claim- jumpers, and was finally driven out of the country. Seven yokes of oxen were run off by the gang, and Levi Cook's life was saved fr(SHi their attack only by a gun's missing fire. After their departure peace continued to reign in the valley. A similar tragedy to that above described occurred on the site of Teepeota. Dr. Enwright had made a claim there, and his rights were disputed by members of the same lawless fraternity. One night in the fall of 1856 a party set out for Enwright's shanty, swear- ing that, if they could not find him, they would shoot any man found on the premises. An inoffensive man named Polhemus chanced to be staying there that night, in the absence of its ow.ner, and received a bullet in his head. Death was instantaneous. A m*i named Weston came to his death in a similar way from the same cause at Wabasha. He was reading a paper one evening in his house and was shot through the window. 'His murderer was never apprehended. In 1866 a man was found one morning on the western border of the town, with his head hanging out of his buggy, life being extinct. It was ascertained that he was a book agent, and had displayed a sum of money on the morning of the day previous at Wabasha! It was supposed that he had been followed during the day by some covetous wretch, and killed under cover of darkness for his money. No clue to the murderer was ever found, and the name of the murdered man is unknown. It is said that an unknown man died of cholera in the town immediately after coming off a Mississippi steamer in the spring of 1855. He was in search of land, and came out from Wabasha with a settler. He was struck the same evening with the dread malady, and succumbed to it within a few hours. Two others died about the same time, from the same cause, in the town of Glasgow, just outside this town, and were buried here. While making their coffins, Garret Albertson was struck with a chill, through fear, and could not go on. It was only through the ridicule of his friends that he mustered sufficient will-power to recover. An interesting incident of the great flood of 1859 is thus related : A very profane man, named Edward Deland, had lost two successive crops of small grain on the Zumbro bottoms by flood. In 1859 he 88i HISTOBU OF WABASHA COUHTy. planted forty acres to corn, and on the fii-st of July it was large and looking very fine. He made the remark that morning to a passing neighbor, that he thought he had "got ahead of God Almighty this year by planting his whole farm to corn," which was now beyond damage by high water. In the morning of July 3d, a Wabasha party visited him and purchased his farm, the deed to be made and money turned over that afternoon at Wabasha. While cultivating corn during the forenoon, Deland heard the roar of the approaching flood, and looked up to see a great wall of water rolling toward him. He was barely able to reach his stable and mount to its top In time to escape being swept away. The house, fortunately, was beyond the reach of the rushing waters. Finding he could not circumvent the Lord, he set about "getting ahead" of his pur- chaser before news of the flood reached him. Taking his wife in a skiff, he reached terra firma by rowing a fourth of a mile. They reached Wabasha, signed the deed, received the money, and returned home well satisfied with the day's events on the whole. PATJSELIM Is another defunct village of this township. It was laid out in 1863 by William A. Johnson, and was located on the JST.W. J of Sec. 27, covering some forty acres. This was on land claimed by Orin A. Hancock, and the latter built a hotel on section 22 in 1857. He sold out to Johnson in 1861, and the latter secured a postoffice there in 1862, and proceeded to plat a village next year. Mr. Johnson Wks a shrewd business man and was worth much to the young town of Greenfield. He foresaw the building of a railroad, but mistook its route and located too far west. He built a store in 1862, and soon after sold it to Henry Etting. The latter continued the mer- cantile business several years. A number of dwellings clustered about the "corners," but the advent of the railroad drew people farther east, and there are now only three or four dwellings to mark the ancient site of Pauselim. Mr. Johnson did not live to see the fulfillment of his railroad prophecies, nor the desertion of his pro- jected village. KELLOGG Eose as Pauselim fell. The first building on its site was erected in the fall of 1870 by John Huddleson. It now forms the office of Jung's Hotel. In the following year Clement Brass built and opened a store, now occupied by his son, J. A. Brass. In the fall GEEENFIELD TOWNSHIP. 885 of tliis year John Mealey built a blacksmith-shop. From this time the village steadily grew in size and thrift until the construction of the Midland railroad and the Plainview branch of the "Winona & St. Peter railroad. The traJe from a large tract of country in the Zumbro valley and on the prairies to the southwest was thus diverted, and no progress has been made since. Kellogg is only six miles from "Wabasha, and is twenty-seven miles from Winona, on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railway. It covers an area of two hundred and forty-seven and three-tenths acres, and lies on sections 22 and 27. The assessed valuation of property, according to the" assessment of 1882-3, is nine thousand six hundred and twelve dollars, and the population in 1880 was two hundred. I^early all business except that of the elevators, of which there are two, is conducted on Belvidere avenue, running east and west. It comprises two dry goods, one drug, one hardware, one liquor and two millinery stores, one meat market and three hotels, Jung's Hotel being the first to establish in the incorporated village. The building is frame, as are all in the place excepting one, and was built in 1874. One solitary brick building, the only outcome of a brickyard venture, by Geo. Howe, of the same date, marks the architecture of Kellogg. This village was incorporated by a legislative act approved Feb- ruary 14, 1877. The railroad company had adopted the name of Kellogg, in honor of a Milwaukee gentleman who furnished the depot signs, and the village took the same cognomen. The act of incorporation named J. E. Gage, Joseph Ginthner and John Schou- weiler as judges of the first election, and thej were elected village trustees, with Calvin Potter as president and Edward A. Tupper recorder. J. O. Junkin was elected treasurer. On July 24 C. H. Coleman was appointed recorder, to fill vacancy caused by Tupper's removal from the town. In 1878 Joseph Ginthner was made president ; J. A. Schou- weiler, "William Barton and T. C. O'Leary, trustees ; J. F. Schou- weiler, treasurer ; and George Howe, recorder. Since then the following have been chosen officers — the presi- dent being given first, trustees next, and recorder last : 1879 : T. C. O'Leary, J. C. Parkhurst, William W. Barton, Nich. Smith, J. E. Gage. 1880 : T. C. O'Leary, N. Smith, D. C. Sweet, J. F. Schouweiler, J. A. Schouweiler. 886 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. .1881 : T. C. O'Leary, John Kobinson, C. E. Wiicox, Peter Tibesar, J. F. Schouweiler. 1882 : J. O. Junkin, Louis Jung, J. C. Parkhurst, N. Smith, .William Canlield. , 1883 : J. O.^unkin, Louis Jung, J. C. Parkhurst, IST. Smith, 0. E. Wilcox. 1884 : J. O. Junkin, N. Smithy John Gorman, Allen Hobson, C. E. Wilcox. One destructive fire occurred at Kellogg in March, 18r80. At this time Calvin Potter's store was entirely consumed in the night ; noth- ing was saved, as the building was wrapped in flames before the fire was discovered. There was no insuramce, and Mr. Potter lost his all. He is now in Dakota. A small blacksmith-shop burned pre- vious to this, but the loss was trifling. A fine school-building stands on the north side of Belvidere avenue, at the west end of the village. About ninety-five pupils attended the school, which is divided into two departments, in the winter of 1883-4. The assessable lands in the'town of Greenfield numbered fifteen thousand three hundred and fifty-eight acres in 1860, and were valued by the assessor at sixty thousand six hundred and seventy dollars. Be- sides this, two thousand six hundred and forty-nine dollars were laid on town lots, which must have been included in Pauselim or Teepe- ota, neither of which had a tangible existence at that time. Personal property at that time was assessed four thousand nine hundred and seventy-three dollars, making the total basis of taxation sixty-eight thousand two hundred and ninety-two dollars. The population then numbered four hundred and fifteen. Ten years later it was found that one hundred and seventy-six persons had been added to its number, making five hundred and ninety-one. The next decade added one hundred and ten, and Uncle Sam found our people num- bered seven hundred and one in 1880. In 1883 the assessment of real estate covered twenty-one thousand and seventy-two acres, with a value, including structures thereon, of eighty-six thousand six hundred and seventy-four dollars. Of this amount, nine thousand six hundred and twelve dollars covered town lots with their structures. Personal propertj^ was rated at twenty- eight thousand seven hundred and ten dollars, and the total assess- ment lacked but four dollars of reaching one hundred and twenty- five thousand dollars. GREENFIELD TOWNSHIP. 887 The territorial election for this section was held in th& spring, of 1856, at the house of Ephraim Wildes. The judges appointed to conduct this election were William Albertson, Henry Dresser and Aaron Cook. The latter was made clerk. At this election Garret Albertson was chosen justice of the peace. No record of this elec- tion can be found, and nothing further in relation to its action can be gleaned from the memories of early settlers. On the organization of the town, May 11, 1858, F. J. Collier was chosen chairman of supervisors, and Seth C. Tenni%stown clerk. At the gubernatorial election in 1883, the republican candidate received thirty-three votes, and the democratic ninety-five. This is said to be a fair index to the political sentiment of the town. Kellogg Lodge, Wo. 1£2, A.If'.A.M., was organized January 13, 1876. Work, under dispensation, was begun April 24, 1875, by the few Masons then resident here. The following were the first ofiicers : M. O. Kemp, W.M.; J. E. Gage, S.W.; M.' K. Wolfe, J.W.; J. O. Junkin, Treas.; Paul Miller, Sec; John Mealey, S.D.; J. W. Moore, J.D.; G. B. Albertson, S.S.; William Albertson, J.S.; John Kins, Tyler. The lodge is now out of debt, with money in its treasury. A handsome lodge-room is rented and fitted up in the second story of the building on the northeast corner of Winona street and Belvi- dere avenue. Since the organization thirty-five persons have been connected with the lodge, and its membership now includes twenty- three persons. The present officers are as follows : M. K. Wolfe, W.M.; J. F. Schouweiler, S.W.; L. O. Cook, J.W.; J. O. Junkin, T.; G. W. Foster, g.; J. Hendricks, S.D.; William Albertson, J.D.; Henry Graner, S.S., Charles La Rue, J.S. ; W. J. Burns, T. CHAPTEE LXXXVI. TOWN OF ELGIN. The tovMi -of Elgin, which occupies a central position in that portion oi southeastern Minnesota known as Greenwood Prairie is, with the exception of the town of Plainview, the only one in the southern tier of towns in Wabasha county ; being bounded by the town of Oakwood and a part of Zumbro on the north, Plainview on the east, and Olmstead county on the west and south. Elgin is described on the government survey as T. 108 N., E. 12 W., and is a town of thirty-six sections, which come very near containing 640 full acr6g^*%ach, and thereby making the town exactly six miles square ;-but the survey of H. Amerland, Jr., made in 1875, which is doubtless correct, shows that both the northern and western tiers of quarter-sections fall short by 2T8.14 acres of containing the requisite number for making a full township ; being an average deficiency of about 5.92 acres to each of these quarter-sections. This deficiency, when taken as a whole, is but a slight one, and has been little noticed by the average resident, who generally describes Elgin as a " full government township, six miles square, " and for all ordinary purposes we agree with him in saying that this descrip- tion is near enough correct. The quality of the soil of this town is excellent ; a rich, dark loam, with sufficient sand mixed in with it to create that degree of warmth so necessary to productiveness ; while the land, viewed from an elevation, as it gradually rises and falls as far as the eye can reach, reminds the spectator of the huge billows Of the far-distant ocean; truly is it called "rolling prairie." Its productive soil and pleasant location, with a surface suf- ficiently undulating to secure excellent natural drainage, renders Elgin's agricultural advantages second to none in the county. The north branch of the Whitewater river enters the town from Olmsted county at section 33, and flows 'in about a northeasterly direction through section 38, and across the northwest corner of section 34 into section 27, south of the village of Elgin, when it takes an TOWN OF ELGIN. 889 easterly course through sections 27, 26 and 25, into the^own of Plainview. This stream, together with Dry creek, which empties into the north branch of the Whitewater on section 27, drains the southern part of the town, while the streams in the northern part are tributary to the Zumbro. The town is fairly timbered in different portions, and since settle- ment of this section of the country has prevented the disastrous prairie iires that used to sweep every blade of grass and sprouting tree from its surface in bygone days, this growth ha^sprung up, while the constant irrigation of the soil starts new growth. The only timber of which Elgin can justly boast is a grove of oak covering about six hundred acres, located near its center. During the first part of April, 1855, George Bryant, Henry H. Atherton, Curtis Bryant and George Farrar, four hardy sons of the Green Mountain state, set out from St. Charles, where they had been stopping a few days, to find a suitable place to locate farm- sites and establish homes for themselves on some of the land so generously offered by "Uncle Sam." When these energetic pioneers reached the portion of Greenwood Prairie where the town of Elgin now stands, they were struck with the great natural advantages the country afforded, and determined to seek no further, but to takje all the necessary precautions toward^ securing their rights of pre- emption then and there ; and after camping out for the night they commenced bright and eai'ly with the dawn of the next day to get out logs for a house, in the construction of which George Farrar acted as "boss carpenter." This took place about April 8, 1855, and was the first settlement made in the town. The log house referred to, being the first erected in the town, was shingled with elm bark, and put up on the claim of Henry H. Atherton, and not only served as a dwelling-place for the pioneers who built it, but also was the shelter of other early settlers and their families, who came later. The place where it stood is between the present resi- dence of John Q. Mchardson and the Whitewater, but no vestige of the old house now remains. On April 21, 1855, the following filings were made : George Bryant, on the N.W. i, Sec. 27, in which section the village of Elgin now stands. Henry H. Atherton, on the N.W. J, Sec. 34, and Curtis Bryant on the N.E. J, Sec. 28, where he still resides. George Farrar took a claim about April 9, 1865, consisting of an eighty on section 26, and an eighty on section 27, but neglected to 890 HISTORY OF WABASHA COTJUfTY. file, and during Mr. Farrar's absence in the east, where he went about December 6, 1856, his claim was jumped by Leonard Laird. This occurred in the early spring of 1856. Mr. Farrar had, however, filed on a claim in the timber-land during the fall of 1856, consist- ing of the E. i of S.W. i of Sec. 17. Immediately after locating, George Bryant returned to his native state of Vermont for his family, returning to the prairie in May of the same year ; with him also came Leonard Laird and his family, when theWtemale population of the little settlement was, in the presence of Mrs. Polly Bryant and Mrs. Laird, increased from zero to two. During the month of June, 1855, the settlement was further augmented by the arrival of E. L. Clapp and wife, Byron A. Glines and wife, Henry H. Stanchfield and family, and Carlos B. Emerson and family, and work was commenced in the erection of other log houses, the next being erected on Leonard Laird's eighty, on the S.W. part of Sec. 26. During the summer of this year two additional log houses were built, one on the claim of George Bryant, on the N.W. J of Sec. 27, and one on the claim of Henry H. Stanchfield, on section 26. A log house was afterward built by Carlos B. Emerson, on section 36. William D. Woodward had a claim on section 33, but did not move on it until the summer of 1856. In October, 1865, John Bryant, .the father of George and Curtis Bryant, arrived and took a claim. In March, 1856, Orvis T. Rollins and Irving W. Rollins came over from Plainview, where they had first located, the former pre-empting on section 22 and the latter on section 27. At this time the little settlement numbered thirty souls. Not a horse or a dog was in the town, while at the present day the town can justly boast of its blooded cattle, and as far as dogs are con- cerned, the records of 1864 showed twenty-three licensed. It is said that owing to the beauty of the country the early settlers first called the settlement "Paradise," but owing to the large prepon- derance of Vermont people, it was for awhile more generally known as 'Tankee JS"eighborhood. " The first white child born in the town was Arthur D., son of Byron A. and Zama M. Glines, who came into this world on June 30, 1856, but who never reached man- hood, dying about five years thereafter. On May 27, 1856, the little settlement was shocked with the sad intelligence that the first death had occurred in its midst, when Miss Matilda Bryant, aged twenty^ nine years and three months, daughter of John and Lavinia Bryant, TOWN OF ELGIN. 891 passed away, after having been for years a sufferer from that fatal disease consumption. At her funeral were perfprmed the first services of a religious nature conducted in the town, a minister by the name of Blunt, from that part of the " Tumbleson Neighbor- hood," now known as Haverhill township, officiating. Thirty per- sons were present. On September 28, 1859, occurred the death of Wilber B., infant son of Carlos B. and Orissa A. Emerson, caused by dysentery. This was the first death of a white child born in Elgin. The first marriage of residents of the town 4h.a that of George Farrar to Miss Emeline Bryant, daughter of John and Lavinia Bryant. The ceremony took place at "Winona, Minnesota, on August 13, 1856. In the summer of 1856 the first frame house in the town was built by George and Waldo Farrar, on the H.W. J of Sec. 28. This house, which is still standing, was, after completion, opened by George Farrar for the accommodation of travelers until 1860, when it was closed to the public. It is therefore justly called the first hotel. Zebina "Weld, shortly after the closing of Farrar's house, started a hotel on the ]Sr."W. J of Sec. 27, in the house where David Houghton now resides. From the first settlement of the town the hardy pioneers showed their great regard for spiritual welfare by holding religious sei'viees in the little log cabins whenever the opportunity offered itself, and regular services were commenced some time during the summer of 1856, at which time Rev. Mr. Lloyd held a series ot Methodist meetings at the house of George Bryant. The first church society organized was the Congregational, the organization being effected by Rev. Jonathan Cochrane, a Congregational clergyman, at the house of John Bryant, in the spring of 1857. In this connection, we may as well add, as the future history of this society, that after conducting services in private houses and in the schoolhouse on its erection, the society built a parsonage and began preparations for the erection of a church, in 1870, but the edifice was never com- pleted, and the society is virtually out of existence. Its clergymen, since Rev. Jonathan Cochrane ofliciated, were Revs. Palmer Litts, Holcomb and Henry "Willard. The early settlers, with a view to securing such education for the young as the new town could afford, moved over a claim shanty and placed it on the northwest corner of the present schoolhouse lot, on section 27, and here the first school was taught by Miss Almeria C. 892 HISTOET OF WABASHA COtTNTT. Gould, in the summer of 1858. The building was in after-years for a long time occupied as a woodshed for the more commodious school building of the district. Before the organization of the town, and as early as the month of August, 1856, the first circumstance of a political nature occurred in the shape of a caucus to .choose delegates to attend a convention for the nomination of candidates to the territorial legislature. Mr. Irving W. Rollins was chosen one of the delegates and attended the conventio^ which was held at Winona, Minnesota, on September 1 of the same year. October 14 following, the election (then called the precinct meeting) took place at Greenwood (now Plainview), the towns of Plainview, Elgin, Highland and Oakwood comprising the precinct ; representatives to the- territorial legislature, county and precinct officers were chosen at this election. On May 11, 1858, a meeting was held at the house of John H. Pell for the purpose of town organization and the election of town officers. George . Bryant was appointed moderator and Robert C. Stillman clerk, and William Brown and John H. Pell judges of election. At this election the town was named, each voter placing on the back of his ticket his choice of a name. The whole number of votes cast was fifty-four, of which the number naming the town Elgin was fifty ; but the question as to who first suggested the name seems to be in doubt. Following is a list of the first town officers elected : O. P. Craw- ford, chairman board of supervisors ; Joseph Leatherman and Will- iam Cook, supervisors ; George Bryant, town clerk ; Robert C. Stillman, assessor ; C. W. Dodge, collector ; I. W. Rollins and Morgan Culbertson, justices of the peace ; B. H. Gould and Jasper Elliott, constables ; John H. Pell, overseer of the poor. Thirteen days after this town meeting (May 24, 1858) the first meeting of the board of supervisors was held at the house of the town clerk, and they proceeded to divide the town into the following road districts : the north half of said town to comprise road district No. 1. The southwest quarter of said town to comprise road district ]^o. 2. The southeast quarter of said town to comprise road district No. 3. The board then appointed the following overseers of roads : William Town, district No. 1 ; William Brown, district No. 2 ; Gurden Town, district No. 3. The first assessment of taxes was then made by this board, who TOWN OF ELGIN. 893 levied a tax of one-half of one per cent on every dollar of the assess- ment roll of the previous year, as received from the office of the register of deeds for the county of Wabasha, and also taxed each man liable to the same two days' labor on roads. This was doubt- less in addition to the district tax, but whether it was optional to commute for it or not does not appear. The first election after the admission of Minnesota as a state was held in the fall of this year, October 12, 1858. Elgin participated in this election, which was to choose a senator and repljfeentatives to the legislature, a judge of probate, a county auditor and a coroner. The first petition for a public road was made to the board of super- visors at their first meeting. The petition was dated May 22, 1858, and was signed by twelve persons. By order of the supervisors the proposed road was regularly surveyed by one J. A. Sawyer, and on June 16, 1858, he made his report. The day following the board examined the route, and, having found the same well suited for a public road, declared it opened as such, and ordered all fences or obstructions on the route removed by December 1, 1859. This road, the first laid out in the town, was known as town road No. 1, and was described as follows: "Commencing on the east line of the town, at a stake one hundred and six rods north of the section stake in the southeast corner of section 13, and running southwes- terly 314 rods, to a stake in latitude forty-three and one-half degrees ; thence southwest 272 rods to a stake by I. W. Eollins' land, in latitude fifty-two and one-half degrees ; thence southwest 48 rods to a stake on the south side of Dry creek, in latitude twenty-one degrees ; thence southwest 100 rods to a stake north of John Bryant's house forty-three degrees ; thence southwest 24if rods to a stake south of George Bryant's house, in latitude forty-six and one-half degrees ; thence southwest 190 rods to a stake on the south side of the White Water, in latitude nineteen and one-half degrees ; thence southwest 40 rods to a stake in latitude twenty-nine and one-half degrees; thence southwest 80 rods to a stake in latitude twenty- eight and one-half degrees ; thence southwest 84 rods to a stake by W. D. Woodward's house, in latitude twenty-nine and one-half degrees; thence southwest 29A rods to a stake by Woodward's bridge, in latitude fifty-two degrees ; thence west 6 rods to a stake west of the bridge ; thence southwest 106 rods to the quarter-stake in latitude twenty-eight degrees, where it meets the Olmsted county road; said road being five miles thirteen rods and twenty-four links in length." 894 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. The next road laid out, town road No. 2, was accepted by the board, and declared to be a public road on August 21, 1858. It ran north and south thi-ough the center of sections 5, 8, IT, 20, 29 and 32. The first account against the town was allowed by the auditors as presented, on September 14, 1858, four months after organiza- tion. It included the fees and expenses of the supervisors, justices, assessor and town clerk, besides the surveyor's bill for surveying roads, ancmmounted to the modest total of thirty-three dollars and fifty cents. The first postoffice in the town was established in 1857. The office was situated in George Bryant's log house, on section 27, and bore the same name as the town. Previous to this time the nearest oflice was Winona, forty miles distant, and the custom was for any person who was going to that place from the prairie to take a list of the names of the settlers with him and collect the mail for them. George Bryant was appointed first postmaster, and held the office for ten years, when he resigned. The present postmaster is Charles S. Richardson. Another postoffice was established in the northern part of the town in 1861, called Forest Mound, with William Town as postmaster. This office has since been discontinued. Doctors visited this town in early days, but no lawyer has ever yet opened an office here. The first resident physician was Dr. Nathan Engle, now of Tower City, Dakota. W. T. Adams, M.D., administers to the sick at the present date. In 1857 Benjamin H. Gould built and conducted the first black- smith-shop in town. It was erected on the northeast quarter of sec- tion 34. Mr. Gould afterward built a blacksmith-shop for D. R. Sweezy on the same section, which the latter occupied in 1858. A flouring-mill was built on what is known as the mill lot, on section 27, on the north branch of the White Water, in 1860, by Parr & Ellis. They conducted it until 1866, when business was dis- continued on account of failure of sufficient water-power, and the machinery removed to Elba, Winona county. Up to 1863 no person had opened a store for the sale of any kind of merchandise in Elgin. In the fall of that year D. F. Fer- guson went to Mihneiska for Albert Glines, and brought over a load of goods, and the first store was opened in John Houghton's house, on section 27. During the following winter Mr. Glines moved his granary over from his farm, to. what is now the northeast corner of TOWN OF ELGIN. 895 Main and Mill streets, in the village of Elgin, fitted it up for a store, stocked it with general merchandise, and commenced business in the spring of 1864. This old building is still standing, and now forms the front part of the store conducted by H. G. Eichardson & Co., dealers in dry- goods, groceries and clothing, besides being the building in which the postoffice is situated, Nothing of historical interest in the way of business or other enterprise occurred until 1866 ; on October 6 of th^ year the Elgin circuit of the Methodist church, which had theretofore been connected with the Plainview circuit, being organized. It included the following appointments : Forest Mound, Farmington, Pleasant Prairie, Fitch's schoolhouse and Stone schoolhouse. A board of trustees were legally constituted, and the new circuit took imme- diate measures toward the erection of a parsonage at Elgin, for which George Bryant gave the land. Labor was commenced Oc- tober 15, and on November 10 the minister's goods were removed into the house when only a part of the roof was on. November 19 the building was completed. In 1878 the circuit contracted with J. W. Dickey for the erection of a church edifice, including foundation, for twenty-three hundred dollars, and this edifice was completed about September, 1878, but was totally demolished by the cyclone of July 21, 1883, an account of which is elsewhere given. The ministers of this church are given in the order of their succession, viz : Eevs. Nahum Taintor,. J. G. Teter, Geo. S. Innis, O. A. Phil- lips, J. W. Mower, J. W. Stebbins. Elgin cemetery is situated on section 27, but is not connected with any church organization. Large quantities of grain are raised in and shipped from this town, the principal crops now being wheat and barley, there being but little -difference at the present day in the amount of wheat and barley grown. But this was not the case a few years ago when wheat was by long odds the principal crop. The 1872 yield of wheat of this town statistics show to have exceeded that of any other town in the world, while the best wheat crop, as to quality, was that of, 1877, which averaged as high as twentj'^-five bushels to the acre, while some acres produced forty bushels, all number one wheat. The first blighted wheat was the crop of the year following (1878), while the best crop since 1877 was that of 1883, with an average of about twenty bushels to the acre. 896 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. The first grain-buying' of any account was commenced by the firm of Bryant Brothers & Johnson, of Elgin village, in the fall of 1877, before any railroad ran through the town. They bought from the farmers and conveyed the grain to Eyota, eleven miles distant, the nearest railroad station, with teams. During that year this firm bought and carried to Eyota one hundred and sixty-five thousand bushels of wheat. "fjf During th§ fall of 1878 the railroad was built through from Eyota to Elgin and Plainview, and the grain-buying from this time has been carried on by Eichardson Brothers and Bryant Brothers & Johnson, with the exception that the latter firm was dissolved in 1880, J. W. Bryant & Co. buying them out at that time and con- ducting business in their place since. John W. Bryant attends to all the buying and running the elevator for his firm in Elgin, while Thomas Mathieson acts in a similar capacity for Richardson Brothers. Since the year 1877 the average shipped by both these firms of all grains is about two hundred thousand bushels per year. Richardson Brothers, who handle the greater quantity, ship to the Chicago and Milwaukee markets. J. W. Bryant & Co. ship to these points and to Minneapolis also. Besides wheat and barley the farmers in this town raise a considerable amount of timothy, also oats, flax and clover ; but no more corn nor vegetables are grown than is necessary for home consumption. Hogs have of late years been raised and shipped in considerable quantities ; while the raising of sheep and cattle is carried on with success. In fact the farmers are now pay- ing much attention to stock-raising, and, from present indications, the day is not far distant when this will be a great stock-raising country. No railroad privileges were enjoyed by the town of Elgin until about November 16, 1878, when the Winona & St. Peter railroad completed its branch road from Eyota to Plainview. This railroad enters the town on section 33, and runs in a northeasterly direction through the village of Elgin, and leaves the town on section 13. This railroad 'company and the town are engaged in considerable litigation over town bonds amounting to forty thousand dollars issued by the town to the company. It seems that previous to the building of the railroad the board of supervisors granted the company the right-of-way through the town. An act of the legislature was in force under the provisions of which a majority of the tax-payers of a town, by petition to their board of supervisors, could bond the TOWN OF ELGIN. 897 town. Under this act petitions were circulated for the issue of town bonds of Elgin to the Winona & St. Peter Eailroad Company in forty thousand dollars, with interest at seven per cent, payable on or before twenty years from January 1, 1879, upon the condition that the railroad company complete its road as agreed upon. After the completion of the road, and upon the petition mentioned, the town board issued the bonds, which were tran|tf«rred by the company to parties outside the state. The town, claiming that the petition re- ferred to was not signed by a majority of tax-payers, refused to pay interest on the bonds, and the matter is now in the courts. The supreme court of the state has held that the act under which the bonds were issued is unconstitutional ; while the United States district court has held that the bonds having been transferred by the com- pany before the act was so declared unconstitutional, the holders of the bonds have a right to r.ecovery £|,gainst the town. Four judg- ments for interest and costs, amounting to $8,431.78, have so far been obtained against the town, and a fifth suit has just been brought, and in this unsettled state the matter now stands. The first record of any vote being taken on the question of the licensing of intoxicating liquors is that of the town meeting held April 5, 1859, the record showing that it was then voted that "no license shall be granted by the county board to any individual for selling spirituous liquors in the town of Elgin during the ensuing year." No vote on the question appears to have been taken after this until 1876, for which year and the years thereafter the vote stood as follows : 1876, License "... 63 No license 95 1877, License 70 No license 55 1878, License 51 No license 64 1879, License 102 1879, No license 48 1880 No vote taken 1881, License 74 No license 70 1882, License 79 No license 73 1883 No vote taken On May 13, 1874, Elgin Lodge, No. 115, A.F.A.M., was organ- ized, and it worked under special dispensation until January 13, 1875, at which time the lodge received its charter from the grand lodge of the state. Following is a list of the first officers : George Bryant, W.M. ; Enoch Dickerman, S.W. ; H. Gr. Kichardson, J.W.; George Farrar, Treas. ; J. Q. Eicliardson, Sec. ; D. A. Hart, S.D. ; Geo. Engle, J.D. ; Ezra Dickerman, S.S.; O. Y. Eollins, J.S. ; E. 54 HISTORY OF WABASHA COimTT. G. Kichardson, Tyler. The lodge then numbered eighteen. The present membership is fifty-two, and the officers are as follows : H. C. Eichardson, W.M. ; J. W. Bryant, S.W. ; H. W. Gilman, J.W, H. G. Richardson, Treas. ; Alex. Scott, Sec. ; D. F. Ferguson, S.D, Geo. Farrar, J^.D. ; Arzio Lamb, S.S. ; William Barker, J.S. Frank Streeter, Tyler. A lodge of Good Teniplars was organized here on November 28, 1883, by Col. Long, G.W.C.T. It is known as Elgin Lodge, No. 76, LO.G.T. Following is a list of the officers : Wesley Lyon, W.C.T. ; George Farrar, P.W.C.T. ; Alice Lyon, W.V.T.' ; Wm. D. S. Safford, Chaplain ; Frank KoUins, Kec. Sec. ; Pauline Sen- rick, Ass't Sec. ; Frank F. Farrar, Fin. Sec. ; Mary EoUins, Treas. ; Eugene Hutchinson, Marshal ; Jennie Seeley, W.LG. ; Eufus Steb- bins, W.O.G. ; Flora Eollins, E.H.S. ; Guilford Pratt, L.H.S. The town offices of Elgin are filled by the below-named .gentle- men, respectively, at the present date (February, 1884) : Col. Wm. H. Feller, chairman board of supervisors ; Joseph Eichardson and John Gregor, supervisors ; Dorr Dickerman, town clerk ; August Ludke, treasurer ; Julius Eadke, assessor ; J. B. Norton, justice of the peace ; Clark Champine and C. W. Westover, constables. While this town has been generally free from crime, excepting that of self-murder, yet it has had its share of cases of this nature, as well as accidents and casualties. Below we append a list of these cases : On August 4, 1863, Samuel M. Thompson, a young man of twenty-eight years, who had resided in that state only two years, was struck by lightning and killed while driving home with his team. He was a native of Mercer county, Pennsylvania. On the afternoon of January 19, 1866, Eobert B. M. Bray, twenty-five years of age, a native of Anson, Maine, left the school where he had been teaching, about eight miles south of the village of Elgin, on his way homeward to that village, where lie intended to spend Saturday and Sunday. A heavy snowstorm was in progress, the weather was bitterly cold, and young Bray was not warmly clad. He never reached his destination. Evidently he lost his way on the trackless prairie, and, benumbed with the cold, he was forced to succumb to the unrelent- ing elements. The next day his lifeless body, frozen stiff", was found by a search-party on section 35, southeast of the village. \ \ TOWN OF ELGIN. 899' January 15, 1868, Jenny, infant daughter of David W. and Martha E. Lattimore, aged two years and two months, was fatally poisoned from eating matches. On May 9, 1871, Iva Grace, daughter of Eobert C. and Martha D. Stillman, aged four years and seven months, born in Elgin, was accidentally shot by a pistol in the hands of a man in her father's employ. The accident was the result ofggross carelessness on the part of the man. The little girl lingered until the day following, when she passed away. August 26, 1873, Thomas S., son of Joseph and Ursula E. Kichardson, a bright young lad, lacking one month of being fourteen years of age, was accidentally killed by running against a hay-rack ; while on September 21, 1877, Eddie Feller, a boy two years younger, son of Ezra and Maria Feller, now of Plainview, was killed by falling down stairs. On July 24, 1870, John H. Winter, a single man, twenty-five years old, boi-n in Indiana, and a farmer by occupation, committed suicide with a shotgun. March 21, 1880, John D. Hedeman, a married man, thirty-six years of age, born in Germany, committed suicide by shooting him- self in the head with a revolver. He was a clerk in the employ of H. G. Eichardson & Co., and used to sleep in their store nights, and it was in the morning on opening the store that his lifeless re- mains were found. On June 4, 1880, another German, named Peter H. Hansen, who was also married, forty-three years old, and a farmer by ocfcupation, met his death, though accidentally. In crossing the White Water, which was considerably swollen by freshets, near his farm on section 25, he drove his team into the rushing current, and was drowned. This completes the sad list, with the exception of the death of Mrs. Z. S. Thayer, who was killed in the cyclone of July 21, 1883, more particular mention of which terrible event will be found in the separate account given in this work of the Elgin cyclone. The population of this town is about one thousand. As far as educational advantages are concerned, the town of Elgin can justly boa^ of having kept pace with her sister towns in the pro- gressive strides they have made toward giving to the young the most comfortable schoolhouses and advanced system obtainable. Six well-furnished schoolhouses presided over by competent and experi- enced teachers are conveniently located in different parts of the 900 HISTOET OF WABASHA OOUNIT. town, while the one in Elgin village, erected in place of the building totally destroyed by the cyclone, and conducted by a principal and teacher also, is a model of modern school architecture. ELGIN VILLAGE. The history of this village is so intimately interwoven with the pre- ceding history of the town, and so many various matters pertaining to the village were necessarily treated therein, that a very brief sketch is all that remains to be penned in order to complete the record of the only settlement in the town that aspires to the title of village. The village of Elgin, as platted, is situated on section 27, commenc- ing at a point near the center of the section, the exact center of the section being at the intersection of South and Main streets, in the southeastern part of the village, — the grfater part of the village lying northwest of the center of the section. According to the census of 1880, which was taken from the old village plat, and did not include all the territory properly within the village limits, it had a population of one hundred and forty-four, while the present population is about two hundred. Elgin is a station on the Plain- view branch of the Winona & St. Peter railroad, eleven miles north of Eyota, and five miles southwest of Plainview, and is the only railroad station in the town. The village has never put on the dignity of incorporation, but has always been under the town government. The location of the village is all that can be desired, nestling as it does in the valley of the White Water, and shaded by handsome groves of young trees. The streets are generally wide and laid out at right angles. Park street. School street and Main street being the principal business streets. We append a list of the principal business houses : Kichardson Bros., grain elevator and lumber-yard ; J. W. Bryant & Co., grain ele- vator and coal-yard ; E. Ordway & Son, hardware, tinware and pumps ; Landon, Burchard & Co., drugs and medicines ; H. G. Richardson & Co., drygoods, groceries, clothing, etc.; Fred. Meyer, blacksmith and horseshoeing ; M. II. Moody, harnessmaker and carpenter ; Alex. Scott, wagonmaker ; F. A. Amsden, harnessmaker ; William Beantler, boots and shoes ; Frank Kessler, butcher ; E. O. Morton, carpenter, painter and windmills ; Mercer Bros., blacksmithing and horseshoeing ; John Graham, carpenter ; Frank Kiernan, saloon and billiards, and E. Meilke, saloon and pool. There are two hotels in Elgin, the Eureka House, M. H. Safford, proprietor, and TOWN OF ELGIN, 901 the IS'orthwestern Hotel, E. Meilke, proprietor. Dr. W. T. Adams, who is one of the firm of Landon, Burchard & Co., above named, has his private oflBce in the rear of their drugstore, while J. B. Norton, Esq., justice of the peace, maintains the dignity of the law in the office of Richardson Bros., west of the depot. Dorr Dicker- man, town clerk, has an office partitioned off in the rear of E. Ord- way & Son's store on Park street. This village was almost entirely destroyed by the great cyclone of July 2J, 1883, a full and com- plete account of which follows. For many of the details contained in our account of this terrible event .we are indebted to the files of the " Plain view News " and the Rochester "Record and Union." THE ELGIN CYCLONE. From the manner in which Saturday, July 21, 1883, was ushered in, no one in Elgin wo*d have imagined that anything remarkable was about to happen. Tlie weather had been unsettled for some days previous, light rains had fallen, and the morning of the 21st was cloudy. School had been dismissed for the usual summer vacation, and before the hour of twelve arrived the business men, clerks, farmers and other occupants of the place, wended their way homeward to partake of their noonday meal. About this time the heavens commenced to darken greatly, the rain to fall, the wind to rise and the thunder to roll, and people began to quicken their steps in order to seek shelter from what they imagined would prove to be an ordinary midsummer thunder and rainstorm. Lucky for them it was that they did so ; lucky it was that the school was closed ; providential it was that the devastating wind struck the village at a time when nearly all the people had reached their homes, and together with their wives and children, had been afforded a few seconds' time in which to fly for refuge to their cellars. At abcvit ten minutes past twelve o'clock the furious wind burst upon the village ; and here the imagination fails to find words which can convey, even in the slightest degree, an approximate idea of the circumstances attending the bursting of this wind-cloud. With the pent-up force of whirlwind and tornado, hurricane and cyclone com- bined, lashed up to a degree of fury indescribable, and hitherto •wholly unknown in this section of the country, whirling, twisting, wrenching and tearing, it broke upon the defenseless village, and in less than two minutes time literally blew it tp atoms. So wholly unexpected was the frightful occurrence that there was no time for 902 HISTOEY OF WABASHA COtTNTT. the exercise of any thought save that of personal safety, and but barely time for that. In far less time than it takes to write it, the prosperous little village was a scene of dire wreck and desolation. Within the brief space of two minutes' time whole rows of buildings were leveled to the ground, some piled on top of others ; houses lifted up bodily by the force of the wind, overturned, and their inmates violently thrown out and injured ; other houses crushed and actually ground to pieces, as though they had been run through a mill ; acres of crops throughout the town laid waste ; large trees twisted oif at the trunk, five feet from the ground, leaving the roots in the soil ; every business house in the place wrecked or unroofed, not one escaping ; horses, cows and other cattle mangled and killed, and some of these, together' with heavy timber from the lumberyard, parts of buildings and other weighty articles^ picked up by the wind, . lifted high in the air, and sent whirling mrough space, to come crashing to the earth at forty rods and more distant ; and when we consider that these few incidents give but a faint idea of the irresist- ible and unheard-of force and power of the wind, the reader can form in his own mind something like an approximate idea of what it really was. The general line the storm took through the town was from about west to east, bearing slightly toward the north, nor was its greatest degree of force attained until it reached the village of Elgin, where it burst and scattered in different directions. The loss of property was simply appalling, but when we contem- plate the fearful disaster and are called upon to record but one human life lost, although many were more or less injured, it almost staggers credulity, and we are forced to repeat that, frightful as the calamity was, it was providential indeed that it came at the time and during the season of the year it did. As suddenly and without warning as the cyclone struck did it pass away, and as it swept ofi", the noonday sun, in all its glory, burst forth only to shine on the wreck and desolation we have described. People hurrying hither and thither to extricate their families and friends from the ruined debris of what was once their homes, many of them made houseless and homeless at one fell blow, with no place to eat or sleep ; all within the space of two short minutes. Some were there who had by hard work and economy saved enough to build them homes for their families, who said they had not a dollar left in the world, but even then the feeling within them was hopeful, and they said they knew how they had worked for and built them TOWN OF ELGIN. 903 homes, and with continued health and strength they could do it again, and they were thankful that there were no more accidents and deaths with their other misfortunes. To add to their losses as well as deplorable situation, the sun disappeared after the storm almost as suddenly as it had appeared, the skies became overcast and a heavy rain beat down upon the unsheltered residents of the desolate village, which lasted all that day and night, and until the Tuesday following. The arrival of the 1 p.m. train going north to Plain view was the first means the inhabitants of Elgin had of communicating the terri- ble news of the disaster to the outside world, the telegraph poles and wires being blown down for the space of about a mile and a half, and the electrical elements having afiected the wires as far north as Plain view. At about 1:30 p.m. Mr. E. T. Eollins, who was then telegraph operator at the Elgin office, in the railroad depot, by going along the track to about a mile south of the village, managed to make connections with the broken wires and telegraph the fact of the ocqurrence to Eyota, and by these means was the news first made known. The response was as generously and promptly made as it was needed ; money, clothing, food, merchan- dise and lumber from different parts of the northwest was sent in by kind hearts, to be received by willing and thankful hands. The afternoon train from Plainview brought at least two hundred persons from that place to the scene of the disaster, eager to render all the immediate assistance so needful, while from all portions of the adjoining country people began to pour into the unfortunate village and help in the work of clearing away the wreck and aid in providing means of shelter for the homeless. The injured received all the attention and care possible from a big-hearted, whole-souled people, and ere night arrived there were none but who had at least been temporarily provided for. As soon as some of the leading citizens could be assembled together a relief committee was organized, com- posed of Elijah Ordway, Alex. Scott, H. G. Eichardson, Dr. W. T. Adams and Dorr Dickerman. • The people of Plainview and neighboring towns entered into the good work with remarkable generosity and enterprise, and at a meeting held in the Methodist Episcopal church at Plaioiview that night upward of two hundred dollars in cash was raised for imme- diate use. Early next morning a large delegation of men volun- teered their services, came to Elgin and labored all day in the rain 904 HISTOEY OF WABASHA COUNTY. in the work of providing shelter for the houseless, and helping to save much of the perishable goods that stood exposed to the weather. Following we give a full account of the destruction wrought by this fearful storm in the town of Elgin : IN THE VILLAGE — CASITALTIES. The only person killed was Mrs. Z. S. Thayer, about thirty-five years of age, and a native of Elgin. She kept a millinary store on Park street, adjoining the drug-store occupied by A. L. Kimber. Mrs. Thayer was found lying partly across the counter, crushed beneath the roof. Her little girl, Maud, was found in the ruins, under a counter, unharmed. Miss Edith Dillon, aged about twenty, had her skull fractured ; William Bowen, seventy-six years of age, had a thigh broken, and John Townsend's child, about eight years ol^, was injured about the spine. K. "W. Chapman, A. L. Kimber, and a few others, were more or less injured. In attempting a description of the fearful havoc wrought by the storm we will take the principal streets of the village, commencing with Park street, the leading business street, which runs east and west across the railroad track. On this stree#stood a large two-story frame building, owned by E. O. Morton, the first floor of which was occupied by Frank Kessler as a meat market and F. A. Amsden as a harness-shop, and the second by R. W. Chapman as a dwelling. Here, no doubt, was the most miraculous escape in the whole dis- aster. The building was pulverized as you would crush a head of ripe grain and then hurl it to the winds ; and yet four persons, Mr. and Mrs. Chapman and the Misses Edith and Hattie Dillon, were thrown out with the wreck and escaped with their lives ; two of the four only, Miss Edith Dillon and E.. W. Chapman, being injured, as before stated. On the same side of the street were two one-story frame buildings, one belonging to and occupied as a dwelling by Frank Ressler, and the other owned by A. Y. Felton, of Plainview, and occupied by Thomas C. Udelt as an agricultural machinery warehouse. The front of Kessler's dwelling was thrown ten or twelve feet oif the foundation and the building partly unroofed, while Feltdh's was racked nearly to pieces. On the other side of the street the storm played sad havoc. The two-story frame building belonging to George Bryant, the lower part of which was occupied by Mrs. Z. S. Thayer as a millinery store, and the upper floor by TOWN OF ELGIN. 905 John M. Townsend and family as a dwelling, wasjleft a total wreck, as was also the other two-story frame building next door, owned by Kichardson Bros. , and occupied by A. L. Kimber as a drugstore and dwelling. Mrs. Kimber saved herself and child by seeking the security of the cellar ; but Mr. Kimber and John M. Townsend's family escaped by mere chance. Mr. Kimber was caught between the two buildings, which stood not over two feet apart, and it was with diflSculty that he was extricated from the debris unharmed. Mr. Townsend's family, like Mr. Chapman's across the way, were indoors at the time the' house was struck. They were not thrown out, however, but came down with the wreck, and with the exception of the one child mentioned landed safe and sound. Mrs. Thayer, .who was in the store below, met her death as already stated. A little farther west, on the same street, stood E. Ordway's new two-story frame building, the lower part of which was used by Ordway, Dickerman & Co. , as a storeroom, and the upper floor as the lodge-room of Elgin Lodge, No. 115, A. F. and A. M. This entire building was destroyed. Ordway, Dickei'man & Co's hard- ware store was unroofed, and the second story of Frank Kiernan's saloon and billiard-room blown oS; while Bryant Bros. & Johnson's large store, which ha^but lately been occupied by A. Ludke, was badly racked, and the second story partly blown down. The railroad depot received but slight damages. The north end of J. W. Bi^y- ant & Co's grain, elevator was demolished, and the structure racked. Richardson Bros', grain elevator was slightly damaged, their lumber office and sheds were all down, and much of the lumber in the sheds picked up by the wind and scattered in every direction. Yan Dusen & Co's coal-sheds near the depot were a total wreck, and E. Meilke's Northwestern Hotel, west of the depot, was partly unroofed and badly used up. Fred. Meyer's blacksmith-shop on grain street, and Henry Claussen's house and barn on Van Dusen street were com- pletely destroyed. H. G. Richardson & Co's house, occupied by A. Meilke, had the front torn oft" and was otherwise damaged, while Henry Claussen's shoe-shop was not particularly injured. Capt. J. B. Norton's house opposite was racked, chimney down, stable and outbuildings leveled, to the ground, hay lost and buggy broken to pieces. This includes all of the buildings on ParkfBtreet, and those north of Park street and west of the railroad track. Another street about as greatly devastated as Park street, and also a business street as well as a street of residences, was Main street, which is in 906 HISTOET OF WABASHA COTOSTX. the eastern part of the village, running north and south. Commenc- ing on this street where it is crossed by Dry creek, the bridge over which was torn to pieces, the first house is that of David Houghton, which was somewhat damaged, and a fine barn completely demol- ished. The next place is that of Benjamin H. Gould, which fared somewhat better, but was racked, a post from David Houghton's barn crashing through its north side. Mark Eichardson's outhouses, sheds and stables were all demolished. At "W". B. Porter's and W. H. Gilman's, trees two and a half feet through were broken ofi near the ground and thrown in all directions. The houses were not greatly damaged. Mr. Porter's barn was completely ruined, and a corner of Mr. Gilman's house was badly broken from the fall of a large tree. The corner of Main and Center streets, where stood "William Bowen's house and barn, was swept clean. A few pieces of boards and a few sections of roofing scattered pell-mell, together with a few broken articles of furniture, was all that was left to indi- cate that a dwelling once stood on the gaping cellar. Mr. Bowen was alone in the house when the storm struck it. He was picked up unconscious on the road, covered with mud and sand. Further southward on Main street is the residence of John M. Houghton ; the house was partly unroofed and badly racked, barn unroofed and outbuildings completely destroyed. On the corner of Main and Mill streets stands the store of H. G. Richardson & Co., where the post- ofSce is also situated. The new main part of this building was unroofed, and the back part badly racked, and the barn back of it completely demolished. Mrs. Woodward's dwelline: across the way, owned by H. G. Richardson & Co., escaped as free from injuries, probably, as any house in town, as did also the blacksmith-shop south of it owned by Richardson Bros. , and occupied by Mercer Bros.; but the next building, which was also the property of Richardson Bros., and occupied as a wagon-shop by Alex. Scott, was unroofed and several new carriages badly damaged. The residences of Charles S. Richardson, E. O. Morton and Mrs. Seeley, then occupied by "William Baker, on Mill street, were comparatively uninjured. John Graham's house escaped very fortunately. The ^trees were so badly broken, that at first one had to cut his way to it with an axjibut the house was all right. George Farrar's old ht)use, occupied by Fred. "Westover, was unroofed, and the second story partly torn down, and Dr. "W. T. Adams, south of this, had his barn and outbuilding^s completely demolished and his house slightly TOWN OF ELGIN. 907 racked. Opposite were E. W. Westover, whose house was pushed back six or eight feet from the foundation, and F. A. Amsdeu, living in a house belonging to Richardson Bros., which was unroofed and had one corner blown off. We will now take South Street which runs east and west along the southern bound- ary of the village plat. On the north side of the street, and just west of the railroad track, stood the large barn owned by George Bryant, which was almost entirely demolished. The residence in front of it escaped with but slight damages, as did also Miss Mary Ann Bryant's residence; but her other house, occupied by Fred Meyers, was left half unroofed. Dorr Dickerman's new house, just enclosed, was laid flat on the ground, but the Congregational par- sonage, which, he occupied, received no material damage. The Meth'odist church, a beautiful little edifice which cost about four thousand dollars, was a total ruin, hardly a stick left standing, but the parsonage on the lot adjoining, occupied by Kev. J. "W". Steb- bins, escaped with partial damages. George Farrar's fine barn and sheds were unroofed and some of his outbuildings blown down, but his house weathered the storm very well. N. H. Moody's house escaped comparatively uninjured, but the handsome and commo- dious schoolhouse south of it, at the head of School street, was a sad and complete wreck. Had the storm struck it at a time when school was in session, we shudder when we contemplate what the loss of life would doubtless have been. E. Ordway's residence was but little damaged, but the Eureka house, north of it on School street, owned by Thomas Mathieson and managed by M. H. Safford, was considerably. racked and used up. The southern portion of the building was shoved back twelve feet from the foundation, and the barn leveled to the earth. Farther east on South street, on the bank of the White Water, lay the wreck of Charles S. Richardson's barn and windmill, and just east of this, on the north side of the street, was a most remarkable example of the unparalleled force of the wind. Alex Scott's residence, a strong story-and-a-half frame build- ing, on a stone foundation, was built here on rising land overlooking the village. It was taken up bodily from its foundation by the wind, turned upside down and hurled through the air with tremen- dous force a distance of several rods, when it was daS^d to the earth, and, together witk all its contents, was reduced almost to splinters. Mr. Scott, who, with his wife and child, had sought refuge in the cellar, suddenly found themselves exposed to the beat- 908 • HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. ing rain, their house having been lifted off their heads with as much ease as if it had been made of p^per. This concludes our account of the disastrous eifects of this ter- rible cyclone in the village, and is necessarily but a brief summary of its fell work, for in the limited space allowed in this history it is impossible to record in detail an event wTiich would make a history in itself. Imagine, therefore, the trees mangled and twisted in all sorts of shapes and felled to the ground, window-panes shattered, shutters broken, shingles torn off and scattered, the chimneys all down, fences laid low, plank walks torn up, and all along the streets and on the vacant lots the ground strewn with broken lumber, shingles, pillows, bed quilts, household utensils, clothing, fragments of fur- niture, in fact a mixed assortment of anything and everything, and take all this in connection with the destruction of buildings we have related, and the reader will be enabled to form a slight idea of the appearance of the village of Elgin after the cyclone passed over it. EASTWARD INTO THE COUNTEY. The one-story house , occupied by Mrs. Proctor and owned by Charles S. Richardson, east of the village, was unroofed and about half a story torn off. The house of Lucien Metcalf was half wrecked, his barn and cribs unroofed, his hay-sheds all torn to pieces and the place mangled up generally. Walter Dunn's house was racked and his barns unroofed. The hay-sheds and windmills of O. Y. and I. W. Rollins, Joseph and H. G. Richardson were all more or less damaged, and Abner Smith's granary, sheds and corn-cribs were down flat. George Wedge's barn received some damages. H. D. Wedge lost a mile and a half of fence. J. E. Brown had his barn, granary and sheds blown over. J. R. Hunter lost his stable, and a few others suffered to a greater or less extent as far as Jacob Haessig's farm, but no serious damage was done in this direction outside what we have mentioned, and we will now return to the vil- lage and follow the path of the disaster westward. Half a mile west of the village is the farm of Curtis Bryant. He lost a large barn, together with corn-cribs and other buildings, while four of his horses and two colts were killed. One of the colts, a three-ye^Fold, was taken by the wind from in front of his house and carried north about forty rods, over fences and buildings, and found dead. Col. W. H. Feller's barn was unroofed, house dam- aged, granary moved off the foundation, and another building down TOWN OF ELGIN. 909 flat. Frank M. Bigelow's large barn was down to the plates and partly moved on the foundation ; house considerably damaged and windmill all to pieces. Fred C. Hartson's house, occupied by Jud- son Hudson, was taken by the wind thirty feet from its foundation and utterly demolished, and, wonderful to relate, Hudson, his wife, child and sister escaped from the flying debris safe and sound. A place occupied by Mrs. Amelia Drake had a stable and granary blown down, besides trees destroyed. William Tornow, tenant on William Brown's farm, suffered severely, and Mr. Brown had a barn and granary demolished, containing four hundred bushels of oats, one hundred and fifty bushels of wheat and fifteen tons of hay, which were all destroyed. The storm made terrible havoc among his trees and timber. At this point there appeared to be a succes- sion of storms constantly forming, which spread out nearly two miles in width. H. G. Kichardson & Go's house west of this — Gus Warner, tenant — had the barn and granary blown down, besides trees badly damaged. Charles Dobbins had his stable, hog- house and granary blown down, house partly wrecked and partly unroofed, his stock hurt and trees badly injured. A plank 2X6 inches, broken from a hay-rake, was carried from about one hundred and fifty feet southeast of the house and crushed a hole through the west side of the house. The granary of Harrison Rice was blown down and his stable destroyed. He lost thirty tons of hay and twelve acres of corn, and his house was partly unroofed. Henry C. Woodruff had his barn blown down, which was a great loss, as he had water-works in the barn attached to his windmill, which was also blown down. His house was partly unroofed, and his loss in timber and fruit-trees was irreparable, as it had taken him nearly twenty years to grow them. Pursuing farther westward, we have ascertained in brief the following damages wrought by the relentless wind : William Cook, machine-shed and corn-crib in- jured, wagonhouse, henhouse and windmill down, roof on barn moved, and fine grove destroyed. William Searles, barn unroofed, corn-crib and stable partly unroofed, hay and machine sheds and windmill torn down, seventy-five tons of hay destroyed, and thirty acres of timber badly damaged. August Swanke, house badly racked and shingles torn ofE, barn partly unroofed, granary, shed and stable destroyed. A. B. Hart, house, machine-house and sheds blown down, and fifteen acres of timber damaged. Mrs. Hart and child escaped by going down to the cellar. E. Raymond, a tool- 910 HIBTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. house, 45 X 60, and a cow-shed and stable, 25 X 200, blown down. On another place he lost two houses and a barn, seventy tons of hay and a windnjill, and had forty acres of timber destroyed. A. Park, barn unroofed, sheds partly unroofed, hoghouse moved, henhouse destroyed. H. Southwick, barn unroofed, sheds down and five acres of timber destroyed. Mr. Patrick, stable blown down and house injured. M. JSTash, house partly unroofed and the furniture damaged. Mr. Fitch's shade-trees down, and a number of cherry- trees torn out by the roots. A. Demke, granary badly broken up. James W. Finney, on Mr. Taylor's farm, house partly unroofed and moved off the foundation, and barn, granary and corn-crib wrecked. August Barrent, on Henry Dewitz's place, lost everything he had. The house, two granaries and barn were demolished, all the furni- ture destroyed and clothing blown away. Mr. Barrent and family were caught up by the wind and hurled skyward with the flying debris, — one of the boys being carried by the wind southeast about forty feet, then northwest about sixty feet and south twenty feet, landing him on a wood-pile ; then he was seized again and carried ab(iut twenty-five feet and left in a ditch. Another boy was carried about sixty feet and dropped in a small creek. Strange to say, neither was much hurt. John Twitten, hay and sheep sheds blown down, besides a hoghouse, 16X80, and the house partly unroofed. Thomas Brooks' farm, occupied by Joseph Hines : the house was carried from the foundation fifteen or twenty feet, where it struck a willow-tree, and was hurled about six feet beyond the tree, that keeping it from entirely falling, only a part of it being blown off. The family were in the house, and the tree keeping the building from falling doubtless saved their lives, although some were quite badly hurt. The barn, sheep-shed, 30x40, granary and hoghouse, 16x80, were destroyed. At another farm, owned by Thomas Brooks, a granary was blown down. The Fitch schoolhouse was laid perfectly flat, the bell alone remaining to show the site. Duane W. Searles' buildings were partly down, while F. Bennike lost his barn, granary and part of his house. W. H. White, barn blown down, granary injured, shingles torn off the house and the windmill blown down. A hired man in the barn was carried with it, being injured aboyt the head. A horse was hurt, fences on one side of the farm carried off, and the fruit-trees nearly all destroyed. Forty tons of hay were scattered. A. B. Stacy, house racked, chimneys blown down, wagonhouse, granary and hay-sheds leveled, and TOWN OF ELGIN. 911 buggy and machinery broken, fences and thirty tons of hay blown away. Amos Welch, windmill torn to pieces. Harry Dodge, fruit- trees injured and hay blown away. 3- Snow, house paiftly unroofed and kitchen blown down ; barn, hay-sheds . and stable entirely destroyed, machinery, wagon and cutter demolished and hay blown away. The two houses, barns, sheds, granary and machine-house of D. M. and F. G. Harvey were laid flat, not a vestige of the build- ings being left. Their hay was blown away, machinery broken and crops destroyed. Fred and James Harvey's house was swept down; Mrs. Harvey being caught and held by timbers, but fprtunately hut little hurt. George Harvey's windmill and three sheds were blown over. On the Dieter place, occupied by E. F. Dodge, the house was carried eighty-five feet, and the L demolished. Mrs. Dodge, with her baby and girl ten years old, ran down the cellar as soon as the doors of the house blew open, and Mr. Dodge started for the same place with another little girl, but did not reach it, being carried away with the house, luckily escaping injury. After the storm was over one of his boys crept from the debris of the L unhurt. The stone schoolhouse on the Lake City road was almost entirely demolished. Having now described the effects of the storm to a point about ten miles west of the village of Elgin, we will abandon further description. Not that there is no more devastation to be written up, but for the reason that it does not come within our prov- ince to extend outside of the limits of the county regarding which this history is written. RELIEF WOEK. We previously alluded, to the appointment of a relief committee at Elgin immediately after the cyclone, and the generosity of the contributions. Below we append a list of the donations received by the committee for distribution: Wabasha county (special) 1200 00 Plainview ■ 489 00 Viola 258 00 Eyota village (cash) Ill 50- Eyota village (stove) 17 00 Eyota ladies 23 25 St. Charles 161 00 St. Charles ladies 46 00 Dover 75 00 Rochester 100 00 Kellogg 8 00 912 HISTOEY OF WABASHA COUHTT. Kellogg village - $ 23 00 Chatfield ■ 92 50 Winona (lumber) 800 00 Winona (cash) 395 00 Winona (merchandise) 50 00 Minneiska 26 50 St. Paul 500 00 August Leitz' committee 185 56 J. G. Lawrence, Wabasha 25 00 J. C.Bartlett,Waba§ha 15 00 John Stewart, Wabasha 5 00 R P. Foster, Hyde Park 5 00 S. A. Foster, Plainview 5 00 E. C.iEllis, Fairweather 3 00 David McCarty, Plainview 5 00 James McCarty, Plainview 5 00 John Gregor, Elgin 5 00 Hibberd, Spencer, Bartlett & Co., Chicago 25 00 Markley, Ailing & Co 25 00 Tredway & Sons, Dubuque 10 00 W. W. Braden, St. Paul , 10 00 E. W. Crocker, Parker, Dakota 5 00 H. B. Thayer (to Maud) 5 00 Mrs. Hyde, Mazeppa, a lot of clothing 3,714 31 This concludes our history of the disastrous cyclone which passed over Elgin and devastated the country from as far west as the Dakota border. One month afterward, to the day, the fearful wind- storm known as the "Rochester Cyclone," a full account of which appeared in our history of Olmsted county, swept over the country, but did no damage at Elgin, although it blew hard but steadily there. After the storm the work of reconstruction and repairing was pushed forward with a degree of enterprise and energy that few at the time would have predicted. A commodious and imposing school-building has been reared from the ruins of the one destroyed, and now stands as a ma,jestic witness of Elgin's enterprise, while arrangements for the construction of a new church edifice have been definitely made, and as soon as spring opens the edifice will be pushed to completion. With this exception, and excepting also the Morton building, the Bryant building, which was occupied by Mrs. Thayer, and the Richardson building, which was occupied by Kim- ber's drug store, every building was partly demolished has HIGHLAND TOWNSHIP. 913 been made better than before, and all those that were completely- destroyed have been replaced with new structures, so that the time is near at hand when the last trace of this terrible event will have been completely obliterated, and the Elgin cyclone will have lost alii of its interest, excepting as an historical event. CHAFTEK LXXXVII. HIGHLAND TOWNSHIP. The township of Highland is a regular township, being six miles square. It is known as T. 109 N., of E. 11 W., and is bounded on the north by Glasgow, on the east by Watopa, on the south by Winona county and Plainview township, and on the west by Oak- wood. The township was organized in 1858, under the name of Smithfield, which cognomen was not long retained, the Smiths being at that time numerous, but not very popular, and the more eupho- nious title of Highland was substituted, which also truthfully implies the fact of its elevated surface. * The soil is a black loam with a clay subsoil, heavier in the northern and central portions, and lighter on the more open prairie- like portions in the south. The surface is undulating, and in the north and east broken by bluffs and high hills that hedge in more or less narrow valleys. Along these bluff ledges grow timber, chiefly oak. The entire surface was originally covered with short, stubby oaks and other woods, and more or less undergrowth. Through these valleys flow such streams as pay tribute to the Zumbro on the north.' The largest of these is known as West Indian creek; it rises in the southern central part of the township and flows down a beautiful valley, from twenty to one hundred rods in width, to the northward, turning o^n its way one gristmill, and for several years two. The first town meeting in Highland was held May 13, 1858, at the residence of I. Smith, in the southeast portion of the township, near where the Smithfield jiostoflBce is located. W. L. Cleaveland 55 •914: HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. presided over the meeting and was elected chairman of the board of supervisors, of which C. G. Dawley and K. M. Doane were also chosen members. The other officers elected at this meeting were as follows : J. E. Cleaveland, clerk ; M. Baldwin, overseer of poor ; Yolney Crandall, assessor ; James Felton and A. C. Smith, justides of the peace ; George Begg and Oliver Nelson, constables ; and George Begg, collector. The township expenses for that year were, all told, fifty dollars. The first settlements were made in Highland early in the spring of 1855, by the Nelsons, or Olsons, near the southern line, and Patrick McDonough in the very northeast corner, in Cook's valley. Oliver Nelson and Patrick McDonough both erected log houses very early in the spring of this year. The first birth of a white child in the township occurred some time in the spring or summer of 1855, the child being Maria Sullivan, daughter of Thomas and Mary Sullivan. The first deaths of . settlers also occurred during this season, the victims being two men by the respective names of Pugh and Green, who had come on to build them homes in the westei'n Eldorado. They had scarcely more than had time to rear a humble habitation when they were stricken down with cholera morbus and lived but a few hours. Fear of the disease seized the few neighbors that surrounded them, and they were buried by a few faithful friends at night in Cook's valley, near their deserted domicile, without funeral rites. It was not until the opening of another season that the tide of immigration seemed to set in toward Highland ; but in 1856 and 185T there flocked in from the states a large number of Irish and Germans, and a fair sprinkling of Yankees. The people who settled Highland were for the most part,' reli- giously inclined, and at an early day began to display their zeal in spiritual matters by organizing churches. The Catholic church undoubtedly was the first to occupy the field with a society. They held services first at the residence of Mr. Timothy Kyan, on whose premises the Catholic church of Highland was afterward erected, Father Tisheant officiating. This society early erected their first church edifice, a structure of no imposing exterior, but suffi- cient to satisfy the humble sons of toil who came wifeh happy hearts to worship there. It was 20 X 30 feet. A fine new building now occupies the site of this pioneer cathedral — a beautiful little white church, with green blinds, and a belfry. Across the street from the HIGHLAND TOWNSHIP. 915 chiircli stands the parsonage, which was erected at a cost of sixteen hundred dollars a few years since, and is a nice home for the priest whose good fortune it is to have charge of this rural society. Father Trobec and Eev. Peter Jeran are among the pas- tors who have done much for the building up of this little Catholic church of Highland, which is styled the Church of the Immaculate Conception. Its members are chiefly of Irish and German descent, of which the larger part of the inhabitants of northeast Highland is composed. Back of this church and in the same inclosure with it is the Catholic cemetery, which has received the remains of many worthy pioneers of Highland township, some of whose graves are marked by pretentious monuments. The church is located on sec- tion 10, and is at present presided over by the aged Father Mur- ray. Everything in its surroundings and circumstances proclaims it to be in a highly prosperous condition. The Protestant societies organized in this township have been many. But they were less prosperous than that hardier religious plant Catholicism, and too numerous for so meager a population to sufficiently nourish. And today the remnants of the once thriving Baptist, Methodist, Congregationahst and Lutheran societies are scat- tered, and have been gathered into other christian folds, principally located in the neighboring village of Plainview. Preaching is occa- sionally held in the Highland schoolhouse, in southeast Highlaiid, and the Methodist Episcopal society (chiefly Norwegians) have a parsonage and sustain regular services in the southwest part of the township ; while at Hamps' Mill there still stands the old log church erected by the German Reform or Evangelical congregation in 1866, and still supplied with a pastor, who resides in West Albany, but holds services here biweekly. The Presbyterians in an early day were also sufiiciently strong to sustain preaching at the Appel Mills schoolhouse, but have not been able to keep up their organization of late years. Each society of three — Baptist, Methodist and Congre- gationalist — has taken its turn at conducting revivals in the Highland schoolhouse, and much vigorous religious work has been done within its walls. The first preaching in the Highland district was done by the Eev. Mr. Dyer in* the fall of 1859, at the residence of Mr. Stillman Hathaway ; and the following year the Methodist and Baptist soci- eties were organized. A Sunday school was also established about this time, with A. T. James as the first superintendent, which has since continued to exist. 916 HISTOET OF WABASHA COHNTT. The Methodist society have continued to monopolize most ol the preaching up to the present time. The Baptist society num- bered at one time some seventy members, but has been practically inefficient since 1872. The pastors of the Plainview Congregational church have had, during a portion of the time, regular services in this dictrict. Of late years the community have been more united, and have given a cordial support, regardless of denominational views, to that sect, whichever it might be, so fortunate as to be able to have a pastor to fill their pulpit, and a greater degree of harmony is noticeable. Highland is justly proud of her common schools, of which there are at present seven. The first teaching was done by Miss Ursula Metcalf, now Mrs. Levi Emery, in district 39, known as the Kich district, in the southwestern portion of the township. In district 37, or the Stanfield Spring school, the first teaching was in a log house near the site of the present building, in the spring of 1860, by Miss Aurora Albertson. In the Highland district, No. 40, Ann Eobbins taught a school in the summer of 1869. The ^choolhouse was an octagonal structure, provided by Wm. T. James, then a prominent man in that part of the township'. It was framed in Wabasha and drawn to the place of erection in sections, and for years did duty as both church and schoolhouse. In the year 1869 Ks district erected a large and handsome substitute, for the better jommodation of their many scholars. This new building stands near the center of the district, which is three miles square, and cost fifteen hundred dollars. The Hampi Mill district, No. 64, and the Appel's Mill district, No. 66, both located in West Indian Creek valley, were also pioneer districts. These last-named districts have since been somewhat weakened by the establishment of two new districts, the one in the Grarey neighborhood, and the other in the McNallan neighborhood. Without exception, the schoolhouses in Highland are in excellent condition, and are in marked contrast with the rude log huts that only a few years ago attested the high regard which the poor but intelligent pioneers of this township had for education in early days. The entire tract, since embraced by this township, was included in the Sioux half-breed Indian reservation that strllched for some thirty miles along the general course of the Mississippi river, from a point in the township of Greenfield, section 18, east, northward, and it was due to this fact that the first white settlers in Highland for HIGHLAiro TOWNSHIP. 917 several years made only moderate progress in the improvement of the claims. Fearing that the "half-breed script" would be success- fully "laid upon" their new possessions by the land-sharks that in- fested the country, it was but natural for them to delay their work of clearing the land and making the more permanent improvements, until the validity of their titles should, be declared and peaceable possession of their new homes be vouchsafed them. Some of th"em finally bought up scrip and "laid it" themselves, thereby securing an unquestionable title, but the majority of the new-comers were too poor to solve the problem so easily, and were occasionally induced by those holding this scrip to surrender one half of their quarter- sections in order to have the title to the remaining half perfected. Here and there a settler more gullible than the others was induced by threats and false representations to abandon his claim and go elsewhere. In this way many of the best claims were temporarily controlled by speculators, to whom tribute was sometimes paid. In 1858 the first road in the township was laid out and worked; the same being the road that connects Appel's (then Watkins') Mill with Canfield Springs. It is now well provided with suitable high- ways leading out in all directions ; many of them following the course of ravines. The valuation of property in Highland was in 1860 as follows : 12,027 acres, valued at $39,460 ; personal property, $2,4Y9. tp 1883, 22,792 acres, at $228,T42 ; personal property, $32,519 — an average of $10.03 per acre. At the fall election in 1883 the polling list shows 160 voters. Besides the Catholic cemetery before nientioned there is another near the Lutheran or Eeform church in "West Indian Creek valley, and one grave is to be found marked by an unpretentious marble slab on ground that A. T. James once gave to the settlers for burial purposes, in southeast Highland, near Smithfield. The only tragedy that has occurred within the township of High- land since its settlement, occurred in 1866, on the Canfield Spring road. A book agent was riding along this road when, some one, secreted in the bushes that skirted the highway shot him and rifled his pockets.. The author of this dastardly act was never discovered, but years afterward a rusty rifle was found in the bushes on the top of a neighboring bluff, from which it is surmised the murderous bullet was fired. 918 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. SMITHFIBLD POSTOFFICE. In 1858 the inhabitants of Highland petitioned the postal author- ities for the establishment of a postoffice in southeast Highland, along the Rochester and Wabasha stage route. The prayer of the petition was granted, a commission was issued to Israel Smith as post- master, and the office was dubbed Smithfield ; before the arrival of this commission Mr. Smith left the country. Soon after Mr. Thomas Smith opened a little store on section 24, and was about to be ap- pointed to this office when his store burned down, and he also departed from the country. The third petition in the summer of 1859 resulted in James S. Felton becoming the first postmaster.. This same summer the Dugans, of Wabasha, who had quite an extensive landed interest in this part of the county, erected a store and a hotel ; a blacksmith-shop was also a feature of this pioneer hamlet. In 1862 the Jameses bought out the Dugans, and about three years later abandoned the store and closed up the hotel, thus ^terminating the business life of Smithfield. The postoffice is still retained, with C. G. Dawley as postmaster since 1865. Daily mail is received from Plainview in the morning, and Wabasha in the afternoon. LYONS, OE WATKINS' MILL. In 1866 Daniel J. Watkins erected a sawmill on West Indian crtek, on section 16, in Highland. Five years later Mr. Watkins found that the community had greater need for a gristmill than they had for a sawmill, and at once proceeded to remove the latter and erect in its stead the first gristmill of Highland. This same season Alfred Lathrop opened a store near by, and the following year, 1862, Lyons postoffice was established here, with Mr. Lathrop as post- master. In 1866 Mr. Watkins sold his mill to John Tale, who continued to run it for nine years. The proprietorship was then transferred in rapid succession from Yale to Eichard Kalf, and through C. W. Hackett's hands to Stephen Appel, its present pro- prietor. The store has continued to exist without interruption — under various proprietors — since it was first opened, and without local competition. E. W. Cleaveland is its present owner. The postoffice was discontinued in 1881. HAMPE MILL. In 1866 Henry Hampe erected a gristmill on Indian creek, about two miles below the Watkins mill. This mill was burned down in 1881, February 19, and has not been rebuilt. HIGHLAND TOWNSHIP. 919 INCIDENTS. The early settlers were not only annoyed by parties holding half-breed script, but by cliques of land-sharks who often sought by force to drive off those settlers who had come without an invitation from these would-be lords of all the rich and fertile lands in the county. They were sometimes successful, but not always. An incident illustrating their manner of proceeding is the case of John Eedden. Mr. Redden had taken a claim near tl^e McNallans in Highland, which was erected by certain Wabasha parties ; and "Blind-Charley " Lessling and a man by the name of Harrecaine. with a posse of congenial spirits, called upon the intruder Redden, after first giving him due notice to quit, and were in the act of hang- ing him to a tree, when John McNallan and his father Thomas McNallan appeared upon the scene, and by a vigorous protest, backed by a threat to brain with axes which they carried the first man that laid a hand on their intended victim, succeeded in effect- ing Redden's release, though the cowardly gang of mobbers retired threatening to renew the attempt on Redden's life unless he should speedily leave the country, which he soon after did. Though the Indians were numerous they were never guilty of committing depredations on the farmers of Highland, but annoyed them by incessant begging. The whites were afraid to deny thdr requests, and occasionally became the butt of the redskins' pracn- cal jokes. On one occasion an old squaw and two young bucks called on Mrs. Patrick McDonough during the absence of her hus- band, and by signs induced her to prepare them a meal of victuals, which she did with much trouble. As soon as it was ready they laughed at her and bolted out of the cabin, leaving the meal un- touched. CHAPTEE LXXXYIII. THE VILLAGE OF PLAINVIEW. The charnaing little village of Plainview is found in the heart of that delightful tract of country in the southern part of Wabasha county known as Greenwood Prairie. The place now (in 1884) has a population of probably eight hundred, the result of a steady and wholesome developrrient through a period of twenty-eight years. It is located in the township of Plainview, on parts of sec- tions 7, 8, 9, 16, 17 and 18, about four miles north of the White Water, the nearest river. It is the terminus of the Plainview divi- sion of the Chicago & Northwestern railway, which has its junc- ^ tion with the main line at Eyota in the adjoining county of Olmsted. In the spring of 1856 J. Y. Blackwell, an Iowa lawyer, pos- sessed of pioneer proclivities, arrived with his family on what is now the village site, and erected an insignificant domicile, half logs and half boards, near the present location of Geo. S. La Rue & Go's dillg store, corner Broadway and Jefferson street; and the same season Levi Ormsby constructed a claim shanty a half-mile farther west. Mr. Blackwell was possessed of some means and at once set about getting out the timbers for a hotel, which was raised on the site of the present Plainview House, on the ensuing 4:th of July. Ozias Wilcox arrived that summer, bought forty acres opposite the hotel, on section 8, from Hugh Wiley, and erected a store and dwelling combined. David Van Wort put up a carpenter-shop, and a Mr. Bray a blacksmith-shop. A few others had located on land that has since become a part of the present village of Plain- view ; among these were Edwin Chapman, Lloyd Yale and David Ackley ; Dr. Gibbs was also an early comer. Thus populated the embryo city encountered the "^terrible winter of 1856-7, which opened up in November with a terrific snowstorm. The snow lay to a depth of about four feet on the level until the following April, and in places was drifted so as to nearly bury the poor little shanties of these humble pioneers. Communication with the out- side world was practically cut off, and fortunate was this little com- THE TILLAGE OF PLAINVIEW. 921 munity in having Mr. Wilcox and his well stocked store of groceries and provisions to draw upon in its extremity. This store is the same building now occupied by the Plainview bank. Throughout the entire winter of 1876-7, it was surrounded by a nari'ow court, swept bare by the same sporting winds that banked the snow sev- eral feet high on every side. Into these walls of snow, hard packed and frozen, steps were cut, that proved a substantial means of exit from the court below until an April sun destroyed them. The severity of this first winter disheartened many, people in the settlement, and but for poverty and a. beautiful spring another winter would have found Plainview quite deserted. However, with the return of spring came new pioneer reinforcements from the States, other industries were established, and a delightful and pros- perous season reassured all save Mr. Blackwell, who shrank from encountering the hardships of another winter, and busied himsel:^ in the disposal of his Plainview possessions, that he might be off before the approach of cold weather. In this he succeeded, and at once left for his Iowa home, deserting forever his little prairie* protege. The new town was first dubbed Centerville, and was platted under that name, which was changed to Plainview — signifying its sightly location — upon learning that another Minnesota town had also been christened Centerville. So successful have the inhabitants of Plainview been in arboriculture, that the plain view of early days is in these times much obscured ; indeed the little city is fairly encom- passed by groves of beautiful trees that effectually moderate the blasts of winter and parry the fierce heat of the midsummer sun, adding much to the physical beauty of the town. The platting of the village of Plainview in the summer of 1867 was the conjoint work of J. Y. Blackwell, Ozias Wilcox, T. A. Thompson, Lloyd Yale and Dr. Gibbs. Additions to the village have since been made by T. A. Thompson On the west, H. P. Wil- son on the east, and A. P. Foster on the south. Its existence was at first menaced and its prosperity retarded by Greenville (afterward Greenwood), a rival aspirant for urban honors, located two and one-half miles east of Plainview. Fortunately for the latter town, Greenville could not give an unquestionable title to her real estate, as it was a part of the Sioux balf-breed tract, and capitalists seeking investments for their money in village property were prone to pass her by., Plainview, on the other hand, had no 922 \ HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. such unfortunate circumstance to contend against, and thus having decidedly the advantage of her rival, soon vanquished her in the race. A few years later and Greenville is a thing of the past, while her leading spirits have augmented the industrial ranks of her elated and flourishing rival. As early as the summer of 1868 we find a school established in the village. David Van Wort's carpenter-shop sufficed for a school- room, and a young Yermonter by the name of Hale wields the ferule. An old building- that still stands on High street became the next schoolhouse ; prier to this it had served duty as a drug- store for Dr. Gibbs. The district when first established was known as No. 60, and retained this number until it was organized into an independent district in 1869. The present school-building was erected on the public square, near the center of the village, in 1867, at a cost of nearly sixteen thousand dollars. The follow- ing year the school was graded. A few years ago the high school was created, and the required course of studies adopted, and today the Plainview public schools rank high among the schools of Minnesota. The first religious oi'ganization of any kind in Plainview was effected by the Eev. O. P. Crawford, of Forest Mound, in August, 1857, and consisted of a class composed of the following named ladies and gentlemen, namely, J. Y. Blackwell, Guerdon Town, Sophronia Town, S. Lattie, Mrs. Lattie, Matilda Todd, Mrs. Thomp- son and Edwin L. Ball. This . class afterward developed into the Methodist Episcopal church society of Plainview, which opened the first Sunday school in the village in April, 1861, with Franklin Syl- vester as superintendent. The present Methodist church edifice was erected in 1866; it is 33x60 feet, and cost four thousand dollars. The societ}' have also a parsonage that cost them one thousand dol- lars, which was built in the summer of 1867. In 1863 the Rev. Henry Williard organized the Congregational church society, which has since become the leading church of Plain- view. In 1871 their present church edifice was built, at a cost of seven thousand dollars. Its dimensions are 36 X 56 feet, with a ves- try (the gift of the Rev. H. Williard) 28x32 feet. The Society of Christians was organized in Plainview February 1, 1864, with twenty members. The first pastor was Abraham Shoeraacher. In 1866 they purchased the old schoolhouse and converted it into a church. THE TILLAGE OF PLAINVIBW. 923 The Methodist and Congregational societies support regular reekly preaching. A Catholic society is organizing and preparing to build a church. Both the Odd-Fellows and Masonic fraternities have good healthy organizations in Plainview. Plainview Lodge, No. 63, A.F.A.M., Fas organized December 24, 1866, and Plainview Lodge, No. 16, ..O.O.F., was instituted with fifteen chartered members on Decem- )er 26, 1866. Several lodges of Good Templars have had brief existences ; and he Ancient Order of United Workmen once flourished in Plainview, )ut is now defunct. While the prevailing spirit is anti-rum, there is yet no organized emperance society in the town except a branch of the Women's ^Ihristian Temperance Union. The first attention to the banking business in Plainview was in .864, when E. B. Eddy established a small bank in connection with lis hardware store. In 1867 we find Mr. Eddy giving his exclusive ittention to the management of the first and only bank in the )lace^ which is known as the Plainview bank. The business has leemed to prosper from the very first; has changed hands several imes; at present the firm is Henry Amerland & Co., of which the Ion. W. E. Wording is the managing spirit, with a capital of wenty-one thousand dollars. Long before the advent of the Plainview railroad the village had )ecome an excellent market for the productions of the large and ixtended tract of rich farming lands that surround it. Large quan- ities of grain were bought by Plainview buyers, who hauled it with eams to shipping points on the Mississippi river. In 1878 the rail- oad was completed from Eyota to Plainview, and the building of levators was commenced, of which there are now three, each laving a capacity of about thirty thousand bushels. In the spring of 1875 Plainview became for the first time an Qcorporated village. - The territory embraced within her corporate imits was as follows: The S.E. J of Sec. 7, S. i of Sec. 8, S. W. i of !ec. 9, N.W. i of Sec. 16, K i of Sec. 17 and the N.E. i of Sec. 8. The first election of officers resulted" in the choice of E. B. 5ddy for president, Chas. Weld, Dr. J. P. Waste and Wm. Law- on for trustees, A. 0. Cornwell tor recorder, E. Burchard for treas- rer and A. B. W. Norton for justice of the peace. Three years iter the municipal organization was abandoned, in order that the 924 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. residents of the village might vote with the remainder of Plainview township, the bonds required to further the building of the Plain- view & ;^yota railroad; and since 1878 the village has had no municipal government. The first newspaper ever published in Plainview was a campaign sheet, edited by N. E. and M. Stevens, of Wabasha, and issued, for a few weeks in the early part of the year 1864, from a local ofilce, where it was printed. It was named the Plainview "Enterprise," and was a half-patent six-column folio. The next newspaper venture was made by T. Gr. Bolton, who issued the first copy of the Plain- view "News" on the 16th of November, 1874. This paper was the same size as the defunct "Enterprise"; was issued monthly, printed in Wabasha, and designed especially as an advertising medium for Mr. Bolton's drug business. It has been issued weekly since April 18, 1877, when F. A. Wilson became its proprietor. The follow- ing June the Plainview ' ' News " printing-oflftce was established, and a few weeks later the ready-print feature of the paper was discarded. April 1, 1878, H. J. Byron purchased the office, and six months later took into partnership Ed. A. 'Paradis, to whom he sold the interest which he had retained in the " News " in April, 1882, since which time Mr. Paradis has continued sole proprietor of the busi- ness. The village of Plainview now contains about forty places of busi- ness, has three physicians, one lawyer. The business buildings are chiefly wooden, but are for the most part respectable both in size and appearance. Its growth seems to have been moderate but whole- some. The people of Plainview are cultured and sociable, industri- ous and prosperous. But even in such a well balanced and intellec- tual community as this there is usually enacted, sooner or later, some bloody and deplorable tragedy, and Plainview has had its tragedy. This occurred on the 22d .of January, 1876, when Frank Hatha- way, aged 24, son of a Highland township farmer, with a revolver, shot and killed Nettie Slayton, a highly respected young lady of 17, who had refused his hand in marriage, and immediately thereafter made an unsuccessful attempt with the same weapon upon his own life. It culminated three days later in the hanging of young Hath- away to a tree at midnight, by an orderly gang of disguised men, supposed to have been composed of many of the best and most prominent citizens of both Plainview and Highland, CHAPTER LXXXIX. THE PRESS OF WABASHA. The first newspaper ever printed in Wabasha county was the "Journal," established in the autumn of 1856, at Eead's Landing, by H. J. Sanderson, and moved to Wabasha in the spring of 1857, where it was published till some time in the fall of 1858, when it died. The city records show that it was made the official paper of. the city of Wabasha April 27, 1858. Some time during the summer S. S. Burleson bought an interest in the paper, and later in the same season acquired entire control. Not a single number of this paper is in existence, so far as known to the writer, and little is known of Sanderson, except that he went south, and, when Yicks- burg surrendered to Grant, was one of the rebel troops captured there, and was recognized by several of his old Wabasha acquaint- ances. On Christmas day, December 25, 1858, Burleson issued No. 1 of the Minnesota "Patriot," which was made the official paper of the city May 3, 1859. It died a natural death some time during the summer. Burleson was a lawyer of fair ability, but at a later date studied theology, and became, and still is, an Episcopal minister. Both the " Journal " and the " Patriot " were democratic in polities. October 29, 1859, H. C. Simpson commenced the publication of the Wabasha "Weekly Journal," a six-column quarto, republican in politics. On November 23 of that year the newspaper was made the official organ of the city. In the spring of 1860 one G. W. Marsh bought an interest with Simpson, and the paper was published by Simpson & Marsh. The old residents of the county will remem- ber that this was the year of the first contest between Wabasha and Lake City for the county seat. Simpson and Marsh were both reputed to be commercial gentlemen, and some Lake City gentlemen made some investments in them, which did not prove to pay largely; but the Wabasha people were unreasonable enough to be very angry when they got wind of the matter, and the two newspaper men came very near being drowned in the Mississippi. Wabasha about this 926 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. time was not a good field for the "Journal," and it subsided here December 8, 1860, and started again at Lake City January 3, 1861. Simpson soon after enlisted in the 2d regt. Minn. Vols., and passed from sight of his Wabasha friends, though " to their memory dear." Marsh went to Wisconsin, and at a later date was crippled by an accidental gunshot. These early papers were of use in their time, but their influence died with them, and they have long since been almost forgotten, even by those who used to read them week by week. The only paper ever published in Wabasha that has had much influence in molding public sentiment is the " Herald," and a sketch of its career is really about all that is of especial interest in connection with the subject of this article. In the early spring of 1857 the late Mr. McMaster, a north of Ireland Presbyterian, and a man of high character and indomitable energy, settled at Kead's Landing, with his wife and a large family of children, several of whom were already young men. Two of his sons were printers, and they either brought with them, or soon ob- tained, a press and material, and made arrangements to publish a newspaper. It was at that time proposed to call the village of Kead's Waumadee, and the newspaper was named the Waumadee "Herald," and the first number was published during the first week in May. On the 12th day of that month the Messrs. McMaster were drowned in the Mississippi by the accidental upsetting of a skiif in which they were crossing the river, and with them died the Waumadee ' ' Herald. " Norman E. Stevens, a young printer from Illinois, arrived at Read's some itwo months after the death of the McMasters, and with the assistance of the business men of the village, especially T. B. Wilson and F. S. Richards, made arrangements to purchase the ofiice from Mr. McMasters senior, and on June 27, 1857, he published the first number of the Wabasha county "Herald." More than twenty-six years have passed, and the little seven-column sheet then started has never for a single week failed to greet its readers, and not a few of its original subscribers are still on its list, and have received and read every number. Mr. Stevens was an eager repub- lican, and the paper was from the start devoted to the advocacy of the principles of that party ; and though it changed owners repeat- edly it remained true to the ofiice until April, 1881, when it ceased to be a party paper. Mr. Stevens was a thorough printer and a fair writer, and the "Herald," under his control, was fully up to the average of coimtry THE PRESS OF WABASHA. 927 papers at the time in point of ability, and was exceptionally well printed. In the fall of 1860 the people of Wabasha, being disgusted with the course taken bj^ the publishers of the "Journal," determined to have a paper that conld be trusted to assist in the development of their town instead of their rival Lake City, and such arrangements were made with Mr. Stevens, that in December he moved his material to Wabasha, and on the 12th day of that month the paper appeared, with Wabasha and Heads at its head as joint places of publication, and it was so published until the spring of 1863, when the name Bead's Landing disappeared from its head. Some time during the year 1861 the issue of a semi-weekly edi- tion was commenced; the exact date cannot now be fixed, as no complete file even of the weekly exists, and not a single copy of the semi-weekly can be found here. It was, however, continued until the close of 1862, and was a very bright, newsy sheet. During the year 1862, U. B. Shaver, now the publisher of the Dodge county "Eepublican," was sole publisher for a few weeks, and Stevens started a paper at Plainview, but it was not a success and he returned, and Shaver and Stevens were joint proprietors up to about April 1, 1864, when Stevens sold his interest to his partner Shaver and moved to Paxton, Illinois, where he has ever since resided. He was highly esteemed here as an honest, upright man, and was thor- oughly identified with the interests of the town and county. Im 1863 he was an alderman from the first ward and was a useful mem- ber of the city council. Under Shaver's management the paper failed to maintain the standing given it by Stevens, and the addition, for a few weeks in the summer of 1864, of R. H. Copeland, familiarly known as "Dick," did not improve matters. August 3, 1865, Shaver sold out to two young men of character and ability, E. W. Gurley and Frank E. Daggett. Both were eager republicans and had served in the Union army, and Daggett had won a lieutenant's commission by gallant service. Gurley was a pleasant writer and did most of the editorial work during the short time he remained connected with the paper, and Daggett, who was an excellent printer, attended to the mechanical department. Mr. Gurley was not in good health and soon retired, and at a later date went south, and is now a resident of North Carolina. Henry W. Eose, the purchaser of Gurley's inter- est, was a writer of very much more than ordinary ability. Under 56 928 HISTORY OF WABASHA COtTNTY. his editorial management the "Herald" was at its best, and was generally regarded as the ablest country paper in Minnesota. About January 1, 1868, Daggett became ambitious of a larger field, and, disposing of his share in the "Herald" to Eose, went to La Crosse and purchased an interest with Lute Taylor in the "Kepub- lican and Leader," of that city. The " Herald " remained under the sole management of Mr. Rose from this time until his death, in April of the same year. Henry W. Hose was a native of "Wyoming count}', New York, and was about thirty years old at the time of his death. He had been carefully educated, was a man of fine literary ability, and developed a rare talent for journalism. There was in him the mak- ing of a great editor if he had lived. For a few weeks during Rose's illness, and after his death, J. K. Arnold had charge of the ofiice ; but Daggett, whose La Crosse enterprise h^d not proved a success, soon returned and purchased the office from Lorenz Ginthner, administrator of Rose's estate, and was sole proprietor until the summer of 1870, when he sold to Amasa T. Sharpe and Willis D. Palmer. At a later date he started the Litchfield " Ledger," and continued its publication until his death in 1880. Frank Daggett was no ordinary man; with no education except that acquired in the com- mon school, supplemented by the knowledge picked up at a com- positor's case, he was yet a very intelligent man, and could, and did, write pithy, pungent English. Long editorial articles were not in his line, but in short paragraphs he was thoroughly at home. He was gifted with a rare fund of wit and humor, and was the life of any company. Though sorely afflicted with increasing obesity (he was only five feet six inches in height, and weighed very nearly two hundred and fifty pounds when a resident here) he was a great worker, accomplishing far more than many men of ordinary size. He was a zealous republican, and an eager, though not alwav'S, or even generally, a prudent politician, and made the "Herald" red- hot in all political campaigns. In the county-seat contest of 1867 he rendered so valuable services to Wabasha, that after the election he was presented with a valuable gold-headed cane by the citizens as a token of regard; he was very proud of the cane, and always car- ried it to the day of his death. Mr. Sharpe, the senior member of the new firm, was a democrat, as became the son of that old wheel- horse of the party. Gen. A. T. Sharpe, and had been appointed mail agent by favor of Senator Daniel S. Norton after he followed THE PEESS OF WABASHA. 929 Andrew Johnson into the democratic ranks ; but Wabasha was still a republican county, and as most of the subscribers to the "Herald" were republicans, he did not think it prudent to change its political course. Palmer was a printer, and had charge of the office ; Sharpe was neither printer nor writer, but he was a shrewd, keen business- man, and soon became an excellent newspaper manager. The lead- ing editorials during the two years following were furnished by John N. Murdoch, a well-known lawyer of Wabasha, and a republican of the straightest sect, and he did not allow the "Herald" to become lukewarm in its politics. Later, in the autumn of 1872, Sharpe and Palmer left Wabasha for Ottawa, Kansas, where they established the Ottawa "Eepublican," which is still conducted as a daily and weekly paper by Mr. Sharpe, who has become a prominent leader in republican circles, and has been very successful in making money. For years past he has been a member of the Kansas State Board of Charities, and he is always prominent in county and state conventions. Palmer remained with him less than a year and then drifted to the Pacific coast. W. S. Walton, the new proprietor of the "Herald," was and is a thoroughly wide-awake man, an educated gentleman, trained to literary work, and under his jurisdiction the paper was kept fully up to its mark, and in some respects surpassed it. Though he is still a resident here, it is not improper to say that he made the "Herald" a better local paper than it had ever been before. It became more than ever an eager advocate of everything which, in the judgment of its editor, could tend in the slightest degree to increase the prosperity of Wabasha. It was filled week after week with articles urging the development of the surrounding country, and never ceased to impress upon the people of Wabasha and the Zumbro valley the importance of a railroad from Wabasha westward ; nor was it in the paper alone that Mr. Walton worked for a railroad up the Zumbro valley ; for that object he used up rean}s almost of paper and boxes of envelopes, and his postage bills were enormous ; for it he traveled far and near, and never rested until his efforts were crowned with success. To the "Herald" and its then editor and proprietor Wabasha is really indebted for inaugurating and putting in motion the move- ment which resulted in building the Midland railroad from Wabasha to Zumbrota. It was his work almost alone, and, as is the fate of most public benefactors, he got more kicks and curses than coppers out of -it. During a part of the time his brother, Mr. H. H. Walton, 930 HISTOEY OF WABASHA COUNTY. was associated with him in the paper, and June 1, 1878, W. L. Lewark, who for several months had been foreman in the office, bought a third interest in the establishment, which he has ever since retained, witii charge of the mechanical department, and the job office. April 1, 1879, Mr. Walton took to the road again in his old business of publisher's agent, W. H. H. Matteson having bought his two-thirds interest in the "Herald."' Matteson and Lewark ran the paper not very successfully for just two years, or until April 1, 1881, when Mr. O. F. Collier purchased from Matteson and assumed the business management, with Mr. Lewark control- ling the types and presses. Undertheir management the " Herald" has been a paying property, and there is no present reason to expect any other changes. Though "O. F. Collier & Co., Editors and Proprietors," appears at the head of the paper, it is understood that the main editorial work for the last three years has been done by John N. Murdoch. The "Herald" has had for ten years past a circulation varying from seven to twelve hundred, the latter being about the present figure. It has always been a good property, and never better than now. There would seem to be no good reason why it may not continue to furnish the weekly news to the grand- children of many of its present subscribers. Perhaps it would not be right to close this sketch without noticing the " Federal Constitu- tion," a democratic journal published for a few weeks in the summer of 1864, by Dr. F. H. Milligan and John W. Tyson ; it was short- lived, had no office, and was printed on the "Herald" press. Wabasha has not been fortunate in democratic papers, but there is one more to notice. In the summer of 1879 one Sigler commenced the publication of the "Bulletin," a paper which under this control devoted its main energies to abusing the best citizens of Wabasha. Sigler had a little type, a poor press, no money and no credit; his paper had a circulation of perhaps two hundred and was a failure from the start. In the latter part of 1880 it passed into the hands of J. K. Pennington, an ex-preacher of the Hardshell Baptist persuasion, and became less vulgar and more dull. Later C. J. Haines ran it for awhile, but grew tired of the uphill job and left for Dakota, where he is doing well as one of the proprietors of the Pierre "Signal." CHAPTEE XO. TOWN OF MIKNEISKA. This township is situated in the southeastern part of Wabasha county, and is bounded as follows : On the north by the town of Greenfield, on the east by the Mississippi river, on the south by Winona county and on the west by the town of Watopa, and is known on the government survey as T. 109 N., of iJ. 9 W. Minneiska is a fractional town, and falls far short of containing the requisite number of sections to constitute a full government township, there being but thirteen complete sections in it, while the eight other parts of sections, which form its eastern boundary, are much curtailed by the course of the river. The first settlement within the limits of what is now known as the town of Minneiska was made as early as 1851, Michael Agnes coming up from St. Louis in August of that year, and building a shanty on the southeast corner, on the river side. Louis Krutely followed the same summer, settling near Agnes. During the same year Charles E. Eeed, of Eeed's Landing, purchased a claim some four miles further up the river. These men only built shanties to shelter themselves while cutting wood for the steamboats that plied up and down the river, and broke no ground for cultivation during their first year. Their mainstay for subsistence was the rod and the rifle, and very often they had nothing but fish and fowl, and con- sidered themselves forttinate if they could occasionally trade their game for some fiour and other necessaries with the stewards of the steamers. Tiie total sale of their wood during the summer did not buy enough food to supply them during the winter, and they had a hard time to pull through until the following spring. Steamboats were not as plenty on the rivers in those days as now, and the ad- vent of a steamer passing at intervals of weeks was a godsend to these hardy men. They used to climb a tree on the island opposite to where now is built the pretty village of Minneiska, commanding a view of the river up and down for several miles, to sight a coming boat, and it was with feelings of anxiety, as their supplies would 932 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. run low, that they would watch for the first sign of smoke or the pant-pant of the steamer. 1852 brought B. C. Baldwin, Abner Tibbetts, B. H. Eeppe and Joseph Schurb, who all took up land on the river bank. A year later John Cook, Albert Pomeroy and others came in, and Reed, Baldwin, Tibbetts and Eeppe laid out their claims into a town site. During the summer a steamer had come to grief and sank just opposite their claims, her pilot-house remaining above water, with her name, " "West Newton," in large letters, so they christened their embryo town West ISTewton, and proceeded, through the agency of speculators in New York and Chicago, to dispose of "city lots." The old settlers, in speaking of these men, dubbed them " land gulls." Elaborate plkns were drawn showingreservationsfor parks, magnificent streets, public buildings, hotels, etc., and a large number of these "city lots " were disposed of. The scene described by some old pioneers would be laughable, if it were not sad, of the landing of a purchaser of a city lot asking for the city, and being pointed to the sunken steamer and the half-dozen shanties on the low shore. Eeed built a store and hotel in 1853, and Eeppe building a store in 1854 ; settlers in the meantime taking up land in which is now the town- ships of Minneiska and Mount Yernon. In 1855 West Newton was doing well. Shanties had multiplied, a tavern, two stores and a sawmill was in operation. A road had been opened to Eochester ; considerable lumber was being cut, and West Newton postoifice was established in 1853, with Wm. Eunnell as postmaster. Everything pointed to prosperity for the city and its promoters, and it looked as if at a very early date the place would become one of considerable importance ; but it turned out to be that the bona fide town was built on as slim a foundation as the one on paper, and retributive justice fell quickly pn West Newton and its projectors. The city had been laid out on the low flat border- ing the river, and the Father of Waters resenting the fraud, as it were, rose it its mighty wrath and swept the city of West Newton out of existence forever. Not a vestige of the place remains, and to this day it is cohered with water. The proprietors moved higher up, but never again attempted to resurrect West Newton. Michael Agnes and Louis Krutely, the two first settlers, were more fortunate in their laying out and planning operations. In 1854 they laid out what is now known as the village of Minneiska, called after the river Minneiska that runs through the township, which is the Indian for white water. TOWN OP MINNEISKA. 933 A sad fate befell Louis Krutely, who was drowned in Buffalo slough, and his body was found some three days afterward by Charles Jacobs. In the same year that the town site was laid out Dr. Ghilds and a few others located here. But very little improvement was made from this time until the year 1856, which date chronicled the arrival of Pliny Putnam, who built a hotel in the fall of the same year. • S. A. Houck commenced mercantile operations the same season, and H. B. Slater opened a store in 1856. The first blacksmith-sliop was built and put in operation by Albert Pomeroy during the year 1855, but he had not remained in the business long when he sold out to Peter Peterrein. The first warehouse was built by Dr. Childs in 1856, and was occupied by Timmerman & Swart in 1857, this being the year that the first grain warehouse was erected in Wabasha county. In 1856 a steam-sawmill was erected by the firm of Biglow & Son, which was continued in operation about four years, when the business was closed up and the machinery removed to Chippewa. As early as the year 1854 the first birth occurred in the town. This was a daughter of Jacob Schurb, christened Mary, born in the month of January. The first marriage was that of Peter Schenk to Mary Leyes. The ceremony took place on July 16, 1856. The first death was that of the wife of John Meyer, which took place in January, 1855. Religious services were held here as early as 1856 by Elder Mallinson. The first school was taught by Miss M. Adams, in the summer of 1858, in a building owned by C. Anderson. No regular school- building was erected until the year 1866. A church edifice was erected by the Eoman Catholics in 1867, costing $1,100. Prior to this date services had been held by that denomination for a period of ten years. Minneiska is a fine brisk business town, containing within its limits two villages, one of which bears the same name as the town, while the other is called Weaver and is situated about three miles northwest of the village of Miimeiska, the latter village being situated in the extreme southeastern corner of the town. Both Minneiska and Weaver are stations on the line of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railway. The village of Minneiska is built on the banks of the Mississippi river, and has one of the finest natural boat-landings to be found on the great "Father of Waters" from Lake Itaska to the Gulf. The village extends for about a mile along the river's 934 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. bank, and contains but one street of any consequence. So abrupt is the ascent of the high bluffs which at this point rise almost from the ' river shore and tower over the village at an altitude of five hundred feet, that it was impossible to do otherwise than confine the limits of the village to this narrow compass. During the winter months the sun, shortly after noon, hides her face behind these steep blufi^s, not to appear again until she peeps over the "Wisconsin hills on the following morning, while during other seasons of the year she is lost to Minneiska at a correspondingly early hour, and it may therefore be truthfully said that in this village " the sun never sets." Following is a list of the first officers of the town of which there is any ofiicial record. They were chosen at a town meeting held at the house of S. C. Brown, on April 5, 1859: A. .Z. Putnam, chair- man of supervisors ; G. E. Kaeding an(i James M. Douglass, super- visors ; Linus Bascom, town clerk ; Linus Bascom, assessor ; Aaron Fox, collector ; Peter Wurstlein, overseer of poor. The present town officers are : Benjamin Jacobson, chairman of supervisors ; J. P. Nepper and A. Koselock, supervisors ; D. H. Ingalls, town clei'k : William McKenney, treasurer ; W. E. Wright, assessor ; D. H. Ingalls and S. P. Jones, justices of the peace ; William Fitzgerald and J. C. Gentzkow, constables. On the morning of January 6, 1884, at ?:30 o'clock, occurred a disastrous fire in the quiet little village of Minneiska, which resulted in the loss of considerable property. The fire was discovered by Nick Eouck, dealer in dry goods and notions, between his store on Main street, known as the Agnes building, and the large elevator of Brooks Bros., the belief being that it originated in the former building, which, besides being occupied as a store and dwelling by Nick Eouck, was also occupied as a dwelling by the Bowman and Agnes families. The night was clear and ejctremely cold, the thermometer regis- tering 30° below zero, with a light wind blowing from the bluffs, and both the Agnes building and the large elevator were soon envel- oped by the fiery element ; the fiames then crossed the street, and, despite every effort of the people, caught on the large three and a half story hotel, owned by Joseph E. Becker, of St. Charles, and managed by John W. Short, and this structure was soon reduced to ashes. Luckily, the fire spread no farther than this on the main street ; twO other buildings, one a warehouse, owned by Brooks Bros., lying northeast of their elevator, and the other an icehouse, lying north of that, were also razed to the ground. THE PIONEERS OF WABASHA COUNTT. 935 Twenty-five thousand bushels of grain were destroyed in the elevator, besides all the machinery, which was very valuable, and other appurtenances. Dr. D. F. Brooks, who, in partnership with Dr. Jas. B. Cole, had an office in the elevator building, lost a valua- ble medical library, while Dr. Cole lost all his surgical instruments, valued at $250, on which there was no insurance. ' Brooks Bros, were insured as follows : Elevajtor building, $3, 500 ; machinery, $500; grain in building, $12,500; Dr. D. F. Brooks, library, $1,500 ; Nick Kouck, on stock, was insured for- $2,500. Mrs. Agnes, on building, was insured for $1,000, and Joseph E. Becker, on the hotel, had insurance to the amount of $1,000. Mr. Short, the hotel proprietor, carried no insurance on his household goods, and, together with the Agnes and Bowman fami- lies, lost nearly everything in this kind of property. Edwin Zim- merman, an employe of Brooks Bros. , lost all his clothes. CHAPTER XCI. THE PIONEERS OF WABASHA COUNTY. One of the pioneers of the northwest was Duncan Graham, who was born in Scotland. He came to this country in the early part of the century, and to Wabasha about 1834. He was engaged for a num- ber of years in carrying the mails between Prairie da Chien and the Red River of the ISTorth. His travels extended throughout most of the northwestern states, and one of the islands in Devil's Lake bears his name. The occasion of his final location at Wabasha was the residence of a daughter at that place, who had married Joseph Buis- son, an Indian trader and voyager, who had .established a trading post at the place as eai'ly as 1832. An interesting item in the history of Wabasha is the naming of the town by Mr. Graham, who wrote the name of the future city and an account of some of the transactions that had taken place here, sealed them up in a glass bottle and buried the same in the ground near the bank of the river. Over the spot he planted a post, which has been seen by some of the early settlers now living, but it is now gone and the exact location is not known. It is supposed, however, 936 HISTORY or wabasi-ia county. to be near the river bank and just back of the First National Bank building. Mr. Graham was an educated gentleman and kept detailed diaries, in one of which he describes the occasion of the burying of the record, as above stated. He resided here until about 1847, when he removed to Mendota, where he died December 5, of above date, at the age of seventy-five years. Joseph Buisson, named above, married the daughter of Mr. Gra- ham, Nancy Lucy Graham, in 1832, and permanently located at Wabasha a few years later. Mr. Buisson was born in Montreal in 1797, and at the time of his location here was engaged in carrying goods from St. Louis to different trading posts on the Upper Miss- issippi. For a number, of years after his location here he was engaged in the Indian trade and farming. He was one of the origi- nal proprietors and owned what is known as Lot No. 4. They had seven children, six of whom are still living. Their names are Harriet Lariviere, Henry, Mary Louise, Antoine, Joseph, Cyprian and Mary Jane. Henry, Joseph and Cyprian still reside in "Wabasha and a^-e engaged in steamboating, all in the capacity of master and pilot. They run the best class of raftboats on the river between Stillwater and St. Louis. Joseph married Mary Elizabeth Stevens, November 22, 1872. They have four children. The names of those living are Clara Louise, Angeline, Ethel and Daniel Shaw. Henry married Emily Lariviere. They have had two children, one of whom is dead, and the other, Hattie, is married. Cyprian married Libbie Stone, daughter of Philo Stone. The elder Joseph Buisson died in 1857, and was buried on the summit of Quarry Hill, just west of the city, where also lies the body of Augustine Eocque, a sketch of whom appears in another part of this work.* His widow, and mother of the family noted, is at this writing seventy-five years of age and enjoying good health, and is a resident of Fort Totten, Dakota. The following extract from the "Wabasha " Journal " of July, 1858, cannot but prove interesting : Joseph Buisson, now deceased, settled at Wabasha in August, 1839. He was born at Prairie Madeleine, Lower Canada, about fifteen miles above Mont- real; he was of French parentage. In the many conversations I have had * Since the writing of the above the remains of Joseph Buisson, Sr., have been removed by his sons, and reinterre'd January 17, 1884, in the Riverside cemetery. THE PIONEEES OF WABASHA COUNTY. 937 with him, I learned much of this country. He came to Minnesota at the age of seventeen, and was in the employ of the American Fur Company for eight years in succession. A man of strong natural sense, but uneducated; audit will readily be supposed the society in a country without the border of civili- zation was not favorable to the formation of correct habits in a young man of the ardent temperament of Monsieur Buisson. He was possessed of an iron constitution ; bold, courageous, quick in his resentments, and ready to conciliate in sincerity. He was social to a great degree, and as a neighbor ever ready to oblige; hospitable to an extent that was injurious to his prosperity, as profli- gate and undeserving shared equally with their betters. The credit of inviting emigration on the Half-breed Tract, and assisting to shelter the new comers, is well known to many of the early settlers, and is vouched for by the writer. Himself, in connection with Oliver Cratte, were the original proprietors of the toM'n. His decease happened on the 10th day of October last — the day of our annual election — at the age of fifty-three years. David Ceatte, city marshal since 1878. David Cratte is the son of Oliver Cratte and the grandson of Duncan Graham, both of v^hom were residents in this part of the northwest during the first quarter of the present century, and of whom frequent mention will be found in the earlier chapters of this history. David Cratte was born near Minnehaha Falls, in this state, March 15, 1837, and came with his father to Cratte's Landing (now Wabasha) when he was between two and three years of 'age, and this place has been virtually his home for the past forty-four years. He was frequently absent from "Wabasha when a child, there being no opportunities for instruction here, and spent someofhis childhood years with the Prescotts at Fort Snelling, and also with ATex. Faribault, an uncle by marriage, at Mendota. He was also with James Wells, another uncle, at what is now Frontenac. During these years until 1845, he was sent to school as opportunity oflfered. In 1846 he returned to Wabasha, and the same fall was sent to Knox College, at Galesburg, Illinois, where he remained four years, and then came home. In 1853 Mr. Crdtte went upon the river as a raft pilot, which occupation he fol- lowed for twenty-six years, — until 1870 as pilot of floating rafts, from 1870 to 1877 piloting raftboats, — his first steamer down the Mississippi being the L. W. Bardin. He retired from the river in the fall of 1 877, and the following spring was made marshal of the city, and so continues. Mr. Cratte's prowess in all athletic sports, and his unusual fleetness of foot and great powers of physical endur- ance, were frequently evidenced in the early days of Wabasha, and mention of them will be found elsewhere. David Cratte married Eliza J. Harrell, February 5, 1858, at Hannibal, Missouri. Their 938 HISTOKY OF WABASHA COUNTY. children are : Ed. D., born January 29, 1859 ; Alfred H., born February 28, 1861 ; Oliver P., born February 17, 1863 ; Wm. T., Mar'eii 29, 1865; Elizabeth F., born August 29, 1868; ISTancyJ., born September 30, 1873 ; Harry D., born March 7, 1877. Chaeles R. Eead, the pioneer independent white settler of Wabasha, county, if not of that portion of the northwest now in- cluded in the territorial limits of Minnesota, was born .in. the parish of Farnsborough, Somersetshire, England, March 20, 1821. In 1832 he came to Canada with his brother's family, spending his first winter in Little York (now Toronto), and the following season locat- ing in the old Niagara district, near the forks of the Chippewa, some forty or fifty miles from its entrance into the Niagara river. From there at sixteen years of age young Read came into the United States. Returned to Canada the following year, 1838, in the army of invasion that crossed the frontiers during the Canadian rebellion of 1837-8. Was taken prisoner, and narrowly escaped hanging. Experiencing the queen's clemency (on account of his youth), he came to the United States ; enlisted in the army for the defense of the southwestern frontier, and was in service in the Indian Territory and Texas until 1841, when he settled at ISTelson's Landing, just opposite Read's Landing (named in his honof), and to which he came three years later, 1 847. The after history of Mr. Read is closely interwoven with that of the locality named for him that it will be found incorporated. Mr. Read had a very early acquaint- ance with public aifairs in this county. • He was the first justice of the peace appointed in this section after the organization of the ter- ritory, receiving his commission from Gov. Ramsey in 1850. He was county commissioner upon the organization of the county in 1853, and held that position either by appointment or election until the year 1S60, serving as the first chairman of the board of super- visors for Pepin township, and st) by virtue of his oflice was county commissioner (virtually). He was major of the 6tli Inf. regt. from 1861-3, and in that capacity was temporarily in command of the defenses on the frontier for some weeks. He was also elected colonel of the 8th regt., state militia. May 3, 1863, but the regiment was soon legislated out of existence. He was married June 7, 1849, at Read's Landing, to Miss Sarah Williamson, by whom he had twelve children, eleven of whom are living. Mrs. Read died January 8, 1879, after a married life of thirty years, which Mr. Read declares to have been to him one of almost unalloyed happiness. The chil- THE PIONEERS OF WABASHA COUNIT. 939 dren now living are : Jane, born June 27, 1851 ; C. P. (the only one married), born November 7, 1853 ; Wm., born June 30, 1857 ; Geo. W., born March 12, 1859 ; Ed. M., born October 10, 1860 ; Emily O., born November 6, J 862 ; H. B., born April 26, 1864; Frank M., born October 14, 1865 ; Silas S., born April 13, 1867 ; Ealph R, born October 13, 1870 ; H. H., born June 20, 1872. Mr. Bead resides on the old homestead, about one mile from the land- ing, on a beautiful elevation overlooking the entire prairie between the Minnesota bluifs and the Mississippi river, as far down as the Zumbrota river, taking in the swell of the bluffs on the Wisconsin shore, and affording a lovely view of Alma, twelve miles distant, at the foot of the twelve-mile bluffs, one of the grandest ranges of cliffs on the upper Mississippi river. F. S. KiOHAEDS, postmaster. Mr. Eichards was born in "Weather- field, Genesse county, April 21, 1822, and came west with her father's family, who settled at Prairie du Chien as early as 1836. In their journey to the Mississippi they passed the present site of Chicago, tlien a growing village, and Mr. Richards recalls earning some money picking up the roots and chips of those who were grub- bing where the proudest city west of the Alleghenies now stands. In 1850 Mr. F. S. Richards, then twenty-eight years of age, came up the Mississippi river with a large stock of general merchandise, having a United States license to open trade with the Indians, and settled at Read's Landing. His store was on what is now railway property, very near the northeast corner of Water and Richards streets. Business was successfully conducted until the financial crash of 1858 swept him off his feet and ruined him financially. Since then Mr. Richards was variously employed until 1870 in business — from 1860 to 1868 at Downsville, Wisconsin — since 1870 principally farming, cutting grass on the bottom lands, taking out cordwood, etc., until he received his second appointment as post- master at Read's Landing. (See article on postoflice). He was the first village president upon the incorporation of Read's Landing in 1868, and at all times, during his residence of over a third of a century, has taken an intelligent interest in public affairs. Mr. Richards married Miss C. A. Moses, November 5, 1850, in Grant county, Wisconsin. They have six children, five of whom are residents of Read's Landing : Ida, born March 15, 1856 ; Walter B., born June 22, 1858; Lloyd S., born October 23, 1860; Emma May, born October 4, 1864 ; Ruth D., born April 6, 1867 ; Grace, born April 3, 1869. 940 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTT. Francis Talbot, dealer in hides, furs and peltries ; office on Alle- gheny street, south of Main. This business was established here in 1858, live years after Mr. Talbott came to this city as clerk for Mr. Alexis Bailly, in the Indian trade ; so that his residence here dates from 1863, a period of fully thirty years. Mr. Talbot was born in 1835, at Stonehall, County Westmeath, Ireland, where he received a good common English education, a tutor being employed in his instruction until his fourteenth year, when he came to- America, arriving at New York in 1849. Coming to Chicago, he was engaged in clerking there for John H. Kinzie, son of the founder of that city, from whom, in 1853, he brought letters of introduction to Mr. Alexis Bailly, who was engaged in trade with the natives at this point. Three years later, in 1856, he bought out Mr. Bailly's stock and engaged in general merchandise for himself, until, with thousands of others, he went under in the great financial crash of 1858. For some time Mr. Talbott was not engaged in business, and since 1858 has only been conducting general merchandising about six years, part of that time in company with Mr. B. Eddy, during his connection with general business here, other than furs, hides and peltries, in 1870. He owns one of the principal corners in the city, at the intersection of Main and Allegheny streets, fronting eighty feet on Main and one hundred and forty on Allegheny. Mr. Talbot has never married. His early association with the natives, in the conduct of trade, led him to take a very deep interest in all the his- torical legends and landmarks of the early French and aborigines occupants of this territory. For the past eight or ten years he has been quite constantly engaged in collecting data for some future his- torian who should attempt the narration of the early story of this region. This matter has been placed in the hands of the compilers of this History of Wabasha County, who gratefully record their appreciation of the services thus rendered by Mr. Talbot. F. H. Milligan, M.D. ; oiiice and consulting rooms corner of Main and Pembroke streets. Dr. F. H. Milligan was born in Phila- delphia, December 8, 1830, removed to St. Louis with his parents in 1835, completed his course in the high school of the latter city in 1846, and subsequently entered Jefferson Medical College, Phila- delphia, graduating M.D. in 1851. The class of that year contained many names that have become eminent in the medical profession ; among whom may be mentioned Dr. Thomas A. Turner, Dr. Fleet, surgeon U. S. N., and Dr. James A. Meigs, who has a national THE PIONEEES OF WABASHA COtTNTY. 941 reputation as a medical author. Dr. Milligan immediately located for practice in St. Louis, was in that citj' for two years, and then removed to this place September 1, 1853, where he has now been prac- tising his profession a little over thirty years. With the exception of Dr. John H. Murphy, of St. Paul, Dr. Milligan has practiced medicine more years in this state than any other physician now living. The doctor was the original president of the "Wabasha County Medical Society, assisted at the organization of the State Medical Society in 1868, and was centennial president of the State Society, holding office from February, 1876, to June, 1877. As president of the society in 1877, Dr. Milligan urged upon that body the importance of securing the passage of a state pharmacy law, prohibiting all druggists and apothecaries, who could not pass a prescribed pharmaceutical examination, from dispensing medicines. The recommendation was acted upon by the State Medical Society, and a committee presented the matter to the state legislature only to have it slaughtered in committee-room. When the doctor located for practice in Wabasha his circuit rivaled that of the historic " Methodist circuit rider," extending southward to the Iowa line, eastward to Chippewa Falls, west to Faribault, and northward toward Ked Wing. It was thnee years later before any other physician located within the present county limits. Dr. Milligan was commissioned assistant surgeon of the 3d Minn. Inf., October 16, 1861, and served until April of the following year, when he resigned and returned home. In December, 1864, he was again in the service, holding commission as assistant surgeon in the 10th Minn. Inf., and remained with that command until it was mustered out at the close of the war, when he returned home and resumed his active practice. Dr. F. H. Milligan in 1853 married Miss Lucy Ann, second daughter of Alexis Bailly, of this city, who died in 1865, leaving no children. Mayl, 1866, the doctor married Miss S. D. Abrams, of Steubenville, Ohio. They have had four children, two only of whom are living, Dora B., born December 19, 1868, and Wm. Francis, born October 15, 1870. The family residence is on the bank of the Mississippi, just above the city, within the corporate limits, in what is here known as the old Judge Van Dyke homestead. Charles J. Stauff, clerk of the district court of the third judicial district of Minnesota, a position he has now held by successive re-election since 1869, is a native of Germany. Attended school there until he was eleven years of age, when he came to America 942 HISTOKY OF WABASHA COUNTY. with his father's family, who settled in Greenfield township, in this county, on the farm now owned by George Albertson. The date of their arrival at Bead's Landing, Wabasha county, was June 20, 1854. Charles was still living on the old home farm when the war broke out in 1861, and on the 13th of February of the following year he enlisted in the 5th Minn. Inf. regt., followed the fortunes of that command until the close of the war, and, having successively promoted through all the intermediate grades, was mustered out as first lieutenant September 27, 1865. Eeturning to the old homestead he remained one year, then came to Wabasha and was clerk in the general merchandising house of Prindle, Mullen & Co. untiL 1869, when he was nominated and elected clerk of the court, and still holds that office, his present term expiring in 1886. October 27, 1869, Mr. StauflF married Miss M. I. Durand, of Cook's valley, in this county. They have one son, Homer C, born December 25, 1874, and now attending school in this city. G. H. Amerland, farmer, N.W. i of Sec. 10, E. 10 of T. 110. This farm was taken as a homestead May 22, 1854, the old log house, still standing in good repair, was erected that same season and did duty as the family residence twenty-two years, when the present comfortable briSk structure was put up. The farm now embraces two hundred acres. His barns were built in 1873, his granary and wagon-sheds in 1883. Mr. Amerland was born in Germany, came to America in 1846 and settled in New Orleans, and was there until 1851 ; then came up the river to Illinois, and, after spending two years there, came to Minnesota, to Point Douglas, and made a claim which he did not perfect. That same fall, 1853, he went to New Orleans to meet his brother, who had just come over from Europe, and in the following spring they made their claims on the prairie just east of the present corporate limits of Wabasha. September 3, 1856, G. H. Amerland married Christine Frank. Their children are : Mary, born September 13, 1857 ; Emma, born November 20, 1858 ; Lucy, born September 22, 1861 ; Kate, born December 1, 1862 ; William H., bom July 20, 1867, now attending high school at Wabasha. Oliver Nelson came to Wabasha county in 18?4, and was probably the first settler in Highland township. He was born in Norway January 27, 1835. His parents were Nels and Anna (Oliverson) Olson ; Oliver, according to the custom of his native country, taking the given name of his father and appending thereto LUGAS KUEHN. THE PIONEEES OF 'WABASHA COTJNTT. 943 the sxiflSx son for his surname. He was fifteen when he came with his parents to America. The family first settled near Madison, "Wisconsin, and remained two years. In 1852 removed to Decorah, Iowa, coming from there to Wabasha county in 1854. The subject of this sketch was married to Isabella Hulgerson in 1866. She died October 28, 1868, and two years thereafter he again married, this time to Mary Ann Halverson, also a native of Norway. Mr. Nelson is the father of a numerous family ; of those born to the first wife only three survive, namely, Nicholas, Mary Christina and Anton C. ; of the second marriage there are living, John Henry, Albert, Otis, Joseph, Alfred and Cyrus. In 1855 Mr. Nelson pre-empted the farm on which he now resides, one hundred and sixty acres on section 32, to which he has added, by purchase, forty acres. The first year of his sojourn in "Wabasha county he went to mill twice, to Decorah, Iowa, a distance of one hundred miles, and the nearest neighbors were ten or twelve miles distant. Mr. Nelson is a mem- ber of the Methodist church and votes the republican ticket. Abnee Dwelle, retired farmer, one of the founders and the pioneer settler of Lake City, was born in : Greenwich, New York, January 2, 1805. His grandfather and father bore the same name — the former was a. sea-captain — and both served through the revolutionary war. They were of Massachusetts birth. The mother of this subject was Miriam Martin, of New York -birth. Her son, of whom we write, passed his youth on a farm, attending the primitive common schools about three months during the winter till eighteen years old. He then entered a woolen carding and spinning establishment, and continued in this kind of occupation sixteen years. January 8, 1829, he was united in marriage to Miss Electa C. Lawrence, a native of Onondaga county. In 3 837 he went to Kalamazoo county, Michigan, and cleared a farm in Texas township. Here he remained until his removal to Wabasha county in 1854. Ten years after his location in Michigan, death took away his faithful helpmeet. She was the mother of nine children, of whom seven survived her and are still living, all save one in, this state. The eldest and youngest, Carrie M. and Jennie, reside with their father. The eldest son, Elijah, is at Pittsbury, G. M., Henry and Thomas L. are in Lake City, and Albert A. in Chicago. Februai-y 17, 1849, Mr. Dwelle espoused Zilpha Knapp,-born in Chase, New York. Since the time of his settlement here he has dwelt on the same spot. He purchased half-breed scrip and secured 57 944 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. three quarter-sections of land for himself and sons, on sections 4, : and 9. His residence is on 4, within a rod of the site of the origins log cabin. In partnership with Samuel Doughty and Abner Tit betts, he platted the city in 1856, and has sold off a portion of hi estate in town lots. He still retains a handsome farm on the oul skirts of the city, and takes a deep interest in both rural and cit; affairs. Although seventy-nine years of age, he walks erect, with out a cane, and is in the full enjoyment of all his faculties. Everi day, summer or winter, rain or shine, he may be seen on the streeti of the beautiful city which he founded. His last birthday annivei sary was celebrated at his home by a family reunion, at which wen present children and grandchildren, to the number of nearly j score. During his residence in Michigan Mr. Dwelle was an active member in the Congregational church, and earned the title of Dea con, by which he has ever since been known. He is now a firn believer in the Spiritualistic faith. Politically he was a whig anc abolitionist, and is a republican. Thomas L. Dwelle, fourth son of Abner Dwelle, was born ii Michigan, September 12, 1840, and was therefore nearly fourteei years of age when he came with his father to the site of Lake City, Immediately after the attack on Fort Sumter he enlisted in the three months service of the United States. As soon as his time expired he was enrolled in Co. I, 1st Minn. Vols., and served in the armj of the Potomac. At the battle of Ball's Bluff he received a buUei wound through the right shoulder, by which he was disabled, anc was discharged in February, 1862. Eetuming to Lake City he hai ever since been occupied in the management of his farm. He no'w has over two hundred acres, part of his farm being within the citj limits, where he resides. He is now doing a profitable business ii supplying the city with milk. In October, 1877, he married LauK M. Sears, who was born in Caledonia, Wisconsin. Mrs> D. is i daughter of William Sears, who was born in New York. One child, a daughter, was born to Mr. and Mrs. Dwelle April 29, 1880, and christened Addie Pearl. William McCeaoken is the first man who made any improve ments in Glasgow township ; he was born in Scotland, August 15 1815, which was the last day of the great battle of Waterloo. Th( last of the old family died a few months ago at the advanced age o ninety-six years. Mr. McCracken landed at St. Johns, New Bruns wick, April 1, 1841 ; from there he went to Canada and lived then IBE PIONEEES OF WABASHA COUNTY. 945 or twelve years, and came from there to Glasgow township June 7, 855. He first lived in an old house near where his house now tands. He was united in marriage, March 24, 1847, in New York. Lflter getting ready to be married the minister they called on to marry hem had no license to marry them in Canada, so they crossed over he river into New York and were married. His wife's maiden name rasMagdaline Scott, a native of the State of Ohio, of Scotch descent. )f the five children of this union but two of them are living. The sldest is Ann, who is the wife of William Jacobs ; have three chil- Iren and live in "West Albany township. Hannah married James Tray ; have two children and live in "West Albany township. Mr. ilcCracken's wife died June 14, 1857, and was married to Hannah Tacobs in October, 1860 ; she was a native of Germany. Nine hildren have been the fruits of this union ; six of them still living : ifinnie, "William, Margaret, Jennie, John and Eobert. Mr. Mc- >acken has a farm of two hundred and forty acres, where he lives, md three hundred and twenty acres in a prairie farm. The narrow- jange railroad runs through his home place, the cars of which ran )ver and killed one of his children (Mary) a few years ago. Edward B. Mtjeeay was born in County Down, Ireland, in 1818. lis parents were "Edward B. and Margaret Murray. He came to bnerica in 1853 ; worked successively in bleaching at Falls Eiver, klassachusetts, in wagon-shop at Montreal, Canada, and two years 18 a house-cai-penter in Bramford, Canada ; by trade he was a ship- arpenter. He came to "Wabasha county in 1855 ; having a few Lundred dollars, he bought some town lots in Wabasha ; erected a louse and resided there until 1857, when he removed to Highland ownship and pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres on section 4. He now owns a farm on section 16 in the same town- hip, on which he resides. He received a good common school ducation. The farm on which his parents lived in Ireland had leen in the possession of the Murray family for five hundred years, ir. Murray married in Ireland in 1851 to Margaret Bartley, by ?hom he had five children, viz : William, Daniel, John, Patrick and f aggy. Daniel is the only one at home, the three youngest resid- Qg with their mother in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and William 3 a dealer in agricultural implements at Minneapolis. Obville D. Foed was born in the town of Lebanon, Madison ounty, New York, where he received a common school education and ved till September, 1855, when he came to Mazeppa; here he pre-emp- 946 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. ted one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 30 ; subsequently he bought three eighties and settled on the south half pf section 6, where he still lives. He and his father Joseph platted the village of Mazeppa, including the water-power, which is furnished by the north branch of the Zumbro. This land was bought by. the Fords of Judge Welch, of Eedwing, who owned it under original patent. O. D. Ford sold a number of town lots from his purchase of three eighties, and now has about three hundred acres left of valuable lands. In 18T3, in connection with his son Edward L., he estab- lished a boot and shoe store under the firm name of E. L. Ford & Co., and whith name still continues. At first the trade was small, but increased from year to year, and in order to keep pace with the growth of business and the demands of their customers they have enlarged their space and added to their stock till it now comprises a full line of dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes, hats and caps, and clothing, etc., and are doing a good business. Mr. Ford has always taken a lively interest in the growth and welfare of his town and has had much to do toward shaping its destiny. He was at one time engaged in milling, he and his associate having built and operated the first merchant mill in Mazeppa. In 1880 he sold his interest in the mill and retired from the business. He was the first president of the village council after its organization in 1856, and held the oflBce of register of deeds for Wabasha county for five years. In 1858 he was elected to represent his district in the legislature of Minnesota and served till 1861, when his services were alike credit- able to himself and acceptable to his constituents. Joseph Foed, the father of O. D. Ford, was born in Delaware county, New York. His father was a cloth-dresser, of whom he learned the business, and afterward moved to Madison county, Ifew York, where he established and carried on the same business fof a number of years, when he turned his attention to farming, at which he continued till 1855, when he came to Mazeppa, arriving in the fall of 1855. He at once pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres of land in the north half of section 6,. which he improved and for a ■ number of years carried on farming operations, supervising in per- son his entire business till he was about eighty years of age, when his son, O. D. Ford, attended to his business up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1882, he being at the time about eighty- three years old. As a friend and neighbor he was greatly esteemed by all who knew him ; in intercourse he was urbane and genial ; his THE PIONEERS OF WABASHA COUNTY. 947 tivictions were strong but siBcere, and his reputation for probity d fair-dealing was above reproach ; his daily line of conduct did mor to his community, his country and his Creator, and is well- )rthy the emulation of all mankind. E. L. FoED, of the firm of E. L. Ford & Co., general merchants, IS born in Madison county, State of New York, in 1851. When ar years of age he came with his parents to Mazeppa, where he ew to manhood, meantime obtaining the rudiments of an educa- )n in the school of the village. From here he went to the State niversity of Minnesota for two or three years, after which he took Murse at the Commercial College of Minneapolis, from which he aduated. On returtoing home in 1873 he and his father established boot and shoe store under the firm name of E. L. Ford & Co. At st the trade was small, but, being handled with skill and executive lUity, it has grown to large proportions ; additions in space anti. 30 in variety of goods have been added from time to time till it is »w large and comprises a full line of dry goods, boots and shoes, its and caps, clothing, crockery, queensware, etc. etc. Mr. E. L. )rd is still a young man, but nevertheless has exhibited in his isiness career capacity and the elements of success, which do him eat credit. G. Maxwell, contractor and builder, and agent for DeLong & )., lumber dealers, was born in Franklin county, Massachusetts, agust 20, 1829. He acquired a limited education at the common lools, and was apprenticed to the carpenter's trade. Much of his are time was devoted to the study of mathematics and civil gineering. After learning his trade he worked at it till he was enty-eight years of age, when, in the spring of 1855 he came to azeppa and pre-empted a quarter-section of land in section 29, in 3 town of Chester, a short distance from Mazeppa. After working 3 land for a few years he traded it for property in Mazeppa, where has since resided, and carried on the business of contractor and ilder, having erected the greater and finer part of the village, jluding some four or five churches. In connection with his build- ; operations he and his brother, E. F. Maxwell, run a lumber rd, dealing in such lumber as was in demand, also sash, doors, nds, building-paper, etc. On the opening of the railroad to this int in 1877 they sold out their lumber business to DeLong & Co., • whom he has since acted as agent. In Chester he was town sasurer two or three terms. He has been county commissioner. 948 HISTOET OF WABASHA CO0NTT, and several times town supervisor for JVTazeppa. He was the first justice of the peace in Mazeppa and served two terms, and was the first treasurer of the village. In 1877 he was elected to the legis- lature and served one term. L. GrNTHNEE, merchant tailor, and dealer in ready-made clothing and gents' furnishing goods, south side Main, midway between Allegheny and Pembroke streets. Property fronts twenty feet on Main street, and has a depth of sixty feet. This business was estab- lished, as a tailoring establishment, by Mr. Ginthner in 1856, and the ready-made clothing department was added eight years later. Business has been conducted continuously since its establishment twenty-eight years since. Two hands are employed in the manufac- turing department. Mr. Ginthner is a native of Baden, Germany, learned his trade as clothier there, came to America in 1852, and after three years, spent principally in the Middle States, came to Wabasha August, 1855. His present store-building was built in THE PIONEEES OF WABASHA COUNTY. 949 ' ; his residence, the finest in the city, corner Allegheny and d, was built in 1882. It is a modern two-story brick, solid stone ment, sills and caps, plate-glass windows, and finished in first-class J throughout. The main L's, two stories in height, are 24x34: and 20x30 feet respectively. Mr. Ginthner was married in \ to Lugerde Nord. They have six children : George, born ember 22, 1858 ; Anton, born April 11, 1860, at work in his 3r's tailoring establishment ; Anne, boi-n April 11, 1862, at le ; Emma, born March 31, 1866, clerk in the postoffice ; Clara, I April 23, 1871 ; Julia, born September 27, 187- both attending Sisters' school in this city. Francis "W". Shaw, son of Oliver and Jane S., was born in New npshire. May 26, 1836. In May, 1855, he came with his parents his state and township. They were hardly settled when the er died, leaving Francis (the eldest son) the responsibility of ag for a large family. Many were the trials and hardships of e early days. Mr. Shaw settled on a farm in section 3, now ed by Isaac York, and there built the first house and dug the well in the western part of Wabasha county. He was married r 4, 1856, to Mary A., daughter of William York, and to them 3 been born two children, William F. and Ethal. In 1861 Mr. w enlisted in Co. C, 4th Minn. Inf., and served three years and en days. He was at the siege and battle of Corinth, Mission ^e, Altona, siege of Yicksburg, and many others. Upon return- to this county he engaged for several years in agricultural suits. In 1878 he opened a general merchandise store at Jarrets, has been doing business there since that time. Mr. Shaw is of the oldest and most enterprising citizens of the county. Benjamin Lawrence was born October 16, 1813, at Freetown, tol county, ten miles east of New Bedford, Massachusetts. He the son of Spencer and Mary P. Lawrence, who, when Benjamin seven years old, moved to Plaihfield, Vermont, in the year 1820. had little opportunity to acquire an education. In reciting poetry ould be difficult to find his match, his memory is so true. At ige of twenty, for four weeks and for the last time in his life, he tided school at Marshfield, Yermont, while working as a farmer, next summer he worked at farming near Bangor, Maine, and Jig the winter in an iron foundry in High street, Providence, ide Island, which he continued for the next two years. In 1837 went to Yan Buren county, Iowa, then part of the territory of 950 HISTOET OF WABASHA COTTNTT. ■Wisconsin. To reach this he started with an emigrating company of Freethinkers, led by Abnon Neeland, editor of the Boston "Inves- tigator." He returned to Montpelier, Vermont, where, through the summer, he worked on a farm, and the following year was em- ployed in Fairbanks (scale) foundry. In 1865, with A. P. Foster and others, he came to Plainview. He left immediately to settle his business in Vermont, and returned for a permanency in October of the same year. His lifetime has been one of continuous hard work, being known to have repeatedly worked drawing stakes, etc., as early as two and three o'clock in the morning. His ambition for business life prompts him now, even in his feeblest moments, at the age of threescore and ten, to entertain prospects and devise plans for building a gristmill, hauling ten thousand feet of lumber, etc. etc. He was the first overseer of the poor by appointment of the board of supervisors, May, 1858. It was Uncle Ben, as he is now styled, who, vidth A. P. Foster, stopped over night May 31, 1855, while prospecting for a settlement, at Mr. Bryant's, in Elgin, six miles west of the town he helped to found. Feaitois Jeeey (deceased) settled in Chester August 18, 1855, taking a claim on section 28. He opened up three farms, and left his widow eighty acres on section 33, where he died July 24, 1874. Mr. Jerry was a native of New York, born July 6, 1814. He was reared on a farm in Canada by an uncle, his parents having died when he was an infant. He served in the United States forces during the Black Hawk war, and afterward settled near Galena, Illinois. He was married there May 2, 1838, to Elizabeth Gris- haber, who was born in Hofiwehr, Baden, Germany, November 15, 1819.' After farming on rented land in Illinois he came to Minne- sota, as above related. He was deranged by a sunstroke in June, 1867, and was entirely helpless during the last three years of his life. Besides his widow, five children were left to mourn him, now located as follows : Francis M., Barron county, Wisconsin ; Basil, in Missouri ; Mary (Mrs. "William Evans), Plum City, "Wisconsin ; Joseph (rendered totally deaf by measles while serving in the 3d Minn. Inf.) with his mother ; Augustus, "Winfield, Montana ; Isa- dore, "Washington Territory. Basil served through the war of the rebellion, and Francis three years in the same struggle. Mr. Jerry was reared a Catholic, but did not adhere to that faith. Geoege Bailet, Zumbro, is one of the most intelligent and sub- stantial farmers of this township. His was the second claim made THE PIONEEES OF WABASHA COUNTY. 951 and the second house built in the tovm. Mr. Bailey is a native of Ireland, born in the parish of Lome, County Tipperary, about .1822. ' He was reared on a farm, and received a fair common school educa- tion. "When about thirty years old he came with his father's family to America, and engaged in farming in Iowa. Here his father died, and he set out to look up a home for the family. He arrived in Zumbro (then Mazeppa) in June, 1855, and located on section 25, where his home has been ever since. He now has two hundred and sixty acres here^ besides twenty acres of timber. On this he has placed large and handsome buildings. He had little means when he came here, and has just reason for pride in the success which his labor has wrought. His religious faith corresponds with that of the Wesleyan Methodists. Politically he is an independent democrat. In the winter of 1859-60 he married Mary Little, born in New York of Scotch parentage. She died in 1864, leaving two children, of whom only one is now living, christened Elizabeth. In 1866-7 he was married to Isabel, a sister of his first wife. Her father was one of the pioneers in the adjoining town of Farmington, Olmsted county. Five children have blessed this union, and are named thuS : Frank, Andrew, John, Kobert and Mabel. Mr. Bailey's parents were Thomas and Jane. The latter came here in 1856, and died in 1864. Benjamin, the eldest son, took land in this town, and died in 1870, without any family. Thomas and Andrew, two other sons, still reside in the town. Oeein Pencille, blacksmith, Zumbro, son of John and Fanny (Jackson) Pencille, was born in Waterloo, province of Ontario, May 28, 1833. His parents were bom, reared and died in the same locality. Up till nine years of age he remained with his family on the farm, and was then apprenticed for twelve years to a blacksmith at Kingston. He had opportunity for limited common school train- ing before and during his apprenticeship. His preceptor was a very severe man, and discharged him at the end of nine years. The cause of this action was young Pencille's interference to rescue a favorite son of his employer from the latter's inhuman flogging for a fancied offense. Pencille at once bought a shop, four miles away, on credit, and at the end of six months had his shop and tools clear, and from that time has followed the calling. He came to Lake City from Canada, in May, 1855, and built a shop at Central Point. In the fall of the same year he took up his residence on a claim on sec- tion 13, which he held over two years, and then sold. Built and 952 HISTOET OF WABASHA COHNTT. operated a shop at Zumbro Falls, which was carried away by the flood of 1859. July 19, 1859, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Dennison, who was bom in Floyd, New York, daughter of Alonzo and Mary (Knox) Dennison. Botii are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Pencille is a consistent republi- can. Has always been active in sustaining and managing the public schools. For the last eighteen years he has dwelt on section 25, where he has operated a blacksmith-shop. He now has two hundred and eighty acres of land in this town, of which one hundred and fifty are under cultivation. Besides this, himself and son are holding half a section of land in Bigstone county under the United States tree cul- ture laws. The family includes five children, two having died in early childhood. The third, IdaM., married Frank Fisher and resides at Castleton, Dakota. The others are at home, their names in order being as follows: WilKam D., Anna L., Grace E. and Kate A. All the family is gifted with musical faculties. In early years Mr. Pencille taught singing schools in the fown, and is now considerably engaged in the sale of organs and other musical instruments. John E. Hyde, retired merchant, is a grandson of Zabdiel Hyde, who commanded a regiment of mjlitia during the defense of New London when it was burned by the British in 1781. William Hyde, father of this subject, was born in Connecticut. Early in life he went to Maine to engage in teaching. Here he met Miss Julia Douglas, another teacher, born within ten miles of his own native place. An attachment sprang up between them and they were married. William Hyde became well known as a newspaper and book publisher, his establishment being located at Portland. Here was born the subject of this sketch, in the year 1819. In infancy he was small and puny, but grew to be strong and rugged, though small in stature, and in early manhood endured great fatigue and extremes of heat and cold. In the early years of his business in Mazeppa he was compelled to depend on neighboring farmers for a team, and could not often get their oxen in winter except on days when it was so cold their owners did not care to be out. On these days Mr. Hyde was accustomed to go after wood, or to Eed Wing after goods. At the same time Mrs. Hyde was not much troubled with customers in his absence, so a double advantage was gained. It grew to be a common remark with the Eed Wing merchants on a cold morning, "Well, I guess Hyde will be in today." Mr. Hyde's early life was passed mostly in Portland, and his education was THE PIONEERS OF WABASHA COUNTY. 953 furnislied by the schools of that city, and high school in Boston. He was filled with a desire to be a farmer and conceived a great liking for stock, especially horses. Great was his delight when he was permitted to spend a winter with an uncle in the eastern part of the state. When but two or three years old he was one day taken to his father's place of business to ride home with him on a horse. When ready to go his father seated him on the horse, and before he could himself mount the youthful Pegasos seized the reins and struck the horse a blow with the whip. The steed at once set off at high speed, but was soon stopped by a crowd of men without any accident to its rider, who experienced none of the alarm which his freak had caused in all the observers. He was kept at school and in his father's store as much as possible to prevent his haunting livery stables. When eighteen years old he engaged at farm labor for very low wages, rather than be confined in his father's business. He continued to follow this pursuit and finally purchased a farm. He also followed lumbering in winter. In 1842, at Paris, Maine, he married Miss Sarah Stowell, a native of that place. Her father, Daniel, was born in Yermont, and Ann Stowell, his wife, was born in Paris. In 1849 Mr. Hyde sold out his property and set out for the west. His funds sufiiced to carry him to Platteville, Wisconsin, where he was employed for some time in a powder-mill. At one time the mill was blown up, but he escaped without injury. In the spring of 1856 he set out for St. Paul, but was induced by a brother- in law to stop ^t Mazeppa. After helping his brother-in-law to build a log structure he went back to Galena, Illinois, and secured a stock of merchandise,' which he brought here with his family in October. He soon bought the store in which he was conducting business, and afterward the store now occupied by E. L. Ford & Co. Here the business was continued till 1872, under the management of Mrs. Hyde, from the early part of 1865. In February of this year Mr. Hyde enlisted at Chicago, in the 156th '111. regt., as a private. He was soon made orderly sergeant, and when his ability as clerk and accountant was discovered, he was made captain's clerk. This regiment was chiefly occupied in chasing guerrillas, and on three different occasions Mr. Hyde went through a forced march of ninety miles in three days in excellent form. In July, at Cleveland, Tennessee, he received a sunstroke, from which he never recovered, and is now unable to walk about without assistance. In religious faith Mr. Hyde coincides with the Congregationalists. He is an 954 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. enthusiastic republican and has always evinced a commendable public spirit. It was largely due to his influence that the Mazeppa sehoolhouse, now inadequate to meet the demands upon it, was built as large as it is. He was town clerk for several years, and nearly , always a member of the village school board while in active life. '^He was the first postmaster at Mazeppa, his commission dating January 2, 1856. He came here in debt and secured his indepen- dence by untiring industry. He claimed a quarter-section of land south of the village, by mortgaging, and afterward redeeming which he was enabled to tide over several mercantile billows. As high as ten dollars was paid by him for one hundred dollars of exchange on Boston. His estate now embraces a large and fine residence and two lots in the village. In partial compensation for his loss of health the United States government pays him a liberal pension. He was one of the most active business men of the town, and his inability is regretted by his fellow citizens. His mind is unaffected and he is an interesting companion despite his impaired hearing. Eleven children were given to Mr. and Mrs. Hyde, of whom nine are living, as follows : Eliza, with parents ; Mary D., teaching, Wilmington, North Carolina; Frank D., Dubuque; Edward S., Zumbro Falls ; Anna M. (Mrs. A. T. Pomeroy), Dubuque ; Julia, teachei-, at home; Ella F., teacher, Minneapolis; Minnesota S. (Mrs. Eugene Ruth), Mazeppa; Lizzie F., teacher, Minneapolis; Joseph W., third child, was killed by a fall from a horse, at nineteen; Willard, the youngest, lived but one year. Geoege Duncan, farmer, is one of the first settlers of Wabasha county, having located land in the township of Mazeppa June 8, 1855. Four years later he sold out and settled on section 28, Ches- ter, where he remained till 1876, when he moved to his present home on section 27, same township. Here he has one hundred and twenty acres, and has a like amount in 26. In 1872 he served against his will as town supervisor, being induced to accept the office on account of receiving a unanimous vote. He has always been a republican. Was reared under Presbyterian teachings, to which he still adheres. Mr. Duncan was born in Kergill parish, Perthshire, Scotland, November 2, 1830. He was reared to fai-m labor, and on passing his majority (March, 1852) set out for America. He spent three years in farm labor in Monroe county, New York, and in the Penn- sylvania pineries, and then came here as above related. He butch- ered and sold the first beef so handled in Mazeppa in the fall 1855. THE PIONEEES OF WABASHA COUNTY. 955 His capital was very limited when he came to this state, and his own toil and sagacity have made' him independent. He was married June, 1858, to Martha A., daughter of Lewis Blunt, one of the pioneers of Mazeppa. After bearing ten children, Mrs. Duncan was taken away by death, March 16, 1875. Of the children eight survive, as follows : Minnie (Mrs. William Lancecum, Fort "Worth, Texas), Cynthia A. (Mrs. H. H. Judd, Chester), George J., San An- tonio, Texas; the rest are at home, Ulysses Grant, "William W., Verona, Stella May and Libbie. "William Wasket (deceased) was among the pioneers of Chester township, where he died in 1872. In May, 1856, he located on sec- tion 32, and fourteen years later exchanged this farm for one on sec- tion 35, on which the remainder of his life was passed. The young- est of his living children, Margaret Y. (now Mrs. James Bennett), resides on the latter farm, which she received by inheritance. Mr. "Waskey was a native of Maryland, and married Harriet Goodwin, of Virginia. While on an Ohio river steamer, moving west, Mrs. Waskey died, and was buried at Covington, Kentucky. The eldest daughter, Mary J., died in Illinois. Two sons, Joseph and William, died here. The eldest living, Sarah, dwells in Missouri. George W. is at SioRx Falls, Dakota, and James M. in Dixon county, Tennessee. Albxandee Wasket, the fourth living son of the above subject, was born within one mile of the natural bridge, in Virginia, August 8, 1843, and was therefore but twelve years old when he arrived in Wabasha county. He was reared on the home farm, and on reach- ing his majority traveled over many different states. Tiring of a wandering life, he returned, June, 1877, to this locality. May 19, 1878, he was united in marriage to Miss Almira Han-ison, daughter of Henry and Maggie Harrison, of Zumbro township. Two chil- dren have been given to Mr. and Mrs. Waskey, thus : Edward Al- exander, June 6, 1881 ; Gussie, July 17, 1883. Mr. Waskey is now settled on a farm in Zumbro and is prospering. Elijah Lont (deceased) was one of the pioneers of Mazeppa, and died in the village March 15, 1878. He was born in Eoot, Montgomery county. New York. About 1842 he moved to Madison ' county, where he married Martha A. Conick. She preceded him to the other shore several years, departing May 4, 1873. Both were Spiritualists, and firm in their faith to the last. Mr. Lont was a farmer, and a man of sterling integrity. His whole life was a tem- 956 HISTOET OF WABASHA C0T7NTY. perance lecture, and he died regretted by all. He becamo a citizen of Mazeppain the fall of 1855, and passed the remainder of his days here. Two children survive him, Stephen O., and Electa, wife of Evander Skillman. Feancis a. Stowell was one of the pioneers of Mazeppa, taking a claim near the village in 1855. He was seven years justice of the peace in Mazeppa. He is a native of Maine, bom in 1818. In 1849 or 1850 he went to Platte ville, Wisconsin, and there married Eunice L. Demming. He became a resident of Minnesota, as «,bove noted, and in 1870 removed from Mazeppa to Lac Qui Parle county, settling on a farm near the village of same name. His eldest child is now a resident of Chester. Besides a son and daughter near Portland, Oregon, six children are with him at home. Albeet D. Stowell, farmer, was born August 5, 1851, and has been a resident of this state since four years old. Until eighteen years of age he attended the Mazeppa schools, and afterward spent a , year and a half at the state university. He is now engaged in farming in Chester township. September 19, 1873, he was united in marriage to Melinda, daughter of T). L. Philley, named elsewhere. His views on theology are as yet unsettled. In public policy he is a republican. Joseph Caswell, carpenter, was the first postmaster at Bear Yalley, having settled in the township, then known by that name (now Chester), in June, 1855. His father, who bore the same name, settled here at the same time. This family is of English descent. Mary Mabie, whom Joseph Caswell, Sr., married, was descended from the early Dutch settlers of New York. The elder Caswell died in Vernon county, "Wisconsin, in 1868. The subject of this para- graph was born March 19, 1826, in Cayuga county, New York. By the time he was ten years old he had dwelt with his parents in four states besides his native one. All his early life was passed on a farm. On August 14, 1851, he married Mary Nicholson, a native of Wis- consin. In 1855 he made a claim on section 26, where he dwelt seven years. In 1864 he removed to Waukee, Iowa, where his home has ever since been. He is the father of nine children. . Clarence, the eldest, is in Worth county, Missouri ; Charles, in Otter Tail county, Minnesota. The rest are at Waukee. Their names are Belle, Jane, John, Herbert, Elsie, Lydia L. and Harriet. Mr. Caswell united successively, as circumstances made most convenient, with the Methodist Episcopal, Baptist and United Brethren churches. He has always been a democrat. THE PIONEERS OF WABASHA COUNTY. 957 Cyeus L. Cas-well, farmer, is a brother of the above subject. He was born April 4, 1831, while his parents dwelt in La Grange county, Indiana. His mother died when he was but seven years old, and he was brought up by Triplett, who was subsequently one of the pioneers of Chester. Messrs. Triplett and Caswell came here at the same time as those above mentioned, and made claims. Mr. Cas- well's was partly on the Half-breed Tract. In 1861 he traded land for the eighty acres on section 27, where his home has been ever since. He still retains sixty acres on section 25, where he first settled. He was elected supervisor in 1868 ; he is a republican. In theological matters he agrees with the Methodists. He was married July 14, 1856, to Margaret Jenkins, a native of England. They have buried three daughters, and have one living, besides three sons. John married Carrie Lewis, and resides in the house with his parents. The others are William, Charles and Mary. John Beichee, one of the numerous well-to-do farmers of High, land, is a native of Luxemburg, Germany, where he was born Jan- uary 5, 1835. His parents were Peter and Susan (Ley) Brucher, (or Bricher), and John was their firstborn of a family of four girls and six boys. He received an education in the common branches. At the age of eighteen he bade farewell to his old home, and leaving his family and old associates behind, came to America. He did farm work near Aurora, Illinois, and in Dubuque county, Iowa, until the fall of 1855, when he came to "Wabasha county, and pre-empted eighty acres on Sec. 35, in the township of Glasgow. In 1860, after having made many improvements on his pioneer farm, he sold it and bought eighty acres in section 2 in Highland, on which he now resides. His farm now consists of two hundred and forty-six acres, one hundred and thirty of which is in a fine state of cultivation. Mr. Bricher's residence is a large two-story brick house ; it was erected at a cost of about $2,500, when building material was cheap in the summer of 1879. Mr. Bricher's matrimonial life dates from May 18, 1861, when he espoused Mary Schearts, born in Bohemia in 1845. A large family of children have been born to this worthy couple : Lizzie, born June 20, 1862 ; Frank, May 2, 1864 ; Joseph, June 5, 1866 ; Elizabeth, April 13, 1868 ; John, August 13, 1870 ; Anna, April 3, 1873 ; Susan, November 8, 1875 ; Nicholas, March 3, 1878; Catherine, July 18, 1880; Christian, May 30, 1883. Joseph clerks in Brucher Bros', store at Hammonds on the Zumbro, of which firm Mr. Bricher is a partner. The family are members of' 958 HISTORY OF WABASHA COTINrr. the Highland Catholic church. Mr. Bricher has taught school sev- eral terms, and has been township assesssor for six years, and at present is a member of the board of supervisors. Patrick M. McIneeney, merchant, Lake City, is a native of Mount Eivers, County Clare, Ireland, and was bom in 1822. His early boyhood was spent on a farm, after which he received a classical education, which was completed by a collegiate course at Ennis, the seat of government in his native county, soon after he received a government appointment as superintendent of public works. These works were suspended in 1848, amd on April 22, 1849, he sailed on the Lady Harvey from Kilrush, on the Shannon, for "New York. This bark was commanded by Capt. Douglass, who sailed her safely into New York harbor on the 27th of the following May. The first position of trust filled by Mr. Mclnemey in this country, was in the Bloomingdale Asylum for the Insane, in the city of New York. This position he resigned in a few months, notwithstanding the many and urgent protestations of Dr. Mckols, who was at that time at the head of that institution, to accept a position as assistant book- keeper for a large wholesale house in New York city. For a short time in 1851 he was connected with the New York & Erie railway, and in 1852 came to Chicago, to take charge of a construction train on the old Chicago & Galena railroad. He subsequently accepted a position on the Illinois Central railway at Freeport, Illinois. Li 1855 he arrived at Pepin, Wisconsin, and there engaged in the transaction of a real-estate business ; was postmaster at Pepin during the administration of James Buchanan, and, upon the organization of the county of Pepin, was appointed clerk of the circuit court for the Eighth judicial district. In the fall of 1874 he removed to Lake City, and the next spring embarked in a general merchandise busi- ness and is now in trade on Centre street. Samuel Doughty, president of Lake City bank, was bom at Eockaway, New York, in 1818. His ancestry on both sides includes the earliest emigrants from England to Long Island. His maternal grandfather, Henry Nelson, served the colonies through the revolutionary war. Samuel and Betsey Doughty, his parents, were born on Long Island. Our subject was reared on a farm, three miles from any schoolhouse, and there were no free schools on Long Island in those days, within eighteen miles of New York city, the commercial and literary metropolis of America at that time. Thanks to a noble mother, his education was not wholly neglected. THE PIONEEES OF WABASHA COtTNTT. 959 e It is a matter of honest pride to Mr. Doughty that, through his earnest and shrewdly-directed efforts, a free school was established in the same district. This was after he had learned the blacksmith's trade and set up a shop at his early home. At fifteen he went to acquire his craft, and began business, as above noted, before twenty. He was soon elected a member of the school board, and took great pains to secure to the youth of the community advantages which he had himself been denied. In 1839 he married Hannah Eider, also a native of Long Island. Thirteen years later he removed to Bloomington, lUinoisfPwhere he continued to operate his craft. In 1855 he came thence to this point, and has been since identified with the growth and progress of Lake City. He became an owner in the town site, and was many years occupied with the care of transfers and other matter, attendant on the upbuilding of a thriving city. In 1874 he assumed his present position as president of the La6e City bank. In regard to matters of theology, Mr. Doughty is a total unbeliever. Politically he was a democrat till a few years before the civil war, and has been a republican ever since. He has four sons. The eldest, Maj. Edward, and the youngest, Frank, reside with their father ; Calvin, at Heron Lake, this state, and J. Cole, in business here. James L. Kimble (deceased) was the first settler in Chester town- ship, where he resided from April, 1855, until his death, which occurred May 9, 1881. He was a son of Nancy Ainsley and Eras- tus Kimble, and was born in Palmyra, Pike county, Pennsylvania, September- 23, 1813. His parents were born in the same town, where their parents had dwelt since the "Wyoming massacre. Up to eighteen years of age Mr. Kimble lived with his parents on the farm where he was born, attending the common schools ; then removed to Marshall, Michigan. Here he was enrolled in the United States service for the Blackhawk war, and served until its close. Returning to Michigan, he was married, November 8, 1836, to Miss Maria J. Benson, daughter of Abijah and Bumeche Benson, all natives of Swanton, Franklin county, Ver- mont. After some years of farming in Michigan, he was com- pelled to move on account of ill health. A year was spent at Joliet, and another at Summit, Illinois, and he then settled at Sheboygan, Wisconsin, tilling a farm there nine years. Here he joined the I.O.O.F., of which he was an enthusiastic member of full degree. In February, 1855, he set out from St. Paul to look up a farming 58 / 960 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. location, and selected one-fourth of section 30, on- which, with a com- panion, he remained three weeks, with a tent for shelter. A tem- porary shanty was put up to hold the claim, and he returned to St. Paul for his family, with which he came on the following April, j^ comfortable log house was then built, but this was long since super seded by a large and handsome frame dwelling. Mr. Kimble was many years a great sufferer from asthma, and was therefore unfitted for the active life for which he was hj nature qualified. He was a staunch democrat, but took no part in public concerns. At the time of his death the estate included two himdred and thirteen acres of land lying on Trout Brook, and most beautifully situated for general farming. Six of the nine children are now living. Emily J., the eldest, died at four years old. De Grove A. served in Co. G, 3d Minn. Yols., and died of wounds received in the battle of Wood Lake. Albert L. served two and one- half years in Hatch's battalion at Fort Abercrombie ; married Ada Martin, and resides with mother on homestead ; has one child, Jennie Albertie. ISTancy B. died at eighteen months old. Sarah J. is now Mrs. L. P. Hudson, dwells at Lake city. Erastus B. at Aberdeen, Dakota ; Ada and Ida, twins (the former married J. L. Phillay), lives in Appleton, this state; latter is Mrs. Hugh K. Bland- ing, at Aberdeen. Charles D., the youngest, is at Aberdeen. Geoege WASHnjGTON JuDD, blacksmith, is a son of Seymour Judd and Abigail Reed, both of whom were born in Lenox, Massa- chusetts. Seymour Judd was a blacksmith, and settled in Smyma,- Chenango county, New York, where his son, George, was bom, February, 28, 1815. When the subject of this sketch was but fifteen years old his father died, and he became largely responsible for the care of the family. He had already worked a great deal in the shop with his father, and continued to follow the trade all his life. When he was seven years old the family had moved to Nel- son, Madison county, and here he remained until 1844, then going to Georgetown, same county. He was married June 28, 1840, to Miss Amanda; daughter of Elisha and Phoebe (Perkins) Emmons, who removed from their native Connecticut to New York, where Mrs. Judd was bom. Mr. Judd became a resident of Wabasha county in the fall of 1855, locating a claim to eighty acres of land in section 31, Chester. He built the first blacksmith -shop in Mazeppa. It stood on land now traversed by the C. M. & St. P. railway, near where Dr. Lout's barn now stands. A room was finished off in one THE PIONEEKS OF WABASHA COUNTY. 961 * end of this building, in which he dwelt with his family for some months. He continued to carry on blacksmithing in Mazeppa till 18Y4, when he rented a farm in Bear Valley, and tilled it three years. At the end of this time he moved on a farm, owned by himself and son, in Pine Island township, adjoining the village. This estate includes one hundred and thirty acres, of which Mr. Judd took eighty in exchange for his claim soon after the latter was taken. He is a member of the Mazeppa masonic lodge; has always espoused the cause of the republican partyf Mr. and Mrs. Judd have three children living, and lost a pair of twins at six weeks old, while in New York. -Lewis, the eldest, has been twice married, and lost both spouses. He was united with Miss Cornelia J. Eus- seU, who died, leaving one child, Kora_Elva,.born November 13, .1866. On the 30th of March, 1868, he married Fannie E. Smith, who. left four children at her death. They were born as follows : George "Wells, February 2, 1869 ; Kittie May, December 20, 1870 ; Franklin E., January 10, 1875 ; Harry Granville, August 28, 1876. Parmelia, second child of G. "W. Judd, was born May 10, 1843 ; is now the wife of Francis M. Brown, Lake City. Eveline E., December 14, 1848 ; married E. M, Woodbury on the 14th of December, 1868, and dwells in Zumbrota township. When Mr. Judd arrived here ; he borrowed money to pay the freight on his goods, but paid it by January following. He is now in indepen- dent circumstances, as the result of his blows with the hammer. * « "'William Wallace Day, liveryman, became a resident of this county in 1855, taking a claim on section 31, Chester, which he owned ten years. His residence has been most of the time in the village of Mazeppa. He has dealt a great deal in horses, and the fall of 1883 is the first in twenty-five in which he has not run a threshing machine. He now owns two and one-half blocks of village Ol property, aside from his residence, and in the fall of 1883 built the handsome livery barn on Walnut street which he occupies for busi- ness. He is a member of the Masonic order ; " has always been a republican ; was three yearselected president of the village board, and is now serviiigTEe^^rth_year as treasurer of the village school funds. His father, Marvin Day, was a Connecticut Presbyterian of the strictest type, and Mr. Day's theological preferences are represented by that sect. Epaphroditus, father of Marvin Day, was also a native of Connecticut. The latter married Eliza Dunham, a native of the same state, and settled on a farm in Madison county,. \\\ 962 HISTOEY OF WABASHA COUNTY. New York, town of the same name, where Wallace Day was bor He was reared on the farm and resided there till he came to Mini] sota. His education was received at what was known as the " Fn Schoolhouse," in his native town. In 1860 he married Eliza Goodell, who was born in Munson, Maine ; her parents, Jose and Cynthia Hitchcock-Goodell, were natives of Westminster, Ye mont. Their second child, Frank, died when two years old. TJ living were born on the dates accompanying their names belov Carrie E., ISTovembei* 9, I860: William Harlan, September 2 1864 ; Ernest Ellsworth, October6, 1868 ; Homer Goodell, Januai 14, 1870 ; Herbert Wallace, August 20, 1873. Frank Waren, tl second-born, died before two years old. William Davis (deceased) was one of the pioneer settlers Chester township, taking a quarter of section 33 as his claim, : June, 1855, and leaving it to his family at his death. May 20, 186' The birth of William Davis and his wife, formerly Amelia I Bishop, took place in Horton, I^ova Scotia, the former in Angus 1796, and the latter February 4, 1799. They were married Decei ber 8, 1818, and shortly moved to New Brunswick and settled on farm. In 1851 went tp Princeton, Illinois, and four years lat came here. Mrs. Davis is still living with her youngest son on tl original claim. Mr. Davis affiliated with the republicans durir his brief citizenship in the United States. The family is of Presb terian training. Five of the twelve children are now living, as fc lows: James A., Atkinson, Nebraska; Amy A., Mrs. Alfred*. Miller, Zumbrota township ; Robert H. , noted below ; Sarah J wife of Samuel Augur, Atkinson ; Miner, on old homestead. RoBEET H. Davis, farmer, became a resident of this county the same time as his parents, as above stated. His farm embrac one hundred and twenty-seven acres, the residence standing on se tion 34. This is part of the claim taken in 1855. His birth occurn January 2, 1833, in St. Martin's parish, New Brunswick. TJ various removals of his father's family since that time describe 1: own. In April, 1858, he married Maria, relict of Charles An strong, and daughter of Benjamin and Sarah Corcer ; she was bo: in Linden, Vermont, in 1827. In February, 1864, Mr. Da\ enlisted in the United States service and was assigned to Bracketl cavalry battalion, serving on the plains until May, 1866. T] youngest three of his children are at home, the others as belc noted : Walter, born November 5, 1848, Atkinson, Nebraski THE PIONEERS OF WABASHA COUNJT. 963 • Sarah, February, 1859, now wife of Thomas Jones, Cavalier, Dakota ; Frederick, December, 1861, same place ; Mary, April, 1864, wife of Philemon Irwin, at Danville, "Wisconsin ; Gladys, March, 1867 ; Frank, March, 1869 ; Georgiana, August, 1871. - William Boatman, one of the pioneers of 1855, was born in Brown county, Ohio, ,on February 2, 1817. His parents were Henry and Eachael (Laenex) Boatman. His early life was spent on a farm in Ripley county, where he received a fair common school education. He worked at the cMjenter trffde for fifteen years in Brown county, Ohio, and three years in Indiana. In 1855 he came in the early spring to Plainview township, where he located a claim on section 11, and was interested with Gen. Sharp, E. B. Eddy, Mr. Geisinger and Mr. Todd in the planning of the shortlived town of Greenville. In 1861 he disposed .of his claim on section 11 and bought out the Geisinger claim on section 10, where he continued to reside for ten years. In 1871 he removed to Wisconsin, and engaged in lumbering,, building a sawmill at Humbird. Here misfortune visited his enterprises in the shape of fire, that twice destroyed his property within a period of five years. He finally sold out his Wisconsin interfests and returned to Plainview. Lucas Kuehn, general merchant, corner Main and AUeghaney streets. Mr. Kuehn has been a resident of the county since 1855, • a resident of the city since 1858, and one of its business men since 1862, at which date he established a bakery, and two years later, abandoning that branch of business, engaged in drygoods trade, which he has now successfully conducted for twenty years. His block, two store-rooms of which are occupied with stock, fronts sixty feet on Main street and eighty feet on Allegheney. It is a solid brick and stone structure, two stories and basement, the upper story occupied for offices, storage, and the composing and editorial rooms of the Wabasha "Herald." He has also a branch store about sixteen miles from the city in Glasgow township. The corner build- ing of the block was erected in 1868, the forty feet on the west in 1874. In 1879 Mr. Kuehn erected the Commercial Hotel corner of Main and Bailly street, which will be more particularly noted elsewhere. He is also president of the Wabasha bank, and in every way, as a liberal and public-spirited citizen, has fully identified him- self with the interests of the city. Mr. Kuehn reports a gratifying increase of trade over that of 1882, sales in his clothing department being twenty-five to fifty per cent, in advance of previous season. 964 _,HISTOET OF WABASHA OOUNTT. • His establishment gives employment to a force of from six to eight clerks, and one wagon for the delivery of goods. He is also engaged in furnishing ties and timber for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railway, his contracts averaging about one thousand dollars per month for the past ten or twelve months. Mr. Kuehn is a native of Baden, Germany, born October 18, 1834, came to America in 1852, and three years later settled in this city. He married Miss Clarrie Genthner, of his native city, born there December 8, 1840. Marriage celebrated in this city November* 30, 1858^ Their children are: Magdalena, bom November 23, 1861; Louisa, July 11, 1866; Emil, JSTovember 27, 1868; Clara, August 16, 1871; -Frank, April 17, 1877. CHAPTEE XCII. PIONEERS — CONTINUED. F. J. Collier, superintendent of the county poorhouse, is a native of New York. At six years of age he came into Lorain county, Ohio, with his father's family, and thirteen years later into Kane county, Illinois. He learned his trade as a cooper, and worked a;t it in Ohio, Illinois and Indiana, until 1855, when he came to Wabasha, and opened a hardware store here, which he carried on for two years. He then purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Cook's Yalley, and farmed it there until 1865, when his health rendering farm work impossible, he returned to this city, was elected justice of the peace and city recorder, which latter office he held until 1878, when he was appointed superintendent of the county poorfarm. His office as justice of the peace he retained until the expiration of his term in 1879. Was nominated and elected to the state legislature in 1870, and was judge of probate for the term ending December 31, 1881. May 9, 1852, Mr. F. J. Collier married Miss Nancy Purcelle, a native of Prescott, Canada. They have five children. W. D. Collier, born July 28, 1854 ; Oliver F., born August 6, 1858 ; George O., born April 8, 1860 ; Elmer, born February 2, 1862 ; Charles H., born December 2, 1865. The boys are residents of the city, unmarried, and with the exception of the two eldest, at home. O. F., the second son, is proprietor of the Wabasha "Herald." PIONEERS. 965 O. F.. CoixiEE, senior member of tlie firm of O. H. Collier & Co., editors and proprietors of the "Wabasha "Herald," is a native of Wabasha county, born on his father's farm in Cook's Yalley, .August 6, 1858. Young Collier received his education in the public schools of this city until he entered the printing-office of W. S. Walton in 1872, with whom he remained until 1866, with the exception of a year at school. He then went to Lake city and for five years was foreman in the office of the Wabasha county " Senti- nel," until 1881, when he purchased the Wabasha "Herald " from Messrs. Matteson and Lewark, which he conducted two years and sold a third interest to one of the old proprietors, W. Lewark, and by them the paper is now published. Mr. Collier is unmarried and quite an enthusiastic sportsman with rod and gun. E. M. ToEK, son of John and Eliza York, was bOrn January 6, 1823, at Webster, Maine. Received his education at the common scoools and spent his youth on the farm. In 1851 he removed to New Hampshire, remaining there till 1855, then can^e to Zumbro township, this county, settling on section 31. He owns two hun- dred acres of land. He has been assessor for some years and supervisor once. His political proclivities are democratic. He married Mary Sinclair, her parents being natives of Maine. They have nine children: Edward N., Jennie L. (deceased), Dora A., now Mrs. Oleson, living at South Troy ; Mintie, Elnora L. , Isaac (deceased), Arthur (deceased), Lora A. and Estella A. William C. Weight, farmer, is a native of I^orfolk county, Eng- land, where he was born March 25, 1827, being the second of six chil- dren born to WiUiam and Ann Wright, the former of whom is still living in England. When our subject was ten years of age he lost his mother, and shortly after took to the sea. So efficient did he prove, that at the age of fourteen he was second mate. His experi- ence as a sailor was mainly in the British coasting trade and the trade with Fraace, though he also made voyages to America. While lying in the harbor of Quebec he sustained a severe injury, which confined him to the hospital six mouths and ended his career as a sailor. The next few years were spent farming in different places in Canada, and in the spring of 1856 he located in West Albany, where he yet lives, being one of its earliest settlers. He was married in Canada October, 1846, to Christina Smith, a native ofKilmarnock, Ayrshire, Scotland, who died September 12, 1869. She was the mother of eleven children, eight of whom are living : 966 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. Mrs. Elizabeth Jennings, of Sack City, Iowa, William H., George L., of Cass county, Wisconsin, Mrs. Susanna O'Conner, of Polk county, Wisconsin, Mrs. Harriet I. Burke, Christina, Jeanette and David. In politics Mr. Wright is independent. He has well improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres, and is a prosperous farmer and a reliable citizen. P. G. DicBMANN, farmer, was born in 1841, in Germany. He is the third son of George C. and Wiebke Dickman, natives of Germany. They came to Cook county, Illinois, when our subject was about twelve years old. In 1856 they came to Oakwood township. In 1861 Mr. Dickman served in the 8th Minn. Vols, for three years on the frontier, in the Bad Lands, and in Schofield's army at Murfreesboro, Kingston, etc. In 1865 he was discharged, and, returning home, took charge of the Old homestead, his father going to Winona. He now has four hundred acres, nearly all improved, of very fine land, with one of the finest residences in Oakwood. He is a member of the Masonic order. He is one of Oakwood's supervisors. He has been a democrat for the last few years. He is one of our most enterprising and intelli- gent citizens. He was married, in 1867, to Annie Schach, native of Germany. They have nine children. Isaac J. Cutter was born in Pennsylvania, November 2, 1829. His parents were both natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. Cutter is a butcher by trade. He moved to Glasgow township in July, 1856, and settled where he now lives. He has a farm of two hundred acres, well improved. A fine wind-engine furnishes him power enough to pump all water for his stock, besides running a small feed- mill. Mr. Cutter has also a steam thresher. He was married, in 1853, to Mary Stowman. Mrs. Cutter has quite an extensive creamery. She sells about three hundred and fifty dollars' worth of butter per annum, besides what they use on the table. Mr. Cutter enlisted in the 2d Minn. Sharpshooters, and was mustered in at St. Paul, in February, 1862. From St. Paul he went first to Wash- ington City, and then down the Potomac river. He was in the battles of Williamsburg, second Bull Kun and Antietam ; was in the battles in front of Eichmond, and was in the seven days' retreat. In the battle of second Bull Run a ball passed through the sleeve of his blouse, and in the battle of Antietam his gun was struck by a ball and broken in two, but he never received a scratch. He was discharged March 5, 1865, at Petersburgh, Virginia. He belongs PIONEEKS. 967 to the "Wapahasa Lodge, No. 14, A.F.A.M., of "Wabasha City, of which lodge he has been a member for twelve years. Mr. Cutter has been coimty commissioner three years. William Loed Cleaveland was born in Royalton, Windsor county, Vermont, December 17, 1814. His father, Jedediah Cleave- land, was of English descent, and his mother, Harriet (Randall) Cleaveland, of Scotch parentage. He acquired a fair common-school education in Vermont by working for his board and attending school winters. He then taught a term or two of school in his native state ; in 1837 came to Ohio and did carpenter work for a year, then went to Clinton, Michigan, where he continued to reside for sixteen years, working at his trade, that of a millwright, and teaching school. From 1854 to 1^56 he followed his trade in Pitts- burgh, Indiana. In the fall of 1856 came to Wabasha county, and the following spring pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres on section 17, in Highland, which land he still owns. He married Lucinda Hooper at Tecumseh, Micliigan, in 1843 ; her death occurred November, 1877. Mr. Cleaveland now has a home with his eldest son, John D., of Highland. The following are his children now living, namely: John D., born in Michigan, June 22, 1875 ; Jen- nette C. «(Mrs. W. H. Phillips), of Winona, September 1, 1847; William E., of Highland, a grocer, November 28, 1849. Mr. Cleaveland piiofesses to be a Spiritualist. He has been a justice of the peace in Highland township continuously, with the exception of three years, since its organization. He was chairman of the first board of supervisors and held that place for three years. He is a charter member of Plainview Lodge, No. 16, I.O.O.F. Geoege W. Caepentee, farmer and thresher, was next to the oldest of a family of four boys and four girls, born to T. P. and Emeline (Webster) Carpenter. He was born in Meadville, Pennsylva- nia, May 16, 1832. While a small child he was adopted into the family of his grandfather Webster, and lived with him on a farm near War- rentown, Pennsylvania, where he attended country school winters till 1846. In the spring of this year he accompanied his grandfather to Mc- Henry county, Illinois, and soon found a home, a well-to-do farmer by the name of Pliny Hay ward, attending school winters and working on the farm summers. January 1, 1855, he espoused Miss Lucy J. Judd, a native of Connecticut. In the spring of 1856 he came to Wabasha county, and located on a quarter-section in Plainview; this farm he cleared and improved, and sold in 1866. He did not engage 968 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. in business again until September, 1870, when he purchased eighty acres on section 35 in Highland, where he now has a comfortable home. He is widely known among the farmers as a -thresher, beiiig the first man who ran a threshing-machine in Greenwood prairie. He is a member of the Methodist church, and also of the Plainview lodge of Odd-Fellows. Mr. Carpenter has been twice married. By his first wife he had three children : Oscar E., a farmer in Big Stone county, Minnesota; Clara A. and Willie H., both living at home. His second wife was the relict of the late George Clark, of Highland, to whom he was married January 21, 1878. Mrs. Clark had at the time of her second marriage two children, namely, "Willie F. Clark and Lucy A. Clark. Matthew Kjnsella, Jr., farmfer, was born August, 1832. When he was about twenty years of age he came to the United States, and settled in Madison county, Illinois. After three years he came to Chip- pewa lumber region, remaining a few years. He then came to his present farm, as one of the earliest settlers of Oakwood township, enduring the hardships of those early days. He liked the wooded region best, and on that account chose his present farm. It contains one hundred and sixty acres, with enough added since his settlement to make seven hundred and forty acres of land — five hundred and forty under cultivation and some woodland. His farm is well im- proved, and one of the best in the township. He. is one of the most devoted mem*bers of the Catholic church, and a leader in public enterprises of value. He has been township treasurer and chair- man of supervisors for a number of years. He has been a' democrat, but is now more independent, and is one of our most infiuential re- liable citizens. He was married (the first in the township) in Sep- tember, 1859, to Catherine Finley, native of Ireland. He has four children. Jas. H. Sandfoed, retired farmer, was born in Topsham, Maine, August 14, 1814. He was kept at school until fifteen years of age, when, shortly after, his father died, when he went to sea, entering the foreign merchant trade. For about twenty-seven years his principal occupation was that of a saUor. Occasionally, however, he would stop at home for a time, and on these occasions he would make a trip or two in some coasting-vessel. He also made several trips into the western wilds in the employ of the fur traders. In 1856 he im- migrated to Minnesota, and settled in the town of Mazeppa, where he pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 29, on PIOHEEES. 969 which he continued to reside up to 1882, when he rented his farm and removed into the village of Mazeppa. Mr. Sandford is full of amus- ing and intereslSng reminiscences of the early days. He saw much of the Indians, as his place was near the Zumbro, which afforded fine camping-grounds, for them, and who frequently called at his house for the purpose of begging. In those days he had to carry his supplies on his back some four miles, and the idea that the lazy Indians had the face to beg of him, when they, knew how he had to pack his provi- sions, was too much for him, so he told his wife, in the hearing of several of them, that he would not give them anything more, where- upon they, seeming to understand, at once left. Shaska, one of the Indians hung for the massacre of settlers, at New Helen, came to his house one day and said he was sick, so Mrs. Sandford offered him a bottle containing No. 6, composed of gum myrrh, brandy and capsi- cum, a very hot, powerful medicine; but Shaska would not take it till Mrs. Sandford assured him by appearing to take some herself, where- upon he raised the bottle to his mouth and gulped down a good dose, before he was aware of how hot it was; it was down, though, and he had to stand it; but his grimaces and antics were amusing for a few moments. It seems the Indian had faith in Mrs. Sand- ford's ability as a doctor, for he repeated the dose for several days, till finally one day he came and said he was all right. On one occa- sion in the winter, when Mr. Sandford was away, a lot of Indians called at his house to warm themselves, leaving their guns outside; finally, when they left, Mrs. Sandford went to the door with her son George, a small boy, when they suddenly drew up their guns and aimed at Mrs. Sandford, who, instead of darting into the house with fear, stood and laughed at them, believing they meant no harm, while her little boy thought it meant business, and was considerably alarmed. Mr. Sandford is now in his declining years, enjoying the fruits of an industrious life as he justly deserves, being the owner of several farms; his means are ample. He has been twice married, and had two sons by his first marriage, one of whom is living. His second wife was Miss Arabella Pierce, of Bath, Maine, by whom he had one son, George, who is postmaster of Mazeppa. J. J. Beatt was born in the State of Massachusetts, in the year 1856. After receiving a good common school education he learned the carpenter trade. He came to this county in 1856, and resided for one year in Lake City, where he built the first mill. In 1857 he removed to this township, and has since given much of his time to 970 HISTOEY OF WABASHA COUNTY. farming. Mr. Beaty enlisted in Co. E, llth Minn. Inf., in 1864, and served until the close of tlie war. The people of the county and township have honored him with many portions of trust, all of which he has filled with credit to himself and general satis- faction to the people. He is at present county surveyor, which position he has held for eight years. Mr. Beaty is a member of the State Grange Association, the Masonic lodge of Lake City, and the Good Templars lodge of Oak Centre. Mr. Beaty was married in 1844, to Mary Snondon, to whom were born twelve children, eleven of whom are living. John Link was born in England, September 21, 1820. In 1864 he came with his family to this country, and settled for three years in Ogle county, Blinois. In the fall of 1866 he came to "Wabasha county, and after taking a claim in Gillford township returned for the winter to Illinois. On April 18, 1857, Mr. Link and family ar- rived at their new home, or rather the place where their home was to be, for there was nothing but the wide fields and the open sky to welcome them. In course of time, patient and persevering toil sur- mounted pioneer difiiculties, for house and barn were soon erected, and the land yielded large crops of grain. Mr. Link iiow owns two hundred acres of tillable, well improved land on section 24, besides other property elsewhere. He was married February 17, 1848, to Margarette Lewis, and five children have been born to them, four of whom are living. Geo. W. Price, farmer and stock-dealer,-came to this county from Ohio, in 1866. He first settled in Hyde Park township, on the farm now owned by Mr. Riley. He removed to Gillford town- ship in 1863, where he has since resided. He was married in 1860, to Elisabeth C. Craig, and five children have been born to them, all of whom are still living. Mr. Price has a farm of one hundred and seventy-six acres on sections 27 and 33, and is all under cultivation. Alvin Kinney, the genial proprietor of the Franklin House, Mazeppa, was born in Otselic, Shenango county. New York State, in December, 1831. He received some schooling at the district school, and commenced early in life making his own way in tlie world by working on a farm by the month. The season of 1854 found him in Sangamon county, Illinois, where, in the fall of that year, he hired out to Edwards & Felt, at twenty dollars a month and board, to feed stock through the winter, with the understanding that when the cattle were shipped the following spring, if he desired PIONEERS. 971 he could go along as far as Albany at the same pay. The com for the stock was bought of neighboring farmers, and he had to haul it and feed one hundAd head daily. When the stock was shipped in the spring he went through to Albany, and from there he returned as far as Dtica, from which place he proceeded to his home, where he hired out on a farm at which he continued for a couple of years. At about that time a great emigration was going on,* and mostly to Minnesota. He had had no tliought of Minnesota, as it had been his intention to return to Illinois ; but, being in company of several of his acquaintances one Fric^y evening, who were to start on the following Monday, he became enthused and decided that night to accompany them. Accordingly, the next morning, he acquainted his father of his determination, who remarked that he thought it might be a good idea. The company came by rail to Dunlieth, Iowa, and from there by steamboat to Ked Wing, and from there to Mazeppa he came on foot, arriving at Mazeppa in the spring of 1856. Here he pre-empted a quarter-section of land, proving up his claim, and subsequently bought up the claim of another man. In the fall of 1856 he went to Winona to take out his patent on his claim, but found the expenses greater than he had calculated on. An acquaintance, named Jost. Smith, was along with him, and when their business was completed they took passage by boat to Red Wing. On arriving there in the evening, they both discovered that they were without money ; this situation required the exercise of financial ability, so they resolved themselves into a committee to provide ways and means. They were too much American to beg, and too good to steal, so the committee soon decided that their only chance was to either walk all night or sleep out. But, it being late in the fall and too cold for that, it was not to be thought of. The night was dark, but on hunting around they found an old shed, with nothing in it but a cutter. Here they took up their lodging, one sitting for awhile in the cutter while the other walked up and down to keep warm. At the first intimation of approaching day they started on foot for home, but had gone only about seven miles when Mr. Kinney discovered in his overcoat pocket seventy-five cents, which, had it been found the evening before, would have been suffi- cient to procure comfortable lodgings. In those days prairie fires occurred every year, burning over the surface of the whole country and leaving it perfectly black, giving it a desolate and somber appearance. On going to Eed Wing on foot, shortly after one of 972 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. these fires, he saw in the distance some strange object that appeared to be moving, but which he could not make out. He had not long to wait, however, as he soon discovered that the sts|»ge object was a party of Indians moving with their families and household goods. Here he witnessed for the first time what appeared to him the most crude yet novel mode of transportation ; two poles, fiLfteen or twenty feet in length, were fastened one on each side of a pony by one end, while the other end dragged on the ground. On these poles, behind the pony, was piled the truck, which he partly carried and partly dragged on the ground.. Here, he thought, was dis- played the inventive faculty which indicates progression. In 1873 he traded farm property for the Franklin House, which he has con- tinued to run. He has been deputy sheriff two terms. In April, 1857, he was married to Miss Adeline Hutchins, then of Mazeppa, but formerly of Shenango county, New York State. They lost their only child. H. C. "Wilcox, captain and joint owner with W. P. Dugan of the steamer Lion, carrying passengers, freight and mails between this port and Alma, Wisconsin. The Lion was built here by Capt. "Wilcox, in the winter of 1876-7, and started running upon the opening of navigation in the spring ot 1877. She is a small, trim- built sternwheeler, 110 feet over all, 16 feet beam and three feet hold. Her wheel is 13f feet in diameter, with 11 feet buckets ; her engines, 62-inch stroke, 8^inch diameter, and she easily attains a speed of ten to twelve miles an hour against the ordinary Missis- sippi current, and can make from fifteen to eighteen miles an hour down stream. She cost complete about five thousand dollars, and is under regular contract with the United States government to carry mails from this city to Alma, "Wisconsin, and also delivers a special mail at the offices of the Mississippi and Beef Slough Log- ging Company, at the mouth of the Beef Slough, across the river, and a few miles down stream from this point. She makes three round trips daily, Sundays excepted, between this place and Alma, and triweekly night trips to the mouth of the Chippewa river, tow- ing rafts. Her crew consists of Capt. Wilcox, Henry Lashpell, pilot; Wm. Worthington, engineer, and two hands. Capt. H. C. Wilcox is a native of Jefferson county, New York, a practical engi- neer and miller by trade, having acquired his knowledge of these industries under his father's direction, who was engaged in the mill- ing business at the old home in Jefferson county. Leaving home PIONEERS. 973 Mr. Wilcox came west, and was employed as a railroad engineer on the line of the Illinois Central, before coming to this place in 1856. From 1860-3 be was in charge of the milling establishment of W. W. Prindle at this place. Since 1863 the captain has been princi- pally engaged in river business ; as engineer until 1876, when he put the little steamer Comet into the carrying trade between this port and Alma, to be followed by the larger and better Lion, which he built the following wiijter, as before noted. Capt. "Wilcox married Adelaide Goodell, December 11, 1855, at Lawrence, Michi- gan. They have six children, all living at home. Helen, July 20, 1868; Hattie, June 4, 1864; Francis M., September 10, 1871; Carrie, August 16, 1873 ; Harrie, July 24, 1878 ; Albert, December 29, 1880. The captain resides at the corner of Second and Lafay- ette streets, on the same property purchased by him in 1862, and which has been the family residence for over twenty-one years. He has just completed and taken possession of his new house, a very comfortable and substantial, frame dwelling, two stories in height, the main building 24X32 feet, with a wing 16x20, and a one-story addition, 16x20. M. Kennedy, manufacturer and dealer in boots and shoes, also in hats, caps and gloves, on Main street, one door west from corner of Pembroke street, Herschy's block. This business was established by Mr. Kennedy in 1866, and with the exception of one year, 1861, has been continued to the present, a period altogether of twenty-six years. The house gives employment to two persons. Mr. Kennedy is a native of St. Andrews, Province of Quebec, Dominion of Canada. He learned his trade as shoemaker in his native town, and came direct from the Dominion to Wabasha in 1856. M. Ken- nedy is one of the pillars of the Congregational church in this city, a member of the board of trustees, and for seventeen years has been superintendent of its Sunday-school. He is unmarried, and one of the most universally respected men in the city. J. H. Evans, county commissioner for district "No. 4, embracing townships of Greenfield, Glasgow, and the city of Wabasha ; is of Welsh descent, a native of Cambria county, Pennsylvania, and had learned the trade of compositor before coming to Wabasha, in April, 1856, at which time he was eighteen years of age. He had also . acquired a knowledge of the plasterer's trade, and after coming to this city followed that and type-setting for some years, his last winter at the case being 1866. His first contracts were taken at 974 HISTOKY OF WABASHA COUNTY. nineteen years of age, the second year that he spent in this city. In 1857 he commenced work as a mason with his hrother-in-law, N. B. Lutz, and was in partnership with him until ,that gentleman removed to Lake City, in 1864. Since then Mr. Evans has been actively engaged in working at his trade, contracting for the erec- tion of buildings, either alone or in company with others, superin- tending his farms, attending to county business, and in such other occupations as his personal inclinations or the public business demanded. He owns a farm of three hundred acres in sections 3 and 4, township 110 and 111, and ranges 10 and 11, and an undivided half in a tract of one hundred and sixty acres, owned by the stock firm of Evans & Penny. His residence on Second street, just north of the public school building, was erected by him in 1862 and has been the home of the family for the past twenty-one years. His oflBcial services rendered the city and county have extended through the greater part of the past twenty years, since his first election as alderman in 1862. He has been mayor of the city three years of that time, alderman of his ward four years, and is now serving his seventh year as county commissioner for his district. October 29, 1860, Mr. Evans married Miss Sara Duhamel, a resident of this city since 1857. Their children are : Maggie, bom June 30, 1864 ; Mamie, born January 12, 1866 ; Harry, bdrn November 15, 1869 ; William, born December 18, 1871 ; Fannie, bom March 3, 1877. E. E. Steaens, city recorder and justice of the peace, was elected to these offices in the spring of 1880, and is now serving his second term in each. He is a native of Canada, removed early to the State of New York with his father's family, and was in mercantile business there prior to coming to this city in 1856. Here he took up the trade of stonemason and followed it nearly twenty-five years, until his election to the oflices above cited. In September, 1850, he was married in Franklin county, New York, to Miss M. M. Town- send, still living. They have two children, Ernest E., born August 25, 1859, and Charles, born July 22, 1873. Eenbst Steaens, son of K. E. Stearns, was born in Wabasha August 26, 1860, and has spent his life in his native town, growing up in the schools and business of the town where he was born. In 1877 he began learning the business of photography, and in 1878 commenced for himself In a short time he had the business of the . city and vicinity all to himself This was a consequence of good work and accommodating methods always practiced by Mr. Steams. PIONEEKS. 975 In 1883 he opened and has now in operation one of the most complete photographing establishments in the state. His apparatus,, scenery and accessories are of the latest and most improved kind. The establishment is located in the second story of the Hirschy building, a cut of which appears in this work. Jomsr N. Mtjedooh, attorney-at-law, office in the editorial rooms of the Wabasha "Herald"; practice established in this city in 185Y. John IST. Murdoch was born at Winchendon, Massachusetts, September 23, 1831. Graduated from Brown University, Provi- dence, E.hode Island, in the class of 1852, and took his parchments two years later from the Albany Law School, Albany, New York. He cast his first ballot in 1852, voting for John P. Hale, free-soil candidate for president, and three years later was a member ot the conventioip. which met at St. Anthony, Minnesota, in March, 1855, to organize the republican party in the territory of Minnesota, and has voted the republican ticket ever since. Having completed his law studies Mr. Murdoch came west, and was in St. Paul one year, then removed to Ped Wing, and two years later, 1857, located in this city. From 1865 to 1867 he was absent from the county, trav- eling in the south, and from 1873 to 1876 was with his family in Kansas. With the exception of these years, Wabasha has been his home since liis location here in 1857. For the last twelve years Mr. Murdoch has been more or less connected with the pi-ess of the city, having had charge of the editorial columns of the "Herald " from 1871 to 1873, when that paper was owned by Sharpe & Palmer, and again from April, 1881, to date, August, 1883, at which time he appears to be solidly seated in the editorial chair. Mr. Murdoch was the first city attorney for the city of Wabasha ; he headed the electoral ticket of the state in 1864 (as elector at large) for Lincoln and Johnson, and was the city postmaster from 1869 to 1873. September 17, 1855, Mr. Murdoch married Miss Cynthia A. Baldwin, of Auburn, New York. They have four children : Mary E., born .December 20, 1856; Wm. L., born in this city August 12, 1858, now and for the past eight years with the Samuel Cupple's Woodenware Co., of St. Louis. Emily T., born April 1, 1861, and who graduated A. B. from Wellesley College, Massachusetts, class of '83. The first native of Wabasha county, so far as known, to take a full collegiate course and receive a degree. John W., born June 22, 1869, and now in school in this city. Ingram, Kennedy & Gill, lumbermen and manufacturers of 59 976 HISTORY OF WABASHA COtTNTT. sash, doors, blinds and carpenters' material. Business of selling lumber was established here in 1861, and the planing-mill (a small aifair at that time) was built in the summer of 1865. In the spring of 1867 additional machinery was put in and the manufacture of isash, doors and blinds begun. The manufactory has been practi- cally rebuilt since its establishment, through additions and improvements. As it now stands, on the corner of Second and Arch streets, it is a substantial two-story frame, 76 X 48 feet, with a brick engine and boiler house 32 X 36 feet. It is well supplied with all necessary machinery for a manufactory of the kind. Its business is principally filling orders, little stock work being done, the demand for work leaving no opportunity for stock- ing up. The planing-mill turns out about fifty thousand feet of dressed lumber every week, and the manufactory works umthe same amount every twelve months. The engine has a capacity of about fifty-horsepower. The lumber yards occupy ten lots on blocks 13 and 18 of the original town site of "Wabasha ; there is closed shed- room for one hundred and fifty thousand feet of dressed lumber, and the annual sales are from four million five hundred thousand feet, stocked from the mills of the Empire Lumber Company, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, who are largely the principals of the business. The ofl&ce of the company is on the corner of Second and Walnut streets. Lumber is floated down the Chippewa and Mississippi rivers to the yards of the company at this point, and shipments are made by rail over the lines of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad and branches, upon tracks from the lines of that road running into the yards, and affording excellent opportunities for shipment. The force of the establishment here is one superintendent, one book- keeper, six hands in the manufactory, fifteen in the yards, and three teams. Mes. Elizabeth Gill, widow of W. Gill, is the principal resident partner. Wm. Y. Gill, under whom the yards were originally established, a little over twenty-two years since, was a native of Pennsylvania. He came to Wabasha county in 1856, and worked for a time there in a sawmill belonging to Knapp, Stout & Co., of which he had charge the following season, 1867. In 1858 he ran a sawmill in this place for Jarvas Williams, and in the season of 1859 was at Eau Claire in the service of Daniel Shaw, with whom he remained two or three summers, spending his winters in this place, usually clerking. Mr. Gill married Miss Elizabeth Hoggard, of PIONEEES. 977 this city, in 1860, and with her removed to Eau Claire. During the summer of 1861, while in the employ of Daniel Shaw & Co., lum- bermen, in charge of their large saw, he made a contract with Ingram & Kennedy, lumbermen of Eau Claire, to open a lumber yard in this city, they to supply the lumber, he to manage their business. Accordingly, in the early fall of 1861 Mr. Gill returned to Wabasha, opened the yard, afterward built the planing-mill and factory, and conducted business here until his death, which occurred March 13, 1876, at San Diego, California, to which place he had gone to recuperate his health. He was a man of most methodical business habits, universally respected, and his loss was severely felt by the business circles of the city. He left behind him a family of two sons, one daughter and his widow, all of whom are still residents of this city. S. E. Campbell, attomey-at-law ; office corner of Main and AUe- ghaney streets, Post-office building. Mr. Campbell established business in this city in the spring of 1866, and is the oldest practic- ing attorney in the county. He is a native of Chenango county, New York, was brought up on the old home farm, and followed farming until his removal to this state (then territory), in 1855. During his intervals of leisure from farm labor he pursued his legal studies, making himself familiar with the principles of law, leaving a knowledge of its practice to be acquired in the courts. He was admitted to practice at Ked Wing, in this state, by the then chief justice of the territory (Welch), in the fall of 1855. When Wabasha county became organized for judicial purposes in the following spring, Mr. Campbell was appointed clerk of the United States dis- trict court for the first district, and held that office until the state was admitted to the union in 1858. From the date of the establish- ment of his law-office here, more than twenty-seven years since, Mr. Campbell has continued steadily in the practice of his profession. During these years his only law partner was E. M. Birdsey, Esq., with whom he was associated in business from 1867 to 1872, when Mr. Birdsey's health compelled him to relinquish practice, and he soon afterward died. Mr. Campbell has served the bar of the county as clerk of court and county attorney, the city as mayor, the repre- sentative district as representative , in 1862, and again from 1875 to 1879. Meech-Ants Hotel, West Wabasha, near central depot, L. M. Gregg, proprietor. This hotel stands on the corner of Campbell 978 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. and Seventh streets, in what is known as Wellman's survey of the city of Wabasha, the hotel property embraces four lots (7, 8, 9, 10) in block 125, facing two hundred feet on Seventh street, and having a depth of one hundred and fifty feet along Campbell. The hotel building fronts ninety feet on Seventh, sixty-eight feet on Campbell, is two stories in height, contains thirty-five rooms) twenty of them guests' rooms, and is thoroughly fitted throughout for the comfort and convenience of the traveling public. The hotel fronts southward toward the main line of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Pa,ul railroad, from the depot of which it is distant about one and a half blocks. A double piazza runs along both fronts, and from the south one are entrances into the office, hall, ladies' recep- tion-room and bar. The ladies' reception-room and parlors on the east form a pleasant suite of three rooms, ten feet by eighteen feet, twenty-four feet by eighteen feet, and seventeen feet by seventeen feet, respectively, equivalent to a single room twenty-five by thirty- six feet, and infinitely more pleasant. The dining-room in the rear of the office and bar is eighteen by thirty-five feet, and the adjoining kitchens are respectively eighteen by twenty feet and thirteen by twenty-four feet. A hall at the rear of the reception-room and offices communicates with the main hall and the dining-room, so that guests have access to all parts of the house, independent of the more public rooms. Double hallways, above and below, afford free cir- culation of air, all rooms being open to the sunlight, leaving noth- ing in this direction to be desired. ITo sample rooms for commer- cial travelers are found in the hotel, which stands too remote from the business center of town to make them necessary, but two com- modious rooms for this purpose are provided in a central location in the city, to which the proprietor runs a free carriage, for the accom- modation of his guests. The present staff" of servants is nine, three men and six women. The hotel is new, having been built during the late summer, the proprietor taking possession August 15, 1883. L. M. Geegg, proprietor of Merchants Hotel, is a native of New York, and has been a resident of this county since May 22, 1856. He was five years a resident of this city, and then removed to his farm on Greenwood prairie, on Sec. 24, T. 109, E. 12, where he purchased a tract of two hundred and sixty acres, since increased to four hundred, and on which he now has forty head of cattle, one hundred hogs and fifty head of Cotswold sheep, it being his intention to convert his farm into a stock ranch. Before remov- PIONEEES. 979 ing to his farm in 1861 Mr. Gregg was elected county treasurer and held that office during 1857-8-9. While a resident of the farm he served as county commissioner for the second district from 1867 to 1876. The following year, 1877, he was elected sheriff, and on assuming office returned to this city, which was his residence until the expiration of his second term, December 31, 1881, when he removed to Lake City and opened a hotel there, which he still man- ages. On the completion of his hotel here he returned to Wabasha, which is likely to become his permanent residence. January 14, 1865, Mr. Gregg married Miss W. Holtzer ; they have foiir children : Bertha L., born July 21, 1866 ; Maud A., born February 14, 1869 ; Margaret, bom March 10, 1873 ; Jaifles L., August 10, 1876. Wm. S. Jackson (deceased), one of the pioneer business men of Wabash^ was bom ,near Brownville, Fayette county, Pennsylvania, June 13, 1832, and when he was thirteen years of age removed with his father's family to Millington, Illinois, and spent the next five years of his life upon the farm there, assuming charge of the same at fifteen years of age. At about eighteen years of age he com- menced clerking in Millington, and followed that business some four or five years, several of his winters while on the farm and in the store having been spent at a school near Richmond, Indiana. He completed his education, so far as attending school was concerned, by a course at Jones' Business College, St. Louis, which he finished in the spring of 1856. The same season he came to Minnesota ; was for a few months in Red Wing ; then located, late in the fall, in this city, which was his home until his decease, Febi'uary 8, 1882. He immediately entered the mercantile house of Campbell, Gambice & Pendletons as clerk, and continued with them until the house went down in the financial crash of 1857, when he was appointed one of the assignees of the suspended firm, and in that capacity settled up the business. The following year, 1858, he entered into partnership with S. S. Kepler, in general merchandise business, and was asso- ciated with that gentleman until he removed to Eau Claire in 1876. During the twenty-six years of Mr. Jackson's residence he acquired a considerable estate in city property and farming lands. He was one of the organizers of the Congregational church of this city — a warm supporter of all church institutions, and the efficient clerk of the church from the date of its organization to the time of his death. He was a man of warm, generous impulses, greatly beloved in the community, by whom, as well as by the church, his loss was deeply 980 HISTORY OF WABASHA COTJIinT. felt. He left one child, Fred. Jackson, born in this city August 16, 1861. Young Jackson entered the prepaifatory department of Carleton College, JSTorthfield, Minnesota, in 1877 ; the classical course in 1879, and would have graduated in the class of 1883, B.S., had not his studies been intermitted by ill health. Mr. Jackson is now completing his course there under special arrangement with the faculty of that institute. "W. J. Aenold, coroner of "Wabasha county since 1868 ; office with the county attorney, over Schwirtz' drygoods house on Main street. Mr. Arnold was born at Smithfield, Khode Island, August 14, 1810 ; was educated at the academy in his native town, and came west as far as Steuben county, New York, in ISS.'S, clerking and teaching school there until 1839. He then started a grocery and provision store in Corning, New York ; was burned o^ twice, and passed through the' usual experiences of a young business man under two misfortunes of that kind before coming to the Mississippi in 1866, just after his second misfortune of that kind. He visited Wabasha in August, 1856, and immediately engaged to take charge of the general merchandising business of H. S. Allen & Co., of Chippewa Falls, which they had established here. He remained in their employ until they were wiped out in the financial crash of 1858. In 1859-60 he was member of the state legislature for this represen- tative district, and upon the election of Mr. Lincoln to the presi- dency was appointed postmaster here, holding office during the two terms for which Mr. Lincoln was elected, and on the termination of his services with the postal department was elected county coroner, which office he continues to hold. He was justice of the peace from 1872 to 1876, also from 1879 to 1883. October. 26, 1841, Mr. Arnold married Miss Harriett. Kress, of Covington, Tioga county, Pennsylvania. They have three sons, John K., born July 20, 1842 ; Ealph E., born December 1, 1844 ; William F., bom April 21, 1850. Herman Ameeland, farmer ; lands lying in sections 3 and 4, range 10, township 110, and aggregate two hundred acres. Mr. Amerland has resided in Wabasha" county on his present farm almost thirty years, having taken his claim of eighty acres as a homestead in 1854. This claim was proved up in 1858 ; forty acres were added by scrip title, and rest since acquired. The crop for 1883 was : Corn, 10 acres, yield per acre, — bushels ; oats, 14 acres, yield per acre, 40 bushels ; wheat, 12 acres, yield per acre, 18 bushels ; barley, 10 acres, yield per acre, 35 bushels ; grass, 30 acres, yield per acre, PIONEERS. 981 2 tons ; stock, 95 head. Mr. Amerland was born in Hanover, Ger- many, May 14, 1822 ; married Miss Cattarine Budke, of his native place, January 2, 1852, and the following year, 1853, came to America. That winter was spent in St. Louis, and in the following June a settlement was made in the farm, which has now been the family home for over twenty-nine years. The children, all born in this county, are : Henry, born JSTovember 8, 1856, graduated from "Wabasha High School in 18T3, and now banking atMinto, Dakota ; Anna, born April 8, 1857; Louisa, born June 23, 1859; Sophia, born March 23, 1864 ; Eduard, born January 9, 1870 ; John, born April 25, 1872 ; Clara, born February 18, 1875. Three of the children are in attendance at the Wabasha city school, the farm lying partly within the city limits. "W. S. PiEES, bookkeeper for the Knapp, Stout & Co. Company, is a native of Nova*Scotia. He was educated in the Grammar School at Halifax, in that province, and at nineteen years of age came into Allamakee county, Iowa, his father's family settling there in 1851, on a farm eight miles back from the river. W. S. Piers' first visit was made to tjais county in 1854, and two years later he located on his farm, the N.W. J of Sec. 4, T. Ill, E. 11 W. of the principal meridian, and was there until 1862, when he enlisted in the 1st regt. Minn. Rangers, for the Indian campaign on the frontiers, and was there until mustered out in 1864, when he entered the service of Knapp, Stout & Co. April 19, 1857, Mr. Piers married Mary • Shurtliff, of this county, whose family came here in 1856. They have seven children, five living at home. "William T., born in "Wabasha, January 4, 1860, and now bookkeeper for H. J. Oneil, of Winona ; L. E., born August 23, 1864, and now in the employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railway at Wabasha ; Alice, born September 12, 1867; Albert J., born December 20, 1869 ; Walter B., born February 19, 1872 ; Blanche, born November 26, 1874 ; Jennie, born May 20, 1880. Chaeles Hoenbogen, furniture, hardware, farmers' tools, etc.; store on the south side of Water street, corner Main. His store fronts fifty feet on Water street, sixty-eighty on Main street, and is a two-story brick, erected in 1871. Mr. Hornberger established his furniture business in 1868 on Second street, and came to his present location in 1879. He is a native of Saxony, born in 1827, learned his trade there, and came to America in 1853. Was in New York State, Indiana and Kentucky until 1866, when he came to Read's 982 HISTOEY OF WABASHA COUNTY. Landing, and finding no work at his own trade as cabinetmaker, worked as carpenter and builder until 1868, when he opened a fur- niture store. He was married here in 1861, to Miss Gertrude Anding. There children are : Frank, born October 15, 1864: ; Alfred, born October 31, 1866 ; Clara, born November 16, 1868 ; Harry, born February 14, 1871. LiTDwiG Teodtman, Jr., druggist. -Mr. Troutman pursued his studies in this city until he went to St. Louis to complete his course and perfect himself in a knowledge of the German language. Keturning from St. Louis he entered the La Crosse Business College, from which he graduated in 1880. The same year he entered the drug-house of J. J. Stone, M.D., of Wabasha, with whom he remained until the drug-house was destroyed by fire, when he went into partnership with the doctor in the same line of trade in Argyle, Wisconsin, and was there until opening business" here for himself in 1882. Before entering the drug-house of Dr. Stone, young Trout- man, who from his boyhood had evidenced a taste for the business of dispensing medicines, had been familiarizing himself with the nature of drugs, spending much of his time in the drug-house of Seeley & La Rue, of this place. It is now his intention to take a course in pharmacy at the St. Louis College, having completed the four years' preliminary service in a drug-house required in that institution. LudwigTeoutmajst, lunch-house and bakery, on Water street, has been in business in this place a little over twenty-six years, and at the present location twenty-five. His business during the prosperous years of the city was quite extensive, and consisted mainly in sup- plying the stewards of the river craft. Of late years trade is more local. Mr. Troutman was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, October 10, 1831 ; learned his trade in Affolterbach, his native city, and came to America in 1851, landing in New York September 3 of that year. The next two years were spent in Pennsylvania ; from 1853 to 1 856 he was in St. Louis following his trade, and in the latter year came to Eead's Landing, establishing himself in business here, May 1, 1857. The winter of 1856-7 was spent in St. Louis, at which time he married Miss Mary Hess, of that city. They have one child, Ludwig, Jr., born January 6, 1860, now in the drug business in this, place. IST. S. Tefft, M.D., pioneer doctor, physician and surgeon of Plain view, was among the earliest settlers of the county of Wabasha PIONEEES. 983 in tlie spring of the year 1866. He transferred the field of his labors from Minneiska, July 3, 1861, to his present location. The opportu- nity was afforded him at the commencement of the settlement by J. Y. Blackwell, who offered, if he would come and pre-empt a quarter- section, to provide all the money, and give him half the property so obtained; but this he saw fit to decline. He was born in Hamilton, Madison coi;inty, New York, on July 16, 1830, and received an academic education at Fredonia, Mayville and Panama. His parents, Jeremiah and Sarah (Sweet) Tefft, were descendants of the early Khode Island families, Commodore Perry (of revolutionary fame) and his father being classmates at Newport. Mr. Tefft commenced reading medicine in 1848 with Dr. James Fenner, of Sherman, Chautauqua county, New York, whence _the family moved with the doctor in embryo, at about five years of age. He attended two full courses of lectures, 1851 and 1852, in Cincinnati, graduated, and after a four years' practice at Sherman, pushed westward across the Mis- sissippi, and located at Minneiska, "Wabasha county, sixteen miles from his present home. Here he officiated in the triple capacity of doctor, 'postmaster, and justice of the peace. Dr. Tefft held the of&ce of county physician of Wabasha county during 1882, and some time previous for three successive years. He became a member of the first state legislature of Minnesota by election in the fall of 1857, again in 1861, and in 1871 was returned to the senate. He is a member of the state medical association, and has a reputation for miles around as an operative surgeon, equaled by few and excelled by none. In politics the doctor was originally democratic, with a strong tincture of free-soilism, so that he naturally became a repub- lican when that party sprang into existence, and in this respect his sentiments remain unchanged.*^ During his whole life he has been conspicuous as an enterprising and infiuential citizen. A genius of a mechanical turn, he invented the first automatic binder that made all the motions in binding grain by machinery, and his thoroughly practical idea of the application of permanent magnates as a motive power, he gives to others of more leisure and opportunities of devel- opment. As a member of the I.O.O.F., the doctor has passed all the chairs, and at the meeting of the grand lodge of the State of Minnesota, June 5, 1883, was unanimously elected deputy grand master of the state. As a gentleman of culture, though a man of extremes in his likes and dislikes, he is at once affable and unosten- tatious, and universally admired both in and out of his profession 984 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. for his ability and genially courteous bearing. He is a strong be- lierer in the doctrine of evolution, and, as a Freethinker, does not scruple on any and all occasions to express his disbelief in orthodoxy. One son, the only child born to Dr. Tefft by his wife, formerly Miss Hattie S. Gibbs, of Plainview, to whom he was married November 10, 1866, now sleeps in Plainview cemetery in a unique miniature vault, surmounted by a marble slab bearing the inscription: To Little Clyde, only son of E". S. and H. S. Tefft, died August 17, 1870. This loss to the doctor was a severe blow, and one difficult to overcome, for to the little one hq was passionately devoted. S. Oaket Setmoue, second cousin of Horatio Seymour, ex- governor of the State of New York, and first cousin of A. Oakey Hall, ex-mayor of the city, of New York, is numbered among the early settlers of Minnesota State. He was born December 22, 1823, in Otsego, and attended school for some time in company with A. . Oakey Hall in Bleecker street, New York city. For four years after this he clerked in the fii'st store opened at Huntley Station, Illinois, ' and subsequently from 18M to 1852 he was engaged for himself in the wholesale and retail grocery business in New Orleans. In the fall of 1856 he settled in Minneiska, and ^in 1879, in company with his brother Daniel, bought of one Eddy what is now known as Plainview Bank. Prior to this, in 1872, on May 25, he married Helen M. Watson, and has now four children, two girls and two boys. He was at one time reputed to be in very comfortable circum- stances, but Dame Fortune turned the tide, so that he is left now with only a farm of one hundred and twenty acres. In 1861 he enlisted at Fort Snelling in Co. I, 1st Minn. Yols. He served in twenty-two battles, among them First Bull Eunyiu which he was wounded, Ball's Bluff, Yorktown and others. He mes in the enjoyment of only a trivial pension for his services. A. B. W. Norton, known in Plainview and country around as Squire Norton, from his protracted service as justice of the peace, was born October 30, 1818, in the town of Guilford, Chenango county, of Connecticut parents, being descended from grandparents of old revolutionary fame. He enjoyed the privileges of a common school education, and started in business at the age of fourteen years. At Eichford, Tioga county, New York, in the county clerk's office, he commenced assisting his former teacher in transcribing the records. Following this he experienced a series of changes for ten years, and then went to Brooklyn, New York, as clerk in the employ of Free- PIONEERS. 985 man & Co., and from there, after a short term, to Sussex county, New Jersey, at the solicitation of his uncle, to spend Christmas. In 1846 he was for a time in Pleasant Yalley, in the same state, and then through the instrumentality of his friend Fisher, a New York bookkeeper, when clerking in that city. In 1847 he, with his brother, settled in W^oodstock, McHenry county, Illinois, and continued here in business for ten years. On July 4, 1857, he came, in company withWm. Kimberly, to Plainview, Wabasha county, Minnesota, and settled on a quarter-section (160 acres) of land, in what is known as section 6. His two children, daughters by his wife whom he lost in Woodstock, followed him about a year aftfer, and one is now keeping house for her father, and the other, married to E. A. Pomeroy, resides opposite on property presented to her by the judge. In 1860 Mr. Norton was elected as town clerk against William Stone, and he immediately set about straightening the records. In 1869 he built the first substantial building in the village, that now occupied as a hardware store by C. C. Corner & Son, who purchased from one Hunt on the corner of Broadway and Washington street. In 1868, by appointment of the board of supervisors, he again served as town clerk and as justice of the peace, was elected next year, which office he has held with credit to the present time. During Lincoln's administration, by Postmaster-General Blair, he was appointed postmaster of Plainview, Minnesota, April 18, 1864, and continued to hold the position until 1868. Prior to this he was for some time deputy-postmaster. The squire ig a man much liked for his impartial administration of justice and general square dealing. Thomas A. Thompson, well known as a public speaker and instructor in grange work, \\^aSjDne of the first settlers of Plainview, Wabash county, Minnesota. In company with J. T. Blackwell, David Ackley, A. P. Foster and others he commenced the settle- ment, and in November, 1856, built for a residence the house now oc- cupied by DeWitt Clarke. His father, at the age of twenty-one years, after learning the blacksmithing, though reared a farmer in Con- necticut, started on foot in the winter of 1802 and so proceeded across the State of New York, a tramp without means. He at length reached Buffalo, then only a hamlet, and thence to a place, since called Yemon, in Trumbull county, Ohio, where he staked out a claim in the wilderness and at once began, the execution of his life-task. In addition to farming, the exercise of his skill as an artificer was the ready passport to favor with the Indians who had HISTORY OF WABASHA COinSTT. gunlocks to repair, knives to mend, and other ironwork which the blacksmith could perform, in exchange for which he received turkeys, venison, beai- meat and skins, which he disposed of with advantage to neighboring whites. At the end of a year the young man mar- ried Miss Sally King Bates, who with her parents had recently arrived strangers from the Connecticut valle;^, and as a product of this union there were two daughters and six sons, the youngest being the one above referred to. Young Thompson's schooling did not advance him beyond the rudiments, so he began in early life a system of self-instruction, aided by a few months' preparation in an academy of a neighboring town, to which he made.^aily pilgrimages several miles on foot. For several years subsequent his time was divided between teaching, study and ^farmwork ; at the end of which time he was commissioned a magistrate by the governor of the state. About this time Mr. Thompson married Miss Eliza P. Eddy, who by the kindest sympathy gave culture and breadth to the refinement that made home and its surroundings bright with the sun- shine of contentment and the serene atmosphere of domestic peace. At length, his wife's health failing, he sold the homestead and moved in 1866.' To the table-land west of thp Mississippi, where the beautiful village of Plainview has since sprung into existence, he wended his way. The year following, 1867, Mr. Thompson was elected to the tezTitorial legislature, for Minnesota had not yet become a state. Afterward he accepted the office of superintendent of schools for Wabasha county, in which he served three successive terms, resigning at last to enter upon new duties as lecturer of the national grange, having previously served as master of the Minne- sota state grange and performing the duties without salary. In this new capacity he visited all the stated east of the Rocky Mountains, except a few in the south and New England. Twenty-seven years ago his cabin stood upon the treeless prairie, with not a house in sight and no village near ; his present residence, a plain, homelike structure, stands in the town of Plainview not many yards from the railway station and terminus of the line. About Park Home, as it is called, there is a semblance of the forest trees in pleasing variety and luxuriant growth. They were planted by Mr. Thompson, at whose hands they have received tender care. Here he contem- plates rest from the wearisome toil of years with calm enjoyment of the fruits of his labors. OsTEOM Stephen Lont, M.D., Mazeppa, is a native of New York, PIONEEES. 98T om in Lebanon, Madison county, in 1821. He dwelt here with his arents till eighteen years of age, and received in |he common ;hools the rudiments of an education. He early became imbued ith the idea that the practice of medicine opened to a man wide pportunities for benevolence, aind possessing a natural aptitude and •ve for th^rofession, he entered the office of Dr. Y. H. Yan Yleck, ; Hamilton, in his native county, to perfect himself by combined ;udy and practice for his chosen profession. Having no means he as compelled to pay his way while studying by waiting upon his receptor, working in the harvest field, and performing any odd jrvice that came to his hand. Though to many his lot seemed hard, le young student was happy in the consciousness of doing his best, ad in the preparation for a noble profession and useful life. No oubt his happiest days were those spent in this manner. So closely id he apply himself that he was licensed to practice at the end of TO years' study, with Dr. Yan Yleck. His license was issued by le Botanical Medical Society of New York, and when the Physio- [edical College of Cincinnati was founded by this society he received is diploma. He had at this time been practicing medicine four ears, having begun when about twenty-three years old, at West Turlington, Otsego county. Here he continued to practice till 856, when he removed to Mazeppa. For two or three years during le war he dwelt on a farm in Chester, and with this exception his ome has been in this village since his arrival here. He has a leasant home on First street, facing the river, where himself .and dthful helpmeet dwell in contentment, and the love and respect of leir neighbors. Their marriage occurred on Christmas day, 1 850. [rs. Lont was christened Melj|sa A., and is a sister of W. D. .ngell, whose parentage is elsewhere shown in this work. To his orthy wife Dr. Lont owes and ascribes much of his success in life, he trials and triumphs of their journey have been equally shared, id all important moves, financial or otherwise, have been made 'ter mutual consultation. They adopted and reared to maturity an -phan boy, Willis A., born Kogers, now Lont, who is at present nployed in a mill at Prague, this state. This worthy couple is 3w furnishing a home to , Ha rry E. Jam i eson^ w ho will probably smain with his foster-parents to be the stay of their old age. Dr. ont is a man of decided character, and has made some enemies by is firm stand in defense and advocacy of principles he deems right, "othing which does not seem to him likely to promote the welfare 988 HISTOEY OF WABASHA COUNTY. of Ms fellow-men can receive his sanction or support. Nothing could conduce more to his enjoyment than to see the rest of th< world happy* He is a staunch temperance advocate, having imbibec a hatred of the curse of intemperance at his mother's knee. Ii theology he is a modern Spiritualist, believing and teaching that ai: men will occupy in the next world the state for which their edueatioi and occupations in this have fitted them. In early life he deniec and vehemently combated the idea that slavery was a divinely appointed institution. He helped to organize the liberty party ir New York State, and continued there to labor for freedom until the republican party succeeded it. For twenty years he has enjoyed the realization of his political hopes and desires in the triumph of the 'latter. He has been active in promoting the welfare of his owi neighborhood, and has been many times honored by his fellow- citizens in filling positions of responsibility. From 1861 to 1864 he served as supervisor in Chester, and was instrumental in relieving that town of a draft. He has been two years chairman of the Mazeppa town board, four years village justice, and served six years in the latter capacity in Chester and Mazeppa townships. In hie practice he enjoys the most amicable relations with neighboring physicians, whom he often meets in council. He has been twice elected president of the Wabasha County Medical Society. While his library is not a very extensive one, it contains standard works. oi all schools. Anything new of undoubted authority is at once secured by him, and he is thus able to keep up with the times. E.EV. EoBEET Clifford (deceased) delivered the first sermon in Lake City in the fall of 1850. Born at Spoondon, Derbyshire, England, in 1801. He was early apprenticed to a dyer in the citj of Derby. He soon became imbued with religious,zeal, and began to preach the doctrine of the Disciples. He came to America in 1838, and settled at Philadelphia. For sixteen years he continued to preach in that neighborhood and in New York, and came to the site of this city in 1855. After coming to this country he joined the Wesleyan Methodist church. He died here in 1862, and his widow, nee Eebecka Wayne, passed away two years later. Of five children, but three are now alive. The eldest, a son, died in Philadelphia. The second, Robert, resides in Lake City, and also the youngest, Mrs. Jane W. Helt, a widow. The third, Mrs. John A. Jackson, dwells in Mount Pleasant. Mrs. John E. Graham died here. EoBEET Cliffoed, engineer. Lake City, son of above, was born PIONEEBS. 989 in Winster, England, September 16, 1823, and came with his parents to the United States when fifteen years of age. He received but little schooling, and was apprenticed when seventeen to a black- smith. On reaching his majority he came west and settled in .the town of Porter, Rock county, Wisconsin. Here he built a smithy, and therein worked for ten years. He came to Minnesota in 1864, and bought a farm in Mount Pleasant, this county. His winters were spent in the wagon and carriage works, where he is now em- ployed, and in 1867 he sold the farm and bought a home in the city, and has dwelt here steadily since. For the last five years he has had charge of the engine. Mr. Clifford is a full degree member of the I.O.O.F. He is a thorough repifblican, and in religious faith is found with the Methodi^. In February, 1846, he was married at Philadelphia, the bride being Miss Margaret Helt, who died in July, 1875, leaving seven children. The eldest, Eobert "Wayne, served three years in the Union army before he was twenty years old, and is now in business in St. Paul. The others are resident as follows : Joseph D., Detroit, Michigan ;. Nettie (Mrs. Frank Devor), Minneapolis; Mary A. (married James Cliff, nc^w deceased), Mazeppa; Maggie (Hiram Johnson), Minneapolis; Fannie (Jeffer- son Eosle), Mazeppa ; Naomi T. (Frank Young), Sparta, Wisconsin. Mr. Chfford was married the second time, to Miss Susan Mills, a native of Virginia, to whom a son was born six years ago. Cajel Oheistian Stactet, M.D., Lake City, one of the first set- tlers in the county, was boi^n in Mecklenburg, Germany, in 1815 ; graduated at Eoatock Allopathic Medical School in 1836 ; began practice at Wismar, and in 1840 married Wilhomina Hochman ; in 1853 he crossed the Atlantic in the bark Humboldt, and after pros- pecting for a year he made his home in Cook's Yalley, Minnesota, for twelve years, farming ; disposing of his property, he moved to Wabasha and engaged in the drug business, which he continued several years. In October, 1875, he removed his business to Lake City, taking his youngest son as partner, where a good business and office practice is continued. Three sons and two daughters were given him, all of whom are married. The eldest son, C. J. Stauff, is at present clerk of district court, which office he has held for the past twenty years. F. E. Stauff, second son, resides at Wharpaton, Richland county, Dakota Territory, being county auditor of said county. Was county auditor of Wabasha county two years, also Cass county, Minnesota, six years, after which time he engaged in 990 HISTOEr OF WABASHA COUNTY. mercantile business four years at St. Paul. In 1864 he enlisted in the defense of the Union in Co. C, 4th Minn. Yols. F. H. Stauff, junior partner, residing at Lake City, is credited as being the first white child born in the county. Was born August 31, 1856. After leaving school he chose medicine as a business, which he continued for some time ; he then was engaged in the wholesale drug house of Wm. BL. Torbert, of Dubuque, Iowa. The opportunity thus afforded him to familiarize himself with the complicated knowledge of his business has fitted him for his now responsible occupation, being one of the proprietors of one of the finest drug establishments of any town of its size in the west. Was married September 5, 1883, to Miss Helen S. Brown, of Minneiska. Eliza, eldest daughter, married to Wm. R. Hayes, resides at Argyle, Marshall county, Minnesota. Clara, youngest, married Capt. Homer Durand, and resides at Toledo, Ohio. Mr. Stauff and wife enjoy the best of health and are proud of their success in rearing a family that is a comfort to them in their declining years. Agustus W. Stowman, farmer, Glasgow, is a native of New Jersey. Beaumont Stowman and Anna Willett were bom, reared and married in Philadelphia. They settled on a farm in Harmony, Warren county, New Jersey, where this subject was born to them in May, 1830. His education was supplied hj the rate-schools of that day and locality, and when eighteen years of age he went to work in a flourmill. In 1856 he came to Minnesota and took up and made improvements on the land he now occupies, the northeast quarter of section 24. Leaving the l9,nd in care of relatives, he re^ turned to Indiana, where his home had been for some time. Here he took a life-partner, March 20, 1860, in the person of Miss Eliza- beth, daughter of Squire and Susie Morrison, all of Kentucky birth. In 1861 Mr. Stowman took up his permanent residence here. For four years he was employed as a miller on West Indian creek, in Highland township. He now has ei finely-cultivated farm, on which he has erected a comfortable brick dvrelling, and is prepared to en- joy life. In February, 1865, he entered the 1st Minn. Heavy Art. as a recruit, and did garrison duty at Chattanooga, Tennessee. His religions faith is represented by the Methodist church, and his politi- cal ideas by the democracy. Four children have come to bless his home, and were christened Dora Belle, May, Charles P. and Minnesota. Asa B. Doughty, president of the Lake City Mill Company, was PIONEERS. 991 born on Long Island, New York, in 1826. His parents were also natives of the same state ; tlie former, Samuel Doughty, died soon after our subject's birth, and the latter, Elizabeth (Nelson) Doughty, with two of her sons, Edward and Asa B., and a daughter, Alice, and her husband, Henry Coleman, in 183Y emigrated to Illinois, and settled in Bloomington, McLean county.- Here Mr. Coleman estab- lished himself in the manufacture of plows and other farm machin- ery, and with him our subject learned the trade. In 1855 Mr. Doughty made a prospecting tour to Lake City, and seeing the natural advantages of the place, bought property, and returned to Illinois to make arrangements for a final settlement here, which he did in July, 185T. The prevailing malarious influences of the climate in Illinois had so impaired his health, that he remained comparatively inactive for nearly four years after his arrival here. He then em- barked in the grain and commission business, and after a few years' experience in the fluctuations and uncertainties of commerce turned his attention to the business of his trade, and engaged in the manu- ture of wagons, plows and harrows, built up a large trade and con- ducted a prosperous business till 1880. In the fall of this year the Lake City Flourmill passed into his possession ; this he formed into a joint-stock company, and remodeled it throughout, put in the new roller process and entire new machinery, making it a complete merchant mill, with a capacity of one hundred and twenty-five bar- rels per day. The officers are : A. B. Doughty, president ; K. White, vice-president ; directors, G. F. Benson, A. Basey, G. M. Dwelle, J. Dobner, C. A. Hubbard, E. Hackett and L. H. Buck ; Ml". Henry Selover, superintendent and secretary. Mr. Doughty was married in 1849, to Miss Ellen McClung, a native of Virginia, who came to Illinois in a very early day. She died in 1862, leav- ing Mr. Doughty with two children : Lillie, now Mrs. Wm. C. Water, of Sioux Falls, Dakota, and Lulu, now Mrs. B. Y. McNairy, of Campbell, Minnesota. His second marriage was in 1864, with Miss Sue Johns, a native of Pennsylvania. By this marriage he has had no children, though their home is made pleasant by the presence of Miss Anna Seilheimer, who is a distant relative of his wife, and has found a home with them for several years. KoDMAN BuECHAED, the subject of this sketch, was born in Paris, Oneida county, New York, December 26, 1808. He removed from there to Wethersfield, Wyoming county,- in the same state, in the year 1845, where he resided but a short time, going from there to 60 992 HISTOEY OF WABASHA COUNTY. Michigan with the intention of making it his home. He was soon taken sick with the fever, then so prevalent in some parts of that state, and, concluding that it was too sickly for him there, went back to Gainsville, New York, where he was married to Esther A. Davis, December 23, 1847. In the year 1864 he purchased a farm in Vir- ginia, intending to move his family there the following season. But having had a presentiment (as he thought) that all might not be well in the future in a slave state like Yirginia, he sold the farm and decided to go west. He landed at Wabasha, in the fall of 1855. Having heard of Greenwood prairie, he hired a team to take his family and goods to the village of GreeuAdlle, which was then lo- cated two miles and a half east j)f this place, where he formed a part- nership with the Kichards Bros, in the mercantile business, opening a general store in a log house, living upstairs and keeping hotel at the same time. Trade increased so rapidly that they were soon obliged to erect a larger building for the store, leaving the log house to be used for the dwelling. Here he lived for many years. His wife died June 10, 1866, leaving the husband one son and three daughters. After the death of his wife he moved to Plainview where he kept his family together and was married to Miss Maggie Crossen, April 13, 18Y1, who, with the four children mentioned, and her own little son, now about eight years old, survive him. Mr. Burchard died February 6, 1883, being seventy-four years, one month and twelv^ days old. He was a man of strong will, goo,d judgment and great perseverance, and withal a kind neighbor. Be- ing well-known in this community he leaves many friends to mourn his death. [The above is an extract from the minutes of the Old Settlers' Association.] Hon. Alonzo p. Fostee, son of a Vermont farmer of Scotch descent, was born in Orange, Orange county, Vermont, May 5, 1816. Lemuel Foster, his father, died when the subject of the present sketch was but four years old, and the cares incident to the rearing of a family of ten children were devolved upon the mother, Cloe (Powers) Foster, a member of the Leland family of this country, which has extant a genealogical record. The mother was very much attached to the old Orange county farm and continued to reside thereon until her death, keeping her large family together as best she could. The education of young Foster would have been sadly neglected had he not been studiously inclined, and taken, un- directed, upon himself the task of mastering not only the- common PIONEERS. 993 branches of study, but also .those usually taught in high schools. He remained at home in charge of the old farm for several years, and until after the death of both mother and wife. He was married to Miss Harriet Thompson, of Orange county, in 1844, by whom he had one child, the present Mrs. T. G. Bolton, of Plainview. The death of his wife occurred in 1851, and his mother departed this life in 1864. He next became manager for one year of the Troy Conference Academy, of West Poultney, Vermqpt, over which his cousin, Rev. Jason F. Watkins, presided. The following spring he came to Minnesota, arriving on Greenwood prairie a few days after the Eddy party came. He located on the S.E. J Sec. 11 in Plain- view. Despite vigorous efforts put forth to drive him from this claim, which was a portion o£j^e Half-breed Tract, he continued to hold it until enabled to perfect his title. He disposed of this farm in 1864. In 1866 he gathered together a considerable fund and removed to- Winona, investing in real estate, which afterward he platted as an. addition to the city of Winona under the name of Foster's addition. He re-established his home in Plainview in 1878, and now owns a large farm on section 36, in Oakwood, besides the small place in Foster's addition to Plainview village. He makes a specialty of Jersey cattle and Norman-Percheron horses. Mr. Foster was a member of the state legislature in 1857. EussELL W. Caepentee, dealer in farming implements. Plain- view, and brother of George W. Carpenter, of Highland township, was born in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, September 16, 1836. From 1847 till he came to Minnesota was with his father and brothers in McHenry county, Illinois. In 1855 the family came to Greenwood prairie, where Russell was among the unfortunates who selected a claim on the Indian reservation, and which he abandoned, the same now being known as the Pat Mahon farm. From the fall of 1857 to 1874 he resided in Dubuque, Iowa; since which time he has continued to reside in Wabasha county, engaging in agricultural pursuits until 1881, where he became interested in the farming im- plement trade, and has continued to follow it since. He enlisted in the 21st Iowa Vols., but owing to physical unsoundness was re- jected by the surgeon. He is a member of Plainview Lodge, 1.0. 0.F. June 6, 1867, he espoused Susan, daughter of Jacob Brant, of Epworth, Iowa, by whom he has had two children, viz : Edward A. and Minnie E. Benjamin Pickett, Plainview, farmer, was born in Pultney„ 994 mSTOEY OF wabasha countt. Steuben county, New York, August 11, 1828. His parents were Eli and Cuissan Ann Pickett. His father was a native of the same county. When eighteen he accompanied his brother, Eli 0. Pickett, to Dodge county, Wisconsin. Here he continued to reside with his brother until the spring of 1856, when he came to Minnesota, and located on section 9, Plainview, eighty acres of which claim now con- stitute the farm, on which he has since continued to reside. He came in company with Mr. Washburn, Mr. Miner and Mr. Jack Williams. In 1858 he went back to Wisconsin, and spent the winter ; on his return in the spring he brought back a three-year-old colt, which is now a hale old horse of twenty-nine years. His next trip to Wis- consin was of a matrimonial character, and resulted in his espousing Susanna Allen, February 9, 1861. She w«(|^the daughter of Caleb Allen, a farmer and mason, of Lowell, Dodge county, Wisconsin, now of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, and was bom in Washington county, New "York, November 17, 1842. The children of this marriage are : Frank B., employed in Wy ant's photograph gallery, Plainview; Benjamin E. and Anna. Geoege D. Sawdfoed, merchant, is a son of J. H. Sandford, elsewhere mentioned in this work, and was born in Topsham, Maine, June 14, 1850. He was brought to Mazeppa with his father's family in the fall of 1855, and has dwelt here ever since. His life was passed on a farm till twenty-one years old, and his education was fur- nished by the common schools, of whose advantages he made the best use. His natural abilities and energies have made him a suc- cessful business man. In 1871 he went to Lake City, where he spent three years in learning and following the wagonmaker's trade. In 1874 he built a wagon-shop near the mill in Mazeppa, which he operated five years and then sold, the advent of the railroad spoiling the location. He has dealt considerable in real estate, and is now the owner of a farm near the village, which he rents. On April 25, 1881, he was deputized as postmaster, and has kept the postoffice ever since. The following year he opened a stock of groceri* and boots and shoes in the postoflBce building, and does considerable trade in those commodities. He was elected town clerk in 1882, and is now fulfilling the duties of the same office. He is a repub- lican, and a member of the masonic order. He has been twice married, and was robbed of his first mate by death in July, 1876. Jennie Dickey was the lady's name before her marriage to Mr. Sandford, which occurred October 22, 1874. On Cliristmas day, PIONEEES. 995 1879, he was united in marriage with Miss Alice, daughter of J. B. Miller. They have a son, born Deqember 6, 1880, and christened Frank Burnett. Gen. Seth L. McCaety, of Plainview, Wabasha county, is a staunch old pioneer farmer with a career. His father, William McCarty, was a farmer, residing in Muncy, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, where Seth was born June 9, 1808. Here he acquired the rudiments of an education in the common school and continued to reside until his twenty-first year. During.two years of this time he worked for .fohn Crouse, cabinetmaker, of Muncy, learning that trade, which he followed in Towanda, Bradford county, Pennsyl- vania, until the spring of 1832, when he went to Newmarket, Can- ada, and opened a catoietshop. He continued in business there until the breaking outoi the patriot war in 1837. This war at once furnished him the opportunity that his military nature sought, and he soon found a place on Gen. McKenzie's staff", and was immedi- ately employed to bear dispatches to divers members of the Domin- ion parliament concerned in the revolt. On his good stout war-horse he performed this task, that required not a little nerve and energy. Frequently the enemy crowded him in close pursuit, on one occasion forcing him to ride a distance of fifty-two miles in six hours, and on another sixty-eight miles in eight hours. He was next transferred to Gen. Van Eensselaer's staff", and served under him until the winter of 1837-8, when he was sent to the support of Gen. McClellan, of the western division, and remained with him until the war closed. Gen. McCarty led the forces that stormed and captured Windsor, opposite Detroit, and it was after this battle, in which he displayed great bravery and military genius, that he was raised from the rank of colonel to that of brigadier-general. With the close of this war terminated the active military life of Gen. McCarty. He soon after resigned his commission and removed to Detroit, Michigan, and the foliowing year to Port Huron, in the same state, where he continued to reside until 1855, when he came to Minnesota and located on the S.E. i of Sec. 21, in Plainview township. Here he has since con- tinued to pursue the even life of a farmer. On one occasion only has the peace been sufficiently disturbed tp rouse the old warlike nature in his breast and drive him to the front, and that was during the Indian outbreak which occurred in Minnesota in*1862, though he held a commission as major in the state militia from 1860. Two years after his settlement in Minnesota a pOstoffice was established 996 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. at his house under the name of Independence, of which office he was postmaster until it was discontinued in 1862. Gen. McCarty was the first settler in southwest Plainview. He has always affiliated with the democratic party, and is a member of the masonic frater- nity. He was married in York county, Canada, to Eebecca Mc- Causland, daughter of James and Anna McOausland, in 1835. They have three children now living, yiz : James, a farmer of Plainview township ; David, farmer, residing in "Winona county ; and Mary Ann (Mrs. Samuel Loy) of Spokane, county, Washington Teri-itory. Rhodeeick W. Deinkwaiter, farmer, Zumbro,- is among the early settlers of Mazeppa, that part in which he resides having been set off quite recently. In 1856 he built a sawmill on the main Zumbro near where the bridge now crosse*tJie same, a mile above the mouth of the north branch. He was a pioneer in the town of Fox Lake, "Wisconsin, where he settled in 1842, and was one of the first supervisors of that town, as well as of Mazeppa, being elected in 1858. He is a republican in politics. Himself and wife have been forty years members of the Methodist Episcopal church. They were married October 1, 1838. Mrs. Drinkwalter's name was Mary Lord, and she was born in Connecticut. Her parents were Andrew and Mary Lord, born in the same state. Mr. Drinkwalter was born in Pike, Bradford county, Pennsylvania, October 30, 1814. He received a common-school education, and was always accustomed to farm life. His mother, Betsey Pratt, was bom in the same town as he. His father, Stephen K., was a native of Connecticut. He became a resident here in 1856, and secured one-fourth of section 13, where he lives. Has since acquired eighty acres more, and one hundred and five on the river, where his siawmill stood. His eldest child was born July 30, 1839, and christened Pratt. He was married April 5, 1 883, to Lena Scholer, born August 25, 1863, in Glasgow, this county. He has one hundred and sixty acres adjoining his father's land, and dwells in the same house with him. Cordelia was born September 12, 1 844, and married George Hall, as elsewhere noted'. Robert Hall (deceased) was born in Dows, Lincolnshire, Eng- land, April 1, 1801. His wife, Charlotte, was born Spencer in 1804, in Ednum Parish, same county. They were married October 2, 1826. In 18^1 they left England and settled on a farnii in Onondaga county, New York. Came to Zumbro in May, 1856, and took claim on section 12, where his widow and son now reside. Mr. Hall died August 2, 1865. He and wife were Episcopalians. Mrs. Hall is . . PIONEERS. 997 very active at this writing, and appears good for twenty years of life yet. Of their twelve children only two are living, now. The first death in the town occurred in this family, taking Sophia, a twenty- year-old daughter. Emma J. married J. L. Bent (now deceased) and resides at Zumbro Falls. George, the eldest living child, was born in Dows, October 22, 1833. He was nearly eighteen when he came to America, and attended one term of school in New York. He c^me to Minnesota with his parents. He was married February ,1, 1862, to Cordelia Drinkwalter, whose parentage elsewhere appears. They have seven children living, born as follows : Maria 0., April 15, 1864; Henrietta, October 22, 1866 ; EflSe S., May 12, 1868 ; Frederick P., September 16, 1870 ; Wallace E., November 11, 1874 ; Prosper E., Ja^Jary 4, 1880 ; Jessie, May 23, 1883. Four children have died. ^ Iea a. Fifield, farmer and fruit-grower, Mazeppa. Among the eariiest residents of Mazeppa was the father of this . subject, Joseph Fifield, now residing in Lyon county, this state. Mary NichoUs married Joseph Fifield, and gave birth to a son on November 4, 1835, and that son grew to be the substantial citizen of whom this page shall now speak. Ira A. Fifield became a citizen of Mazeppa in .June, 1856, coming here with his father. He made claim to one hundred and twenty acres of land on section 29, where he now dwells. His estate at present includes over two hundred acres, ot .which he has cleared and tills eighty. He pays a good deal of atten- tion to the growth of small-fruits, and does considerable trade in supplying others with choice plants. He has never taken any part in public affairs, but has always adhered to the republican party. Has no faith in religion. Beginning with nothing save his hands, he has become independent by his own labor and the faithful assist- ance of his helpmeet. The latter, Emma, born Euber, was espoused by Mr. Fifield in 1867. Her father is among the foremost citizens of the adjoining town of Oronoco, Olmsted county. Mr. Fifield served from January 28 to September 27, 1865, in Co. G, 1st Minn. Heavy Art., being stationed at Chattanooga, Tennessee. Children have been given to him and christened as follows : Nellie L., October 18, 1868 ; Clara May, April 25, 1870 ; Ella Grace, Decem- ber 11, 1871 ;*Celia Ann, December 17, 1873 ; George F., October 10, 1875; James S., June 30, 1877; Charles E., June 27, 1879; Abram W., June 3, 1883. James M. Harbison, farmer, Mazeppa, is a son of Elias S. and 998 HISTORY OS" WABASHA COtTNTY. Maria (Gardner) Harrison, of Pennsylvania, and was born in School- craft, Michigan, April 2, 1848. The father (now deceased) settled with his family at Center Point, near Lake City, in July, 1852. He erected the first hotel building there, where he died in July, 1863. The subject of this sketch attended the common school there till the death of his father. He then came to Mazeppa, and attended one term here. Farming has always been his vocation. July 27, 1867, he married Phoebe AnnToungs, daughter of John Toungs, else- where mentioned. Mr. Harrison is tilling rented land. He is a member of Mazeppa Lodge, LO.O.F., and is a republican. Gaeeet a. Cook, postmaster at Cook's Yalley, is a grandson of Garret Albertson, a continental soldier during the American revolu- tion. In the town of Hardwick, Warfin county. New Jersey, January 2, 1818, the subject of this sketch was born to Abram H. and Ann Galicia (Albertson) Cook, themselves natives of the same commonwealth. Until fifteen years old Garret A. Cook remained on his father's farm, receiving the limited benefits of the common school of the time. He was apprenticed to a saddler and harness- maker, and pursued such occupation for twelve years. He went to Yirginia in 1852, and thence came to Minnesota in 1855, locating on section 30, Greenfield. His home has ever since remained there. By his thrift he has acquired three hundred and forty acres of real estate, and is passing his old age in peace and plenty. He was elected clerk of the first school district organized here, in November, 1857, and still fills the same position ; has been postmaster for the past twenty-two years ; was justice of the peace four years here, and eight years in New Jersey ; affiliates with the republican party. Himself and wife are communicants in the Methodist Episcopal church, and were instrumental in the building of Cook's Valley church for that society. Mr. Cook was made a mason in Virginia and served as secretary of the same lodge in which George Wash- ington was initiated. In 1841 Mr. Cook was united in marri^e to Miss Mary, daughter of Jeremy and Lana Mackey, all of New Jer- sey. They have since become the parents of six children. Abram and Elizabeth (Mrs. Herman Graff) are resident at Hancock, Min- nesota. Lytle O., Anneta, Irwin and Viola still dwell with their parents. Abram entered the United States army, and served till the close of the civil war in the 3d Minn. regt. Lytle is now conduct- ing the village school at Kellogg. While resident at Alexandria, Virginia, Mr. Cook fell into an unguarded railway cut, which caused a permanent injury of his left limb. PIONEEES. 999 John Heney Weheenbeeg, farmer, Greenfield, was bom in Hanover, Germany, April 10, 1836. Up to fourteen years of age he attended school and assisted his parents in their farm labors. He was then apprenticed to a cabinetmaker and soon became master of the trade. When seventeen years old he left his native land and made his way to St. Louis, Missouri, where he was employed at cabinetwork. In 1856 he came to Minnesota and took up one- fourth of section 20, Greenfield, which he still retains. He now has half a section and resides on 29 in a handsome brick house. His wedding was the first celebrated in the township and occurred March 28, 1858, the bride being Miss Anna Frye, daughter of another pioneer mentioned elsewhere. Mr. Wehrenberg has always been a republican, and all the family were baptised in the Lutheran church. The children, in the order of their age, were christened Herman G., Lena L., Emma C, Augusta M., Henry J., Edward, Minnie, Charles and Eliza. Mr. Wehrenberg joined the Union army ^in February, 1866, and served nine months in the 1st Minn. Heavy Art., stationed at Chattanooga. He is now quite extensively en- gaged in stock raising, and has, among other animals, forty head of cattle. Henet Fete, retired farmer, is one of the pioneers of Greenfield, having located in 1866 on section 29, where he now dwells with his daughter. He was bom in Hanover in 1799, and emigrated direct to Minnesota in the spring of 1856. Li 1827 he married Mary Koenig, now deceased. The family includes two daughters, the eldest, Mrs. Henry Graner, residing near-by ; the other, Mrs. J. H. Wehrenberg, is spoken of above. All are Lutherans. EwiN Alexandee, carpenter and builder. Lake City, was born in Kichmond, Maine, August 25, 1885. His parents, Ewin Alex- ander and Sarah Melcher, were born in Brunswick, same state. The early life of this subject was passed on the farm, and his education was supplied by the common school. At eighteen he began carpen- terwork and has followed it nearly ever since. Many fine buildings in this county, including the county-house and the new Lake City schoolhouse, are of his construction. He became a resident of Lake City in 1856. Two years were subsequently spent in Missis- sippi and he returned in 1860. September 18, 1861, he entered the 1st Minn. regt. Vols., Co. I, and served in the army of the Potomac. He was a participant in the battles of Ball's Bluff, the Peninsula cam- paign, West Point, Fair Oaks, Savage Station, White Oak Swamp, 1000 HISTOET OF WABASHA COtTNTT. Malvern Hill and Antietam- He was discliarged in 1863, and soon went on board the mercliant vessel General Grant as ship's carpenter. After sailing from Boston to San Francisco, he then went on the Seaman's Bride to Baker's Island where the vessel was wrecked in the spring of 1865, and the crew was left for fifty-five days on this barren coral island until picked up by the packet schooner Odd- Fellow. Arriving at San Francisco Mr. Alexander set out for Boa- ton in the Wild Hunter, which was out one hundred and forty-four days on the voyage around Cape Horn to Boston. In the fall of 1866 our subject returned to Lake City, which has been his home since. December 7, 1870, he espoused in marriage Miss Frances C, eldest daughter of F. G. Slocum, of this city. Their children are bright and promising, christened Helen, Kate, Sarah and Anna. Mr. Alexander is a member of the Masonic order and of the A.O.U.W. His religion is "Peace on earth, goodwill toman," and his voting has always been with the republican party. Geoege Patton, retired merchant, Lake City (see portrait), is the only child of George Patton, a successful teacher of twenty-eight years' experience, and Jane (Humphreys) Patton, natives of Stra- bane, Ireland, of Irish and English ancestry. In the city of .Phila- delphia, on August 24, 1802, was born the subject of this page. When he was nine years of age, the family then residing at WiU- iamsport, his mother was drowned in a stage coach which was swept away by a swollen stream on the way to Pennsborough. The youthful George was only prevented from sharing his mother's journey and fate by a mere childish accident. Just as they were about to start, he fell down and soiled his clothing, for which he was compelled to forego the trip. When in his fifteenth year, our sub- ject began his mercantile career, entering a store in Lewistowri, Pennsylvania. After serving one employer five years and another nine, he engaged in business for himself at Allenville, Mifilin county, in 1831. By the industry and shrewd business management of fifteen years here, he secured financial independence, and resolved to locate in Cincinnati, where his children, six sons and one daugh- ter, might be properly educated. For nine years his only business was their care and intellectual advancement. Their mother, Eliza, daughter of James Kellogg, one of the substantial citizens of Lewis- town and Mr. Patton's employer for nine years, was a woman worthy of such a husband, and ably seconded, his efibrts. The loss of health prompted Mr. Patton in 1855 to travel in the west. A tour PIONEEES. 1001 of some weeks' duration througli Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota territory, satisfied him of the healthful climate and flattering mater- ial prospects of this section. Now, in his eighty-second year, his general health is good, and his long life is no ddubt to be largely attributed to our invigorating climate, together with a clear eon- science and regular, temperate habits. He left Ohio in May, 1855, on his prospecting trip, and removed his family to Winona in July of the same year. Here he bought lots, and contemplated a per- manent residence. In the following winter his attention was called to the site of Lake City by its projectors, and after a survey of the adjacent country, he became convinced of its natural advantages and decided to purchase an interest in the town, which he did, and removed his family hither the following May. At that time boats did not land here, but Mr. Patton persuaded the captain of the War •Eagle to put off^^his household effects, cow, etc., on the shore. The boat arrived after dark, and they were obliged to make their way as best they could to a shanty near by. A severe storm was in progress at the time, and on reaching the cabin its floor was found to be soaked with the rain ; but here they were compelled to arrange their bedding and set up a stove and prepare supper. Mr. Patton at once set about preparations to. build, and during this season completed his present residence, corner of High street and Lyon avenue, and occu- 7)ied it in November. All the material had to be freighted trom Read's Landing, and much of it was purchased in Dubuque, the lumber being brought in a raft from the St. Croix river. The latter was dried in a kiln, erected for the especial purpose. Stones for the foundation were rolled down the bluffs, and Mr. Patton was obhged to mix mortar and wait on the mason, in order to fit the house for a shelter before winter came on. Only one carpenter and one mason could be found, and day-laborers were unheard of at ihat time. In the spring of 1857, Mr. Patton built a store and opened for trade in April, 1859, continuing in mercantile business till January 1, 1881. Associated with him were his sons, Hiram and Augustus. The eldest son, James E., is a prosperous mer- chant and manufacturer in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he has dwelt nearly thirty years. George E., the second, is in successful medical practice here. Nathan, the fourth, is now dealing in gen- eral merchandise at Tower City, Dakota. Augustus M., died Feb- ruary, 1869, aged twenty-nine years, at Lake City, leaving a widow and two sons. The only daughter, Eliza J., married Eev. Silas 1002 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTT. Hazlett, and is now deceased. December 31, 1878, was celebrated the golden wedding of George Patton and Eliza Kellogg, at tlieir elegant home, where they were surrounded with the friends of a quarter century, as well as many later ones. At the family reunion in the evening were present all the living descendants of Mr. and Mrs. Patton, except Dr. E. A. Patton, of Cincinnati, including a great-grandchild, Eliza McLean. Gboegb Eandqlph Patton was bom in Allen ville, Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, August 16, 1834. His parentage is American ; the an- cestors of his father (who is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) being Irish, and those of his mother (who is a native of New Haven, Connecticut) English, who settled in Connecticut in 1687. His parents, yet in vigorous health, celebrated in Lake City, Minnesota, their golden wedding, December 31, 1878. The subject of this sketch removed with his parents to Cincinnati, Ohio, in April, 1845. He spent four years in the old Cincinnati College, now merged into Herron's Classical Seminary, and subsequently graduated A.B. at the Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, after pursuing its four years' course of study. During his first college year he carried forward at the same time the studies of both the freshman and sophomore classes, entering the junior on a grade gf ninety-seven and two- thirds at the end' of the first year. One of his achievements in the university was a literal translation, in book form, of the odes, sat- ires and epistles of Horace ; also the " Greek Antiquities" of Thu- cydides, "Plato Contra Atheos,"and the "Prometheus" of iEschy- lus. During the last year of his college course he pursued the study of Hebrew in the Associated Eeformed Theological Seminary, with the view of the ministry. After studying theology one year in the Western Theological Seminary, then located in Cincinnati, he turned his attention to medicine ; entered the office of Prof. George Men- denhall, and graduated M.D., in the Miami Medical College, Cin- cinnati, in February, 1855. From February, 1854, to his gradua- tion, he served as the outdoor physician of the city dispensary, affording a wide scope of clinical observation. He established himself in practice in Cincinnati in 1866, occupying an office with Prof J. F. White, of the Miami Medical College, until 1866 ; after that, until March, 1857, he was associated in the same office with Prof. E. Williams, the celebrated oculist, professor of ophthal- mology in the Miami school. He then opened an office in his own residence, corner of Fourth and John streets ; removed to No. 241 PIONEERS. 1003 "West Seventh street, in 1860 ; to 360 West Eighth street in 1867, and remained there till 1872, when ill-health, superinduced chiefly by overwork and an unfortunate post-mortem wound, compelling the relinquishment of a large and lucrative practice, he retired to Lake City, Minnesota. His contributions to the public press and medical literature have been voluminous. Among those of note upon medical topics maybe mentioned an article on "Elephantiasis Arabica," in the Cincinnati Medical Observer, March, 1856 ; the following in the Cincinnati Lancet amd Observer: "Contributions onHelminthology," June, 1862, January, 1863, and February, 1864 ; "Phlegmasia Dolens," Jime, 1863; " Hsemorrhagic Diathesis," December, 1867; "Antagonism of Aropia and Morphia," June, 1869 ; "A New Instrument for Urethritis," December^ 1869; and in the Philadelphia Medical and Swrgical Reporter^ February, 1870; articles on the "Treatment of Urethritis," in the Cincinnati Lamcet amd Observer, 1870; "Hepatitis," «K(^., March, 1870; on "Insomnia," in the Cincinnati Medical Repertory, February, 1870 ; "Hypodermic Injections and Treatment by Atomization," in Medir ical and Surgical Reporter, March, 1870. He is the inventor of a large number of surgical appliances, the most noted of which is known as "Patton's reverse-flow fenestrated injecting can ula and catheter " ; also an apparatus for CoUe's iracture of the radius, an instrument for deep-seated haemorrhage, etc. In 1857 he was lec- turer on materia medica and therapeutics in the Miami Medical College, Cincinnati ; in 1856 was elected physician of Lick Eun Lunatic Asylum, declined ; was physician and surgeon to Saint John's Hospital during 1855 and 1856 ; surgeon of the Seminary Hospital, 1862 ; surgeon of the United States Marine Hospital in 1863 ; the surgeon-in-chief of the Greenup Street Military Hospital during the war ; city physician of Cincinnati from 1858 to 1865, and for a number of years consulting physician of the city dispensary. In 1867 he was proffered the professorship of anatomy in the Cin- cinnati Dental College. From time to time since graduation, he has spent, in the aggregate, over three years in special studies, under specialists, in the colleges and hospitals of New York and Philadelphia. He is a member of, and has held, many ofl&ces in, various medical associations. During the Crimean war he received a surgeon's commission in the Eussian army for three years, but had it canceled at his own request, on account of the war terminat- ing as he was about to sail for Europe. He has performed about 1004 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. all the capital operations in surgery. The degree of M.D. ad eun- dem was conferred upon him by the Medical College of Ohio, Cin- cinnati, in 1858 ; and the degree of M. A. by the Miami University in 1857. Among his published addresses maybe noted the " Med- ical Pendulum," delivered before the Alumni Association of the Miami Medical College, Cincinnati, at the annual meeting February , 28, 1876. He is a very fluent and eflfective speaker, and has never used at any time either notes or manuscript. March 26, 1867, he married Frances Mary, daughter of A. "W. Patterson, Esq., of Cincinnati, and has had two children, Edward A. and Ella Eliza. The former is now M.D. ; graduated in the Miami Medical College, Cincinnati, Ohio. De. E. a. Patton, of Minneapolis, was formerly a physician of Lake City, in partnership with his father, G. E. Patton. He is a gentleman of superior education and attainments and is now the professor of physiology in the Minnesota College Hospital of Min- neapolis. His wife, Mattie S., is a daughter of Ma,]. L. S. Yan Yliet, whose sketch may be found elsewhere in this volume. Harbison Gillett, the great engine-boiler builder and machinist, of Lake City, was born in Coopertown, New York, in 1824, and at the early age of twelve years had developed considerable taste for machinery, especially such as was propelled by steam power. At that age he began running an engine at Syracuse, New York, and two years later went into a machine-shop to learn the art of builds ing. This he completed, and to this day has kept pace with the development of steam machinery and in many ways taken decidedly advanced steps in the science. In 1856 he came to Minnesota and located in Lake City, and at once, in company with Starr, Gaylord & Thompson, built a mill — his connection with this firm, however, was soon severed, he drifting into his old business and also starting a foundry. He run the first heat in this city on July 10, 1869, and erected his large machine-shop at the corner of Main and DweUe streets in 1870. This building is a massive stone structure in size, •38x120, walls eighteen inches thick, on a substantial foundation, two feet in thickness, fifty feet of the front, two stories high, the entire building covered with an iron roof. The interior is arranged into apartments to suit the convenience of the different branches of work carried on, each room being supplied with new and improved machinery for the moulding and making of any article, from a wheelbarrow to a complete steam threshing-madhine, capable of PIONEEES. 1005 being conveyed to the field by its own motive power. In this immense establishment is a thirty-horsepower engine, which not only propels the vast machinery within its own walls, but also furnishes the power for two grain elevators. During the threshing season of 1882 Mr. Gillette had in the field thirteen full-equipped steam threshers, thfough which was run about five hundred thousand bushels of grain, earning the sum of fourteen thousand three hun- dred dollars. Suffice it to say that Mr. Gillett is a natural machinist in every sense, and his sons are men of the same stamp. He was married December 31, 1846, to Miss Mary L. Bayard, of the State of New York, who has borne to him eight children, six of whom are still living, whose names in the order of their birth are Frank H., Frances L. James H., Fred H., Addie L., and Asa D. John Fletchbe, Lake City, was born in Madison county, New York, February 18, 1831, and is the ninth child of Isaac and Nancy (Brown) Fletcher, who reared a family of ten to manhood and womanhood, save the first child, a daughter, ,who died at the age of sixteen' years. They were natives of Vermont and York State respectively, and died in Madison county. New York. John's early years were spent on the farm, and his education was com- pleted with three terms at Hamilton Academy. For seven years his time was principally employed in teaching school. In 1856 he made a trip to Minnesota, having been employed to place the machin- ery in a mill at Mazeppa. At this time he placed the buhrs in the first flouring-mill in this county. The same season he made a claim to a quarter-section of government land in Goodhue county. In 1860 he became a permanent resident of this county, settling with his family on a farm in Mazeppa, and three years later removed to Lake City where he for several years conducted a hotel. In 1870 he engaged in the grain trade and in 1880 removed his head- quarters to Cass county, Dakota, though he continued to reside here. January 6, 1858, Mr. Fletcher was united in marriage to Sallie B. Hawks, who was born in Georgetown, Madison county. New York, whither her parents — Horace and Hannah (Bardwell) Hawks — removed from Massachusetts in the earliest period of Georgetown's settlement. To Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher two children were given, one of whom, PhUa L., is now in attendance at the city schools. The other died in childhood. LoEiN J. Fletchek, grain-dealer. Lake City, is a brother of John Fletcher above mentioned. He was born December 11, 1006 HISTORY OF WABASHA COHNTT. 1833, in Madison county, New York ; enjoyed the advantages of a common school through youth, to which was added one year's academic training. The eight years previous to 1856 were spent in a store, and in this year he came to Mazeppa, this county, and embarked in a mercantile business. After conducting a pioneer store one year he returned east, where he remained until 1859, when he again came to this county. Then followed a two years' residence in Mazeppa, after which he permanently located in Lake City, and at once engaged in the grain and commission business as a member of the firm of Amsbry & Fletcher. This firm con- ducted a prosperous business in this city up till the time of the con- struction of railroads through the interior, which materially cut off their trade from the rural towns. This firm also were agents for the St. Louis and St. Paul line of steamboats on the Mississippi river, and was for many years agent for the Northwestern Express Company, as well as for the American Express Company after it had absorbed the former. After the completion of the railroad to this city, they built an elevator near the company's depot,^ where Mr. Fletcher is still engaged in the grain trade. He was married at Lake City, April 26, 1869, to Miss Mate E. Amsbry, the only daughter of his business partner, Mr. William H. Amsbry. She is a native of Shenango. county, New York. To them were bom 'two children, but one of whom is living, a daughter, Jessie C, now eight years of age. William H. Amsbey (deceased) was bom in New Hampshire in 1817, and was reared on a farm in Shenango county. New York, from the time he was six years of age. In 1836 he was married to Miss Charlotte Coley, and followed agricultural pursuits in She- nango county till 1856, when he removed to the new and untried State of Minnesota. He first settled in Mazeppa, in this county, and there bought out and completed the first mill begun in the county. In 1860 he sold out and removed to Lake City, where he conducted an extensive grain and general commission business. He died in 1881, and is much missed by his friends and fellow- citizens. Mr. Amsbry served this county as commissioner, in its early history, and Lake City as a staundi friend and advisor in later years. David Ceonin (deceased) was one of the early settlers of Lake City, having come here about 1856. He was born in Ireland, and there married Miss Margaret Walsh in 1843. In 1846 they emi- PIONEEES. 1007 grated to the United States, and for the following ten years was engaged in railroading in various states both east and west. By this time they has succeeded in saving a little money, and a small family had come to be cared for, hence their removal so far north- west. Here he purchased a small farm of one hundred and twenty acres in the town of Lake. Soon after he had got started at farm- ing came the outbreak of the late war, in which a spirit of patriot- ism and love of his adopted country caused him to enlist. He became a member of the 8th Minn. Yol. Inf., and was engaged in border warfare with the Indians, when he died at Fort Abercrombie, where his remains now rest. Mrs. Cronin, though aged and feeble, still resides in this city with her four children, whose names in the order of their birth are : Daniel, Mary, Margaret and David. One son, Michael, a promising young man, died (it is supposed) from injuries received by being struck violently on the breast with a plow handle. The mother and children are faithful members of the Catholic church. "William E. Peekins, livery man. Lake City, came to Lake City in September, 1858, and spent his first winter here teaching a school at Central Point, after which for a time he engaged in handling lumber for F. K. Sterrett and Bessey & "Willis, after which he spent some time in farming within the present limits of Lake City. In the fall of 1866 he embarked in the livery business with A. "W. Detmars, and so continued about five years. He then bought out Mr. Det- mar's interest, and has since conducted the business individually, near the corner of Lyon avenue and "Washington street. His busi- ness of late years requires about twenty horses, though before the con- struction of the railroads a larger number were needed. In addition to his livery and 'bus business, Mr. Perkins is also engaged in the purchase and sale of fine and heavy horses, most of them obtained in Illinois and Iowa. Mr. Perkins was bom in "Watertown, JSTew York, September 16, 1839, and is a son of George B. and Cinthia (WooUey) Perkins. He was married July 23, 1858, to Miss Anna M. "Woodford, a native of Yermont. To them were born five chil- dren, of whom two, George W. and Sidney "W., are living, and now in business. The former is agent for the American Express com- pany of this city, and the latter employed in his uncle George "W. Perkin's store at Furgus Falls, Minnesota. Three lovely and affec- tionate daughters once graced the home of Mr. and Mrs. Perkins. Of these, Litha E. (who was their second chifd) died soon after 61 1008 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTT. entering on her third year. L. Nellie and Florence G. were longei spared to their fond parents. The former died of diphtheria Febru- ary 19,1879,' in the twelfth year of her age, and the latter died of the same disease January 1, following, in her tenth year. Mr. and Mrs. Perkins are prominently connected with the Episcopal church, and he is a staunch member of the Masonic fraternity. Ltmon E. Thoep, Lake City, who became a resident of this county as early as 1856, is a native of Madison county, New York, is a son of Orrin and Lucretia (Patridge) Thorp, and was born June 15, 1883. His early youth was spent on the farm, where his parents gave him the best educational advantages the country school afforded. At about the age of fifteen he started to learn the blacksmith's trade, which he completed, and followed the business in his native state till 1856. December 25, 1855, he married Miss Marion O. Smith, a native of Shenango county, New York, and in the fall of the next year emigrated to Minnesota, settling in Mazeppa township, in Wabasha coimty, where he pre-empted a quarter-section of land, on which he built a small house, and there resided one year. By this time his wife's health had become so impaired that her physician advised a return to her old eastern home. The next two years was spent there and in the fall of 1859 he returned to Mazeppa, and the next spring built the Franklin House, and kept hotel till August, 1862, when he enlisted in Co. G, 8th Minn. Vol. Inf. His first two years' military service was in border warfare on the frontier, crossing the plains to the Yellowstone, under command of Gen. Sulley. The regiment was then ordered south, where it did garrison duty till the close of the war. After some time spent in visiting friends east, he permanently located in Lake City, and engaged in the grain trade, which he followed till his recent connection with the Jewell nursery as traveling salesman. Mrs. Thorp's parents, Joshua and Aurilla (Franklin) Smith settled in Mazeppa in 1856, where they have since been laid to rest. Mr. Thorp is a member of the Masonic lodge, chapter and commandery of this city, and occupies his own palatial residence in this city. Geoege W. Stlvestee, born April 6, 1828, died September 6, 1876. His father, Caleb Sylvester, was a farmer and surveyor, and resided at Phillips, Maine, where the subject of this sketch was born, and received a common school education. In 1844 the Sylvestei family removed to Wisconsin, and located on a farm near Platteville, in the vicinity of the lead mines, where the boys found employment. PIONEERS. 1009 In 1851 George, in company with his brother Charles, crossed the plains with an ox-team, and found their way into the gold diggings of California. In 1854 he returned, via the isthmus of Panama, bringing back about two thousand dollars as the fruits of his three years' toil in the mines. The fall of the following year he came to Minnesota, and located a claim on the S.E. J of Sec. 25, inPlainview township. He spent that winter at his Wisconsin home, and on March 18, 1856, was married to Miss Matilda Cook, daughter of Henry Cook, a Wisconsin farmer. This lady was born November 6, 1838, in the township of Waterloo, Province of Quebec. The May following his marriage found Mr. Sylvester and his bride in possession of their new Minnesota home, and here he spent the re- mainder of his life in improving and beautifying his chosen home. Mr. Sylvester was a skillful carpenter, and devoted most of his time to that vocation. In 1860 he erected a large barn which he painted red, and was soon widely known as the "Big Ked Barn." The present residence was not erected until 1875. His family now re- sides in the village of Plainview, and consists of Mrs. Sylvester and five children, viz: Edwin L., bom March 16, 1859, bookkeeper in the Plaiiiview Bank, educated at the Plainview High School ; Hattie A. ; G. Franklyn, telegraph operator at St. Joseph, Minn. ; Electra A., and Nellie M. Mr. Sylvester was from the first prominently identified with the religious work in Plainview, being a member of the Methodist Episcopal church* ; he was also a member of both the Masonic and Odd-Fellows fraternities of Plainview, and was at one tiine on the township board of supervisors, and was more or less prominently identified with county politics. Mr. Sylvester was the first postmaster of the Woodland office. Patrice: McDonough, Mount Pleasant, was born in County Mayo, Ireland, about 1824. When eighteen, he came to the United States and engaged in taUorwork with an elder bl-other in Shenango county, New York. He came to Mazeppa in the fall of 1866, and secured some land near that village. In partnership with his brother he now owns eighty acres in Zumbrota and a like amount in Mount Pleasant, where he lives. He enlisted February 22, 1862, in Co. H, 5th Minn, regt., and served in the western army. He was an actor in the battles of Vicksburg, Nashville, Corinth, luka, . Jackson, Champion Hills and the Eed Eiver expedition. He was hurt by a fall in the night, but served out his time and was discharged in September, 1865. After the war he spent three years 1010 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. in Swift county, where he took a claim and afterward sold it. Mr McDonough never married, and resides with a niece, Mrs. Mc Bride. He is a member of Lake Citj Catholic church and a demo crat. John Dale (deceased) was born in Perry county, Pennsylvania October 8, 1806. He was a son of Christopher Dale, also a nativ( of Pennsylvania, of English descent. His mother died when he wai an infant. He was reared on a farm and learned the weaver'i trade. His wife, Christina, nee Myers, was born in the same neigh borhood as himself on December 28, 1804, and they were united ii marriage August 14, 1827. Mr. Dale owned a farm in his nativ( state, which he tilled. He came thence to Wabasha county in 186J and bought a farm on section 24, Zumbro township. Ht died December 23, 1882, at the residence of his eldest son, Daniel, His wife died July Y, 1877. Six sons and one daughter survive them: Daniel, Jacob M., Samuel, John "W., Mary Ellen (Mrs, David Myers), Levi A., and Simon "W. The third son resides al Eostoria, Ohio ; the fourth at Zumbro Falls ; the daughter at Well ington, Kansas. Mr. and Mrs. Dale were Dunkards in faith. Daniel Dale, eldest son of John Dale, was bom in Centei township, Ferry county, Pennsylvania, January 28, 1830. Hif early life was passed on the farm, and at nineteen he began work ai the carpenter's trade. He subsequently took up cabinetwork, which he worked at more or less till 1859. In 1856 he took up hif residence in Zumbro, making claim to one-fourth of section 19, He still retains one half of this claim, on which he lives. His estatf includes one hundred and fifty acres, of which twenty are timbered. He has a fine farm and has handsomely improved it. He was mar ried October 18, 1859, to Elizabeth Peterman, a native of Pennsyl vania ; her parents were Jacob and Annie (Myers) Peterman, o French and German extraction. Mr. and Mrs. Dale are memberi of the Methodist Episcopal church. The former has always cast hii vote with the republican party. Their first child was christened Ida and died when four months old. Jenny M., born March 23, 1863 married D. W. Coleman, and dwells at Emma, Dakota. Helen E. October 1, 1866, resides with parents. Jacob M., second son of John Dale, was born in Center May 17 1832. He was put out at an early age to live with a Dutch farmer and learned the language of his foster-parents, so that he no-9 speaks it equally as well as English. At his majority he took u] PIONEEES. 1011 chair making and painting, and followed this occupation niany years. He became a citizen of Zumbro in 1866, taking a claim on section 19, June 26. He still dwells on the original claim, and has one hundred and six acres of land. He arrived with noth- ing, and is now independent. On February 24, 1859, he was united in marriage to Miss Hannah E. Henry, daughter of James Henry, whose sketch appears elsewhere. Mrs. Dale has always been called Lizzie. She was born in Vernon, Trumbull county, Ohio, October 17, 1834. Mr. Dale is a republican and himself and wife are mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal church. They have two children : John A., bom March 2, 1861, resides at Grafton, Dakota; Carrie E., August 8, 1866, now fitting herself for a teacher at Kochester. Levi A., fifth son of John Dale, was born in Center, August 3, 1845. Reared on farm and received a common school education. Came to Zumbro November 2Y, 1863. Next year he bought sixty- five acres on section 24, where his home has been ever since. By industry and perseverance he has made himself independent. Has purchased twenty acres of timber in Mazeppa. He was married November 28, 1869, to Louisa A., daughter of H. C. Brant, whose biography is elsewhere given in this book. They have three chil- dren, born as follows: Earl C, March 14, 18T6 ; Eoy'M., October 26, 1878; Hattie May, May 5, 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Dale are members of the Wesleyan Methodist church. The former is a republican, because he considers that correct pi-inciples are espoused by the party known by that name. He came to Minne- sota without capital, and with the aid of his faithful helpmeet has secured a happy home. John A. Maetin, millwright, Mazeppa, is a grandson of John Martin, of Delaware. His father, John Martin, served as a United States marine in the war of 1812, and married Catharine Portman, also native of Delaware. This couple settled in Eusselsburg, War- ren county, Pennsylvania, where was born to them the subject ot this mention, on September 11, 1828. He was reared on a farm on the Conewango river, two miles from a school. He had no oppor- tunity to attend school after fourteen years old, being then employed in a sawmill. Having a natural taste for mechanical labor, he soon became skilled in the use of tools. His father was a lumberman, and he had good opportunities for practice. Mrs. Martin was born and reared within half a mile of her husband, and was united to him in marriage October 15, 1852. Her father, E. "W. Chase, was a native 1012 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. of New York, and she was christened Mary Jane. After spending a short time in Michigan, he arrived in Mazeppa in September, 1856, where his home has been ever since. After working a short time at St. Anthony, he returned for his family. Coming up the Mississippi on the Lady Franklin, the vessel sunk at Prairie, dn Chien, but they escaped without loss, and arrived in Red Wing, in December. Eor a year or two Mr. Martin operated the sawmill here. In the summer of 1857 he built a house on First street, in which he dwelt several years. Next year he bought a farm in Zumbrota township, near this village, and now has ninety acres of land. His present residence on the corner of Broadway and Cherry streets, where he has four lots, was built by him in 1862. He has built or repaired mills at Lodi, Pine Island, Oronoco, Zumbro Falls, Forest Mills, and numerous other points. He is a firm and enthusi- astic democrat, and served as postmaster at Mazeppa throughout Buchanan's administration. His religious sympathies are with the Universalists. He has superintended a great many funerals. He is very fond of hunting, which he has pursued from boyhood, capturing a great many deer. His field has extended from Pennsylvania to Montana, and he visits the latter territory often now. His children were born and christened as follows : October 16, 1854, Emraagene (Mrs. Fred. C. Hollenbeck, Bismarck, Dakota Territory) ; April 15, 1857, Arthur, now at Brainerd, Minnesota; January 18, 1870, Carribelle, home. Jesse Youngs (deceased) was one of the pioneers of Mazeppa township, taking a claim in the fall of 1856 on section 8, where he died in September, 1865. He was born near Stanton, Connecticut, in 1789, and served through the war of, 1812. His father was a revolutionary soldier. He married Martha McBride, and settled in Livingston county, New York, where he remained till he came here. He had two sons and two daughters. The eldest son, Enoch, came here with his father -dnd took up a claim near by. He enlisted in February, 1862, in the 5th Minn. Yols., and was shot in Texas by guerrillas in 1864. He left a wife and five children. The other son remains on his father's original claim. Matilda J., one of the daughters, married Zerch Cornish and lives near Sleepy Eye. Anna married Charles Sibley, and lives near her brother on the old claim. John J. Sibley, as above related, resides on his father's original claim in Mazeppa. He was born in Sparta, Livingston county New PIONEERS. 1013 York, ]S'ovember 12, 1816. He married Almeda Lovell, born in New York, also tlie grandchild of a revolutionary soldier, and pur- chased a farm there on which he lived till the spring of 1867. He then came west and located where he is now. Mr. and Mrs. Youngs are Methodists. They have six children : Benjamin, the eldest, served in the war against the Sioux and also at the South. He now resides in Mazeppa. The others reside as follows : George E., Moorhead, this state; Jesse, Mazeppa; Joseph, on father's farm ; Henrietta (Mrs. Alvin Sibley), Lake Benton, Minnesota ; Phoebe A. (Mrs. Joseph Harrison), Mazeppa. Mr. Youngs is a faithful republican. Ttjenee J. Preble, farmer, is a great-grandson of James Preble, an Englishman. Benjamin, son of the latter, married Lydia Tibbetts, both born in Maine. Their son Turner was born in 1807 in Whitesfield, Lincoln county, that state ; he married Temperance Eldredge, of Argyle, Penobscot county, daughter of Richard and Temperance (Wheldin) Eldredge. The subject of this sketch was bom in Old Lemon, Hancock county, Maine, March 30, 1842. From 1850 to 1855 his parents resided in McKean county, Penn- sylvania, and in the spring of the last-named year became a resident of Minnesota. The summer was spent on rented land opposite Hudson, Wisconsin. In the fall of that year Turner Preble settled at Mazeppa. During the following winter he hewed the timbers for the first mill built in that town. He took up government land near the village, which he held till 1865. He then sold and bought the farm on which he resides (section 7, Chester). The subject of this sketch received but a limited education, such as is afforded by the primitive schools of a new country. For some years after attaining his majority he continued to reside with his father and to assist him in farm operations. In 1868 he purchased eighty acres of land near his father's (partly in Zumbrota), which he still owns and tills. He is now the owner of two outlots in Mazeppa village, beside a half- interest in another on which himself and partner are building a grist- mill at this writing. In the summer of 1883 he built a house near the millsite, in which he now dwells with his family. In 1868 he ■ married May Lord, a native of 'New York ; her father, Lewis Lord, was a native of Massachusetts, and his wife Jane, of ISTew York. Their children were born as below: Emma J., January 3, 1870; Lefa, February 19, 1873 ; AlonzO, July 28, 1876 ; George, August 3, 1878. Mr. Preble served a short time as a recruit in the 1st 1014 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. Minn. Heavy Art., enlisting January 28, 1866, and being discharged October 10 following. He was stationed at Chattanooga, Tennessee. Samuel H. Doane was born in Jefferson county, I^ew York, on August 18, 1816. His parents were farmers, and Samuel's early years and youth were spent on a farm. In 1843 he, in company with his brother Daniel, went to EocMand county, in the same state, and worked as farm hands for one of the old German farmers of that vicinity. They remained with him for several years, and induced him to lay aside the old-fashioned one-handled plow and wooden- tooth harrow, with which he had cultivated his land, after the manner of his parents. In the fall of 1856 Samuel came to Highland town- ship. He labored among farmers for many years, and drew the lum- ber for the first hotel ever erected in Plainview. He now resides with his brother Daniel, on the latter's farm, which adjoins his own snug little place of forty acres on section 33. RoBEET M. DoANE was born near Adams Tillage, Jefferson county, New York, November 8, 1823. His parents were farmers, and Robert's early life was spent on a farm. At the age of sixteen he found himself possessed of a fair education, obtained in the com- mon schools, and the school at "Watertown, New York, which he at- tended one year, "When sixteen years old he was employed by Mr. S. P. Johnson, a wealthy drover of Clayton, New York, as a stock-buyer. Two years later he entered the employment of E. G. Merrick, another prominent business man of Clayton, and continued in his service most of the time as a sailor on the lakes until the year 1853. May 8, 1849, he married Jennette Marshall, who was born in Lisbon, St. Lawrence county. New York, May 8, 1823. In 1856 they came to Minnesota, and settled on section 33 in Highland township. Mr. and Mrs. Doane have^ three children, viz: Mrs. Ettie Moore, of Castleton, Dakota; Daniel ~W. and Frederick H., residing at home. Mr. Doane is a member of the Congregational church, a republican in politics, and has held various positions of public trust, being one of the first board of supervisors in Highland township. Laweence Teact, farmer, is a native of County Wicklow, Ireland, where he was born January 6, 1822. Hewas secondof six children born to James and Elizabeth Byrne Tracy, who died in their native land. Previous to his coming to this country (1846) the subject of our sketch spent five years as engineer, and for four years followed that business in Pennsylvania. ■ January 13, 1849, he wedded Ann Foley, PIOKEEES. • 1016 of Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania. This marriage has been blessed with nine children, six of whom are living : Mrs. Yeronica McGinn, ^ Minneapolis ; James A. ; Mrs. Ann McGinn, of Minne- apolis ; Ellen, a teacher of this county ; Mrs. Elizabetli Fox ; Mary F. From Pennsylvania Mr. Tracy went, in 1850, to the copper mines of northern Michigan, where he mined until 1856, when he settled in the town of Pell (now Oakwood), Wabasha county, being one of the early pioneers of that part of the county. In the fall of 1868 he moved to West Albany, where he has since lived. He and his wife are members of the Catholic church. In politics he is independent, supporting the men and printeiples of which his judg- ment approves. He has been often called to the public service, being a member of the first county board of supervisors ; later was township treasurer four years, and for sixteen years has held the office of assessor. He is a man of intelligence, has at times contrib- uted to the local papers, and is one of the leading citizens of the community. Capt. John W. Buenham was born in the year 1829, in the State of New Hampshire, and grew up with the usual experiences of a farmer's son in moderate circumstances of that time. His grand- father, of same name, was an officer during the entire revolutionary war and a member of the Society of the Cincinnati. Capt. Burn- ham is by birthright entitled to membership of this society, but has never claimed the right. After some years of adult life spent as a farmer, teacher and lumberman, he came to Minnesota in April, 1856, and located by buying for two hundred dollars a settler's claim to the IST. W. J of Sec. 3, T. 108 N., B. 11 W., land now owned by E. L. Burton and S. H. Gaylord. At the election following in October, 1856, he was elected justice of the peace, and as such held the first court, married the first couple, and approved the bonds of the first postmaster upon Greenwood prairie. For a short time he was engaged in the mercantile business at Greenville, the first town laid out on the prairie. ; but the uncertain title of land upon the Sioux half-breed reservation, destroyed the town and sent the occupants to their claims. After much trouble, expense and anxiety, Capt. Bumham secured a title to eighty acres of land, which he had improved by papng four dollars, and fifty cents per acre for it. In 1862 he made proof by pre-emption upon one hundred and sixty acres adjoining, which cost ninety dollars, money paid for a soldier's land warrant. In 1858 he was elected a member of the state legis- 1016 HISTOET OF WABASHA COtTNTY. lature. This body did not convene, and in 1859 lie was re-elected. The following session continued for four months. The finances of the state and the people was at a low ebb. The pay of af member would not procure him board at a first-class hotel in St. Paul. In 1861 Capt. Burnham was joined with I. O. Seeley, of Mazeppa, and Lawrence Tracey, of West Albany, into a board of appraisers of the school lands in the county. In August, 1862, he enlisted in the army, after the call of three hundred thousand men by President Lin- coln, and was made a sergeant in Co. C, 10th Inf., commanded by Capt. C. W. Hackett. He with the company were mounted and in service on the Minnesota frontier till February, 1863, when they went into winter quarters at LeSueur till May following. From May to October, 1863, the subject of this sketch was with his company in Sibley's expedition in Dakota, which marched thirteen hundred miles, fought four battles with Indians, and suffered much from hunger, thirst and fatigue. This expedition went north to Devil's lake, and west to the site of Bismarck, present capital of Dakota. In October, 1863, the regiment was sent to St. Louis, Missouri, on duty in the city. In May, 1864, it was sent into Kentucky and thence to Tennessee and Mississippi. Here, for the first time, Mr. Burnham was unable to do soldier's duty from ill health. July 25, 1864, he was commissioned lieutenant in Co. D, 121st TJ. S. Colored Inf. and was sent on recruiting service into Kentucky and there kept till June, 1865, when this regiment was consolidated with others into 13th regt. U. S. Heavy Art. (colored), Lieut. Burnham being assigned to Co. I. His health being very poor he obtained leave of absence and visited .home. "While away he was assigned tem- porarily for duty in 125th IT. S. Colored Inf., then on duty at the mili- tary prison at Louisville, Kentucky. He was immediately recom- mended for commission in that regiment, and on the day his appointment came — the 13th U. S. Heavy Art. (colored) was being mustered out of service at Louisville — Lieut. Burnham was put in command of a company (H), and in six weeks was promoted. Not long after, Co. H was sent to Jackson, Michigan, for a time, but about New Year's, 1866, the whole regiment was rendezvoused at Cairo, Illinois, where it remained till spring, when it was ordered to Fort Union, New Mexico, by steamboat to Leavenworth, Kansas, and from thence marched. From Fort Union, Cos. H and G marched five hundred miles more to Fort Bliss, Texas, where they remained a year, marching back in September and October, 1867, PIONEEES. 1017 over nearly the same route, to Ellsworth, Kansas, the nearest railroad station. From here they traveled by rail to Jefferson Bar- racks, wjpre they intended to await the rest of the regiment ; but the cholera broke out among them, and several died. The rest were mustered out at once, and the remainder of the regiment December 31, 1867, the last volunteer regiment enlisted for the war. Capt. Burnham returned to Plainview, where he still owned his farm, bought more land and settled in the town of Highland, where he lived eight years. He was three years chairman of the town board of supervisors, and once the unsuccessful republican candi- date for state senator. In 1877 he sold his farm in Highland and moved to Plainview, where he lived till October, 1878, when he moved to Wheatland, Cass county, Dakota, where he has since resided. Capt. Burnham was married in 1866, to Ada J. Law- rence, daughter of Benjamin Lawrence, an older settler of Green- wood prairie than himself, and has four children, — one born at Fort Bliss, Texas, two in Highland and one in Plainview. After his marriage his wife accompanied him, and had a share in military life upon the frontier. Capt. Burnham draws no pension, although ■ probably entitled to one, for the exposure and hardships of five years and three months' military service are enough to break down the strongest man. George H. Buenham, a native of New Hampshire, was born May 20, 1837, in the town of Derry, Eockingham county. His parents were George and Eliza (McNeil) Burnham, both natives of the Old Granite State. In 1869 Robert H. Burnham, of Long Meadow, Massachusetts, compiled and published the genealogy of the Burn- ham family in the United States. The work contains five hundred and forty-six pages, and shows the family to be a very large one. Maj. John Burnham, of the revolutionary army, was a grandfather of the subject of this sketch. George H. Burnham's early life was passed on a farm. In 1856 his brothers, John and William, came to Minnesota, and the following year George joined them in their pioneer life. He pre-empted that year one hundred and sixty acres^ on section 17, where he built the customary log cabin, and continued to reside for seven years. In 1864 he sold his pre-emption, and two years later purchased from Mr. Woodward a quarter-section on sec- tion 33, where he now has his home. March 3, 1862, he was mar- ried to Mary E. Gaylord, a native of Gainesville, New York. Her parents, Elijah "and Huldah (Alvord) Gaylord, were also natives of 1018 HISTOEY OF WABASHA COTXNTT. New York State. The following are the names of their children now living, viz: George M., born August 17, 1864 ; Frank A. (sur- viving twin), May 24, 1868 ; William H., July 19, 18Y1 ; J^Iary E., July 4, 1874 ; Maggie, April 4, 1876 ; John S., November 25, 1878; Charles A. G., November 1, 1880 ; Elsie I., December 8, 1882. Mr. Burnham has a fair education; attended the Derry Academy, New Hampshire, five terms ; is a member of the Plainview Congre- gational church, and a republican sprung from the oM whig stock. Adam Y. Sigleb, capitalist, Lake City, is the ninth child of Adam and Jemima (Van Horn) Sigler. The latter were born in New Jersey, of Dutch descent, and settled in Decatur, Mifflin county, Pennsylvania. Here was born the subject of this sketch, August 20, 1814, and four children were given to his parents after that. Adam V. Sigler received a limited education in the common schools of Decatur, and began mercantile life at eighteen in a store at Lewistown, in his native county. In 1836 he went into business in partnership with George Patton (elsewhere sketched in this work), at Allenville, same county. After the retirement of his partner,' Mr. Sigler continued the business eight years there, and two at Lewistown. Early in the spring of 1866 he became a resident of Lake City, and invested his capital in lots and buildings, which have yielded him a handsome income. His retirement from active life dates at this time, and he is now passing a hale and peaceful old age in the midst of long-time friends and associates. He is a member of the Presby- terian church, and was connected with the Sons of Temperance while a lodge existed here. Politically, began with the whig party and is now republican. In December, 1860, Mr. Sigler took a life- partner in the person of Miss Matilda E. Guyer, born in Peoria, Illinois. Of six children born to this couple, only one is now alive, born ten years ago, and christened William Wilberforce. Two died of scarlet fever, within a space of ten days. Albbet K. Gayloed, Lake City marshal, was reared on a farm in New York, and received a common-school education, supple- mented by several terms at Falley Seminary, in Fulton, same state. His parents, Miner and Elizabeth. (Burr) Gaylord, were bom, reared and married in Connecticut, and removed to New York. While resident in the town of Butternuts, Otsego county, 1831, a son was born to them, and christened Albert K. When twenty years' old the latter left home, and went to Brooklyn, Jackson county, Michigan, where he was employed in a foundry and PIOMEEES. 1019 machine-sliop. In the fall of 1856 he came to Lake City, and next spring brought his family. He built the building known for many years as "Gaylord's Hall," which was consumed in 1882, and opened the first furniture store here. He also sold various kinds of agricultural implements, manufactured by his former em- ployers. For some years he was employed at cai-penter work, and in the foundry here. For three years he owned and operated the mill in the '•Cooley," south of the city, in partnership with D. M. Smith. He served as marshal in the years 1874-5-6, and was ap- pointed to fill a vacancy in that office in October, 1883, holding the position ever since. He was a charter member and first past dicta- tor of the Lake City Knights of Honor, and was also connected with the Good Templars lodge while it existed ; has taken all the degrees in Odd-Fellowship, and is connected with the Masonic lodge and chapter. Mary A. Bancroft, first wife of A. K. Gaylord, was born in New York, and died here in September, 1868, leaving two chil- dren, of whom one survives, born lifarch, 1868, and christened Mary E. 'The maternal grandparents of+the latter were of New England birth. In October, 1877, Mr. Gaylord was united in marriage to Solura I., widow of Elias Sweet, and she still shares his joys and sorrows. Joseph Hammons, retired farmer, Zumbro, located in this town- ship in the fall of 1856, making claim to one-fourth of section 33. Here he took great pains in trying to raise fruit, but with little suc- cess. He has disposed of his original claim, and now has one hundred and twenty acres in the river valley, including all that part of the village of Hammond south of the river, which was platted by Mr. Hammons. For twelve years he kept a grocery here, during six months of which time he was compelled to use crutches on account of sciatic rheumatism. He has given some attention to medicine, and never employed a physician. He makes a cough remedy which is sought from far and near on account of its admi- rable power. Ml-. Hammons was born in Osby, New Hampshire, March 28, 1816. The name is probably of French origin. Moses, fatlier of this subject, was born in Maine, and served as a captain in the war of 1812. He married Dorothy Longee, of the same state. When Joseph was but four years old his parents returned to Maine, ani^ his early life was passed in farming and lumbering, earning his own livelihood from a very early age. At nineteen he paid his father two hundred dollars for his time, and went to New York and 1020 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. found employment in a flourmill. After this time he got some education by private study and in night-schools. At the age of thirty he married Sabra Eidlon, who was born in Saco, Maine, April 15, 1826. Her parents were Nathanial and Mercy (Smith) Eidlon, born in the same state. But one child has been given to this union, a daughter, born January 29, 1849, and christened Victoria. March 19, 1870, she married Eugene Adams, and resides in this township. Mr. Hammons served twelve years as justice of the»peace in this township. His political tenets are represented by the old whig party and its successor, the republican. His religious views are most nearly represented by the Universalists. Edwaed p. C. Fowlee, farmer, is one of the oldest settlers left in the township. He was born November 5, 1818, in New London county, Connecticut, and is of remote English ancestry. His parents were Amos and Lydia Backus-Fowler, both natives of Connecticut. Edward was raised on the farm, and on attaining his majority learned the carpenter's trade, 'following it there until 1856, when he located in Mount Pleasant, on the farm he now occupies. He wa^ married September 9, 1842, in New London county, Connecticut, to Betsy Thomas of that county. To this union has been born six children, viz: John C, Nelson L. (deceased), William T. (deceased), Mrs. Lydia E. Eobinson, of Lyon county, Charles S. and Edward P. C. During liis residence here Mr. Fowler has divided his time between his land and his trade, and has a fine farm of two hundred and forty acres. Mrs. Fowler departed this life May 30, 1883. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, as is Mr. Fowler, and he belonged to the Grange and the Good Templar lodge, when those societies were in existence in the township. He is a repub- lican, and was the first clerk of the township. He since has been called to the public service at different times, having filled the ofiices of justice of the peace, treasurer, assessor, etc. EoLAND Feaziee Maxwell, retired farmer, is descended from Scotch ancastors. His grandfather, Benjamin Maxwell,' was at the battle of Lexington, and served the colonies throughout the revolu- tionary war. Winslow, son of Benjamin, was born in Massachusetts, and married Joannah Fairman, a native of Vermont. For many years he tilled a farm in Heath, Franklin county, in the Bay State, where the subject of this sketch was born, June 11, 1829. "When he was twelve years old, his father removed to Sunderland, and operated a foundry. Frazier Maxwell attended the common schools EAKLY SETl'LEES. 1021 till eigliteen years old, when he took up painting, and followed that occupation till he came west in 1856. At this time he took up a claim one mile southwest of Mazeppa, and tilled it nine years. He then sold this and bought one hundred and twenty acres lying on sections 19 and 30, Mazeppa, which he now owns. In 1878 he built the fine residence which he occupies, on Cherry street Mazep- pa, at a cost of two thousand five hundred dollars, and has occupied it ever since. He is now president of the village council, and was several years a member of the town board — part of the time chair- man. To his enterprise and public spirit is largely due the present thriving condition of our village and surroundings. Mr. Maxwell is orthodox on religious questions, and is so regarded by the repub- licans politically. His marriage took place at Oronoco, May 2, 1868, the bride and subsequent faithful helpmeet being Miss Lottie A. Gould, who was born in Atkinson, Maine. Her parents, Otis K. and Charlotte (Brown) Gould, were natives of the same state. The eldest child of Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell, christened Gertrude, is still with. them. Two sons, Frederick and Charles, died — the former at six and latter at two years of age. CHAPTEE XCIII. EARLY SETTLERS. John Beadlet Millee, merchant, is one of the pioneers of Mazeppa, where he continues to reside. On his arrival here he selected a claim, and after securing the same, took up his resi- dence in the village, working as a mason and carpenter. For the past twelve years he has kept a furniture store on First street and is doing a prosperous business. His religious faith is represented by Universalism, and his political principles by republicanism. Mr. Miller's paternal grandfather was a revolutionary soldier. His father and mother, Wright and Abigail Miller, were natives of New York, and settled in Monticello, Otsego county, where the subject of this sketch was born, January 8, 1831. Wright Miller was a gunsmith, and at ten years of age Bradley, as Mr. Miller is called, was set to work in his shop when out of school. On reaching m-a 1022 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. turity he set out to earn his livelihood and was employed for several years as a sawyer and turner. In 1851 h« married Miss Mary, a sister of W. D. Angell, whose parentage is elsewhere given. Mrs. Miller is a native of Edmiston, New York. They have one child, Alice, born April 13, 1859, now the wife of George D. Sandford. GsoEGfE B. Feajsklin, carpenter, is a native of New York, as were his parents, B. B. and Maria (Glynn) Franklin. The subject 6f this sketch was born in the town of Georgetown, jMadison county, Jan- uary 22, 1832. "When seven years old he was taken with the family to Yermont, where he attended the common schools till fourteen, after which he cared for himself. When sixteen he began carpenter- work and followed it till thirty-three. In 1857 he located at Mar zeppa and built most of the early buildings in that, village. Twelve years after settling in this county he purchased the farm on which he now resides. For some years he dealt largely in horses and also bought and sold some real estate. His domain now includes one hundred acres lying on section 31, Chester, and is graced with handsome and well-planned buildings. Mr. Franklin is a member of the Masonic order, his lodge being located at Mazeppa. He is a thorough republican partisan and never voted for a democrat for any office. In 1876 he married Miss AUie, daughter of Elam Black, of Mazeppa. Their children were born and christened as below : July 31, 1877, Berenice; November 22, 1878, Lottie; September28, 1880, Lottie ; August 22, 1882, Jessie. Joseph Dieteeich, shoemaker. Water street, business established in this city in 1857. Mr. Dieterich was born in Bavaria, learned his trade there, came to America in 1854, settling first in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he remained until his removal to this county in 1857. He married, prior to his emigration to America, Marga- retta Schell, in 1851, who died at Read's Landing, March 6, 1880. Their children are : Maggie (wife of Peter Gibson, of Read's Land- ing), born in April, 1852 ; John, born in June, 1856 ; Emma, born January, 1865. On April 13, 1882, Mr. Dieterich married Eliza- beth KoUer. Thomas Mateee was an old-line whig, and has been a republi- can ever since the organization of the party. He was born in Ireland, February 15, 1823. He came in company with his brother to America, landed in New York, January 15, 1848. They went from New York to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where Thomas en- gaged in the Eagle Hotel, and had charge of Eagle Ice Company at S. L. CAMPBELL. EAELT SETTLEES. 1023 the same time in partnership with his cousin, John McMasters. He then was overseer of a lumber yard for two years, and then went to California in 1854, on board the vessel George Law, which was after- ward refitted and was then named the Central America, which foun- dered in the ocean on the very trip Mr. Mateer expected to start for home, but he was detained accidentally and thus missed the boat. After staying in California for three years he then, on April 27, 1857, landed in Read's Landing, this county, and came to Glasgow town- ship, June 15, 1857, to where he now lives. Mr. Mateer was married to Sarah Jane McMasters, a native of Ireland, on April 15, 1857. They have had seven children, five of them still living: Ellen Jane (married Henry Higgins, and lives in Reynolds, Dakota ; Charles G., Walter H., Elizabeth (is the wife of William Neal, and now lives in Lyon county, this state) ; William Stewart is the name of the youngest. Mr. Mateer was the first supervisor of this town- ship, and has been a member of the Presbyterian church for thirty- five years. , ^ Chaeles G. Dawlet, a leading citizen and farmer, was one of the pioneers of Highland. He was the only son of Daniel and Hanna (Whitford). Dawley, both natives of Rhode Island, where the subject of this sketch was born June 16, 1814. Mr. Dawley, Sr., was a blacksmith, and worked in the old Gen. Green Anchor Forge Works. In 1825 Charles removed with his parents to western New York State. Nine years later he again followed his parents to Crawford county, Pennsylvania. In 1840, March 14, he mar- ried Charlotte Webster, a native of the Keystone State, then in her twentieth year. Three years later he came to McHenry county, Illi- nois, and settled on a farm. Catching the gold fever, lie and four companions crossed the plains with an ox-team in 1853. He worked in mines in Sacramento county until his health gave out, and in 1856 he returned after first distributing his dust to defray the expenses of his sickness, and the following 'spring disposed of his property in Illinois, and brought his family to Wal||,sha county, settling on the farm where he still resides, one hundred and sixty acres on section 26. Mr. Dawley has always been a prominent man in the political affairs of the township ; was a member of the first board of supervisors, and one of the first justices of the peace, and has continued to hold the latter ofiice, with the exception of four years, ever since. In 1863 he was elected judge of probate for Wabasha county, and served one term, and in 1861 was also a 62 1024 HISTOEY OF WABASHA COUNTY, county commissioner ; five years he was chairman of the board of supervisors, and has also been township superintendent of schools. His polities are republican. Mr. Dawley has taught school thirty- one terms, fourteen in Wabasha county. His eldest son, Charles G. , was killed at the last battle at ISTashville, Tennessee. He was a member of the 10th Minn., and a sergeant in Co. C. He -was born September 2, 1841, in Pennsylvania. The second child, Allen W., is a farmer in Highland ; Mary (Mrs. E. H. Anderson, of Rochester) was the third child, and Daniel, the youngest, is attending the State Normal School at Winona. Mr. Dawley has for many years been postmaster of the Smithfield office. William J. Disney, farmer, son of John and Mary Disney, was born in Oneida county, New Tork, in 1842. At the age of fifteen he came with his parents to this county, where he has resided since that time. He enlisted in 1864, in Co. E, 11th Minn., and served until the close of the war. Although he was never in an ■engagement, yej; he did faithful service for the government in guard- ing supply trains to our armies in the south. Mr. Disney was married to Miss Ward in 1869. He is a nlember of the Carnehan Lodge of Masons, of Lake City. Politically he is a republican. James J. Butts, the sixth child of Jonathan and Eleanor (Bran- non) Butts, was born in Brookfield, Trumbull county, Ohio, July 28, 1828. Mr. Butts, Sr., was a farmer, and James was brought up on a farm, receiving such education as was obtainable in a country school. At the age of twenty he started out in life for himself, and for two years worked as a farm hand. He next became a copartner with William Pounds in the management of a steam saw- mill, at Fowler, Ohio, and soon after engaged in the dairy business until the spring of 1857, when he came to Minnesota and bought one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 18, in Plainview town- ship, Wabasha county, and soon after pre-empted one hundred and sixty more on section 6, in the same township. His landed pos- sessions now*aggregate nearly four hundred acres, situate chiefly on sections 8 and 18, in Plainview, and include a portion of the western part of Plainview village, the Union school-buildings standing on land donated to the district by Mr. Butts. Mr. Butts is both a good republican and a good Odd-Fellow ; is a man of great endurance and physical strength, which he displayed to good advantage during the winter of 1859 by cutting nine cords of cordwood in eight and one-half hours. He was married to Dorcas Alderman, a native of EAELY SETTLERS. ' 1025 Trumbull county, Ohio, and daughter of Lyuaan and Lydia (Munson) Alderman, June 1, 1851. They have two children now living, namely : Lucy (Mrs. Myron Smith), of Plainview, and Addie (Mrs. John Doherty), of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Joseph W. Maeshall, the subject of our present sketch, is one of the most prosperous farmers and stock-raisers in "Wabasha county. He is the son of I. P. .and Isabel (Wilson) Marshall, of Crawford county, Pennsylvania, and was born on a farm in that county October 5, 1831. The Marshalls came from Yermont and the Wilsons from Pennsylvania. Mr. Marshall came to Wabasha county in company with F. L. Meachum in the spring of 1857, and located a claim on section 3, in Elgin township. He has since dis- posed of this land and purchased a farm of two hundred and forty acres adjoining, on which he now resides. Since 1880 he has engaged extensively in the dairy and stock-raising business, and has also been connected with Mr. Meachum in the buying and shipping of live stock. Just prior to his removal from the east he was married, on April 6, 1857, to Miss Elizabeth Cram, daughter of Humphrey Cram, Esq., a Crawford county, Pennsylvania, farmer, by whom he • has had sixteen children, all of whom are now living, as follows : ■ Cloe A. (Mrs. Adolph D. Haltzer, farmer), of Oakwood township ; Murray A., residing in Plainview ; Otis H., of Oakwood ; Abel A., of Plainview ; Alice I. (Mrs. E. G. Meachum), of Elgin township ; Ever E., Elmer, Olney, Hattie, Grace, Maud, Mary, Layton, Arthur, Charley, and a female child not yet named. Mr. Marshall is a democrat in politics, and was a charter-member of Plainview Lodge No. 63, A.F.A.M. Joseph Paekek Eobbins, in the early spring of 1857, with his wife and one child, -arrived in Wabasha county with a small store of household goods and eighty dollars in cash, seeking a salubrious climate for their child, whose life had been despaired of in their old home in Lowell, Massachusetts, where Mr. Kobbins jiad been en- gaged in the fruit and produce business. After eMuring many hardships, the family finally found a claim which they were success- ful in holding despite the efforts of the land-sharks, who pursued with dogged persistence the poor pioneer who sought to honestly acquire by his labors a home in this new country. This claim, con- sisting of one hundred and sixty acres on section 29, in Highland township, Mr. Bobbins still owns, although he resides in the village of Plainview, where he has a very pleasant home. Mr. Bobbins J 1026 ' HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. was born at Acton, Massachusetts, on January 14, 1826. His parents were Joseph and Charlotte (Parker) Eobbins. His educa- tion was limited to such as he was able to acquire in a common country school, before he reached his twelfth year. The death of his mother at this time left him homeless, and he went from one place to another for several years. At the age of twenty-one he was possessed of a trade which he had learned in the shoeshop of George W. Burt, in Concord, Massachusetts, but abandoned it to engage in the milk business. He afterward purchased and run a livery stable for a few years, which he exchanged for the fruit and produce business, having a store on Central street, in Lowell, Massa- chusetts, which he sold in order to come west and make a new home. He was married March 21, 1850, to Elizabeth Eebecca Smith, daughter of Samuel Smith, a millwright, of Nashua, New Hampshire. This lady was born in Barton, Yermont, December 28, 1825, where she received a good education prior to the removal of her family to New Hampshire. Mr. . and Mrs. Eobbins have but one child living, viz, Charles E. Eobbins, cashier of the First National Bank, of Fargo, Dakota, the sickly baby, whose life was saved by the timely removal of his parents to Minnesota. Scott A. Foster, was born in Washington county, New York, June 2, 1856. His father, Albert Foster, is an old settler in "West Albany, "Wabasha county, and it was here on a farm that young Foster's early life was spent. He attended the Lake City high school for a few terms. In 1875 he entered the State University, and kept up with his classes for three years, although obliged to do the requisite studying while also engaged in teaching district school to earn the means with which to defray his college expenses. The fall of 1880 he was elected principal of the Elgin union school, and taught therein acceptably for two years ; then filled a similar posi- tion in the Plainview union school until elected county superin- tendent of spools in the fall of 1883. Prof. Foster was elected by a majority oT one hundred and twenty-eight, running six hundred ahead of his ticket, and being the only man therein elected. John Schwietz, hardware, general merchandise, and farming tools and machinery. This business is located on north side Main street, midway between Pembroke and Alleghaney streets, and occu- pies two storerooms, fronting fifty feet on Main street and extend- ing one hundred feet toward the river in the rear. The hardware house and farming tools and machinery was established in 1875; EAELY SETTLEES. 1027 and the general merchandise was added two years later, when Mr. Schwirtz married Mrs. John Duke, and the general merchandising establishment she had been successfully conducting since her first husband's death was consolidated with the hardware business. The stock as thus consolidated is a very complete one in all its depart- ments. The general merchandise department is still presided over by Mrs. Schwirtz, who gives her special attention to all the details of the business with which she is so perfectly familiar, having been actively interested in its management for over twenty years. The business gives employment to a force of six persons, and trade is about the same as last year. Mr. Schwirtz is a native of Luxem- bourg, Europe. Came to America in 1855, and for the past twenty- six years has been a resident of this county, spending the first ten years of his life in Wabasha, on his farm in Glasgow township. The rest of the time he has been a resident of the city. Mr. Schwirtz has been twice married. His first wife, to whom he was wedded in 1858, died in 1876, leaving six children : Emma, born October 27, 1858 ; George, born December 10, 1860 ; Lizzie, born October 4, 1862 ; Olillia, born Angust 29, 1864 ; John, born October 26, 1866 ; Anna, born December 13, 1868. April 10, 1877, Mr. Schwirtz married Eliza, widow of John Duke, for many years in business in this city, who died here in 1876. Deuet & KiENS, lumbermen. The business of this firm con- sists in towing lumber, and from the date of its establishment in 1878, until the commencement of §ie towing season in 1883, they were engaged in towing from the Eau Claire mills in "Wisconsin to points as far down the river as St. Louis. Operations were con- ducted by fioating the materials for these rafts (dimensions, timbers, boards, lath and shingles) down the Chippewa to this point, where they were coupled into rafts containing from two million to three million feet of stuff", exclusive of the top load, shingles and lath, and from this point towed down the Mississippi. Since the begin- ning of the present season, floating down the Chippewa has been discontinued, and their operations are coupling rafts at this place and towing down the river. They have at present two boats in their trade, the J. G. Chapman and the Lizzie Gardner, and with a good stage of water the round trip is made from here to St. Louis, and return in about twelve days. Last year the company kept three boats on the river, but the other, the Peter Kirns, was sold to the United States and is now used in the governme;it improvement 1028 HISTORY OF WABASHA COITNTT. works on the lower Mississippi, at Plums Point, Louisiana. The rafter J. G. Chapman was built expressly for the company, at Metropolis, Ohio, in 1880, and cost twenty thousand dollars. Her dimensions are, length over all one hundred and forty-five, beam twenty-eight feet, hold four feet. She has a full cabin, has two steel boilers, and her engines are of fourteen-inch bore, with six-foot stroke. The Lizzie Gardner was purchased in 1880 at Cincinnati, Ohio, to replace their iron steamer, J. G. Chapman, which was sunk at the mouth of the Illinois river in the month of June, 1880. The Gardner cost seven thousand dollars. She is one hundred and thirty-five feet over all, twenty-two feet beam, double boilers, and her engines are fourteen-inch bore, with five-foot stroke. The com- pany find constant employment for their boats, and including boats' *'!' ^T'fiiR jJiift I «dV« ^^'^^ *'•■*"<" . ..r, crews and raftsmen employ a force of about sixty men during the season. Their operations aggregate a total tonnage of sixty million feet of lumber during the season, exclusive of what is designated top load, lath, pickets and shingles. The members of the firm are M. E. Drury and Peter Kirns. M. E. Drury, the only resident member of the firm, is a native of County Kerry, Ireland. Leaving home at thirteen years of age, accompanied by a brother two years older than himself, he crossed the seas to seek his fortune in the new world, landing in ISTew York in 1863. The next four years were spent at the east and south in whatever work he could find to do, and in 1857 he came to Wabasha, found employment in the lumber trade, and for twenty-six years has made it his business. Ten years after coming to this city, 1867, he began contracting, coupling rafts at this point for the Eau Claire Lumber Compan}"-, keeping their EAELY SETTLEES. 1029 books and doing their business at this point. This business was followed until 1878, during the winter season in the woods, superin- tending logging operations and scaling. Since the towing operations began, business in the woods discontinued. In 1865 Mr. Drury's lather, mother, and his two sisters, Catharine and Maggie, came to America, and the following year to Wabasha, making their home with M. E. Drury, who is unmarried. He has a very pleasant home on the corner of Third and Bailly. Mrs. Drury (his mother) died in this city, September, 1880. Elizabeth Eichenbeegee, widow of Rudolph, meat market and dealer in hides and pelts, corner Second and Pembroke streets. This business was established in this city in 1857, on the corner of Second and Pembroke streets, now occupied by "Whitmore's drug- store, and was removed from there to its present location in 1874, where Mr. Eichenberger continued business until his death, Novem- ber 27, 1871, since which date the business has been continued by his widow, assisted by her sons, Eudolph and John. Mr. and Mrs. Eichenberger were born in Aargau, Switzerland; were married there in 1856, and the same year came to America, settling in Chi- cago. Kemaining there one year, he removed to Wabasha in the fall of 1857, and established himself in business. The property, now occupied by the business then established, fronts sixty feet on Second street and one hundred and forty feet on Pembroke, and on this lot the shop, dwelling, icehouse, etc., are built. The slaughter- house and cattle-yards are at the lower end of the city, on the river bank. They slaughter from five to eight beeves a week, and from four to six each of calves and sheep, and handle about three hundred and fifty hides and two hundred pelts in the year. Their safe has a capacity for sufiicient dressed meat to supply about forty-eight hours' demand. The children are: Rudolph, born April 15, 1857; John, born June 4, 1858 ; Emma, born February 22, 1861. W. L. Lincoln, M.D., office corner of Main and Alleghaney streets, upstairs, has been a practicing physician in this city for over twenty-six years. Dr. Lincoln is a native of West Townsend, Middlesex county, Massachusetts ; born August 5, 1824, and re- ceived his classical education at the Ashly Academy in his native town, and at New Ipswich Academy in New Hampshire, complet- ing his course at the latter institution in 1846. He read for his profession in the University of Harvard, and graduated from the medical department of that university in the class of 1850. Having 1030 HISTORY OF WABASHA COtTNTY. completed his preparation, Dr. Lincoln located for practice at "Win- ehendon, Worcester, Massachusetts, and was in practice there until he came west in 1854. In October of that year he accepted a posi- tion as one of the medical staff of the hospital for the insane, located in Calloway county, Missouri, just across the river from Jefferson City, and remained there until April, 1857, when he discontinued his services at the hospital, and sliortly afterward located for practice in this city. The doctor is a member of the County and State Medi- cal Societies, and is the present president of the latter body, having been elected to that honorable position at the annual meeting held in Minneapolis, June 18, 1883. The doctor is also a permanent member of the American Medical Association. Dr. Lincoln was married in 1855. He has one son, Wm. H., born January 2, 1857, and graduated from Kush Medical College, Chicago, class of 1881, and is now established in practice in Chicago. John Gaedineb, carpenter and builder ; shop on Alleghaney street near Fourth. Business was begun here by Mr. Gardner in 1857, and he has followed his trade in this city for twenty-six years uninterruptedly. He is a native of County Meath, Ireland ; born there in 1834. At thirteen years of age he came to America, to Philadelphia, where he learned his trade, and ten years after his arrival in the new world settled in Wabasha. In 1860 he bought the property he now occupies, which he improved, added to, built upon, and which for twenty-three years has been his home. Business the present season is good, and he keeps four men steadily employed. He was married in this city July 2, 1860, to Miss Kate Cleary. Their children now living are : John, born April 16, 1861, and now firing an engine on Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railway ; Eduardj born April, 1863, and chairmaker in the furniture factory ; William, born November 27, 1866; George, born July 4, 1870, both of whom are now attending school. James Henry, Zumbro, was the first male white child born in the town of Kinsman, TrumbuU county, Ohio, the event occurring July 23, 1803. The marriage of his parents was the first event of that kind in the town. Their names were Robert Henry and Betsey Tidd, the former a native of Virginia, son of James Henry, from Ireland. Betsey Tidd escaped when a little child from the Wyoming massacre, with her father, Martin. Mr. Henry was mar- ried on Christmas day, 1828, the bride being Cynthia C. Knox, born in Ridgefield, Connecticut. They became residents of Zumbro in EAELT SETTLERS. 1031 1857, their sons having preceded them one year, and were six weeks on the road with a team. Mr. and Mrs. Henry are members of the Wesleyan Methodist church at South Troy. The former has always been a democrat. Their eldest son, James A., is at Elkton, Dakota ; Stephen M., is at Ashtabula, Ohio. Hannah E. is the wife of Jacob M. Dale, elsewhere mentioned. S. H. Gatloed, was born in Gainesville, Genesee county, New York, June 9, 1830, where he remained till the spring of 1857. He was early apprenticed to the daguerreotype business, in the interest of which he traveled through New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio for six and a half years. In 1857 he came to Plainview and settled on one hundred and sixty acres as a homestead, which he has since worked and owned. He was married March 26, 1862, to Mary E. GasMll, of Owego, New York, by whom he had five children : Emma E., born January 30, 1863; Chas. E., born September 18, 1865 ; Mary E., born June 13, 1875 ; Fred. H., born July 9, 1877; Nellie, born May 14, 1882. His father, Elijah M., came to Wabasha county in 1866 ; died January 13, 1873, and was buried in Plainview. • Hon. Feank L. Meachum, one of the most enterprising stockmen and farmers in Wabasha county, was the only son of Chadwill and Mary (Lee) Meachum, and was born on a farm near North She- UEtngo, Crawford county, Pennsylvania, August 8, 1835. Being of a studious disposition, he early aspired to better educational advantages than fuose afforded by the district school, and at the age of sixteen entered the Kingsville Academy, located at Ashtabula county, Ohio, where he remained a portion of three years, teaching arithmetic for his tuition several terms in the academy and occasionally dropping out of his classes to do service as a country pedagogue and earn the wherewithal to defray his expenses. Becoming ambitious to enter upon a business career, he abandoned the student life in 1854, and accepted a clerkship in the store of A. C. Stratton, at Lines ville, Pennsylvania. The following winter found him teaching school again, and the next two years he spent at his old home in Pennsyl- vania, dressing and shipping staves. In 1857 the family came to Minnesota and located in Elgin township. Mr. Meachum's first claim was a pre-emption on a quarter of section 3 in that township, which he sold in 1867. He now owns four hundred and twenty acres in Elgin, on sections 3, 10 and 11. His farm-buildings are surrounded by beautiful cultivated groves and orchards, and were 1032 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. erected at an aggi-egate cost of four thousand, two hundred dollars. Mr. Meachum has given considerable attention to stock-raising, more particularly to fine grades of cattle. He has engaged largely in the buying and shipping of stock since the fall of 1878, and during the season of 1883 was associated with E. K. Dumonde in handling farm machinery at Plainview. Mr. Meachum's political affiliations have been with the republican party, and he has been repeatedly elected to places of public trust and honor ; has been chairman of the Elgin township board of supervisors, justice of the peace and township assessor, a member of the state legislature in 1873, and engrossing clerk of the lower house in 1871. His name is enrolled as a Knis;ht Templar in the Eochester Commandery. Mr. Meachum resides in Plainview and is living with his second wife, formerly Mrs. Abbie Merrill, nee Brockway, to whom he was married Decem- ber 28, 1873, and by whom he has one child, Agnes, nine years old. His first wife was a Miss S. M. Trace, of Crawford county, Pennsylvania, by whom he had three children : Sarah F. (Mrs. H. A. Gilford), of Erie, Pennsylvania ; Emmet G. Meachum, married to Alice Marshall, and residing on his father's farm in Elgin, and Lee F., a compositor in the ''Plainview News" office. His father, who was also a Wabasha county pioneer, was residing with his son at the time of his death, which occurred in January, 1874, in his sixty-fourth year, and whose aged wife still survives him and continues an inmate of her son's home. Matthias Bausteet, tailor, Mazeppa, was born near the city of Luxembourg, Germany, December 6, 1837. He attended school till fourteen, and was then apprenticed to his present calling. He came to this country in 1857, arriving on September 15 at Chicago, where he was employed ten years. He spent six years at Port Washington, Wisconsin, and four years at Eead's Landing, this county. He arrived in Mazeppa March 4, 1878. The next spring he bought a house and three lots on First street, nearly opposite the Catholic church, where he now resides. He has a nice home, and is doing a fair business. He is a member of St. Peter's Catholic church — as are all his family — and an independent democrat. He was married in 1860, the bride being Miss Maggie Leider, who was born in the same country as himself Their children were given them as here noted : Michael, July 12, 1863 ; Jacob, Jan- uary 7, 1865 ; William, December 16, 1867 ; Maggie, February 24, 1869; Henry, April 7, 1872; Nicholas, Christmas, 1874; EAELT SETTLERS. 1033 Minnie, December 27, 1881. Besides these three have died, two with diphtheria. James Kilet Mack, Zumbro, came to this town in the spring of 1857, with sufficient funds to pay the pre-emption price of his land, and is now one of its most independent farmers. His grandfather, Archibald Mack, came with two brothers from Scotland to America, and was a soldier in the revolutionary war. Josiah Kellogg was bom and reared in Vermont, and had a daughter Sarah, who married James, son of Archibald Mack. To this union was born the subject of this sketch, April 24, 1824, at "Windham, Vermont. He remained on the farm, where a brother still resides, and attended the common school till seventeen years old. He then spent over three years in a Lowell cotton factory, and afterward two years as fireman on an engine. Seven years were then spent as engineer, part of the time on the Erie railroad. April 2, 1857, he married Margaret Kamery, and at once set out for Minnesota. Mrs. Mack is a daughter of Peter and Elizabeth Kamery, of German descent, and was born in Hinsdale, Cattaraugus county, ISTew York, December 13, 1834. On arriving here Mr. Mack located on the northeast quarter of section 18, where he now resides. His estate now includes two hundred acres of fine agricultural land. He is a republican, and has been several years town supervisor, part of the time chairman ; was ten years town treasurer, and reftised to serve longer, although unanimously elected. Theodore Maire (deceased) was born in France in the year 1819. He was always accustomed to farm life. On reaching manhood he set out to make a home thousands of miles from his native place, in America. After spending a year at St. Louis, he tarried many years near Galena, Illinois. Here he was married, in the fall of 1848, to Adeline Gambler, a native of the same sunny land as himself After marriage he worked land, and came to Minnesota in the spring of 1857, to secure land of his own. He took a claim on section 28, Chester, where he remained the balance of his life, passing away December 3, 1876. He left eighty acres of land, on which his widow and younger children now reside. There are nine of the latter now living, two having died young. Their names and resi- dence are here given: Charles J., Mazeppa; Rosa (Mrs. Nick Clemens), Central Point ; Josephine (Mrs. Fletcher Sheldon), Mazeppa ; Margaret (Mrs. James Hinds), this town ; Sarah (Mrs. Thomas King), Lake City ; Frederick, Delia, Addie, Mary, Emma, 1034 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. Jacob T. and William are at home. All the family are Eoman Catholics. Geoege C. Evekett (deceased), became a resident of Minnesota in 1856, remaining a year at Marion, Olmsted county. In 1857 he took a claim on section 36, then Mazeppa, now Zumbro, on which he dwelt a short time. After residing a short period near Lake City, he removed to Mazeppa. Here he entered the United States, service August 15, 1862, in Co. G, 8th Minn. Inf. This regiment served some time on the western frontier, and was nearly a year at the south. Mr. Everett was discharged July 11, 1865. During his army service he purchased eighty acres of land on section 25, Zum- bro, which he tilled up to the time of his death. On the 28th of February, 1874, while hauling a load of lumber from Lake City, the load was capsized in the snowdrifts, and Mr. Everett was crushed to death between the lumber and a fence. The subject of this sketch was born in Bethel, Sullivan county, ISTew York, January 25, 1831. He was reared on a farm there, and received a common school edu- cation. September 26, 1858, he married Miss Mary Arnold. Mrs. Everett was born in Fovant, "Wiltshire, England, September 24, 1836, and came with her parents, James and Mary Arnold, to Min- nesota in 1867. She is a member of the Wesleyan Methodist church. Her husband affiliated with the republican party, and was several years elected constable of this town. The eldest child of this family, Elizabeth L., died at sixteen years of age. The next, Mary Helen, married Alonzo Anderson, and dwells at Grafton, Dakota. The others, at home, are christened as below : George H., Annie M., Lucy F., Alice A., Sedalia C. and Laura A. Frances S. died one year from the day of her father's demise, being seven years old. James Arnold, farmer. Among the early settlers of Zumbro township was the subject of this paragraph. He is a native of England, born July 9, 1833, in Swallowclift, "Wiltshire. His father, James Arnold, was an innkeeper and market gardener, and died when the son was seventeen years old. The latter received a fair education, and is now a well-informed and useful citizen. He is a liberal patron of the newspapers, and has a large and choice library of books. Probably very few farmers maintain so large a one. At eighteen years of age young Arnold set out for America to find a home for his widowed mother and sisters. He spent three years at Brecksville, Ohio, serving the first two in learning the mason's trade. "While here, his mother and family arrived, and all removed EAELT SETTLERS. 1035 in 1853 to Danville, Illinois. Mr. Arnold purchased some land in Clark county, that state, on which the family dwelt, while he pur- sued his trade at Danville. In 1857 the family set out for Minne- sota, traveling all the way with four yokes of oxen. On arrival in Zumbro, Mr. Arnold took up one-fourth of section 32, where the family remained. Here the mother still dwells. Shortly before her removal to America she married Stephen Sumner, who died here in August, 1879. Her daughters, Mrs. G. C. Everett and Mrs. Sidney Coi-p, are elsewhere mentioned in this work. After, two and one- half years' residence here, Mr. Arnold returned to Illinois and re- mained for a like period, and again returned to Minnesota, with a liorse team this time, bringing a bride, to whom he was united in 1862. Mrs. Arnold's maiden name was Mary A. "Wheeler, and she was born in Tavistock, Devonshire, England. In the fall of 1868 Mr. Arnold took up his residence in Farmington township, south of Zumbro, where he served two years as justice of the peace, and now resides. His political opinions agree with the republican party. Himself and wife were among the first members of Greenwood Wesleyan Methodist church. By persistence and continued toil Mr. Arnold has secured a comfortable home. He is now in possession of three hundred and sixty acres of fine prairie soil, a part of which lies in Zumbro. His family includes six sons and one daughter — all, save the eldest, at home, one son having died in infancy. Here are their names : Charles, Franklin William, Ernest G. , Arthur Wesley, Wallace James, Alice M. and Earl R. Addin Johnson Cliff, farmer, resides on section 14, Chester, where he made claim in 1857. Mr. Cliff was born in Lancashire, England, February 9, 1834. His parents, James and Mary Cliff", were born there. In 1851 Mr. Cliff crossed the Atlantic, and dwelt six years in Connecticut, being employed in a bit and auger factory. His mother came here at the same time as himself, taking land in the south part of the town, where she died. After her death, Mr. Cliff built a house on his land (1879) and has lived there since. When he arrived here his pocket contained his whole capital of seventy-five cents, and he now owns a fine farm with comfortable and commodious buildings. He was married on the first day of the year 1867 to Huldah Converse, a native of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. Her father, Samuel Converse, was for a time resi- dent, and died, here. His wife Emeline, nee Taylor, is still living. Mrs. Cliff is a member of the Wesleyan church. Her husband has 1036 HISTOET OF WABASHA COTJNTT. always supported the republican party, but never took any active part in politics. Their children were bom as here noted : Carrie A., October 6, 1867 ; Minnie M., July 14, 1869 ; Samuel C, March 11, 1871 ; William Addin, February 2, 1873. Joseph J. Cliff, farnaer, is a nephew of the above, and was born in the same locality May 7, 184:4. His parents were John and Mary Cliff. He was but seven years old when he came with the above uncle to the United States, and was reared by the latter. He has been a resident of Chester since thirteen years of age. He is now the owner of two hundred and eighty acres of land, and has resided since 1875 on section 23. Here was his first purchase of forty acres. By industry and perseverance he has been enabled to gradually increase his domain. In 1873 he married Melissa Merrill, who died May 7, 1881. He has one child, born May 12, 1876, and nahied after the month of her birth. In June, 1882, he married Mary, daughter of C. C. Kobinson, of this town. He is a liberal in religion, and a republican in politics. In 1883 he was elected town supervisor. Samuel Radebaugh (deceased), son of Nicholas and Catherine Kadebaugh, was bom April 24, 1826, at Carroll, Fairfield county, Ohio. His youth was spent on the farm, and he received his educa- tion at the district schools. He married Catherine Brandt, and from this union sprang six children ; Namon C. (who is sketched below); Emnia, now Mrs. Clark, living in Minneapolis ; Ethel (deceased), Jackson, Charles, and Kate, now Mrs. Post, residing in Moorhead. In the fall of 1856 he removed to Anamosa, Iowa, for a year ; thence to Marion, in the same state, remaining there a year, after which he came to this county, settling on sebtion 19, Gillford township. In 1864 he enlisted in the 10th Minn., at Fort Snelling, but soon after was taken sick and died, seeing no active service. His politics were republican during the latter part of his life. Previous to this he was a "Know-nothing." His religion may be said to be embraced in the command, " Love thy neighbor as thyself." Namon C, son of Samuel and Catherine Eadebaugh, was born at Carroll, Fairfield county, Ohio, in March, 1846. He worked on the farm summers, and attended the district school winters, after coming to this state in 1856, till he reached his majority. In the fall of 1876 he wedded Addie, daughter of A. K. Fancher ; but in November, 1881, she died, leaving two children, Leon, and Jay, who has since followed her. Mr. Radebaugh may be said to be one of the foremost farmers of the county ; has three hundred and seventy EAELT SETTLERS. - 1037 acres of land, located on sections 19 and 30, in Gillford township. He is a thorough republican, and was the candidate of his party for county treasurer in the fall of 1883. Lewis Y. Lenhaet, owner and commander of the ferryboat Pepin, now plying between Lake City and various points on the Wisconsin shore. The captain was born in Armstrong county, Penn- sylvania, in 1852, and is a son of Herman and Hannah (Schrecon- gast) Lenhart, both natives of Pennsylvania, and of pure German extraction, the family name originally being Leonhardt. Herman Lenhart was by trade a millwright, and built the first flour mill in Menomonee, "Wisconsin," though he was principally engaged ia school- teaching in his native state. In 1857 he came west with his family, and settled near the shore of the beautiful Lake Pepin, on the Wis- consin side, where he died on bin farm in 1880. He was an active and energetic man, whose influence for good was felt by those with whom he was surrounded, though he was unassuming and reticent. His widow still resides on the old estate. The captain began life on the river in 1868 as a hand, but has worked his way up to his present enviable position. Six years prior to his ownership of the ferry, he run on the river with the Hon. ^Nathan Murry. Heket K. Teeeell, auctioneer, Lake City, is a native of Vir- ginia, born in Wayuesborough, Augusta county, October 30, 1808. Henry Childs and Philadelphia (Smith) Terrell, his parents, were natives of the same state. Our subject received a fair common- school education, and worked during the busy season from ten years of age in a flourmill. In 1841 he went to Burlington, Iowa, and was employed some years in a large mill there. He went in 1860 to California, where he spent a successful year, and then went to St. Paul. Here he rented and operated a mill one year, and then engaged in real estate speculation with satisfactory results. He came to Lake City in the spring of 1857, and in partnership with Doughty, Baldwin & Phelps, bought fifteen thousand dollars' worth of real estate, which they cut up into town lots. The railroad depot now stands on a part of this track. Soon after, Mr. Terrell bought out his partners, and disposed of the property alone. In January, 1858, he was sent as a delegate to Washington, by an association of farmers and business men, to secure a delay of the sale of the Half- Breed tract. His mission was successful, and hundreds of settlers who would otherwise have lost their lands were permitted to pre-empt them. In 1860 Mr. Terrell bought the Mazeppa 1038 HISTORY OF WABASHA COITNTY. mills, which' he operated for two years aiid then s6ld. For many years he has been employed as an auctioneer. November 11, 1828, he married Jane F. Cameron, a native of the same county as himself. Seven children were given them, of whom three are now living. The eldest, Henry C. , was 'always employed as a steam- boat clerk, and died on the Mississippi, leaving seven children. The living are : Sarah P. (Mrs. Lorenzo Hoyt, St. Paul) ; Susan C. (widow of Henry E. Baker, here) ; Eobert L., with parents. William J. Jacobs (deceased) was among the early residents of Lake City, having located here in May, 185Y. He was born near Lewistown, Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, March 1, 1818 ; received a thorough common-school education ; studied law, and in due time was admitted to the bar. In February, 1850, he married Sarah D. Peebles, and removed at once to Lewistown, where he began prac- tice. He continued to practice here until 1866, and then removed to his farm in Hay Creek, Goodhue county. Here his wife died, leaving three daughters and one son. After two and a half years' farm life, he returned to the city, and served several years as city justice, in connection with his office practice and editorial work. For the first two years of its publication, beginning in 1870, he was edi- tor of the Lake City " Sentinel," and again for three and a half years from October, 1873. He was a clear and strong writer, and made his influence felt. The " Sentinel" is a democratic journal, and Mr. Jacobs was a stable exponent of the doctrines of its party. In February, 1872, he married Mrs. Waters, who died four years later, leaving one daughter, Laura Louisa, now in the care of her eldest sister. Mr. Jacobs' death was caused by paralysis, and occurred April 2, 1881, at the home of his eldest child, Mrs. G. E. Bartron, in this city. He had previously spent a year in practice at Appleton and Lac qui Parle, this state, but came home to die when he found his health giving away. He was buried by Carnelian Lodge, No. 40, A.F.A.M., of which he was a member. His second 'child, John P., is publishing a paper at Lac qui Paiie ; the third, Mrs. W. M. Strickland, resides at Philadelphia, and the fourth, Fanny, with -Mrs. Bartron. David Coebin Estes, dentist. Lake City, is among the best known and most cultured citizens of Wabasha county. ' Morally and politically the doctor has done much for Lake City. In the great fire of 1882 was totally destroyed the largest private natural history collection of the Nbrthwest, the property of Dr. Estes, which EAELY SEITIJEES. 1039 had always been kept open to the public in a large room devoted, to the purpose. At the same time he lost a complete scientific library. All the natural sciences received a great deal of attention from his searching mind, but since his great loss most of his study has been given to astronomy. Upon this subject he gives occasional lectures, and has more calls for this line of enlightening work than he can meet. From boyhood he has -been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and gathered together the first Methodist society here and established the first Methodist Sunday school. He was four years justice of the peace and seven years a member of the board of education. BUis father. Dexter Estes, was an enthusiastic Henry Clay whig, and his sons followed in his political footsteps, our subject being an ardent republican. He is a member of the I.O.O.F., and now holds the highest position in the gift of the order in the state. Dexter Estes was born in Yermont and was one of the original Green Mountain boys of the revolution. He married Sally Thayer, of that state, and settled in Keene, Essex county, New York, where David Estes was born March 5, 1825. The youth of the latter was spent on a farm , assisting his father in its tillage and in pottery work. He was a great reader, and made the most of his limited opportunities for education. Later, at Albany, he attended the academy, state normal school and medical college. It was his intention to take a full medical course, but failing eyesight compelled him to abridge his studies, and he turned his attention to dentistry. At Albany he began its practice, and there continued until his removal to Lake City. He arrived here July 10, 185T, and has steadily pursued his practice. By his manly integrity and uni- form kindness he has become possessed of universal respect and regard, and yet our people will not fully appreciate his noble quali- ties till he is gone. May 2, 1849, he married Mary Ellen Dollar, born in Albany county, as was her mother, Fanny Terwilliger, and her father, Kobei't Dollar, the latter of Irish parents. To Mr. and Mrs. Estes were born seven children, the following six of whom survive : Orphena O. (Mrs. Virgil Borst), Independence, "Wisconsin; Ornilla J., teacher in Lake City schools ; Tully C, Frank E., Robert D. and Charles H., at home. The third child, Fanny E., married Charles King, and died at Cincinnati. One of her two children dwells with Dr. Estes. James Cain, farmer, is one of ■ the old residents of Mount Pleasant, and was born May 8, 1832, in "Wexford county, Ireland. 63 104:0 HISTORY. OF WABASHA OOTJNTY. He was the oldest of two children born to James and Jane Wren- Cain, who died when our subject was a child. James was raised on a farm, and at the age of seventeen he went to Liverpool. After working here one year he emigrated to Illiriois, and a few months later went to Mississippi. Four years he passed there, taking con- tracts on levees, and in 1857 he settled in Mount Pleasant township. October 22, 1857, he was united in marriage to Mary A. Burns, of Kildare county, Ireland. Six children have been the fruit of this union, viz: Thomas M. (deceased), James E., William W., Frank (deceased), John, A. Jane (deceased). Mr. Caiij and wife adhere to the Catholic faith. His farm comprises three hu'hdred and sixty acres of good land, all of which is the result of his own industry. In politics he is independent, and besides being a member of the board of supervisors several years, has held a number of minor ofl&ces. Walter McNallan is one of the prosperous farmers of High- land township. He was born in County Sligo, Ireland, November 1, 1842. His parents, Thomas and Mary (Judge) McNallan, are also inhabitants of Highland. They came to Beaver Meadow, Pennsyl- vania, when the subject. of this sketch was about four years old, and remained in the coal regions of the Keystone State, where his father and himself and brother continued to labor in the mines until the spring of 1857, when the family went to Michigan, and resided for several months in the vicinity of Grand Rapids. The next removal was to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which place they left in the spring of 1858, and came to Highland August 25, 1862. Walter, then in his twentieth year, enlisted in the 10th Minn., served three years, and was honorably discharged August 25, 1865. Soon after the close of his soldier's life Mr. McNallan purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land in Highland, and his father deeded him eighty acres more, and by purchase since he has added ninety acres more ; all on sections 3 and 10. In the summer of 1881 he erected a pretentious brick residence on his farm, at a cost of thirty-five hundred dollars, by far the finest house in the township. His matrimonial life dates from August 7, 1867, when he espoused Ellen Kinsella, daughter of Daniel and Catherine (Delany) Kinsella, an Irish lassie, then in her twentieth year. The fruits of this union are : Catherine, born November 20, 1868 ; Thomas, born August, 1870 ; James, born August 6, 1872 ; Daniel, born September 10, 1874 ; Mathew, born January 16, 1876 ; Mary, born April 26, 1879 ; John, born March EAELY SETTLEES. 1041 14, 1881 ; Ellen, born April 14, 1888. Mr. McISTallan is a well- informed and liberal-minded man, a member of the Highland Catholic church, and the Father Matthew Total Abstinence Society of Highland. He has held a place in the board of supervisors for three years, and was township treasurer for six years. His political faith is democratic. He receives four dollars a month pension for a wound in the right thigh. John H. Eobinson was born in Shoreham, Addison county, Vermont, October 30, 1830. His parents were Samuel and Amanda (Phelps) Robinson. Young Robinson was brought up on a farm and received a fair common school education. He remained at home until the year 1854. During two years of this time he worked his father's farm. February 28, 1854, he married Cynthia Day, a native of New York State, and the following season came to Wisconsin, and worked at the carpenter's trade in Oshkosh and Waupun for two years. Not feeling fully satisfied with western life, he returned to the east in 1856, and tried his hand at farming in St. Lawrence county, New York ; but not finding as large a degree of prosperity there as his fancy had pictured it while he was pounding nails in Oshkosh, he again set his face westward, and continued to journey in that direction until he had crossed the mighty Mississippi and reached the beautiful promised land of Greenwood prairie. His first claim, however, he took in the grub-land of Highland township on section 30. He continued to reside on this claim until the spring of 1866, when he_bought a farm of one hundred and sixty acres just west of Plainview village, and removed his family thereto. Mr. Robinson has been a member of the Plainview board of supervisors, and is a member of the Plainview lodge of Odd-Fellows. His first wife died August 8, 1871, leaving two sons, viz : Merrill A. (Prof. Robinson), of Plainview, and Orrin L. (Prof Robinson) of Mantor- ville. July 3, 1874, Mr. Robinson married a second time, to Mattie Day, of Plainview, by whom he has two children, viz : Frederick J. and Orie E. Tenney & Evans, meat market and dealers in hides, pelts, live stock, etc. This business was established on Second street, same block as now occupied, in 1869, by Tenney and Florer. Six months afterward it was Jacob Tenney, and so continued until 1873, when it became Tenney Brothers, Jos. Tenny taking ^n interest, and was removed to the present location on the east side of Pembroke street, two doors north of Second. The firm continued as Tenny Brothers 104:2 HISTOKT OF WABASHA COTJNTT. until 1875, when Joseph sold ont to J. H. Evans, the firm becoming Tenney & Evans, and so continuing. The sales of this market are from four to six beeves a week, and from four to seven carcases of calves and sheep, ^ach, for the same period. They handle from three hundred to six himdred hides, and from two hundred to three hundred pelts each season. They have a tract of three hundred and twenty acres of sand prairie, on which they keep from seventy to eighty head of cattle. Their slaughterhouses are in South Wabasha beyond the residence limits of the city. The members of the firm are Jacob Tenney and J. H. Evans. Jacob Tenney, who man- ages the aifairs of the firm (Mr. Tenney being otherwise engaged), is a native of Switzerland; came to America with parents in 1856, when he was eleven years of age, the family settling in this city in 1858. Two years later Jacob Tenney, Sr., purchased the farm on which Jacob, Jr., now resides^ — a tract of ninety-seven acres within the corporate limits of the city on the east. This farm the elder Mr. Tenny sold in 1877, at which time he purchased a mill at Mishamokwa, Wisconsin; and removing to that place engaged in the manufacture of flour. The old home farm in this city was purchased by Jacob Teiiny, Jr., in 1880, and it is now the residence of his family. They have five children living, two in school in this city. Jacob S. Tenney, born May 30, 1870; Joseph, December 8, 1872, died April 15, 1874 ; John T., April 5, 1875 ; Harry E., August 29, 1877; Mary L., August 28, 1879 ; Joseph L., October 23, 1881. G. W. Tenney, grocer, and dealer in provisions, fruits, flour and feed ; location, west side Pembroke, two doors south of Main street. This business was established in this city in 1875, and at the present stand since 1878. Two persons and one delivery wagon are employed in this business. Mr. Tenney is a native of Stough- ton, Massachusetts. He came to Wabasha county in 1858, at which tim^ the family settled on a farm in the Whitewater, six miles below Plainville, just over the county line in Olmsted county, at which time G. W. Tenney was about nineteen years of age. He remained on the farm until the third year of the war, when he came to Wabasha, and on August 8, 186i, enlisted in the 10th Minn. Inf , and was sent to the frontier. Before the regiment was ordered south Mr. Tenney was taken sick, completely lost his voice, was unable to speak, and was discharged on that account, having been in the service a little over a year. He returned to Wabasha in 1865, and was variously employed during the next ten years, and while in EAELT SETTLEES. 1043 the employ of Johnson Schwirtz, drove the first omnibus that took passengers to the Milwaukee & St. Paul train at this point. In 1877, two years after he had commenced trade on his own account, Mr. Tenney started the first wagon for the delivery of groceries in this city, that was put upon the streets. August 8, the same day that he enlisted in the army, Mr. Tenney married Miss Clara Stone, Olmsted county, Minnesota. They have five children, three of whom attend the public schools in this city. Bertie, born Decem- ber 5, 1866 ; Ralph, born September 12, 1869 ; Grace, born Febru- ary 1, 1872 ; Arthur, born October 3, 1876 ; Bessie, born December 6, 1879. Chaelks F. Teton, watchmaker and jeweler, corner Main and Pembroke streets. This business was established in this city quite recently, although Mr. Tryon has long been a resident of the county, having come to Lake City with his parents in 1868, since which date that city has been his home, with the exception of the year spent in "Wabasha, and the time he was completing his trade in Chicago. Mr. Tryon was born in Indiana ; grew up in Lake City ; attended school there, and completed his school studies by taking a two years' course in Shattuck school, Faribault. Leaving school at nineteen years of age, he entered the jewelry and watchmaking house of Crane Brothers, Lake City, where he spent three years leajming his trade. From that place he went to Chicago, and for two seasons worked in that city, perfecting himself in his trade, at the expira- tion of which time he established himself in &is city, in the spring of 1882. During the eighteen months he has been here, he has succeeded in building up a very successful trade, which is constantly increasing. H. If. Smith, retired rafb-pilot. Mr. Smith is a native of Ten- nessee, from which state he removed with his parents to Illinois when he was a small boy. The family finally settled in Burlington, Iowa, in 1841, at which time H. N". Smith was eight years of age. He came to St. Paul in 1862 as cabin-boy, and the following year made that city his home, remaining three years, during which time he was steward on steamers freighting and carrying passengers up the Minnesota river, the rush for the valley lands along that river at that time being very great. In 1856 Mr. Smith came to Eead's Landing, and was for a time with his brother, P. C. Smith, then fol- lowing rafts down the river. Two years later, 1858, H. N. Smith commenced running the river as raft-pilot, floating until 1868, when 1044 HISTOET OF WABASHA COtTNTT. he took the wheel of a ratt-boat, and was engaged in that business until 1877, when he retired from active service on the river. For the next four years Mr. Smith was deputy sheriff under L. M. Gregg, . going out of office with his principal in 1881. Mr. Smith married Adeline Eoberts at Eead's Landing, February 17, 1864. They have five children, all at school in this city. Frances B., born December 6, 1864; Gracie A., born October 24, 1866; Harry A., born July 5, 1870; Gertrude S., born March 25, 1873; Mabel K, born Jime 5, 1876. H. J. Whitmoee, postmaster of Wabasha, is a native of New York State, came to Wabasha in 1858, and was engaged in trade in this city, principally in grocery business, until appointed postmaster, February 6, 1882. He married Mis Sarah Wickham, of this city, in 1861. E. J. DuGAN, general merchant, location northwest corner Main and AUeghaney streets. The location is most central ; the building itself, one of the two full plate-glass fronts in the city, well adapted to the purposes of trade, fronts twenty-five feet on Main, eighty feet on AUeghaney, with entrances on both, and has an addition, 16x16, for provisions and dry storage. The structure is a solid brick, stone foundation and basement, cut stone caps, sills and trimmings. The basement is eight feet deep ; the storeroom proper fourteen feet ceiling, well lighted and conveniently arranged for business. House employs a force of four clerks, one delivery wagon, and reports an increase of trade of fully ten per cent over corresponding period of 1882. £. J. Dugan was born in New York city, educated in Brooklyn, completing his studies at Nogent sur Maine, near Paris, France, in 1855. Returning to his native city, he remained there until 1858, when he came west with his father's family and settled in this city. Was in business in the interior of the county, and clerking in the county offices until 1863, when he engaged in trade under the firm name of Dugan Bros., and so continued four years. Was for two years assistant United States collector of internal revenue, afler the death of W. W. Prindle, and went to St. Paul in connection with the duties of that office, remaining there for some time thereafter, and engaging in business. Keturning to Wabasha he resumed trade in this city in 1879, in his present loca- tion. Mr. E. J. Dugan married Miss E. "L. Cory, of Cooperstown, Otsego, New York, in that city, March 3, 1862. Their children are Albert, bom July 13, 1863 ; Ed. J., Jr., November 4, 1878. EAELY SETTLEES. 1045 Heemajst Lawsojst, president of the village board of trustees, has been a resident of this city since 1858. He is a native of Norway I and came to America in 1858, the same year that he located in Bead's Landing, and was in the employ of T. B. Wilson until the breaking out of the war of the rebellion in the spring of 1861. April 20 he enlisted for the three-months service in Co. I, 1st Inf. regt. Minn. Yols. , and was mustered in at Fort Snelling on the 29th of of that month. Before proceeding to the seat of war the members of the regiment were given their choice, either to be mustered out of service or enlist for the term of three years. The ma,jority re-enlisted, Mr. Lawson among the rest, and he was with the gallant First during all the glorious services rendered the government dur- ing its continuance in the field. Mr. Lawson was severely wounded at the first Bull Run battle, but was never absent from the regiment, being in regimental hospital, and as soon as possible joined his com- mand. He also received two slight wounds at Gettysburg, but not of sufficient severity to compel him to leave the field. Returning home at the close of his service, he entered the house of Knapp, Stout & Co., as clerk, remaining until 1869. Since then he has been in lumber business, coupling by contract principally, taking out cordwood in winter, etc. February 7, 1868, he married Minne- sota Morse, generally, but erroneously, considered the first white child born in Wabasha county, the Morse's being among the very earliest settlers in this region. They have one child, William, born January 16, 1870. Alphbus Winslow Heath (deceased) was born in Clearfield county, Pennsylvania, March 26, 1824. In 1841 he married Louisa Bundy, reared in the same vicinity. Mr. Heath was always a farmer, and cleared up a farm in Pennsylvania, at the same time working a great deal at lumbering. He was very successful and left his family well provided for at his death, which occurred in September, 1869. He began life with an ax, a hoe and twenty-five cents in money ; was always a hard worker and was quite gray at his death. Besides property in Pennsylvania, where his widow now resides, he left two hundred and eighty acres of land in Chester that was divided among his children. These are, Emeline (Mrs. Scott Lament) and Arvilla, at Millville ; Nahaman B., Gillford ; Charles Manly and H. C, Chester. Mr. Heath was an ardent republican and served many years in Pennsylvania as justice of the peace. He became a resident of Chester in 1858, pre-empting a quarter of sec- 1046 HISTORY OF -WABASHA COUNTY. tion 1, where he resided permanently from 1864 till his death, which was caused.by typhoid fever. Henet Clay BQeath was born in Fox township, same county as • his father, April 11, 1845. BHs life has always been spent on a farm, and he had but meager schooling advantages. He is a mem- ber of Tyrian Masonic Lodge, at Mazeppa, and follows in his father's political footsteps. He inherited eighty acres of land from his father's estate, on section 12, where he now has a comfortable home. October 2, 1870, he married Miss Laura Lamb, who died May 29, 1881, leaving four children, whose names are thus given, in order of age : Walter E., Khoda A., Arthur W., Josephine A. Leonard Peyoe, Zumbro, is a son of Heman and Submit Pryor, who removed from their native Massachusetts to Underhill, Chittenden county, Yermont, and settled on a farm. Here was born (Apiil 22, 1811) and reared the subject of this sketch, receiv- ing tlie benefit of the common schools. His has always been a life of hard labor and much of its fruits have been wrested from him by misfortune or unfair dealing. After reaching the age of sixty, he was compelled to pay a large sum through having endorsed a friend's paper ; but he did not murmur, and is still cheerful and serene. September 8, 1831, he married Catharine K. Allen, born in Woodstock, January 13, 1810. Mrs. Pryor's parents, Cyrus and Sarah Allen, were also of Vermont birth. Mr. Pryor became a resident of Zumbro in the spring of 1858. After three years' resi- dence here, he spent seven years at Farm Hill. He now has forty acres on section 18, where he lives. His religious faith is most nearly represented by the Quakers, and Mrs. Pryor is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Their children were born and reside as follows : Clara, July 31, 1883 (Mrs. Elia,s A. Lyman), Moorhead, Minnesota; Allen C, June 20, 1836, Bound Prairie, this state ; Norman J., January 3, 1839, this town ; George H., August 28, 1841, Redwood, this state ; Benjamin L., February 11, 1843, this town; Ellen C, May 19, 1851 (Mrs.,W. W. Anderson), this town ; Sidney E., May 8, 1854. The latter married Ellen May Phelps, May 18, 1880, and resides with parents. Oeein E. Boughton, farmer, Mazeppa, has resided here since 1858, at which time he purchased a claim on section 9. He now owns one hundred and eighty-two acres on sections 8, 9, 16 and 34, besides a quarter-section in the James Eiver valley, in Dakota. He arrived in Wabasha county with eighty-four dollars, and has EAELT SETTLERS. 104:7 secured a competency by his sagacity and industry. He was mar- ried in the spring of 1865, to Jane Summers, who died without issue, April 30, 1866. In Jime, 1870, he married Khoda A., daughter of A. H. Bright, of this town. They have one child, Cecile Inez, born November 18, 1873. Mr. Boughton is a member of the masonic order. He is a republican in politics ; served as town supervisor in 1879-80-81-82. He enlisted October 18, 1861, in Co. I, 3d Minn. regt. At the battle of Stone river he was made a prisoner, and held thrfee months. At the battle of Wood Lake he commanded a company of thirty-two men, of whom twenty-four were killed or wounded. After this he was made a corporal. After participating in the battles at Fort Donelson, Vicksburg, Fort Har- mon, Young's Point and Little Kock, he was detailed for detached service as sergeant-major. He was commissioned as a second' lieutenant in the regular army, and soon promoted to first. His health failing, he was compelled to resign, which he did March 18, 1865. He was offered a captaincy if he would remain in the army, but could not accept it. His grandfather was a colonel in the war of 1812. His father, Ebeneezer Boughton, was born in New York, and married Eoxy Barney, of the same state. This subject is their second son, and was born in Nunda, Livingston county, New York, November 8, 1836. All his life was passed in that state until he came here. He was reared on a farm, and received a common school education. His natural abilities have made him a valuable and prominent citizen. Benjamin Boughton, Chester, is a brother of the above, and received the saraeearly training. His birth occurred in West Sparta, same county, February '23, 1845. His mother died when he was only three years old, and he was put out with a farmer to be brought [^ up. He remained till eighteen years old with this taskmaster, who set him to follow the plow as soon as he could reach the handles, and gave him little opportunity for education. At eighteen, having received only his food and scanty clothing for years of faithful ser- vice, he set out to care for himself. In the fall' of 1865 he came to Minnesota, and stayed one year, attending school in the winter. He returned to New York, where he remained till the fall of 1872. He engaged in farm labor here three years, and then bought his present home on section 34, consisting of eighty-seven acres. August 30, 1879, he was married to Ida Segar, who was born in Salem Wisconsin. Mr. Boughton had no capital when he arrived 1048 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. in "Wabasha county, and his success is a credit to himself and this region. He has always been a republican. He adopted an orphan child soon after its birth. Her name is Lucy Whaley, and she was born February 5, 1879. John Daecey, farmer, has dwelt on the northwest quarter of section 2, Chester, ever since 1858, at which time he made claim to it under the United States land laws. Mr. Darcey is a native of Ireland, having been born in the parish of Kiltabrid, in or about the year 1831. He was reared on a farm, and set out at eighteen for America. He spent four years in New Jersey, and a like period in Illinois, at farm labor, then came here as above noted. His farm has been well improved, the buildings costing over two thousand dollars. He has always been a democrat, and himself and family are communicants' in Belle Chester Catholic church. His marriage took place September 9, 1860, the bride being Miss Ellen Early, who was born in the same parish as himself in 1841, and came to America at sixteen. Their children are all at "home, and were born as below noted : Mary J., February, 1863 ; Edward, July, 1864 ; John, June 8, 1866 ; Annie, August 4, 1868 ; Charles F., May 23, 1871 ; Alhe, March 28, 1873 ; George, October 4, 1875 ; James, January 12, 1879. Joel B. Sheldon, farmer, was born in Westport, Essex county, New York, March 20, 1845. His father, Isaac Sheldon, was a pioneer settler in Pine Island township, his residence being three miles from Mazeppa, on the county line. Both the ■ latter and his wife, Lydia Smith, were born in "Westport. The subject of these lines was reared on the Pine Island farm, where he was brought when eleven years old, and got his educational training in the common schools of Mazeppa. In 1864 he bought forty acres of land adjoining his father's, on which he dwelt till 1880. At this time he bought a house and three lots in Mazeppa, and has made his home here since. He also has now sixty acres adjoining his first purchase, in this town, and is employed in tilling his farm. He was married March 12, 1858, to Mary J. Yan Schaick, born at "Wells, in Indiana, June 15, r838. Mrs. Sheldon had two children previous to this marriage, one of whom was burned to death. The other, Alpheus, was born May 14, 1857 ; resides in Mazeppa. Mr. Shel- don's children were born as follows : Lillian J., December 24, 1859 (Mrs. Asa Spicer, here) ; Joel I., April 25, 1863 ; Ella M., January 4, 1867; Gertrude, October, 1868; Martha, September 36, 1873; Dick, February 2, 1875. Mr. Sheldon is a, member of Mazeppa EAULT SETTLERS. 1049 Good Templars lodge. In religious faith he is a Methodist ; he has always been a republican. He enlisted August, 1862, in Co. H, 8th Minn. Yols. Served on the western frontier, participating in several Indian engagements ; discharged on account of ill health, January, 1865. Shortly before entering the service his arm was cut by a scythe, and his army exposure prevented a permanent and full recovery, and he is often troubled and much weakened by the injury. Chaeles M. Boutelle (deceased) became a resident of Chester in the spring of 1858, taking up forty acres of land on section 23, which was still vacant, and buying the claim to eighty acres adjoining. Here he dwelt till his death, which occurred December 10,. 1876. He was born in Hancock, New Hampshire, July 2, 1825. His father, Charles Boutelle, was a soldier in the war of 1812, and after- ward married Betsey Knight, mother of this subject. The latter married Sarah E. Buckminster, in July, 1850 ; she was a daughter of Benjamin M. Buckminster, all of New Hampshire. She is still living on the homestead in Chester, as is also her mother-in-law, Betsey Knight Boutelle. Mr. Boutelle was ten years in charge of Bear Yalley postoffice, which he kept in his house. He was a charter member of the grange organized here, and resolutions of respect and mourning passed that body on his death. He was several years treasurer of Chester township. His politics were republican. Two sons were all his offspring. Clarence M. was born in Antrim in 1851. He graduated at the Winona normal school, and was eight years a member of its faculty subsequently. He is now, with his wife (Fanny Kimber), teaching in the Rochester Seminary. Chaeles Heebeet Boutelle, farmer, is a son of the last above subject, and was born in Antrim, New Hampshire, November 1, 1853. He was reared here, and received a common-school educa- tion. He was married November 5, 1877, to Clara A., daughter of "Willard and Susan Merrill ; she was born in Goodhue county, and her parents in New Hampshire and Canada. They have one child, bom December 18, 1880, and christened Willard C. Mr. Boutelle is an independent republican. He was a member of the grange while it existed. Ansel T. Fox, son of Eeuben and Frances Fox, was born in Trenton, New York, January 6, 1836. His parents were natives of the same state. Being raised on the farm, he attended the district schools. At the age of nineteen he removed to Belvidere, Illinois. After trying it for two years he came to this county, settling in 1050 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTT. Mazeppa township, section 10. His farm consists of one hundred and sixty acres, a large portion being untillable. He raises consid- erable stock, and carries on quite a dairying business. He was the first town clerk and has also been chairman of the board seyeral times. In politics he is a stanch republican ; in religion tends toward the TJniversalist faith. He married Eoxana, daughter of Eben Boughton, who was a native of New York State. They have three children, as follows : Sarah F., Alfred E. and Charlotte A., all at home. Andrew Bailey, son of Thomas and Jane Bailey, was born in Ireland in 1838. He received his education at the common schools and his youth was spent on the farm. At the age of fourteen he came to Iowa, remaining there six years. Then he came to Zumbro township, settling on section 23. He owns two hundred acres of land. He married Emma Dane, of Wisconsin, her parents being natives of Canada. They have no children. Geo. W. Akees, son of Simeon and Margaret Akers, was ushered into this world in 1855, in the State of Kentucky. His youth was spent on the farm, and he was educated at the district schools. He lived at diflTerent times in Wisconsin and Kentucky, and finally came to Hastings, Mkmesota, in the year 1860. In 1876 he removed to Zumbro Falls, Gillford township, and has been there ever since. In politics he is a democrat. He married Belle Dane, of Wisconsin, and has three children, Simeon, Emma and George. Hon. Geoege K. Hall. On June 29, 1836, the hearts of Samuel and Betsey (Wyman) Hall, farmers of Stansted county, Canada East, were made happy by the birth of their second child, the subject of this sketch. The family continued to reside in Canada until George had reached his fifteenth year, when they came to eastern Wisconsin and found a home in Eacine county. Six years later, and four years after the death of the father, the family came to Wabasha county. Mr. Hall, in the spring of 1858, located a pre-emption claim on section 4 in Plain view township, on Greenwood prairie. For eight years he followed the life of a pioneer farmer on this place. Soon after disposing of this farm, he bought another of one hundred and forty acres on the same section. This place he sold in 1873, and the same year purchased eighty acres on section 37, in the adjoining township of Highland. This farm he enlarged by the purchase of one hundred and sixty acres adjacent thereto, and KAELY SETTLEES. 1051 in the spring of 1883 sold to Mr. Burgess. Mr. Hall bought a house and lot in the village of Plainview, and moved to town in the spring of 1880. He is agent for the Laird-Norton Lumber Co., of Winona, which has a branch business in Plainview. Mr. Hall enlisted in the 1st bat. Minn. Light Art, December 31, 1863'. Owing to ill health, saw but little active service, and was discharged on May 25, 1865. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, a Royal Arch Mason, and a member of the board of supervisors. In the winter of 1877 he represented the Plainview district in the state legislature. His politics are republican. Electa A. Austin, of Eacine county, "Wisconsin, became his wife October 17, 1858. They have four children : Ida L. (wife of the Eev. F. B. Cowgill, a Methodist Episcopal clergyman and member of the Minnesota con- ference), Ella Mary (a teacher in Winona county), Inez M. and IvfelKe Gertrude, living at home. Thomas McDonotjgh was born in dounty Galway, Ireland, some- time in the month of December, 1836, and was the seventh child of Bartley and Maria (Hurney) McDonough. When about seventeen he came to America in company with his mother and two sisters. In 1854 or 1855 his father died of yellow fever in "Virginia, and his mother, soon after her arrival in America, departed this life at Alexandria, Pennsylvania, in which place the family had located. Thomas worked on public works near this place for a short time and then became a steamboat hand on the river. He also worked on a Kew Orleans cotton-press for awhile. During his sojourn in this latter city he became acquainted with Mary Malloy, to whom he was married December 27, 1857, this lady being, like himself, a native of Ireland, and the daughter of Charles and Mary (Donlevy) Malloy. The following spring they came to Wabasha county and homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres on sections 12 and 13, in Highland town- ship, which was the nucleus of his present possessions, numbering four hundred and forty acres. Of their family of five children four are still living : Mary, born February 21, 1859 ; Patrick, born Feb- ruary 20, 1862 ; Bartley, born August 16, 1863, now a clerk in Bel- videre, Minnesota; Anthony, born August 4, 1870. During the re- bellion Mr. McDonough worked on the government transports. In 1863 Gov. Eamsey commissioned him as second lieutenant of the 8th Minn. Militia. He is also a prominent member of the Father Mathew Total Abstinence Society and of the Highland Catholic church. Is a democrat in politics, and has been five times a mem- ber and chairman of the board-of supervisors. 1062 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. Henry C. "Woodeuff was born in Hartford, Connecticut, Marcli 31, 1838. His parents were Eli and Mary (Leonard) Woodruff, the former a native of Connecticut and the latter of Massachusetts. There were four children born to them, Henry being the eldest o three now surviving. Mr. "Woodruff, Sr. , was a moulder by trade. While Henry was yet an infant his parents removed to Quincy, Illinois, and engaged ' in farming. Nine years the family resided here ; three years in Milwaukee, where Mr. Woodruff was proprie- tor of a livery-stable and boarding-house, and eight years in a hotel at St. Marie, Wisconsin. In 1858 the family came to Elgin township, Wabasha county. In 1863 Henry purchased eighty acres of land on section 30, in Elgin, which he still owns, together with one hundred and sixty adjacent thereto. Mr. Woodruff' and his brother-in-law, Ethan Whiting, erected the first elevator in Plainview, at a cost of eighty-five hundred dollars, in August, 1878, and had it ready for business by the time the Plainview railroad was completed. Mr. Woodruff is at present local agent for the great produce firm of Geo. W. "VanDusen & Co., at Plainview, and resides in town. He is a member of Plainview Lodge, F. and A.M., and in politics republican. He was married at St. Marie, Wisconsin, November 25, 1859, to Polly E.. Whiting, a native of that state, and daughter of E. F. and Laura (Rice) Whiting. They have five children : Edward, married and residing in Plainview, and Clara, Nora, Claud and Charles, living at home. His father and mother resided with him at the time of their death ; the former departed this life July 16, 1879, and the latter June 30, 1883, at Andover, Dakota, where she was visiting a daughter, Mrs. D. W. Buck. Edwaed Nash, farmer, the subject of this sketch, first saw the light of day in Kilkenny county, Ireland, in September of the year 1819. His parents, John and Mary (McGragh) Nash, belonged to the small farmer class. He remained in his native land until 1850, and received a meager education ; he then came to America. After spending a few months on a farm near Watertown, New York, he tried life as a lake sailor, until the close of navigation, for the win- ter of 1860-1. The following spring he worked in Ames & Spencer's tannery, near Milwaukee, In June, 1863, he found himself a miner in the Lak« Superior mines, where he remained until 1858, when he came to Highland, and pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres oji sections 7 and 18, in Highland township, .and section 13, in Oak- wood, and in June, 1859, took up his permanent residence in this EAELT SETTLEES. 1053 township. In 1882 he sold his pioneer farm and purchased a smaller farm of eighty, on section 17, from A. M. Grarey. He was mar- ried August 2, 1875, to Anna MuUins, a native of Nova Scotia, born February 22, 1847. Her parents afterward removed to Wis- consin, and in the fall of 1861 she and her twin-brother, then in their fifteenth year, accompanied by two younger children, came alone from Portage City, Wisconsin, to Wabasha, driving an ox" team. In politics Mr. Nash is an independent democrat ; in re- ligion, a Catholic ; has been supervisor two terms and assessor one. Mr. Nash tells of how he went to bed one night in the dark in his pioneer bachelor cabin, and found a bedfellow in the slimy coils of a serpent four feet in length. Geoege Wilson, farmer, is one of the early settlers of West Albany, and was born in Banffshire March 6, 1833. His parents were James and Ann (Ballock) Wilson, to whom were born seven children, George being fifth. The subject of our sketch lived at home until the age of twenty-two, when he left his native land and settled in Kacine' county, Wisconsin. Here he lived until 1858, when he located on the farm in West Albany township where he now lives. In 1861 he returned to Scotland and six years later again came to West Albany, bringing with him from Banffshire several families, all of whom located in this neighborhood. Indeed the establishment of the Scotch settlement in West Albany was largely due to the influence of Mr. Wilson, for besides those who accom- panied him on his return, many afterward came from the old country and from Eacine county, Wisconsin. Ever since 1867 Mr. Wilson has resided here, and now has one of the finest farms on the prairie, consisting of three hundred and twenty acres of rich land all improved. He has given considerable attention to the raising of fine Durham stock, and is one of the most extensive stock-raisers on the prairie. He was married April 24, 1869, to Ellen Phillips, of Banffshire. This union has been blessed with five children : Ella A., James A., George A., Nellie B., Willie P. He and wife belong to the United Presbyterian church. Is a republican. He has occasionally been called to the public service, and is a respected and influential citizen. William Duffus, farmer, is a native of Aberdeenshire, Scotland, where he was born October 8, 1829. His parents were James and Margaret (Allan) Duffus, to whom were born three children, Will- iam being the second. The subject of our sketch has always been a 1054 HISTOBY OF WABASHA COUNTY. tiller of the soil, and in 1861 he emigrated to Ontario, and shortly after to Eacine county, Wisconsin. After farming here two years he came farther west, and. soon settled on the farm he now occupies. October 15, 1868, he wedded Ann "Wilson, a native of Banffshire. Two children have been the fruit of this union, viz : Margaret A. and John A. Mr. Duffus and wife belong to the Presbyterian church. He is a republican. His farm of one hundred and sixty acres is among the best on the prairie. He is a genial, hospitable gentleman, and a credit to the community where he has so long re- sided. Heney Martin, farmer, was born in 1833, in Ireland. He is second son of Edward and Bridget Martin, both of Ireland. When about twenty-one years of age he came to New York, and spent two years there and in Massachusetts. He then came to Wisconsin, farmed about three years, then he came to his present farm of two hundred and forty acres of fine land, traversed by the Zumbro valley. He is one of Oakwood's wealthiest farmers. He has always been a democrat in politics. He is one of our first settlerS and enterprising citizens. He was married in 1864, to Bridget Fehan, of Ireland. They have eight children. Augustus Chaeley was born in Sweden, April 15, 1825. On October 5, 1853, he landed in Chicago. When on? the sea between Liverpool and New York, the vessel in which he had taken passage was overtaken by a terrific storm, and all three of the masts were swept away, and was for several days without any propelling motive on board the vessel. The captain finally succeeded in rigging out a small sail by using some loose poles which happened to be on board the vessel for masts. They were four weeks and three days on the sea, and many suffered with hunger. As many as nineteen children died for want of something to eat. Mr. Charley staid in Chicago over three years, working as a day laborer. About one year of this time his wife was sick and in' bed. He then worked in a sawmill for three years in Read's Landing ; and from there he came to Glas- gow township, where he now lives, in the fall of 1859. He home- steaded one hundred and sixty acres of land, and since then has bought eighty acres more. He and his daughter built the first house in which they lived, a small log house which was replaced by another log house and that by his present house, which he built in 1874. When Mr. Charley first came to his place, he found everything wild, and he has done all the improving on his place himself. He had nd BAELY SETTLEES. 1055 money when he came, and was without a team of any description for over two years. By working for his neighbors he finally managed to buy himself a team (a couple of two-year-old steers). Mr. Charley now has his second wife ; he was married first time in Sweden, and his wife died before he came to this country. His second wife, Chris- tine Erikson, he also married in Sweden. Of the nine children born to them, but four of them are now living. Matilda, the eldest, is the wife of John Peterson, and now lives in Wisconsin. John, Alfred, and Ida are the names of the other three. Mr. Charley enlisted in Co. D, of the 5th Minn. Inf., and was mustered in at Memphis, Ten- nessee. He was in the battles of ISTashville, Spanish Fort, Mobile, Yicksburg and Columbia. He was mustered out at Montgomery, Alabama. Mr. Charley lost his health while in the army, and has not been able to work a day since. He now draws a pension. James Howat, the subject of this sketch, was born in Banffshire, Scotland, March 24, 1824. His parents were John and Margaret (Bonnayman) Howat. His father being a farmer, James led the life of a Scotch country laddie until eighteen years of age, when he came to America, whither his parents had preceded him. He spent sev- eral years in the pineries of Canada, and also worked at Fort Wayne, near Detroit, Michigan. In 1859 he came to Highland, and home, steaded' the quarter-section (section 14) where he now resides, and to which he has added forty acres in section 21. He was married in Canada April 5, 1851, to Agnes Scott, daughter of a County Down, North of Ireland, farmer, James Scott, and his wife, Eliza- beth (Butcher) Scott. Two sons and two daughters have blessed then" union, viz : John and Elizabeth, born in Canada, and Margaret and James, natives of Minnesota. Mr. Howat served one year in in the 3d Minn. Inf., and was honorably discharged at the close of the rebellion. The republican party has called him to serve on the township board of supervisors four years in succession. The reli- gious faith of the family is Presbyterian. John Sohad is a prosperous Highland farmer. He was born in Germany, May 23, 1838. His parents were Michael and Margaret (Papper) Schad. Two brothers and a sister preceded him to America, whither he came in 1858. Going first to Fort Wayne, Indiana, he found employment in a brick-yard. In the spring of 1859 he came to Wabasha county, and located a squatter's claim on section 4 in Highland and 33 in Glasgow township. This place he sold in 1868, and immediately purchased one hundred and sixty 1056 HISTORY OF WABASHA COHNTT. acres on section 26, in Highland, to which he has since added one hundred and twenty acres, and where he now resides. Miss Lelia •Kuff became his wife November 24, 1868. She was a native, of Iowa, where she was born October 24, 1848. The following chil- dren have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Schad : Frank, born February 10, 1870 ; Mary, September 2, 1872 ; Godfrit, September 9, 1874; John, December 31, 1876 ; Maggie, October 19, 1878 ; Henry, Sep- tember 23, 1880 ; Lena, August 7, 1882 ; Theresa, September 30, 1883. Before his marriage Mr. Schad worked several winters in the Wisconsin pineries, and also in St. Louis as a stonemason. His farm is under excellent cultivation, and in 1876 he spent two thou- sand dollars in the digging of a well' and the erection of a windmill, the only one in the township of Highland. John Howat, farmer, and dealer in agricultural implements, is the eldest son of James and Agnes (Scott) Howat, and was born in Holdamond county, Canada, September 6, 1852. His parents re- moved to Minnesota in 1 859. He led the life of a pioneer farmer- boy, and received a fair education in the winter schools. In 1873 he bought eighty acres of land from his grandfather Scott in section 15, where he has since resided. December 18, 1877, he was mar- ried to Mary Amelia Affeld. This lady was born at Mantella, Wis- consin, March, 1856. Her parents were Godfred and Doretha (Schuelke) Affeld. The children of this marriage are James, three years old, and Louis G., one year. Mr. Howat deals in agricultural implements, Kellogg being his headquarters. He is a member of the Congregational church, and in politics a republican. Fred Anding, farmer, was born in Germany in 1845. When he was eight years old he came to this country with his parents, who settled in Wisconsin. In 1859 he removed to Glasgow township, Wabasha county, and after a residence there of six years he bought a farm in Gillford township, where he has since lived. He has one hundred and twenty acres of well improved land all under cultiva- tion, and sufficiently stocked to make it quite profitable. One of Mr. Anding's chief delights is to own thei finest team of horses in the section of country in which he lives. He was married at Wabasha in 1866, to Louisa Umbreight, and seven children have been born to them. They are both members of the German Lutheran church at Jacksonville. Joseph Meter, manufacturer and dealer in boots and shoes. Main street, south side, midway between AUeghaney and Pern- EAKLY SETTLEES. 1057 broke streets. This business was established by Mr. Meyer in 1859, on Pembroke street, south of Main. In 1871 he purchased the lot he now occupies, fronting thirty feet on Main, and erected a two- story brick building 30x46. The east half of the lower story is his shoeshop, with workshop in the rear. The west half is the city council room and recorder's office. The upper story Mr. Meyer oc- cupies as his dwelling. Joseph Meyer is a native of "Westphalia, Prussia, learned his trade there, and followed it until 1856, when he came to America, and the same season settled in Hastings, Minne- sota, where he remained until 1859, and then located in this city. He married Miss Henrietta Olouse. They have four children, two attending city school : Amelia' born October 18, 1864 ; "William, born July 17, 1870; Bertie, born January 26, 1873; Lucy, born June 30,' 1881. L. TowNSEND, dental surgeon ; office corner Main and Alleghaney streets, upstairs. Business established in this city in 1865, in an. office across the street, and removed to present location in 1882, Dr. Townsend is a native of Plattsburg, New York ; studied for his: profession in the office of Bigsby & Howard, in his native place, and concluding his preparatory studies, established himself in prac- tice there in 1859, removing to this city in 1865, and establishing a practice here whieh has been increasingly successful for a period of eighteen years. The doctor was married in 1848, to Miss May Rey- nolds. They have one child, E. L. Townsend, who studied for his profession in his father's office ; at nineteen years of age commenced practice in Lake City ; continued there for five years, then went to Philadelphia, taking a partial course in medicine in Jefferson Medical College and a full course in dental surgery at Pennsylvania College, graduating B.D.S. in 1877, and i-eturned to Lake City; resumed practice until the fall of 1880, when, his health failing him, he dis- continued office work for two years. Returning to Wabasha in 1882, he spent the following winter in the home office, and in the summer of 1883, took a trip into California to test the effect of that climate upon his health. Dr. L. Townsend, during the eighteen years of his practice in this city, has fitted five young men for the dental profession, besides a number of others who have taken only a partial course. P. H. Robinson, who is now the doctor's assistant, has just completed his studies in the office here, and taken a working interest in its business. It is his intention to take a full course in dental surgery by way of completing his preparation. Dr. Townsend, in 1058 HISTORY OF WABASHA OOTTNTY. March, 1882, purchased a tract of forty acres of land within the corporate limits of the city, on the south, which he was converting into a fruit farm, when, July 19, 1883, one of the most terrific storms of wind and rain, accompanied by lightning, that ever visited this region broke over the city. A bolt of lightning came crashing through the roof of the doctor's house, at the southwest comer, passing clean through to the basement, and firing the house all along its passage. The shock partially stunned the doctor and his wife, and they were only fully aroused by the light from their burning dwelling in time to effect their escape with the loss of home and contents. John H. Lewis, plumber and dealer in pumps ; shop on Second street, just west of Pembroke. This business has been established in this city since 1870, and employs fi'om two to four persons. Mr. Lewis was born in XJniontown, Pennsylvania, ITpvember 5, 1826 ; bred to the tin and coppersmith's trade, at which he spent his time working in his native state and in Ohio until 1856, when he came to this section of the northwest, and settled at I^orth Pepin in Wis- consin. Remaining there three years, he removed to Wabasha in 1859, and, with the exception of two years spent in the western part of the county, this city has since been his home. Mr. Lewis was in the service of the United Staites during the late war as a private in the 1st Minn. Heavy Art. In 1870, continued confinement at the tinner's bench having rendered outdoor work a necessity, he took up his present business, and has now prosecuted it thirteen years. Mr. Lewis was married September 21, 1848, at Zanesville, Ohio, to Elizabeth, daughter of Pev. James Gurley, of the North Ohio con- ference of the Methodist Episcopal church. Their children are : Lucy, Arthur, Ida, Marshall, Clara. S. HiESCHY & Son, general merchants, Herschy's Block, comer Main and Pembroke streets. This business, established April 1, 1882, occupies the corner storeroom of the block, which was erected by S. Hirschy in 1874. The block fronts fifty feet on Main street and one hundred and ten feet on Pembroke. It is a substantial two-story and basement brick and stone structure, the side walls of the first seventy feet along Pembroke street rising forty-six feet above the water-table. The second story of this portion of the block is finished and furnished as a public hall. This hall is 50 X 70 feet, and has a seating capacity of five hundred, the ceilings being twenty-one feet between joists. The storeroom occupied by Hirschy & Son fronts EABLY SETTLERS. 1069 twenty-five feet on Main street, sevenths feet on Pembroke, with entrances on both. They carry a full stock of general merchandise, employ five clerks, and keep one wagon for the delivery of goods. The business of the firm is managed by C. C. Hirschy, the " Son " of the firm. C. C. BpLrschy was born in this city March 20, 1859 ; was educated here and in St. Paul, finishing his course in the busi- ness college in that city in 1880. He then entered the engineer department of the St. Paul & Manitoba railway, and was there until the fall of 1882, when he returned to this city and assumed charge of the business he is now so successfully managing. Samuel Hieschy, agriculturist and dealer in real estate, and senior member of the firm of Hirschy & Son, is a native of Canton Vaud, Switzerland. After leaving school, in his seventeenth year, he was bred a tanner, served a term in the army, and at twenty-four years of age came to America and settled in Dayton, Ohio, in 1852. "Worked at his trade in that city five years, during which time he married Miss Margaret Felker, and then in 1857 removed to Wabasha. Here he invested his means in a tract of timbered land, , oak, intending to engage in tanning business. The oak-bark was 1060 HISTORY OF WABASHA COtmTT. found utterly useless for that purpose, and for some years he was engaged in cutting and hauling wood, and such other work as he could find profitable. In 1863 he commenced moving buildings, and finding that business profitable, followed it until 1874, when,. his health broken by hard labor, he returned to Europe, and spent five months traveling over the continent and the British islands. In IBTO he bought the property on which he now resides, a tract of seventy acres in the southeast quarter of the city, which he is rapidly converting into a fruit farm. June 7, 1882, his dwelling was destroyed by fire, and he has since erected the comfortable home the family now occupy. A substantial frame, two stories in height, solid stone foundations, full basement, 28x36 feet, with an addition 16 X 24 feet, one story high. Mr. Hirschy has devoted some atten- tion to the raising of blooded Jersey cattle, of which he has twelve head thoroughbred, besides some other grades. He is also quite a successful bee-culturist ; has thirty-eight stands in a fiourishing con- dition, and is now building a winter storeroom of stone capable ot holding one hundred hives. His grapes, of which he has about fifteen hundred vines in bearing, are in good thrifty condition, as are also his fruit-trees • and strawberry-vines. His eldest son, Louis, born in Ohio, is now farming in the southwestern portion of the state. C C, as before mentioned, was born in this city, and the remaining child, a daughter — now at homp — Clara, was ,born on the home place December 17, 1870. Samitel, son of John and Jane Robinson, was born in Bally- mana, Ireland, in 1828. He was raised on the farm, and received a common school education. In 1847 he came to Sullivan county, New York, where he remained till 1857, when he removed to Will county^ Illinois, and in 1859 he came to this township, settling on section 36. He owns ninety acres of land. In politics he is a thorough democrat. He married Elizabeth Bailey, her parents being natives of Ireland. They have five children : Andrew, Thomas, John, Robert and Phebe. Heney C. Beant, son of Adam and Rebecca Brant, was bom February 4, 1824. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, and his mother of Yirginia. He is a native of Ohio. He was educated at the common school's, and his youth was spent mostly on the farm. In the fall of 1857 he came to Fillmore county, this state, remaining there till 1859 ; then came to this county, settling in Gillford township, pursuing farming till 1877, when he removed to EAELY SETTLEES. 1061 Ohio, and after five years came to this township (Zumbro), settling on section 25. He has twenty acres of land. During the winter of 1864 he enlisted in the 8th Minn., and accompanied Gen. Sully on his Indian expedition to the Yellowstone river. The next fall he was mastered out at St. Paul. BLe has been justice of the piece, town clerk, assessor, town treasurer, etc., for several years off and on. In politics he is republican, but not radical. He married Oalista Martin, her parents are natives of New Jersey. Their living children are : Edgar F. and Louisa A., Charles being deceased. Chaeles Early, Chester, was born inKiltabrid, County Leitr m, Ireland, August 15, 1826, and was reared on a farm there, attending a common school till fifteen years old. In November, 1852, he landed in New York city, where he remained till' June, 1856. He then went to "Whiteside county, Illinois, and came thence to Chester in April, 1859. He entered the northeast quarter of section 10 as a homestead, and has dwelt thereon ever since, and has since acquired by purchase one-fourth of section 16. Mr. Early is reckoned among our most intelligent and progressive citizens. He is a member of Belle Chester Roman Catholic church, and a democrat. He was married in New York, January 7, 1855, to Jane Darcy, who was born in the same parish as himself. They have lost five children, and now have one son, born November 25, 1862, and christened Charles Edward. Enos B. Raymond, grain-buyer, was born in Orwell, Yermont, January 28, 1836. His grandfather, Joseph Raymond, was the first settler in the town of "Warren, Yermont ; was the son of a revolu- • tionary soldier. Ira, son of Joseph Raymond, married Laura Martin and settled on a farm in Orwell. The subject of this sketch was reared here. His education was completed at Brandon Academy. At eighteen he set out for the boundless west. After spending a winter at Omro, "Wisconsin, he started with some land- owners for a trip through Iowa. After reaching the latter state he changed his mind and took the stagfe for St. Paul. Thence he made his way to Stillwater, and engaged as clerk in a store, remain- ing three years. He then spent two years at Lake City, buying wheat for "V'an Kirk & McGeogh. After traveling ten years for a Milwaukee wholesale grocery house, he returned to Minnesota, and dwelt at Lake City and Mazeppa. Since 1877 he has remained in the latter place, buying grain for P. Robinson. In August, 1866, 1062 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTT. he was married here to Miss Cornelia L., daughter of Frederick Ormsby. Mrs. Raymond was born in Long Grove, Cook county, Illinois. They have one son, Charles Eddy, born April 8, 1872. Mr. Kaymond is an enthusiastic democrat. He has never taken any active part in public affairs, although he is active in fostering schools and the general welfare. "While not a member of any sect, he is a believer in divine authority. O. P. Caeeuth, farmer, was born in Jefferson county, New Tork, September 8, 1829. He was one of eight children born to "William and Eleanor Patterson-Carruth, natives of Springfield, Mas- sachusetts, and Fort Anne, New York, respectively. The subject of our sketch was raised in Jefferson county, and when twenty-one years of age he went to Auburn, New York, where he spent six ' years in a boot and shoe establishment. October 27, 1859, he was married to Mary Veeder, a native of that county, and a daughter to Dr. Veeder, one of the old residents of this township. Irnmediately after his marriage he located on his present farm in Mount Pleasant. His wife died March 19, 1879. She was the mother of four chil- dren, two of whom are living: Fred. H., who is running a flour- ishing newspaper at Estilline, Dakota, and Ellen B. January 3, 1880, he wedded Sarah L. Eastman-Gorton, of Athens, Yermont. Mr. Carruth is a member of Lake City lodge. No. 22, I.O.O.F. In politics he is republican, and since 1876 has been chairman of the board of supervisors. Heney S. Smith, farmer, is a grandson of Joel Smith, who served in the colonial army during the revolution. Asaph, son of Joel Smith, was born in Yermont, and married a native of the same state, viz : Miss Abigail Couch. This couple dwelt on a farm in Poultney, Rutland county, Yermont, where was born on March 14, 1824, the person whose name heads this sketch.* The latter was reared on this farm, and was a pupil in the common school adjacent. Arriving at maturity, he settled down on a farm of his own. In 1853 he married Jane S. Franklin, sister of G. B. Franklin, elsewhere mentioned. In 1859 he removed to this county, and settled on the farm he now occupies. The homestead of one hundred and sixty acres lies on section 82, Chester, and twelve acres of timber near by, on section 30. One hundred acres of this is now under the plow, and almost wholly tilled by its owner's individual labor. Mr. Smith is a hard worker, although his right hand is crippled. This is the effect of an attack of black erysipelas, which he suffered in 1876. EARLY SETTLERS. 1063 His eyesight was also injured by this malady. The firstborn of this iamily, christened Charley, died when eight months old. The next, Volney L., was born May 30, 1856, and is now keeping books at Ked Wing ; Altie A., 1861, married George Westphall, and resides in Mazeppa; Minnie H., telegraph operator on Midland railway. Nelson B. Smith, farmer, has dwelt since the spring of 1856 on section 29, Chester, where he has four hundred and forty acres of land ; his real property also includes twenty acres on section 30. His father, Squire Yan Smith, was a native ot Connecticut, and married Charlotte Ann Glover, of the same state. After serving in the war of 1812, he settled on a farm in Brookfield, Fairfield county, where was born the subject of this sketch, January 17, 1 823. He was reared on the farm there, and completed his education by at- tending Newtown Academy one term. After teaching school four terms in Connecticut, he removed to New York in 1846, and taught one term there. During this year he met and won for his wife Miss Margery A. Mix, a native (?f that state. Next year he bought and began tilling a farm there. In the summer of 1855 he visited Min- nesota, and selected a claim south of Mazeppa. Keturning to New York, his claim was "jumped," so when he came on with his fam- ily next spring he settled on his present location. He has always been a republican ; has been assessor two terms and collector one. He is not a believer in the gospel as now taught by any sect. In January, 1862, Mr. Smith enlisted in the 2d independent company of U. S. Sharpshooters, and was with the army of the Potomac from that time till the close of the war. The only engagements he missed were those of the first Bull's Eun and Ball's Bluff." He was never in ambulance or in hospital. The only wound he received was in his haversack, a ball piercing a can of meat that was to serve as his rations. Thus his stomach was affected. In February, 1864, he re-enlisted, and received one month's furlough. Mr. Smith was robbed of his life partner by death on May 4, 1881. Their two children still reside with the father. Joseph Ladelle, born in January, 1850, is unmarried. Lottie Ann, bom June, 1857, married John McCabe, who assists in tilling the farm. Henet Eoff, farmer. Lake City, was bom May 26, 1828, in Yates county. New York, and is the ninth child of Henry and Clem- entine (Brown) Koff, who became the parents of eleven children. In 1837 they removed to Crawford county, Pennsylvania, where the father died in 1841 and the mother in 1845. The early youth of our 3064: HISTOEY OF WABASHA COtTNTT. subject was spent on the farm, where he enjoyed but a limited means of gaining an education. He was married in Crawford county, Penn- sylvania, September 28, 1852, to Miss Clarrisa Hotchkiss, a native of Crawford county, Pennsylvania, born January 28, 1837. Early in the spring of 1856 Mr. Roff decided to seek on the fertile prairies of Minnesota a better reward for his labor and investment than the sterile soil of the east then yielded, and at the same time secure for himself a home in a state where land in value was within his reach. He came by railroad to Chicago, bringing with him his team and wagon ; at that point he loaded his effects, with his wife and two children, in the wagon and drove through to Olmsted county, Minne- sota, three hundred and fifty miles, arriving there in May. He at once pre-empted a quarter-section of government land in Eyota township, on which he made final proof and paid for the same fall. Fearing the severity of a Minnesota winter on the prairie, he removed to Winona late in the fall, where he put in a profitable winter in the wood busi- ness, notwithstanding the deep snow and intense cold witnessed here during the winter of 1857. The next spring he concluded not to return to his farm, but came to Lake City, landing here on May 1. The next day he began to build a house, into which he moved six days later. That spring he started in the butcher business, open- ing the first meat-market in Lake City. In 1864: he sold out the market, and with his family went to Montana, where he' engaged in mining two years, and again returned to Lake City a wiser if not a richer man. Butchering was again resumed and followed till 1876, when, on account of his own and his daughter's ill health, he sold out his entire business and took his family to New Mexico. On his return to Lake City he purchased a small farm near the city limits, and engaged in farming. In the spring of 1880 he bought a farm of two hundred and forty in Gilford township, on which his son now resides. He is a member of the three Masonic orders of this city. His children's names in the order of their birth are : Ellen, now Mrs. Frank Bouton ; Henry L., on the farm; Mary L., wife of Henry Nelson, of Eed Wing ; Clara B., Minnie C. and Julia. William A. Helt (deceased) was a son of Lewis and Elizabeth Helt, of German and American birth respectively. He was born in the city of Philadelphia March 30, 1832, and was reared there, receiving a good education. When eighteen years old he began an apprenticeship at fine shoemaking. For several years he kept a ladies' custom shop in Philadelphia, where he was married April 2, BAELY SETTLERS. 1065 1854, to Miss Jane W., daughter of Eobert Clifford, elsewhere men- tioned in this volume. In 1857 this couple came to Lake City, and returned to Philadelphia two years later. Here Mr. Helt joined the United States army, in 1863, in Co. G, 118th Penn. Yols. The principal engagement- in which he took part was that of Antietam. He was sometime confined by illness in hospital, and himself took charge for several months of a smallpox hospital. He was discharged in September, 1865, and returned to Lake City, whither his wife had preceded him. The hardships and sickness endured in the army sowed the seeds of disease in his constitution, and from its effects he was forced to give up the ghost November 22, 1880. The only child given him, a daughter, christened Kebecka Jane, preceded him to the other shore October 19, 18Y6. He was able to do little after the close of the war, on account of physical disability, and but for a pension from a generous government his widow would be but illy provided for. Mrs. Helt is blessed with considerable poetic genius, and has contributed many valuable productions to the local press. Both these people were always communicants in the Methodist church of Lake City. Daniel Metzgae, farmer, Cook's Valle/, is a great-grandson of George Metzgar, who emigrated from Holland to Pennsylvania before the revolution. George, son of the latter, was reared and died in the same locality. His son, Jonas, served in the war of 1812 ; married Mary Merwine, and dwelt on a farm in Hamilton, Northampton county, Pennsylvania. Here was born the person whose name begins this paragraph, November 8, 1822. He was reared on a farm in Cayuga and Tompkins counties. New York. Besides attending the excellent common schools of that region, he spent two terms in Groton Academy. He engaged in teaching two years, and afterward spent two years in a Florida sawmill. Eeturn- ing to New York he engaged in farming. February 19, 1852, he was married to Mary J. Albertson, who was born in Smithfield, Pennsylvania. Her parents were John and Mary (Cregg) Albert- son, natives of New Jersey. In 1857 he took up his present resi- dence, on section 30, Greenfield, and became a fixture of the town, and a worthy citizen. He became postmaster at Cook's Yalley when that office was established in 1859, and held the office three years, thus demonstrating democratic appreciation of republican talent and integrity. Mr. Metzgar's first ballot was for abolition of slavery, and he has ever since adhered to the principles espiused by 1066 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTT. republicans. He was three times elected chairman of the town board of supervisors, and served a term as assessor. He is a believer in the final holiness and happiness of all mankind. On October 38, 1862, death took away the faithful sharer of his cares and delights. Mrs. Metzgar was a consistent member of the Metho- dist Episcopal church, and her place has never been filled. Five children survive her, all residents of this town. Their names in order of birth are: William A., Mary A. (wife of J. G. Kose), Sarah A. (William J. Rose), Ida May and Fannie Jane. Chaeles Foerest (deceased) was among those who came to Wabasha in an early day. He was born at Peter Head, a city in the north of Scotland, April 24, 1835. In early life he entered upon an apprenticeship to the trade of boot and shoe maker, serving the usual time. In 1856 he left the land of his birth and the home of his childhood, with all the ties of kindred and friends, and the dearest of all, the one who was to be his bosom friend and compan- ion through life, and after a few uneventful weeks on the ocean, and a year spent at his trade in Montreal, Canada, he landed from a river steamer at Wabasha, Minnesota, late in the summer of 185Y. There he decided to stay send make a strike for a home, entering at once upon the business of his trade, which he prosecuted with vigor nearly four years, when, notwithstanding the financial" embarrassment fol- lowing the crisis of 1857, and the prevailing diseases incident to those who were then living on the Mississippi bottoms, in both of which Mr. Forrest suffered severely, he had secured the means not only to send for the one above referred to, but also to provide for her on her arrival, a rude, though happy home. She reached Wabasha on the evening of April 22, 1861, and the next day Charles Forrest and Margaret Tough were united in marriage. She is a native of Aberdeen, Scotland, and was born May 31, 1834. They at once repaired to a farm he had previously bought in West Albany town- ship, and built a small frame house, the first erected in that settle- ment. Mrs. Forrest now declares that the succeeding years were the happiest of her life. The pioneers had but little, and, being all on an equality, shared cheerfully with each other, even to a cup of salt. Some years later Mr. Forrest came to Lake City, and, after selling his farm, built a store and embarked in merchandising in the boot and shoe line, conducting the business till the time of his death, May 21, 18Y9. Though he left no fortune to his family, he left them wiHh a home and the heritage of an unsullied name. He was EAELT SETTLEES. 1067 a deacon in the Baptist church, and consistent, pious Christian gen- tleman. His widow and one son are also members of the Baptist church. His children, who are all residing with their mother in Lake City, are James, Charles G., Jennette H., Maggie J., Jennie E., William W. and Katie E., and enjoy the esteem and respect of their fellow citizens. Thomas Heath Megeoth, Late City, was born at Hallowell, on the Kennebec river, in the State of Maine, in 1808. His father, John Megroth, was a native of Needham, Massachusetts, and died of camp fever in the war of 1812. His mother, Elizabeth (Heath) Megroth, was" a native of Southampton, England, who came to America in early life and died at a good old age in West Manches- ter, Massachusetts. The first fifteen years of our subject's early life was spent on a farm, after which he began an apprenticeship to the hatter's trade. This, however, was not congenial to his health, and after two years' trial was abandoned and his attention turned to the carpenter's trade. This he found suited to his taste and made it his life business. In 1849 a trip to California was decided upon, and in April of that year he, with a party of twenty-five, left Boston for the "golden gate." They went via the river route from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Independence, Missouri, where they fitted out with teams and wagons. On reaching Salt Lake City they tarried fifteen days for the purpose of recuperation, as well as preparing for the remaining nine hundred miles' trip before them. This was done by selling their wagons and packing their outfit, provisions, etc., on the backs of mules. In this way the journey was resumed and its end finally reached. The most part of seven years was spent by Mr. Megroth engaged in mining and working at his trade on the Pacific slope, though severe, sickness compelled him to make a trip to the Sand- wich Islands, and to this alone he now owes his life. In 1856 he returned, via the isthmus, to the boSom of his family, in Maine, with a large supply of experience and a good portion of the precious metal. The following April, 1857, he emigrated with his family to Minnesota and settled permanently in Lake City, and has since then devoted himself to his trade. He was married in 1835, to Miss Elizabeth IS". Fi'eeman, who is also a native of the State of Maine. She has shared his joys and sorrows for almost half a century, at this writing, February 26, 1884, and is now his constant though feeble companion down the shadowy side of life. To them were born two sons, Edward J., now enjoying a good property and 1068 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. unblemished reputation in this city, and Thomas Wesley, who died very suddenly at Chicago, Illinois, while there attending college. Mr. and Mrs. Megroth have for many years been exemplary mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal church. John O'Bkien, farmer and stock-raiser, Lake City. Mr. O'Brien .s but another illustration of what industry, pluck and perseverance will accomplish. He was born in St. Lawrence county, New York, in 1837, and is a son of John and Jane O'Brien, both natives of Ireland, and, although of the same name, no relation. They were married in St. Lawrence county, New York, and there settled down on a farm and became the parents of nine children, eight of whom are still living, six near the old home and two in this county. The father died in 1880, and the mother still resides on the old farm. Mr. O'Brien received a common school education as well as a thorough training in the prin- ciples of economy and thrift during his early youth on the farm. In the spring of 1857 he came to Lake City and at once went to work at his trade (that of mason), following it three years. He then bought a farm of one hundred and sixty acres of government land, in the township of Lake, was married the same year to Miss Hannah Mahony, and engaged in farming. After a ten years' residence on this farm he purchased a smaller one in Lake City and removed to town, where his wife died in February, 1871. His second mar- riage was in July, 1874, to Mrs. Sarah Failing, formerly Miss Sarah Munger, a native of Syracuse, New York. He has six children living, whose names in the order of their birth are : Mary J., wife of John Steel, of La Ci'osse, Wisconsin ; J. Sylvester, M. Frank and ^ James E., on the farm in Mount Pleasant, and Catharine B. by his former wife, and George A. by his present. Mr. O'Brien now owns, besides a small farm within the city limits, .a fine farm of six hundred and twenty acres in Lake and Mount Pleasant town- ships. In religion they are of the OathoHc faith. Politically he is independent, supporting the man rather than the party, Alexander Selovee, carpenter, Lake City, was born near the city of Brunswick, New Jersey, March 27, 18331 John Selover, his grandfather, entered the colonial army in the revolutionary war, was made a prisoner and confined six years on the prison ship Jersey, in New York bay. The family is descended from the early German settlers of New Jersey, and Lewis and Prudence (Obert) Selover, parents of this subject, were born in that state. His life was spent on a farm till he was eighteen years old, when he went to his trade. V EABLY SKTTLEES. 1069 In the fall of 1856 he went to Illinois, where he spent the ensuing winter. Early in the next spring he set out for Minnesota, and landed at Head's April 17. He walked over the bluffs to this point and soon made a claim near Lone Mound, in Mount Pleasant town- ship, as now known. This land he retained till 1867, renting it a portion of the time. He then took up his permanent residence in Lake City, where he has a half-block and comfortable residence. His domain also includes eighty acres of land near the city in Wis- consin. Many of the best buildings in the country adjacent, to the city are Mr. Selover's handiwork. In 1864 he enlisted as a recruit in Go. A, 1st Heavy Art., which was stationed most of the time till the close of the war at Chattanooga. More fortunate than many, Mr. Selover's mess were able to purchase food during a forty days' stress, caused by a cuting off of supplies, when most. of the garrison was placed on quarter-rations. In 1862 Mr. Selover espoused Miss Ellen, daughter of Dr. Yeeder, one of the pioneers of Mount Pleasant, all of New York birth. Three children have been added to the family. Louisa, the eldest, is now in her graduate year at the Winona Normal School ; Mary Dora and Frank Marshall are at home. Mr. Selover is a member of the Baptist church and a con- sistent temperance worker. Petee Selovek, carpenter, dates his birth November 10, 1830, at the same place as his brother, above. His early life was passed on his father's farm, and at seventeen years of age he was apprenticed to a carpenter and builder, whom he served three years. In 1857 he went to Flatbush, Long Island, and participated in the construc- tion of many buildings there. . .In 1859 he was united in wedlock to Euphemia Vincent, who died in 1866. Of her five children two are living, Mary L. , employed in Appleton's bookbindery at Williams- burg, New York, and Lewis Henry, at Clifton, Minnesota. Mr. Selover is connected wit^S the Temple of Honor, the Congre- gational church, and the republican party. In, October, 1868, he married Jennie Howard Duryea, who is the mother of six children, christened as follows, all at home : George H. , Arthur W. , Jennie H., Martha E., KateL. and Laura. In 1878 the family removed to Lake City, where the head has since been actively employed in building operations. A younger brother, Heney Selovee, superintendent of the Lake City flouring-mill, was born January 19, 1839, and came to Lake City in 1858. He began here as a clerk for H. F. Williamson, then conductjj|ka large 1070 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. business here. In 1862 he enlisted in the 8th Minn. Yol. Inf. ; was with his regiment till the close of the war. After his return from the army he engaged in the grain warehouse of Bessey, Kellog & Co. till 1872, when he took an interest in the Lake City mill. He was married in 1874 to Miss Emma Doughty, daughter of J. J. Doughty, and has three children, Edgar D., ISTelson R. and John A. Mr. Selover is a mason and a member of the A.O.U. W. Lake City has an early religious history, the minister having preceded the city surveyor. Rev. Silas Hazlett, from Oxford, Ohio, an ordained clergyman of the Presbyterian church, having landed on the ground from the steamer Galena, on its way to St. Paul, on April 18, 1856, remained over Sabbath, which was on the 20th, and preached to a congregation of some twelve persons, taking in about the entire population of the place at that time. The subject of the sermon was, ' ' Christ offers salvation to all men on the ground of appropriating faith," John v, 40. Eev. Silas Hazlett was born In Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, on May 12, 1824. He was the son of William and Ann Hazlett, who had eleven children. He was of Irish descent on the father's and Scotch on the mother's side, the grandparents on both sides emigrating, the one from the north of Ireland, the other, or the "Wilsons, from Scotland. Both families settled in the Kishacoquiblaz valley, near the Juniata river, in Mifflin county, then a dense forest, where they devoted their lives to farming. The parents on the mother's side had educated two of their sons for the work of the gospel ministry, one of whom is still living here, Samuel Wilson, D.D., and it was the desire of the mother of S. Hazlett to continue .the line of the covenant in her own branch of the family, and so gave two of her sons to the same work. John, the eldest of four sons, and Silas, the youngest, were sent to Jefferson College, Pennsylvania, and the Presbyterian Theo- logical Seminary at Pittsburgh, from which institutions they were both graduated. Silas was licensed to preach by the presbytery of Oxford and synod of Cincinnati in the year 1850, in the month of October, ' and was joined in marriage to Eliza Jane Patton by Eev. N. L. Rice, D.D., at Cincinnati, Ohio, on January 14, 1851, she being a member of said Rice's church. Shortly after his marriage Silas was called to supply the churches of Harmony and College Corner upon the resig- nation of John Scot, D.D., called to the presidency of the female college at Oxford. Over these churches he continued to preside until J^&gh 1, 1856. He had one child, who was born in Cincinnati, EAELT SETTLEES. 1071 and is now the wife of J. B. McLean, of Lake City, son of Gen. McLean, of Frontenac. Mrs. Hazlett was a faithful helper to her husband, engaging heartily in all the work of the church ; but her health was long feeble, and on March 3, 1865, she was called from a peaceful deathbed to join the home of the redeemed. Silas Hazlett also taught the first school in Lake City, in the winter of 1856, in a frame building now standing on Main street, between Marrian and Center streets, at present occupied as a private dwelling. The school was held in the second story of the building, entered from the out- side, the first fioor being used as a carpenter-shop, the noise of the hammer often interfering sadly with the recitations above. This same room was also used for church service on the sabbath during the winter of 1856, the preaching alternating between Eev. Mr. Sterry of the Congregational church and the above. The first couple joined in marriage was Gu stave W. Hathaway to Miss Abbie J. Langley, November 14, 1857, by the Kev. Silas Hazlett, of Lake City. Silas Hazlett was again joined in marriage to Mrs. Sarah Jane Greer on May 4, 1869. Mrs. Greer was the widow of James Greer. Mrs. Greer had three children, Allen J. , now of the law firm of Martin & Greer, of this city ; Charles W., bookkeeper, of the firm of Knapp, Stout &Co., residing at and in charge of the company's books at Cedar Falls, Wisconsin ; and Mollie G, at home and teacher in the public school of Lake City. Alonzo T. Gdeenset, druggist and bookseller. Lake City, es- tablished business here in August, 1857. He was born in Tioga county, Pennsylvania, December 21, 1829, and is the son of Joseph W. and Ann (Brewster) Guerisey, natives of Chenango county, New York. His father served in the war of 1812, in the capacity of captain's clerk, though then only twelve years of age. His mother is a direct descendant of the Brewsters who came over on the May- flower. Mr. Guernsey was reared on the farm, dividing his time between labor and school ; he finished his education with an aca- demic course at Wellsborough, while his father was serving Tioga county as sheriff. At the age of twenty years Mr. Guernsey began for himself as a clerk, and four years later became the partner of his employer. They carried on a general merchandise business till 1857, when he sold out and came to Lake City, arriving here July 25. At that time Lake City was but a mere hamlet, and needed but small enterprises; so Mr. Guernsey began a drug busine^ in a small way, and has kept pace with the city's growth till the fresent 65 1072 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. time. In 1867 he associated with himself Mr. E. J. Megroth, and the company did a prosperous business till 1880. In that year Mr. Guernsey again became the sole owner of the store, and continued to prosper till the great fire of 1882 swept away his entire property. He immediately opened up again on an adjoining lot, and is now enjoying a good trade. He was married in 1858, on November 1, to Miss M. Eowena Stevens, a native of Michigan, though reared in Massachusetts. To them were bom two sons. The eldest, Porter B., was drowned while skating on Lake Pepin December 13, 1878, in the sixteenth year of his age. His remaining son, Alonzo J., was born May 2, 1872. The family are members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Guernsey is a member of the I.O.O.F., the American Legion of Honor, and the A.O.U.W. 0. F. YoTJNG & Beothee, clothiers. Lake City. The success of this firm is an example of the results of energy and perseverance. In 1865 C. F. Young opened a general store here, and afi;erward began to deal exclusively in clothing. In 1873 he built a large store on the site of the firm's present building — comer of Center and Main streets. In September, 1877, his brother, Henry H., bought a share in business, and in the spring of 1884, Charles Koch became a partner. In the great fire of April, 1882, the building and stock were completely consumed, inflicting a loss of $46,000, of which $20,000 was made good by insurance. In the summer of 1883 their present handsome structure was erected, at a cost of about $8,000. It is 48x85 feet in dimension, two stories high, with base- ment under all, walls of solid masonry and fire-proof roof. It is the finest store in the city, and in it is displayed the largest and most varied stock of goods in their line to be found here. A wing, 22 X 20, is used exclusively as a tailor-shop. A large stock of ready-made goods is carried, with a profusion of both gents' and ladies' furnish- ings, Butterick's patterns, etc. Including tailors, irom sixteen to eighteen people are employed by Messrs. Young to assist them in their business. Charles F. Young, the founder of this establishment, came to this country from Germany when a mere youth. "With an elder brother he arrived in Chicago in 1855, and was left there while the former sought a location in the west. Becoming tired of waiting for tidings of his brother, young Charles shipped on board a Lake Michigan sailing vessel. A very stormy voyage ensued, and the vessel narrowly escaped wreck after beating about four days. The young voyager, becoming very ill, was put off" at White Kiver, EAELY SETTLEES. 1073 Michigan, then an unsettled country, and remained there eighteen months before hearing from his brother. The latter had settled at Eead's Landing, and found the whereabouts of his charge through friends in Chicago. Coming to Head's, our subject was employed as clerk by a merchant there. After a year spent there and another in St. Louis in this manner, he attended a term of school at Wabasha, and this constituted his educational advantages in this country, save those furnished by his every-day business. In 1862 he volunteered in a company raised to go to the relief of settlers on the western border, and spent the winter on the frontier. In 1868 he began business for himself by opening a general store at Read's, and in 1865 opened a branch here, to which he removed the whole stock a year later. Henry H. Young came from Wurtemberg to Read's Landing in February, 1864, and spent a year as general chore-boy in a hotel there. During the winter of 1864-5 he attended a private school for three months, and thus prepared a foundation for his knowledge of English. In the spring he entered his brother's store at Read's, and assumed charge of that establishment on the removal of the proprietor to Lake City. He remained in his brother's employ until he became a partner as above noted. The winter of 1869-70 was spent by him in Bryant & Stratton's business college at Harris- burg, Pennsylvania. On account of too close application to business he was compelled to take a rest in 1876, and returned from a trip to California with renewed vigor. Mr. Young was married in 1872, to Miss Anna L. Schauble, a native of his own province. Three children have been given to this union, of whom two are now living, viz : Henry G. and Albert Frederick. Mr. Young served four years as treasurer of Lake City, and refused to serve longer on account of business demands. In national and state affairs he aifiliates with the republican party. He has taken all the degrees of Freemasonry to K. T., passed all the chairs of Odd;Fellowship, and is a useful member in the Sons of Herman and Knights of Honor. Anson Pieece, county commissioner, Lake City, is a son of Chauncey and Mahala (Conger) Pierce, of Connecticut and Vermont. The paternal progenitors of Mr. Pierce emigrated to this country from England in the seventeenth century. The town of Charlotte, Chittenden county, Yermont, is the place of Anson Pierce's birth, and May 6, 1828, the time. His early life was spent on the farm of his father, and he received a limited common school training. Nature had done much for him, and by proper care and culture of 1074 HISTOEY OF WABASHA. COUNTY. his talents he became fitted for the trusts imposed upon him by his fellow citizens. "When sixteen years old he was apprenticed to the carpenter's trade, which he followed many years. On becoming of age, he went to Chicago, where he was employed several years in building. In 1857 he became a resident of Lake City, and con- tinued here at his trade for fifteen years. For six years he- kept a hardware store, and was burned out in the great fire of April 22, 1882. He was several years supervisor under the township organi; iiation, and alderman under the city government ; has served two terms as county commissioner, which responsible position he now fills. In the fall of 1873 he was elected county treasurer, and re-elected in 1875, holding, the trust for four consecutive years. His allegiance has always been given to republican principles. In religious ideas he is a Freethinker. Lovina E. Lyon, to whom Mr. Pierce was wedded in 1852, is of Scotch descent, born in Vermont, as were her parents, Asa Lyon and Katie Benson. Mr. and Mrs. Pierce are now in the midst of pleasant and useful lives, and enjoy the esteem of the whole community. Of their ofispring four are now living, all at present in Lake City. Alice H., the eldest, mar- ried Samuel P. Fox, who died in Pennsylvania. Frank resides m the city, and celebrated his wooden wedding January 18, 1884. Charles and Grace reside with their parents. February i, 1884, Mr. Pierce and two sons bought the extensive hardware business of J. Cole Doughty & Co., and are now continuing the same under the firm name of Anson Pierce & Co. W. H. Campbell is a native of Mississippi, and resided there until he was eight years of age, when he came north with his father's family. He first came to Wabasha in 1857, and before the war broke out had returned to the south" to visit his mother's people. He was there impressed into the rebel service, and was in the army of the confederates nearly a year, when he succeeded in effecting his escape to the north, and returned to "Wabasha in 1863. He subsequently went into trade here, and has conducted business as a general merchant four years. In 1872 he was elected auditor of the ■county, and held that office until 1881, having been four times elected and once appointed to fill a vacancy. He is a member of the firm of Z. C. Goss & Co., but takes no active part in the management of business. In connection with J. J. Stone, M.D., he is farming on a tract of sixteen hundred acres, on^ the line of the ISTorthern Pacific railway, forty miles above Crookston. They have EAELT SETTLERS. 1075 now eight hundred acres under cultivation — seven hundred in wheat, and one hundred in oats. Last year's wheat crop of three hundred and fifty acres averaged a yield of twenty bushels to acre. Mr. Campbell has also a valuable tract of sixty acres on what is known as West Wabasha. Mr. Campbell was married October 12, 1869, to Miss Alma A. Downer, of this city. They have but one child living, Susie D., born September, 1870. Mrs. Campbell and Mrs. J. H. Mullen were the daughters and only children of John B. Downer, for many years a prominent business man of this city. Mr. Downer was born in Stowe, Yermont, July 8, 1811, and was married April 8, 1834, to Miss Caroline H. Tinker, who was born at Morristown, Vermont, April 7, 1815. The daughters were both born at Jay, New York, Marion B., January 29, 1849, and Alma A., March 11, 1861. Mr. and Mrs. Downer were very happy in their married life of forty-eight years and a half, and in their deaths they were not divided, Mr. Downer dying October 19, 1882, her husband surviving her only a few hours. Hon. John F. Pope, lawyer, and ex-judge of probate for Wa- basha county, was the fourth child and third son in a family of nine children born to Ralph and Mary (Kichardsoh) Pope, of Orange, Orange county, Yermont. Judge Pope was born October 7, 1836,. His early life was spent on a farm. Young Pope had the advantages of the country school, but when he had reached the age of sixteen years had made a sorry record as a student, his highest ambition being to escape school duties and evade punishment for his fi'equent violations of the rules of school' government. Fortunately he had a brother of scholarly acquirements, who opened a select school in the village of Orange the winter that our subject was sixteen, and in this school he became a conscript pupil, by order of a stern father. Finding himself obliged to attend school, his pride soon awakened him to a sense of shame for the great ignorance which he possessed when compared with his more studious schoolmates. There was no escape from the student life, and he could discover but one way to ameliorate his humiliating condition, and that was by hard study. Once fully resolved on this point, his really brilliant mind bega,n to display its superior powers, and within two years he was in ad- vance of those of his age and leading his classes. He taught school some and worked on the farm until he had reached his twenty-fifth year, and then came west and learned the mason trade, and also blacksmithing ; these vocations he followed for many years in 1076 HISTOET OF WABASHA COTTNIT. Beaver, Winona county. Having acquired some skill as a debater by attending lyceum in Yermont, he was frequently solicited to dis- play his oratorical abilities as a pettifogger in Beaver and vicinity. His first appearance before a court was not such as tended to encour- age his aspirations in that direction, he was pitted against a brow- beating pettifogger, who knew enough to discover that Mr. Pope knew nothing of the business in hand, and the latter lost his case and felt very much crestfallen. A second encounter of this kind aroused his ire and grit, and though defeated he resolved to and did procure suitable law-books, and was well prepared to meet his pugilistic opponent, when for the third time he had occasion to appear before Justice H. B. Knowles and- plead a case against Mr. Oliver Porter, the browbeating pettifogger above mentioned. The latter undertook to employ his usual tactics, and by physical force silence young Pope, but found his mild-mannered opponent of former suits was ablaze with wrath and bursting with rage. He had risen to his feet, and stretching his tall form to its greatest height, he threatened with fierce language both lawyer and court, and menaced that tribunal of justice with utter annihilation unless he should be permitted to conduct his case according to the rules of practice. The effect was excellent, and from that time forth no one ever at- tempted to browbeat the new aspirant for forensic honors. It was more than eight years after this little episode occurred before Mr. Pope applied for admission to the bar. October 17, 1873, he passed a creditable examination and was admitted to practice by the circuit court of Winona county. The following year he came to Plain view and opened a law office. The spring of 1875 he formed a copartner- ship with Hon. H. P. Wilson, and the following fall was elected probate judge for Wabasha county, «.nd was re-elected to the same position in 1877. His copartnership with Mr. Wilson was* dissolved in 1876, since which time Mr. Pope has con- tinued to practice law without a partner. He is a member of the Masonic chapter and has thrice been elected master of the blue lodge of Plainview. He was married December 11, 1864, to Sarah L. Welch, daughter of Samuel and Louiza Welch, of Winona county, by whom he has one child now living, Frank, born March 6, 1880. Heney Albert Stevens, barber. Lake City, is a son of F. R. and Angeline Stevens, early residents of this county. Both his parents were born in the village of Osen-obruch, Prussia, and the father died at Wabasha, March 29, 1862, the mother surviving him EAELY SETTLEES. 10Y7 over eight years, passing away December 28, 1870. They reared three sons and two daughters. Fred E. and John are resident at Uclen, near Crookston, Minnesota. Eliza (Mrs. Joseph Buisson) and Arigeline (Andrew "Wheeler), dwell at Wabasha. Henry Stevens was born at Petersburg, Rensselaer county, New York, June 3, 1851, and came with his parents to "Wabasha in 1868, arriv- ing April 29. His father's death occurred when he was but eleven years old, and upon him devolved largely the care of his mother and sisters. "When about fourteen years of age he began to learn his trade, and subsequently worked several years for a liveryman. He was married January 22, 1875, to Miss Mamie Thoney, a native of Switzerland. The same year he came to Lake City and opened the barber-shop he now operates, on "Washington street. He now employs two assistants, and in addition a large millinery business is carried on by Mrs. Stevens in the handsome store over the shop. The largest business in both these lines in the city is conducted here. Mr. Stevens was reared under Episcopal tutelage, and affiliates in politics with the democratic party, frequently taking part in its con- ventions. One child was given him, July 16, 1877, and christened Harry Arthur. Maeous Caeson, farmer, Lake City, was born in "Wyoming county, New York, in 1836, and is the son of Stephen and Julina (Grover) Carson, natives of Otsego county, in the same state. His paternal grandfather was born in England, and his grandmother on the same side was a native of Gei-many, both having come to America in early childhood with their parents, who settled in the Mohawk valley. His grandparents on his mother's side were of New England stock, several generations back. Mr. Carson, like his father and grandfather, was reared and educated on a farm, and like his worthy progenitors, has made farming the business of life. In 1858 he came to Minnesota and pre-empted a piece pf land, which he paid for, and the same season returned to his home in York State. This land was some years later traded for eastern property, and Mr. Carson remained east till 1872, when he came to Minnesota with his family, and permanently located in Lake City, where he now resides, though still engaged in farming. The care of his fine one hun- dred and sixty-acre farm in Gillford township furnishes him employ- ment during summer, and his forty acres of timber in "Wisconsin gives him ample employment through the winter months^ He was married in 1863, to Miss Laura C. Humphrey, of this city, and they 1078 HISTORY OF WA3ASHA COUNTY. have two children living, Grace E. and Alice L. Mr. and Mrs. Carson' are members of the Congregational church. At the outbreak of the war of the rebellion in 1861, Mr. Carson enlisted as a private in the 9th JST. Y. Yol. Inf., and on organization was elected first lieutenant, which commission»he held when discharged on account of disability. , Maecus a. Humphrey, Lake City, is one of seventeen children born to Theophilus and Cynthia (Hayden) Humphrey. The subject of this sketch was born in 1808, at Canton, Connecticut, the native state of his parents. He followed farming till the approach of age prevented. When thirty years old he married Sina Fitch Chipman, born in New York, daughter of Lemuel and Laura (Meade) Chip-, man, of Vermont birth. Mr. Humphrey became a resident of Lake City in 1868, engaging in the loan and real-estate business. He is a deacon in the Congregational church, of which himself and wife have been members forty years, and is a republican from principle. During his residence in New York, where he went when nine years old, he served his town acceptably for several terms as assessor, and was six years an eflScient member of the Lake Citj school board. Of his six children, three are living, as follows : Louisa F. (Mrs. C. D. Warren), Lake City, Marcus C, Marshall, Minnesota; Laura (Marcus Carson), Lake City. The others died at ages noted below : Alta, twenty-eight; Theophilus C, twenty-two; Nina A., twenty- one. Charles M. Colby, Lake City, is a son of Ford Colby, one of the pioneers of this state. This subject was born in Eaton, Compton county. Province of Quebec, June 29, 1844, and was therefore about fourteen years old when he came with his parents to this state. His youth was spent on a farm there and here, and his intellect trained in the common schools. Notwithstanding his limited educational opportunities, Mr. Colby is a gentleman of more than ordinary ac- quirements. For many years he owned and tilled a farm in the town of Lake, which he sold in 1883. For some time his winters were spent in mercantile pursuits in the city, and in 1881 he re- moved thither. For six years he was employed as drygoods sales- man by C. F. Eogers, and subsequently by C. F. Young. He was two years clerk in the Merchant's Hotel. He has always been a republican, and is a member of the Odd-Fellows lodge and encamp- ment here. January 19, 1881, he was united in marriage to Miss Alice, daughter of John Disney, one of the pioneers of Gillford BAELY SErrUEES. 1079 township, this county. To this union has been given a daughter, now (March, 1884) one and one-half years of age. ' John Disney (deceased) settled in Gillford in 1857, on the farm still owned by his widow. Thomas and Catharine Disney, his parents, emigrated from Ireland to 'NdW York city, where John was born March 17, 1803. Here the mother died in March, 1805, aged forty-four, and his father returning to his native land, and died there December, 1815, at the age of fifty-nine. This subject lived with a sister at Richmond, New York, till ten years old, when he ran away and joined the American army as a drummer. After knock- ing about the world for some time, he settled in this county as above related. In the fall of 1 878 he bought a residence in Lake City, where he continued to dwell till his death, which occurred October 27, 1880. June 9, 1823, he was married to Lois Clark, who died March 15, 1848, leaving four children. Kobert, John and William reside in Gillford. Mary is the wife of Edwin Brown, at Joliet, Illinois. On June 23, 1849, Mr. Disney was a second time married to Mary Sweetman nee Wall, who bore him four children. By her first marriage Mrs. Disney had one daughter, Henrietta, now Mrs. Daniel Edwards, Lake City. The others are : Kate (Mrs. Albert Field), Zumbro Falls; Lois (Byron Miller), Mexico, New York; Charles, attorney, Hudson, Wisconsin; Alice (Colby), Lake City. Mr. Disney was a member of the Methodist church, and always supported republican principles. John C. Schmidt, brewer, Lake City. Lake City brewery, now owned and operated by John C. Schmidt & Co., was first started in 1861 by John Mingus in a small frame building, where the present one now stands, on the corner of Gardner and Center streets. He was succeeded by the Wise Brothers, who built the present stone structure, in size 24x75 feet, and twenty feet high. Mr. Schmidt purchased this property in 1876, and in 1877 associated witl:. him his present partner, Mr. Fred Lange. They are now doing a pros- perous business ; have a first-class outfit, with a capacity of twelve hundred barrels per year. Mr. Schmidt was born in Schweren, Mecklenberg, Germany, in 1833, and was reared on a farm. He was married October 15, 1855, to Miss Julia Lange, a native of the same place. On April 28, 1867, he with his wife and two children sailed from the city of Hamburg on the ship Bremen for America, and landed in New York on June 9. On the 11th of the next April they first set their feet on Minnesota soil at Bead's Landing. Mr. 1080 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. Schmidt at once made a claim to one hundred and sixty acres of government land in the township of West Albany, and with his ax and an ox team began to make a home for his family. His land, being covered with a growth of oak timber and grubs, required the incessant labor of years to clear and fit it for use, but his strong arms and determined will were equal to the task, and Mr. Schmidt in time had (what he could not have made for himself in his native land) a ^ good farm. This farm was finally sold, and a prairie farm of a one hundred and sixty acres was purchased in the town of Lake. This he still retains. Mr. Schmidt gave the writer a little of his early experiences in Minnesota, and after repeated solicitations, consented that the following incident pass into history : "Of course," said he, " we could not raise all we needed on a new and unimproved farm, and not having money to buy my bread the first year, I took a job of cutting and putting up hay for a man near Eead's Landing. Not understanding English very well, and the tricks of trade still less, I agreed to take my pay in groceries; supposing that included flour. When the work was done I called for my pay, and the wily merchant inquired what I would have. I named over the articles, including flour. He gave me all but the flour, saying that article was cash, and he must have cash for it, so I took my groceries and went home to find my family without bread. Of course I could not remain under such circumstances, so I went back to the river and secured a job with a raftsman on a keelboat, and in a few days had the price of one hundred pounds of flour, which I purchased, and carried from Head's Landing to my humble home on my back, a distance of four- teen miles." Such fidelity and devotion to a family is meritorious, and commands their lasting respect and esteem. Mrs. Schmidt also nobly did her part in their struggles to make a home and rear their family, and is now suitably rewarded with comfort and plenty. They have six children living, whose names in the order of their birth are : Mary (now the wife of Lewis Hagen), Edward, August, Julia, Clara and Ida. Loyal D. Colby, fanner, of Plainview, and son of Jonathan Colby, also a Plainview farmer, was born in Orange county, Ver- mont, on April 20, 1836. In 1855 he accompanied his father to California. They, went thither via the isthmus of Panariia, and spent two years in the mines known as Garrotte No. 2, near Big Oak Flats. In the spring of 1858 they started from Vermont with eight horses, which they drove nearly the entire distance to Wabasha EARLY SETTLEES. 1081 county. In 1863 he bought eighty acres on secJtion 16, in Plainview, but did not take up his residence thereon until after his marriage, which occurred January 1, 1867, the lady being the daughter of Smith P. Avery, a wealthy farmer of Orange county, Vermont ; the ceremony took place at her Vermont home. The children of this marriage ^"re: Lula B., Gardner A., Carl W., Esther J. and RoUa "W. P. Mr. Colby is a member of the Plainview Methodist Episcopal church, the masonic fraternity and the grange, and is inde- pendent in politics. His home is still on section 16, just east of the village, where he has one hundred and sixty acres of fine land. Colin Sinclaie, lumber dealer. Lake City, is one of the largest dealers in this line in Wabasha county. His stock, which is full and complete at all times, consists of lumber — in every form and of any class desired, and always at the lowest possible price — shingles, lath, and' manufactured doors, sash and blinds ; also hair, cement and lime ; wood also forms an important part of his trade. He also has one-fourth interest in the planing-mill. Mr. Sinclair has been here in this business since 1872, and has by careful and fair dealing built up a prosperous tra;de. He is also extensively interested in Minneapolis real estate, besides eighty acres of western land, and many lots in Lake City. He was bom of Scotch parents, near Kingston, Canada, January 6, 1846. While he was yet in childhood his parents moved over the lake to New York State, and settled in Brownsville, where they remained a short time, and then went to Watertown, New York. While here his mother died, and the father and family removed to Massachusetts, where they remained till 1859, when they came to Minnesota and located in Lake City. In 1862 our subject, though only sixteen years of age, possessed the man- hood and courage to enlist in the cause of his country against an unjust rebellion, as a member of Co. G, 8th Minn. Vol. Inf. He fol- lowed the fortunes of war for nearly three years, taking a part in the border warfare on the frontier against the savages, who were attemptr ing to devastate the pioneer Minnesota settlements. After peace was restored, and the army disbanded, Mr. Sinclair returned to his home in Lake City, and soon after was employed in the Minnesota pineries in the interest of large lumbering firms, and so continued till his settlement in business here. He was married at Eedwood Falls, July 14, 1876, to Mrs. Mary M. Oliver (formerly Miss Whaley), a native of New York. The name of their only child is Earl C. Mrs. Sinclair's eldest two children are Cora and William Oliver. CHAPTEE XCIV. EARLY SETTLERS — CONTINUED. Hon. p. H. Eahillt, farmer, is a native of Limerick, where he was born, March 8, 1834. He was the eldest of three children born to Matthew and Mary Lynch (Eahilly), natives of Limerick. The elder Eahilly was an extensive farmer, and the subject of om* sketch passed his time between the city and farm until the age of fourteen. "When he was five years of age he was called to mourn the death of his mother, and in 1848 his father emigrated to Susquehanna county, Pennsylvania, where he yet lives. La 1849 he was followed by Patrick, who remained with his father a few months, and then went to New York, where he lived until 1854. In that year he located at Eochester, Minnesota, entering the employ of, and part of the time in partnership with, W. D. Leroy, at that time one of the lead- ing men of the state. August 23, 1860, he wedded Catherine Nor- ton, of Galway county, Ireland, and soon after he located on the farm in Mount Pleasant, where he has since resided- His marriage was blessed, with seven children: Mary J., deceased, Jennie I., Mary A., James M., Agnes K., John T., deceased, and Margaret. Mr. and Mrs. Eahilly belong to the Catholic church. He is a democrat, a man of extended reputation, and has often been called to the public service as a legislator. The election to his first term was in 1874. In 1876 he was nominated on the democratic ticket for state auditor, but was defeated. In 1877 he was again sent to the legislative halls, and in 1879 he was elected to the state senate. In 1882 he was again sent to the legislature, of which he is now a member. Mr. Eahilly is one of the most extensive farmers in southern Minnesota, and his farm in Mount Pleasant comprises twelve hundred acres. In 1 877 he purchased twenty-three thousand acres of land in Traverse county, most of which he has since sold. He now owns five thousand acres there, which is being rapidly im- proved. He makes a specialty of small grains, but has a good sup^ ply of stock. EAELY SBTTLEES. 1083 Ajsdeew J. FowLEE, Lake City, is a direct descendant of Capt. William Fowler, who came from England* to New Haven, Connecti- cut, in 1664. Amos Fowler, grandfather of this subject, was a cap- tain in the re volution ar}"- war. In Lebanon, New London county, Connecticut, June 13, 1836, Andrew J. Fowler was born to Amos and Lydia (Backus) Fowler, who were also born in that state. Up to seventeen years of age his life was passed on a farm, his educa- tion being supplied by the common schools. His habits were, how- ever, studious, and he contrived to fit himself for the responsible positions he was afterward called to fill. He was employed as clerk in a store in Hartford for some time, and afterward engaged in the grocery trade there. In 1 856 he took alife-partner in domestic concerns in the person of Miss Ida E., daughter of Horace Grant, both born in Connecticut, the former at South Windsor, and she has proved a vaMable helpmeet. In 1860 Mr. Fowler visited Lake City, and being pleased with the locality, brought his family here the follow- ing spring. He purchased land in Mount Pleasant township, where he engaged in farming for a short time, subsequently selling the land. For four years he kept books for a mercantile firm in Lake City, and served the American Express Company as agent one year. In December, 1871, he entered the First National Bank, where he served successively as bookkeeper, teller and cashier. In March, 1876, he entered upon the duties of county treasurei-, to which post he was elected in the November previous. He was twice re-elected, and retired from the office in 1882. Mr. Fowler has always been a democrat. He has always taken an active part in fostering schools, and served some time as president of the Lake City school board ; was justice of the peace; two years alderman; in 1869 was elected to the state legislature, and re-elected next year, serving in the ses- sions of 1870-71. The first two children given to Mr. and Mrs. Fowler were christened Andrew and Florence Augusta, and died in Connecticut. Five are now living, namely, Arthur G., Lake City Bank ; Amos S. , engineer. Lake City mills ; Alice M. , Annie R. and Adelaide, at home. Landon & BuECHAED, dealers in drugs, groceries, etc., succeeded A. T. Felton in the year 1874, under the name of C. O. Landon & Co., in August, 1877, comprising C. O. Landon, C. D. Burchard and E. S. Case. In August, 1877, C. D. Burchard bought E. S. Case's interest, leaving the firm Landon & Burchard. During the spring of the same year G. C. Landon, son of C. O., entered the business 1084 HISTORY OF WA3JA8HA COUNTY. as clerk, and in May 1, 1883, assuming his father's interest, became partner in the firm as if now stands, Landon & Burchard. Lan- don, Jr., or G. C. Landon, was born in 1859 at'Eock Falls, Wis- consin, whence his parents removed with him to Plainview in 1861. Here he passed through the high school, and by thrift and industry has gained the respect and patronage of the community ; evidently a rising young merchant, and a mason of high order. C. D. Burchard, the other partner, was born in Gainesville, Wyoming county, ]^ew York, December 23, 1851 ; whence he migrated with his parents in June, 1856, to Plainview. Greenville of ancient days was the scene of his schooling until 1867. Andrew J. Taft, blacksmith, has been a resident of Mazeppa since 1861, and is reckoned among the substantial citizens of that village. Besides carrying on a flourishing blacksmith and wagon business, he is one-half owner in the only hardware store in the pfece, which also does a good business. Mr. Taft's parents, Samuel and Eachel (Hanson) Taft, were natives of New England and New York respectively, and at the time of his birth (June 6, 1831) were residents of the town of Trip's Hill, Montgomery county, New York. When he was nine years old they removed to Whitewater, Wis- consin, and there died. When nineteen, young Taft began work at his trade. He was for some time employed in the wagonworks at Whitewater and also at Berlin. After spending a year in California he returned to Wisconsin, and was married there in the fall of 1855 to Mary Kadner, a native of Canada. He is now the owner of his shop on Walnut street, a good residence, and joint owner of the store. He has been two years a member of the village school board, and a like period of the village council. He is a thorough democrat, and his religion is the golden rule. Three children have been given to him : William Lawrence clerks in his father's store ; Helen Isabel is wife of his partner, O. B. Munger ; Maude E. is at school in Eochester. In 1865 Mr. Taft served nine moiiths as a recruit in the 1st Minn. Heavy Ai-t. at Chattanooga. Peter Clemens (deceased) was a veteran of the German army, having served eight years in the war against Napoleon. He was also a pioneer of the Roman Catholic church in Mazeppa, having thrown open his house for services some years before the erection of a church here. He practically built the first edifice, paying nearly all its cost from his own pocket. Mr. Clemens was born in Haster, Gruebenmacher, Germany, December 11, 1808, and died here July EABLT SETTLEES. 1085 3, 1871. At twenty-seven years of age he learned the mason's trade, and followed it nearly all the rest of his life. He was married November 18, 1854, to Mary Eenland. He landed in New York on January 1, 1855, and took up his residence in Westchester. Thence he removed to Minnesota, and bought a quarter-section of land in Pine Island township, near Mazeppa. Here he lived till 1865, when he moved to this village. He was the father of twelve children, foiu" by his first marriage. All are living in this vicinity. Here are their names : Matthew, Nicholas, Peter, John, Mary (Mrs. George Hertzig), Matthew 'D.>, Catharine (Mrs. Mc. Hoifman), William, Anna (Mrs. J. B. Gregoire). Elizabeth; Barney, the youngest, is dead. William H. Waeeing, farmer, has made his home on section 13, Chester, since 1860. At that time he bought the claim of another man to one-fourth of this section, and entered it as a homestead. He has since added eighty acres more to his domain. He is an ac- tive member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and is now record- ing steward of Gillford circuit. He has been seven years treasurer of his town, and eleven of his school district ; has also been school director, and was town supervisor in 1866-7. That he is an ardent republican is testified by his three years' service in the Union army. He enlisted in the fall of 1861 in Co. G, 3d Minn. Inf , and served in the Western army. Was taken prisoner at Murphreesboro, 'and spent six months in prison. At Yicksburg was taken sick and suf- fered much through disease. Mr. Warring was born in Albany, New York, September 18, 1830. His life up to eighteen was passed in the city of his birth, and his father then removed with his family to Sauk county, Wisconsin. As above related, Mr. Warring became a citizen of Wabasha county in 1860. He was married June 19, 1852, to Maria Carpenter, a native of Pennsylvania ; her parents, Jonathan and Cynthia Carpenter, were natives respectively of Massachusetts and Connecticut. Six children have been given to Mr. and Mrs. Warring, christened thus: Nathan A., Thomas B., Mary E. (Mrs. H. McLeoud, Beardsley, Minnesota) ; Annie (died at eighteen), Hannah V. and Eva, at home. The family now includes the two children of the eldest son, their mother having died, named Bertha Z. and Mark A. Mr. Warring's grandfather, John Warring, was a soldier in the war of 1812. Thomas B., son of the latter, and father of William H. , was one of the pioneers of Wabasha county. He was born in Connecticut in July, 1803, and married Susannah Woodsworth of the same nativity ; the latter was born December 1086 HISTORY OF WABASHA COHNTY. 31, 1804, and is still able to travel alone, going to and fro between ber children in different states. Four of her sons were in the army, and still survive. With her husband she took up residence in Gill- ford in 1856, and dwelt there till after his death, April 3, 1870. Mr. Warring served as supervisor of that town. He was an ardent democrat, but voted for Lincoln at his second election. Julius Feicke, a native the Elbe, near Hamburg, Germany, emigrated to America in 1852, landing at New York city, where he was married to Miss Annetta Tebbens, . October 5, 1853, by whom he had seven children, three boys and four^ girls. Two boys now sleep in Plainview cemetery, and Alfred, born February 22, 1864, the remaining son, works with his father, who in the year 1860 established the first harness-shop in Plainview, close to the site of his present place of business. Mr. Fricke resides in a handsome brick dwelling, which he erected in 1877 on his village farm of eighty acres, in close proximity to residence of Dr. Tefltt. Besides this he is the owner of a farm of one hundred and two acres, which he bought of Hiram Schlacht, and is recorded under warrant 74,708. He is recognized as perfect master of the harness business ;in all its branches. S. S. Keplee, now and since 1876 of the Eau Claire "News," Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and also member of the firm of Kepler & Co., drygoods, was for twenty years a resident of this city, and for the greater part of that time actively engaged in trade on his own account. Mr. Kepler is a native of Pennsylvania, and having become acquainted with the conduct of business, as clerk, came to Wabasha in the spring of 1856 as clerk for the mercantile house of H. S. Allen & Co., lumbermen on the Chippewa, who had estab- lished a house here for the sale of general merchandise, and also a lumber yard. The manager of the business here, W. H. Creamer, went to New York in the summer of 1856, and dying there, the charge of affairs here was committed to Mr. Kepler until the arrival of W. J. Arnold that fall, who was at the head of business here until the stock was removed to Chippewa Falls, the following spring, and the business at Wa- basha closed. In the fall of 1857 Mr. Kepler started trade on his own account, and the following spring was joined by W. S. Jackson, with whom he was associated in business directly until 1876, and indirectly until the time of Mr. Jackson's death some years lat^r. Their first business house was on the south side of Main, just east of EAELY SKTl'LEES. 1087 fc rd's Hotel, and from this location they removed in 1864 to the ner of Main and Alleghaney streets, where in 1879 they built at is now the corner storeroom of Masonic block, and occupied E. J. Dugan, dry goods merchant. The firm of Kepler & Jack- L shipped the first wheat ever shipped from Wabasha market the fall of 1858, and were very actively identified with all the iiness interests and educational and religious affairs of the city, addition to the lots and buildings owned by Mr. Kepler on the t side Wabasha, he has a tract of about fifty acres on the west e, platted in part, and containing some of the most eligible Iding sites in the city. Though no longer a resident, Mr. Kep- takes a deep interest in all that concerns the life of the city, and face is frequently seen on these streets. Mr. Kepler was mar- i in the city which for twenty years was his home, August 20, 38, to Miss Kate McDougall, also a native of Pennsylvania. They 7e one son, W. S. Kepler, born in this city November 18, 1870. Heney BuEKHAitDT, sheriff, oflice in county jail. Sheriff Burk- rdt was elected in the fall of 1881 and his term of office will expire ;h the close of the present year, December 31, 1883. His depu- 3 are : Rudolph Eichenberger, Wabasha ; Eobert Romick, Lake y ; William Baxter, Plainview ; John Gregory, Mazeppa. Mr. rkhardt is a native of Switzerland, came to America in 1854 and s in Madison county, Illinois, until his removal to Wabasha in 30. The following year, 1861, in the spring, Mr. Burkhardt Qoved to Read's Landing and engaged in business, establishing meat-market and dealing in live-stock. This business he still iducts, its management at present being in the hands of his son :o. Mr. Burkhardt has been prominently identified with the dness of Read's Landing and also with its local government, for 1 past twenty-two years, as well as interesting himself in county lirs, serving as commissioner of the county for the fifth district m 1877 to 1881. In 1856 Mr. Burkhardt married Elizabeth rgher. They have seven children living : Rudolph, born cember 27, 1857, now married and living in Polk county ; Otto, charge of the business at Read's Landing, bom March 28, 1864. anie, born March 4, 1866 ; Annie, born January 24, 1868 ; Ber- born April 5, 1870 ; Henry, Jr., born June 12, 1872 ; Edwin, •n February 13, 1878. D. M. McKenzie, livery and sale stables, corner Main and Wal- ; streets. Premises front fifty feet on Main street, running to the 66 1088 HISTORY OF WABASHA COTJIfTT. river in the rear, with booking office on the corner of Main. This business was established in 1860 where now conducted, and the present stock is fifteen head of horses, and ten buggies and car- riages. Two 'buses are run to the trains and th,e stable force is three men. Mr. McKenzie is a native of Perth, Ontario ; came to Wabasha county in 1853 with his parents, who the following year entered the farm on which Ed. Drury is now living, just within the •city limits on the east Sec. 4, T. 110, E. 11 W. This farm Mr. Mc- Kenzie sold in 1864 and removed to town, having, as before said, previously established himself in livery business. He had the mail contract between this city and Faribault in 1858-60, and in the latter year, in connection with George Hays, took the contract for carrying mail between this place and Rochester, which they held four years, during which time they maintained a passengfer stage route. Mr. McKenzie was married in this city in 1861, to Miss Annie C. Campbell, They have seven children, all at home, three of them attending school in this city. LuGEE FuENiTUEE CoMPANY, officc and salcsroom on the south side of Main street, three doors from Alleghaney. This business, now conducted as a joint stock company, employing large capital and scores of workmen was started in a very quiet way, by Ferdi- nand and John Luger, in 1861, at which time they started a small shop, doing hand-work, and supplying the retail trade of this section of the county. From this small beginning the industry has grown, enlarging from year to year as capital increased and demands for goods were created, until they have reached their present propor- tions, and are justly rated the largest furniture manufactory in south- ern Minnesota. The original shop was located on the east side of Pembroke, just north of the alley between Main and Second streets, and was afterward removed a few doors south of that location, a larger shop built and machinery driven by horse-power employed. From Pembroke street a change was made to Main street, north side, just west of the "Wabasha bank, and in this location they remained until 1872, when their present manufactory was built on block 28, original town plat of Wabasha. Ten years afterward, March 15, 1882, the Luger Furniture Company Was organized. This is a joint stock concern, capital one hundred thousand dollars, under the following management : president, Ferdinand Luger ; secretary and treasurer, F. J. Luger ; superintendent, John Luger. The manufactory proper is a three-story frame structure, 35x100 EAELY si;ttlees. 1089 amply supplied with improved machinery for performing their z economically and with dispatch. The engine and boiler house, 40 feet, is furnished with an engine of thirty-five horsepower, fuel for driving which is principally furnished from the refuse le factory, except during the winter season, when a greater sup- jf steam is needed for heating purposes. The finishing room is 50 and the wareroom 144x32 feet. The business consists in manufacture of all kinds of common furniture, chairs and bed- is being their specialties. One of the principal markets for ■ goods is at Fargo, Dakota, where they have a warehouse and sroom, for the distribution of their products throughout that on of the northwest. They have also a branch office at Moor- l, in this state. The business at that point is under the man- nent of Ferdinand Luger, president of the company. The her of hands employed at the manufactory is irom fifty to sixty, the value of their manufactured products about two hundred and thousand dollars per annum. Their supplies of hard and soft le, butternut, oak, elm and basswood are drawn from the valley le Chippewa. Their walnut is obtained in Iowa. The retail iroom and office on Main street is 25 X 60 feet, and they occupy entire second story of the block, the whole affording forty-five ired square feet of floor room. The secretary of the company, . Luger, has an office comfortably fitted up in the rear of the 5room, and the retail department of their business at this point ider his charge. Luger Brothers, the founders and principal iholders of the company, were originally from Voralberg, Tyrol, )pe. There were eight brothers of them practical cabinetmak- and those who have become residents of Wabasha emigrated to jrica in 1854, and were for six years in Dubuque, Iowa, before ting in this city. Jeiah Whaley was born in New York in 1826. At the age of teen he left his home in the east and has spent his whole life in west. He was two years in the service of the government, with Bth Minn., and was in some of the principal battles of the war. Whaley has a family of eight children. He has always been a ^-working and industrious man, being engaged in farming in r days, but now an employe of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. I Eailroad Company. ToHN L. Saefoed, since 1860 a farmer of Plainview township, born in Allegheny county, New York ; received a common- 1090 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. school education somewhat limited on account of the illness of his father. In 1845* the family removed to Walworth county, "Wiscon- sin. In 1860 young Safford, then in his twenty-sixth year, came to Wabasha county and settled on the southeast quarter of section 16. He offered his services to the government in August, 1862, and became a private in Co. C, of the 10th Minn. Inf. ; was honorably discharged as a corporal August 21, 1865. He returned to Plain- view, and on the 30th of the following month was married to Kose C. Jolly, of Plain view, a native of Indiana and stepdaughter of Mr. William Boatman, a pioneer of Plainview township. He erected a house on his farm and resided there until 1873, when he sold this place and bought another of eighty acres, in section 14, where he now resides. Mr. Safford is giving some attention to dairy farming. Is a member of the Grange, No. 41. The family are members of the Christian church. Mr. Safford is republican in politics. His children are : Mary A., born August 26, 1866, and Leonard, born March 6, 1869. William Foreman, son of Charles and Elizabeth (Fisher) Fore- man, was born in Ireland. He was married to Maggie G. Kobert- son, June 13, 1872. Mrs. Foreman is a native of Canada, of Scotch descent. She came to Wabasha county in company with her father's family and settled in West Albany township. She is the eldest of eight children and has a brother, James, now living in Lyon county, Minnesota. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Fore- man, the eldest of which is Harry H. , and Ethel Maud and Koy Elmer are the names of the other two. Mr. Foreman is well known all over the township; has been a stanch - republican, all his life; has been town clerk for a number of years. He is a member of Wapahasa Lodge, A. F. A. M. , No. 14, of Wabasha city. Also Belief Chapter, No. 6, of the Knight Templars of Lake City. Mr. Foreman has a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in home place, and two hundred and forty acres in Lyon county, Minnesota. He carries on threshing during the threshing season quite extensively, running three steam threshers ; has also a wood-saw. He has had charge of the Wabasha Elevator. Hon. Feancis W. Knapp. The subject of this sketch was the third child in a family of five children born to Charles B. and Catherine (Mclntyre) Knapp, the former a native of New York State, and the latter of pure Scotch descent. Mr. Knapp was bom in Ottawa City (then By-Town), Canada, April 17, 1838. He f EARLY SETTLEES. 1091 attended school in Canada for a few years. His father, who was a cabinetmaker, removed with his family, in 184T, to Medina, Dane county, Wisconsin, where he located one hundred and sixty acres of government land for a home, and continued to work at his trade, and also followed the business of an architect and profession of a patent-lawyer. While the family continued to reside in Medina Francis received a good common school education, and, being of a studious disposition, was sent to the State University, at Madison, Wisconsin, where he intended to complete a full collegiate course, but-, omng to defective health, was obliged to abandon this plan at the close of the first year. He now turned his attention to farming and school-teaching for two or three j'ears. In May, 1860, he came to Minnesota and bought from Levi Emery eighty acres on section 35, Highland township, and his family came the following fall. His farm now contains two hundred and eighteen acres, on sections 34 and 35, on which he has some fine improvements. He was married December 24, 1859, to Hannah E. King, daughter of Jaira M. and Maria (Lum) Eang, a native of Montville, Ohio, where she was born June 11, 1839. Their union has been blessed by five children, namely, Grace M., born August 23, 1861, a pupil in the State Normal, at Winona; Hannah E., born April 17, 1866, also a student of the Normal ; Albert H., born June 26, 1868 ; Catherine M., bom July 13, 1871 ; and Charles F., bom June 11, 1875. Mr. Knapp has taught school several times since coming to Minnesota. He was a soldier in the 10th Minn, for three years, and lost two fingers from his right hand in the last charge at Nashville, for which he draws a pension of ten dollars per month, and ranked as sergeant when discharged. Mr. Knapp is a republican in politics and has taken quite an active part in political contests. He has been treasurer, assessor and supervisor of the township, and was a member of the lower house of the Minnesota legislature in the win- ter of 1867-8. Wesley Kinney, attorney, is a grandson of Dr. Abijah Kinney, of Hartford, Connecticut. Ogden, father of Wesley Kinney, mar- ried Huldah Walker, who was born, like himself, in Otselic, New York. They died within two weeks of each other, Mrs. Kinney on April 19, and her husband May 2, 1882, and are buried in the same town. Three Kinney brbthers came from England and settled in Maine, New Hampshire and Connecticut, respectively, and this family is descended from the latter. Wesley Kinny was born in 1092 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. « Otselic, Chenango county, New York, December 15, 1837. His life was passed on the home farm till sixteen years of age, attending the common schools. His education was completed at the academy in Charlottesville, New York. In 1857 he began reading law at Delhi with William Murray, Jr., and a year and a half later entered the law office of Wait & Berry, at Norwich, New York. In May, 1860, he was admitted to practice in the superior court, at Binghamton. He became a resident of Mazeppa in 1861, and the following year was admitted to the United States district court. He soon became associated with F. M. Wilson, and practiced at Lake City eight years, during most of which time he was city justice. Returning to Mazeppa, he continued his practice, and has done much for the ad- vancement of theyillage. He drew up its charter and most of its ordinances, and was active in securing its incorporation ; was first recorder of the village. In 1882 he bought a farm of sixty acres, partly in the corporation, partly in Pine Island township, on which he took up his residence, and to which he gives part of his attention. On August 13, 1865, he was united in wedlock with Acsie A. Ford, daughter of one of Mazeppa's early pioneers. She was born at Lebanon, New York, May 29, 1846. Their children were bom and christened as herewith noted : February 8, 1870, Maude ; August 5, 1873, Alvin C. ; May 23, 1883, Kent Ford. Mr. Kinney is very liberal on religious questions. In politics he is a democrat. He was a member of the A.O.Tr.W. until the Mazeppa lodge was abandoned. Lucius Kinney, farmer, is an elder brother of the above. His parents lived during the year 1833 on a farm in Georgetown, Mad- ison county, and Lucius Kinney was born there on September 27. He was reared on the home farm in Otselic, and received a common school education. January 9, 1854, he was married, the bride being Miss Lydia Bishop, a native of Otselic. Her parents, John and Lydia Bishop, were of New Hampshire birth. Mr. Kinney came to Minnesota in 1856, arriving in Mazeppa September 3, and took up government land in Zumbrota township. A year later he sold out and went back to New York. For sixteen years he engaged in farming there, most of the time on his father's homestead, and again took up a residence in Minnesota. After a stay of two years in Lake City, he bought a farm of seventy acres of land near Mazeppa, in Goodhue county, and has ever since dwelt in this village and tilled the land. Mr. Kinney has always had a horror of debt, and went EAELT SETTLEES. 1093 without many things desired rather than violate his cash rule. He has always been a democrat. Himself and wife joined the Metho- dist Episcopal church many years ago. They have two sons. The elder, Frank Clinton, born June 29, 1856, resides in Smyrna, New Tork, where he married Miss Catharine Wentworth. John Wesley, March 30, 1860, dwells with parents. John McBeide, city Justice, was born in Whitehall, Greene county, Illinois, in 1821, hence was one of the pioneer children of that state. His parents, James and Nancy (Taylor) McBride, were native(|i of Virginia and Kentucky, respectively. The paternal great-grandfather of Mr. McBride, was a native of the Highlands of Scotland, and came to America and visited Kentucky prior to the days of Daniel Boone, the noted Kentucky pioneer. History states that Mr. McBride located his claim by writing his name on a tree, and soon went to Virginia where he settled,jand remained till the time of his death. Our subject obtained his^ducation in the pio- neer schools of his native state, to which he has, by reading and observation, added liberally. January 24, 1842, he married Mrs. Sinia Smyth, a native of Kentucky, who was theii the mother of one son, Charles W. Smyth, elsewhere mentioned in this work. In 1845 Mr. McBride with his family removed to Council Hill, near Galena, Illinois, but soon after went to Miningtown, Wis- consin. In 1857 he removed to Guttenberg, Clayton county, Iowa, where he began the publication of a newspaper, which he removed in 1861 to Lake City, and conducted it as the Lake City "Times" till 1865, when he sold out and entered into mercantile pursuits.. In 1877 he was elected city justice, and this position still retains. Mr. McBride has filled many positions of official trust since his resi^ dence in Lake City. In 1862 he wa,s appointed notary public, and still holds the commission, and was the same year appointed mili- tary commissioner by Gov. Kamsey. During the early part of the late war, was United States recruiting officer, and was for eight years commissioner of deeds for the State of Wisconsin, appointed by Gov. Fairchild. He is now a successful and extensive United States claim agent. He is the father of five children, three of whom are living. Perry P., a compositor, now in St. Paul; J. Albert, a merchant in Millbank, D. T., and Mary E., at home. Chaeles W. Smyth, Lake City, was born in Greene county, Illi- nois, September 20, 1836, and is son of Francis and Sinia A. Smyth, natives of Virginia and Kentucky, respectively. The former 1094 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. , died when his son Charles was about three years old, and the latter was married in 1843, to John MeBride, Esq., a respected citizen of this city. She lived till January 18, 1871, when she was accident- ally killed in attempting to jump from a cutter while out riding with her son, the horse being unmanageable.' In 1845, when our subject was but nine years old, he with his parents removed to Council Hill, near Galena, Illinois, where they remained for a short time, and then settled in what is now Lafayette county, "Wisconsin. Their stay here, however, was not permanent, as they again went tO Stephenson county, Illinois, and engaged in farming for a fe\ restaurant and dining-hall. Mr. Corwin was married in 1848 to Mary C. Smith, who died in 1862, leaving one child that has also passed away. His second marriage was in 1 862 to Diantha L. Kun- dle, by whom he has two children; Lquis A. and Mary E. Pateick Shields was born in County (^Iway, Ireland, in the year 1 831. His parents, Stephen and Brid"t (Laylor) Shields (or Shiel) were small farmers. When twenty-six years old he emigrated to the United States, and found work in the Stark cotton mills at Manchester, New Hampshire. Here he espoused Margret Beggan, also a native of Galway county. In 1859 he removed his family to Fox Lake, Wisconsin, where he worked on a farm imtil just prior to the breaking out of the great rebelKon. About this time he came to Wabasha county, and bought out a squatter on section 30, in High- land township. He now occupies a farm on section 29 in the same township, and has in addition to this place another of eighty acres on sections 20 and 21. His wife is an invalid, but has borne him the following children, viz: Mrs. Elizabeth Kodney, of Highland; John, born February 6, 1858, a young man of good business ability and fine education, residing at home ; Maggy Curran, born October 12, 1859 ; Hanore, born July 30, 1861 ; Mary, born September 29, 1867. In early pioneer days Mr. Shield used to go barefoot in cold weather, as he was too poor to purchase suitable covering for his feet, and has endured many other hardships, but is now in comforts able circumstances. Four years after his arrival in Highland he sold his original claim for two thousand dollars in cash. He is a Catholic, and in politics independent. Iea J. HuMPHEEY was bom in Steuben county, New York, October 25, 1826, his parents being William and Hannah (Harris) Humphrey, the former a native of New York State and the latter of Yifginia. He received a common-school education. July 15, 1849, 1096 HISTOEY OF WABASHA COUTSTTT. he espoused Mary A. Kandall, a native ot Orange county, New York, then in her twentieth year. Her parents, William and Anna (Davenport) Eandall, were both born in the same state. Mr. Humphrey continued to reside at the old home until 1854, when he removed to Illinois ; from here he went to Vernon county, Wisconsin, and again to Tunnel City, Wisconsin, where he kept hotel, and Mrs. Humphrey opened a millinery store. In 1861 they came to Highland, and took up the eighty acres on section 20, where they still reside. Mr. Humphrey served eighteen months in the 1st Minn, bat., which was with Sherman in his famous march to the sea. Mr. Humphrey is an excellent farmer, an indifferent politician and a genial man. Mrs. Humphrey has established a local reputation as a prophetess. This worthy couple have been blessed with three sons, James, Milo and Charles, now residents of Brown county, Dakota. Chaeles O. LiNDTOT. Jessc Landon, the father of the subject of this sketch, was the son of a Herkimer county, ITewYork, farmer, and himself a farmer. He married Harriet Fish, and was residing on a farm in Chautauqua county, in the same state, on August 23, 1826, when Charles, the third child of their large family of thirteen children, was born. He remained on the farm with his parents until the day he reached his majority. » His' educational advantages were very inferior, and the excellent practical education which he possessed was due to his own keen and penetrating powers of observation, unaided by even the district schoolmaster, as both summer and winter young Landon's services on the farm were thought to be indispensable. With but one suit of clothes and almost penniless, on the day that he was twenty-one, he departed from the parental home to seek his fortune. For four years he labored as a farm-hand among New York State farmers, and saved up his meagre earnings until they amounted to several hundred dollars. Finding himself able to do a little farming on his own hook, in 1851 he took to himself a wife, and rented a place. During the next three years he continued to engage in agricultural pursuits and the buying and selling of stock. In 1854 he made his first trip to the west, bringing to the Illinois market several fine horses. Being much pleased with the new country, he went back east fully resolved to return with his family as soon as he could settle up his business affairs there ; and the following year found him the owner of a farm in Green Lake county, Wisconsin. He resided here but one year, then spent five EABLY SETTLEES. ] 097 years in Dunn county in tlie same state, where he pre-empted a claim near Eau Claire. Finding the western fever still firing his veins, and being dissatisfied with Wisconsin, he sold out in 1861 and came to Wabasha county, locating on one hundred and sixty acres of school- land on section 16 in Plainview township the ensuing year, after a few weeks' experience as a grocer in Plainview village. Four years later he sold this farm, and in 1867 bought the village residence which he still owns and occupies, and opened a real-estate and loan office in Plainview. In 1874 he became the senior partner in the firm of C. O. Landon & Co., successors to A. Y. Felton, drugs and groceries. Being prospered in both branches of his business, Mr. Landon, in the spring of 1883, relieved himself of a portion of his business burden by transferring his interest in the store to his son, George C. Landon. Mr. Landon has been twice married ; his first wife was Sarah Curtiss, whom he espoused in Warren county, Pennsylvania, in 1851, and who died NovSnber 7, 1860, leaving two children. Jay Landon, a hardware merchant of Winona, Minne- sota, and George C. Landon. The present Mrs. Landon was Miss Martha J. Kenney, of Dansville, l^ew York, to whom he was married September 9, 1861. Grace Landon is the only child of this union surviving, a son (Charles) having departed this life in his fifteenth year, on January 11, 1883. Mr. Landon is a member ot Plainview lodge of A.F.A.M., and of the Congregational church. In politics is a republican ; has been for several years a justice of the peace, and officiated as chairman of the township board of super- visors. William Janti, farmer, Chester, was bom August 15, 1837, near Arlow, Belgium, and was reared there on a farm, attending school tin fourteen years old. In 1853 he came to Sheldon, Wyoming county, ilSTew York, where he engaged in farm labor. In 1861 he became a resident of this town, purchasing eighty acres on section 6. In 1883 he sold this and purchased the southwest quarter Of the same section, where he lives and has a beautiful farm. He was a poor man when he came to Minnesota. Both himself and wife have worked hard to make themselves a home. In the fall of 1883 the latter followed a plow day after day, because help was scarce and dear. Their wedding occurred June 17, 1866, the bride's name being Anna Megers. She was born in Luxembourg, and is a sister of John ]Sr. Megers, elsewhere mentioned. Their children were bom and christened thus : Sarah A.,. May 26, 1867; John, October 4, 1098 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. 1871 ; Eva M., June 20, 1874; Mary, September 17, 1879 ; Chris- tina, September 26, 1881. All the members of the family are Catholics. One of the latest business enterprises of the wideawake town of Plainview is the creamery at the west end of the business center. A. Y. Felton, manager and sole owner, started this venture with four teams and two inside factory hands in the spring of 1881, for the making of creamery butter ; and in the fall of the same year added his additional interest as dealer in dairy butter and eggs. By careful management and liberal dealings in trade he has been able to increase his number of teams to six, which are employed in the daily hauling of cream from the neighboring farmers. From five to six hundred inches is the average daily collection, and even as high as seven hundred was the return of one single day. For the greater part of the butter here made a ready market is found at reasonably good prices in St. Paul, ]Vunneapolis and the Northwest, the eastern markets receiving the balance. Mr. Felton originally came from Vermont, in 1861, and immediately on his arrival in Plainview clerked for Ozias Willcox, and continued in his employ until 1866. He subsequently succeeded Crowley & Co. in the drug business, which he retained until 1874. He was elected in the fall of 1867 county treasurer, in which capacity he faithfully served his fellow- men until 1871. To the school board he was elected and returned a member until 1878, and among other posts of honor and business schemes he officiated as president of the telegraph company then operating a line between Plainview and Minneiska. The creamery success has been marked and acknowledged, not alone in this his native clime, but on the other side of the great deep. At the state fair, held at Kochester, besides other premiums, Mr. F. was awarded England's silver cup, contributed by Higgins & Co., of Liverpool, for the best creamery butter salted with their salt. In addition to the four acres of land which he purchased from S. "W". Danforth in 1875, and on which he subsequently erected his homestead, and still later his factory in close proximity to his house, farms at Highland, Minnesota, Eedwood county and Kingsbury county, Dakota, are his. For fifteen years in succession he served as trustee of the Congrega- tional church, and now stands, as he is reputed to have always stood in the community, with the best ; a man esteemed for industry, honor and respectability. EAELT SETTLERS. 1099 William A. Johnson (deceased) was one who was' useful to Greenfield township. He was a native of Warren county, New Jersey, born in 1815. At an eai'ly age he entered a store as clerk, and eventually began mercantile business for himself at Sodom, and afterward at Popeville, in his native county. For ten years he was employed as a clerk in the United States treasury department. He became a resident of Greenfield in 1861, and bought one hundred and si^ty acres of land. He had been a successful business man, and now wished to retire from active life in the invigorating climate for which Minnesota is so famous. His farm was rented, and he oc- cupied his mind by conducting a store and hotel. He secured a postoffice here in 1862, and took charge of it. The name applied to this office was Pauselim, and Mr. Johnson platted a village under the same cognomen, on section 27, in 1863. He served some time as justice of the peace, and was chairman of the town board in the years 1862-3-^5. He adhered to the democracy in political mat- ters, and his religions faith was represented by the Baptist church. He passed away in January, 1870, leaving a widow and one son. The latter, named Isaac L., resides in Washington, District of Co- lumbia. Mrs. Johnson died here in 1882. Her maiden name was Sarah La Rue, and she was a native of New Jersey. Geoege Howe, Kellogg, is a native of Prussia, having been born in the Khine Province, in February, 1844. His people were farmers, and removed to America when he was in his fourteenth year, settling in Iowa. The parents, John and Susan Howe, died there. Our subject attended an English school about three months, and, with the rudiments of our language thus acquired, was enabled to perfect himself in the requirements of an American citizen. He has served as town and village justice four years, three years as chairman of the Greenfield board of supervisors, and one year as re- corder of Kellogg village. His political affiliations are with the democratic party. He was reared in the Catholic church, and still adheres to its faith. Is a member of Read's Landing Lodge, 1. 0. 0. F. In 1860 Mr. Howe settled on a farm in Glasgow township, this coimty, where he dwelt until 1874. At this time he built the only brick building in Kellogg, and opened a saloon therein. He still owns the building, which he rents, and has abandoned the saloon business. He was the prime mover toward the incorporation of the village, and secured this end in a few weeks. In 1868 Mr. Howe took a "rib " from the family of Michael Schouweiler, one of the 1100 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. pioneers of Highland, in the person of his daughter, Catharine, born in Teepes, Ohio. Their eldest daughter, now only thirteen years old, is an ardent student of history, and can name all the American presidents, in order, without hesitation. The youngest, an infant boy, is not christened at this writing. The others, in order of age, are named Michael, Catharine, John, George, Dora and Edward. Maecits Mokton Ingeaham, carpenter, Lake City, was born in Savoy, Berkshire county, Massachusetts, June 24, 1828. His parents, Obediah and Abigail (Smith) Ingraham, were also natives of Massa- chusetts. The father operated saw and grist mills, and Marcus was his assistant till he was twenty-three years old. His education was furnished by the village school, and was but rudimentary. On his removal to Ashippun, Dodge county, Wisconsin (in 1851), he taught school two terms in the winter intervals of his farming operations. He became a resident of Minnesota in 1857, and built a home at Center Point. Two years later he moved the building to Lake City, and has made this place his home ever since. Many buildings in and near the city are monuments of his skill. On January 19, 1862, Mr. Ingraham's name was enrolled as a defender of his country. He was made second lieutenant of Co. H, 5th Minn. Yols. in Gov. Hubbard's regiment. Our subject served in the western army, com- manding his company part of the time. He participated in the bat- tles at Farmington, first and second Corinth, and the campaigns in Mississippi and Tennessee. He was obliged to resign on account of the jealousy of his captain, and was enrolled in the 1st Heavy Art. with the same rank. This regiment was stationed at Chatta- nooga during Mr. Ingraham's connection with it. It is almost need-^ less to say he is a republican. During his residence at Center Point he served as town clerk, assessor and justice of the peace. October 18, 1848, dates the marriage of M. M. Ingraham to Miss Lucinda L. Fuller, both bom and reared in the same town. Mrs. Ingraham's parents, Ira Fuller and Keziah Leonard, were also born in Massa- chusetts. To Mr. and Mrs. Ingraham seven children have been given, resident as below noted : John M. keeps hotel at Menomo- nee, Wisconsin ; Abby H. (Mrs. Luther M. FoUett), Appleton, Wisconsin; Julia A. (wife of P. A. Eockwell), St. Paul; Francis L., with elder brother; Gellette E., with eldest sister; Charles H. and Bessie P.^ at home. Frank A. Burdett, Lake City, grain dealer, is among the early residents of Wabasha county. 5is grandfather, Ebeneezer Burditt EARLY SETTLEES. 1101 (born in Lancaster, Massachusetts, 1761), was a revolutionary soldier and served on a colonial privateer. Abel, son of the latter, was born in Gilsura, New Hampshire, January 20, J 790. Bethsheba Gibson, daughter of another revolutionary hero, born in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, in 1785, married Abel Burdett, died April 6, 1866, in Lake City. Her husband died in Zumbro, this county, April 18, 1858. This couple dwelt many years in Grafton, Vermont, where was ushered into the world, July 18, 1821, the person whose name heads this paragi-aph. During the early years of the latter, he spent some time at the common school, and subsequently managed the farm while his father dealt in stock. The farm was exchanged for hotel property, and Frank was his father's assistant in conducting the house for fourteen years. April 24, 1846, he was united in wedlock with Miss Jeannette Mack, whose parentage is elsewhere given with that of her brother, J. E,. Mack. "Windham, Yermont, is Mrs. Burdett's native place. Mr. Burdett spent over two years in Californiaj at mining and other occupations, with moderate success. Eetnming to Yermont in 1855, he took iip a permanent residence in the west next year, arriving in Columbia county, "Wisconsin, in July. In the fall of 1857 he came to Zumbro and engaged in farming there four years. Removed to Lake City in the fall of 1861, and began to deal in produce. At one time he had four warehouses in opera- tion, one being at Stockholm, across the lake, and has been signally successful. He served the town of Zumbro two years as assessor, and Lake City one year; was also justice of the peace in Zumbro. He adheres to democratic principles of government, and is orthodox in religious faith. Mr. and Mrs. Burdett have one son, now thirty- seven years of age, named Frank D. When eighteen he entered the Union army, and served about a year. "When he went from home he weighed one hundred and sixty pounds, and on his dis- charge weighed, with soldier overcoat, just half as much. His home is now in La Crosse. The two daughters, Sarah A. , resides at home, and Flora C. (wife of J. M. Ford), at Wahpeton, Dakota. Abel Burdett was the father of three children. Elvira (Lawrence) died in Danville, Illinois, and Sarah (Eanney) at Linden, "Wisconsin. J. C. Baetlett, register of deeds. Mr. Bartlett's oflBcial term began January 1, 1880. He was re-elected in the fall of 1881, and will complete his second term December 31 of this year, 1883. Mr. Bartlett is a native of New York, came to "Wisconsin with his father's family in 1843, settling in "Walworth county. His first purchase of 1102 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. land was made in this county in 1858, but he was not a permanent resident of the county until 1861, at which date he came to Wabasha, and the following year removed to his farm, which was his residence until he engaged in grain trade in Lake City in 1869, when he re- moved to that city, which was his home until he assumed charge of the register's office in 1880, since which date he has resided in this city. Was elected county commissioner for the Mazeppa district, and served three years prior to removing to Lake City, and was after- ward elected to the same oflBce from Lake City district for two terms. Mr. Bartlett married Miss A. T. Bliss, of Walworth county, Wis- consin. They have four children, all attending the public schools of this city. George S. La Hue, the druggist, bookseller and grocer of Plainview, Minnesota, came and, with his parents, settled about two miles west of the present village in the year 1861. He is a native of Canada, where he was born in the year 1851, and whence, while young, he was by removal of his parents taken to Wisconsin. Here in Dodge county, near Waupun, he attended public school, and at the age often years moved westward to his present place of business. His business life was commenced as apprentice in drugs to T. G. Bolton, the pioneer druggist of Plainview, with whom he continued for a year and a-half, until, associating with himself some leading members of the community, he was enabled to buy out his boss, in common parlance, and assume the responsibility of the business of the new house under the firm name of-G. S. La Hue & Co. This he continued successfully, and sold out his interest in 1878 to Goddard & Co., to enter as partner with Amerland in the banking business under the firm of Amerland & La Kue, bankers. At the end of eighteen months he disposed of this interest to Judge Wording, for the purpose of re-entering in 1880 his former line of drugs, which he did by purchasing stock and fixtures of Goddard & Co., which he now conducts with energy and ability, rendering to every customer a proper equivalent for all monetary exchanges. Mr. La Eue enjoys the full rights of the order of A. F. A. M. , and a growing reputation for excellence in goods and square dealing in trade. He was married in Elgin, Minnesota, to Mary D. Woodruff, of that place, and has one daughter, born April 15, 1881. George Steatton was born in Leominster, Massachusetts, March 2, 1827. John Stratton, the father of the present subject, was born inSherborn, Massachusetts, and was descended from Samuel Stratton EARLY SETTLERS. 1103 who came to this country from England in 1652, and located near Watertown, Massachusetts, on what is now the site of the Mount Auburn cemetery. John Stratton's wife was Lydia Hyde, a descen- dant of the Hydes who came to America in 1830, and were among the first settlers at what is now Newton, Massachusetts. Mr. John Stratton was a merchant and did business in Leominster, and was also the possessor of a fine farm. George was his eldest child, and was afforded a good education, obtained chiefly at the Lunenburg Aca- demy. Not being of a trafficking turn of mind, young Stratton did not take kindly to his father's calling,and at the age of twenty-one, having picked up some knowledge of the house-painter's art, formed a copartnership with Xenophon Adams, of Leominster, and opened up a shop. Being a clever manipulator of the brush, he succeeded, and continued to follow the business for several years. He also had charge of the machinery of a button factory, envelope factory, and other machinery in turn for several years prior to his coming to Min- nesota. In 1861 he came to visit a brother at Plain view, and, being pleased with the county, and finding plenty of work at good wages, decided to remain here. Although Mr. Stratton has never taken to himself a wife, he has made himself a nice home in the village of Plainview. During his life he has found time to use the brush of the artist, as well as that of the painter, and has several finely exe- cuted works of art as a result. Samuel Hall was born in Ireland in 1826. At an early age he came to this country and settled in New York, where he resided several years. In 1861 he removed with his family to Hyde Park township, where he has since resided. As the country was new, and since there were no means of transportation west from Bead's Land- ing, Mr. and Mrs. Hall were obliged to walk from that place and carry the necessities for such a journey. By industry and thoughtful management they overcame the hardships of early times and are now living in ease and plenty. To them have been born nine chil- dren, eight of whom are still living. Hon. William S. Baxter came to this planet by the way of Sid- ney Plains, New York, on February 24, 1836. He was the second child of the numerous offspring of Charles A. and Maria (Bush) Baxter. Both branches of the family were natives of New York State. Ere William had reached adult years, death removed his parents, and he was taken into the family of his uncle, Jabin Bush, a wealthy farmer and merchant of Tioga, Pennsylvania. In 1856 67 1104 HISTORY OF WABASHA OOTTNTT. he came to Minnesota and spent a year in Dodge county. Soon after engaged in the livery business in Eochester, Olmsted county. When the war broke out in 1861 he promptly responded to Uncle Sam's call for volunteers and wd!s enrolled as a private ia the 2d Minnesota Infantry. In April, 1862, disability^ compelled him to resign his office as second lieutenant and return to more peaceful pursuits. Having disposed of his Rochester livery stable in the meantime, he took the proceeds and purchased a farm in the town- ship of Highland. A few years since he came to Plainview to reside. He has recently filled acceptably the office of deputy sherifi for the southern towns of the county, and in 1875 sat as a represen- tative in the state legislature hall at St. Paul. He is a republican and a Royal Arch Mason. He married Helen Austin, a native of Ohio, March 31, 1864. Mrs. Baxter died in 1879, leaving but one child, Susan M., surviving. Christian Umbreit, one of Highland's prosperous farmers, was born in Germany, Septembei* 29, 1840. His parents were Henry Jacob and Henrietta (Beck) Umbreit. Christian's parents came to America with their family, consisting of eight children, when he was about the age of eleven. His father, being acquainted with agricultural pursuits, at-once secured a small farm in Farmington township, "Washington county, Wisconsin, and made it the family home. In the spring of 1862 Christian and Emil, his brother, bade farewell to the paternal home and came to Wabasha county, Minne- sota, where Christian located a homestead on section 4, in Highland township ; here he continued to reside for twelve years, when he disposed of this place and bought one hundred and eighty of Mrs. Humblin, of section 25, on which he now resides. October 3, 1864, he enlisted as a private in Co. E, 1st Minn. Heavy Art., and was discharged September 27, 1866. He is independent in political matters, and a member of the Dutch Reform church, of Highland. In the autumn of 1868 he was married to Miss Eve Rheingans, also a native of Germany, where she was born in 1844. They have a family of five children, viz : Anna, born October 23, 1866 ; Bertha, October 24, 1868 ; Laura, August 28, 1870 ; Henry, April 1,' 1876, and Erbert, August 12, 1880. WiLLARD W. Dean, farmer, Chester, was born at Lockport, New York, in August, 1829. , His father, Harris Dean, was a native of Connecticut, and served in the United States army through the war of 1812. He married Sally Oliver, of Yermont, and settled EARLY SETTLEES. 1105 on a farm at Lockport. Here the subject of these lines passed his youth till eighteen years old. His father died when he was only two years old, but he was kept at school, part of the time at Wilson College. When eighteen he set ftut for the west, and dwelt about thirteen years in Wisconsin, most of the time at Berlin, where he was engaged in draying. He was married in 1863, to Eliza Eggle- stoii, a native of Greenwich, Washington county, ISTew York. In 1860 they came to Minnesota and dwelt two years on a farm near Kochester. Three years later Mr. Dean bought the farm where he lives, on section 32, and has ever since been a resident of Chester. All his family, save one, are members ot the Free-Will Baptist church in Mazeppa. Mr. D. has always supported the principles of the republican party. His children were christened, and reside, as follows : Emma (Mrs. Myron Mack, now studying for the min- istry), at Hillsdale, Michigan ; Harris, Eochester ; Lester, Minnie and Lydia, at home. EiOHAED BuLLOOK, farmer, purchased one hundred acres of land in Zumbro township, section 13, in 1862, and shortly after took up his home thereon. He is a native of England, having been born in Oxfordshire, July 18, 1820. His parents were William and Sarah Bullock, who settled in Erie county, New York, when our subject was sixteen years old. All his schooling had been received previous to this time, in the old country. He was reared on a farm, and after reaching his majjority owned a farm in I^ew York. He subsequently removed to Pennsylvania, and came from there here. Besides the home farm, he now has a quarter-section in Big- stone county, this state. His capital was small on arrival here, and his own industry and entei-prise have made him independent. He has always been a republican, but now holds aloof from politics. Although not a member of any church, he is a believer in the Christian religion and an active supporter of the Wesleyan Metho- dist church here. He was married June 4, 1848, to Euth Amelia • Stocking, who was bom in Erie county, New York, September 17, 1830. Their eldest child, Martha Cordelia, was born January 10, 1851 (now Mrs. Dwight Lyman), and resides in Eedwood county ; Sophia Jane, June 21, 1853, married Adelbert E. Eandall, now sheriff of Bigstone county. Amos Baenes (deceased) became a resident of Zumbro in 1862, and was one of its most successful farmers. He was a native of England, born in Kent county July 6, 1832, and died here July 25, 1106 HISTOEY OF WABASHA COUNTY. 1881. He was very patient under a severe aflliction, cancer of the bowels. He was converted in 186Y, and joined the Wesleyan Methodist church and died at peace. He was reared to farm labor, and emigrated in 1853 to New Yofk, where he remained six years, and then removed to Walworth county, "Wisconsin. Here he was married April 28, 1862, and set out at once to occupy his land in Minnesota, purchased in 1859. The farm embraces one hundred and sixty acres on sections 14 and 23, the residence on the former. Mrs. Barnes was born *m I^ew York city. Her maiden name was Mary Munden, and her. parents — Frederick and Mary A. — were natives of England. She is also a member of the "Wesleyan church. Four children are left to stay her widowhood, all at home, chris- tened Georgei A., Marie Antoinette, Charles E. and John A. FiTz Gerald Slocum, Lake City, is a descendant of Anthony Slocum, who came from England to Massachusetts in 1630, and was one of the founders of Taunton, that state. Capt. Henry Sherman, who served the colonies in the revolutionary war and in Anthony "Wayne's campaigns against the Miami Indians, made his home in Providence, Rhode Island. Here grew up and married his daughter Mary and Samuel Slocum, parents of Fitz Gerald Slocum. The latter was born in Bristol, Addison county, Yermont, w^ere he enjoyed limited educational advantages till fourteen years old. His parents then removed to Crawford county, Pennsylvania, and took up the task -of opening a farm in the wilderness. At eighteen our fiiibject went, to New Jersey in the employ of some stock drovers, who afterward took him into partnership. September 16, 1843, he married Sarah P. Griggs, who was born in East Amwell ; her grandparents and parents, John and Catharine Griggs, were, like herself, born in New Jersey. In 1845 Mr. Slocum opened a hotel in Frenchtown, and subsequently engaged in the same business at Flemington, New Jersey. In 1854 he went to "Wauwatosai, "Wiscon- sin, and kept a hotel till his removal to Lake City in 1862. For a short time he engaged in the sale of agricultural machinery, and bought produce for nine years ; was six years employed at the Bos- ton Mills, and is now with the Lake City Flouring Mill Company. For five years after his arrival he supervised the construction of Lake City streets and roads ; was five years constable, one year policeman, and four years city mar^al ; has always been a democrat. Was a charter member of the Odd-Fellows' lodge and is a member of the MasfliQic order. In religious faith Mr. Slocum is a Univer- EAELY SETTLEES. 1107 salist, while most of his family attends the Episcopal church. Their pleasant home on Elm street is the result of Mr. Slocum's toil and perseverance. His nine children are all in Lake City and were christened as below : Frances Ol (Mrs. Erwin Alexander), Sarah, Helen (Mrs.. Chas. F. Frost), Catharine, Lucy (Mrs. Arthur B. Hill), Susie, Jennie, Harry L. and Fred Gerald. J. G. Laurence, president of the Wabasha Mill Company, is a native of Syracuse, New York, where he was. born May 1, 1836. ELEVATOR, WABASHA. In 1862 he came to Wabasha county and opened a farm of eleven hundred acres five miles southeast of town, at what is now known as Midland Junction, the intersection of the Midland railroad with the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul. This farm Mr. Laurence continues to operate, growing grain and raising stock, of which latter there are at present, on the ranch forty head of cattle, three h,undred hogs, 1108 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUlTTir. twenty head of horses* and five hundred sheep. Mr. Laurence has been more or less in public life since removing to the county. He was elected county commissioner in 186i, serving two terms ; was register of deeds from 1872 to ISTf ; was elected a member of the state senate in 1880 and re-elected in 1882 ; and is now serving his third terra as mayor of the city of Wabasha. That he has been thoroughly identiiied with all the interests of the city, its railroads, improvements, industries, etc., will be fully apparent on reading the history of the various enterprises in which he has taken part. Mr. Laurence was married June 6, 1872, to Miss Alice Gr. Wyman, of Wabasha. They have two children : W. Hamilton, born February 24, 1876, and C. Wyman, born E"ovember 25, 1879. Capt. Daniel Davison was born July 27, 1826, in Pennsylvania, of American parents. His education was obtained in a common school, and is somewhat limited on account of his father's early death. He remained in his native town about ten years, when he moved with his parents to Muscatine, Iowa. His stay at this place was not long, however. The Indians at this place being very hostile and warlike, his father deemed it necessary to move, which he did, and we next find him located at Marion City, Missouri, then a thriving town. Shortly after moving to the aforesaid place his father died, thus leaving young Daniel, a boy of ten, to shift for himself. He remained in this place about three years after his father's death, when he again moved to St. Louis, Missouri, and was engaged in vari- ous occupations until about nineteen years of age. He then went to work on the river as common laborer for almost two years ; he was then pilot, captain, etc., and remained as such the rest of his stay in St. Louis. Mr. Davison moved to Minnesota in the year 1861 and settled at Read's Landing; commenced work in the lumber business and continued for one year, when he found better employ- ment in his old business as captain and pilot on the river, and has pursued same business ever since. At the commencement of the civil war he offered his services as volunteer in. the 3d Minn, regt., but was refused on account of a partially crippled hand. In religion Mr. Davison is a Methodist, and in politics a republican. It was on account of his political views that he was obliged to leave St. Louis. He was an honorary member of the organization known as the St. Louis " Grays," and at the breaking out of the rebellion there was an organization known as the minute-men, organized under Gen. Frost, and Mr. Davison was asked to join th^ same, but EAELY SETTLEES. 1109 refused. After refusing he was naturally looked upon as an enemy, and his business being upon the river he thought it unsafe to leave his family in St. Louis, and consequently moved to Bead's Land- ing. He was married about t]|| year 1854, to Maria Caroline Knapke. They have had ten children, eight of whom are still living. Hbeman Dieteele, foreman, in charge of Jewell & Schmidt's tinshop, is a native of Tubingen, Wurtemberg. He learned his trade as a tinsmith there, and followed it for years prior to his com- ing to America in 1854. He was in ISTew York city and the eastern states for three years, then came west ; was in Chicago one season, and from there removed to Alma in 1 868, having been informed that there was no tinsmith within fifty miles of that city. Supposing it to be a town of some importance Mr. Dieterle came with the ex- pectation of finding a good opening for business, but as there were at that time only two or three small buildings there, the prospect was not flattering. JSTot discouraged, however, he stuck his stakes, built a shop, and remained there until 1862, when he came to this city, entered the tinshop of Joshua Egbert, and has been in the constant employ of that house and its successors (with the exception of one year spent in the United States army) ever since. He enlisted in Co. Gr, 2d Art. regt., and served until mustered out. In 1879, desiring to devote some attention to fruit culture, and choosing a location somewhat removed from the center of business, Mr. Dieterle removed to his present home at the east end of the city, corner of Washington and Wabasha streets. He has a pleasant location on rising ground, affording a good view of the river, and his three lots are completely covered with vines and small fruits. He has of grapes two hundred vines ; raspberry bushes, four hundred ; currant ' bushes, two hundred ; and, besides a fine strawberry bed, apples, plums and cherries in considerable numbers. Mr. Dieterle is a stu- dent of all matters connected with the working of metals. His library on these subjects is quite complete, and he is a regular con- tributor to the periodicals treating these subjects. He is also thor- oughly conversant with all the late inventions in mechanical' arts, and takes the patent-office reports as they are regularly issued. May 26, 1863, Mr. Dieterle was married to Kegina Eberle. They have two children : Henry, born August 18, 1866, who has almost com- pleted his apprenticeship under his father's instructions, and Minnie, born August 23, 1876, who attends the Sisters' school in this city. 1110 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTT. "W. S. McAethttr, general cooper factory on Second street, near the Wabasha Milling Company's gristmill. This business was es- tablished in 1869, some blocks nearer the business center of the city, and removed to its present locati# in 1875, at which time the shop was built. The main building is 22 X 60 feet and the storage room is 20 X 50. The business consists principally in the manufacture of flour barrels, butter tubs, and amber-cane and syrup kegs. The usual number of hands employed is from six to twelve. Mr. W. S. McArthur is a native of Canada, learned his trade there, came direct from that province to Wabasha in 1862, started in business at once, and has now conducted it in this city a little over twenty-one years. In May, 1858, he married Miss Margaret Wilson. They have three children, one of them attending Wabasha city school. L. & J. Affeld, livery, sale and feed stables, corner Second and Bailly streets. Business established by Louis F. Affeld in 1882 in connection with the Green Bay House, which his father (Godfred Affeld) opened in 1869, and which has been under Louis F. Affeld's management since 1877. The livery stock consists of thirteen head of horses, ten carriages and buggies, and there is a stable force of four hands. The stock is quite new, maintained in good condition, and being within one block of the Comnaercial Hotel, is in a good loca- tion for business. The barn, built in 1882, is 32 X 60 feet, with car- riage house, 24x32 feet, attached. Louis F. Affeld is the son of Godfred and Dorothea Affeld, natives of Bavaria, who came to America in 1853, and three years later to Minnesota, settling near Crystal Lake, where Louis was born June 12, 1859. The family came to this county in May, 1862, residing for a time in Read's Landing, and settled in this city one year later. Mr. Godfred Affeld ' pursued his trade as a wagonmaker until 1869, when he opened the Green Bay House. There are six children, only two of whom are now living at home, Louis F. and his sister Hulda, who was bora March 4, 1855. Alexander Geat was born in Banffshire, Scotland, January, 1826; died October 22, 1869. He was the eldest child born to Alex- ander and Isabella Gray, and a brother to James Gray, a sketch of whose life also appears. When a young man, he spent several years in Australia, and in 1862 he emigrated to America, coming directly to West Albany township, and soon located, on the farm he occupied until his death. He was married in Scotland to Mary Dingwall, of Banffshire, who died October 28, 1880, leaving five children, James EAULY SETTLEES. 1111 E., Alexander D., William, Jeanett and George A. Mr. Gray and wife both belonged to the United Presbyterian church. He was a republican, and at the time of his death was justice of the peace. He left a good farm of two hundred and forty acres, and with his death the com'mnnity lost one of its best citizens. James E. , who is living on the homestead, is a young man of intelligence and promise. He devoted three years to the scientific course of the State Univer- sity, and for a number of years has been a successful teacher in the neighborhood. James Gray, farmer, is a native of Banffshire, Scotland, where he was born September 15, 1832. He. was fourth of four children, born to Alexander and Isabella Annaud-Gray. The former was a cartwright, and died when James was a child. At the age of thir- teen the subject of our sketch learned the tailor's trade, following it until he was twenty-one, when he went to Australia. The six years passed here were mainly devoted to mining, and after returning to Scotland, he emigrated to this country in 1861, locating on the farm he now occupies. April 26, 1864, he was married to Ellen Perry, a native of Banffshire. Six children were the fruit of this union, viz: Alexander P., Margaret (deceased), James G., Mary A., William W., and Ellen. His wife died February 16, 1876. December 21, 1879, he wedded Hannah McCracken, to whom have been born two children, George S. and Ann D. Mr. and Mrs. Gray are both mem- bers of the United Presbyterian church. In politics he is republican. He is now chairman of the board of supervisors, which office he has held several years. He has a rich farm of one hundred and sixty acres, and may be numbered among the best citizens of the town- ship. Parley Bk6wn, attorney-at-law, Lake City, is a native of Lor- raine, Jefferson county, ISTewYork, and is the second child of Walter and Abigail (Risley) Brown, who reared a family of fourteen children, eight of whom are now (1884) living. His parents were natives of Argyle, Washington county, New York, and Hartford, Connecticut, respectively. He was born April 11, 1818, and was reared on a farm till the age of twenty-one, at which time he entered a mill with a view of learning the trade. His tastes, however, inclhiing toward the legal profession, he soon after began reading law. Being deprived of educational advantages during early youth, or rather enjoying only such as the primitive schools in the backwoods afforded, his way to the bar was necessarily slow a,nd tedious. But 1112 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. " as the race is not to the swift uor the battle to the strong," so it was with Mr. Brown. He completed his law course, and was admit- ted to the bar at Syracuse in 1859 by the supreme court of the State of New York. In 1862 he removed to Minnesota, located at Lake City, and at once entered on the practice of his profession. In 1840 he was united in marriage with Miss Maria Myers, who was a native of Schoharie county, ISTew York. She bore a family of six children, two sons and four daughters, and died in 1876. Mr. Brown's second marriage was in 1875, to. Miss Charlotte Totman, who, too, was born and reared in Jefferson county, New York. Mr. Brown takes little interest in politics, and has been a life-long democrat. Charles La Hue, farmer, Greenfield, has been a resident of this township since the spring of 1862, at which time he took the manage- ment of the farm he now occupies — then the property of his brother- in-law, W. A. Johnson — on section 22. Among the earliest families of New Jersey was that of La Eue, of French extraction. ' Isaac La Eue, father of this subject, "was bom and reared in that state, as was his bride, Martha Gregg. To them a son was bom July 29, 1838, in Warren county, and christened Charles. The latter was reared on the home farm, and attended the common school some after he was fourteen years old. Nature did much for him, and he contrived to fit himself for a useful citizen. He has served four years as supervisor of Greenfield, elected by democratic votes. Is a member of Kellogg masonic lodge, of which he is now junior steward. His parents were Presbyterians, and his religious sympar thies are with that faith. In 1879 he was united in marriage to Mary, daughter of James and Jane Carpenter, all of New York. Mrs. La Eue was born in Madison county. One son has been given to this union, born April 25, 1880, and christened William J. James F. Eogees, of the firm of J. Dobner & Co., dealers in agricultural implements, Lake City, was born in New London, New Hampshire, December 28, 1829. He is the first son and second child of Charles H. Eogers, who is a lineal descendant from an English family of that name, who settled in Virginia toward the close of the sixteenth century. He received a classical, to which was added a theological course, with a view to entering the ministry. His tastes, however, inclining more to commercial pursuits, he made the manufacture and dressing of cloth his principal business. He was also what might be termed a public-spirited man, having been twice chosen to a seat in the New Hampshire state senate, and for EAELY SETTLEES. 1113 everal years occupied the responsible position of high sheriff. His dfe and our subject's mother was Miss Abigal S. Copp, daughter of lobert Copp. They died and are buried in Grafton county, ISTew lampshire. In 1863 Mr. Eogers, came to Minnesota and per- lanently located in Lake City, and soon after engaged as salesman a the store of Cooper & Kogers, and -four years later embarked in a ;eneral merchandise business on the corner of Washington and ^ienter streets. After conducting business in that line six years he arned his attention to the sale of reliable and improved farm aachinery. He was married May 1, 1860, to Miss Mary M. Water- nan, of Norwich, Vermont, who died in February, 1868. His econd marriage was on May 31, 1870, to Miss Margery E. Carson, f Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Their children's names are Charles ¥., Azzy F. and Fred E. Mr. Eogers has served this county several ears as deputy sheriff, and this city for the last twelve years as onstable. Yaw Eai^salaee Lee, veterinary surgeon, Lake City, is a grand- on of Ephraim Lee, who entered the colonial army at seventeen nd served through the revolutionary war. Ephraim Lee was born 1 New Tork, of Virginian parents, and moved to Canada when "ames — his son, the father of this subject — was three years old. ames Lee grew up in Canada, married Elizabeth McVeigh, and ettled on a farm in her native town, Elizabeth, Leeds county, )ntario, where V. E. Lee was bom in March, 1817. Schools were Bw and primitive in that region and period, and our subject reached he age of seventeen with very little book culture. His parents hen removed to Ohio, and when eighteen he set out to make his wn^HSfay in the world. For some years he was employed as aamster and in various kinds of labor. In 1844 he opened a livery table at Milan, Ohio, and began the practice of his profession, ?hich his father had followed and tatight him. By study he has tnproved upon his old practice, and has followed the homoeopathic ystem twenty-four years. In 1854 he moved with a team from lilan to La Crosse, and came to Lake City in the fall of 1863. His ractice is successful and he is widely known. For two years he ept the Lyon House, the leading hotel, and was landlord of the iherman House, now burned, five years. In theological views Mr. iee is a confirmed Universalist, and politically has always been a epublican. He has been twice married : in 1844 to Wealthy A. Emerson, who died childless seven years later ; in 1852 to Eliza- 1114: HISTOHT OF WABASHA COUNTT. beth, daughter of Asher Chapman, both born in Amherst, New Hampshire. Three children have been given to the latter union. The eldest, Charles H., is in Minneapolis ; the youngest, Marian Wealthy, keeps house for her father. Francis is his father's assist- ant in business. In the fall of 1882 the mother of these children passed away and calmly -waits their coming on the other shore. Feank a. Wells was born in Pompey, Onondaga county, New York, December 3, 1831. His parents were Kussel and Sophronia (Adams) Wells. Mr. Wells' early life was spent on a farm. His education was obtained at the Pompey Hill Academy. He spent several years teaching in New York State, a portion of the time holding the position of principal in the Manlius graded school. December 23, 1855, he married Miss Sarah Alexander, of Fabius, Onondaga county, and in the spring of 1861 removed to Sparta, Wisconsin, where he engaged in teaching and agricultural pursuits for two years. In 1863 he came to Wabasha county and purchased the Sprague place on section 29, in Highland. In the autumn of 1878 he disposed of this place and bought the Betsey Hall place, just northeast of Plainview village, where he has since continued to reside. Mr. Wells is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, which he joined March 21, 1853, at Manlius, New York, the lodge at that place, Military Lodge, No. 92, being one of the oldest in that state. He was one of the charter members of Illustrious Lodge, No. 63, of Plainview, and was its first master. He is at present High Priest of the chapter, and a Knight Templar. He is indepen- dent in politics, but has held several offices of trust in the township. His family consists of four children, namely, Lillian (Mrs. F. D. Washburn), of Buffalo Lake, Eenville county, Minnesota ; Flljlrence A., Isabelle Winona, and Maud, all at home. Geoege Hebbeln, farmer, was born in Germany. He is the youngest son of Hans and Atin J. Hebbeln, of Holstein, Germany. When about twenty-two years old Mr. Hebbeln came to Iowa, but soon changed to Olmsted county, Minnesota. Here he worked for five years, when he returned to Germany on a short visit. He bought horses in Iowa for a short time, and finally bought his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres of fine land, all culti- vated. He has always been a democrat in politics, and one of our reliable citizens. He was married in 1871, to Mola Gaducke, of Germany. He has three children. EARLY SETTLEES. 1115 EoBEET White, builder, Lake City, is descended from a, long line of Connecticut ancestors, of English origin. His maternal grand- father, Yan Yorns, was banished to Nova Scotia during the revolu- tion for toryism. James White, the father of this subject, was a native of Connecticut. He married Sarah Yan Yorns, of New York, and located in Brooklyn, where Eobert White was born, September T, 1824. When the latter was five years old the family moved to Delaware county, and afterward to Eockaway, Long Island. His elder brothers were prominent builders in Brooklyn, and he learned his trade with them, being foreman of their shops several years. In 1848 he went to Bloomington, Illinois, in 1849 to St. Louis, Missouri, and returned to New Yoi'k to escape the cholera that was raging there. He visited Lake City in the fall of 1856, and built several residences hfere during the following year. In 1858 he went to California, and returned to New York next year. July 13, 1861, he was married in New Jersey, to Miss Mary L. Morris, ^ native of that state. Her parents, Samuel and Rhoda A. (Yan Marter) Morris, were born in Monmouth county. New Jersey, and New York city respectiyely. Robert Morris, of revolutionary fame, was an ancestor of this family. Mr. White permanently located in Lake City in 1863, landing here May 6. Yery many of the city's finest buildings are monuments of his thoroughness and skill. As a citizen Mr. White stands well in the estimation of his neighbors, as is evidenced by his election for seven years as a member of the city council. For over thirty years he was a patron of Horace Greeley's paper, and when the great leader was a candidate for president he received Mr. White's vote, and the latter has since adhered in general elections to the (Bfty whose ticket bore Greeley's name. He was formerly a republican. In matters of religion he is a Freethinker. Four sons are included in his family, resident as below : Samuel Morris, pur- suing a business course at Minneapolis ; William Edgar, mechanic. Piano, Illinois ; Robert Melvin, clerk in store at latter point ; Horace Greeley, at home. James Mubteo, farmer, was born at Banifshire, Scotland, January 14, 1845. His parents were Donald and Ann Noble-Munro, to whom were born eight children, the subject being the youngest. James left his native land at the age of eighteen, coming directly to West Albany, where he has since resided. He was soon followed to this country by his parents, who also located in this township. Here the elder Munro died in 1869. His widow is still living, and is a 1116 HISTORY OF WABASHA COTJNTY. resident of Sibley county, Minnesota. December 8, 1866, James was united in marriage to Mrs. Margaret Kirkman-Oorry, a native of Lanark county, Ontario. They have one child, James IST. His farm consists of one hundred and twenty acres of rich land, with good buildings. He and his wife are members of the Baptist church. He is a republican in politics. For eight years he has held the office of town clerk, and is one of the prominent citizens of the township. Jeeemiah Baldwin, of New Haven, Connecticut, was born in the year 1827, and removed to Ohio with his. parents at the age of six years, and at the age of thirteen to Wisconsin, where he attended school until of age, part being to public and part to select school, taught by Rev. Henry Heaton. He, after working on the farm for several summers, purchased eighty acres, and for a time was employed in the government survey. At twenty-eight he married Julia Emery, of Wisconsin, who, after bearing him two children, Amos E., now practicing medicine in Marshall, Minnesota, and a daughter, since deceased, died in the spring of 1857. Eighteen months^ after he married his second wife, Lucia A. Pierce, of West Townsend, Vermont, May 5, 1858. From this union sprang Willis P., Horace J., J. Arthur, and Minnie A., all living. In the spring of 1863 Jeremiah left Wisconsin by ox-team, after selling out, and settled on his present farm, part of which, one hundred acres, he purchased two years before of one William Thompson. Six years from this he bought out John Allon, twenty acres additional, and completed his present one hundred and sixty acres about four years after by purchase from George Cole. Mr. Baldwin has been an active trustee of the Congregational church of Plainview since its organization, September 19, 1863, and his present wife has foBome time officiated as president of the Women's Board of Mission. Jdbert R. Pierce, brother to Mrs. Baldwin, enlisted in 1861, was wounded near Arkansas ; was honorably discharged at Fort Snelling. Peter Gibson, retired riverman, has been a resident of this^city since 1863. Mr. Gibson was born in Sweden ; came to America in 1851, to Michigan, and was in a lumber-mill on the lake, a few miles above Port Huron, owned by Hubbard Bros, until coming to the Mississippi lumber regions in 1855. From that year until 1863 he was engaged in rafting down the river from Stillwater to St. Louis. He married Margaret Dietrich JS"ovember 24, 1867, whose family were early residents of this county. They have three children : Jerome, born March 11, 1870 ; William, born July 21, 1871 ; Peter J., born December 28, 1873. EARLY s;ettlees. 1117 Pepin Beeweey, located in Morres addition to the village of Read's Landing. This property comprises what is generally known as the Burkhardt breweries. The lower one, a frame structure, built by Charles Leslie in 1856 ; the upper one, a stone building, erected some twenty years since by Michael Ulmer, the whole prop- erty coming into possession of the Burkhardts about the time the war closed. Manufacture has been lately confined to the lower brewery, but the location proving too low for the high water of 1883, which flooded their cellars to the depth of eight feet. They are now, August, 1883, fitting up the upper brewery for business, by erecting new. dry kilns, and engine and boiler house. This brewery is 40 X 100 feet, three stories, solid stone, and provided with vaults, having a storage capacity of two thousand barrels. The product of their first year's brewage was six hundred barrels; last year, fifteen hundred barrels, an increase over previous year of thirty-three per cent. The product of the brewery is marketed at home, little or none being shipped. Their real estate comprises a tract of about twenty-seven acres, on which they have a brick yard of over twenty years' establishment, where they manufacture from two hundred and fifty thousand to three hundred thousand a year. The brewery busi- ness employs five hands and two teams, and is steadily increasing. The proprietors are G. & G. Burkhardt. They are natives of Ger- many, emigrated to America in 1859, and to this county in 1863. Godfred Burkhardt married Sophia Bruner in 1866. They have four children living, three in school at Read's Landing : Louis, born October 14, 1868; Emma, born February 14, 1870; Maria, born February 9, 1877; Taulina, born February 5, 1879. Gotleib Burk- hard!^|married Amelia Schlueter, February 2, 1881. They have one child, Albert, born November 25, 1881. Feedeeick B. Wahlee, farmer, residing in Plainview village, was born in Saratoga, Germany, March 31, 1831. His father, John F. Wahler, was a farmer, and his mother's maiden name was Doro- thea Rohrbach. Mr. Wahler came to America in the. year 1853. He spent the first three years after his arrival on a farm near Juno, Dodge county, Wisconsin. In 1856 he came to Minnesota, and located near Centerville, Winona county, on school lands. Seven years of his pioneer life were spent here, accompanied by many of the privations and trials that characterized frontier life in those days. The autumn of 1863 he disposed of his Winona county farm, and removed to Plainview township in Wabasha county, where he pur- 1118 HISTOEY OF WABASHA OOTINTY. chased the Churchill place — a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, on sections 19 and 30. Four years later he purchased the village property, and erected thereon the residence which he has since oc- cupied as his family residence. His landed possessions now aggre- gate three hundred acres of fine arable land. Mr. Wahler is a mem- ber of the Plainview Methodist Episcopal church, and the brother- hood of Masons. He was married to Miss Neiheeser, a native of his own country, in Dodge county, Wisconsin, on July 6, 1866. Their matrimonial life has been blessed with four children, three of them now living, viz : Addie (Mrs. Stadon), of Big Stone county, and Susie and Inez at home. Jacob Kopp was born in Wiedlisbach, Canton Bern, Switzerland, on April 8, 1830. The Swiss home of the Kapp family was a small farm, but a beautiful place known as Mosrien. Frederick and Barbra Kopp resided here, and raised a family of six children, Jacob being the fourth. Jacob received a good common school education, after which he served four years in the Swiss army. In June, 1851, he married Barbra Giesbuler, and three j^ears later brought his family to America. He first worked on a farm near Milwaukee, Wiscon- sin, then removed to Watertown, Wisconsin, where he remained but a few weeks. His next move was to go to a place about thirty miles from Portage, where he worked in the pineries and on a farm for three years; after which he spent four years clearing up a farm near Fredonia, in the same state. He came to Highland town- ship, and bought a claim of one hundred and forty acres near the Watkins mill, in 1863. After buying and selling a number of times, he finally purchased the place on which he now resides — eighty acres on section 26, Highland, in 1870. He has five childrenjfviz : John, born in Switzerland, residing in Lake City, Minnesota; Louisa, born in Wisconsin, and Louis and Frederick, born in Minnesota, and a daughter Emma, also a native of Minnesota. Mr. Kopp was one of the original members of the Lutheran church of Highland. George Hibner was born in Cattaraugus county, New York, September 18, 1825. His parents were David and Susanna (Parker) Hibner — his father a native of the city of New York, and his mother of Massachusetts. His youth was spent on a farm, until twenty years old, remaining at home. He worked on a farm in Allegany county for two years. Here he married Polly Pierce, who was born in Onondaga county, New York, September 14, 1824 — this occurred July 18,~ 1847. After his marriage he worked a farm for six EAELT SETTLEES. 1119 years in Allegany county. In 1853 removed to Wyocena, Columbia county,. Wisconsin, and rented a farm on which he remained until the fall of 1859, when he came to Olmsted county, Minnesota. The next year removed to Plainview, and tarried another year, when he came to reside on the farm where he now lives, one hundred and sixty acres on section 22, in Highland, which he located while still a resident of Wisconsin. He 'has one hundred and ten acres of land under cultivation, and lives in a fine farmhouse. Has also added eighty acres to his original quarter-section. He has but one child living: Electa A. (Mrs. Wm. Safibrd), of Highland. A son, Ivan Arthur, died November 18, 1876, leaving one daughter, Ida May, 8 years old, residing with her mother, Mrs. Effie (Freer), ot Plainview. John Schmidt, merchant tailor and dealer in clothing and fur- nishing goods, corner Main and Pembroke streets. This business Mr. Schmidt established in 1866, and has conducted it successfully for the past thirteen years. He owns the premises he occupies, one lot east of the corner of Main and Pembroke streets, 25 X 90, and upon this he has erected his shop, a one-story brick-, 20x45, the salesroom and Tryon's jewelry-store occupying the front thirty feet of the building, with the tailor-shop in the rear. Mr; Schmidt is a nature of Bavaria, learned his trade there, and followed it until 1852, when he came to America, settling in Milwaukee, which was his home until his removal to this city in 1864. January 16, 1856, Mr. Schmidt married Catharine Schrick. They have three children: Julius, born in Milwaukee in 1857, and now the junior member of the firm of Jewell & Schmidt, of this city ; Emil, employed in his father's shop, born June 5, 1860, and John, born December 26, 1861, at present a conductor on the Midland railroad. Louis Young, hotelkeeper, Kellogg, is_ a native of Luxemburg, Germany, and was born March 10, 1843. In 1850 his parents, Peter and Barbara (Pauseh) f Hon. Wolcott J. Humphrey, and in 1864 went to Wallingford, Vermont, to serve in the employ of his uncles, Edwin and William llartindale, the former of whom he in time bought out, and thus 1154 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. commenced business for himself. His mercantile pursuits were con- tinued in Wallingford till 1868, when he sold out, and with a -view to recuperating his failing health, removed to Minnesota, perma- nently locating in Lake City. Here he soon regained his health sufficiently to embark in active business pursuits, and from that time till overtaken by his last illness he was one of Lake City's most active and esteemed citizens. November 1, 1873, he was made a director in the Lake City Bank, and in 1876 transferred his interests to the First Jfational. He was then made one of its directors, and before the close of the same year was made its president. In April, 1880, he was elected mayor of the city as the people's candidate. During his residence in this city his principal vocation was dealing in live- stock, and only those who were his intimate friends could form an adequate conception of the magnitude of the. business transacted under his personal supervision. With this great strain of miqd and body, and with a physical constitution insuffi^cient to endure the labor which his extraordinary brain devised, it was evident to those who l>est knew him that his work was too great for him. Nevertheless he remained in the business harness till but a few hours before his ■death. Upon the announcement of his death the flag on the council chamber was placed at half-mast, and as a further mark of respect the business-men throughout the city closed their doors on the day of his burial, and formed one of the largest funeral processions ever witnessed in this city. The directors of the First National Bank met and passed the following resolutions : Whereas, our immediate associate and friend, M. A. Baldwin, the president of this bank, was removed by death on the twenty-third of this month from our number; therefore. Resolved, that we recognize in this an agreeable companion and a valued and. honored friend, and that wo desire in this manner to testify to our high appreciation of his character and worth as a man, and to his ability and integrity in his official trust : Resolved, that while deeply impressed in contemplating the shadow of gloom his absence must bring to the home late so securely happy in his presence, that we hereby extend to the ^idow and son our most heartfelt sympathy and con- dolence in this their hour of sorrow. The Ancient Order of United "Workmen, and the Temple of Honor and Social Temple passed similar resolutions of respect and con- ' dolence, making them a matter of record, and at the same time pre- senting the widow with certified copies. Mr. Baldwin had been twice married; first, in 1863, at Wallingfoi-d, Vermont, to Miss OTHER IMPOETAliTT PEESONAGES. 1156 Marella Town send, whom he lost by death about a year thereafter. His second marriage was in 1866 to Mrs. AnnaE. Sweet, a daughter of Smith Emery, Esq., of ISTewport, Vermont, who with their only child, Myron Alpheus, still resides in Lake City. Jambs P. Maetin, Lake City, is a native of St. Lawrence county, New York, and was born October 31, 1845. He is a son of James and Catharine (Gorman) Martin, who were also born in the State of New York, of Irish ancestry. Mr. Martin was reared on a farm, where his early youth was spent at school and agricultural pursuits. A few years of his early manhood was employed in driving stage. He was married to Miss Julia F. Hart, a native of Sf. Lawrence county, New York, in 1868, and in the spring of the same year came to Lake City, and the same year took a position as foreman in the large livery and sale stable of Mr. W. E. Perkins. He is still with Mr. Perkins, and is interested with him in introducing some very fine and valuable fast horse stock in this county, among them some of the best blood for trotting in the United States. In 1878 he pur- chased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Chester, which he rents. Mr. Martin has three children, tizzie May and Willie J. (twins) and Frank, in attendance at the city schools. John C. Adams, M.D., Lake City, is a native of Ireland, and was born in Iniskillen, in 1831, and is- a son of John Adams, who for many years was a prominent merchant of that city. Early in the spring of 1841, Mr. Adams with his family emigrated to the United States, and settled on a farm in Kentucky, and for a time engaged in agricultural pursuits. Being unacquainted with, and having a dislike for, the principles of slave labor, he failed to make it a success, sold his farm and removed to Clarksville, Tennessee, where he again embarked in mercantile pursuits. He died in 1850, and his wife, whose maiden name was Alice McCalon, is still living in Kussellville, Kentucky. Dr. Adams received an academic edu- cation at Clarksville, Tennessee, pursued and completed the classics under a private tutor, and began his professional course with Dr. "Williams, of Todd county, Kentucky. He attended lectures at the m^^ical department of the university at Louisville, Kentucky, in its palmy days, when the eminent S. D. Gross and Austin Flint were its professors. After practicing in Kentucky, Texas and Louisiana, he finally graduated from the medical department of the Louisiana University. He then resumed the practice Of medicine in Cado Parish, near Shrevesport, Louisiana, and continued the practice. 1156 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. though somewhat obstructed by failing health, till the outbreak of the late war, when he was appointed assistant surgeon of the 30th Miss. regt. This position he filled with credit and ability, and was finally transferred to the position of hospital surgeon, at Newnan, Georgia, and was on duty at Macon, Georgia, at the time of Gen. Lee's surrender. Overwork and ill health had so prostrated him, that in 1868 he determined to seek recuperation in the north, and that year came to" Lake City, as rector of the Episcopal church. His theological studies had been pursued under Bishop Greene, in Jackson, Mississippi, during his physical inability to practice medi- cine, and had taken deacons' orders prior to 1861, and priests' orders in 1867. He remained in charge of the Episcopal church till 1872, when his health being unequal to the work, he resigned, and re- sumed the practice of medicine and surgery, in Lake City and sur- rounding country. As a surgeon, Dr. Adams has been eminently successful, having performed some very complicated, and, in fact, some of most noted operations known to the profession. He is a member of the Masonic fraternities of Lake City. His first mar- riage was in 1861, to Miss Hellen Doty, of eastern New York. She died in 1874. His second marriage was on July 1, 1875, to Mrs. Elizabeth O. McJS'airy, a native of Philadelphia. They have a family of four sons and four daughters. Elisha Peekins, farmer, Zumbro, came to this county without capital in 1868, and secured sixty acres of land where he now resides, section 36 — originally Mazeppa township. Besides this he now has forty acres in the adjoining town of Farm Hill, half as much in the Mazeppa timber and a quarter-section in Bigstone county. The same energy and business ability that carried him through several struggles in the past are still leading elements in his character, and he is known as an active and useful citizen. He is an earnest exponent of the principles of the republican party, and a leading member of the "Wesleyan Methodist church at South Troy. Joel Perkins, the father of Elisha, was born in Luzerne, Warren county, New York, in 1813. His parents, Elkanah and Phoebe Perkins, were natives of the same state. Joel Perkins married Sarah Van Wormer, who gave birth to this subject at Stony Creek, "Warren county, in 1835. The latter was reared on his father's farm, and received his education in the common schools. That he improved his opportunities is evident to all who meet him, and he is well-known as a contributor to the press of the day. October 10, OTHER rMPOBTANT PERSONAGES. 1167 J857, he married Eliza A. Gallup, born in the same county as him- self. This union was disrupted by the cruel hand of death in January, 1866, and Mr. Perkins was left with four small children to care for. Shortly after he suffered heavy losses in a lumbering con- tract, and resolved to try his fortunes in the west. On March 29, 1869, he espoused Frances J. Koberts, a native of Hamilton county, Ohio, who is tha mother of six living children, viz: Amanda E., Florence A., Alma A., Ernest H., Maud A., and an infant daughter. Of the elder children : Ward B. dwells at "Waneta, Dakota ; Ells- worth L. died when eight years old ; Eliza J. and Fanny M., twins, at home. Henry R. Gearey, son of Hamilton B. and Harriet (Maey) Gearey, was born in the city of Hudson, State of New York, on March 18, 1845. When six years old his parents removed to Pompey^ in the same state. Here the subject of this sketch spent his youth and received a common-school education, which was supple- mented by a term or two in the Manlius Academy. He was married July 3, 1864, to Achsah J., daughter of Ephriam E. and Jerusha (Weston) Brown, a native of Pompey, then in her twentieth year. Four years later Mr. Gearey disposed of his property in Pompey, came to Highland, and bought the place which he still owns, one hundred and sixty acres of section 17. He has been prominent in township and county affairs from the first. At present is one of the county commissioners for Wabasha county, being elected on the democratic ticket ; has been township clerk four terms, assessor two years, and a supervisor one year. In state and national politics is a democrat, in local affairs, independent; is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Mr. Gearey is the father of four children, viz : George H., born July 4, 1866 ; James E., October 28, 1868 ; Susa A., December 3, 1870 ; Arthur B., November 12, 1872. Mr. Gearey is one of the most enterprising and prosperous farmers of Highland. Charles H. Sibley, farmer, set his claim stakes on section 7, •Mazeppa, in July, 1856. After a short time he sold his claim, and changed his location several times. He settled on section 8, where he still resides, in 1867. His mother, Lovina Churchill, was one of the first children born in Albany, New York. His father, Caleb Sibley, was born in Salem, Massachusetts, and served through the war of 1812, after which he settled at Albany and married. The subject of this sketch was born here in 1818. His father died when he was nine years old, and he, was forced to earn his living from this 1158 HISTORY OF WABASHA COTJNTT. time. At twenty-three he began masonwork in Livingston county. Here he met, wooed and won Miss Anna, daughter of Jesse Youngs, elsewhere mentioned. Mr. Sibley built the first stone foundation in Mazeppa, and that of the first steam mill in the county at Bead's Landing. He is an ardent republican. On February 3, 1862, he enlisted in the 5th Minn, regt., Co. H, under Capt. More- house. This regiment served in the western army, and Mr. Sibley was an actor in the battle scenes at First Corinth, where his hip was dislocated by a fall from a bridge, and he was rendered unfit for service. He was accordingly discharged.^ On August 15, 1864, he joined the 1st Minn. Heavy Art. as cook, and continued with this regiment till the close of the war. Mr. and Mrs. Sibley joined the Baptist church in New York. They have four children living, having lost two, all residing in Mazeppa. Their names are : Lovina (Mrs. John StuU), William, Eliza and Charles. Lucy, the second- born, married Edward Stanton, and died, leaving two children. "William Befoet, farmer, has lived on section 30. Chester, since 1867, at which time he became possessed of one hundred and twenty acres. His was a hard struggle to secure a home. At the time of this purchase his capital consisted mostly of hope for the future. He paid down one hundred dollars of the one thousand dollars which was the price of his land.^ With a yoke of oxen and a wagon he went on and rajsed a crop, and by industry and prudence himself and wife have secured a good home. He has purchased eighty acres more of land, and has erected comfortable and handsome buildings. Mr. Befort is a native of Luxemburg, born in the village of Graven- macher, in August, 1827. At twenty-five he crossed the Atlantic and engaged in farm labor in Sheldon, New York. After spending three years in opening up a farm in Manitowoc county, Wisconsin, he returned to New York. In 1865 he came to Minnesota and worked two years for a farmer in Hay Creek, removing hither as above related. He paid as high as twenty-four per cent interest for money to tide him along. With his own hands he cut logs for his first house. He is a member of the Mazeppa Catholic church, with all his family, and has always been a democrat. He was married February 5, 1860, to Anna Develli, a native of Belgium. Eight children have been born to them, as follows : William, January 2, 1862 ; Mary C, November 16, 1863 ; Anna M., May 15, 1867 ; John P., March 30, 1869; Oatharina, February 13, 1871; Elizabeth C, May 21, 1873 ; Francis N., August 12, 1876 ; Agnes M., January 9, 1878. OTHEE IMPOETANl' PEESONAGES. 1159 Elijah Eoscoe Coenwell, junior member of the Plainview hard- vare firm of C. C Cornwell & Son, was born in Willoughby, Lake ioiinty, Ohio, September lY, 1847. His youth was chiefly spent on i farm in Lowell, Dodge county, Wisconsin, whither his father ■emoved when E. K. was about six' years old. He acquired the ■udiments of an education in a district schaol, and in his seven- ;eenth year, spring of 1864, he enlisted as a volunteer in the 39th iVis., and served about six months under Gen. C. C. Washburn at !d!emphis, being there at the time Forrest made his raid. From the ipring of 1865 to the spring of 1867 he worked as a mill-hand in the Winnebago City Mills. He then came to Plainview, where his 'ather was living, and the next year became a partner with Henry Eorton in a wagon-shop. This copartnership was dissolved in 1873, yhen he found employment as a clerk in his father's hardware store, inhere he became a partner in 1876. In 1869, November 29, he narried Emily Adell Burchard, daughter of the late R. Burchard, a 3rominent business man and pioneer of Plainview. To this worthy jouple the following children have been born, namely : Florine, &.pril 13, 1871 ; Charlie, December 25, 1872 ; Nellie (deceased), Dctober 16, 1876; Florence, July 17, 1878; Frankie, August 18, L880 ; and Baby, April 27, 1883. Mr. Cornwell is a worthy mem- ber of Illustrious Lodge, JSTo. 63, A.F.A,M., and Chapter, No. 36 ; ilso a Sir Knight, and bears a sword in Home Commandery, No. 5, )f Rochester. Stephen Steuble, one of the wealthiest farmers of Plainview :ownship, is a native of Ohio, and was born about twelve miles lorthwest from Cincinnati, on August 24, 1828. His father, Foseph Struble, was a son of one of the first settlers in that part of Dhio, and was also born in the same county. His mother was the laughter of a Hamilton county farmer by the name of Street, and vas one of a family of ten children, all living. Mr. Struble •eceived a common-school education, and engaged in farming, •emoving with his parents in 1846, to Columbus, Indiana. At the ige of twenty-one, he and a brother received the title to three mndred acres of land in Indiana. He continued to occupy this arm until 1867, when ill health induced him to dispose of this piace, md seek a more salubrious climate. This he found on Greenwood )rairie, where he bought three hundred and twenty acres of land )n section 16, in Plainview, from C. O. Landon, and has ever since iontinued to make it his home. His residence, which cost him 1160 HISTOBT OF WABASHA COUNTY. 6ver four thousand dollars, and is one of the finest farmhouses in Wabasha county, is surrounded by a beautiful grove of young ever- greens and fruit-trees, and is situated one mile and a quarter east of Plainview. He makes a specialty of stock-raising — horses and hogs — and has ample barn accommodations for his extensive busi- ness in this line. His farm buildings, including his house, have cost him more than nine thousand dollars. He was married to Emily J. Graves, daughter of Lyman Graves, of New York State, March 17, 1853. The following children have been born to them : Elva (Mrs. J. C. Pope, of Lac qui Parle county) ; Alice (Mrs, Hay- den French, of Big Stone county) ; Edward L., farmer, of Plain- view township; George, Delia, Orlando, Grace, Xenia^and Stephen "Wayne, at home. Mr. Struble is a democrat in politics, has been a supervisor, and is at present a member of the Plainview school- board. His religious views are expressed by the creed of the Universalists. Laconius M. Howaed, farmer, Zumbro, is the twelfth of a family. of thirteen children, and was born in EUisburg, Jefferson county, New York, August 28,' 1836. His father, Joseph Howard, was a soldier in the war of 1812. His mother's maiden name was Purley Franklin, and both parents were born in Yermont. All his life has been passed on a farm, and he had very limited schooling advantages. He remained on the old homestead after reaching maturity. January 13, 1857, he was married to Harriet, daughter of James and Polly Love, all born in Converse, Yermont. In August, 1824, Mr. Howard entered the 186th N. Y. regt., and served in the army of the Potomac till the close of the civil war. The battle of Petersburg was the only serious engagement in which he participated. In the fall of 1865 he came to Minnesota, and remained two years in Dodge county. In 1867 he bought eighty acres of land on section 17, this town, where he lived eleven years. He now owns one-fourth of that section, and a similar portion of sec- tion 18, where his home has been for the last five years. In 1871 he was worth nothing, but has struggled out of his difficulties, and is prosperous. In religious faith he agrees with the Methodists. Has always voted the democratic ticket. His children are all in this town. They were born as follows: James A., Januarys, 1858; Wilbur F., March 13, 1859 ; lona, June 22, 1862 (now Mrs. Jerome Hall); Franklin D., September 11, 1869. OTHER IMPORTANT PERSONAGES. 1161 Nicholas Bartholome, farmer, Chester, is a native of Luxem- burg, born in Colbach, in March, 1834. All his life has been passed on a farm. When eleven years old he went to France, and stayed there two and one-half years, and became master of the French tongue as well as his native one. In 1854 he came to Utica, New York, and was employed as a farm and railroad laborer. In 1866 he went back to Europe, and came to Minnesota next year. He now has one hundred acres of land on section 5, where he has dwelt for eleven years. He was married, February 10, 1873, to Catharine Jacobs, who was born in Befort, Luxemburg. Mr. Bartholome has always been a democrat. Himself and family are members of Belle Chester Catholic church. The children were born as here noted : Peter U., Christmas, 1873 ; Dominick, May 27, 1875 ; John N., December 22, 1876 ; Annie M., October 24, 1878 ; Elizabeth, November 19, 1880 ; Mary J., August 19, 1882. John Anderson, clerk, in chargewjf merchandise department of the Knapp, Stout & Co. Company's business here, has been in the employ of the company nearly ten years. Mr. Anderson was born near Yexio, Sweden, and came to America with his father's family in 1857, at which time he was seven years of age. They settled in Chisago county, in this state, on a farm, and there young Anderson remained imtil he was eighteen years of age. His education was received in the district schools of that county, and afterward in the village of Pepin, where he was engaged in clerking prior to coming to Read's Landing. July 20, 1871, he married Miss Sarah Holden, of Pepin. They have three children : Mabel, born August 20, 1872 ; Maud, December 17, 1877 ; Norman E., September 22, 1881. Mr. Anderson is a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal church in this place, and since his connection therewith has been recording steward of the society. William Witte, general merchandise, store on north side water street, on which it fronts twenty-five feet, lomning forty feet to the levee in the rear. Business established in this city in 1879. Mr. •Witte is a native of Hanover ; received his education in the college of St. John, at Hazlake, and came to America. in 1865. Two years later he removed to Wabasha, and was for a time clerk in general store of Lucas Kuehn, at that place, and was for eleven years in the store of H. Duerre, who died here on April 20, 1879. April 20, 1871, Mr. Witte married Miss C. Brass, of this city. Their 1162 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. children, four in nunaber, are all in attendance upon the public schools of this city. They are : Herman, born January 15, 1872 ; Helen, April 30, 1874 ; William, February 24, 1876 ; Bernard, January 7, 1878. "Wabasha Foundry and Machine-Shop. This industry is located on the west half of block 17, original town site of "Wabasha, the east half being occupied by the mill of the "Wabasha Milling Co. The entire block is traversed by the spur tracks of the Chicago, Mil- waukee & St. Pdul railway, which afford ample facilities for ship- ping purposes. The business was established in 1869 by M. F. Lowth & Co., who erected the buildings that year and started their machinery the following spring. These buildings are : a two and one-half story machine-shop, 40x60 feet; a foundry, 40x50 feet; a paint shop, 36 X 40 feet, and a blacksmith-shop ;with two forges. Lowth & Co. were succeeded, in 1874, by Dayton, McDougall & Co. , and they in turn by the Wabaeha Manufacturing -Co., who gave place to the firm of Downer & Porter, and this latter, on the death of the senior member, John B. Downer, in October 1882, to the firm of Campbell & Porter, the present proprietors. During all these changes Mr. Porter has stood by th-e concern, having been a member of the original firm of Lowth & Co. The business consists in the manufacture and repair of portable and stationary engines and steamboat-work, as well as general foundry and machinery busi- ness. The shops are equipped with two lathes (fitteen-foot bed), an iron planer, an engine of fourteen-horsepower, and all the other necessary machinery fOr their line of work, which is largely for the lumbermen of the Chippewa and Beef Slough logging companies. I Their cupola has a capacity of from two and one-half to three tons of metal, and they are well equipped for filling all orders. Their present working force is from six to eight hands. The present mem- bers of the firm are "W. H. Campbell and O. H. Porter. O. H. Porter is a native of Pennsylvania, a moulder by trade, and has been a resident of this city about fourteen years. He was born in 1833 ; came into Michigan at nineteen years of age ; learned his* trade in Tecumsehj in that state, and in 1856 removed to Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, and was there until the breaking out of the war of the re- bellion, July 13, 1861. He enlisted as a musician ; was afterward promoted fife-major, and was mustered out of service in 1863, re- turning to Wisconsin. December 6, of that year, he married Bar- bara Yambor. One daughter was born to them on October 3, 1864, QTHEE rMPOETANT PERSONAGES. 1163 Miss Nellie J., who graduated from the high school of this city in class of 1882; is now pursuing her studies at the State Normal School, Winona, from which she will graduate in the class of 1884. William L. Haedt, blacksmith, Plainview, was born in Hamil- ton county, Ohio. He was the . son of a saddletree maker by the name of Henry Hardy, who married Libby Lemmon, the daughter of a Baptist clergyman, of Hamilton county. While William was yet a child his parents removed to Dublin, Wayne county, Indiana. Here the death of his mother occurred when he was about twelve years old, and he was bound out to a farmer by the name of Isaac Smith, a Hicksite quaker, with whom he found a home for six years. By consent of Mr. Smith he left the employ of the latter at the age of eighteen, and went to work with his brother, at the saddletree trade, in Dublin. He afterward learned blacksmithing in the shop of E. Lemmon, Esq. , of Dublin, and continued to wield the sledge in . various Indiana towns for a number of years, dur- ing which time he met at Pendleton, and married Miss Sarah E. Huston, the daughter of a Pendleton mechanic by the name of John Huston, February 15, 18.55. This lady was born on the French Grant, Ohio, near Portsmouth, on August 7, 1838. Mr. Hardy shouldered a musket in the G3d Ind., in 1862. He was afterward detailed a blacksmith, and served Uncle Sam, as well as ill-health would permit him, until the war closed. In 1867 he came to Plainview and resumed his old trade in the bl&cksmith-shop of D. R. Sweezy, afterward with Mr. Pomoroyi, then formed a copartnership with Mr. Sweezy, and finally with Samuel Purvis. The firm have a fine shop on Washington street, Plainview, and both gentlemen occupy comfortable homes, which they own in the same block. Mr. Hardy has two, children, namely, Edward O., married, and residing in Plainview, a fireman on the Northwestern railroad, and Charles L., jeweler, of Granite Falls, Minnesota. Philip Aebndt is one of the largest farmers of Chester township. His estate now includes five hundred and eighty acres, all but thirty of which are improved, and has been made by his own indus-. try and thrift from small beginnings. . He was born in Belgium, on December 6, 1847. His father was a farmer, and till twelve years old he passed the life of a Belgian farmer's son, receiving a fair common school education in his native tongue. In 1860 his parents crossed the Atlantic, and settled at . Milwaukee, Wisconsin. From that time young Philip earned his own livelihood, and had no 1164 HISTOEY OF WABASHA. COUNTY. chance for English schooling. Two years were spent in learning the shoemaker's trade, after which he worked as journeyman in Mil- waukee, Chicago and other cities. He was married in Milwaukee, on March 28, 1870, to Miss Kate Ludovise, a native of Wisconsin. In 1868 Mr. Arendt came to Chester, but soon removed to Dakota county, where for five years he kept a saloon and shoemaker's-shop combined. Tiring of the associations attending the liquor trade, he returned to Chester, and bought one hundred and sixty acres on sections 7 and 8. In 1876 he built the large residence on section 8, which he occupies. Two years later he built a granary, 22x32, with basement, and two years after a barn, 40x60. In 1876 he dug a well near the house, and found, at a depth of sixty-four feet, a perfectly preserved piece of wood, which he still retains. The family is mcluded in Belle Chester Eoman Catholic society, and includes children born as follows: Nicholas, January 6, 1871; Susan, March 6, 1872 ; Josephine, December 8, 1874 ; Mary, September 1, 1876 ; Peter, March 8, 1878 ; August, July 19, 1879 ; Catharine, August 22, 1881 ; Margaret, August 3, 1883. A daughter was born August 28, 1873, and christened Josephine, but soon died. Thus, for each of four callendar years in succession, a child was born. RiCHAED C. Carroll, farmer, is a native of County Kilkenny, Ireland. His parents were Richard and Ellen Commerfbrd-Carroll, to whom were born eight children. When sixteen years old he emi- grated to St. Louis, where he passed two years in a wholesale grocery house. After spending one year in Memphis he located in Arkansas, and afterward returned to St. Louis. With the exception of the first two years, his attention while in the south was occupied in the nursery and greenhouse business, and in landscape gardening, in all of which he was quite successful. The year 1864 found him at Fort Benton, Montana, and about four years were passed here in the mercantile business. In 1868 he located in Mount Pleasant, where he began the life of a farmer, and now owns two hundred and eighty acres of fine land. He was married December 2, 1871, to Mary A. .Eahilly. They have five children: Richard M. (deceased), Ellen M., Winnifred C, Alice E., Margaret M. Mr. Carroll and wife belong to the Catholic chui'ch. In politics he is a democrat in prin- ciple, though he generally votes for the best man regardless of party. He has held ofiices in the township, and is one of its prosperous farmers and substantial citizens. OTHER IMPOBTANT PE|S80NAGES. 1165 Stephen K. Gates, retired farmer, Lake City, is descended from m old New England family of English origin. His father, Isaac Gates, was a native of New Hampshire, and married Hannah Ken- dall, of Vermont. Eeuben, father of Hannah Kendall, enlisted in the revolutionary army at sixteen, and served through the great struggle. Isaac Gates dwelt with his family in 1815 at Ackworth, New Hampshire, where the subject of this sketch was born June 30. When the latter was thirteen the family went to Windsor, Vermont, where he grew to manhood on a farm. Mr. Gates attended an academy one year after he had become of age, and earned enough to defray the expense of such a course. He engaged largely in farming in Vermont for many years, and then retired to a small estate. In 1855 he visited the west, and purchased land far from this city, in Wisconsin, of which he still owns a part. In 1868 he removed to Lake City, and having decided to remain here, sold his eastern home two years later. Keal-estate dealings and loans have occupied his attention somewhat here. In 1841 he married Sarah, daughter of Oliver and Sally Hale, all born in Windsor, Vermont. Mr. Grates is sceptical about the divinity and truth of the Bible, but contributes liberally to the support of the Episcopal church, which claims all the other members of the family. He has always been a consistent adherent to the principles of the republican party. Two daughters constitute the offspring of this family. The elder is Mrs. W. H. Murray, of this city, mentioned elsewhere ; the younger, Hannah Frances, married Rev. Charles H. Plummer, now rector of the Episcopal church at Branford, Connecticut. Oliver Carlson, carpenter. Lake City, is a native of Sweden, bom in Blikinge county, in the southern part of that kingdom, October 16, 1845. His early life was passed on a farm, and he received the common-school education of his native tongue. When sixteen years old he was apprenticed to the carpenter's trade, and this has ever since occupied his attention. In 1869 he- set out for America, and came direct to Lake City. He at once entered the employ of E. Alexander, a contracting builder, and served this till 1880, when he became the partner of his employer. In 1883 this firm built the county poorhouse, and the handsome brick schoolhouse in the second ward of this city. Mr. Carlson is a member of the A.O.U.W., and an independent republican. In January, 1872, he was married to Hannah Johnson, who was born three years previeus 1166 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. to her husband, near the same place. Their offspring are christened and aged as here noted: Caroline, thirteen ; Ethan Elmer, seven, and Julia, five years. Edwaed Steickland (deceased) was born in Goosnargh, Lan- cashire, England, August 2, 1811. He early learned the trade of mason and builder, which occupied most of his life. Married March 27, 1840, the bride being Miss Ann Knight, born December 22, 1820, within nine miles of her husband's birthplace. In 1849 Mr. Strickland came to America and settled at Joliet, Illinois, where he remained eighteen years and followed his trade. In 1863 he bought eighty acres of land on section 13, Zumbro, on which he dwelt from 1867 till his death, July 20, 1879. Besides his widow, four children survive him, as here named : Isabella, born June 2, 1843, married Abram King, resides La Crescent ; Eichard (see be- low) ; John, December 5, 1848, Zumbro Falls ; William, December 2, 1854, this town ; James T., November 11, 1859, died August 2, 1883. The parents were reared as Episcopals. KicHAED Steickland was born in Blackburn, Lancashire, De- cember 24, 1845. He was seven years old when he came to the United States, and twenty-two on arrival here. His education was supplied by the common schools of Illinois. Has always followed farming. In 1873 bought forty acres of land on section 23, where he resides. "Was married January 15, 1876, to Viola O'Connor, born in Dodge county, Wisconsin, January 16, 1848. Mr. and Mrs. Strickland are. members of the Wesleyan Methodist church. Like his father, the former is a democrat. Their children were born as follows : Willis Edward, July 20,,1878 ; Ethel Irene, June 4, 1882. Sidney Coep, farmer, is located on section 29, Zumbro, where he settled in 1860, and now has three hundred and eighty acres. He is a native of England, born February 15, 1832, in Wanstrow, Somersetshire. His early years were passed on a farm and in at- tendance at a rate school. In 1850 he -crossed the Atlantic and settled at Brecksville, Ohio, where he learned the carpenter's trade, and continued at that occupation till he came here. In 1854 he went to Melrose, Illinois, from whence he removed to Minnesota. As soon as he was settled here he set about improving his land and set- ting out trees. He is now one of our model farmers, and was the first to ship fruit from this section. September 25, 1853, he married Elizabeth, sister of James Arnold, parentage elsewhere given. Both are among the earliest admitted to the Wesleyan Methodist church OTHElt IMPOETANT PERSONAGES. 1167 here. In politics Mr. Corp is independent of parties. Their only child, Annie, born June 4, 1854, is now the wife of Harry L. Eolph and resides near her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Eolph have two daughters. Geo. D. Phillips, farmer, was born in Aberdeenshire, Scot- land, April 1, 1820. His parents were Alexander and Elizabeth Smith-Phillips, to whom were born twelve children, George being tenth. At the age of eleven the subject of our sketch left the home- stead, going to Banffshire, where he resided many years. Here he was married January 1, 1839, to Helen Annand, of Banffshire. Shortly after he leased a farm which he worked until 1868, when he came' with his family to Wabasha county. The first two years of his residence here were spent in Mount Pleasant township, and in 1870 he located in West Albany, where he now lives. He has a good farm of one hundred and sixty acres acquired solely by his own economical industry. Mrs. Phillips departed this lite November, 1877. She was the mother of eight children : James, deceased ; Mrs. Mary A. Smith, of Lyon county ; George, a farmer of Mount Pleasant ; William, Mrs. Helen Wilson, of this township, Alexan- der, John, James E. Mr. Phillips, is a member of the UniJ;ed Presbyterian church, as was also his wife. He is a republican, but has never been an office-seeker. Frank Conrad, Chester, farmer, was born near Arlow, Belgium, April 3, 1842. When he was fourteen years old his father, William Conrad, came to the United States and settled on a farm at Port Washington, Wisconsin. His mother, Barbara, died^when he was five years old, and his father now resides witli him. Mr. Conrad never attended an English school. In 1867 he came to this town and bought eighty acres of land on section 3, and he now has two hundred acres of beautiful farming land, and is independent. In 1883 on one hundred and fifty acres he produced thirteen hundred bushels of wheat, five hundred and fifty of barley, six hundred of oats and one hundred and fifty of potatoes. The corn crop of the whole region was a failure. Mr. Conrad was married in February, 1870, to Mary Gregoire, born in the same locality as he. Their children were given them and christened as below : July 19, 1871, Mary Josephine ; November 5, 1872, John B. ; November 20, 1874, Michael ; April 20, 1877, Paul ; April 11, 1880, Joseph. All the family are communicants in Belle Chester Catholic church. Paul Conrad, farmer, was bom in the same place as his brother above, in April, 1848. He was but eight years old when his father 71 1168 HISTOET OF WABASHA COTTNIT. brought him to the United States, and his training has been the same as that described above. In 1872 he bought a farm near Lake City, in Goodhue county, where he lived six years. He then sold out and purchased one-fourth of section 20, Chester, where he now resides. He began in this state with nothing but his hands, and is now independent. He was married in February, 1872, to Catharine Poncelet, a native of Luxemburg. Their children were born as follows : William, April 27, 1873 ; Frank, March 22, 1875 ; Mary, February 14, 1877 ; Annie, March 31, 1879 ; Eosa, December 13, 1880 ; Susie, January 21, 1882. All are baptized in the Eoman Catholic church. Thomas P. Stearns, agent for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railway, and the Mazeppa Mill Co., at Millville, is a native of Columbia, South Carolina, born in 1848. He is the youngest son of Arba and Catherine G. A. Steams, the former native of New York and the latter of South Carolina. He resided some in South Carolina and Alabama, but when the war began he joined Gov. Watts' scouts and fought for the country of his birth, a lad though he.was. When twenty years old he sought a northern home, his southern one destroyed, and lived with his uncle in Monroe, Wis- consin, for a time. Plaihview, this county, was his next home, and after clerking here for five years and then farming for three years he came to Millville, the first express and railway agent and wheat buyer in the place. His present standing shows he has made it_ a success. He is a Master Mason, Royal Arch Mason and Knight Templar, and has been an Odd-Fellow. He was married in 1883, to Katie A. Holihan, of Wabasha, his second wife. He has one child, Arba L., by his first wife. Maktin a. Grove, farmer, county commissioner, was born in 1845, in Norway. He is the youngest son of Andrew and Ina Grove, both natives of Norway. When our subject was five years old they came to America, Blackearth, Wisconsin. Here Mr. Grove received his education, and when nineteen years old he enlisted in the 38th Wis., Co. G, and went to near Petersburg, Yirginia, in South Side Eailroad battle, and other skirmishes before Petersburg for about two months, then (April 2, 1865) the taking oi Petersburg and Eichmond. Here he was wounded by a shot through the left arm, below the elbow, which has disabled his arm. He was dis- charged and sent to Madison, Wisconsin. Here, soon as able, he clerked for about three years. In 1868 he clerked in Plainview and OTHER IMPORTANT PERSONAGES. 1169 Lake City ; altogether three years, when he settled on his present farm in Oakwood, of one hundred and sixty acres of all cultivated and well improved land. In Dakota he has a thrpe hundred acre farm, one hundred and sixty acres cultivated. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, A.F.A.M. order, and G.A.R. He has been county commissioner for five years. In political belief he is a republican, and one of our most influential citizens. He was married in 1869, to Miss Mary Christopher, a native of Norway. They, have six children. John Reiland, farmer, dwells on section 5, Chester, where he purchased land in 1869. His estate includes two hundred and forty acres of fine farming land, and he is prosperous and independent. Mr. Eeiland is among the most exemplary men of the township. He is a member Belle Chester Catholic church, and a democrat. In 1863 he married Mary Bartolmy, born in Kaalbach, Luxemburg. Mr. Eeiland was born in the same duchy, in the village of Holtz^ Christmas day, 1840. Eight children have been given to' him, and christened : Mcholas, Dominick, John P., Peter, Joseph, Michael, Catharine and Anna. John Beckman (deceased) was born in the northern part of Sweden, June 24, 1846. Angeline Sophia Johnson, now widow of the deceased, was born in the southern part of the same country, March 27, 1828, and was united to him April 6, 1871. In 1869 Mr. iBfeckman left his native land and came direct to Lake City. For some time he engaged in various occupations ; he became owner of a quarter-section of land in Gillford, which he tilled up to the time of his death. In 1871 he built the "Marion Street House," which continued to be his residence thereafter, and where he died of con- sumption, September 17, 1881. During his American citizenship, Mr. Beckman Was a loyal' supporter of the republican party. All the family were baptized and reared in the Lutheran church. There are two daughters, born and christened as below : February 7, 1872, Anna S.; April 1, 1876, Alice E. ^iCMAMi, O. Kemp, of the firm of Kemp & Schmidt, dealers in general toefchandise. Lake City, was born in Tiflin, Ohio, October 18, 1848. His parents, Frank and Clara, were natives of Belgium. Michael attended the city schools of Tiflin till fourteen years old, svhen his pai-ents removed to Galena, Illinois, and he began to earn bis own livelihood. He was employed as clerk in a store till 186^, md then came to "Wabasha, where he was similarly occupied. In 1170 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. 1877 the firm named above was organized, and began business in Lake City. Mr. Kemp is bookkeeper of the establishment, where are kept drygoods, clothing, furnishings, groceries and crockery, with annual sales of about twenty-five thousand dollars. In the great fire of 1882 the stock was destroyed, causing a loss in excess of insurance of two thousand dollars. The firm is now established at the corner of Center and Washington streets, with entrance on each, and owns the adjoining building on Washington. The subject of this paragraph came to Wabasha county with only his health and business talent, and has earned the reward of industry. In 1875 he wedded Miss Anna Hosch, born in Dubuque, Iowa, of German parents. The children given to this union have been christened as named below, in the order of birth : Francis, Clara and John. William Paekinson, farmer, Zumbro, was born early in June, 1833, in the parish of Clitherow, Lancashire, England. At nine years of age he began work in a cotton factory, and afterward served . as groom and gardener with a clergyman. His educational privileges were very limited. April 10, 1861, he was united in marriage with Ellen Eastham, born Knight, in Gisbon Forest, Yorkshire, October 26, 1831. They set sail for the United States in February, 1864. After spending three years as gardener in Joliet, Illinois, and two in the lumber regions of eastern Wisconsin, Mr. Parkinson settled in this town, arriving May i, 1869. He bought eighty acres of land on section 14, where he now resides. He had barely sufiicient capil§l to purchase his land, on which only six acres were broken. He rented a farm for three years, and in the meantime broke up his own. He is now comfortably situated. Mr. Parkinson became a citizen as soon as he could, and has always voted with the republican party. The family are Episcopalians. There are four children, born as fol- lows: James W., January 24, 1863 ; Jciseph, September 14, 1866; Elizabeth E., September 28, 1869 ; Mary A., August 15, 1873. Mrs. Parkinson's first husband was John Eastham, who left one son, now residing with this family, Eichard Eastham, born May 14, 1859. Michael Haet, farmer, Chester, was born in Gravenmacher, Luxemburg, June 22, 1839. When sixteen years old, his leg was broken by a wagon, and he has always been lame since. From nineteen to twenty-seven he was employed in operating a stationary engine. (His brother Marcus, six years his elder, came to Erie county, New York, in 1856. Eetuming to Europe in the fall of 1865, he was married on January 1, 1866, to Elizabeth Olding, born OTHER IMPORTANT PERSONAGES. 1171 in the same village. When he returned to New York he was accompanied by the subject of this sketch. In 1869 he came to Chester and bought one hundred and twenty acres of land on sec- tions 19 and 20, where he died March 16, 1872. He left two chil- dren, John M., born 1867, and Matthias J., 1869, now with their mother.) After spending some years in farm labor in New York, Michael Hart stayed four years at Pewaukee, Wisconsin, where run an engine most of the time. He came to Chester in 1870, and assisted his brother in the operation of the farm, in which he owned an interest. In 1873 he married his brother's widow, and they have just added eighty acres to the farm by purchase. When Mr. Hart arrived in America he was thirty dollars in debt, and has secured a competence by industry and frugality. He has two children, Annie, born 1875, and William, 1877. All the family are members of Belle Chester church. John Schermult, native of Germany, was born in Mengers- kerchen. May 6, 1844, of German parents. His education was obtained in a common scljool of his native country. His youth was spent at home, and was enjployed most of the time as a painter. About the age of twenty-three he moved to America, visited Chicago, St. Paul, Stillwater and Redwing respectively, and finally settled at Wabasha, in 1 869, where he commenced in the pop factory business, and continued in same till 1875 with good success. He then engaged in the restaurant business, and has followed same ever since. iMr. Schermuly fought in the Austrian army during the war with Prussia, in 1866, and was sergeant of 4th company in the 1st regi- ment of the Duke of Nassau. He is a member of the Odd-Fellows and Freemason societies of this city, and also of the Turn-Yerein. He was married in 1868, to Fannie Eberwine. They are the parents of nine children, five of whom are living. His present circum- stances are fair. A. D. Southwoeth, insurance, office on south side Main street, between Alleghaney and Church streets. This business was estab- lished in 1872, by Mr. Southworth. The fire protection represented by him aggregates fifty-eight million six hundred and forty-nine thousand two hundred and sixty-three dollars, and includes the leading companies in Great Britain and America. The assets of the life insurance companies for which he is agent are placed at one hundred and thirteen million three hundred and nine thousand eight hundred and six dollars. Mr. Southworth was born in Oneida 1172 HISTORY OF WABASHA COTJNTT. county, New York, August 13, 1829, and was variously employed, working on the farm, attending and teaching school, etc., until 1853, when he removed to Illinois, and for two years was employed on the survey and construction of the Illinois Central railway. In 1865 he removed to Lodi, Illinois, and was engaged in surveying and real estate until 1862, when he was appointed deputy collector and inspector of liquors for the seventh internal revenue district of Illinois. This position Mr. Southworth held until 1870, when he removed to "Wabasha county, and settled on a tract of thirteen acres, which he had purchased within the corporation of the city of Wabasha, in what is known as the west side. This property has been added to from time to time, until it now embraces a tract of one hundred and forty acres of richly productive land, the meadows yielding this season three and a half tons per acre for the first cut- ting, and his potato and oat fields giving promise of an abundant crop. In addition to the home farm, Mr. Southworth owns three hundred and twenty acres of bottom land just across the river in Wisconsin, and a farm of two hundred acres over on the Zumbro, in Wabasha county. Two years after coming to this city, Mr. Southworth, in connection with W. F. Florer, established the exchange bank of A. D. Southworth & Co., for particulars concerning which see article on "banks." Mr. Southworth was married in 1857, and one daughter. Miss Mary L. Southworth, the child of that mamage, is now attending school at Wellesley, Massachusetts. Mrs. South- worth dying in 1864, Mr. Southworth remarried the following year.* Two children of the second marriage survive : George A. and Cornelia H. Mr. Southworth's family residence is in a beautiful spot on the high bank of the Mississippi, about a mile from the business center of the city, and commands a magnificent view of river scenery, from the outlet of Lake Pepin to Alma, ten miles below, on the Wisconsin shore. F. J. CoENWELL, the leading drygoods and general merchant of/ Plainview, was born in Savannah, Georgia, in 1836, where he remained until thirteen years of age, during which time he had the misfortune to lose both his parents. Nothing daunted, young Coruwell struck out for Burk county, in his native state, and five years clerked for his brother-in-law, when he returned to the scenes of his childhood, and continued to clerk in the place of his birth until 1856. Then, at the age of twenty, he moved northwest into Dodge county, Minnesota, and in a similar position in general mer- OTHER IMPOETAUT PERSONAGES. 1173 chandise served Porter & Lock, and others, until at the end of two years and a half he hired to L. E. Casey, at Cordova, Illinois. In 1861, still in Mr. Casey's employ, he removed with him to Winona, and continued until 1863. At this time he went to St. Charles, and engaged in business with J. Himsted & Co., still clerking, and for two and a half years longer, at which time he removed to Plain- view, where he commenced operations as partner of the St. Charles firm. At the end of the next year Himsted sold his interest to one John, Taylor, and the business continued as J. Taylor & Co. In 1872 Mr. Cornwell sold out to J. Taylor, and for two years and a half next succeeding acted in the capacity of bookkeeper for Ozias Wilcox, until the summer of 1875, when he went south. In December of the same year a telegram announcing the low con- dition of his late employer summoned him to return and take charge of the business. Wilcox died January 1, following, and January 12 Mr. Cornwell reopened the business, and ran it in the interest of the family of deceased until June of the same year, when he became sole proprietor. In 1876 he removed to and. became the first occupant of the spacious brick building, the finest business building in the town, and built by A. Y. Felton, of creamery notoriety. In 1881 — a self-made man — Mr. Cornwell purchased the building, thus becoming the sole proprietor of both buildirig and business. He is the owner of other real estate in ^^rgo. The subject of this sketch is reputed to be the most pros- Trerous merchant in this vicinity, and generally liked for his busi- ness tact, impartial dealing and careful self-respect. J. LEiNnsFGER, the only jeweler in Plain view, started business in the fall of 1870. He belongs to Redwing Association, is married and has three children. John B. Geegoire, implement dealer, is a native of Belgium, his birth dating February 5, 1853. His father, whose name was the same as his own, emigrated to the United States in 1856, and settled in Calumet county, Wisconsin. Here the subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, receiving a good common-school education in both English and German. In 1870 he came to Chester, this county, and engaged in farm labor. In 1873 he was employed in the sale of farm machinery by C. F. Rogers, of Lake City, and remained in his service four years. In 1878, with J. W. Kingsley, he opened a machinery depot at Mazeppa, and four years later bought out his partner. His sales now exceed twenty-five thousand dollars per 11T4 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. year, including the celebrated McCormick machines. He is the owner of a fine residence in the village, and also Ms warehouse on the principal business street (First). His possessions have been acquired by his own energy in business from a small beginning. On Septem- ber 10, 1883, he was married to Miss Anna Clemens, of this village. Mr. Gregoire is a member of Mazeppa lodge, I.O.O.F., of which he is now secretary ; is also a Freemason ; is a member of St. Peter's Catholic church here. In politics he is a republican ; was three years village marshal, and is now deputy sheriff of the county. William H. Hobbs, Lake City, is the son of George H. and Sarah M. (Crandall) Hobbs, and was born at Buffalo, New York, October 12, 1855. His father was a native of Grand Isle, Yermont, and was by trade a machinist and engineer. His mother was born in Saratoga, New York, and her parents in the State of ilhode Island. Her father was a soldier in the war of 1812. In 1859 the family removed to Wisconsin, where our subject's father enlisted in the war for the Union as a member of Co. I, 11th Wis. Yol. Int., in 1861. Soon after his connection with military affairs he was trans- ferred to the naval service and assigned a position as first assistant engineer on the gunboat Osage on its famous expedition up the Red Kiver. Wm. H. received a good common-school education, as well as the mason's trade, after his removal to Lake City in 1870. He followed his trade in this state about seven years, principally as a contractor and builder. In 1879 he entered the hardware store J. Cole Doughty as salesman, and about two years later bought ' interest in the business, which was again sold in the winter of 1884. As an evidence of the esteem in which he is held by his fellow citizens, he was elected lo city school board in the spring of 1883, and on its behalf superintended the erection of the new brick school built that year. One meritorious trait of character in Mr. Hobbs is his manly and filial treatment of his widowed mother, who resides' with him in this city. He has an only sister, Lura M., now Mrs. C. S. Lilley, of this city. Edwaed M. Card, attorn ey-at-law. Lake City, was born in New port county, in the State of Rhode Island, June 2, 1828. His parents, John L. and Catharine B. (Mott) Card, moved to Otsego county. New York, in 1835. The most of his early days were spent in the schoolroom, his leisure-time on the farm with his parents. In October, 1849, he entered the law office of Judge Thomas Mcintosh, at Hartwick, New York, where he pursued the study of law till his OTHEE IMPOETANT PEESONAGES. lllo accession to the bar in July, 1852. In the fall of the same year he opened an office in Portlandsville, in the same county, and there practiced his profession till 1855. He then removed to Hartwick, ■where he formed a law partnership with his old preceptor, Judge Mcintosh. In 1857 this partnership was dissolved. Judge Card continuing here in practice till 1863. In the fall of this year he was elected judge of the surrogate court of Otsego county, which then contained a population of some fifty thousand. This was a shai-p and closqly contested election, and he was returned with a small majority over his democratic competitor, Judge Mcintosh, and was the youngest man ever elected to that honorable and important trust in the county. The same fall he removed to Cooperstown, the county seat, and on January 1, 1864, entered upon the discharge of his official duties. During the four years of Judge Card's official career he creditably acquitted hiriiself as a jurist eminently fitted to sustain the high honor of the bench and bar. In the fall of 1867 he declined a renomination and resumed the legal practice without change of residence till 1871, when he came west, settling in Lake City, where he now resides. The season of 1872 was mostly spent by him looking after his farming interests in "Wisconsin. In March, 1873, he opened a law office in this city, and actively entered on his pro- fessional practice, which has since been extended over five or six counties surrounding Lake City, on both sides of the Mississippi. Iji|[uch of his time during the past year has been spent away from nome, engaged .in important trials, involving life, liberty and property. The result of these trials has established for Judge Card the reputation of being one of the leading lawyers of the state, and as such has been prominently referred to by the local and city papers. In March, 1853, E. M. Card and Miss Eliza Halstead were united in mar- riage at Westville, New York. Mrs. Card is a daughter of Eev. Henry Halstead, of New York. They have one child, christened Jessie E., who graduated from St. Mary's Academy, at Faribault, in June, 1882. GrEOEGE F. Benson, banker, Lake /City, is a son of John and Lucy A. (Adams) Benson, natives of New Hampshire. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1834, and educated in the schools of that city, and Philips' Exeter Academy, at Exeter, New Hamp- shire. When seventeen years of age he went to Buffalo, New York, and found employment in the office of a lumberman, where he remained about eight years. In 1860 he engaged in the lumber trade at South Bend, Indiana, and two years later removed his busi- 1176 mSTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. ness to Plymouth, same state. He became a resident of Lake City in 1871, and was one of the organizers of the First ISTational Bank, and was president of that institution from August 19, 1873, to November 17, 1876. In 1877 he became a stockholder in the Lake City Bank, and is now director, and one-fourth owner, of this solid establishment. He is a raembei-'of the masonic order, the Episcopal church, and the republican party. Mabtin & Geeee, attorneys-at-law, Lake City, office in Lyon block, corner of Lyon avenue and Washington street, successors of Scott & Hahn, formerly a prominent law firm of this city, the latter now attorney-general for the State of Minn'esota, will act as their legal adviser in complicated and important cases. This is one of the most promising law firms in Lake City, if not in the county, and are in possession of the only complete set of abstracts, at^this time, in the county. James M. Maetin, the senior member of the firm, was born .in Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, October 10, 1851. His parents, James M. and Emily (Alexander) Martin, were natives of the same state, and by occupation farmers. Young James occupied his time on the farm and attending the country schools till the age of sixteen, when he entered the Columbia Classical Institute, and diligently pursued his studies four years. In 1871 he came to Lake city, and at once took a position in the city schools as assistant superinten- dent. This position he retained till the close of 1873, when h% turned his entire attention to the reading of law, which he previously had begun, in the office of Scott & Hahn. He was admitted to the bar, May 15, 1876, and at on^e entered the law practice, form- ing a business partnership with his brother-in-law, Hon. W. J. Hahn. They opened a branch office at Wabasha, which he conducted till 1881, when Mr. Hahn was appointed to the attorney-generalship of Minnesota. In December of the same year he associated with him- self, in the abstract business, Mr. A. J. Greer, who the following May became a full-fledged lawyer. Mr. Martin was married June 12, 1879, to Miss J. Maggie Bell, daughter of Prof. John M. Bell, of Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, and has two children : James M. and Vernon Bell. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and he is prominently connected with the Masonic fraterni- ties of the city. Allen J. Geeee, the junior member of the firm, was born in Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, June 14, 1854. His parents, James OTHEE IMPORTANT PEESONAGES. 1177 ind Sarah A. (Carson) Greer, removed to Jefferson City, Missouri, Q 1858, where he vf^s in business at the outbreak of the late war. n 1861 he enlisted as a private in the war for the Union, and died if pneumonia at Helena, Arkansas, February 18, 18fi2, having isen to the rank of second lieutenant. He was a native of Penn- ylvania, and a son of Adam Greer, who emigrated from the North if Ireland to America, with his wife and elder children, in about be year 1830. Mrs. Greer finding it unsafe to remain in a country Qfested with rebels, Ku-kluxand borders ruffians, after her husband's nlistment, returned with her three small children to her old eastern lome. In 1865 she came with her family to Lake City, where she ras married in 1869, to the Rev. Silas Hazlett. Here young Greer >egan the rudiments' of an education, which he completed with dis" inction at the state university at Minneapolis, where he graduated iune 5, 1879, with the degree of bachelor of science. To Mr. Greer 8 due the credit of making his own way through all the branches to he end of a complete scientific course, and is the first young man rom Wabasha county so distinguished. After graduating from the 5tate ISTormal at Winona in May, 1873, he secured a position as )rincipal of the Carver, Minnesota, high school, where he taught wo years previous to entering the State University. While pnrsu- iig his university course, he also (under authority of the state super- ntendent of public instruction) taught county institutes in nearly all he counties in the state. In 1879 he was elected to the position of uperintendent of schools for Wabasha county, and again in 1881, without opposition. Mr. Greer having had from childhood a taste or the fegal profession, he devoted what little spare time he had, ifter 1879, to the reading law in the office of the Hon. Wm. J. lahn, and was admitted to the bar in' May, 1882, and at once be- lame Mr. J. M. Martin's law partner. He was married February II, 1882, to Miss Mary Dorman, daughter of D. B. Dorman, Esq., •f Minneapolis, and has one son. Eev. John W. Hay. The subject of this sketch was born in Chester, now Auburn, New Hampshire. His father was Stark Ray, >f Manchester, New Hampshire, and his mother was Hannah C. iVason, of Candia, New Hampshire. His grandfather Ray was rom England, and was a soldier in the revolutionary war, under he renowned Gen. Stark, whose /wife's sister he married. His nother was of Scotch-frish descent. Her father was also in the evolutionary war. He spent his early life on a farm, enjoying the 11Y8 HISTORY OF WABASHA CODN'IT. educational advantages of a common school, and ol an academy. He fitted for college at Pinkerton Academy, in J)erry, JSTew Hamp- shire, and entered Dartmouth College in 1839, graduating in 1843. After graduation, he engaged in teaching, following this profession for about thirteen years. He spent one year at Atkinson, New Hampshire, in the academy in that town. He was then invited to the principal school in Manchester, New Hampshire. At the end of one year this was constituted the high school of the city. From Manchester he went to Eastport, in Maine, as principal of the high .school. Sickness compelled him to resign before the end of one year. He returned to New Hampshire, and on recovery became associate principal with Prof. William Kussell, in charge of the Mer- rimac Normal Institute of New Hampshire. On leaving this posi- tion, he was elected principal of Pembroke Academy, and soon after was elected principal of Pinkerton Academy, in Derry, New Hamp- shire, where he continued until he resigned to enter the ministry. Although finding the profession of teaching an agreeable work, he could not feel satisfied to relinquish the purpose he had in securing an education, and after taking a private course of theological study, he was licensed to preach in the autumn of 1856. While teaching he was active in temperance work, going through the long and laborious struggle for a prohibitory temperance law in his native state. This was finally secured in 1865. He was also somewhat active in political life, holding several oflices, and representing the town of Derry in the state legislature. But on entering the minis- try, he felt called upon to retire from active political life, and devote his energies to the one work on which he had entered. Tn April, ] 857, he was called to the Congregational church in Goffstown, New Hampshire, and remained there till he came to Minnesota, in May, 1867. During this period he kept alive his interest in education by superintending schools, and in teaching in the institutes of the state. In 1867 he was called to the Presbyterian church in Hastings, Min- nesota, and labored there till 1872, when he accepted a call to the Congregational church of Lake City, Minnesota, having felt obliged to decline a previous call to the same church in 1867. While at Hastings, he kept alive his interest in education by superintending ' the schools of the city, and in some other forms of educational work. But on coming to Lake City, he felt that he ought to give up such work, and so held himself aloof from it." At Lake City he con- tinuedin the pastorate of the church, till December, 1866, when he OTHEE IMPOETAUT PEESONAGES. 1179 resigned, and was dismissed by council in the spring of 1867. At the time of the resignation, he had a severe affection of the eyes, so that his phj'sician assured him that he must abstain from all mental labor, or lose his sight. He yielded to this advice. About this time a foreign tour was decided upon, and he with his wife visited Europe, Egypt and the Holy Land. They were accom- panied as far as Geneva by their daughter and her husband, E. P. Gates, Esq. This trip had the desired effect of restoring his eyes to about their former condition. On his return he sup- plied the Congregational church at Wabasha, continuing his - residence in Lake City. He pursued this course until the last sab- bath in 1882, and then accepted an invitation to supply the pulpit of the Presbyterian church of Lake Citj', in which work he is still engaged. He grew up from childhood in the Presbyterian church, of which he became a member when about seventeen years of age. He was married in July, 184i, to Miss Lucy Lee Sargent, daughter of Rev. Benjamin Sargent, of Chester, New Hampshire. She died July 17, 1845. He was married again on December 28, 1848, to Miss Georgeanna Babb, daughter of Dr. James Babb, of Manches- ter, New Hampshire. His children were James Stark, Lucy Helen and George Wason. Both boys died in childhood. Lucy Helen was married December 28, 1875, to E. P. Gates, Esq., of Lake Citj'^, formerly of Warsaw, New York. Mr. Ray is a faithful laborer in the cause he has espoused, and is content with the prospect that faith will reward, not only in this world, but more abundantly in that which is to come. Oea N. Smith (deceased), son of Jacob and Lovina Smith, was born in Leinster, New Hampshire, February 13, 1828. Llis paternal progenitors were English and the maternal were Scotch. He assisted his father during early life in the tillage of a farm and at carpenter work, so that when he began business on his own account he was master of a trade, and this occupied his time and yielded his livelihood always. ' In 1853 he was married in Yermont to Miss A. L. Felton, and removed two years later to Illinois. In 1866 he went to Michigan, and came thence to Lake City in Octo- ber, 1870. Here he built a house, made a pleasant home for him- self and family, and was prepared to enjoy life, but was taken away by the fell destroyer September 9, 1882. The cause of his death at the early age of fifty-four was Bright's disease, and he was disabled for nearly a year before his demise. Two children, besides .180 HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY. lis widow, survive him. The eldest is mentioned below. Flora C, )orn in Winnebago, Illinois, April 14, 1860, remains with the aother as a help and stay. A daughter died here in JSTovember, .877, aged nearly fourteen years. Mr. Smith's death was, no doubt, he result of exposure in the United States service. In 1863 he oined an independent company of mechanics' fusileers, then form- ng for service in the war of the rebellion. ' After lying in Camp Douglas at Chicago for six months the company was disbanded without being called into service. While here Mr. Smith contracted nflammatory rheumatism, by which he was entirely disabled for lome time, and from which he never fully recovered. Hebbeet L., eldest child of Ora N. Smith, was born in Orange iounty, Vermont, June 30, 1854. He attended school until fourteen rears old, and then began to learn the printer's trade in Michigan, ifter his parents came here he was employed in this city and in Minneapolis. He founded the Lake City "Graphic" in 1882, being lalled upon to chronicle the death of his father in its iirst issue, September 12, 1882. At this time he had a partner named Russell, )ut the paper was shortly sold to a stock company and Mr. Smith )laced in charge of the business. October 8, 1883, the business )as8ed into the hands of Smith & Messmer, Mr. Smith having asso- iated with himself for its purchase Mr. W. S. Messmer, much of phose work is found in this volume. While the latter looks after he editorial department, Mr. Smith is the active and efficient mana- ger of a prosperous and rapidly-growing business. He is an active nember in the Masonic and Odd-Fellows' lodges, having taken the lighest degrees in both orders. January 1, 1878, H. L. Smith and ilary A. Jones, of Lake City, were united in marriage. One laughter has been given this couple and christened Florence May. S. J. Johnson was born in Sweden in 1850. After recei-ving m education at Bersbo, and also at Janskaping high schools, he :ame to America in 1868, his father coming in 1870. Our subject ;ame direct to Chicago, but still being restless, came to Minneiska. ivev since he has been in the employ of W. H. Hopkins as. head ilerk. He is married, and both are members of the Lutheran ihurch. His wife's name was Anna Johnson, and they were narried in 1865. William Heney Hopkins, merchant at Weaver, was born at /"illenovia, New York, in 1840. Mr. Hopkins is one oi our self-- nade men, having attended school but very little. In 1861 he OTHER IMPORTANT PERSONAGES. 1181 visited Minneiska, and opened up a store, and the old maxim, For- tune favors the brave, held good in his case, for ever since he has prospered. At present he ov^ns a fine brick block, 44 X 65 in Weaver, and deals in general merchandise and machinery. In politics he is independent, voting for good men without respect to party. He married Eachel E. Montgomery, of Lake City, and they have three children :* Joseph "William, now at Casselton, Dakota Territory ; Mary E. and Susie, both attending school at Winona. Fred Langer, farmer, was born in Portage, Wisconsin. He is the youngest son of Franz and Kosa Langer, natives of Austria. When about twenty-eight years of age the elder Langer came to Wiscon- sin, and about ten years later bought their present farm of over five hundred acres, together about three hundred acres under cultiva- tion, and well improved. The elder Langer was drafted for service, but on arriving at St. Paul the war was closed. Fred is a member of the A.F. A.M. order. They both, especially the younger, vote for the man, in pohtics, regardless of party. They are among our re- Uable farmers. The elder Langer was married 1823, to Kosa Miller, of Austria. He has four children ; three in Dakota. M. A. Odink, druggist, bookseller, stationer and dealer in paints, oils, etc., Pembroke street, two doors south of Main, premises owned by Joseph Odink, father of the M. A. Odink. The drug house fronts twenty-five feet on Pembroke street, and extends fifty-eight feet to the rear. Business was established in 1878 as Legge & Odink, became Toussaint & Odink, and M. A. Odink in March, 1882. The prescription department is under charge of B. A. Slade, a graduate of the Chemical and Pharmaceutical department of the Illinois State University at Champaign. Business is good, and shows an increase of fifteen per cent over corresponding period of 1882. Mr. M. A. Odink is a native of Jackson county, Iowa ; came to this county when six years of age, his parents settling at Read's Landing. Young Odink attended school at home, and then at high school in Winona, taking a final course at Bryant & Stratton's Business College in Qhicago, from which he graduated in 1870. He is unmarried, and resides with his parents on Fourth street. Benjamin F. Lkininger, jeweler, of Plain view, was born August 8, 1847, of farmer parents, in Green county, Ohio. He receivedi a country school education. Most of his youth was spent near Elk- hart, Indiana. At the age of nineteen he entered the employ of Michael Trubi, an Elkhart jeweler, of whom he learned the trade. 1182 ' HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. Two years later he went to Lincoln, Illinois, and worked at the trade two years. In the fall of 1870 he came to Minnesota and worked at his trade in Eyota and Plainview for a few months, and then bought the Plainview jewelry store of Mr. Brown, and has since continued business in this town, where he now owns a residence and business block. October 1, 1874, he was married to Helen Smith, daughter of Milton Smith, Esq., of Plainview. Three children have been born to them, namely, Darwin, Milton and Frederick. J. B. FiNCHi, grocer, east side Pembroke. This business was established here in 1877, in a small wooden building on the site of the present brick structure, which was erected this present season and occupied by the proprietor about September 1. It is a solid two-story brick, stone basement, and sills 30x50, the upper story fitted for dwelling, and stands on the lot adjoining the alley between Second and Pembroke streets. Mr. Finchi employs one clerk in his business. Mr. Finchi is a native of Canton Grisons, Switzerland, from which country he came to America in 1870, and the year fol- lowing to Wabasha. Was clerking in this city for Lucas Kueha and John Duke (deceased) until 1877, when he started trade on his own account. He was married to Miss Barbara Meyer, of this city, in 1876. They have three children, one of them in attendance at the public schools of this city. De. M. E. Tabee, dentist, Plainview, came here from Spring- dale, Iowa, April, 1871. Born in Vermont in 1852, he was taken in his young days, by the removal of his parents, to Cedar county, Iowa, where he passed through the high school and spent his vaca- tion with his uncle, Abner Smith, then residing in the to^fm of the doctor's present business success. Not favored by being born, as it were, with a silver spoon in his mouth, young Taber was ready for any opportunity that would enable him to earn an honest livelihood. This he found for a beginning in the village hotel, where he hired out for awhile to John Bigham, proprietor, as clerk. Ever on the lookout for chances of advancement, he invested in and ran on his own responsibility a barber-shop, which he undertook, not for the love of the business, but for its returns and leisure time for study and preparation for the great object of his ambition, the practice of dentistry. It was not long before he sold out to advantage and was thus enabled to devote his whole time to the dental art, under the supervision of Dr. S. S. Sherman, of Eau Claire. For three years he applied himself vigbrously with all the energy his system would OTHEE IMPOKTANT PEESONAGES. 1183 permit. Finally, after one full course in the Missouri Dental, and me in St. Louis Medical College, he graduated in 1882 D.D.S., From the former well-known institute, and immediately settled down in Plainview to his practice in dentistry, in the science and art of which he stands second to none. Full of ambition and a lover of music alike, to gratify the former and improve the latter in his leisure after-business hours, the doctor immediately took charge of bhe Methodist churcli choir, which laudable position he continues to hold. He is an apt scholar and acpomplished both in vocal and instrumental music, the brass band and singing-school of the village, numbering over a hundred, being under his superintendence .and leadership. Not the least of Dr. Taber's qualifications is his marks- manship. No less than four gold medals bear evidence of his ability as an expert shot and champion in this progressive art. The medal for the championship of five counties was awarded him in 1881, which, by holding for two years against all comers, became his per- manent personal property. Of the others two in one day, July 4, 1878, were won by him at "Wabasha. Any man that shoots eleven' out of twelve running deer, as his trophies prove, is deserving of no httle commendation. He enjoys the respect and confidence of the community, and though at present in the full enjoyment of single blessedness, dame rumor has him full speedily a benedict. A veritable self-made man, to society he is eminently a useful member in more ways than one. Nicholas Liffeige, farmer, Chester, was born near Arlow, Belgium, September 20, 1848. He attended school till twelve years aid, and then engaiged in farm labor. He came here in 1871, and was employed as a farm laborer for some time. He soon bought one hundred and sixty acres on section 19, where he now lives. He has at present a fine farm of three hundred acres, on which he has placed good buildings, at a cost of fifteen hundred dollars. In 1883 le raised fourteen hundred and forty bushels of wheat, ten hundred rf barley and six hundred and twenty-five of oats. He was married n 1878, to Annie Fleming, born of German parents at Shakopee, ;his state. Their children were bom and christened as follows : Andrew, September 17, 1879 ; Susan, March 30, 1881 ; Peter, De- jember 21, 1882. All have been baptized in the Catholic church. Jacob M. Feenoh, faraier, and prominent citizen of Wabasha jounty, came to Highland township from Erie county, Pennsylvania, • n 1871, soon after purchasing the farm on sections 20 and 21 on 72 1184: HISTOKT OF WABASHA COUNTT. which he has since resided. He was born July 8, 1826, at Mour Holly, Eutland county, Vermont. His parents, David and Sus (Marsh) French, were natives of the same state, his father bein born in Reading, March 15, 1779, and his mother at Halifax, Nc vember 27, 1802. When Jacob was eleven years old, his parent removed from Vermont to Warren county, Pennsylvania. This r« moval was the result of business reverses, Mr. French, senior, bein, a manufacturer. The family not having retrieved its fortunes i; Pennsylvania, we find the subject of this sketch in 1852 an inmat of a mining camp at Oroville, California. Four years later he re turned to Pennsylvania, and engaged in agricultural pursuits ther until his removal to Wabasha county. Miss Eveline G. Cook, a m five of Warren county, Pennsylvania, then in her twentieth yeai became his wife. Her parents were Asa Cook, a native of Masss chusetts, and Fannie (Elmer) Cocik, a native of Vermont. Mre French received an education at the Fredonia, New York, Academy Four children have blessed this union, viz : Fannie G., born h Pennsylvania, August 9, 1859, a graduate of the Minnesota Stat Normal School at Winona, and first assistant teacher in the Wa basha graded schools ; D'Ette A. (Mrs. C. E. Eobbins, of Fargo Dakota, born October 18, 1861) ; Alden M., born July 12, 1867 Ernest A., born March 13, 1878. Mr. French is a republican ii politics ; has been township clerk several terms, and county commis siorier for three years. He is also a member of the Plainvie^ Grange. Hezekiah F. Messee, farmer, of Plainview, is the son of Fred erick and Martha (Whittier) Messer. He was born in Danbury New Hampshire, on March 12, 1836 ; received a common-schoo education, and at the age of seventeen entered the employment c the Northern New Hampshire Railroad Company as a constructioi and track hand, and for the next eighteen years was engaged chiefl; in the service of this company, most of the time as section-boss am conductor of a construction train, while that corporation had for it head the Hon. Onslow Stearns. He came to Minnesota with hi brother David in 1856, but not being pleased with the country then just emerging from the snows of a dreary winter, he retumei without investing ; but David remained, and in 1871 induced hi brother to purchase eighty acres of C. O. Landon, just east of Plaii view village. On this place he at once took up his residence, an< has since made it his home, having added by purchase forty acre OTHEE IMPOETAITT PEESONAGES. 1185 ore to the farm. Mr. Messer spent three years in the gold dig- ngs of California, in Shasta county and Scorch mountains, and in le Frazer Eiver country. On December 13, 1864, he espoused rs. Nancy J. Brown {nee Keniston), relict of E. G. Brown, Esq., Andover, New Hampshire. This lady was born in Wilmot, New ampshire. She had three children by her first husband, now ving, viz : Ella J., Loren E., living in Plain view, and Addie (Mrs. dwin May, of Wilson, Wisconsin). Mr. Messer is a democrat, and Dasts of never having " scratched " a party ticket. Philemon Beaitot, miller, was born in Green county, Wisconsin, eptember 18, 1850. He was tenth of twelve children, born to Eli ad Mary Nofsinger-Brandt, natives of Somerset county, Pennsyl- ania. In 1854 the family settled in Dodge county, Minnesota, here they lived on a farm nntil 1871, when Eli purchased the farm I West Albany where they now live. Upon settlement here Mr. Brandt purchased the sawmill formerly owned by Hiram Fellows,, tid in 18YT the present gristmill was erected by Philemon, Eufus Qd Mason Brandt, brothers, who are now doing a flourishing busi- ess. Mason Brandt is married and living in Walsh county, (akota, while the mill is run by Philemon and Eufus, who are oung men of energy and promise. Bettce Floeee, cashier of the First National Bank of Wabasha, a native of Newport, Indiana; came to Wabasha in 1872, at which me his brother, W. J. Florer, who died in this city August 18, 381, was engaged in banking here in connection with A. D. South- orth. Mr. Bruce Florer spent the first year of his residence here lending school, was then one year in a grain and commission ouse, and clerking in the county offices until 1874, when he entered le banking office of A. D. Southworth & Co., and was their book- seper for five years, when he was promoted to the post of cashier. [e has retained that position during all the subsequent changes in le bank management, and is practically its business head. January 1878, he married Miss Mary S. Robinson, of this city. Heney Simons, carriage and wagon manufacturer. Lake City, itablished himself in business here in 1872 as the partner of George emley. He soon after, however, bought out his interest and built shop on rented ground near the corner of High and Centre street, our years later he purchased a lot on the opposite side of Centre reet, on which he built a shop and put in machinery. On June r, 1882, this building was destroyed by fire, but fortunately by the 1186 HISTOEY OF, WABASHA COUNTY. exertions of many kind neighbors most of Ms stock and machinery was saved. Mr. Simons immediately rebuilt, and is now in the market with a full line of carriages, buggies, wagons, sleighs and ■cutters. He was born in Holland, December 28, 1844, and the following July the family emigrated to the United States and settled in Wyoming county, New York, on a farm where the father (Stephen Simons) died in 1871. The mother Susan (Arrand) Simons still resides on the old homestead. Mr. Simons was united in marriage on June 22, 1873, to Miss Mary Tuck, a native of the State of New York, bom of German parents. They have three children, whose names in the order of their birth are : "William H., Julia M. and Jennie B. They are members of the Catholic church. Mr. Simons is a member of the Knights of Honor. Feedeeiok W. Rueckeet, hardware dealer. Lake City, was born in the German province of Bavaria, in 1843. His parents, Melchior and Eve (Stegmeier)Eueckert were also natives of the same province, the former by trade and occupation a regimental gunsmith. During his early youth Frederick mastered the trade and followed the same till 1870, when on June 22 he left his native home with a view of reap- ing a greater reward for his skill and labor. After a short stay in New York he came to Eau Claire, Wisconsin, where he remained till May, 1872, when he came to Lake City and engaged in his business. In November, 1879, his property was destroyed by fire, though fully covered by insurance. He next built a brick store on Washington street, which was burnt in 1882, and only partially insured. Soon after he bought his present brick store, a good and substantial building, corner of Washington and Marion streets, where he carries a full line of hardware and guns. He was mar- ried December 17, 1878, to Miss Mary Yogi, a native of New York, born of German pai'ents. His two children are Clara and Fred. M. Manasses S. Hostettee, miller, Gillford, has been a resident of this county since 1872, at which time he built a mill at Wabasha. Five years later he exchanged for Cold Spring mill his present property, half a mile from Zumbro Falls. Here he is doing a fine business in custom milling. Besides the mill property, he has half a section of land near Grafton, Dakota, which indicates that his industry and sagacity have served him worthily. Mr. Hostetter's parents, Daniel and Elizabeth, were of German descent and Penn- sylvania birth. They settled near Zanesville, Ohio, and here this OTHER nUPORTANT PERSONAGES. 118T subject was born in 1840. When he was six years old his parents removed to Indiana, subsequently to Wisconsin, and in 1854 to Pine Island, this state. Less than one month of his time has been spent in a schoolroom, but his own research has fitted him for good citizen- ship. At seventeen he began work at his trade, and worked at various points in the state. In 1859, with a partner, he built a mill at Pine Island, but it was destroyed by fire before it was completed. In August, 1862, he entered the United States service, send served till the close of the civil war in Qo. H, 8th Minn. regt. During the"' last year he was stationed at different points in the south, and the balance of his service was rendered on the western frontier in sub- duing the bloodthirsty Sioux. Many a weary march was made through the "bad lands," with the prospect of an ambush behind every pinnacle. In November, 1859, he espoused Lticinda Brandt, daughter of Eli and Mary, all of Pennsylvania. Two sons and a daughter have l)een given them. The latter was christened Cora, married John Cliff, resides with her father. The eldest and youngest, Eli Daniel and Murray Willis, reside at Grafton. Eli B. Guptil, farmer and stockraiser, was born in 1845 in Ver- mont. He is the second son of Benjamin E. and Lucy GuptiL natives, the former of Maine and the latter of Vermont. His father and mother died when he was about fourteen, when they lived in Wisconsin. He then lived with a Mr. Maxwell until 1861, when he enlisted in the 16th Wis. Inf. He was in the battle of Shiloh, siege and second battle of 'Corinth ; then started for Vicksburg, but being cut off by Van Dom returned to Memphis, then to Vicksburg siege for a time, then in Louisiana ; then after a furlough of thirty days at home, under Sherman through to the sea ; then to Beaufort, Columbia, Goldsboro, Ealeigh, Richmond, Washington, the great review ; then the 17th army corps were sent to Louisville, Kentucky, where they were mustered out in July, 1866. For over two years he never slept under a roof or ate at a table. Alter such a remark- ably long and varied service he returned to Wisconsin, remaining until 18T2, when he spent a short time in Minnesota, but soon again returned to Minnesota; and bought part of his present farm of one hundred and sixty-nine acres; the principal feature of which is fine stock facilities, and which he intends to develop and make stock- raising a specialty. He has been chairman of the township super- visors for some time, and is director of school district No. 44 at present. He is independent in politics, and has voted with both 1188 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. - parties, and is among our influential citizens. He was married in 1880, to Anna M. Powell, of Wabasha county. They have one child. Elnathan Cook, Chester, was born in the town of Maria, Essex county, JSTew York, October 1, 18M. His father, Chester K., was born in New York, and married Harriet Dutton, of Yermont birth. Young Cook was taken at nine years of age to St. Lawrence county, where he was reared on a farm and received a common-school educa- tion. At twenty-two he settled in Minnesota, being employed three "years to manage a stock-farm near Dodge Center. He subsequently rented land in that vicinity, and engaged in general farming. Mr. Cook is" a good judge of horseflesh, and has raised some good horses. In 1878 he bought one hundred acres of land on section 31, about a mile from Mazeppa, and took up his residence thereon in 1880. March 16, 1872, he was wedded to Miss Lovina Arnold, daughter of Charles and Lovina Arnold, all of New York. [^rs. Cook is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, while her husband's sympathies are with the faith of his parents. Baptist. He is an enthusiastic republican. Their children were given them at following dates : William, December 12, 1872 ; Maude, September 5, 1877 ; M-arj, July 30, 1882. Q. A. Low, M.D., office corner Main and AUeghaney streets, over Jewell's hardware store. Practice was established in this city ten years since. Dr. Low is a native of Yermont. He came west with his parents in 1860, the family settling in Wiscoy township, Winona county, Minnesota. Dr. Low spent his early years on the farm, and. at eighteen enlisted in 2d Minn. Cav., and was with his regiment, from the fall of 1864, on duty at the frontier until he was mustered out of service at the close of the war. Returning home, he soon afterward entered Hamlin University, Eedjving, Minne- sota, where he pursued his studies four years. He then studied for his profession, reading for three years in the offic^ of Drs. Richardson & Staples, of Winona, during which time he attended two courses of lectures at the University of Miehigp,n. His concluding course was taken at Long Island College Hospital, from which institution he took his degree of M.D., class of 1873. During that time he also took a special course of operative surgery, for which he received a diploma on the same year. Returning to this state, the doctor located for practice in this city, December, 1873. Dr. Low is a member of the county, state and American medical associations, the latter a national body, and has been OTHER IMPOETANT PEESOIJAGES. 1189 treasurer of the Wabasha County Medical Society since 1877. Janu- ary 24, 1875, Dr. Low married Miss C. E. Finch, of Hennepin county, Minnesota. Henet Hallaway, Mazeppa, is a son of John and Kuth Halla- way, who now reside in Pine Island township, three miles from Mazeppa. All these people were bom in the parish of Ticehurst, Sussex, England, this subject, March 1, 1846. He attended the common schools of his native land till fifteen years old, when his parents removed to the United States, arriving in Pine Island in July, 1861. He assisted his father in farming operations several years. In 1873 he was united in marriage to Miss Jane Austin, a native of New York. He is at present in possession of a quarter- section of land near the village, in Pine Island, which he tills. In the spring of 1874 he built a residence at the head of Chestnut street, in this village, and has dwelt here since June of that year. He is a member of the Masonic order, being treasurer of Tyrian Lodge here. He is an Episcopalian and a republican. Axel E. Edholm, merchant. Lake City, became established in business here in 1873. In the city of Orebro, Sweden, July 4, 1847, he was born. Until he was thirteen years old he attended the schools of the city, and then went to Stockholm, and entered a store as clerk. He came thence to Lake City in 1870, and was here employed in the same way three years. In the great fire of 1882 his stock was destroyed, inflicting a loss of some thousands of dollars. He immediately secured a new stock, and is still doing a fine business, his annual sales exceeding twenty-five thousand dol- lars. Mr. Edholm was married in Sweden, in 1876, to Hildegarde Liliander, who was bom and reared in Stockholm. Two daughters have been given to this union, and christened Bertha and Edith. All are members of the Lutheran church. Mr. Edholm is an ad- herent of the republican party. His father, Gustafus, came to this city with eight children in 1869. The youngest son died while a student at St. Peter. Edward, another son, is employed in his brother's store here, and W. F. is in Minneapolis. Five daughters are married and living in this state, and the widow, Christina, still resides here. Gustafus Edholm died here September 11, 1875. "W. S. Walton, formerly proprietor and editor of the Wabasha "Herald," and during his seven years' conductof that journal, largely instrumental in securing the construction of the Mi^iland railroad, which has done so much to further the interests of Wabasha. Mr. 119t) HISTOEY OF WABASHA COmSTT. Walton is a native of Ohio, received his academical training at Fairfield Seminary, Fairfield, Herkimer county, New York, and had completed one year of his course at Hamilton College, Clinton, New York, when the war of the i-ebellion broke out. He enlisted that same month, April, 1861, at Little Falls, Hei'kimer county, New York, in Co. K, 34th regt. N. Y. Vol. Inf., which was mus- tered into the United States service tor the term of two years. Mr. "Walton was made orderly sergeant of his company, was subse- quently promoted second lieutenant, then first lieutenant of his com- pany, then captain of Co. H, same regiment, and was mustered out as such at the close of the term for which the regiment took service. The regiment was in active duty upon the peninsula until just before the battle of Gettysburg, and during those years of active struggle Capt. Walton saw his share of hard fighting. He was wounded in the right side at Fair Oaks, and in the left thigh at the battle of Nelson's Farm, at which latter place he was taken prisoner and sent to £ibby Prison Hospital, from which he was exchanged after weeks' confinement, and came north, recovering from his wounds so as to rejoin his command at Harper's Ferry. JReturning home at the expiration of his two years' term of service, Capt. Wal- ton entered Wesley University, Middletown, Connecticut, completed a special course there, and subsequently as agent for Appleton's publishing house, visited the middle and western states, making his home for a season in Davenport, Iowa. The climate of that place not agreeing with the health of his vdfe, Anna nee Loyd, of Gloversville, New York, whom he married, November 27, 1863, she came into Minnesota in 1870, and took up a temporary residence in this city. Two years later Mr. Walton removed to this city, and in September of that year, 1872, purchased the Wabasha "Herald," which he conducted for seven years and then sold. Since disposing of his newspaper property, Mr. Walton has been connected with permanent publishing houses east and west, visiting the Pacific slope, from lower California to Washington Territory, and making the voyage to the Sandwich Islands and Australia. He has a pleasant home on the bank of the river in the eastern part of the city, where he has a very unique and valuable collection of engravings, autographs, rare historical documents, letters from celebrated authors and statesmen, both of America and England, and some rare«old editions of books that would delight the eye and arouse the envy of any biblionianic. OTHER IMPORTANT PEESONAGES. llQf ' I Fkank Stuetzel, wholesale and retail dealer in wines and liquors, north side Main street, one door west of National Bank. Mr. Stuetzel is a native of Bavaria, Europe, from which country he came to America in 1871. After spending two years in New York and Missouri, Mr. Stuetzel came to Wabasha, where he was engaged in clerking for John Duke, until the spring of 1876, when he left the county for the Black Hills. Returning to Wabasha the same fall, he entered the grain house of Laurence & Kriek, and was in their employ, purchasing grain, for three years. He then formed a partnership with Mr. J. G. Laurence, for the purpose of carrying on a grocery business, which was managed three years by Mr. Stuetzel, and then sold out to L. H. Whitmore. The same season, spring of 1883, Mr. Stuetzel opened his liquor house, where he carries a stock of about four thousand dollars' worth. October 2, 1879, Mr. Stuetzel married Barbara, daughter of Phillip and Phillippena Keck, born in this city July 20, 1856. They have two children, Phillip, born October 20, 1880, Phillippena, born Sep- tember 18, 1882. T. J. Wadleigh, the furniture man of Plainview, Wabasha county, was born in Unity, New Hampshire, March 4, 1821, of Henry T. and Hannah S. , of old English stock. His father Served in the war of 1812, through which his constitution was irreparably undermined. One of nine children, T. J., at the age of sixteen, was bound apprentice to learn the cabinet and joiner trade for three years, at Croydon, New Hampshire. His opportunities for early education were meagre, and at nineteen years he commenced as a jobber for others, in which line he continued until the fall of 1840. At this time, December 13, he was married to Fatima S. Powers, of Orange, Vermont, and for one year successfully ran a gristmill, returning to his trade until, in 1846, he built the hotel at Northfield, and for three years next succeeding worked as car builder for the Yermont Central railroad. In 1850, with his family, consisting of wife and three daughters, he emigrated to Hamilton, Canada West, and continued in the same line for the Great Western Railroad Company for four years. In 1855 he settled in Greenville, took a claim of one hundred and sixty acres, and changed, selling to T. A. Thompson, in 1856, and buying that now owned by David Messer. Selling this he bought and worked one of eighty acres, which he exchanged for another adjoining, Thos. Todd's, on the east. In the spring of 1865 he went to Rochester, Minnesota, where he remained 1192 HISTOET OF WABASHA COTJHTT. until 1874 ; then to Eyota, where he commenced the furniture busi- ness and continued till 1877, when he removed to Plainview, and occupied what is now known as the old Wilcox store, and in 1878 built and removed to present site. Arthur, the only son, and now partner in the firm of T. J. Wadleigh & Son, was born April 4, 1857. To the subject of this sketch, known universally as a good man, six children were bom, all but one of whom are now living and married. Chbstee Hall (deceased) was a native of Massachusetts, born October 16, 1818. His parents were Benjamin and Polly Hall. His earliest years were spent with his parents on a farm in St. Law- rence county, New York, and at twelve years of age he entered a foundry, and became master of the moulders' trade. Subsequent to this, at various periods of his life, he followed blacksmithing, gun- smithing and cabinetmaking. "When thirty-two years old he mar- ried Louisa Chase, of Jefferson county, New York. After two years' residence in Wisconsin, he came in 1864 to Dodge county, this state, and took up farming. In Ma,y, 1874, he became a resident of Zumbro township, and was some time employed at blacksmithing at South Troy. When his health gave out he took up his residence with his younger son, at whose residence he died, November 25, 1883. Mr. Hall was a Close Communion Baptist, and a republican, as are his sons. His wife passed away June 22, 1875, aged forty years. Their youngest child, Ida P., married Henry L. Weaver, and resides at Minneapolis. The eldest, Jerome, was born August 6, 1853, and was mostly reared in Minnesota. July 6, 1875, he married Miss lona Howard, and since 1877 has resided on section 15, where he has eighty acres of land. His children were born as follows: EttaL., June 30, 1876; HattieM., April 13, 1878; Charles A., December 3, 1881. Benjamin Austin, second son of Chester, was born February 14, 1857, and resides on section 22, where he has forty acres. He married Mattie Scrubey in January, 1878. Their children were given them as below : Chester F., November 4, 1878 ; NinaE., Christmas, 1881 ; Frances I., January 2, 1883. Chaeles a. PehIs, mason, was born in Sweden, April 13, 1839, and remained in that country nineteen years. He received a fair education in his native tongue, and since his arrival here has fitted himself for business by private study. He first settled in America at Rock Island, Illinois, where he engaged as a laborer, and subse- quently learned his trade. In 1872 he went to Red Wing, and came OTHER IMPORTANT PEBSONAGES. 1193 thence to Mazeppa in 1875. Here he formed the acquaintance of Miss Eva Black, to whom he was married on June 20, 1875. They have two children, Josephine and Charles. ,Mrs. Pehl is the youngest daughter of Elam Black, elsewhere mentioned in this work. Mr. Pehl is an adherent of the republican party. He was reared in the Lutheran church, and now cherishes its faith. OuE Chinbebg, blacksmith and wagonmaker, Lake City, was born in Sweden in 1848, and was reared to the trade of blacksmith by his father, who was a skilled worker in iron. In 1871 he left his native home and sailed for America, having in view the bettering his condition in life and a better remuneration for his labor. His first work in this country was on a farm, where he readily learned the customs and language of the American people. Later he worked with a construction company on a Minnesota railroad. In 1874 he went to California, and worked at his trade nearly two years in the Sierra l^evada mountains, after which he returned to Minnesota and permanently located in Lake City, and opened up business for him- self. In 1876, in this city, he was married to Miss Anna Coleman, also a native of Sweden. They have two children, Alfrida Axelin and Harry Sigfrid, living, and one deceased. Mr. Chinberg is a reliable, trustworthy business man, and a credit to Lake City. M. Jaooby, general merchant, corner of Main and Pembroke streets, entrance on both, fronting seventy-five feet on Main and twenty-three feet on Pembroke. Business occupies one floor and basement and employs three persons. This house was started in 1877 by Lindem, Satori & Co. Mr. Jacobi bought out Sartori in 1879, subsequently purchased the other interests, and became sole proprietor in 1882. M. Jacoby is a native of Luxemburg, Ger- many ; was in school there until the family came to America in 1874, settling on sections 4 and 5, T. 110, E. 11 W., where his father died September 10, 1882, the old homestead remaining in possession of one of the sons. M. Jacoby entered the drvgoods house of Lucas Kuehn, of this city, in the spring of 1875, and remained there until he purchased an interest in the store he now owns. December 31, 1878, he was married to Miss Eosa Funke, ' of Glasgow township. They have two children : Emma, born December 22, 1879 ; Lizzie, born September 5, 1881. Caleb C. Emeet, stock-dealer, has been a resident of Mazeppa since 1874, during which year he built a meat-market on First street, above Walnut, and a residence west of the river. He now f 1194 HISTOET OF WABASHA COUNTY. has a partner who manages the market, and Mr. Emery is con. stantly occupied in buying and shipping stock. The subject of this matter was one of the pioneers of Olmsted county, having taken up land in Oronoco in September, 1856. From that time he was engaged in farming there until his removal to Mazeppa. He was reared on a farm in JSTew Hampshire, having been born in the town of Holderness, that state, on January 4, 1834. His parents, John Emery and Sarah Fifield, were natives of the same state. He received a common-school education, and on reaching his majority set out to make himself a home in the west. In February, 1865, Mr. Emery enlisted in the 1st Minn. Heavy Art., and was stationed at Chattanooga till the close of the war. He has always been a demo- crat ; served some time as assessor in Oronoco. On May 8, 1867, C. C. Emery and Helen M. GJorge were united in marriage. Mrs. Emery is the only daughter of